r.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRE-CASTING WORK STARTS ON WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONCRETE UNITS............................................. 1
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE... 2
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.......... 4
EMPLOYER FINED FOR SACKING PREGNANT EMPLOYEE........... 4
BETTER PROTECTIVE HELMETS FOR FIREMEN ..................... 6
TERTIARY STUDENTS URGED TO EXERCISE CIVIC RIGHT............ 6
HELP FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS TO GET JOBS.................... 7
46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY................. 7
TUEN MUN LAUNCHES VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE................. 8
MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS............. 8
WINNING SCHOOL DRAMA TEAMS PERFORM FOR PUBLIC.............. 9
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
PRE-CASTING WORK STARTS ON WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONCRETE UNITS » » » » »
WORK ON THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT HAS REACHED AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE WITH THE START OF PRE-CASTING WORK ON THE CONCRETE UNITS THAT WILL FORM THE IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL.
THE SIX-LANE, TWO-KILOMETRE ROAD TUNNEL, RUNNING FROM SAI YING PUN ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, IS A MAJOR PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME TRANSPORT NETWORK, WHICH WILL LINK THE URBAN AREAS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
"THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IS A PRIVATELY FUNDED FRANCHISE PROJECT. IT IS BEING DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED ON A FAST-TRACK AND IS GOING VERY WELL," SAID MR ERIC GLENVILLE, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR ENGINEER FOR THE PROJECT.
THE CENTRAL PORTION OF THE PROJECT COMPRISES AN IMMERSED TUBE
TUNNEL WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 1,363 METRES. IT WILL BE MADE UP OF 12
PRE-CAST TUNNEL UNITS, EACH WEIGHING 35,000 TONNES.
EACH OF THESE UNITS IS ABOUT 113.5 METRES LONG, 33.3 METRES
WIDE AND 8.5 METRES HIGH. THEY ARE BEING CAST IN BATCHES OF FOUR AT
A SPECIALLY BUILT CASTING BASIN AT SHEK O QUARRY. EACH BATCH WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO CONSTRUCT AND ABOUT 1,200 CUBIC METRES OF CONCRETE PER DAY WILL BE POURED DURING THE CASTING OPERATION.
ONCE THE FIRST BATCH OF FOUR UNITS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE 13-HECTARE QUARRY BASIN WILL BE FLOODED AND THE UNITS FLOATED OUT TO SEA. THEY WILL THEN BE TOWED BY BARGES TO TEMPORARY MOORINGS IN TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE ENTRANCE TO THE CASTING BASIN WILL THEN BE SEALED AND THE BASIN DRAINED READY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEXT FOUR UNITS.
WHEN READY FOR POSITIONING, THE COMPLETED UNITS WILL BE TOWED INTO THE HARBOUR AND SUNK IN A CONTROLLED MANNER INTO A DREDGED TRENCH.
CONSTRUCTION OF ALL 12 UNITS, WHICH WILL MAKE UP THE LENGTH OF THE IMMERSED TUBE, IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN SPRING 1996.
ONCE THE CASTING OPERATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE BASIN WILL BE TURNED INTO A MARINE COVE AS PART OF THE SHEK O QUARRY REHABILITATION WORKS.
THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WILL BE THE THIRD ROAD CROSSING BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON.
IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT AWARDED THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY THE FRANCHISE TO DEVELOP THIS PROJECT ON A 30-YEAR, BUILD-OPERATE-TRANSFER BASIS, A METHOD BY WHICH THE DEVELOPER DESIGNS, CONSTRUCTS, OPERATES, MAINTAINS THE CROSSING AND TRANSFERS THE FACILITY TO THE GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF THE FRANCHISE PERIOD.
/ALL OF .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
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ALL OF THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE NISHIMATSU KUMAGAI JOINT VENTURE, CONTRACTORS TO THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY.
THE PROJECT IS ON TARGET FOR COMPLETION IN 1997.
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SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES PERFORMANCE PLEDGE
* * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLEDGES TO PROVIDE SERVICES THAT ARE COURTEOUS, FAIR, CONFIDENTIAL, PRIVATE, PERSONAL AND PROMPT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN HE INTRODUCED THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE TO THE PUBLIC TODAY (SUNDAY).
"OUR STAFF MET AND ASSISTED ALMOST ONE MILLION CUSTOMERS EVERY YEAR THROUGH OUR 350 SERVICES UNITS.
"OUR MISSION IS TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO MEET THE SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT PLEDGED TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS AND PROVIDE COUNSELLING SERVICE ON THE HOTLINE - 343 2255 DURING OPERATING HOURS (MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9 AM TO 10 PM; SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 1 PM TO 10 PM).
FOR ENQUIRIES RECEIVED BY THE RECORDING MACHINE AFTER OPERATING HOURS, THE STAFF WILL CALL BACK THE NEXT DAY.
"FOR ENQUIRIES MADE BY A HEARING-IMPAIRED PERSON THROUGH A FAX MACHINE ON OUR NUMBER 763 5874, A WRITTEN REPLY WILL BE SENT BY FAX WITHIN TWO WORKING DAYS," HE ADDED.
ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, THE DEPARTMENT PLEDGES TO ACHIEVE BY 1997 ALL THE KEY TARGETS FOR VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AS SET OUT IN THE 1991 SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER AND IN THE 1992 REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER.
MR STRACHAN PLEDGED THAT NEW CUSTOMERS APPLYING FOR ANY OF THESE SERVICES WOULD BE CONTACTED WITHIN 10 WORKING DAYS AFTER THEIR APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED.
"WE FURTHER PLEDGE TO HAVE COMPLETED ALL PROCESSING PROCEDURES WITHIN THREE MONTHS, BY WHICH TIME THE CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO A CENTRE FOR SERVICE OR PLACED ON A WAITING LIST WHERE DEMAND FOR THAT SERVICE CANNOT YET BE FULLY MET," HE SAID.
ON SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES, HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD AIM TO PROVIDE CLEAR INFORMATION ON SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES AND PROMPT AND ACCURATE PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
/THESE MEASURES .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
3
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE PRINTING OF INFORMATION PAMPHLETS AND LEAFLETS, THE PRODUCTION OF AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES AND THE COMPUTERISATION OF THE PAYMENT SYSTEM.
TURNING TO FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES, MR STRACHAN SAID THEY WERE PROVIDED TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY TO ENABLE FAMILY MEMBERS TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.
"WE PLEDGE TO SET UP 19 FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES IN OUR GROUP WORK UNITS IN COMMUNITY CENTRES DURING 1994/95 FOR FAMILIES TO ENJOY VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND TO SEEK EARLY GUIDANCE ON THEIR PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF CASEWORK SERVICE, MR STRACHAN SAID THE NUMBER OF CASEWORKERS IN FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WOULD BE INCREASED THIS YEAR.
IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE, MR STRACHAN ALSO OUTLINED A THREEPRONGED PLAN TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN. THEY ARE:
♦ LOCAL ADOPTION: 80 PER CENT OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE FOR
ADOPTION WILL BE PLACED INTO THEIR NEW ADOPTIVE HOMES WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THEY ARE FREED FOR ADOPTION.
♦ FOSTER CARE : THE POOL OF FOSTER CARE PLACES WILL BE
INCREASED FROM 480 TO 560 IN 1994/95.
♦ SMALL GROUP HOMES : THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES NON-INSTITUTIONAL CARE IN SMALL GROUP HOMES EACH WITH EIGHT PLACES AND A SUBSTITUTE MOTHER AND FATHER. THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN THESE HOMES WILL BE INCREASED FROM 520 TO 712 IN 1994/95.
MR STRACHAN SAID HE WOULD MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE AND REPORT ON PROGRESS EVERY YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE AS WELL AS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE WELCOME TO DIAL THE HOTLINE - 343 2255.
COPIES OF A BILINGUAL BOOKLET ON THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT ALL DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES, FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AS WELL AS ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
4
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES TO THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICE - HONG KONG FUNG YAT SOCIAL SERVICE COMPLEX, MR STRACHAN SAID THE OPENING OF THE COMPLEX WAS A STEP FURTHER TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNOR, IN HIS 1992/93 POLICY ADDRESS, HAD PLEDGED TO EXPAND REHABILITATION SERVICES BY PROVIDING 1,688 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, 2,360 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES AND 4,071 RESIDENTIAL PLACES BY 1997 WITH A VIEW TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS.
"THE SUCCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION SERVICES DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.
"WE MUST OVERCOME PREJUDICE WITHIN LOCAL COMMUNITIES. THE GOVERNMENT IS TACKLING THIS PROBLEM VIGOROUSLY THROUGH WIDER PUBLIC EDUCATION, PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT AND A WILLINGNESS TO MEET WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO RESOLVE ISSUES OF FEAR AND MISUNDERSTANDING,” HE SAID.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICE - HONG KONG FOR HAVING A LONG HISTORY OF WELFARE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1968, MR STRACHAN SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD OVER THE YEARS EXPANDED ITS SCOPE OF SERVICE TO 21 SERVICE UNITS, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, ELDERLY SERVICE, CHILD-CARE CENTRES AND REHABILITATION SERVICE.
FACILITIES AT THE FUNG YAT SOCIAL SERVICE COMPLEX INCLUDE A CHILD-CARE CENTRE, A DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE AND A HOSTEL.
ADDITIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE, HOSTEL AND CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME, ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE SECOND PHASE EXTENSION OF THE COMPLEX TO SERVE THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
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EMPLOYER FINED FOR SACKING PREGNANT EMPLOYEE *******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO SACK A FEMALE WORKER AFTER SHE HAD NOTIFIED HER EMPLOYER OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE.
LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MRS GRACE SHEK, GAVE THE ADVICE TODAY (SUNDAY)
/GARLI TEXTILE ......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
5
GARLI TEXTILE PRODUCTS COMPANY LIMITED IN SHAM SHUI PO WAS RECENTLY FINED $2,000 BY A NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRATE FOR SACKING A PREGNANT EMPLOYEE.
THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN THE PREGNANT EMPLOYEE APPROACHED THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE AFTER BEING DISMISSED BY HER EMPLOYER IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, A FEMALE WORKER IS PROTECTED FROM TERMINATION OF HER EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE DATE ON WHICH SHE GIVES NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH SHE IS DUE TO RETURN TO WORK, IF SHE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED FOR NOT LESS THAN 12 WEEKS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WHO HAS WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 26 WEEKS IS ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE.
IF A FEMALE WORKER HAS WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE EMPLOYER FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 40 WEEKS BEFORE THE EXPECTED DATE OF HER COMMENCEMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE AND SHE HAS NO MORE THAN TWO SURVIVING CHILDREN, SHE IS ALSO ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE PAY.
MRS SHEK NOTED THAT THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY WAS CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE EMPLOYEE’S MONTHLY SALARY.
IF A FEMALE WORKER IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATE OR WHERE HER DAILY
WAGES VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE RATE IS TWO-THIRDS OF HER DAILY
AVERAGE WAGE DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, COMPRISING NOT LESS THAN 28 DAYS AND NOT MORE THAN 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE LEAVE.
SHE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYERS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY
WAGES IN LIEU OF MATERNITY LEAVE.
"EMPLOYERS BREACHING THE PROVISIONS WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000," MRS SHEK SAID.
"THE EMPLOYER WILL ALSO HAVE TO PAY THE SUM THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN PAYABLE IF THE CONTRACT HAS BEEN TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS, THE MATERNITY LEAVE PAY FOR 10 WEEKS AND A FURTHER SUM EQUIVALENT TO SEVEN DAYS’ WAGES," SHE SAID.
TO HELP WORKERS UNDERSTAND IN SIMPLE TERMS THE MATERNITY PROTECTION PROVISIONS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A LEAFLET FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICES.
INCLUDED IN THE LEAFLET IS A STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE, SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE MATERNITY LEAVE IS TO START, TO FACILITATE EMPLOYEES TO COMPLY WITH THEIR OBLIGATION.
THERE IS ALSO A DECLARATION FORM TO HELP FEMALE WORKERS TO MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATION TO VERIFY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE HAS IN ORDER TO CLAIM MATERNITY LEAVE PAY.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
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BETTER PROTECTIVE HELMETS FOR FIREMEN
* * * » ♦
FIREMEN WILL GET GREATER PROTECTION AT WORK AS THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH A NEW TYPE OF FIRE HELMETS TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BOUGHT 4,500 "PACIFIC K3/70" HELMETS PRODUCED BY A NEW ZEALAND FIRM FOR ITS STAFF ON FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE DUTIES.
"THE NEW, LIGHTER HELMET CAN HELP FIRE-FIGHTERS REDUCE HEAD INJURIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
"IT HAS A VISOR TO PROTECT THE EYES AND UPPER FACE OF THE WEARER FROM FLYING DEBRIS, AND A PROTECTOR TO GIVE BETTER PROTECTION FOR EARS AND NECK," HE ADDED.
THE NEW HELMETS ARE REPLACING THE OLD "CROMWELL F200" WHICH HAD BEEN IN USE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS. ----------------------------------0-------
TERTIARY STUDENTS URGED TO EXERCISE CIVIC RIGHT
*****
YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND, TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO TERTIARY STUDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND REGISTER AS VOTERS.
"AS THE VOTING AGE HAS NOW BEEN LOWERED TO 18, MOST OF THESE STUDENTS WOULD QUALIFY TO BECOME ELECTORS," HE SAID.
A TOTAL OF 263 STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY FILLED IN VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS DISTRIBUTED BY STAFF OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC LAST WEEK.
"POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS CAN ALSO OBTAIN THESE FORMS AT THEIR STUDENT UNION BUILDING," MR IRELAND SAID.
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE LAUNCHED A DISTRICT-WIDE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN THIS MONTH. HOUSEHOLD VISITS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
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'’7
HELP FOR REDUNDANT TEACHERS TO GET JOBS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE TO HELP REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS OBTAIN NEW TEACHING POSTS WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE USUALLY MADE REDUNDANT BY THE DROP IN ENROLMENT IN THEIR SCHOOLS DUE TO PEOPLE MOVING FROM URBAN AREAS TO NEW TOWNS.
THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT HAS HELPED ABOUT 6,950 SUCH TEACHERS IN SECURING NEW TEACHING POSTS OVER THE PAST YEARS.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE THEM FULL ASSISTANCE AGAIN THIS YEAR. OUR 100 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE OVER THE PAST YEARS OWES MUCH TO THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL HEADS AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES FOR WHICH THE DEPARTMENT IS MOST GRATEFUL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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46 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 46 NEW BUILDING PLANS TN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
EIGHTEEN OF THE PLANS ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 21 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 14 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, NINE FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND 11 FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 22 BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 47,993 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 123,950 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $1,606 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USE ARE 113,991 SQUARE METRES AND 60,272 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 25 OCCUPATION PERMITS - NINE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND NINE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 23 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 132 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
/THE BUILDINGS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1994
8
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 386 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,455 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 290 REMOVAL ORDERS ON THE UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 728 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED TWO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE COURT.
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TUEN MUN LAUNCHES VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE » » * * ♦
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (SUNDAY) LAUNCHED A VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR PETER KWOK, APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC DUTY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
MORE THAN 70 TEMPORARY ''{COMMUNITY ORGANISERS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED TO HELP IN THE CAMPAIGN.
THEY WORE COLOURFUL T-SHIRTS EMBLAZONED WITH THE SLOGAN -’’MAKE YOURSELF HEARD, REGISTER TO VOTE” AND WALKED AROUND VARIOUS AREAS TO ENCOURAGE PASSERS-BY TO REGISTER.
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MONG KOK RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS ♦ ♦ * * *
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF MONG KOK, MR BENJAMIN LEE, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR IF YOU WISH TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD,” HE STRESSED.
REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES AND HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ARE VISITING HOUSEHOLDS TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP AT MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS IN MONG KOK AND PRINCE EDWARD.
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WINNING SCHOOL DRAMA TEAMS PERFORM FOR PUBLIC » * » * ♦
THE OUTSTANDING TEAMS IN THE HONG KONG SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVAL 1993/94 WILL SHOW THEIR TALENTS AT THE GALA EVENINGS AND PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE ON MAY 5 AND 6.
THE DRAMA FESTIVAL, COVERING CHINESE AND ENGLISH SECTIONS, IS PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID QUEEN’S COLLEGE AND TWGHS TANG SIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL WON THE BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE AWARDS IN CHINESE DRAMAS WHILE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OBLATE FATHERS PRIMARY SCHOOL WON THE BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE AWARDS IN ENGLISH DRAMAS.
HE SAID THE WINNING TEAMS WOULD BE AWARDED OTHER PRIZES FOR BEST STAGE EFFECT, SCRIPT ORIGINALITY, ACTORS, ACTRESSES AND DIRECTORS.
TICKETS AT $20 ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. THERE WILL BE 50 PER CENT DISCOUNT FOR STUDENTS AND PEOPLE AGED 60 OR ABOVE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZEPRESENTATION CEREMONIES FOR CHINESE DRAMAS ON MAY 5 AND ENGLISH DRAMAS ON MAY 6. BOTH EVENTS WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM IN THE SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE, 11 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, SHAU KEI WAN.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, WILL PRESENT PRIZES.
_ _ 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT TO POLICE......................... 3
HK’S CONFIDENCE AND VIGOUR CAN BE PRESERVED................ 4
LEGAL DEPARTMENT TAKES OVER PROSECUTIONS FROM POLICE.... 5
NEW PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES........................... 6
SPEL MEETS UDHK............................................ 7
PEARL RIVER - A HIGHWAY TO HK.............................. 8
MANUFACTURING CONTRIBUTES TO HK ECONOMY.................... 9
APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS 1995 INVITED................... 10
SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT STUDENT VOTERS UNDER WAY.... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
12
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODAY (MONDAY):
QUESTION: SIR. MR LU PING IS GOING TO MEET THE CIVIL SERVICE TRADE UNIONS, DO YOU THINK IT IS SUITABLE FOR THE CIVIL SERVANTS TO MEET HIM?
GOVERNOR: YES.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, HOW ARE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SUPPOSED TO KNOW IN WHO’S HANDS DO THEIR FUTURE LIE WHEN LU PING IS OUT THERE DECIDING OUR FUTURE AND THERE ARE CERTAIN LIMITS IN, THINGS LIKE XI YANG DID NOTHING ABOUT, OR VERY LITTLE?
GOVERNOR: THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE SOVEREIGN POWER UNTIL THE 30TH JUNE 1997 IS BRITAIN AND THAT THIS GOVERNMENT, THIS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WILL BE TAKING DECISIONS UNTIL THAT DATE. WE’RE GOVERNING IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, GETTING OUT AND SEEING THEM AND MEETING THEM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. THAT’S WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING, SHOWING THAT WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE, AND THAT’S WHAT WE'LL CONTINUE TO DO. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT DIRECTOR LU HAS AN ENJOYABLE AND USEFUL WEEK IN HONG KONG. I HOPE THAT HE MEETS AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. I HOPE THAT HE HEARS AS MANY POINTS OF VIEW AS POSSIBLE, AND I HOPE THAT DURING THE COURSE OF THE WEEK, HE’LL HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR US AS WELL. AND FINALLY, I HOPE THAT HE’LL COME HERE MANY MORE TIMES BETWEEN NOW AND 30TH JUNE, 1997.
QUESTION: ARE YOU GOING TO TRY TO MEET HIM?
GOVERNOR: I’VE MADE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO MEET HIM INDEED BEFORE ANYBODY KNEW HE WAS COMING FOR THIS VISIT TO HONG KONG. I’VE WRITTEN TO HIM AGAIN SUGGESTING A MEETING. I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO MEET DIRECTOR WHENEVER HE CAN FIND TIME IN HIS CLEARLY BUSY SCHEDULE.
QUESTION: THE CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS, IN THE PAST THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DID NOT ALLOW CIVIL SERVANTS TO CONTACT PWC MEMBERS. BUT NOW THE FIVE UNIONS WILL MEET LU PING ON THE COMING SATURDAY. DO THEY AGAINST THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS?
GOVERNOR: NO, IT’S NOT AGAINST ANY REGULATIONS. WHAT WE’VE ACTUALLY SAID IS THAT WE HAVE AGREED CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OURSELVES SET UP, SOME OF THEM UNDER INTERNATIONAL TREATY, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE AND SO ON, AND THAT CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO DO TRYING TO MAKE THOSE AGREED CONTACTS WORK SUCCESSFULLY. SO, WE’VE SAID WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON THOSE THINGS. BUT THERE IS NO REASON WHY CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS SHOULDN'T MEET DIRECTOR LU PING. HE’S AN IMPORTANT MAN IN THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY, AND I HOPE THAT THEY WILL TELL HIM EXACTLY WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE.
/QUESTION: .....
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
2 -
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT THE PWC MEMBERS THEY CAN ALSO MEET THE CIVIL SERVICE TRADE UNIONS OR THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS?
GOVERNOR: WHAT WE’VE ALWAYS SAID, I’VE JUST REPEATED THE POINT, IS THAT THERE ARE PROPER AND ESTABLISHED CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION FOR DOING BUSINESS, AND I DON’T THINK THERE IS VERY MUCH SENSE IN COMPLICATING THOSE. BUT IF PEOPLE WISH TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE PWC PRIVATELY, SO BE IT. WE RUN AN OPEN SOCIETY. I THINK IT’S ALSO REASONABLE TO SAY, THAT THE BETTER INFORMED PWC MEMBERS ARE, THE BETTER. BUT THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE POLICY WHICH HAS BEEN ENUNCIATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY , ANSON CHAN, AND ENUNCIATED BY ME. IT’S A WHOLLY REASONABLE ONE. WE TALK TO ALL SORT OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE FUTURE. BUT THE RIGHT WAY, TO SOLVE MATTERS IN THE RIGHT WAY, TO ARRIVE AT DECISIONS, IS THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE AND THOSE OTHER CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION AND I HOPE WE’LL HEAR SOME GOOD NEWS ABOUT THOSE MATTERS THIS WEEK.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THE AIRPORT AGREEMENT WILL BE AGREED IN THIS MONTH, BECAUSE ......?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I THINK YOU BETTER ASK DIRECTOR LU PING THAT QUESTION. I THINK THAT EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WILL HOPE THAT HE HAS GOOD NEWS ON MATTERS LIKE THAT THIS WEEK.
QUESTION: HOW DAMAGING TO HONG KONG IS THIS BECAUSE OF LACK OF DIALOGUE......?
GOVERNOR: I THINK EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG, NOT LEAST JUDGING BY THE POLLS BUT JUDGING BY WHAT SOME HONG KONG ADVISERS TO PRC GOVERNMENT HAVE SAID, I THINK EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WOULD HAVE LIKE DIRECTOR LU PING AND I TO HAVE A MEETING. NOW I AM SORRY THAT THE BUSINESS OF DIRECTOR LU’S SCHEDULE APPARENTLY MAKE THAT IMPOSSIBLE. BUT I’M SURE THAT PATIENCE BEING AN IMPORTANT THING IN POLITICS, I’M SURE THAT AS WE GET THINGS LIKE THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS BUILD BEHIND US, WE’LL SEE INCREASING DIALOGUE ON ALL SORTS OF CHANNELS. AND I REPEAT WHAT AS I’VE SAID MANY TIMES BEFORE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL LEAVE ITS DOORS AND WINDOWS AND EVERY OTHER ENTRY TO THE HOUSE OPEN SO THAT DIRECTOR LU PING CAN COME AND CALL WHENEVER HE WOULD LIKE.
QUESTION: SINCE THERE IS NO MEETING ARRANGED BETWEEN YOU AND LU PING, IS THERE ANY MORE MESSAGES YOU WANT TO GIVE TO HIM?
GOVERNOR: HAVE A NICE TIME IN HONG KONG.
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/3.........
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNOR PLEDGES SUPPORT TO POLICE *****
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE WHOLE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE POLICE FORCE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN. SAID THIS
COMMUNITY WILL DO EVERYTHING IN ITS WORK. THE GOVERNOR, THE (MONDAY) MORNING.
MR PATTEN MADE THE PLEDGE DURING A RECEPTION FOLLOWING A GUARD OF HONOUR CEREMONY AT EDINBURGH PLACE TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
IN PRAISING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE POLICE FORCE, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT HAD MADE HONG KONG ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD IN WHICH TO LIVE AND BRING UP A FAMILY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE OVERALL CRIME RATES OF THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN DECLINING SINCE 1990 AND WERE LOWER THAN THAT OF SINGAPORE, TOKYO OR TORONTO; ROBBERIES AND THEFTS WERE LESS THAN HALF THE LEVEL IN TOKYO, WHILE THE MURDER RATE WAS LESS THAN HALF THAT OF TORONTO.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL LONG REMAIN A SAFE CITY. THE TRADITION OF PROFESSIONALISM, SERVICE AND RESOURCEFULNESS THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAS BUILT UP OVER THE LAST 150 YEARS IS A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR WHATEVER THE FUTURE MAY HOLD,” MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO EXPRESSED HIS SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. MR LI KWAN-HA, AND ALL HIS SENIOR OFFICERS FOR THEIR EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE.
"THEY CARRY OUT THE DEMANDING TASK OF MANAGING THE MORE THAN 30,000 OFFICERS AND CIVILIANS WHO MAKE UP THE POLICE FORCE WITH GREAT EFFICIENCY, DEDICATION AND GOOD SENSE," HE SAID.
THANKING THE GOVERNOR AND THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT TO THE POLICE, MR LI SAID THAT OVER ITS 150 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT, THE POLICE FORCE HAD GROWN FROM A SMALL CONSTABULARY OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF OFFICERS INTO A LARGE MODERN POLICE FORCE COMPARABLE IN SIZE, CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY TO ANY OF THE TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE WORLD.
"THERE HAVE BEEN UPS AND DOWNS; THE FORCE HAS GONE THROUGH THICK AND THIN," HE SAID.
"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT WITH DEDICATION, PROFESSIONALISM, AND ABOVE ALL, TEAM SPIRIT, MEMBERS OF MY FORCE HAVE ACTED IN CONCERT, RODE OUT THE STORMS AND EMERGED EVER STRONGER.
"IT GIVES ME PARTICULAR PLEASURE TO BE WORKING WITH SUCH A FINE BODY OF MEN AND WOMEN AT THIS HISTORIC TIME."
THE GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED BY THE POLICE AT EDINBURGH PLACE TODAY COMPRISED MORE THAN 100 OFFICERS FROM THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
THE CELEBRATION ALSO FEATURED A SAIL-PAST BY MODERN POLICE LAUNCHES AND HIGH-SPEED CRAFT AS WELL AS A FLY-PAST BY THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
THE GOVERNOR WAS FEATURED IN THE MARINE DISPLAY, HAVING BOARDED A POLICE LAUNCH IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND SAILED TO QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL UNDER THE ESCORT OF AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF POLICE VESSELS.
AFTER ALIGHTING, THE GOVERNOR WAS ESCORTED ONTO A DAIS TO RECEIVE A "ROYAL SALUTE" BEFORE INSPECTING THE GUARD OF HONOUR.
THE CEREMONY ALSO FEATURED AN IMPRESSIVE MARCHING DISPLAY, POLICE BAND PERFORMANCES AND LION DANCING BY JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.
A RECEPTION FOR ALL THE GUESTS WAS HELD AT CITY HALL AFTER THE CEREMONY.
MEANWHILE, THE GUARD OF HONOUR AT EDINBURGH PLACE AND THE CEREMONIAL GOVERNMENT HOUSE GUARD WERE DISMOUNTED SIMULTANEOUSLY AT THE COMPLETION OF THE EVENT.
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HK’S CONFIDENCE AND VIGOUR CAN BE PRESERVED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) HE BELIEVED HONG KONG COULD PRESERVE ITS CONFIDENCE AND VIGOUR AFTER 1997.
"I REMAIN CONFIDENT THAT THE EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT WORK THAT BRITAIN AND CHINA EMBARKED ON TOGETHER WHEN NEGOTIATING THE JOINT DECLARATION CAN ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSE - PRESERVING A HONG KONG, PRESERVING A HONG KONG THAT HAS THE CONFIDENCE AND THE VIGOUR TO CONTRIBUTE RICHLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA AND OF THE WHOLE REGION," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG MANAGED TO GROW REMARKABLY IN THE PAST DECADES DESPITE OCCASIONAL PROBLEMS.
AND THE 1980S SAW TWO DEVELOPMENTS WHICH GAVE NEW IMPETUS TO THAT GROWTH, HE ADDED.
THE FIRST WAS THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WHICH PROMISED THE PRESERVATION OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM IN THE TERRITORY AND A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.
"MUCH WORK HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY TO TRANSLATE THOSE PROMISES INTO REALITY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HONG KONG HAD SINCE BECOME A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND A FELLOW MEMBER WITH CHINA AND CANADA IN THE ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC), HE SAID.
"IN THE BASIC LAW, CHINA HAS PUT GUARANTEES CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION INTO THE MINI-CONST1 TUTION THAT WILL GUIDE HONG KONG AFTER 1997," MR PATTEN SAID.
/"SOME ISSUES .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
5
’’SOME ISSUES - THE ESTABLISHMENT OE OPEN AND FAIR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXAMPLE - HAVE PROVED DIFFICULT, BUT EVEN THESE ARE BEING DEALT WITH STEADILY.”
HE NOTED THE SECOND IMPORTANT FACTOR OF THE 1980S WAS CHINA’S RE-OPENING TO TRADE AND INVESTMENT, WHICH CREATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN.
AS A RESULT, HONG KONG HAS RE-EMERGED AS AN ENTREPOT FOR CHINATRADE ON AN ALTOGETHER LARGER SCALE, ENJOYING UNPRECEDENTED PROSPERITY.
ON THE SUCCESS OF THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG’S OPENNESS, ITS CARING, THE INDUSTRY OF THE PEOPLE AND THE ENTERPRISE OF ITS BUSINESSMEN WERE ALL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
’’THIS OPENNESS TO CHANGE AND NEW IDEAS, AND READINESS TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE WORLD AT LARGE HELPS MAKE HONG KONG A VERY EFFECTIVE CONDUIT FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH (TUNA”, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
MR PATTEN ENCOURAGED CANADIAN BUSINESSMEN TO MAKE USE HONG KONG AS A STEPPING STONE IN INCREASING ITS BUSINESS WITH CHINA.
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LEGAL DEPARTMENT TAKES OVER PROSECUTIONS FROM POLICE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
ALL PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS IN MAGISTRATES’ COURTS WILL BE HANDLED BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WHEN IT TAKES OVER PROSECUTION DUTIES FROM THE POLICE IN NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY TODAY (MONDAY).
A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COURT PROSECUTORS TO NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, WHICH WAS THE LARGEST AND BUSIEST MAGISTRACY IN HONG KONG OPERATING 11 COURTS, 11 POLICE OFFICERS WOULD BE RELEASED FROM PROSECUTION WORK TO PERFORM POLICE DUTIES.
OUTLINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE TAKEOVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID COURT PROSECUTORS ARE PUBLIC OFFICERS APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL UNDER THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE (CAP. 227) TO CONDUCT PROSECUTIONS ON HIS BEHALF BEFORE A MAGISTRATE.
HE SAID THE COURT PROSECUTOR GRADE WAS FIRST CREATED IN 1977 IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT FOR A PILOT SCHEME TO BE CONDUCTED IN TWO MAGISTRACIES TO TEST WHETHER PROSECUTION WORK, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT BY POLICE OFFICERS, COULD BE PERFORMED BY CIVILIAN OFFICERS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
THE PILOT SCHEME WAS PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL, AND IN 1979, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME ON A PERMANENT BASIS AND TO GRADUALLY EXTEND IT TO ALL MAGISTRACIES, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID COURT PROSECUTORS HAD TO UNDERGO NINE MONTHS’ FULL-TIME TRAINING BEFORE THEY COULD CONDUCT PROSECUTIONS INDEPENDENTLY IN MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
HE SAID SINCE THE COURT PROSECUTOR GRADE WAS CREATED, PROSECUTORS HAD PROVIDED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT AND COST-EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN HONG KONG.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT A TOTAL OF 104 COURT PROSECUTORS IN HONG KONG, AS COMPARED WITH 22 IN 1979.
- - 0 - -
NEW PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES » * » »
TWO NEW PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 4) TO PROMOTE THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AGED ABOVE 45 AND THE ELDERLY ABOVE 65.
INTRODUCING THE WOMAN HEALTH CENTRE AND THE ELDERLY HEALTH CENTRE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PERSONAL HEALTH SERVICES), DR CHAN WAI-MAN, SAID WOMEN AND THE ELDERLY WERE VULNERABLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN HEALTH PROBLEMS.
DR CHAN SAID: "CANCER, HEART DISEASE AND CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES ARE NOW THE TOP THREE KILLERS IN HONG KONG AND MANY PEOPLE ALSO SUFFER FROM CHRONIC DISEASES LIKE HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES.
"IF THESE DISEASES CAN BE PREVENTED OR DETECTED EARLY FOR APPROPRIATE CARE, MUCH OF THE SUFFERING AND PREMATURE DEATHS CAN BE AVOIDED," SHE SAID.
DR CHAN SAID THESE TWO NEW CENTRES WERE SET UP TO DETECT CERTAIN RISK FACTORS AND UNREPORTED DISEASES PREVALENT AMONG THESE TARGET GROUPS SO AS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH EARLY AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT.
CLIENTS ATTENDING THESE CENTRES WOULD HAVE ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT THROUGH HISTORY AND SIMPLE SCREENING TESTS, AND HEALTH EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING TAILORED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
DR CHAN SAID SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS LIKE BLOOD TESTS AND X-RAY WOULD BE ARRANGED ON A NEED BASIS.
AT THE WOMAN HEALTH CENTRE, SUCH SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS MIGHT INCLUDE MAMMOGRAPHY, A SPECIAL TYPE OF X-RAY, FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER, THE SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER AMONG WOMEN IN HONG KONG.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE TWO SERVICES WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A HEALTH RECORD WITH SUMMARY HEALTH FINDINGS. INDIVIDUAL HEALTH ADVICE IS GIVEN ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH NEEDS.
IF NECESSARY, THE CLIENTS WOULD BE REFERRED TO OTHER SERVICES FOR FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT, DR CHAN SAID.
/DR CHAN
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
7
DR CHAN SAID ALL HONG KONG CITIZENS IN THE SPECIFIED SEX AND AGE GROUPS COULD MAKE USE OF THESE NEW SERVICES BY PAYING AN ANNUAL FEE.
THE ANNUAL FEE FOR THE WOMAN HEALTH CENTRE IS $285 AND THE ELDERLY HAVE TO PAY AN ANNUAL CHARGE OF $220.
DR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ANNUAL FEE INCLUDED THE CHARGE FOR PHYSICAL EXAMINATION BY THE DOCTOR, THE SCREENING TESTS, ALL THE HEALTH EDUCATION SESSIONS AND ANY OTHER VISITS DURING THE YEAR.
PARTICIPANTS REQUIRING MAMMOGRAPHY WOULD HAVE TO PAY A SEPARATE FEE OF $205 FOR THE X-RAY EXAMINATION.
DR CHAN ADDED THAT FOR PERSONS WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, THE USUAL WAIVING PROCEDURES WOULD APPLY.
THESE TWO NEW PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES WOULD COMMENCE OPERATION ON WEDNESDAY AND TELEPHONE APPOINTMENTS COULD BE MADE TODAY.
THE ENQUIRY AND APPOINTMENT TELEPHONE NO. OF THE WOMAN HEALTH CENTRE IS 727 5332 AND, FOR THE ELDERLY CENTE, 779 5596.
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SPEL MEETS UDHK
*****
AS PART OF THE CURRENT CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT BODIES AND CONCERNED GROUPS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (MONDAY) MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED DEMOCRATS OF HONG KONG (UDHK) TO DISCUSS PROPERTY PRICES AND URBAN RENEWAL.
AT THE MEETING, MR EASON SAID THE PROCESS OF PUTTING TOGETHER A TERRITORY-WIDE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME WAS VERY COMPLICATED AND THE 1994/95 PROGRAMME WAS WORKED OUT WELL BEFORE THE TASK-FORCE WAS SET UP TO LOOK INTO THE LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICK SITUATION.
MR EASON SAID: ’’THE REASON WHY WE SHIFTED THE BALANCE THIS YEAR MORE TOWARDS LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SITES WAS BECAUSE THE EMPHASIS HAD BEEN ON HIGH-DENSITY SITES IN RECENT YEARS.
"CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED DURING 1993 THAT MULTI-NATIONAL FIRMS HAD DIFFICULTY IN FINDING SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR SENIOR STAFF HERE WHICH MADE HONG KONG LESS COMPETITIVE.
"DESPITE A HIGHER PROPORTION OF LOW-DENSITY SITES, THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME THIS YEAR SHOULD MAINTAIN THE FLAT PRODUCTION RATE OF 10,000-11,000.
"THIS TOGETHER WITH FLATS PRODUCED BY REDEVELOPMENT WOULD ENABLE US TO MAINTAIN OUR TARGET OF PRODUCING 30,000-35,000 FLATS ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
/"TO MEET .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
8
"TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR MORE FLAT SUPPLY, WE WILL CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING DENSITIES ON SITES APPEARING LATER IN THIS YEAR’S LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME AND USING THE FIVE-HECTARE SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME AGREED AT THE LAND COMMISSION FOR HIGH DENSITIES ALSO."
WITH REGARD TO POINTS RAISED Bl UDHK ON URBAN RENEWAL, MR EASON SAID ANY PROPOSAL FOR LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT IN RESPECT OF LAND RESUMPTION FOR PUBLIC PURPOSE HAS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF TASK-FORCE’S OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS.
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PEARL RIVER - A HIGHWAY TO HK
* » * » »
THE PEARL RIVER IS BECOMING ONE OF THE MAIN HIGHWAYS TO HONG KONG’S PORT, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
AS THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS AND ROADS BECOME MORE CONGESTED, SHIPPERS ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING TO BARGES TO SHIP GOODS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FEEDER PORTS IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
TOTAL RIVER CARGO TONNAGE INCREASED IN 1993 BY 30 PER CENT OVER 1992 TO JUST OVER 23 MILLION TONNES. THIS COMPRISED 12.6 MILLION TONNES OF INWARD AND 10.5 MILLION TONNES OF OUTWARD CARGO.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE WAS THE INCREASING TREND TOWARDS CONTAINERISATION. TOTAL THROUGHPUT OF CONTAINERISED CARGO GREW BY 44 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A 22 PER CENT INCREASE IN BREAK BULK CARGO.
THIS MEANT THAT IN 1993, 40 PER CENT OF RIVER TRADE NON-BULK CARGOES WERE CONTAINERISED COMPARED WITH 36 PER CENT IN 1992.
RIVER VESSELS LOADED AND DISCHARGED A TOTAL OF 612,000 20-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS AT PLACES OTHER THAN CONTAINER TERMINALS IN 1993. THIS WAS 6.7 PER CENT OF THE PORT’S TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT.
MANY SHIPPERS ARE REALISING THE ADVANTAGES OF RIVER OVER ROAD TRANSPORT. CONSOLIDATING SEVERAL CONTAINERS WITH A COMMON DESTINATION ON TO ONE BARGE IS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE.
IT IS ALSO BETTER FOR THE TERMINAL OPERATOR WHO CAN HANDLE THE CONSIGNMENT TOGETHER RATHER THAN RECEIVING CONTAINERS ON A RANDOM BASIS FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF LORRIES.
HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT AND TRAFFIC BOTH BENEFIT BECAUSE EACH CONTAINER CARRIED BY RIVER MEANS ONE CONTAINER TRUCK LESS ON THE ROADS. WITHOUT RIVER TRAFFIC, CONTAINER VEHICLES WOULD HAVE MADE MORE THAN 400,000 EXTRA JOURNEYS ON HONG KONG ROADS IN 1993.
THE TOY INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY, IS EXPANDING ITS USE OF RIVER TRADE. MANUFACTURERS CAN STUFF 40-FOOT CONTAINERS AT CHINESE FACTORIES, THEN SHIP THEM BY BARGE TO LINERS IN HONG KONG.
/SOME RIVER ........
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
- 9 -
SOME RIVER OPERATORS HAVE RECORDED ANNUAL GROWTH OF 30 PER CENT SINCE 1990.
SHIPPING LINES ARE DEVELOPING NEW SERVICES AND EXPANDING THOSE ALREADY OPERATING. ONE LINE IS DOUBLING ITS WEEKLY BARGE CAPACITY AND EXPECTS STRONG GROWTH. ANOTHER TRADE SOURCE SAYS THERE IS RAPID GROWTH OF BARGE SERVICES BETWEEN ZHUHAI AND HONG KONG.
SOME COMPANIES ARE CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION OF RHINE-TYPE BARGES TO THE PEARL RIVER. THESE MUCH BIGGER VESSELS WOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY MORE CONTAINERS EACH TRIP.
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD’S PORT CARGO FORECASTS PREDICT THAT RIVER TRAFFIC WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AT A RATE OF 8.1 PER CENT A YEAR UNTIL 2011. THIS COMPARES WITH A PROJECTED 6.3 PER CENT PER ANNUM GROWTH FOR OCEAN CARGO.
THE BOARD PREDICTS THAT TOTAL RIVER CARGO TRAFFIC WILL GROW FROM LAST YEAR’S 23 MILLION TONNES TO 49.2 MILLION TONNES IN 2001 AND 84.8 MILLION TONNES IN 2011.
TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED TRAFFIC, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD A DEDICATED RIVER TRADE TERMINAL AT TUEN MUN.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CALL TENDERS LATER THIS YEAR TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE THE TERMINAL AND EXPECTS THE FIRST BERTH TO COME INTO OPERATION SOMETIME IN 1997.
ONE MAJOR BENEFIT OF THE TERMINAL WILL BE TO SEPARATE RIVER TRAFFIC FROM OCEAN-GOING VESSELS USING THE CONTAINER PORT. IT WILL ALSO MEAN THAT RIVER TRADE VESSELS NO LONGER HAVE TO USE THE BUSY AND DIFFICULT MA WAN CHANNEL.
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MANUFACTURI NG CONTRIBUTES TO HE ECONOMY t » * t I
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW, TODAY (MONDAY) REFUTED A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION THAT MANUFACTURI NG WAS FAST DISAPPEARING IN HONG KONG.
"THIS IS ABSOLUTELY WRONG AND NOTHING IS FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH THAN THAT,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DATA AND KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS FOR MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING, MR LAW SAID HONG KONG’S MANUFACTUR1 NG INDUSTRIES WERE CONTRIBUTING 13 PER CENT TO GDP.
IN 1993, THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR PRODUCED OVER $200 BILLION DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
IN REAL TERMS, HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR IS PRODUCING 25 PER CENT MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS AGO WITH ONIA THREE-FIFTHS OF THE WORKERS THEN.
/HE NOTED .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
- 10 -
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS HAD ACCOMPLISHED THIS BY MOVING THE MORE LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND LOWER-END ASSEMBLY PROCESSES TO CHINA WHILE CARRYING OUT THE REST OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES IN HONG KONG.
THIS DEVELOPMENT HAD ENABLED LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO DEPLOY THE LIMITED RESOURCES IN HONG KONG TO MORE VALUE-ADDED AND KNOWLEDGE-BASED MANUFACTURING AND RELATED SUPPORT FUNCTIONS, HE SAID.
IT HAD ALSO ALLOWED THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO SWITCH TO THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND UPPER END OF THE MARKET PRODUCTS AND HENCE ENHANCED THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS IN THE WOULD MARKET, HE ADDED.
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY, CONCENTRATING ON INNOVATIVE DESIGNS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, HIGHER TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE.
ONE OF THE MORE RECENT INITIATIVES IS THE $200 MILLION APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, ESTABLISHED A YEAR AGO TO PROVIDE MATCHING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO UNDERTAKE MARKET-DRIVEN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
’’RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME IS ENCOURAGING AND SO FAR 25 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED,” HE SAID.
ANOTHER INITIATIVE IS THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL $180 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WHICH ARE BENEFICIAL TO THE INDUSTRIAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND TO THE OVERALL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THIS LATTER SCHEME HAD GENERATED ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS, MR LAW SAID.
”1 AM CONFIDENT THAT PROJECTS COMPLETED UNDER BOTH SCHEMES WOULD ADD NEW DIMENSIONS TO HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY,” HE ADDED.
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APPLICATIONS FOR FLAG DAYS 1995 INVITED
*****
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO HOLD FLAG DAYS NEXT YEAR TO RAISE FUNDS TO FINANCE THEIR SERVICES ARE INVITED TO APPLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ABOUT 50 FLAG DAYS WILL BE DESIGNATED NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BONA FIDE, NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS UNDER SECTION 88 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
/"ALL APPLICANTS .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
11
’’ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE MERITS OF THE SERVICE OR SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUND-RAISING THROUGH A FLAG DAY IS PROPOSED, THE ORGANISATION’S FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND ITS ABILITY TO EXECUTE THE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE CRITERIA, THE SPOKESMAN SAID EACH APPLICATION WOULD BE CONSIDERED BASICALLY IN THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS:
♦ AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY OF THE
APPLICANT ORGANISATION. THIS IS IMPORTANT SINCE PUBLIC
COLLECTION OF MONEY IS INVOLVED;
* THE NATURE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISATION, AND THE COMMUNITY DEMAND FOR SUCH SERVICES;
♦ THE FINANCIAL NEED OF THE ORGANISATION BASED ON ITS ANNUAL BUDGET, OPERATING SURPLUS OR DEFICITS, AVAILABILITY OF OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES, AND PLANNED PROJECTS; AND
» THE ORGANISATION’S ABILITY TO ORGANISE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES AND TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF A FLAG DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT EXPENSES RELATING TO A FLAG DAY SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS, AND THAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NEED TO OBSERVE THE CONDITIONS LAID DOWN ON A PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION PERMIT ISSUED UNDER SECTION 4 (17) OF SUMMARY
OFFENCES ORDINANCE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, ROOM 920, NINTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, IN PERSON OR IN WRITING.
THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE ORGANISATION’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS, MUST REACH THE DEPARTMENT BY MAY 31. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY OCTOBER.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 892 5293.
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SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO ATTRACT STUDENT VOTERS UNDER WAY *****
A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN IS UNDER WAY TO ATTRACT YOUNG PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS A VOTER, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE JOINTLY HELD BY THE COMMISSION AND THE COMMERCIAL RADIO TO ANNOUNCE THE STATION’S SPECIAL VOTER REGISTRATION PROGRAMMES, HE SAID SPECIAL VOTER REGISTRATION CENTRES WERE BEING SET UP AT VARIOUS TERTIARY AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS TO ATTRACT STUDENTS.
/THE COMMISSION .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
12
THE COMMISSION IS ALSO CONDUCTING THE CAMPAIGN IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO APPEAL TO SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.
"TO BE A VOTER IS OUR CIVIC RIGHT. IT SIGNIFIES OUR COMMITMENT TO SOCIETY," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
STARTING FROM APRIL THIS YEAR, THE VOTING AGE IS LOWERED FROM 21 TO 18.
"THIS IS INDEED A VERY ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG RESIDENTS SHOULD SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SELECT, THROUGH ELECTIONS, THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 5 NEXT YEAR.
--------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
» * » *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 65.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 385.588 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 309.243 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,236 0930 + 300
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,763 1000 + 300
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 458
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 457 1200 + 458
LAF TODAY - 930 1500 + 458
1600 + 457
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.4 *+0.0* 2.5.94
/HONG KONG........
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1994
- 13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.06 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.06 5.54
1 MONTH 3.37 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.73 5.83
3 MONTHS 3.84 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.41 6.32
6 MONTHS 4.29 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.70 6.4 3
12 MONTHS 4.90 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 36 MONTHS AND BONDS - 3704 17,285 6.15 MN 99.30 6.51
CLOSED 2 MAY 1994
- - 0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
TOUGHER ANTI-SMOKING LAW ON WAY............................ 4
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER 5
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT DELEGATION VISITS CHINA................ 5
PLANS FOR WORK IN RAINY SEASON URGED....................... 6
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT LIFE IN SIU SAI WAN ESTATE 7
CONTAINER THROUGHPUT GETS OFF TO A FLYING START 8
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 129 11
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS 16
FISHERMEN URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS..................... 17
ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE TO HOLD OPEN DAYS 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 20
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 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 VISITING THE SIU SAI WAN ESTATE THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE VISITS THAT 1 MAKE REGULARLY TO HOUSING ESTATES. I THINK WE ALL KNOW THAT HOUSING IS PROBABLY OF ALL SOCIAL LIVELIHOOD ISSUES, THE ONE THAT PEOPLE ARE MOST CONCERNED ABOUT HERE IN HONG KONG. IT’S STILL THE CASE THAT OVER HALF Ob OUR POPULATION LIVE IN RENTED ACCOMMODATION, EITHER PUBLICLY-RENTED OR PRIVATELY-RENTED, AND CLEARLY, A MAIN CONCERN THAT PEOPLE HAVE IS THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A DECENT QUANTITY OF HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE RENTED ACCOMMODATION. SINCE THE AUTUMN OF 1992, WE’VE BEEN COMPLETING 146 FLATS A DAV WHICH IS MORE THAN THE TARGET OF 100 WHICH WE SET OURSELVES AND I AM DETERMINED THAT AS PART OF THE PROPOSALS THAT WE BRING FORWARD IN JUNE ON PROPERTY PRICE INFLATION, WE SHOULD INCLUDE PROPER HOUSING AUTHORITY PROVISION. IT IS, OF COURSE, TRUE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE, THE 48 PERCENT WHO ARE OWNERS OF THEIR OWN PROPERTY AND THOSE WHO WISH TO BECOME OWNERS, PARTICULARLY BOTHERED ABOUT PROPERTY PRICE INFLATION AND THE PROPOSALS THAT WE BRING FORWARD IN JUNE WILL, OBVIOUSLY, BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THEIR CONCERNS. I THINK EVERYBODY RECOGNISES THAT WHILE WE WANT TO DAMP DOWN THE MARKET, WE DON’T WANT 1’0 DO ANYTHING WHICH UNDERMINES THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET. SO, IT IS A DIFFICULT BALANCE TO STRIKE BUT ONE WHICH WE ARE DETERMINED TO GET RIGHT. BUT 1 REPEAT THAT IN ANY PROGRAMME OR MEASURES THAT WE BRING FORWARD ON PROPERTY PRICE INFLATION, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE TAKE DUE ACCOUNT OF THE CENTRAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU FEEL THAT MR LU PING IS QUITE LOW KEY WHILE IN HONG KONG THIS WEEK?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTOR LU’S PROGRAMME. BUT, AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE, 1 HOPE THAT HE HAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL VISIT. 1 HOPE THAT HE MEETS AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE AND HEARS AS MANY OPINIONS AS POSSIBLE. AND I HOPE THAT WHILE HE IS HERE, HE’LL HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS FOR PEOPLE.
QUESTION: ARE YOU DELIBERATELY TO MAKE YOUR SCHEDULE SO TIGHT THAT MINIMISE YOUR EMBARRASSMENT THAT YOU ARE NOT INVITED TO HIS...?
GOVERNOR: NO. SOME OF YOU HAVE SPENT A GOOD DEAL OF TIME OUT WITH NE ON VISITS LIKE THIS AND WE WILL KNOW THIS IS WHAT I DO WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER WEEK AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND A BIT.
QUESTION: YOU SAID YOU WANTED TO TALK TO LU PING ABOUT HOUSING AND CIVIL SERVICE, BUT DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR HIM NOW ABOUT HOUSING AND CIVIL SERVICE?
/GOVERNOR: .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
2 -
GOVERNOR: IT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO COMMUNICATE A ME.SSAGE ALL THE TIME THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF TELEVISION CAMERAS. IT’S RATHER EASIER, 1 THINK, AND TO SPEAK ACROSS THE TABLE. I THINK IT’S TRUE THAT IS WHAT MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD HAVE LIKED US TO DO. BUT WE MUST BE PATIENT AND 1 AM SURE THE OPPORTUNITY WILL ARISE IN DUE COURSE. IN THE MEANTIME, SO FAR AS PROPERTY IS CONCERNED AND HOUSING IS CONCERNED, I AM SURE THAT DIRECTOR LU AND HIS COLLEAGUES FROM THE PRC WILL HAVE SEEN THE SPECTACULAR JOB WE’VE MADE REHOUSING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS. WE’VE STILL GOT SOME PROBLEMS AND SOME CHALLENGES TO DEAL WITH. WE CAN’T BE COMPLACENT BUT 1 THINK WE’VE MADE A JOLLY GOOD JOB OF IT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.
QUESTION: DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER, IS THAT WE’LL HAVE A MEETING NEXT WEEK? WILL IT BE THE FINAL PHASE TO DISCUSS THE MILITARY LAND ISSUE AND WHEN WILL BE THE JLG .... MEETING AND THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING?
GOVERNOR: I HOPE THAT WE HAVE A JLG AND AN AIRPORT MEETING SOON. I HOPE EVEN MORE THAT WE’LL MAKE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN THOSE MEETINGS BECAUSE UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVEN’T MADE AS MUCH PROGRESS AS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD RIGHTLY HAVE LIKED. ON DEFENCE LANDS, I THINK THAT WE ARE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT. IT INVOLVES SOME DIFFICULT DECISIONS WHICH WE’LL HAVE IN DUE COURSE TO EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. BUT J THINK PEOPLE WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE AND WHY WE ARE TACKLING THEM IN THE WAY THAT WE’LL EXPLAIN IN DUE COURSE. BUT I THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT WHILE WE HAVEN’T FINALISED AN AGREEMENT, WE CAN SEE THE MAKING OF AN AGREEMENT AND 1 HOPE THAT WE’LL GET ONE UNDER OUR BELT BEFORE LONG.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DIRECTOR LU PING CAME AFTER SEEING A MILITARY PARADE IN GUANGZHOU, AND IN HONG KONG HE ATTENDS A SERIES OF MEETINGS. IT SEEMS THAT YOU TOO HAVE PARALLEL SCHEDULES AND ITINERARY IN THESE FEW DAYS. DO YOU THINK DIRECTOR LU’S ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR IS SYMBOLIC OF AN EARLY TAKEOVER OF HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: NO.
QUESTION: THERE IS SPECULATION AGAIN THAT YOU’RE ASKED BY THE PRIME MINISTER TO GO BACK TO UNITED KINGDOM. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?
GOVERNOR: THERE’S SPECULATION ALMOST EVERYDAY AND EVERYDAY WHEN I’M ASKED ABOUT IT, 1 SAY, GOD WILLING, WHICH IS AN APPROPRIATE WAY TO START THE ANSWER, I SHALL BE HERF UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 30, 1997. THAT IS MY ANSWER TODAY JUST AS IT WAS MV ANSWER YESTERDAY. IT WILL Bt MV ANSWER TOMORROW AND NEXT WEEK AND NEXT MONTH AND NEXT YEAR WHEN THE SAME POINT IS MADE. THE PRIME MINISTER APPOINTED ME AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, KNOWING, AS I DO, THAT IT’S A JOB WHICH LASTS UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE JOB OF BEING GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND EXCITING JOBS IN THE WORLD. IT’*S A JOB WHICH DEMANDS ANYONE’S FULL COMMITMENT AND FULL ENERGY, AND IT’S GOING TO CERTAINLY HAVE MY FULL COMMITMENT AND FULL ENERGY UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 AND UNTIL THEN, WEEK AFTER WEEK, 1 WILL BE COMING OUT AND MEETING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND LISTENING TO THEIR PROBLEMS FIRST HAND BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY MEANS IN GOVERNMENT.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HUNGER STRIKE IN THE LAST 10 DAYS AND THEY STRONGLY OBJECT TO MANDATORY REPATRIATION SCHEME. HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF CHANGING THE SCHEME?
/GOVERNOR: .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNOR: THE SCHEME YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS ONE WHICH IS THE RESULT OF AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT. MOST OF THOSE WHO HAVE RETURNED TO VIETNAM, THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY HAVE DONE SO VOLUNTARILY AND I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHO’VE BEEN EXTREMELY HOSPITABLE AND HAVE PAID A VERY LARGE BILL AND MANY OF THEM INVOLVING THEMSELVES IN VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMPS, DO READ STORIES ABOUT THE GROWING SIGNS OF SUCCESS IN THE VIETNAMESE ECONOMY AND WONDER WHY THERE ARE STILL OVER 20 000 PEOPLE IN THE CAMPS IN HONG KONG. SO I VERY MUCH HOPE WE’LL SEE MORE RETURNING VOLUNTARILY AND I HOPE THAT WE WON’T NEED TO USE THE INTERNATIONALLY AGREED PROGRAMME AS MUCH. THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL WHY PEOPLE SHOULDN’T RETURN UNDER THEIR OWN STEAM BUT IF THEY DON’T, THEN WE’LL HAVE TO HAVE RECOURSE TO THE INTERNATIONALLY AGREED REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHY DIDN’T YOU SEND SOME HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO WELCOME MR LU PING WHEN HE ARRIVED FROM GUANGZHOU?
GOVERNOR: WE WEREN’T ASKED. IF DIRECTOR LU PING HAD WANTED OR HIS ENTOURAGE HAD WANTED AN OFFICIAL WELCOME, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED TO GIVE THEM ONE. IF THEY WANT AN OFFICIAL FAREWELL, WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO GIVE THEM THAT AS WELL. I WOULD GO AND SAY "HELLO" OR "GOOD BYE" SO WOULD MY OFFICIALS. BUT WE WERE TOLD THAT THAT WASN’T REQUIRED. WE DID, HOWEVER, PROVIDE ALL THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS WHICH DIRECTOR LU PING AND HIS ENTOURAGE ASKED FOR AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THEY HAVE A VERY WARM WELCOME IN HONG KONG AND HAVE ALL THE SECURITY AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS THAT THEY NEED. YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT THERE ARE NO PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO ARE MORE CORDIAL AND WARM-HEARTED THAN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THEY WANT TO PUT OUT A HAND OF FRIENDSHIP TO OUR VISITORS FROM THE PRC AND I HOPE THAT IS RECOGNISED.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHY DO YOU THINK DIRECTOR LU PING IS AVOIDING YOU?
GOVERNOR: I THINK YOU’LL HAVE TO ASK THEM. THERE IS A TOUCHING CONCERN AMONG SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF MY PROGRAMME. BUT MY PROGRAMME, AS YOU KNOW, CAN GET BUSIER AND BUSIER AS IT DOES WEEK AFTER WEEK.
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE.... XI YANG AS AN INTERNATIONAL......?
GOVERNOR: I THINK MY MESSAGE IS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. WE WERE VERY DISTRESSED BY WHAT HAPPENED. WE WISH THAT HE HAD BEEN TREATED LENIENTLY. ABOVE ALL NOW, WHAT WE WANT FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS IS CLARITY ABOUT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS UNDER WHICH JOURNALISTS, NOT LEAST JOURNALISTS FROM HONG KONG, ARE TO OPERATE IN CHINA. THAT’S NOT VERY MUCH TO ASK. BUT WE DO ASK IT. I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY ASKS IT VERY INSISTENTLY. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT XI YANG WON’T HAVE TO SPEND AS LONG IN PRISON AS THE COURT SENTENCE SUGGESTED. WE OBVIOUSLY FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT THOSE MATTERS BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A FREE SOCIETY IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE A FREE PRESS, ONE OF THE FREEST IN THE WORLD, IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITY’S LIFE. PEOPLE SHOULD RECOGNISE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY AND THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WE ENJOY. IF YOU TRY TO TAKE AWAY THOSE FREEDOMS, HONG KONG WOULD BE LESS STABLE AND LESS PROSPEROUS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
/4 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
4
TOUGHER ANTI-SMOKING LAW ON WAY
t * t » *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TODAY (TUESDAY) AGREED TO INTRODUCE FURTHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO RESTRICT THE USE, SALE AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
"THESE MEASURES AIM TO FURTHER DISCOURAGE SMOKING, PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUNG, AND TO PROMOTE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE SMOKE-FREE AREAS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MEASURES ARE:
* TO REQUIRE RESTAURANTS TO DISPLAY A SIGN STATING WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE A NO-SMOKING AREA;
* TO EXTEND TO ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT FOR HEALTH WARNINGS AND RESTRICTIONS ON ADVERTISING IN RESPECT OF CIGARETTES;
* TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OR GIVING FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER 18; AND
* TO REQUIRE TOBACCO PRODUCT RETAILERS TO DISPLAY A SIGN INFORMING THE PUBLIC THAT SELLING OR GIVING TOBACCO
PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER 18 IS PROHIBITED.
THESE MEASURES ARE CONTAINED IN THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON MAY 27 AND INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8.
"THERE HAD BEEN WIDE PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEFORE THE MEASURES WERE CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY HAS SHOWN SUPPORT FOR FURTHER ANTI-SMOKING LEGISLATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE MEASURES AND WOULD REVIEW THE SITUATION PERIODICALLY TO SEE IF FURTHER STEPS WERE NEEDED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, THE CENTRAL BODY CO-ORDINATING ALL ANTI-SMOKING ACTIVITIES, WELCOMED THE INTRODUCTION■OF THE BILL.
"THESE NEW MEASURES REPRESENT A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF DISCOURAGING THE PUBLIC FROM SMOKING," HE SAID.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON EFFECTIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO ATTAIN ANTI-SMOKING TARGETS," HE ADDED.
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/5 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
5
EXPERT TALKS ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER
*****
A 15TH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN EXPERTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM MAY 10 TO 13.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE MR ALAN PAUL. THE CHINESE TEAM WILL BE LED BY CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE MR CHEN ZUO’ER. THEY WILL BE ASSISTED BY EXPERTS FROM THE TWO SIDES.
-----0-------
INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT DELEGATION VISITS CHINA
*****
O'.' .
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, TODAY (TUESDAY) SETS OUT ON A FOUR-DAY VISIT TO SHANGHAI AND SUZHOU. SHE IS JOINED BY OTHER OFFICIALS FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
IN SHANGHAI THE DELEGATION WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION, THE MUNICIPAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION AND THE MUNICIPAL COMMISSION OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND TRADE. THEY WILL VISIT PUDONG AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL AND JOINT-VENTURE ENTERPRISES.
IN SUZHOU, THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE HEXI NEW DISTRICT. IT WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SUZHOU.
MISS YUE SAID THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY MATTERED CONSIDERABLY TO THE WHOLE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
"ALREADY HONG KONG HAS BEEN PLAYING A VITAL AND INCREASING ROLE IN CHINA’S ECONOMIC MODERNISATION. MORE CONTACTS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS AND ENTERPRISES WILL HELP FOSTER BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND FACILITATE FURTHER ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL DEVELOPMENT,” SHE SAID.
/6 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
6
PLANS FOR WORK IN RAINY SEASON URGED *****
AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR ALFRED CHAN, TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO REACH PRIOR AGREEMENTS WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTINGENCY MEASURES IN TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS.
"EARLY AGREEMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND DISPUTES BECAUSE IT WOULD BE IMPRACTICABLE TO INTRODUCE STATUTORY REGULATIONS ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO TYPHOON AND RAINSTORM OWING TO THE DIVERSITY IN NATURE AND REQUIREMENTS OF JOBS IN VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES," MR CHAN SAID.
HE SAID CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES WERE REQUIRED TO REPORT FOR DUTY OR TO STOP WORK SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED IN THE AGREEMENTS.
FOR EXAMPLE, IT SHOULD SPECIFY THE TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER OR THE COLOUR CODE OF RAINSTORM WARNING UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE TO STOP WORK OR NOT REQUIRED TO REPORT FOR DUTY, WAYS OF CALCULATING WAGES AND CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH EMPLOYEES SHOULD RETURN TO WORK, HE ADDED.
THE BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING INDICATES THAT THE WEATHER IS INCLEMENT AND ROADS MAY BE SERIOUSLY FLOODED.
IF SUCH WARNING IS ISSUED DURING WORKING HOURS, EMPLOYERS SHOULD LET THEIR EMPLOYEES REMAIN IN A SAFE PLACE UNTIL THE WARNING IS CANCELLED AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAVE IMPROVED.
"FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET REPORTED FOR DUTY, THEY SHOULD FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO STAY AT HOME OR TAKE SHELTER IN A SAFE PLACE UNTIL THE RAINSTORM HAS PASSED.
"PERSONAL SAFETY SHOULD BE THE PRIME CONSIDERATION WHEN DECIDING ON THE APPROPRIATE WORK ARRANGEMENTS," HE SAID.
IF EMPLOYEES HAVE TO WORK DURING TYPHOONS OR RAINSTORMS, SUCH REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED BEFORE THE EMPLOYMENT BEGINS.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE AS WELL AS THEIR JOURNEY TO AND FROM WORK.
"NORMALLY, WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NUMBER 8 IS HOISTED OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE TO BE SUSPENDED SHORTLY, EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE NOT REPORTED FOR DUTY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAY AT HOME.
"FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY AT WORK, THEY SHOULD BE RELEASED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE," MR CHAN SAID.
HAVING REGARD TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS, MR CHAN SAID PRIORITY TO LEAVE THE WORKPLACE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES WHO LIVE IN REMOTE AREAS OR WHERE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE.
THE AGREEMENTS SHOULD ALSO SPELL OUT THE METHOD OF WAGE CALCULATION UNDER THE VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
/MR CHAN
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
MR CHAN APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS NOT TO DEDUCT ATTENDANCE BONUS FROM EMPLOYEES WHO CANNOT REPORT FOR WORK OR ARE LATE FOR WORK BECAUSE OF TYPHOONS OR RAINSTORMS.
’’EMPLOYERS SHOULD ALSO SPECIFY THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EMPLOYEES SHOULD RETURN TO WORK WHEN THE TYPHOON SIGNALS OR RAINSTORM WARNINGS ARE LOWERED DURING WORKING HOURS.
"IN DRAWING UP AGREEMENTS ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS, EMPLOYERS SHOULD CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF THE EMPLOYEES IN ADDITION TO THEIR OWN, AND SHOULD ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH WHEREVER POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
COPIES OF A LEAFLET ON ARRANGEMENT OF WORK IN TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS, PRINTED IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH SEPARATELY, ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S 11 LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, STAFF OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION ARE ALWAYS READY TO OFFER ADVICE," MR CHAN ADDED.
------0--------
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT LIFE IN SIU SAI WAN ESTATE
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED SIU SAI WAN ESTATE TO GET AN INSIGHT INTO LIFE IN A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT THE ESTATE WAS PROVIDING COMMERCIAL, WELFARE, EDUCATIONAL, SPORTS AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO THE 30,000 RESIDENTS LIVING IN 15 RENTAL BLOCKS AND FOUR HOME OWNERSHIP BLOCKS.
MR PATTEN FIRST STOPPED AT THE T.W.G.H. LEE CHI-HUNG PRIMARY SCHOOL WHICH OFFERED A.M. AND P.M. SESSIONS FOR MORE THAN 1,200 PUPILS.
HE WATCHED A RECITATION AND KUNG FU DEMONSTRATION IN THE SCHOOL HALL AND THEN TOURED SOME OF THE CLASSROOMS TO SEE PUPILS’ STUDY ENVIRONMENT.
BEFORE LEAVING THE SCHOOL, HE ALSO MET- PUPILS WHO WERE SPENDING THEIR RECESS TIME AT THE GROUND FLOOR PLAYGROUND.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED A 58-YEAR-OLD TENANT, MRS LAI CHEN YING, WHO WAS LIVING WITH HER HUSBAND AND THREE UNMARRIED CHILDREN IN A 42-SQUARE-METRE FLAT AT SUI YICK HOUSE.
ALSO PRESENT WERE MRS LAI’S ELDEST SON AND HIS FAMILY WHO WERE LIVING IN A 33-SQUARE-METRE FLAT AT SUI KEUNG HOUSE IN THE SAME ESTATE.
/MR PATTEN .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 8 -
MR PATTEN NOTED THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO GREATLY IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS AFTER MOVING FROM THEIR ORIGINAL HUT AT ALRDICH VILLAGE, SHAU KEI WAN, TO THEIR PRESENT UNITS IN 1990.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE ESTATE COMMERCIAL CENTRE WHERE TENANTS WERE SHOPPING AND EATING-OUT AT THE 37 SHOP UNITS. IN ADDITION, THE COMMERCIAL CENTRE ALSO CONTAINED A MARKET WITH 48 STALLS SELLING FOOD AND DAILY NECESSITIES.
HE WAS TOLD THAT OTHER FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE ESTATE INCLUDED A YOUTH CENTRE, AN ELDERLY CENTRE, A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME, SHELTERED HOUSING, A NURSERY AND THREE KINDERGARTENS, A BUS TERMINAL, ABOUT 600 PARKING SPACES, AS WELL AS BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEY BALL COURTS AND A MINI SOCCER FIELD.
--------0-----------
CONTAINER THROUGHPUT GETS OFF TO A FLYING START ♦ » ♦ * ♦
CONTAINER THROUGHPUT IN HONG KONG GOT OFF TO A GOOD START THIS YEAR WHEN THE TERRITORY HANDLED 40 PER CENT MORE CONTAINERS IN JANUARY OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR LAN DALE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE CONTAINER THROUGHPUT STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1994, MR DALE SAID THE TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT DURING THE FIRST MONTH WAS 857,372 TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS), REPRESENTING A 42.1 PER CENT INCREASE AGAINST 603,350 TEUS IN JANUARY 1993.
MR DALE SAID THE ONE MONTH COMPARISON BASE WAS NOT A REALISTIC FORECAST FOR THE ANNUAL GROWTH, BUT NEVERTHELESS WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.
"THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS IN JANUARY 1993 MEANS THAT THERE WERE FEWER WORKING DAYS IN THE MONTH," HE SAID.
"ASIDE FROM THIS SEASONAL FACTOR, THE COMMISSIONING OF THE TWO BERTHS AT CONTAINER TERMINAL NUMBER 8 AND THE LARGE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN THE RIVER TRADE SECTOR ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES," HE ADDED.
THE MONTH-TO-MONTH COMPARISON OF THE CONTAINER THROUGHPUT AT KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS INCREASED BY 45.8 PER CENT. FROM 385,644 TEUS IN JANUARY 1993 TO 562,126 TEUS IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE HEAVY’ DEMAND IN THE RIVER TRADE SECTOR BOOSTED THE FIGURES TO 67,585 TEUS AND ACHIEVED A HUGE 99.6 PER CENT INCREASE.
"NEVERTHELESS, THIS EXPLAINS ONLY PART OF THE PICTURE. THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IS A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN DEMAND AND THE PORT’S CURRENT ABILITY TO SERVICE THAT DEMAND." MR DALE SAID.
IN TERMS OF CONTAINER THROUGHPUT, HONG KONG IS THE BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD. IT HANDLED 9.3 MILLION TEUS IN 1993. IN 1994 WELL IN EXCESS OF 10 MILLION TEUS ARE EXPECTED.
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 9 -
HONG KONG IS ALSO ONE OE THE BUSIEST PORTS IN TERMS OF VESSEL ARRIVALS AND CARGO AND PASSENGER THROUGHPUT.
THE COMPARATIVE CONTAINER STATISTICS IN TEUS IN JANUARY ARE:
JANUARY 1993 JANUARY 1994 INCREASE PERCENTAGE
KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINALS 385,644 562,126 45.8
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE 183,928 227,719 23.8
RIVER TRADE 33,856 67,585 99.6
TOTAL 603,350 857,372 42.1
TO AVOID DOUBLE COUNTING FIGURES ARE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS BY 78 TEUS IN 1993 AND 58 TEUS IN 1994 RESPECTIVELY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION ON TEL 852 4423 AND 852 4425 DURING OFFICE HOURS OR 9493 8262 OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS.
/10........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 10 -
Comparative Container Statistics for January 1 994
KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS First 1 -month 1993 t First 1 -month 1994 Change 2a
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 209 578 283 813 35.4
Dlschcrgad Full (T.E.U.) 117 560 193 603 64*7
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 11 254 19 711 75.1
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 47 252 64 999 37.6
Throughout
a) T.E.U. 385 644 562 126 45.8
b) Actuai 244 275 358 342 46.7
c) Ratio 1.58 1.57
% of T.E.U. throughput being empty 15.17% 15.07%
% of T.E.U. throughput being transhipment 17.09% 18.66%
Container Tonnage (Tonnes)
a) Loaded 1 315 088 1 836 520 39.6
b) Discharged 1 106 047 1 818 854 64.4
c) Total 2 421 135 3 655 374 51.0
Average Weight per full T.E.U. (Tonnes)
a) T.E.U. Loaded 6.27 6.47
b)' T.E.U. Discharged 9.41 „9.39
c) T.E.U. Total 7.40 7.66
STREAM AND ELSEWHERE
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) 73 484 90 814 23.6
Discharged Full (T.E.U.) 88 742 107 545 21.2
Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) 11 341 16 162 42.5
Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) 10361 13 198 27.4
Throughput (T.E.U.) 183 928 227 719 23.8
RIVER TRADE (Other than those handled at Kwai Chung Terminals )
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) Discharged Full (T.E.U.) Loaded Empty (T.E.U.) Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) Throughput (T.E.U.)
11 198 24 567 119.4
11 626 22415 92.8
4 443 10 254 130.8
5 589 10 349 57.1
33 356 67 585 99.6
# THROUGHPUT (Kwai Chung Terminals 4- Stream & Elsewhere 4- River Trade)
Loaded Full (T.E.U.) Discharged Full (T.E.U.) Leaded Empty (T.E.U.) Discharged Empty (T.E.U.) Throughput (T.E.U.)
294 260 . 399 194 35.7
217910 323 505 48.5
27 033 46 127 70.8
64 142 63 546 33.0
603 350 857 372 '42.1
< Figures include a total of 78 T.E.U. in 1993 and 58 T.E.U. In 1994 respectively handled by terminal vessels contracted to work in the stream.
# To avoid double counting figures are adjusted downwards by 78 T.E.U. In 1993 and 58 T.E.U. in 1994 respectively handled by terminal vessels contracted to work in the stream.
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/Il .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
11
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 129
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, PRESENTED INSIGNIA AND COMMENDATIONS TO 129 PEOPLE AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
OE THEM, 93 WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN EOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, ONE WAS GIVEN THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARD AND 35 GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF RECIPIENTS:
CBE
MR ALISTAIR PETER ASPREY
DR GEORGE CHOA WING-SIEN
MR SIMON MURRAY
OBE
MR FRANCIS WILLIAM BLACKWELL
THE HONOURABLE VINCENT CHENG HOI-CHUEN
MR FUNG TUNG
MR JERRY LAM CHEK-YUEN
MRS ALICE LAM LEE KIU-YUE
MR NORMAN LEUNG NA I-PANG
MR PHILIP WONG KIN-HANG
MBE
MR CHAN CHAE-CHOW
MR LUCAS WALTER CHAN KWOK-HEI
MR CHAN YEUNG-KWONG
MS VERONICA CHAN YIU-KAM
MR CHOI HON-MING
MR CHOW KWEN-LIM
MR ALBERT HO CHUN-KEUNG
/MR HO YUNG-SANG ...
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
12 -
MR HO YUNG-SANG MR FRANCIS STEWART KAVANAGH MR LAU CHIN-TONG MR LAU HO-TO MS LEUNG WAI-TUNG DR ALBERT LI SZE-BAY MR LOO KWONG-YUN MR MOK YUE-TONG MR PETER FRANK MOSS MR NG JIM-HONG DR PANG HAU-CHUNG MR MICHAEL SHUM SHIU-WAI DR JEFFREY TSANG YICK-SANG MR SAN YEUNG KIN-HUEN MR YUEN KING-TONG
MBE (MIL)
MAJOR BRIAN PETER CLESHAM MR CHAN KWOK-CHUNG
QPM
MR ANTHONY JOSEPH MULLINS MR JAMES SOUTER MAIN MR TSANG YAM-PUI
ISM
MR CHUNG PING-FAI MR KEUNG MAN MR KWONG KAM-CHING
/MR LEE CHIN-CHAI
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 13 -
MR LEE CHIN-CHAI
MR TSUI CHUNG-WAH
MR WAN TAI-HOI
CPM
MR PAUL ANDREW BARKLEY
MR ALBERT POON CHO-KEE
MR HAROLD MURDOCH BLUD
MRS ANNIE DEPTFORD CHU YING-NEE
MR GLYN EDWARD JONES
MR JAMES ARTHUR ELMS
MR NG MAN-KIM
MR PETER CHARLES BURBIDGE-KI NG
MR PATRICK LAI PAK-HAY
MR LO CHU-HUNG
MR MICHAEL PETER DUNN
MR BRIAN FRANCIS
MR ALEXANDER LO WAH-CHUN
MR PETER NG CHUN-PONG
MR LO WING-HING
MR LAU KAI-MO
MR CHAN KWAN-SUEN
MR WONG CHAU-HO
MR LOK TAK-CHI
MR LAU KIN-SHING
FIRE
MR MAK KWAl-PUI
MR SUNG SAU-MAN
/MR KWOK HON-CHUNG
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 14 -
MR KWOK HON-CHUNG
MR PETER WONG KAI-CHI
MR CHAN KUI-LUEN
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE IN THE AIR
FLIGHT SERGEANT MICHAEL WILLIAM PEDRICK
FLIGHT SERGEANT RICHARD PAUL COOKE
SERGEANT GRANT ROBERTSON
CAPTAIN MICHAEL ELLIS
MR CHOI CHIU-MING
MR TSOI TAK-MAN
MR NG WAI-CHEONG
MR CHANG YAO-TENG
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR CHAN KWOK-LEUNG
MR DOMINIC CHAN WING-KAM
MR CHANG BUTE
MR WILLIAM CHAU CHUN-WING
MR CHENG SHU-MING
MR WILSON CHEUNG CHUN-BONG
MS CHEUNG YEE-HING
MADAM HO WAN-WAH
MR KO CHUN-WA
MR BILLY LAM CHEK-YAU
MR LEE CHEUK-FAN
MR LEUNG WO-PING
MR ALFRED NG HUNG
MR TAI HAY-LAI’
/MR TING YIN-WAH
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
15
MR TING YIN-WAH
MR TONY WAN TUNG-LAM
MR WONG KWONG-CHI
ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARD
MR PAU CHI-HO
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION
MR CHU CHUNG-MING
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION EOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
MR CHAN CHl-KAU
MR CHAN HOK-MAN
MR CHAN HON-CHUNG
MR CHAN TO-CHAI
MR CHAN YUEN-WAH
MADAM CHAN LO YIN-BING
MR CHEUNG KWUN-YAN
MR CHEUNG SING-KUEN
MR CHOI LUK-SING
MADAM CHOW TAM YUK-NGOR
MADAM HA THUC-VAN
MR KO BING-CHEUNG
MR KO KAM-CHEUNG
MADAM KWAN WAN-YING
MR LAM KAI-HING
MADAM LAM NGAR-S1
MR LI KWOK-WAH
MR LI YIU-BAN
/MR LOUR TSANG-TSAY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 16 -
MR LOUR TSANG-TSAY SISTER MAUREEN MCGINLEY
MR MIU WAH-CHANG
MR POON KWOK-WA
MADAM SO CHI-HAN
MR SOO CHEW-BONG
MR TAM PING-FAI
MR TO YAU-ON
MR TONG KANG-CHUNG
MADAM TSUI YUK-HING
MR WONG CHAI-LOK
MR WONG HING-WAH
MADAM WONG MO-TAI
MR YIP SHU-KAI
MR YIU CHEUK-HUNG
MR YIU SUET-FAT --------------------------------0-------
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) 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:
FW810 FW738 FV330 FW1 25 FW2220
FV3330 FW1008 AA7033 AT348 FV9989
♦FW343 ♦FV3883 ♦ FC6 ♦ BC58 ♦DL4444
FV8918 AW371 FV220 FV3118 AW1863
AB9093 FW14 7 FW80 1 AW823 FV9166
FU8600 FV318 DR668 FW3200 CT501
CT6 1 7 CX468 AA3299 FW1965 FW7160
♦ FK99 ♦ DK60 ♦ 497 ♦AX696 ♦BH6767
FW1012 FW1999 FW1 90 FW9896 FW1891
FW4493 FW2088 FW805 FW729 FW1165
/TN THE ........
y*
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 17 -
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER 50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
FW718 CC801 FW199 FV688 FW8777
FW325 AW377 BK468 FU’330 FW3688
♦BC868 ♦ HK131 ♦ AL7 ♦ BC48 *FW333
FW1967 FV1997 FW380 AW722 XX9329
FW556 FW3323 FW228 FW886 CP1638
BB517 DY2888 AA71 1 FW2328 FW682
FV8682 FV810 FV6888 FV9998 AA3781
♦ DK25 ♦ ER11 ♦ 2662 ♦ FX30 *FY9000
FW3400 AA306 FV1118 FW825 FW2198
FW960 FW112 FW312 FV968 FW1289
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A CAR 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 224TH AND 225TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
--------0-----------
FISHERMEN URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO FISHERMEN IN SAI KUNG TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT A TIN HAU FESTIVAL CEREMONY AT LEUNG SHUEN WAN, MR NG SAID IT WAS NOW A CRUCIAL TIME FOR THEM TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS TO REGISTER IF THEY WANTED TO ELECT A RESPONSIBLE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER IN THEIR CONSTITUENCY IN SEPTEMBER.
WITH THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE TO 18, HE HOPED THAT MORE YOUNGSTERS WOULD TAKE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
MR NG ALSO REMINDED THOSE WHO HAD REGISTERED TO REPORT THEIR CHANGE OF HOME ADDRESS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ARRANGE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN MAY, INCLUDING DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS, VARIETY SHOWS AS WELL AS A BUS PARADE TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE.
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/18 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
18
ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE TO HOLD OPEN DAYS » » » * »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE OFFERED VARIOUS INTERESTING PROGRAMMES DURING THE OPEN DAYS OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH FROM MAY 26 TO 28.
THE EVENT IS AIMED TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF LOCAL HERITAGE AND INTRODUCE THEM TO THE WORK OF AMO WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S HERITAGE SINCE 1976.
THE OFFICE IS NOW HOUSED IN THE BUILDING OF THE FORMER KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AMO SAID THE BUILDING WAS A TYPICAL VICTORIAN STRUCTURE AND WAS THE OLDEST SURVIVING SCHOOL BUILDING IN THE TERRITORY.
THE THREE-DAY PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE LECTURES ON HISTORICAL STRUCTURES, ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION; DEMONSTRATION OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ARTEFACT CONSERVATION; VIDEO SHOWS ON RESTORATION PROJECTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS; AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKSHOPS.
GUIDED TOURS TO THE BUILDING WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED.
ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
IN ADDITION, AN EXHIBITION ON THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL GO ON AT AMO FROM MAY 7 TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE OPENING HOURS FOR THE OPEN DAYS ARE :
MAY 26 (THURSDAY) 9.30 2.30 AM - PM - 12.30 5 PM PM
MAY 27 (FRIDAY) 9.30 2.30 AM - PM - 12.30 5.30 PM PM
MAY 28 (SATURDAY) 9 AM - NOON
THE AMO IS LOCATED AT 136 NATHAN 1 ROAD, KOWLOON. FURTHER
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 721 2326.
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/19 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994
- 19 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS * * * * »
TENDER DATE 3 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q418
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 4,900 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 3.84 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 3.85 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 31 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 3.87 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 9 MAY 1994 -
TENDER DATE 10 MAY 94 10 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q419 H464
ISSUE DATE 11 MAY 94 11 MAY 94
MATURITY DATE 10 AUG 94 9 NOV 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,500+300 MN HKD 800+160 MN
{ .
---------0-----------
/20........
TUESDAY, MAY 3. 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * ♦ » CUMULATIVE CHANGE {$ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,763 0930 + 615
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,723 1000 + 865
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 935
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 936 1200 + 936
LAF TODAY -976 1500 + 936
1600 + 936
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.4 *+0.0* 3.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EE BILLS EE NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.80 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.95 5.62
1 MONTH 3.28 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.60 5.91
3 MONTHS 3.81 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.21 6.41
6 MONTHS 4.33 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.51 6.52
12 MONTHS 4.95 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.07 6.60
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 19,047 MN
CLOSED 3 MAY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
HK PEOPLE PREFER TO SEE LU PING AND GOVERNOR MEET.......... 3
HK STANDS RESOLUTE AGAINST CORRUPTION...................... 4
BEC’S BOUNDARY REVIEW IS FAIR.............................. 5
FINANCE SCHEME BENEFITS MORE STUDENTS...................... 7
FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION IS NOT WITHOUT RISKS.............. 9
GOVERNOR TOURS WAN CHAI DISTRICT.......................... 10
NEW STAMPS PAY TRIBUTE TO POLICE.......................... 10
TWO LOTS TO LET BY TENDER................................. 11
CLOSURE OF CHEUNG SHA WAN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 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 VISITING WAN CHAI DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE TO MR LU’S COMMENT YESTERDAY THAT POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE IS NOT RIGHT FOR ACTUALLY MEETING HIM?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T HONESTLY THINK THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO SEE, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, DIRECTOR LU AND ME ON TELEVISION EXCHANGING VIEWS ABOUT THE STATE OF THE WORLD. ALL I’D LIKE TO SAY IS THAT I THINK MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE US TO MEET AND I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG INCLUDING QUITE A FEW MEMBERS, I UNDERSTAND, OF THE PWC THINK THAT IF THE ATMOSPHERE ISN’T RIGHT AT THE MOMENT, THE BEST WAY OF IMPROVING THE ATMOSPHERE IS FOR US TO TALK TOGETHER.
QUESTION: BUT, DO YOU AGREE WITH MR LU WHO SAID THAT YOU WERE NOT SO FRIENDLY TO PWC MEMBERS?
GOVERNOR: I AM FRIENDLY TO THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK AN ACTIVE ROLE TO CONTACT PWC MEMBERS OR TO MEET THEM... ?
GOVERNOR: NO, WE HAVE AGREED, BETWEEN THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER AND THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER, CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATIONS WHICH WE’VE GOT TO SEE WORK. WE’VE GOT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. WE’VE GOT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. WE’VE GOT THE LAND COMMISSION. I. WAS PLEASED WITH THE AGREEMENTS MADE IN THE LAND COMMISSION THE OTHER DAY. I LISTENED TO WHAT DIRECTOR LU HAD TO SAY YESTERDAY ABOUT THE AIRPORT FINANCING AND IF THAT SUGGESTS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THAT MATTER SOON, THEN, EVERYBODY WILL THROW THEIR HATS IN THE AIR. YOU KNOW, IT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE NICE IF WE’VE GOT MORE GOOD NEWS BY THE END OF THE WEEK.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WILL YOU SEND YOUR BEST REGARD AND WISHES TO MR LU’S SICKNESS AND USING THAT AS A CHANCE TO OPEN A DIALOGUE?
GOVERNOR: I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT HE IS NOT WELL. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT HE GETS BETTER SOON AND IS ABLE TO ENJOY THE FOOD AND THE COMFORTS OF BEING IN HONG KONG WHICH IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE WORLD. I AM SORRY IF SOMETHING HE ATE DISAGREED WITH HIM BUT I WISH HIM A VERY FULL RECOVERY.
QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHY YOU MET COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THIS MORNING?
GOVERNOR: I QUITE REGULARLY MEET THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
QUESTION: ABOUT HIS EARLY RETIREMENT?
GOVERNOR: THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE COMMISSIONER’S EARLY RETIREMENT.
QUESTION: HAVE YOU CONSIDERED TO EXTEND HIS WORKING PERIOD FOR ONE OR TWO YEARS?
/GOVERNOR: .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
2
GOVERNOR: WHEN WE’VE GOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE ABOUT THE COMMISSIONER AND THE SENIOR OFFICERS IN THE FORCE, WE WILL MAKE IT.
QUESTION: CAN YOU COMMENT ON, IS THERE ANY CONTROVERSY LEFT IN THE JLG DEFENCE LAND AGREEMENT?
GOVERNOR: THERE ARE ONE OR TWO DIFFICULT AND TOUGH ISSUES THAT WE HAVEN’T QUITE MANAGED TO RESOLVE YET. BUT I THINK WITH GOOD WILL ON BOTH SIDES, WITH SINCERITY ON BOTH SIDES, WE’LL BE ABLE TO CLEAR UP THOSE MATTERS PRETTY SWIFTLY. IT DOES SEEM TO ME THAT ACROSS THE BOARD, THERE ARE QUITE A LOT OF ISSUES THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SETTLE SOON. THE DEFENCE LANDS QUESTION IS GOING TO BE ONE WHICH IS GOING TO BE QUITE VIGOROUSLY DEBATED IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE ISSUES WHICH PEOPLE ARE GOING TO REGARD AS CONTROVERSIAL BUT I THINK THAT THE DEAL WHICH I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO COMMEND... I HOPE THAT THE DEAL WE’LL BE ABLE TO COMMEND TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO LEGCO WILL BE RECOGNISED BY EVERYBODY AS BEING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: IS THAT IT’LL BE DONE OR AGREED BY TWO SIDES, SIGNING AN AGREEMENT IN PEKING, OR IN WHAT FORM? WILL THERE BE A DIPLOMATIC NOTE OR EXCHANGE?
GOVERNOR: IT WILL BE DONE UNDER THE NORMAL AEGIS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP BUT I THINK WE’D BETTER WAIT UNTIL THERE IS AN AGREEMENT BEFORE CALLING OVER ITS EXACT LEGAL DETAILS. BUT, IT’S AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. IT’S ONE WHICH AFFECTS OUR ABILITY TO REDEVELOP SITES IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE TO TAKE A VIEW ON THE BALANCE OF ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE IN WHATEVER OVERALL PACKAGE OF MEASURE IS AGREED BETWEEN THE SIDES BUT I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THAT SOON.
QUESTION: YESTERDAY, MR LU SAID THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL BE REOPENED VERY SOON. BUT WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BRITISH SIDE AND THE CHINESE SIDE?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT REALLY SURE BECAUSE 1 THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE LATEST PROPOSALS THAT WE PUT FORWARD MET, IN OUR JUDGEMENT, ALL THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH THE CHINESE SIDE HAD PUT FORWARD LAST YEAR. SO, I HOPE THAT WILL ENABLE US TO REACH AN EARLY CONCLUSION BECAUSE, I THINK, PEOPLE ARE A BIT FED UP WITH THE FACT THAT WE HAVEN’T HAD AN AGREEMENT YET. MIND YOU, THEY CAN SEE THE AIRPORT BEING BUILT. THEY CAN SEE 40 PERCENT OF THE WORLD’S DREDGING FLEET HELPING TO PRODUCE WHAT IS GOING TO BE THE WORLD’S GREATEST AIRPORT. BUT, THEY WOULD OBVIOUSLY LIKE TO SEE US MOVING EVEN FASTER. THERE ARE TWO SORTS OF SPEED SEEMS TO ME. THERE IS THE SPECTACULAR SPEED WE’VE MANAGED WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT. AND THERE IS THE EVEN MORE SPECTACULAR SPEED THAT WE MANAGE WITH AN AGREEMENT. WE’D OBVIOUSLY LIKE TO SEE THINGS GOING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU MENTIONED THAT PWC MEMBERS HAVE SAID THAT THEY WANT YOU AND MR LU BOTH TO MEET? HAVE ANY OF THEM EXPRESSED CONCERN TO YOU ABOUT THE FAILURE OF MR LU’S MEETING?
GOVERNOR: NO, BUT I HAVE NOTICED, I ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT I SEE IN THE NEWSPAPERS. I’VE NOTICED THAT ONE OR TWO, I THINK, AT LEAST TWO OR MAY BE MORE HAVE BEEN QUOTED IN THE PRESS AS SAYING, THEY THINK, THAT WE SHOULD MEET, AND SAYING THAT THEY THINK THAT WILL BE THE BEST WAY OF ADDRESSING THE CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, NOT LEAST ABOUT THE SORT OF LIVELIHOOD ISSUES THAT I’VE BEEN DISCUSSING WITH PEOPLE IN WAN CHAI TODAY. ONE MORE.
/QUESTION: ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: THE AMERICAN, MICHAEL FAY, HIS SENTENCE HAS BEEN REDUCED BY TWO STROKES DUE TO AMERICAN’S INTERVENTION. ARE YOU GOING TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE HONG KONG BOY THAT’S FACING 12 STROKES?
GOVERNOR: AS I UNDERSTAND IT, HIS FAMILY ARE, AT PRESENT, PURSUING THE QUESTION OF APPEAL THROUGH THE NORMAL LEGAL PROCESSES. THEY HAVEN’T BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. THOUGH I THINK IN THE EARLIER STAGE, THEY WERE IN TOUCH WITH, UNDERSTANDABLY, WITH THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE BUT I THINK IT’S SENSIBLE FOR US TO ALLOW THE LEGAL PROCESSES TO GO FORWARD. I CERTAINLY WOULDN’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING WITHOUT THE FAMILY BEING INVOLVED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
--------0----------
HK PEOPLE PREFER TO SEE LU PING AND GOVERNOR MEET *****
MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE DIRECTOR LU PING AND THE GOVERNOR TO MEET AND MANY THINK THAT IF THE ATMOSPHERE IS NOT RIGHT AT THE MOMENT, THE BEST WAY OF IMPROVING THE ATMOSPHERE IS FOR THEM TO TALK TOGETHER.
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS WHEN HE RESPONDED TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE MEDIA AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ON REPORTS ABOUT THE RE-OPENING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, MR PATTEN SAID: "I LISTENED TO WHAT DIRECTOR LU HAD TO SAY YESTERDAY ABOUT THE AIRPORT FINANCING AND IF THAT SUGGESTS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RESOLVE THAT MATTER SOON, THEN EVERYBODY WILL THROW THEIR HATS IN THE AIR.
"IT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE NICE IF WE’VE GOT MORE GOOD NEWS BY THE END OF THE WEEK.
"I THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT THE LATEST PROPOSALS THAT WE PUT FORWARD MET, IN OUR JUDGMENT, ALL THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH THE CHINESE SIDE HAD PUT FORWARD LAST YEAR.
"SO, I HOPE THAT WILL ENABLE US TO REACH AN EARLY CONCLUSION BECAUSE, I THINK, PEOPLE ARE A BIT FED UP WITH THE FACT THAT WE HAVEN’T HAD AN AGREEMENT YET."
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT REPORTS THAT DIRECTOR LU PING HAD BEEN FEELING UNWELL, MR PATTEN SAID: "I AM SORRY TO HEAR THAT HE IS NOT WELL.
"I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT HE GETS BETTER SOON AND IS ABLE TO ENJOY THE FOOD AND THE COMFORTS OF BEING IN HONG KONG WHICH IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE WORLD."
HE WISHED DIRECTOR LU PING A VERY FULL RECOVERY.
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4. 1991
4
HK STANDS RESOLUTE AGAINST CORRUPTION
* » * * »
HONG KONG INTENDS TO DEFEND ITS REPUTATION, TO STAND FIRM FOR GOOD BUSINESS ETHICS AND TO STAND RESOLUTE AGAINST CORRUPTION
THE MESSAGE WAS HIGHLIGHTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE FIRST CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG DEVOTED SOLELY TO BUSINESS ETHICS.
MR PATTEN SAID HONG KONG WAS A GOOD PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN, CRUCIALLY BECAUSE IT IS BY AND LARGE CORRUPTION-FREE, WITH A SOLID RULE OF LAW BACKED UP BY CLEAN, HONEST GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, TODAY HONG KONG IS THREATENED AGAIN BY A RISING TIDE OF CORRUPTION.
"THE ALARM BELLS, TINKLING FOR SOME TIME HAVE STARTED TO RING LOUD AND CLEAR IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS," HE SAID.
PRIVATE SECTOR ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION ROSE BY 54 PER CENT BETWEEN 1992 AND 1993; THERE WAS A 26 PER CENT RISE IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST.
"WE HAVE TO WAKE UP TO THE THREAT A RESURGENCE OF CORRUPTION WOULD POSE TO THE LONG-TERM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) HAS THE CENTRAL ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING BUSINESS DEVELOP THE HIGHEST CODES OF ETHICAL PRACTICE, HE SAID.
MR PATTEN REPEATED THAT "THERE NEVER HAS BEEN - NOR WILL THERE BE - ANY POLITICISATION OF THE ICAC’S WORK.
"IT HAS ONE JOB, AND ONE JOB ALONE - AND THAT IS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION, STRICTLY WITHIN THE LAW," HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO THE GROWING ALARM AT CORRUPTION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MR PATTEN SAID A $12 MILLION INCREASE IN FUNDS FOR THE ICAC WAS ANNOUNCED LAST OCTOBER.
ALSO ANNOUNCED WAS A MAJOR NEW CAMPAIGN BY THE ICAC TO PROMOTE CODES OF CONDUCT TO MINIMISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MALPRACTICE AMONG THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE ICAC INTENDS TO CONTACT ALL 480 LISTED COMPANIES BY THE END OF OCTOBER TO PERSUADE THEM TO ADOPT A CODE OF CONDUCT. SO FAR AMONG THE 182 CONTACTED, ONLY 20 HAVE DRAWN UP A CODE.
MR PATTEN URGED THOSE WHO HADN’T TO ACT QUICKLY TO SET UP CODE OF CONDUCT.
HE ADDED THAT A SELF-CONFIDENT LEGISLATURE AND A FREE PRESS THAT ARE FEARLESS AND INDEPENDENT WERE POWERFUL GUARDIANS OF INTEGRITY IN PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL LIFE.
"ONE OF THE BEST TESTS OF THE PROPRIETY OF BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR IS, AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHETHER IT WOULD WITHSTAND DETAILED PUBLIC SCRUTINY," HE SAID.
------0--------
/5 .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
5
BEC’S BOUNDARY REVIEW IS FAIR * ♦ ♦ * *
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION HAS STRUCK A EAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE POPULATION CRITERION AND THE CONSIDERATIONS OE COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND PRESERVATION OE LOCAL TIES IN ITS REVIEW OF CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE MUN I (’I PAL COUNCIL (MCI ELECTIONS IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSION’S CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, WHEN OUTLINING ITS LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DELINEATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE ELECTIONS.
THE THREE-VOLUME REPORT CONTAINING THE RECOMMENDATIONS WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR LAST THURSDAY AND TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), FOLLOWING A MONTH-LONG CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON THE PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS RELEASED IN MARCH.
THE NUMBER OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL (UC) IS 32 AND THAT FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (RC) IS 27.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID THERE WERE ALTOGETHER THREE RECOMMENDED MUNICIPAL CONSTITUENCIES, EACH OF WHICH HAD A POPULATION BEYOND THE 25 PER CENT RANGE OF THE POPULATION QUOTA.
THEY ARE:
* "CENTRAL” IN UC AREA WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 133,527, BEING 33.66 PER CENT OVER THE UC POPULATION QUOTA;
* "MONG KOK" IN UC AREA WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 136,035, BEING 36.17 PER CENT ABOVE THE QUOTA;
* "ISLANDS" IN RC AREA WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 63,378, BEING 38.80 PER CENT BELOW THE RC POPULATION QUOTA.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID THE POPULATION DEVIATION, MAINLY AFFECTING THE YAU TSIM MONG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND ISLANDS DISTRICTS, WAS TOLERABLE AND DESIRABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
"THE COMMISSION IS OF THE VIEW THAT IT IS DESIRABLE TO GO BEYOND THE RANGE IN THESE CASES FOR PAYING DUE REGARD TO THE CONSIDERATIONS OF COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND PRESERVATION OF LOCAL TIES BY KEEPING MC CONSTITUENCIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF EACH INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT," HE SAID.
THE POPULATION QUOTA FOR AN UC CONSTITUENCY AREA IS 99,899 AND THAT FOR AN RC CONSTITUENCY AREA IS 103,564.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO THE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS THAT HAD GIVEN VIEWS TO HELP THE COMMISSION’S DELIBERATIONS.
DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION BETWEEN MARCH 4 AND APRIL 2, THE COMMISSION RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 57 WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS AND HELD NINE MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TO RECEIVE THEIR REPRESENTATIONS. OF ALL THE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS, 33 WERE ON TSUEN WAN.
/"A CONSIDERABLE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
6
”A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF THE REPRESENTATIONS EXPRESSED ACCEPTANCE OR APPROVAL OF OUR RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH ENABLED THE COMMISSION TO HAVE AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE SUBJECT MATTERS TO ARRIVE AT A BALANCED DECISION,” MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
APART FROM SOME GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE APPROPRIATENESS OR OTHERWISE OF NOT HAVING MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES DEMARCATED ACROSS DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, SPECIFIC PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUENCIES PROVISIONALLY DEMARCATED WERE MADE IN SEVEN DISTRICTS - YAU TSIM MONG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, KWAI TSING, TSUEN WAN, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY, AND TUEN MUN.
THERE WERE TWO MAIN OPPOSING ARGUMENTS PRESENTED:
* EMPHASIS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE POPULATION CRITERION, AND IT WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY OR EVEN RELEVANT TO RESPECT DISTRICT BOUNDARIES IN THE DEMARCATION OF MC CONSTITUENCIES.
t DISTRICTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN INTACT TO PRESERVE DISTRICT INTEGRITY AND COMMUNITY IDENTITIES IN THE DEMARCATION OF MC CONSTITUENCIES.
"WHAT THE COMMISSION HAS DONE IS TO STRIKE A FAIR BALANCE BETWEEN THE TWO CONFLICTING CRITERIA OF ADHERING CLOSELY TO THE POPULATION QUOTA TO ACHIEVE SUBSTANTIAL EQUAL SUFFRAGE AND OF RESPECTING COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND LOCAL TIES,” MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID HAVING CONSIDERED ALL THE REPRESENTATIONS VERY CAREFULLY, THE COMMISSION FELT THAT ITS PRELIMINARY DECISION NOT TO STRADDLE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES SHOULD BE CONFIRMED.
”THE COMMISSION DOES NOT ACCEPT THE REPRESENTATIONS THAT COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND PRESERVATION OF LOCAL TIES SHOULD PLAY NO PART IN THE DEMARCATION OF MC CONSTITUENCIES,” HE SAID.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION MAINTAINED ITS VIEW THAT COMMUNITY SENSITIVITY ON THIS LARGER REGIONAL SCALE SHOULD GENERALLY BE BASED ON DISTRICTS.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE COMMISSION’S MEMBERS, PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEIR SUB-OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES.
/7........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
7
FINANCE SCHEME BENEFITS MORE STUDENTS *****
THE LOCAL STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO STUDENTS STUDYING FULL-TIME, PRE-SERVICE, TWO OR THREE-YEAR COURSES IN THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, FROM THE 1994/95 ACADEMIC YEAR.
AT PRESENT, THE MEANS-TESTED SCHEME PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF A COMBINATION OF GRANTS AND LOANS TO NEEDY STUDENTS ATTENDING FULL-TIME COURSES AT 10 INSTITUTIONS.
THEY ARE THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE LINGNAN COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (CHAI WAN), THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (TSING YI) AND THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL (FOR STUDENTS STUDYING THE COURSE LEADING TO DIPLOMA IN DENTAL TECHNOLOGY ONLY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGENCY SAID APPLICANTS MUST EITHER HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG OR HAVE RESIDED, OR HAVE HAD THEIR HOME IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE COURSES BEGIN.
CURRENT STUDENTS MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE 1NST1TUT1ONS.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WHO SATISFY THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF, AND HAVE APPLIED FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG MAY OBTAIN FORMS FROM THE INSTITUTION ON PRODUCTION OF THE RESULT SLIPS OF THEIR ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION.
THEY SHOULD, HOWEVER, SUBMIT THEIR \PPLI CAT IONS ONLY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSION.
NEW STUDENTS ADMITTED BY THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE HONG KONG POLYTE< UN I (’, LINGNAN COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (CHAI WAN) AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (TSING YI), THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION MA^ OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION.
STUDENTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE AGENCY VTA THEIR RESPECTIVE INSTITUTIONS EXCEPT FOR THOSE CURRENT STUDENTS WHOSE SIBLINGS ARE ALSO CURRENT STUDENTS AND WHO ARE APPLYING UNDER THE SCHEME.
FOR THIS CATEGORY OF CURRENT STUDENTS, THEIR APPLICATIONS, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THEIR SIBLINGS. SHOULD BE FORWARDED EITHER BY MAIL- OR IN PERSON DIRECT TO THE AGENCY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR STUDENT TRAVEL SUBSIDY SHOULD DO SO BY COMPLETING THE APPROPRIATE SECTION IN THE SAME APPLICATION FORM.
/COMPLETED APPLICATIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 8
COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT’S INSTITUTION BEFORE THE DEADLINE AS SET OUT BELOW:
CURRENT STUDENTS
MAY 9
(EXCEPT FOR COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS; THE DEADLINES FOR FORM SUBMISSION WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THEIR INSTITUTIONS IN DUE
COURSE)
NEW STUDENTS
HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE/ HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC/ LINGNAN COLLEGE
PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL
CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
SEPTEMBER 17
OCTOBER 3
OCTOBER 7
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (CHAI WAN)/
HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (TSING YT )
GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION/ NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION/ SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION/
HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE
OCTOBER 18
THE SECOND FRIDAY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIRST SCHOOL TERM (1994/95)
21 DAYS FROM DATE OF OFFER OF ADMISSION
2 WEEKS AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIRST SCHOOL TERM (1994/95)
DEADLINE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE VIA THE RESPECTIVE INSTITUTION
’’FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR APPLICANTS IS ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR FAMILY INCOME LESS PERMITTED DEDUCTIONS TO ARRIVE AT THEIR ANNUAL DISPOSABLE INCOME WHICH WILL DETERMINE .THEIR GRANT/LOAN ENTITLEMENTS.
"APPLICANTS WHO POSSESS FAMILY ASSETS IN EXCESS OF' A SET LIMIT WILL HAVE THEIR ASSISTANCE REDUCED,” HE SAID.
THE APPLICANT AND AN ADULT MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD WHO IS FULLY AWARE OF THE FAMILY’S CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE AGENCY TO CLARIFY INFORMATION REPORTED IN THE APPLICATION.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 9
THE SPOKESMAN SOUNDED A SPECIAL NOTE OF WARNING THAT INACCURATE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN APPLICATIONS NOT ONLY WOULD LEAD TO REJECTION OF THE APPLICATIONS BUT MIGHT ALSO GIVE RISE TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE APPLICANTS.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE AGENCY ON NINTH FLOOR, NATIONAL MUTUAL CENTRE, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG (TEL 802 1666) .
- - 0-----------
FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION IS NOT WITHOUT RISKS *****
NOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR JOSEPH YAM, SOUNDED HOWEVER A NOTE OF CAUTION CONCERNING THE DOWNSIDE RISKS OF FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION.
SPEAKING AT THE 27TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) IN NICE, MR YAM SAID: ’’THE DOWNSIDE RISKS TO MONETARY AND FINANCIAL STABILITY ARE THERE, PARTICULARLY WHEN NOWADAYS THERE ARE HUGE FLOWS OF FUNDS INTO AND WITHIN THE REGION, AND THESE RISKS SHOULD BE PROPERLY MANAGED.”
IN ORDER TO AVOID SUCH RISKS, HE SAID THAT A ROBUST MONETARY SYSTEM, AN EFFECTIVE MONETARY MANAGEMENT MECHANISM, AN ADEQUATE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISORY SYSTEM, AND PROPER SEQUENCING IN FINANCIAL LIBERALISATION WERE ALL ESSENTIAL.
MR YAM NOTED THAT THE BANK SHOULD ENHANCE ITS ADVISORY ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL SYSTEMS BY INCREASING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND FUNDS.
”1 WOULD ALSO URGE THE BANK TO INCREASE ITS EFFORTS IN ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEEPENING OF THE DEBT MARKET IN THE REGION,” MR YAM ADDED. CITING THAT THE ISSUE OF DRAGON BONDS BY THE BANK WAS A GOOD START, HE URGED THE BANK TO INTENSIFY ITS EFFORTS IN THIS AREA.
MR YAM CONGRATULATED THE BANK FOR ITS EFFORTS IN BRINGING TO A CLOSE THE NEGOTIATIONS OF THE FOURTH GENERAL CAPITAL INCREASE.
ON THE BANK’S LENDING PROGRAMME, WHILE NOTING THAT PROPER EMPHASIS NEEDS TO BE PLACED ON THE. SO-CALLED CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES, SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT, MR YAM EMPHASISED THAT "IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE BANK SHOULD MAINTAIN AN APPROPRIATE POLICY DIALOGUE WITH EACH OF THE BORROWING COUNTRIES THEMSELVES. IN ORDER TO APPRECIATE THEIR PRIORITIES AND CONSTRAINTS, AND WORK OUT WITH THEM REALISTIC AND EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.”
MR YAM IS CURRENTLY LEADING A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE 27TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ADB IN NICE. OTHER HONG KONG DELEGATES ARE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (EXTERNAL) OF HKMA, MR JAMES H LAU JR AND HEAD, EXTERNAL RELATIONS DIVISION OF THE HKMA, MR EDDIE YUE.
------0-------
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 10 -
GOVERNOR TOURS WAN CHAI DISTRICT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TOURED WAN CHAI DISTRICT IN A DOWNPOUR THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR PATTEN STARTED OFF HIS VISIT BY UNVEILING A PLAQUE FOR THE WAN CHAI GREEN TRAIL - THE FIRST URBAN NATURE TRAIL IN THE TERRITORY.
WHILE HIKING UP THE 1.5-KILOMETRE TRAIL WHICH RUNS ALONG WAN CHAI GAP ROAD, THE GOVERNOR WAS INTRODUCED TO THE NATURAL FEATURES IN THE NEARBY AREA.
HIS NEXT STOP WAS A CALL AT THE BAPTIST 01 KWAN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE WHERE HE WATCHED CHILDREN AT PLAY.
THE GOVERNOR THEN EXPERIENCED THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF RESIDENTS WHEN HE STROLLED ALONG THE BOWRINGTON ROAD MARKET BEFORE ARRIVING AT TIMES SQUARE.
FROM THE 44TH FLOOR OF THE TALLEST BUILDING IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE GOVERNOR HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE WATERFRONT RECLAMATION.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, THE GOVERNOR ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION HOSTED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
MR PATTEN WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN.
------0-------
NEW STAMPS PAY TRIBUTE TO POLICE
*****
THE POST OFFICE HAS ISSUED A SET OF SIX SPECIAL STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WHICH WAS FOUNDED ON MAY 1, 1844.
AT A CEREMONY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO LAUNCH THE STAMPS, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL MR MIKE PAGLIARI PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR LI KWAN-HA, WITH A FRAMED OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVER BEARING THE SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS AND THE FIRST DAY CANCELLATION.
THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE POST OFFICE AND THE POLICE. J'5 . '
MR PAGLIARI PRAISED THE FORCE FOR ITS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED HISTORY.
HE DESCRIBED THE ISSUE OF THE STAMPS AS A TRIBUTE TO THE POLICE FOR ITS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE COMMUNITY OVER THE PAST ONE AND A HALF CENTURIES.
/THIS WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 11 -
THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE POST OFFICE ISSUED A SET OF STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
■ v. aP
IN 1991 A SET OF STAMPS WAS RELEASED TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE POST OFFICE ITSELF.
THE POLICE STAMPS SHOW POLICE OFFICERS IN PAST AND PRESENT UNIFORMS AGAINST OLD AND MODERN POLICE BUILDINGS.
------0--------
TWO LOTS TO LET BY TENDER *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN KOWLOON.
BOTH LOTS ARE LOCATED ON A RECLAMATION AREA IN LAI CHI KOK, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.14 AND 1.33 HECTARES RESPECTIVELY FOR STORAGE OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 20.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KWAI TSING; 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--------
CLOSURE OF CHEUNG SHA WAN UNAUTHORISED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO STRUCTURE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN SO THAT IT CAN CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
STRUCTURE SOUGHT
CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED
BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT
THE SINGLE-STOREY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE IS LOCATED ON THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING AT 11-13A CHEUNG WAH STREET.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 3 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
/12........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 12 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» t I » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,723 0930 + 813
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,396 1000 + 813
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +973
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 973 1200 + 973
LAF TODAY -300 1500 + 973
1600 + 973
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.2 *-0.2* 4.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.88 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.72 5.79
1 MONTH 3.48 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.40 6.04
3 MONTHS 3.98 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.92 6.55
6 MONTHS 4.45 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.22 6.64
12 MONTHS 5.07 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.75 6.73
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 32,615 MN
CLOSED 4 MAY 1994 ---------------------------------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
ACHIEVEMENTS MADE AFTER THE JOINT DECLARATION........... 1
PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT VITAL TO URBAN RENEWAL PROGRESS............................................... 2
LAW TO BETTER PROTECT INJURED EMPLOYEES................. 3
RTT.T. SETTING OUT STANDARD SCALE FOR FINES INTRODUCED. 5
TRAFFIC AT AIRPORT BEING CLOSELY MONITORED.............. 6
GOVT’S POLICY IS TO PROMOTE OFF-ROAD DRIVING TRAINING.. 7
PROBLEMS IN COMPULSORY EDUCATION ADDRESSED.............. 8
NO TAIWANESE REFUSED ENTRY VISAS........................ 9
HELP TO CHINESE IMMIGRANT CHILDREN IN SCHOOL............ 9
USE OF PAVING BLOCKS WILL NOT LEAD TO RAT PROBLEM...... 10
CROSS BORDER BUS AND COACH SERVICES.................... 11
CLINICS TREAT 4.6M PATIENTS............................ 11
‘NO CONVICTION’ CONDITION TO DISAPPEAR FROM JOB AD..... 12
/PROPOSALS ON .
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PROPOSALS ON CHILDREN GIVING EVIDENCE BEING FORMULATED.. 13
REGULATIONS ON TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES SUFFICIENT 14
PERSONS DETAINED UNDER IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE............... 15
SAFETY OF HOLIDAY BUNGALOWS REGULATED BY LAW............... 16
STRANDED SEAMEN WILL GET QUICK HELP........................ 17
INFILL SITES IDENTIFIED TO INCREASE PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION 17
INVESTIGATION INTO SHORTAGE OF UNLEADED PETROL CONDUCTED . 18
AVERAGE DAILY STOCK MARKET TURNOVER FIGURES................ 19
GOVT TO COMPILE ACCRUAL-BASED ACCOUNTS..................... 19
257 DETENTION ORDERS ISSUED FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS 20
MOTION ON JOINT DECLARATION PASSED......................... 21
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
ACHIEVEMENTS MADE AFTER THE JOINT DECLARATION
*****
THROUGH SUSTAINED EFFORTS AND CO-OPERATION BY BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES, MUCH HAD BEEN DONE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION SINCE 1984, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AT THIS TIME WHEN IT IS FASHIONABLE TO MOAN ABOUT OUR DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER, IT IS SOMETIMES EASY TO FORGET WHERE WE HAVE MANAGED TO WORK THINGS OUT SENSIBLY AND SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PAST," MR NG SAID DURING A MOTION DEBATE ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE ACHIEVEMENTS MR NG QUOTED ARE:
* HONG KONG HAS BECOME A FULL-FLEDGED MEMBER OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT OF TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND HOPEFULLY A MEMBER OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION;
* THE GOVERNMENT HAS PUT INTO EFFECT TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR VIRTUALLY ALL EXISTING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS USED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE;
* HONG KONG HAS ITS OWN SHIPPING REGISTER; AND
* THE LAND COMMISSION HAS RECORDED AGREEMENT EVERY YEAR ON A LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME WHICH EXCEEDED THE 50-HECTARE LIMIT.
"I HOPE THAT THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION CAN BE SUSTAINED IN FUTURE YEARS, DESPITE OUR DISAGREEMENT OVER CERTAIN ISSUES," MR NG SAID.
MR NG SAID HE WAS NOT UNAWARE OF THE CRITICISMS THAT HAD BEEN LEVELLED AGAINST BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS IN THIS GREAT ENDEAVOUR TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION.
IN RESPONSE TO CRITICISMS ABOUT THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS AN ELECTED LEGISLATURE, MR NG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD STRUCK A BALANCE IN SATISFYING THE DESIRES OF THE COMMUNITY WHILE SETTING UP A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WAS CAPABLE OF TRANSCENDING 1997.
ON THE COURT OE' FINAL APPEAL, MR NG SAID IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO HAVE A SYSTEM SET UP AND RUNNING BY JULY I, 1997.
MR NG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION REJECTED AS "PLAINLY UNTRUE" THE IMPLICATION THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD FAILED TO ABIDE BY THE JOINT DECLARATION, OR FAILED TO PURSUE THE LAUDABLE OBJECTIVES OF FULFILLING "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" AND "HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY".
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2
PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT VITAL TO URBAN RENEWAL PROGRESS *****
GIVEN THE CONTINUING NEED FOR URBAN IMPROVEMENT ON SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL GROUNDS AND THE LIMITED CAPACITY OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC), MAINTAINING THE VIABILITY OF REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL TO PROGRESS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, DURING A MOTION DEBATE ON URBAN RENEWAL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
HOWEVER, MR EASON STRESSED THAT A BALANCE HAD TO BE FOUND BETWEEN FACILITATING REDEVELOPMENT AND MINIMISING DISLOCATION OF AFFECTED RESIDENTS.
"URBAN RENEWAL, ALTHOUGH CARRIED OUT FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT, SHOULD NOT PENALISE THOSE AFFECT," HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID REMARKS OF MEMBERS IN THE RECENT BUDGET DEBATE AND ELSEWHERE HAD INDICATED SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE FOR THE USE OF RESUMPTION POWER TO ASSIST WORTHY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
"THIS REQUIRES GREAT CARE AND CLEAR RULES TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF OWNERS AND RESIDENTS AND GUIDE CONSIDERATION OF ANY SUCH PROPOSALS."
MR EASON SAID THE GUIDELINES WOULD PROBABLY INCLUDE:
* A MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY A DEVELOPER WOULD HAVE TO ACQUIRE FIRST - FOR EXAMPLE, 85 PER CENT OR MORE OF THE INTEREST INVOLVED;
* COMPENSATION TO OWNERS NOT LESS THAN ALREADY OFFERED IN NEGOTIATION OR WHAT THE LDC OR GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY UPON RESUMPTION; AND
* A RELOCATION PACKAGE FOR TENANTS, AT THE DEVELOPERS’ COST, USING THE SAME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND TO THE SAME STANDARDS AS THE LDC OR GOVERNMENT.
MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S THINKING WAS THAT ANY PROJECT FOR WHICH RESUMPTION WAS REQUESTED WOULD HAVE TO ACHIEVE CLEAR PLANNING GAINS AND DEMONSTRABLE COMMUNITY BENEFIT, INCLUDING HOUSING PRODUCTION.
"I MUST REFUTE VERY FIRMLY THE SUGGESTION THAT THERE IS COLLUSION BETWEEN DEVELOPERS AND GOVERNMENT. THE AIM IS TO DRAW UPON AVAILABLE RESOURCES USING THE DEVELOPERS RATHER THAN THE TAXPAYERS AS FAR AS POSSIBLE."
HE SAID THIS TYPE OF RESUMPTION WOULD CONTINUE TO REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AS NOW.
/MR EASON .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THESE WERE ONLY SOME OF THE ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL REVIEW OF URBAN RENEWAL AND REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS, AND SOME OF THE THINKING TOWARDS THEIR RESOLUTION.
"THE OVERALL REVIEW COVERS THE ROLE OF ALL THE VARIOUS IMPLEMENTATION AGENTS INVOLVED, INCLUDING PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.
"IT IS A HIGHLY COMPLEX SUBJECT WITH MAJOR IMPLICATIONS IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT, LAND, PLANNING AND HOUSING POLICIES AND RESOURCES.”
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO ITS BEST TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON THE REVIEW WITHIN THREE MONTHS, THAT IS, BY EARLY AUGUST.
MR EASON SAID STAFF OF THE ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING HIMSELF, WERE NO LESS SENSITIVE THAN LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO THE DIFFICULTIES THAT PEOPLE AFFECTED BY URBAN RENEWAL AND URBAN REDEVELOPMENT MIGHT EXPERIENCE.
"THE FACT THAT WE CAN SEE THE SENSITIVITIES AND THE PROBLEMS DOES NOT MAKE THE PRODUCTION OF THE SOLUTION ANY EASIER, IN FACT, OF COURSE, IT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS REVENUE THAT WERE PRODUCED, MR EASON SAID THEY WERE THE COMMUNITY’S REVENUE AND THEY WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE COMMUNITY’S PROGRAMME.
"THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S REVENUES AND THE COMMUNITY’S FUND," HE SAID.
MR EASON SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS A GOVERNMENT HIGH LAND PRICES POLICY BECAUSE PRICES WERE SET BY THE MARKET.
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LAW TO BETTER PROTECT INJURED EMPLOYEES * * * » «
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO IMPROVE THE ENTITLEMENT OF COMPENSATION OF INJURED EMPLOYEES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID ONE OF THE PROPOSALS WAS TO ENLARGE THE SCOPE OF PROTECTION OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO SUSTAINED INJURY WHILE TRAVELLING TO OR FROM HIS PLACE OF WORK.
UNDER THE PROPOSED BILL, COMPENSATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO SUFFERS INJURY BY ACCIDENTS WHILE:
* TRAVELLING BETWEEN HIS HOME AND WORK PLACE WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE, OR A RED OR BLACK RAINSTORM WARNING SIGNAL, IS ISSUED;
/* DRIVING OR
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
4
* DRIVING OR OPERATING ANY MEANS OF TRANSPORT PROVIDED BY HIS EMPLOYER BETWEEN HIS HOME AND WORKPLACE TO ATTEND TO OR AFTER ATTENDING TO HIS DUTIES; AND
* TRAVELLING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND HIS WORKPLACE ABROAD BY ANY MEANS OF TRANSPORT AGREED BY HIS EMPLOYER.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF "MEDICAL EXPENSES" SO THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MAY PROCESS A CLAIM FROM AN EMPLOYEE INJURED AT WORK OUTSIDE HONG KONG FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL IS TO ENHANCE THE INTEREST OF AN INJURED EMPLOYEE WHO HAS BEEN ON PROLONG SICK LEAVE BY CATERING FOR WAGE INCREASE IN COMPUTING THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION.
"WE PROPOSE THAT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO AN EMPLOYEE AT THE END OF A 12-MONTH OR 24-MONTH PERIOD FOLLOWING HIS ACCIDENT, HIS EARNING SHOULD BE SUITABLY ADJUSTED WITH REFERENCE TO THE AVERAGE RATE OF WAGE INCREASE OF OTHER PERSONS EMPLOYED BY HIS EMPLOYER IN SIMILAR EMPLOYMENT, OR WHERE NO OTHER PERSONS ARE EMPLOYED BY HIS EMPLOYER IN SIMILAR EMPLOYMENT, TO THE RATE OF INFLATION, FOR THE PRECEDING 12 OR 24 MONTHS AS APPROPRIATE," MR LAM SAID.
"WE ALSO PROPOSE THAT THE COURT BE PROVIDED WITH A DISCRETIONARY POWER TO EXTEND THE MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY BY UP TO 12 MONTHS IN DESERVING CASES.
"THIS EXTENSION ALLOWS MORE TIME FOR THE CONDITION OF THE INJURED EMPLOYEE TO STABILISE AND TO BE READY FOR ASSESSMENT OF PERMANENT INCAPACITY," HE ADDED.
THE COURT WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO AWARD COMPENSATION TO MEET THE COST OF ATTENDING TO AN EMPLOYEE WHO SUFFERS SERIOUS PERMANENT INCAPACITY AND TO REMOVE REQUIREMENT FOR SUCH ATTENTION TO BE "CONSTANT".
IN ADDITION, IT IS PROPOSED TO SET UP A MECHANISM FOR THE PROSTHESIS AND SURGICAL APPLIANCE BOARD TO DETERMINE THE NECESSITY AND THE COST OF AN APPLIANCE SUPPLIED AND FITTED TO AN EMPLOYEE OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
BILL SETTING OUT STANDARD SCALE FOR FINES INTRODUCED
*****
A BILL SETTING OUT A STANDARD SCALE FOR FINES NOT EXCEEDING $100,000 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THE PROPOSED STANDARD SCALE WOULD ENABLE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF FINES TO BE INCREASED FROM TIME TO TIME BY A SINGLE ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN ORDER TO REFLECT THE EFFECT OF INFLATION.
HE SAID AT PRESENT, THE PROCESS OF INCREASING THE FINES IN LEGISLATION WAS COMPLICATED, TIME-CONSUMING AND WASTEFUL OF RESOURCES, SINCE THE INCREASES WERE DONE ON A FINE BY FINE BASIS.
HE SAID: "EACH PROVISION THAT NEEDS TO BE REVISED HAS TO IDENTIFIED; THE DATE OF THE LAST ADJUSTMENT TO THE FINE HAS TO BE ASCERTAINED; THE EXTENT OF INFLATION SINCE THAT DATE HAS TO BE DETERMINED; AND AN APPROPRIATE INCREASE IN THE FINE DECIDED UPON.
"A LEGISLATIVE INSTRUMENT SPECIFYING THE AMENDMENT TO THAT PARTICULAR FINE THEN HAS TO BE PREPARED AND FORMALLY APPROVED," HE ADDED.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE PROPOSED STANDARD SCALE, WHICH COMPRISED SIX LEVELS AND RANGED FROM $2,000 AT LEVEL 1 TO $100,000 AT LEVEL 6, WOULD GREATLY SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS.
HE SAID: "ALL FINES NOT EXCEEDING $100,000 WILL BE CONVERTED INTO THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL AND THE VALUES OF THE LEVELS WILL BECOME THE MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF THESE FINES.
"THESE MAXIMUM AMOUNTS CAN BE INCREASED FROM TIME TO TIME TO REFLECT THE EFFECT OF INFLATION SIMPLY BY AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL," HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS ALSO STRESSED THAT ADJUSTMENT BY THIS METHOD WAS ONLY POSSIBLE TO CATER FOR INFLATION.
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DONE BY MEANS OF SPECIFIC AMENDING LEGISLATION AND WOULD HAVE TO BE JUSTIFIED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, HE SAID.
HE ALSO ADDED THAT FINES EXCEEDING $100,000, WHICH WERE COMPARATIVELY RARE, WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY THE STANDARD SCALE, BUT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REVIEWED INDIVIDUALLY.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
6
TRAFFIC AT AIRPORT BEING CLOSELY MONITORED
*****
THE QUEUING TIME OF ARRIVING PASSENGERS USING AIRPORT BUS AND TAXI SERVICES IS MONITORED AND REVIEWED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EVERY SIX MONTHS TO SEE IF SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE.
SPOT CHECKS ARE ALSO HELD IN BETWEEN, FOR EXAMPLE, DURING BUSY HOLIDAYS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG.
ON AIRPORT BUS SERVICES, THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR BUS ROUTES OPERATED BY KOWLOON MOTOR BUS WHICH RUN AT FREQUENCIES BETWEEN 12 TO 15 MINUTES.
ON AVERAGE, ABOUT 5,000 PASSENGERS BOARD THESE BUSES AT THE AIRPORT EACH DAY.
MR BARMA SAID: "THIS MEETS EXISTING PASSENGER DEMAND AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM OF QUEUING."
HE SAID THREE NEW ROUTES WERE BEING PLANNED FOR INTRODUCTION LATER THIS YEAR WHICH WOULD PROVIDE BETTER NETWORK OF BUS SERVICES TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT.
AS REGARDS THE TAXI SERVICES, MR BARMA SAID, THE TWO AIRPORT TAXI STANDS WERE EXTENDED IN OCTOBER 1992 AND, AS A RESULT, THE AVERAGE HOURLY TAXI THROUGHPUT HAD BEEN INCREASED TO 467.
THE AVERAGE PASSENGER WAITING TIME DURING PEAK HOURS IS ABOUT FIVE MINUTES.
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL DIRECTLY CONTACT TAXI ASSOCIATIONS AND TAXI RADIO SERVICE CENTRES TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL TAXIS SHOULD QUEUES BUILD UP.
MR BARMA ADDED THAT HOTELS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES ALSO ARRANGED FOR COACHES, MINIBUSES AND LIMOUSINES TO PICK UP TOURISTS AND OTHER PASSENGERS ARRIVING AT THE AIRPORT.
HE SAID: "ALTHOUGH THAT SECTION OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY OUTSIDE THE ARRIVALS HALL IS A RESTRICTED ZONE, WHICH ONLY ALLOWS VEHICLES ISSUED WITH PERMITS TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS, MANY COACH OPERATORS HAVE TENDED TO CONGREGATE THERE TO AWAIT ARRIVING TOUR GROUPS CAUSING BOTH CONFUSION AND CONGESTION.
"IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO IMPLEMENT A SPECIAL SCHEME USING RADIO TELEPHONES TO CALL COACH OPERATORS TO COME AND PICK UP WAITING PASSENGERS WHO HAVE JUST ARRIVED.
/"THIS HAS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
’’THIS HAS SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED TRAFFIC THROUGHPUT AND TRAFFIC FLOW.
’’ALTHOUGH THERE ARE INDEED OCCASIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WHEN ARRIVING PASSENGERS MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER WAITING PERIODS FOR LAND TRANSPORT, THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR AND THE AVAILABILITY OF LAND TRANSPORT SERVICES AT THE AIRPORT ARE SATISFACTORY.”
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GOVT’S POLICY IS TO PROMOTE OFF-ROAD DRIVING TRAINING *****
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF ADOPTING DIFFERENT DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENT SYSTEMS FOR STUDENTS OF DRIVING SCHOOLS AND THOSE OF PRIVATE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS IS TO PROMOTE OFF-ROAD DRIVING TRAINING, WHICH IS CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE WIDER INTERESTS OF ALL ROAD USERS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU CHIN-SHEK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BARMA SAID IT WAS THE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICY AND PRACTICE TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OFF-STREET DRIVING SCHOOLS SINCE THESE PROVIDED LEARNER DRIVERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE BASIC DRIVING SKILLS IN A SAFE AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT.
’’THIS ALSO REDUCES THE INCONVENIENCE TO OTHER MOTORISTS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE RESULT BY A LARGE NUMBER OF LEARNER DRIVERS USING PUBLIC ROADS,” HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT PRIVATE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WERE NEVERTHELESS FREE TO OPERATE AND OFFER THEIR SERVICES TO THOSE WHO WISH TO LEARN TO DRIVE.
THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TESTS IN THE PAST 24 MONTHS WAS 174 DAYS FOR STUDENTS OF OFF-ROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS, COMPARED WITH 218 DAYS FOR THOSE USING PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS.
"WE DO NOT CONSIDER THAT THE PRESENT PRACTICE IS UNFAIR TO THOSE LEARNERS USING PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS, SINCE POTENTIAL LEARNERS ARE FREE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN OFF-ROAD DRIVING SCHOOLS AND PRIVATE INSTRUCTORS AND THEY SHOULD KNOW WHAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TESTS ARE,” MR BARMA SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
8
PROBLEMS IN COMPULSORY EDUCATION ADDRESSED *****
AN IN-DEPTH STUDY BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF PROBLEM AREAS IN THE PROVISION OF NINE-YEAR COMPULSORY FREE EDUCATION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR LAM SAID THESE PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE USE OF COMMON-CORE CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS OF DIFFERING ABILITIES AND DISPOSITION, THE NEED TO IMPROVE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE AND THE DELIVERY OF THE CURRICULUM THROUGH A MIX OF LANGUAGES.
HE SAID THE COMMON-CORE CURRICULUM WAS CONSIDERED UNSUITABLE FOR STUDENTS AT EITHER END OF THE ABILITY SPECTRUM.
"TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, A MORE FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM NEEDS TO BE DEVELOPED AND THIS IS BEING ACHIEVED THROUGH THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE ESTABLISHED IN 1992," HE SAID.
ALSO A RANGE OF REMEDIAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PRACTICAL SCHOOLS AND SKILLS OPPORTUNITIES SCHOOLS, HAS BEEN OR IS BEING DEVELOPED TO HELP UNMOTIVATED STUDENTS AND LOW ACHIEVERS.
AT THE SAME TIME A DEDICATED CENTRE FOR THE GIFTED CHILDREN IS BEING PLANNED.
ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE, MR LAM SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAD RECOMMENDED THE USE OF OBJECTIVE CRITERIA AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUITABLE CURRICULUM MATERIALS.
"THAT IS BEING TACKLED BY THE PLANNED INTRODUCTION OF TARGET-ORIENTED CURRICULUM IN 1995," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO THE PROBLEM OF USING MIXED LANGUAGES IN TEACHING AND TO FACILITATE THE USE OF MOTHER TONGUE IN EDUCATION, MR LAM SAID VARIOUS MEASURES HAD ALREADY BEEN OR WERE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO TACKLE IT.
"THEY INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF EXTRA LANGUAGE TEACHERS TO SCHOOLS AND THE PROVISION TO PARENTS OF INFORMATION ON THEIR CHILDREN’S LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TO ENABLE THEM TO CHOOSE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEST SUITED TO THEIR CHILDREN.
"IN ADDITION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED SCHOOLS TO ADOPT A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION SUITABLE TO THE LANGUAGE ABILITY OF THEIR STUDENT INTAKE. MOTHER-TONGUE TEACHING IS ALSO ENCOURAGED," HE SAID.
MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE AND OTHER MEASURES WOULD IN TIME FURTHER ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE SCHOOL EDUCATION.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 9 -
NO TAIWANESE REFUSED ENTRY VISAS * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPRF.Y, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT NO TAIWANESE HAD BEEN REFUSED ENTRY VISAS TO VISIT HONG KONG DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG, MR ASPREY SAID ALL VISITORS FROM TAIWAN, INCLUDING TAIWANESE OFFICIALS, VISITED HONG KONG IN THEIR PRIVATE CAPACITY.
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR VISIT PERMITS FROM TAIWANESE OFFICIALS WAS 723 IN 1991, 580 IN 1992, 802 IN 1993 AND 177 IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1994. NONE WERE REFUSED.
MR ASPREY NOTED THAT ALL TAIWANESE VISITORS COULD ENTER HONG KONG ON MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS VALID FOR ONE OR TWO YEARS.
THE PROCESSING TIME FOR FIRST APPLICATION WAS NORMALLY NO MORE THAN SEVEN WORKING DAYS, AND FOR APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWAL TWO WORKING DAYS.
THE PRESENT PROCEDURES, WHICH ALLOW FOR THE ISSUE OF MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS, WERE INTRODUCED IN 1990.
"THEY HAVE BEEN WELL-RECEIVED AND ARE WORKING WELL. WE KEEP THEM UNDER REGULAR REVIEW, BUT HAVE NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO CHANGE THEM," MR ASPREY SAID.
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HELP TO CHINESE IMMIGRANT CHILDREN IN SCHOOL
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL SOON ISSUE A CIRCULAR TO ADVISE SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS ON ASSISTING CHINESE IMMIGRANT CHILDREN JOINING LOCAL SCHOOLS.
IN THE CIRCULAR, SCHOOLS WILL BE ADVISED TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS TO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE PARENTS OF IMMIGRANT CHILDREN, TO ASSIGN SENIOR PUPILS TO HELP LOOK AFTER THEM, AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO INTEGRATE SOCIALLY THROUGH EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LAM SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT ALREADY PROVIDES PERSONAL ASSISTANCE TO PARENTS IN THE EARLY PLACEMENT OF ALL SCHOOL-AGB IMMIGRANT CHILDREN.
"DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS HELP THOSE PARENTS WHO NEED SUCH ASSISTANCE TO CHOOSE SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN, INCLUDING ARRANGING SCHOOL INTERVIEWS.
/"SCHOOLS THEN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
- 10 -
"SCHOOLS THEN ASSESS THE CHILDREN’S ACADEMIC STANDARD BEFORE PLACING THEM TO CLASSES AT SUITABLE LEVELS," HE ADDED.
FEEDBACKS OBTAINED BY THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES SHOWED THAT, APART FROM THEIR STANDARD OF ENGLISH, MOST IMMIGRANT CHILDREN DO NOT ENCOUNTER SERIOUS LEARNING OR ADJUSTMENT DIFFICULTIES.
TO HELP THEM TACKLE THE LANGUAGE PROBLEM, SCHOOLS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ORGANISE COUNSELLING CLASSES WHILE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO RUNS SPECIAL CLASSES.
"FOR THOSE IMMIGRANT CHILDREN WHO HAVE SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS, THEY ARE GIVEN COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE BY STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS OR SCHOOL WORKERS," MR LAM SAID.
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USE OF PAVING BLOCKS WILL NOT LEAD TO RAT PROBLEM *****
NOTHING FROM THE AVAILABLE TECHNICAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT THE USE OF PAVING BLOCK CONSTRUCTION, WHICH IS USED IN MANY COUNTRIES, WILL LEAD TO RAT PROBLEMS, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON LAM KUI-CHUN IN THE ’ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BLAKE SAID GIVEN THE EXTENSIVE USE OF BLOCK PAVEMENTS IN HONG KONG AND THE FEW INSTANCES OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE DUE TO THE ACTIVITIES OF BURROWING BY RATS, IT WAS CLEARLY NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
THERE WERE FOUR CASES OF PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT DAMAGE SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE ACTIVITIES OF RATS DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS.
ONLY ONE OF THESE RELATED TO RATS BURROWING INTO THE SAND LAYER BENEATH THE PAVEMENT BLOCKS, THE OTHERS ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY RATS UNDERMINING THE DEEPER UNDERLYING SOIL STRATA.
MR BLAKE SAID AS THERE WAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANY RELATIONSHIP EXISTED BETWEEN THE ACTIVITIES OF RATS AND THE USE OF PAVING BLOCK, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (USD) AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (RSD) WERE THEREFORE NOT CONSULTED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHEN DECIDING TO ADOPT BLOCK PAVEMENTS ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR OTHER VERY IMPORTANT BENEFITS.
HE SAID THERE SHOULD BE VERY LITTLE CHANCE FOR RATS TO BURROW FOR PAVEMENTS WHICH WERE PROPERLY LAID, WHETHER BY USING TRADITIONAL IN SITU CONCRETE OR BY USING CONCRETE BLOCKS AND WITH CONCRETE EDGING STRIPS.
THERE IS HOWEVER ALWAYS THE POSSIBILITY THAT DAMAGE TO THE PAVED SURFACE, WHICH COULD BE CAUSED BY THE WHEEL LOADING OF ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES FOR EXAMPLE, OR ANY DAMAGE CAUSING AN OPENING IN THE VICINITY OF THE PAVEMENT MIGHT RESULT IN RATS REACHING THE UNDERLYING BEDDING LAYER AND STARTS BURROWING ACTIVITIES, MR BLAKE SAID.
/"THE HIGHWAYS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
11
’’THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WILL ENSURE THAT PAVING BLOCK PAVEMENTS ARE LAID WITH DUE REGARD TO THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM, AND THAT ANY DEFECTS IN ANY TYPE OF PAVING WILL BE REPAIRED PROMPTLY TO AVOID RAT INFESTATION.
’’USD AND RSD HAVE ALSO INSTRUCTED THEIR BEAT SWEEPERS AND PEST CONTROL STAFF TO REPORT DEFECTIVE PAVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT,’’ HE ADDED.
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CROSS BORDER BUS AND COACH SERVICES
*****
CROSS BORDER BUS AND COACH SERVICES WERE SUBJECT TO QUOTAS JOINTLY AGREED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MR BARMA SAID: ’’THERE ARE AT PRESENT 471 SUCH QUOTAS, EACH OF WHICH ALLOWS ONE ROUND TRIP A DAY AND THESE ARE SUFFICIENT TO MEET NORMAL DEMAND.
’’ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY QUOTAS ARE ALLOCATED FOR PERIODS OF EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND, FOR EXAMPLE, ON CERTAIN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVE DAYS.”
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, 11 APPLICATIONS FOR QUOTAS TO OPERATE CROSS BORDER BUS AND COACH SERVICES HAVE BEEN TURNED DOWN DUE TO VARIOUS REASONS.
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CLINICS TREAT 4.6M PATIENTS
*****
A TOTAL OF 4,659,678 PATIENTS ATTENDED THE 59 GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN 1993, 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 HUANG CHEN-YA, MRS WONG SAID OF THESE PATIENTS, 3,942,437 WERE FOR MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND THE REST FOR NURSING SERVICES, THAT IS, INJECTIONS AND DRESSINGS.
"ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS COMPRISED PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES REQUIRING REGULAR FOLLOW-UP. THE REST WERE PATIENTS WITH ACUTE AILMENTS SEEKING PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE," SHE SAID.
ALSO 93,971 PATIENTS ATTENDING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WERE REFERRED TO SPECIALIST CLINICS AND 29,209 TO ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE OF HOSPITALS UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
/"THIS CONSTITUTES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
12
’’THIS CONSTITUTES 2.38 PER CENT AND 0.74 PER CENT OF ALL MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS RESPECTIVELY,” MRS WONG ADDED.
OF THE 59 GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 54 WERE FULL-TIME CLINICS AND FIVE PART-TIME.
FULL-TIME CLINICS OPERATE 11 SESSIONS A WEEK WITH A TOTAL OF 39 HOURS.
PART-TIME CLINICS RUN BETWEEN THREE TO FIVE SESSIONS PER WEEK AND THE TOTAL OPERATING HOURS RANGE FROM SIX TO 12 HOURS PER WEEK.
IN ADDITION, EVENING CLINIC AND SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES OPERATE FROM 18 AND EIGHT OF THE FULL-TIME CLINICS RESPECTIVELY.
IN TERMS OF GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION, MRS WONG SAID 11 OF THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 18 IN KOWLOON, 17 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND 13 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST.
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’NO CONVICTION’ CONDITION TO DISAPPEAR FROM JOB AD ♦ * ♦ * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL DELETE FROM ITS FUTURE RECRUITMENT NOTICES THE CONDITION THAT APPLICATIONS FROM CANDIDATES WITH CRIMINAL RECORD WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO, MR SZE SAID THIS FOLLOWED A REVIEW BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND WOULD BETTER IMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL POLICY ON EMPLOYMENT OF PEOPLE WITH PREVIOUS CONVICTION RECORDS.
”IT IS OUR GENERAL POLICY THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A LEAD IN EMPLOYING EX-PRISONERS AND PERSONS CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES AND SHOULD DO SO WHERE THIS IS NOT INCONSISTENT WITH THE PUBLIC INTEREST," HE SAID.
"THE AIM IS TO RE-INTEGRATE THESE PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY,” HE ADDED.
MR SZE NOTED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ON THE MERITS OF INDIVIDUAL CASES.
THESE INCLUDE THE GENERAL CHARACTER AND EXPERIENCE OF THE CANDIDATE, HIS RECORD BEFORE AND AFTER THE OFFENCE FOR WHICH HE WAS CONVICTED AND WHETHER THE OFFENCE IS OF A KIND THAT WOULD MAKE HIM UNSUITABLE FOR THE DUTIES OF THE POST INVOLVED.
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/J3 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
PROPOSALS ON CHILDREN GIVING EVIDENCE BEING FORMULATED * * * * *
LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES AIMING AT IMPROVING THE SYSTEM REGULATING THE GIVING OF EVIDENCE BY CHILDREN IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS ARE BEING FORMULATED, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM, MR MATHEWS SAID HE HOPED TO PRESENT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE 1994/95 SESSION.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID HE SET UP A COMMITTEE IN JULY 1993 TO LOOK AT WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM REGULATING THE GIVING OF EVIDENCE BY CHILDREN IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
THE COMMITTEE WAS CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AND COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE COMMITTEE SUBMITTED ITS REPORT IN JANUARY 1994 AND AMONG OTHERS, RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING
* CHILDREN OUGHT, IN CERTAIN DEFINED CIRCUMSTANCES, TO BE ALLOWED TO GIVE EVIDENCE THROUGH A TELEVISION VIDEO LINK, FROM A ROOM, IF NOT ADJACENT TO THE COURT, THEN IN THE COURT BUILDING. THIS WOULD APPLY TO CHILD WITNESSES GIVING EVIDENCE IN RELATION TO OFFENCES INVOLVING THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD, THE PHYSICAL ABUSE OF A CHILD, OR CRUELTY TO A CHILD. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD AVOID THE STRESS PLACED UPON A CHILD OF GIVING EVIDENCE IN THE OPEN, AND SOMETIMES INTIMIDATING COURT ENVIRONMENT;
* THE PRIMARY EVIDENCE OF THE CHILD WITNESS, IN RELATION TO OFFENCES WITHIN THE THREE CLASSES MENTIONED, OUGHT TO BE VIDEO RECORDED AT AN EARLY STAGE BY TRAINED PERSONNEL OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE;
» THE REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 4 OF THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE AS TO CORROBORATION OF THE EVIDENCE OF THE CHILD SHOULD BE ABOLISHED. IT SHOULD, IN ADDITION, NO LONGER BE INCUMBENT UPON THE COURTS TO GIVE WARNINGS AS TO THE DANGERS INHERENT IN CONVICTING AN ACCUSED ON THE UNCORROBORATED EVIDENCE OF A CHILD; AND
* ALL CHILDREN SHOULD GIVE THEIR EVIDENCE UNSWORN, ANY PRESUMPTION AS TO A CHILD’S INCOMPETENCE TO TESTIFY SHOULD CEASE, AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS ADULTS. IF A CHILD IS AVAILABLE TO GIVE RELEVANT UNDERSTANDABLE EVIDENCE, THE CHILD SHOULD BE HEARD. THE COURT WILL THEN EVALUATE THAT EVIDENCE AND DECIDE HOW MUCH RELIANCE TO PLACE UPON IT.
/MR MATHEWS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
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MR MATHEWS SAID HE HAD ACCEPTED THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES WERE BEING FORMULATED TO GIVE EFFECT TO THEM.
MR MATHEWS ADDED THAT AT PRESENT, UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE, A WITNESS, AND THIS INCLUDES THE VICTIM, WHO IS TOO YOUNG AND DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THE OATH, CAN GIVE UNSWORN EVIDENCE IF IN THE OPINION OF THE COURT HE OR SHE UNDERSTANDS THE DUTY TO SPEAK THE TRUTH.
HE SAID: "THIS CATEGORY GENERALLY EMBRACES CHILDREN BETWEEN SEVEN TO 14 YEARS OF AGE. CORROBORATION OF THE EVIDENCE OF SUCH A WITNESS IS REQUIRED.
"AS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN YEARS, THEY CAN, BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 3 OF THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE, GIVE UNSWORN EVIDENCE IF THEY APPEAR CAPABLE OF RECEIVING JUST IMPRESSIONS OF THE FACTS," HE SAID.
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REGULATIONS ON TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES SUFFICIENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM THAT MIGHT REQUIRE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OR SPECIFIC STATUTORY MEASURES IN RESPECT OF ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN, MR CARTLAND SAID THERE WERE NO PARTICULAR ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES COMPANIES UNLESS THEY WERE FIRMS OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OR PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
IN WHICH CASE THEY WOULD NEED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS (HKSA) AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ITS REGULATIONS.
OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE HKSA HAD RECORDED ONLY THREE COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC AGAINST ACCOUNTING FIRMS WHICH WERE NOT FIRMS OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
A FIRM REGISTERED WITH THE HKSA WOULD USUALLY HAVE THE DESIGNATION "CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS" OR "PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS" IN ITS NAME OR ON ITS LETTERHEAD, WHEREAS AN INDIVIDUAL WOULD DESIGNATE HIMSELF AS A "CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT", "PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT” OR A "PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT".
"IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY DURING OFFICE HOURS CHECK THE REGISTER OF INDIVIDUALS AND FIRMS WHICH, UNDER THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS ORDINANCE, THE HKSA IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION, WITHOUT CHARGE," MR CARTLAND SAID.
/"THE LEGISLATION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
15
"THE LEGISLATION ALSO REQUIRES THAT A PERSON OR A FIRM REGISTERED WITH THE HKSA BE ISSUED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION.
"IF A PERSON OR FIRM IS CLAIMING TO BE AN HKSA MEMBER, THEREFORE, A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT MAY ASK TO SEE THE RELEVANT CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION," HE ADDED.
WHILE IT IS PERMISSIBLE FOR A FIRM TO OFFER TAXATION OR ACCOUNTING (EXCLUDING AUDITING) SERVICES WITHOUT BEING REGISTERED, IT IS AN OFFENCE UPON CONVICTION BY A FINE OF UP TO $20,000 AND 12 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR A PERSON TO PRACTISE AS, OR TO CLAIM TO BE QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE AS A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT OR A PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, OR TO CLAIM TO BE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT, WHEN HE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO.
"IF THE HKSA SUSPECTS THAT AN OFFENCE MAY BE BEING COMMITTED, IT WILL FOLLOW UP WITH THE PERSON OR FIRM CONCERNED AND IF NO SATISFACTORY ACTION IS TAKEN TO EXPLAIN OR DESIST FROM THE CONDUCT ON QUESTION, THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED TO THE POLICE," MR CARTLAND SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE PUBLIC COULD EASILY CONFIRM WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR A FIRM WAS REGISTERED WITH THE HKSA.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT IF THE PUBLIC WERE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE CREDENTIALS OF A TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES FIRM OR THE INTEGRITY OF PERSONS CONCERNED, THEY SHOULD CONSIDER DEALING INSTEAD WITH THOSE REGISTERED WITH THE HKSA, WHICH WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ISSUED.
IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC HAS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY A TAXATION AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES COMPANY THAT IS NOT REGISTERED WITH THE HKSA, AND WHICH IS NOT CLAIMING TO BE REGISTERED OR TO OFFER SERVICES REQUIRING IT TO BE REGISTERED, AND IF THE PERSON CONCERNED IS UNABLE TO OBTAIN SATISFACTION FROM THE COMPANY DIRECT, HE OR SHE SHOULD CONSIDER SEEKING THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, OR IN CASES OF POSSIBLE FRAUD, OF THE POLICE, HE ADDED.
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PERSONS DETAINED UNDER IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
A TOTAL OF 161 PERSONS WERE DETAINED UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, OF WHICH 151 WERE FROM CHINA THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ASPREY SAID AN APPLICATION FOR A DETENTION AUTHORISATION WAS NOT MORE THAN 28 DAYS*
THIS IS APPLICABLE WHERE A DETAINEE IS A PROSECUTION WITNESS IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL, OR 18 BELIEVED TO BE ABLE TO HELP ENQUIRIES INTO AN OFFENCE OR SUSPECTED OFFENCE, AND WHERE HE OR SHE IS ABOUT TO BE REMOVED FROM HONG KONG.
/HOWEVER, AN ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
HOWEVER, AN APPLICATION TO COURT FOR A DETENTION ORDER IS NEEDED IF THE ENQUIRIES HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED WITHIN THE 28-DAY PERIOD, OR IF THE WITNESS HAS NOT YET GIVEN OR COMPLETED HIS EVIDENCE AND HIS PRESENCE IS STILL REQUIRED.
’’THE DETAINEE IS GIVEN ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE APPLICATION; HE ATTENDS THE HEARING AND IS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD ON EACH APPLICATION. OCCASIONALLY, THE DETAINEE IS LEGALLY REPRESENTED,’’ MR ASPREY SAID.
THERE ARE NO REQUIREMENTS TO EXPLAIN TO A DETAINEE HIS LEGAL POSITION AND/OR TO INFORM HIM ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE, NOR IS HE INFORMED OF THIS WHEN APPLICATIONS FOR DETENTION ARE MADE.
THERE ARE PROVISIONS UNDER THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE FOR THE ADMISSION OF WRITTEN STATEMENTS IN LIEU OF ORAL EVIDENCE.
HOWEVER, OBJECTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THESE WRITTEN STATEMENTS BY ANY OF THE PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE DEFENDANT.
’’NEVERTHELESS, IF THE DEFENDANT AGREES TO THE WRITTEN STATEMENT, THEN THE WITNESS WILL NO LONGER BE DETAINED AND CAN BE RELEASED AND REMOVED,’’ MR ASPREY SAID.
RECOGNISANCE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION. IN DECIDING WHETHER TO GRANT RECOGNISANCE OR NOT, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTOR TO BE CONSIDERED IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE WITNESS ABSCONDING.
THOSE WITH CLOSE RELATIVES IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS WIVES AND CHILDREN, WERE USUALLY RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE, HE ADDED.
FOR CASES INVOLVING IMMIGRATION OFFENCES, A TOTAL OF NINE PERSONS WERE DETAINED IN ORDER TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN FIVE CASES.
MR ASPREY SAID OF THESE NINE PERSONS, FIVE WERE ALSO CHARGED WITH RELATED OFFENCES WHILE FOUR WERE GRANTED IMMUNITY.
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SAFETY OF HOLIDAY BUNGALOWS REGULATED BY LAW ♦ » » » »
THE FIRE SAFETY OF HOLIDAY BUNGALOWS IS REGULATED BY 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 ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP, MR SUEN SAID ALTHOUGH BARBECUE ACTIVITIES IN OPEN AREAS WERE NOT CLASSIFIED AS "FIRE HAZARDS”, THE POLICE MIGHT TAKE ACTION IF THEY CAUSED OBSTRUCTION OR ENDANGERED PEOPLE IN A PUBLIC PLACE.
PROSECUTION MIGHT ALSO BE INITIATED AGAINST BARBECUE ACTIVITIES ON PAVEMENTS PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC CLEANSING AND PREVENTION OF NUISANCES (REGIONAL COUNCIL) BY-LAWS IF SUCH ACTIVITIES LED TO LITTERING IN PUBLIC PLACES, HE ADDED.
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STRANDED SEAMEN WILL GET QUICK HELP * * » » »
THE GOVERNMENT WILL AIM TO SPEEDILY IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL CASES AND DEAL EXPEDITIOUSLY AND SYMPATHETICALLY WITH WELFARE AND REPATRIATION MATTERS FOR FOREIGN SEAMEN STRANDED IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS EXPLAINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHEN FOREIGN SEAMEN ARE STRANDED IN THE TERRITORY, THE INITIAL ONUS IS ON THE SHIPOWNER OR HIS AGENT IN HONG KONG TO TAKE CARE OF THEM.
WHERE THIS PROVES NOT TO BE POSSIBLE, IT FALLS TO THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEEDILY APPROACH THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS TO THE FLAG STATE CONCERNED TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR WELFARE.
MR SIU SAID IN THE LIGHT OF INCREASING PREVALENCE OF THE STRANDING OF FOREIGN SEAFARERS IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD:
» BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF THE FLAG STATES CONCERNED THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT OWNERS OF VESSELS REGISTERED WITH THEM ARE FULLY AWARE OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND TO INSTITUTE CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR ACTION BY THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES;
* DETERMINE HOW BEST TO CO-ORDINATE THE PROVISION OF CONTINGENCY RELIEF FOR STRANDED SEAFARERS PENDING THEIR REPATRIATION.
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INFILL SITES IDENTIFIED TO INCREASE PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION *****
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF BUILDING ADDITIONAL BLOCKS IN EXISTING HOUSING ESTATES AS PART OF THE MEASURES TO INCREASE PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION TO MEET HOUSING DEMANDS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD IDENTIFIED 31 POSSIBLE ’’INFILL” SITES IN EXISTING ESTATES WHICH HAD POTENTIAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD BLOCKS OR SPECIAL BLOCKS FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLDS.
MR EASON SAID THE FEASIBILITY OF USING THESE SITES WAS DEPENDENT ON THE IMPACT ON INFRASTRUCTURAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES BEING ACCEPTABLE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC CONSTRAINTS BEING OVERCOME AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
/•'IF EVERYTHING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
18
"IF EVERYTHING GOES WELL, FLATS ON THE SITES CAN BE COMPLETED BETWEEN 1996/97 AND 1998/99," HE SAID.
PRELIMINARY STUDY BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OF 12 OF THE 31 SITES INDICATED THAT EIGHT OF THEM COULD BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE SOME 5,200 FLATS, MR EASON SAID, ADDING THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK ON SOME OF THEM MIGHT START BY THE END OF 1994 OR EARLY 1995.
RESULTS OF THE CURRENT STUDY ON THE REMAINING 19 SITES WERE EXPECTED IN TWO MONTHS, HE SAID.
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE SITES IDENTIFIED WERE IN ESTATES WHERE THE ACTUAL POPULATION WAS LESS THAN THE ORIGINAL PLANNED TARGET.
"EVEN AFTER BUILDING THE ADDITIONAL HOUSING BLOCKS, THE ESTATE POPULATION WILL BE WITHIN THE PLANNED CAPACITY FOR WHICH ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES WERE DESIGNED AND PROVIDED.
"IN PLANNING ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS ON THESE SITES, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT NOT ONLY ATTEMPTS TO OPTIMISE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL BUT ALSO TO UPGRADE AND IMPROVE, WHERE POSSIBLE, FACILITIES TO MEET THE LATEST STANDARDS," HE SAID.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSULT RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE HOUSING ESTATES AFFECTED BEFORE FINALISING THE PLANS, HE ADDED.
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INVESTIGATION INTO SHORTAGE OF UNLEADED PETROL CONDUCTED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD), IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF FAILURE TO SUPPLY UNLEADED PETROL IN SOME PETROL STATIONS, CARRIED OUT AN INVESTIGATION INVOLVING VISITS TO A NUMBER OF PETROL STATIONS ON MARCH 2, 3 AND 4, 1994.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID ON TWO OCCASIONS ON MARCH 3, THERE WAS A FAILURE TO SUPPLY UNLEADED PETROL ON REQUEST.
HOWEVER, THE SITUATION SEEMED TO HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL BY MARCH 4 AND UNLEADED PETROL WAS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST AT ALL STATIONS VISITED, HE NOTED.
"EPD IS CURRENTLY GATHERING MORE INFORMATION AND CONSULTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AS TO WHETHER PROSECUTION ACTION UNDER THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE CAN AND SHOULD PROCEED," MR EASON SAID.
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/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
19
AVERAGE DAILY STOCK MARKET TURNOVER FIGURES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT CONSIDER IT APPROPRIATE OR PRACTICAL TO REQUIRE THE SAME "AVERAGE DAILY STOCK MARKET TURNOVER" TO BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE BUDGETS OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED (SEHK), THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN PREPARING THE 1994/95 BUDGETS FOR THE SFC AND THE SEHK, THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER ON THE STOCK MARKET WAS ASSUMED TO BE *4.5 BILLION, MR TSANG SAID.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTIMATING THE STAMP DUTY REVENUE FROM STOCK TRANSACTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S 1994/95 BUDGET, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ASSUMED AN AVERAGE DAILY VALUE OF STOCK TRANSACTIONS (INCLUDING TRANSFERS ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND PRIVATE TRANSFERS OF ABOUT $5 BILLION.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LI, MR TSANG SAID THE DIFFERENT TURNOVER FIGURES REPRESENTED THE BEST JUDGEMENT AT THE TIME OF THOSE INVOLED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE RESPECTIVE BUDGETS IN THE LIGHT OF THE LATEST MARKET SITUATION.
"WE ARE NOT, SO FAR, AWARE OF ANY PUBLIC CONCERN THAT THE DIFFENENT ESTIMATED TURNOVER FIGURES ARE A SOURCE OF CONFUSION," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL YEAR FOR THE SEHK STARTS FROM JULY 1 WHILE THAT FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND SFC COMMENCES ON APRIL 1.
THE DIFFERENCE IN TIMING IN PREPARING THE BUDGETS MEANS THAT THE ESTIMATES ON MARKET TURNOVER MAY BE VASTLY DIFFERENT.
"IN ADDITION, IN FORECASTING THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER FIGURE FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET THE ADMINSTRATION HAS INCLUDED IN IT THE VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSFERS," MR TSANG.
HE ADDED THAT THESE TURNOVER FIGURES WERE NO MORE THAN ESTIMATES BASED ON THE BEST ASSESSMENT AT THE TIME THEY WERE PRODUCED.
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GOVT TO COMPILE ACCRUAL-BASED ACCOUNTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL COMPILE THE ACCRUAL-BASED SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOUNTS ON A PILOT BASIS IN SELECTED DEPARTMENTS DURING 1994/95, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR, MR TSANG SAID THE PUBLISHED ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT WERE PREPARED ON A CASH BASIS.
/MR TSANG .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
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MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PRODUCED ACCRUAL-BASED ACCOUNTS IN ADDITION TO THE CASH-BASED ACCOUNTS IN RECOGNITION OF ITS RELEVANCE FOR CERTAIN QUASI-COMMERCIAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
THESE INCLUDE WATER SUPPLIES, THE AIRPORT AND THE POST OFFICE.
"ALSO, GOVERNMENT SERVICES OPERATED AS TRADING FUNDS, SUCH AS THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED LAND AND COMPANIES REGISTRY TRADING FUNDS ARE REQUIRED, UNDER THE TRADING FUND ORDINANCE, TO PREPARE FULL ACCRUALBASED ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES," HE SAID.
A WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW FINANCIAL REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES LAST YEAR.
COMPRISING ACCOUNTING PROFESSION BOTH FROM WITHIN GOVERNMENT AND FROM PRIVATE SECTOR, THE WORKING GROUP CONCLUDES THAT:
* AS GOVERNMENT IS UNIQUE IN ITS OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES AND FINANCING, IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO ASSUME THAT PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCIAL REPORTING MODEL MUST BE FULLY APPLICABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT;
» THE PAYMENTS MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT ARE LIMITED UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE AND THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE, SO THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLISHED ACCOUNTS ARE PREPARED ESSENTIALLY ON A CASH BASIS SO AS TO DEMONSTRATE AND DISCHARGE THIS STATUTORY ACCOUNTABILITY; AND
« THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PREPARE ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS, SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOUNTS SHOWING THE FULL COST (ON AN ACCRUAL BASIS) OF SELECTED ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO FORMING A JUDGMENT ON THE MERITS (AND COSTS) OF PROVIDING SUCH FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES AS A WHOLE.
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257 DETENTION ORDERS ISSUED FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS *****
A TOTAL OF 257 DETENTION ORDERS AFTER THE SERVING OF REMOVAL ORDERS IN RESPECT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN FROM CHINA WERE ISSUED IN 1993/94.
THE FIGURE WAS RELEASED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHRISTINE LOH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AVERAGE PERIOD OF DETENTION WAS A FEW DAYS. THE SHORTEST PERIOD OF DETENTION WAS ONE DAY, AND THE LONGEST TWO WEEKS.
"HOWEVER, MOST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS AND CHILDREN ARE RELEASED ON RECOGNISANCE," HE SAID.
/IN 1993/94.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1994
IN 1993/94, 239 OF THEM WERE RELEASED ON RECOGNISANCE.
THE REMAINING 18 WERE NOT SO RELEASED, EITHER BECAUSE THERE WAS FEAR THAT THEY WOULD ABSCOND OR BECAUSE THE DATE OF THEIR REMOVAL WAS IMMINENT, MR ASPREY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ALL 239 WHO WERE RELEASED ON RECOGNISANCE WERE ALLOWED TO STAY TEMPORARILY WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN HONG KONG.
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MOTION ON JOINT DECLARATION PASSED
*****
A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE URGING THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS TO COMPLY STRICTLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER A TWO-HOUR DEBATE DURING THE COUNCIL SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
A MOTION PROPOSED BY THE HON JAMES TO ON THE URBAN RENEWAL PROCESS WAS PASSED AFTER HAVING BEEN DEBATED FOR TWO HOURS. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, GAVE THE CONCLUDING SPEECH TO THE DEBATE.
ALSO PASSED WAS A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON MRS MIRIAM LAU TO AMEND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STANDING ORDERS UNDER THE HONG KONG ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS 1917 TO 1993 IN RESPECT OF DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS.
IN ADDITION, A MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE WAS PASSED.
TWO BILLS, THE SECURITIES (INSIDER DEALING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1993, WERE PASSED DURING THE SITTING, THE LATTER WITH AMENDMENTS.
TWO OTHER BILLS, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CLARIFICATION ON LAND FUND NEEDED.............................. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION......................... 2
WATER QUALITY IN MARICULTURE ZONES SET TO IMPROVE.............. 6
COMMISSION PUBLISHES REPORT ON INCITEMENT, CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT............................:........................... 1
GOOD ENGLISH NEEDED IN BUSINESS................................ 8
GOVERNOR VISITS SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG.................. 9
SHA GETS HIS PEOPLE TO VOTE................................... 10
STAMPS ON SALE AT 24-HOUR STORES.............................. 10
PROMOTE SAFE DRIVING.......................................... 11
YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS INVITES APPLICATIONS............. 12
AIR-CONDITIONER NUISANCES INCUR FINE.......................... 13
MUSIC GRANTS FOR 1994/95 .................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....... 14
THURSDAY, MAY 5, J 994
CLARIFICATION ON LAND FUND NEEDED » » * » *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE WAS SURE THAT DIRECTOR LU PING WOULD BE ABLE TO CLEAR UP ANY MISUNDERSTANDING THAT MIGHT HAVE ARISEN BECAUSE OF THE REMARKS YESTERDAY ON THE LAND FUND.
RESPONDING TO A MEDIA QUESTION ABOUT A NEWS ARTICLE ON LAND FUND AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE WELLINGTON COLLEGE, MR PATTEN SAID: ’’WHILE I AM SURE THE REMARKS MAY HAVE BEEN WELL-INTENTIONED, I THINK THEY HAVE CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN AND CONFUSION.”
NOTING THAT THE LAND FUND WOULD BE WORTH ABOUT $100 BILLION BY 1997 AND MIGHT BE HIGHER, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE LAND FUND SHOULD BE TREATED ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE TRUST DEED THAT WAS SET UP IN THE FIRST PLACE.
’’THE TRUST DEED MADE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THE MONEY IN THE LAND FUND IS MONEY THAT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," MR PATTEN SAID.
’’AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER JULY 1, 1997, THE SAR GOVERNMENT BECOMES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONEY IN THE LAND FUND SO THERE IS THIS CONFUSION WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLY WORRYING PEOPLE.”
MR PATTEN SAID A CLARIFICATION BY DIRECTOR LU WOULD BE WELCOME ALL ROUND.
"I DON’T THINK IT’S A POINT THAT WE WANT TO TURN INTO A GREAT CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE BUT WE DO, I THINK, WANT TO HAVE SOME CLARIFICATION OF WHAT EXACTLY IT’S MEANT,” THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
"I AM ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS DON’T WANT TO CHANGE THE TERMS OF THE TRUST DEED BUT THEY DO, I THINK, OWE IT TO HONG KONG TO MAKE THAT CLEAR."
ASKED ABOUT A TARGET LIST AS INSISTED BY MR ALEX TSUI TODAY, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THERE AREN’T ANY TARGET LISTS. THE ICAC OPERATES WITHIN THE LAW AND THE LAW IS ABSOLUTELY SPECIFIC ABOUT THE OBLIGATIONS ON THE ICAC, THOUGH THOSE PRECISE STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS ARE BEING EXAMINED AT THE MOMENT BY THE COMMITTEE WHICH WAS SET UP UNDER MR HELMUT SOHMEN.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 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 VISITING THE WELLINGTON COLLEGE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
GOVERNOR: I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VISIT WELLINGTON COLLEGE THIS AFTERNOON. IT’S OBVIOUSLY AN OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD SCHOOL DOING AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT JOB IN THE COMMUNITY. AS YOU KNOW, WE’VE TAKEN A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES OVER THE LAST YEAR. WE ARE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN OUR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. WE ARE SPENDING MORE MONEY TO REFURBISH SCHOOL BUILDINGS ABOUT $600 MILLION MORE WHICH IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN HAVE DECENT CLASSROOMS TO LEARN AND THE TEACHERS CAN HAVE DECENT ACCOMMODATION FOR THEMSELVES AS WELL. WE’VE ALSO ESTABLISHED THE LANGUAGE FUND TO HELP IMPROVE PROFICIENCY IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH. BUT, THERE ARE TWO PARTICULAR INITIATIVES FROM WHICH THIS SCHOOL AND MANY OTHERS ARE BENEFITING. WE’VE SET UP A COMPUTER FUND FOR THIS YEAR, OF $114 MILLION WHICH ENABLES US TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF COMPUTERS IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THAT RESULTS IN, IN THIS SCHOOL, ANOTHER 25 COMPUTERS WHICH MEAN THAT EVERYBODY WHO IS DOING COMPUTER STUDY HAS THEIR OWN COMPUTER TO WORK WITH. WE’RE ALSO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF BAND-FIVE STUDENTS AND THIS SCHOOL WILL BE GETTING AN EXTRA GRADUATE TEACHER THIS SEPTEMBER AND WE’VE ALSO GOT A TEAM WORKING ON THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE CURRICULUM IN SCHOOLS WITH A NUMBER OF BAND-FIVE AND, INDEED, BAND-FOUR PUPILS. SO, IT IS VERY GOOD TO SEE OUR SCHOOLS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SOME OF THE INITIATIVES THAT WE’VE LAUNCHED. I AM SURE IT’S THE CASE THAT PARENTS PUT EDUCATION UP NEAR THE TOP OF THEIR LIST OF PRIORITIES AND WHILE, OF COURSE, WE’VE GOT TO GO ON EXPANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN TERTIARY EDUCATION, WE MUSTN’T LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING QUALITY IN OUR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SO, I AM PLEASED TO SEE A SCHOOL DOING SUCH GOOD JOB THIS AFTERNOON.
QUESTION: MR GOVERNOR, PWC SUGGESTED THAT THE SAR LAND FUND WILL NOT BE HANDED OVER TO THE SAR IMMEDIATELY AFTER 1997. INSTEAD, IT SUGGESTED TO SET UP SOME KIND OF MECHANISM TO RE-INVEST IT. SO, DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS AN VIOLATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
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GOVERNOR: I READ THE LEADING ARTICLE IN ONE OF OUR LEADING NEWSPAPERS THIS MORNING ON THIS SUBJECT AND WHILE I AM SURE THE REMARKS MAY HAVE BEEN WELL-INTENTIONED, I THINK THEY HAVE CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN AND CONFUSION AS ONE OF OUR NEWSPAPERS POINTED OUT VERY VIGOROUSLY THIS MORNING. THE LAND FUND WILL BE WORTH ABOUT $100 BILLION BY 1997. THAT’S THE PRESENT ESTIMATE AND, OF COURSE, THE FIGURE MAY BE HIGHER. NOW, THAT LAND FUND SHOULD BE TREATED ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE TRUST DEED THAT WAS SET UP IN THE FIRST PLACE. AND THE TRUST DEED MADE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR AND I WANT TO UNDERLINE THIS POINT THAT THE MONEY IN THE LAND FUND IS MONEY THAT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER 1997, AFTER JULY 1, THE SAR GOVERNMENT BECOMES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONEY IN THE LAND FUND SO THERE IS THIS CONFUSION WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLY WORRYING PEOPLE. WE DO HAVE THE GREAT ADVANTAGE THIS WEEK OF HAVING DIRECTOR LU IN HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO CLEAR UP ANY MISUNDERSTANDING THAT MAY HAVE ARISEN BECAUSE OF THE REMARKS YESTERDAY ON THE LAND FUND. I THINK THAT WOULD BE WELCOME ALL ROUND. I DON’T THINK IT’S A POINT THAT WE WANT TO TURN INTO A GREAT CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE BUT WE DO, I THINK, WANT TO HAVE SOME CLARIFICATION OF WHAT EXACTLY IT’S MEANT BECAUSE I AM ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS DON’T WANT TO CHANGE THE TERMS OF THE TRUST DEED BUT THEY DO, I THINK, OWE IT TO HONG KONG TO MAKE THAT CLEAR.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR PATTEN, WILL YOU INTERVENE IN THE HONG KONG STADIUM NOISE DISPUTE TO ENABLE THE ROLLING STONES TO PLAY IN HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: THE FIRST DANCE I EVER TOOK MY WIFE TO AND I WON’T TELL YOU HOW MANY YEARS AGO IT WAS, BUT THE BAND THAT WAS PLAYING WAS THE ROLLING STONES. SO, THEY HAVE A CERTAIN POSITION IN MY AFFECTIONS. BUT, EVEN DESPITE THAT, 1 WOULDN’T DREAM OF TRYING TO INTERVENE IN WHAT’RE PROPERLY THE AFFAIRS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT. SO, OLD-TIMERS LIKE ME AND EVEN CONCEIVABLY YOU, WILL HAVE TO HOPE THAT PROBLEMS REGARDING THE STADIUM ARE IRONED OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT THE ISSUE. I WAS IN WAN CHAI YESTERDAY VISITING THE DISTRICT BOARD AND WAS SPEAKING TO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE VICINITY OF THE STADIUM AND I CAN UNDERSTAND THEIR WORRIES ABOUT THE LEVEL OF NOISE. 1 HOPE THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE STADIUM MANAGEMENT CAN TACKLE THE PROBLEM. BUT, FOR THE TIME BEING, 1 UNDERSTAND THAT THEY DON’T HAVE ANY PLANNED POP CONCERTS WHETHER ROLLING STONES OR ANYONE ELSE. AND SO, TO BORROW A PHRASE, I AM AFRAID THAT IS AN ISSUE ON WHICH J CAN’T GIVE YOU ANY SATISFACTION.
QUESTION: ..... THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG TEENAGER IN SINGAPORE. NOW IS THE OPPORTUNE TIME TO INTERVENE. THERE WAS AN OPEN INVITATION. BY HOLDING BACK, ARE YOU A KIND OF LIKE CONDOLING THE SENTENCE THAT’S PASSED DOWN TO Fl CHJ-HO?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
4
GOVERNOR: NO. WHAT I’M RECOGNISING, AND I ANSWERED A QUESTION ON THIS QUITE FULLY YESTERDAY, WHAT I’M RECOGNISING IS THE IMPORTANCE, FIRST OF ALL, OF NOT ACTING WITHOUT HAVING FULLY CONSULTED THE PARENTS AND WITHOUT ACTUALLY ACTING IN A WAY WHICH THE FAMILY WANT THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER IN SINGAPORE TO ACT IN. AND SECONDLY, THERE IS A LEGAL PROCESS WHICH IS GOING FORWARD, BEING HANDLED BY THE YOUNG MAN’S SOLICITORS AND LAWYERS AND I DON’T THINK WE SHOULD TAKE ANY STEPS UNTIL THAT LEGAL PROCESS HAS BEEN FINISHED. BUT I REPEAT THAT IN THIS CASE AND IN OTHER CASES, WE WOULD NOT WANT TO TAKE ACTION WHICH HAS NOT BEEN AGREED WITH THE PARENTS AND LEGAL ADVISERS OF THE FAMILY BECAUSE YOU CAN IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE MATTERS WORSE. I’D JUST ADD ONE POINT WHICH I’VE MADE BEFORE. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMMENT UNDERSTANDABLY ON THE SENTENCE PASSED IN THIS CASE. WE SHOULD JUST PUT IT ON RECORD THAT THE CRIME LEVEL IN HONG KONG WHILE NOT SOMETHING WE CAN BE COMPLACENT ABOUT, IS LOWER THAN THE CRIME LEVEL IN SINGAPORE.
QUESTION: SIR, DO YOU THINK IT IS ACCEPTABLE THAT THE VICE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE YESTERDAY SAID THAT THERE SHOULD BE CRITERIA SET OUT TO TRY TO SCRUTINISE THE CANDIDATES TO BE ELECTED IN 1997, BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT ALL THE THREE-TIER COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE DISMANTLED AT THAT TIME?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THE VICE DIRECTOR OF THE NCNA HAS TO SAY AND I AM AFRAID I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT FULL REMARK. I SAW REPORTS OF ANOTHER REMARK HE MADE IN WHICH HE SAID THAT THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE BASIC LAW AND SINCE THE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE BILL WHICH IS IN FRONT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE MOMENT, DO COMPLY WITH THE BASIC LAW, I THINK WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY SATISFIED AND REGARD IT AS ANOTHER REASON WHY THERE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ANY CHANGE IN 1997.
QUESTION: GOING BACK TO YOUR EARLIER QUOTE, DO YOU THINK THE PWC IS UNDERMINING THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS?
GOVERNOR: NO.
QUESTION: SIR, CAN YOU FOLLOW UP ON THE POINT YOU JUST SAID. I SHOULD CLARIFY THAT IT’S A VICE-DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE....
GOVERNOR: SORRY.
QUESTION: AND BY THE WAY, BECAUSE THERE IS NO THROUGH TRAIN FOR ALL THE ELECTED MEMBERS FOR THE THREE-TIER COUNCILS AND THEY WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO BE BLOCKED UP FROM GETTING ONTO THE TRAIN AFTERWARDS?
GOVERNOR: I REPEAT WHAT I SAID EARLIER THAT OUR VIEW AND THE VIEW OF INDEPENDENT LAWYERS IS THAT THE PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD AND ARE AT PRESENT IN THE ELECTORAL BILL ARE WHOLLY IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, WITH THE BASIC LAW AND WITH THE AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA. SO, EVEN THOUGH I DON’T DENY THE SOVEREIGN RIGHTS OF CHINA AFTER 1997, I CERTAINLY WOULDN’T DO THAT, 1 REPEAT ONCE AGAIN THAT THERE IS NO REASON WHY CHINESE OFFICIALS SHOULD TALK ABOUT OVERTURNING THE ARRANGEMENTS IN 1997 AND FRANKLY, THEY DON’T YET KNOW WHAT THOSE ARRANGEMENTS ARE BECAUSE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HASN’T FINISHED CONSIDERING THE BILL. SO, UNLESS THEY’VE GOT A CRYSTAL BALL, I AM AFRAID THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE GOING TO BE.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
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QUESTION: WHY DO YOU VISIT WELLINGTON COLLEGE? THE ARRANGEMENT WAS MADE ON LAST FRIDAY. IS IT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO TIGHTEN YOUR SCHEDULE?
GOVERNOR: NO. I VISIT SCHOOLS FAIRLY REGULARLY. I’VE MADE VISITS MANY TIMES AS YOU KNOW PERFECTLY WELL BECAUSE YOU’VE ACCOMPANIED ME ON MANY OF THEM. SOME OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS WEEK WERE MADE, FOR EXAMPLE, I WAS DOING THINGS AT LUNCH TIME WHICH WERE ARRANGED IN FEBRUARY. SO, THE ARRANGEMENTS CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME.
QUESTION: IN TODAY’S LEGCO HEARING, ALEX TSUI INSISTED THAT THERE WAS A TARGET LIST WHICH SENIOR DISCIPLINED OFFICERS, SOME LEGCO MEMBERS, STAFF OF SOME CHINESE-CAPITAL COMPANIES HAVE NAMES ON THE LIST. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT MR GOVERNOR YOURSELF AGREED TO SET UP A NEW POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN ICAC’S OPERATION DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT INTELLIGENCE. HAVE YOU REALLY AGREED TO SET UP SUCH A POST?
GOVERNOR: NO. I’D LIKE TO HAVE A LOOK AT ANY MORE UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT COMMENTS ON THEM. BUT, THE FIRST POINT YOU MADE IS UNTRUE. THERE AREN’T ANY TARGET LISTS. THE ICAC OPERATES WITHIN THE LAW AND THE LAW IS ABSOLUTELY SPECIFIC ABOUT THE OBLIGATIONS ON THE ICAC, THOUGH THOSE PRECISE STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS ARE BEING EXAMINED AT THE MOMENT BY THE COMMITTEE WHICH WAS SET UP UNDER MR HELMUT SOHMEN.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE SECURITY BRANCH REFUSED TO SEND OFFICIALS TO LEGCO TO EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT’S OBLIGATIONS TO USING THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE TO BUG SOMEONE’S TELEPHONE. IS IT OPPOSITE TO THE WAY OF OPEN GOVERNMENT THAT YOU HAVE SUGGESTED?
GOVERNOR: WHAT THEY SAID WHICH I THINK IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE. THEY SENT A PAPER TO THE PANEL POINTING OUT THE WAY THE LAW IS AT PRESENT CARRIED OUT. AND THEY SAID THAT THEY DIDN’T THINK THEY COULD GIVE ORAL OR RATHER ORAL OR VERBAL FURTHER EVIDENCE UNTIL THE SOHMEN COMMITTEE ON THE ICAC HAS REPORTED. AND THAT SEEMS TO ME PERFECTLY SENSIBLE. THEY DON’T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION IN WHICH THEY ARE PRE-JUDGING ISSUES WHILE THE SOHMEN COMMITTEE IS STILL LOOKING AT THEM. ONE MORE.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, LORD HOWE IS VISITING HONG KONG SOON AND HE’LL BE GOING TO BEIJING SOON ALSO. DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGE FOR HIM TO BRING TO BEIJING?
GOVERNOR: NO, BUT HE IS STAYING WITH ME IN HONG KONG. HE IS AN OLD FRIEND QF MINE SO I HAVE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO TALK TO HIM WHILE HE IS HERE. BUT HE IS NOT HERE AS AN EMISSARY. I THINK HE IS GOING TO PEKING FOR A BOARD MEETING. BUT HE’S GOT A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT OR TWO HERE IN HONG KONG AND I’LL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HIM. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
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WATER QUALITY IN MARICULTURE ZONES SET TO IMPROVE
*****
WATER QUALITY IN OR NEAR MARINE FISH CULTURE ZONES IN THE TERRITORY IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FOLLOWING THE ACCEPTANCE AND MORE GENERAL USE BY MARICULTURISTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY MOIST PELLET FEED.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR AQUACULTURE FISHERIES OFFICER, DR PATSY WONG PAT-SHUN, MADE THE REMARK AFTER A TWO-DAY MOIST PELLET FEED PRODUCTION DEMONSTRATION AT THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WHICH ENDED TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR WONG SAID THE PRODUCTION OF THE MOIST PELLET FEED WAS DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF RESEARCH, EXPERIMENTS AND TRIALS, AS WELL AS CO-OPERATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LOCAL MARICULTURE INDUSTRY.
THE FEED DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWED A GOVERNMENT-COMMISSIONED CONSULTANCY STUDY IN 1989 TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF MARICULTURE ON HONG KONG WATERS.
"THE NEW FEED FORMULATION, COMPRISING TRASH FISH, FISH MEAL, A BINDER AND A VITAMIN MIXTURE, IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING MINCED TRASH FEED WHICH HAS MORE WASTAGE AND LEACHING.
"THE NEW FEED HAS BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVED AS BEING ABLE TO MINIMISE THE POLLUTION LOADING ESPECIALLY IN HONG KONG’S FAIRLY SHELTERED FISH FARMS. IT IS ALSO SUITABLE FOR THE FISH SPECIES CULTURED IN LOCAL WATERS.
"FISH FED WITH THIS MOIST PELLET HAVE ALSO BEEN OBSERVED TO GROW HEALTHIER AND BETTER ABLE TO WITHSTAND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS SUCH AS COLD SPELL," SHE SAID.
THE NEW FEED WAS INTRODUCED TO LOCAL MARICULTURISTS IN MID-1993.
THE DEPARTMENT’S KAT O FISHERIES SUB-STATION HAS STARTED A NUMBER OF SHORT-TERM TRIALS WITH VOLUNTEER MARICULTURISTS IN NEARBY FISH CULTURE ZONES, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT RESPONSE FROM MARICULTURISTS HAS BEEN PROMISING.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS DRAWN UP A PROGRAMME TO -EXTEND THE USE OF THI MOIST PELLET TO THE INDUSTRY WITH THE AIM THAT ALL MARICULTURISTS WOULD USE THIS ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY FEED BY 1998.
DR WONG SAID THE TWO-DAY DEMONSTRATION AT THE PILOT PLANT IN ABERDEEN WAS WELL-RECEIVED BY LOCAL MARICULTURISTS.
"I HOPE THROUGH THIS DEMONSTRATION, MARICULTURISTS WOULD BE ABLE TO MASTER THE PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP AND RUNNING SIMILAR PLANTS BY TRADE ASSOCIATIONS FOR SUPPLY TO MEMBERS ON A NON-PROFIT BASIS,” SHE SAID.
AS THE PILOT PRODUCTION PLANT HAS NOW BECOME OPERATIONAL, IT WILL FIRST PRODUCE MOIST FEED FOR MARICULTURISTS IN THE NEARBY LAMMA ISLAND ON A COST-RECOVERY BASIS.
/MARICULTURISTS FROM .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
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MARICULTURISTS FROM OTHER CULTURE ZONES ARE ALSO WELCOME 'TO BUY THE FEED FROM THE ABERDEEN PLANT.
THEY SHOULD BOOK IN PERSON AT ROOM 207, ABERDEEN MARINE AND FISHERIES SUB-OFFICE OR BY TELEPHONING 873 8344 OR 873 8346, AT LEAST ONE WORKING DAY IN ADVANCE. BOOKING IS RESTRICTED TO MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS, FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE ABERDEEN FISHERIES SUB-OFFICE ON THE TWO TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND ALSO ON 679 9116.
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COMMISSION PUBLISHES REPORT ON INCITEMENT, CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT *****
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED ITS FINAL REPORT ON THE PRELIMINARY OFFENCES OF INCITEMENT, CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT.
THE REPORT IS THE RESULT OF THE COMMISSION’S REFERENCE ON CODIFICATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAW.
IT CONCENTRATES ON THE THREE OFFENCES WHICH ARE REFERRED TO BY LAWYERS AS "PRELIMINARY” IN THAT THEY PRECEDE THE COMMISSION OF THE COMPLETED OFFENCE.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION, MR STUART STOKER, SAID THAT THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS WERE INTENDED TO BRING HONG KONG’S LAW UP TO DATE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES WHICH HAD BEEN FOUND TO WORK WELL IN PRACTICE.
THE COMMISSION’S MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE:
* THE DEFENCE OF IMPOSSIBILITY SHOULD BE REMOVED IN RELATION TO THE OFFENCES OF INCITEMENT, CONSPIRACY AND ATTEMPT. THE COMMISSION ARGUES THAT PERSONS INCITING A CRIME, CONSPIRING OR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT A CRIME ARE STILL A DANGER TO SOCIETY, EVEN THOUGH THE FACTUAL CONTEXT RENDERS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE CRIME.
* THE COMMON LAW RULE THAT A PERSON CANNOT CONSPIRE WITH HIS OR HER SPOUSE SHOULD BE PRESERVED. THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THIS RULE HAS THE MERIT OF MAINTAINING THE STABILITY OF MARRIAGE BY AVOIDING INTERFERENCE WITH THE CONFIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIP OF HUSBAND AND WIFE.
* FOR THE OFFENCE OF CONSPIRACY, THE COMMON LAW EXEMPTIONS WHERE THE OTHER PARTY IS A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY OR IS THE INTENDED VICTIM OF A CRIME SHOULD BE RETAINED. GIVEN THAT A CONSPIRACY ALWAYS INVOLVES AT LEAST TWO CRIMINAL PARTIES, IT DOES NOT SEEM LOGICAL THAT ONE PARTY SHOULD BE HELD CRIMINALLY LIABLE WHEREAS THE OTHER PARTY IS NOT LIABLE BECAUSE OF YOUNG AGE OR BECAUSE HE IS THE INTENDED VICTIM.
/* THE OFFENCE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
* THE OFFENCE OF CORRUPTING PUBLIC MORALS, WHETHER IT EXISTS SOLELY AS A CONSPIRACY OR IN RESPECT OF AN INDIVIDUAL ACTING ALONE, SHOULD BE ABOLISHED. THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDS THE ABOLITION OF THE OFFENCE OF OUTRAGING PUBLIC DECENCY. THE COMMISSION POINTS OUT THAT THESE OFFENCES ARE "OF EXTREME AND UNCERTAIN WIDTH" AND ARE TOO SUBJECTIVE.
MR STOKER SAID THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THE ADOPTION OF PROVISIONS BASED ON THE ENGLISH CRIMINAL LAW ACT 1977, DEALING WITH CONSPIRACY; THE CRIMINAL ATTEMPTS ACT 1981, DEALING WITH ATTEMPTS; AND CLAUSE 47 OF THE DRAFT CRIMINAL CODE PREPARED BY THE ENGLISH LAW COMMISSION, WHICH DEALS WITH INCITEMENT.
IN EXPLORING MODELS FOR REFORM, ENGLISH SOURCES WERE PREFERRED BECAUSE OF THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN THE COMMON LAW OF HONG KONG AND THAT OF ENGLAND.
THOSE CONSULTED BY THE COMMISSION ON ITS DRAFT PROPOSALS HAD EXPRESSED CLEAR PREFERENCE FOR USING ENGLISH MODELS, MR STOKER SAID.
THE COMMISSION PUBLISHED A DRAFT REPORT ON THE SUBJECT IN NOVEMBER 1991 FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
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GOOD ENGLISH NEEDED IN BUSINESS *****
AN IMPROVED STANDARD OF ENGLISH IS NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD HONG KONG AS A TRULY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
TO MEET THE CALL FROM EMPLOYERS FOR HIGH QUALITY COURSES THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEEDS OF THE WORK PLACE, THE GOVERNMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAMINATIONS BOARD, HAS LAUNCHED THE HONG KONG VOCATIONAL ENGLISH PROGRAMME (HKVEP).
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE HKVEP, MR LAM SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS A SCHEME FOR VALIDATING AND MONITORING COURSES RUN BY APPROVED PROGRAMME CENTRES.
"VALIDATION MEANS THAT COURSES HAVE A SEAL OF QUALITY - A HALLMARK IF YOU LIKE - SO THAT BOTH STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS CAN RELY ON COURSES TO BE OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD," HE SAID.
"THERE HAS LONG BEEN A CALL FOR THIS TYPE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE FIELD OF ENGLISH TRAINING IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
AT THE MOMENT, THERE ARE TWO APPROVED PROGRAMME CENTRES, THE BRITISH COUNCIL AND THE CENTRE FOR PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ENGLISH AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, RUNNING NINE COURSES, INCLUDING COURSES SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES.
/MR LAM
THURSDAY, MAY 5, )994
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MR LAM NOTED ALL COURSES TAUGHT VERY PRACTICAL LANGUAGE SKILLS OF THE TYPE NEEDED IN THE WORK PLACE, SUCH AS WRITING A BUSINESS LETTER OR MEMO, OR TAKING PART IN A MEETING.
’’THIS CONCENTRATION ON SKILLS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR BUSINESS IS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE MARKS OF PROGRAMME COURSES," HE SAID.
AN INTEGRAL PART OF COURSES WITHIN THE PROGRAMME IS ASSESSMENT, WHICH IS BASED ON THE STUDENT’S ACTUAL PERFORMANCE IN TASKS REQUIRING THESE PRACTICAL LANGUAGE SKILLS.
"ASSESSMENT IS FREQUENT THROUGHOUT THE COURSES, BUT IS ALWAYS MEANINGFUL," MR LAM SAID.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE HKVEP IS THAT EVERY STUDENT WHO IS REGISTERED FOR CERTIFICATION RECEIVES AN INDIVIDUALISED PROFILE OF PERFORMANCE AT THE END OF THEIR COURSE.
THE PROFILE SHOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE STUDENT HAS DEMONSTRATED HE CAN DO IN ENGLISH AND HOW WELL HE CAN DO IT.
"THESE PROFILES OF PERFORMANCE ALLOW EMPLOYERS AND STUDENTS TO SEE, AT A GLANCE, EVIDENCE OF ABILITY TO ACTUALIV PERFORM IN ENGLISH -SOMETHING I KNOW MANY OF HONG KONG’S EMPLOYERS HAVE WISHED FOR FOR A LONG TIME," MR LAM SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ALL PROGRAMME COURSES ALLOWED STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATION FROM THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAMINATIONS BOARD.
"WE HOLD OUT GREAT HOPE FOR THIS PROGRAMME AS WE CONTEMPLATE THE POSITIVE EFFECT IT WILL HAVE ON THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH IN HONG KONG," MR LAM SAID.
------0-------
GOVERNOR VISITS SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT LIFE IN A PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG TODAY (THURSDAY).
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, THE GOVERNOR VISITED WELLINGTON COLLEGE WHICH HAS A HISTORY OF OVER 40 YEARS. HE WAS RECEIVED BY THE SUPERVISOR, MR DAVID YEOH TAI-WAI, AND THE PRINCIPAL, MR CHAN SHUI-HON.
DURING A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL, THE GOVERNOR OBSERVED SOME CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND A DEMONSTRATION BY THE SCHOOL MARCHING BAND.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS EDUCATION BY THE SCHOOL WHICH JOINED THE GOVERNMENT’S BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME IN 1965.
/THE SCHOOL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 3994
THE SCHOOL ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO STUDENT SERVICES AND HAS ADOPTED THE WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO COUNSELLING.
THE GOVERNOR WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WIDE RANGE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS. HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE SCHOOL HAD A PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION AND THAT PARENTS TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN SCHOOL FUNCTIONS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH SOME TEACHERS BEFORE ENDING HIS VISIT.
- - 0 - -
SHA GETS HIS PEOPLE TO VOTE *****
WITH ALL HIS DISTRICT OFFICERS BUSY PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION TERRITORY-WIDE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, ADDED A PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE CAMPAIGN THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
AND QUITE EVIDENTLY HE DID A PRETTY GOOD IN-HOUSE JOB.
’’EVERY COLLEAGUE I MET IN THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND CNTA HEADQUARTERS EITHER ASSURED ME THAT THEY WERE ALREADY ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL OR PROMISED THAT THEY WOULD REGISTER WELL BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON JULY 1,” MR SUEN SAID AFTER HANDING OUT VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS IN SOUTHORN CENTRE.
PLEASED WITH THE PLEDGES, MR SUEN EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS WILL DO THE SAME AND ENCOURAGE THEIR STAFF TO PARTICIPATE AS WELL.
AFTER ALL, THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS A COMBINED STRENGTH OF MORE THAN 180,000.
MR SUEN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO THOSE HAVING REACHED THE AGE OF 18 TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS.
’’THAT IS THE BEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HAVE A VOICE IN SHAPING A BETTER HONG KONG,” HE ASSERTED.
- - 0 - -
STAMPS ON SALE AT 24-HOUR STORES *****
THREE TYPES OF STAMP BOOKLETS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL 7-ELFVFN CONVENIENCE STORES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FROM MAY 9.
THEY HAVE BEEN ON SALE AT SELECTED 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORKS SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
/'•THE EXTENSION
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
- 11 -
"THE EXTENSION OF THE SELLING VENUES TO ALL 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORES IS PART OF OUR INITIATIVES TO IMPROVE SERVICES," THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"IT WILL GIVE MUCH GREATER CONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WITH MORE THAN 200 ADDITIONAL OUTLETS TO SELL STAMPS AT ANY HOUR OF THE DAY," HE SAID.
EACH CONTAINING 10 PIECES OF $1, $1.9 OR $2.4 DEFINITIVE
STAMPS, THE BOOKLETS ARE SOLD AT $10, $19, AND $24 RESPECTIVELY.
THESE DENOMINATIONS ARE WIDELY USED FOR POSTING LOCAL AND AIRMAIL LETTERS AT THE INITIAL WEIGHT STEP OF 10 GRAMS.
NO SPECIAL HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON THIS OCCASION, MR PAGLIARI SAID.
PROMOTE SAFE DRIVING *****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE MESSAGE OF SAFE DRIVING SHOULD BE WIDELY PROMOTED SO THAT MORE DRIVERS COULD SHARE THE FUN OF SAFE DRIVING.
PRESENTING PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TROPHY SAFE DRIVING COMPETITION WHICH WAS HEU) IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, MR HUI SAID THE INCREASE IN BOTH THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AND THE CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES IN THE COMPETITION SHOWED THAT THE EVENT WAS SUPPORTED BY THE PUBLIC.
"WE ALL KNOW THAT ADVANCED MOTORING DOES NOT MEAN HIGH SPEED DRIVING. FOR THIS REASON, ROAD SAFETY, DRIVING SKILL AND PASSENGER COMFORT WERE ALL PARTS OF THE JUDGING CRITERIA IN THE COMPETITION,” MR HUI SAID.
THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION COMPRISED FOUR SECTIONS: PRIVATE CAR, TAXI, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE AND 1IGHT BUS.
THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS WERE HELD IN MARCH DURING WHICH 10 FINALISTS FROM EACH SECTION WERE SELECTED TO ENTER THE FINALS WHICH WERE HELD LAST MONTH.
ALL FINALISTS WERE AWARDED A TROPHY. THE CHAMPION OF EACH SECTION WAS ALSO AWARDED A ROUND-TRIP HONG KONG-TOKYO AIR TICKET.
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/12 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
12
YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS INVITES APPLICATIONS » » » * *
THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS (CEPAIDS) IS INVITING YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE USE OF THE YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS FOR THE FOURTH YEAR.
THE SCHEME IS RUN BY CEPAIDS’ WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH TO ENCOURAGE AND MOBILISE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ORGANISE INNOVATIVE PROJECTS ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS FOR OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITY.
IT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CEPAIDS SAID: ’’YOUTH GROUPS EACH COMPRISING NOT LESS THAN FIVE MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT PROJECT PLANS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE AWARENESS ON AIDS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
"BY ORGANISING AND IMPLEMENTING AN AIDS PROJECT, YOUNG PEOPLE WILL LEARN A GREAT DEAL ABOUT AIDS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY,” HE EXPLAINED.
THERE WILL BE TWO DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS THIS YEAR - MAY 30 AND SEPTEMBER 30 - FOR APPLICANTS’ CHOICE.
TWENTY PROJECT PLANS WILL BE SELECTED FOR IMPLEMENTATION THIS YEAR AND THE MAXIMUM FUNDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF EACH PROJECT IS $6,000.
AMONG THE SELECTED PROJECTS, THE BEST THREE WILL EACH BE AWARDED A CASH PRIZE OF $2,000 AND AN "OUTSTANDING AWARD" TROPHY.
YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED TN THE FUNDING SCHEME CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS AND RELATED PROSPECTUS FROM THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLS OR YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, OR CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF CEPAIDS’ WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH ON TEL 835 1821.
LAST YEAR, 20 YOUTH GROUPS WERE SELECTED UNDER THE SCHEME, AND FOUR FOR THE FIRST YEAR IN 1991.
THESE GROUPS LAUNCHED A VARIETY OF CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS WHICH INCLUDED DRAMA SHOWS, MOBILE EXHIBITIONS, FOOTBALL TRAINING PROJECTS, CAMPINGS, FUNFAIRS, GET-TOGETHER NIGHTS, QUIZES; THE PRODUCTION OF CARING CARDS, CALENDAR CARDS, VIDEO AND OTHER AIDS EDUCATION RESOURCE MATERIALS AND A RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN.
------0-----------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
- 13 -
AIR-CONDITIONER NUISANCES INCUR FINE ♦ » » ♦ »
DON’T LET YOUR AIR-CONDITIONER BECOME A NUISANCE TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS THIS MAY COST YOU A FINE OF $10,000.
THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAUNCHES THIS MONTH.
THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, A 24-HOUR HOTLINE - 723 0013 -
CARRYING A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE ON METHODS OF PREVENTING NUISANCES CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC.
’’THE AIM IS TO REMIND THEM TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS AS SUMMER IS COMING,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’AFTER LISTENING TO THE TAPED MESSAGE, A CALLER MAY LEAVE HIS QUESTIONS WITH THE HOTLINE. STAFF FROM THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL CALL BACK,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNWANTED DRIPPINGS, HOT AIR AND EXCESSIVE NOISE WERE COMMON NUISANCES BROUGHT ABOUT BY DEFECTIVE AIRCONDITIONERS.
’’AIR-CONDITIONERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE NEIGHBOURING UNIT TO AVOID CAUSING NOISE NUISANCE.
’’WINDOW-TYPE AIR-CONDITIONERS SHOULD ALSO HAVE PROPER DRAINAGE TO AVOID DRIPPING,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT PROPER MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR INSPECTION WERE IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE MACHINE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LET AN AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT DRIP OR EMIT HOT AIR IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO BE A NUISANCE.
’’OFFENDERS MAY BE FINED UP TO $10,000,” I’HE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE ON THE CONTROL OF NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY AIR-CONDITIONERS,” HE ADDED.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, PUBLICITY MATERIALS LIKE ADVISORY LETTERS, POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO MANAGEMENTS OF ESTABLISHED PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, SHOPPING ARCADES, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, OWNERS INCORPORATED, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SUPPLIERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF AIR-CONDITIONERS.
TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE BROADCAST TO AROUSE PUBLIC CONCERN.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO SEEK ADVICE OR HELP FROM DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES OR REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
- - 0 - -
/l^
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
MUSIC GRANTS FOR 1994/95 *****
ALL REGISTERED NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS CAN NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR 1994/95 TO BE USED IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE FIELDS OF MUSIC AND DANCE.
GRANTS WERE PREVIOUSLY MADE TO SCHOOLS AND MUSIC AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OR REPAIR OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DANCE EQUIPMENT, MUSIC SCORES AND PARTS; OR ORGANISING CONCERTS, MUSIC CAMPS AND DANCE WORKSHOPS.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR GRANTS FOR OTHER PURPOSES THAT CONFORM TO THE OVERALL EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE FUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC FUND SAID GRANTS TOTALLING $1,022 MILLION WERE APPROVED IN 1993/94 FOR 132 SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON TEL 594 5628. THE CLOSING
DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 3.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,396 0930 + 256
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,925 1000 + 176
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 + 279
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 279 1200 + 279
LAF TODAY -750 1500 + 279
1600 + 279
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.5 ♦ + 0.3* 5.5.94
/HONG KONG........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1994
- 15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.88 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.72 5.79
1 MONTH 3.49 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.35 6.08
3 MONTHS 4.00 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.81 6.59
6 MONTHS 4.59 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.11 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.15 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.61 6.78
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 25,839 MN
CLOSED 5 MAY 1994
0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LU PING’S SPEECH POSITIVE: GOVERNOR........................ 1
GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA AFTER VISITING ELDERLY HOME........... 2
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER VISITING THE HK TECHNICAL COLLEGE.....,............................. 5
GOVERNOR VISITS HOME FOR THE AGED.......................... 7
GOVERNOR THANKS LIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE................ 7
WHITEHEAD OPERATION PRESS REPORT DISMISSED................. 8
HK REPRESENTATIVES TO APEC PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM NAMED. 8
HK HOME TO SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE...... 9
SPEL EXCHANGES VIEWS WITH CONSUMER COUNCIL................ 10
HONG KONG FESTIVAL FOR 1995 .............................. 10
PLANNING DEPARTMENT ACTS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS.............................................. 12
ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND TO BE SET UP............ 12
FOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED........... 13
FOOTBRIDGE PROPOSED FOR SHA TIN........................... 14
CAR RAMP TO OCEAN TERMINAL PROPOSED....................... 15
/DSD LOOKS....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
DSD LOOKS FOR EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS......................... 16
SWD HELPS EXPANSION OF CHARITY WORK INTO CHINA............ 16
OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS VITAL................ 17
SECONDARY STUDENTS URGED TO BECOME VOTERS................. 17
39 ECVIIS SENT BACK....................................... 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
18
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
LU PING’S SPEECH POSITIVE: GOVERNOR *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HOPED THAT PEOPLE WOULD SEE DIRECTOR LU PING’S SPEECH TODAY (FRIDAY) AS A POSITIVE STATEMENT ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
RESPONDING TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ABOUT DIRECTOR LU’S SPEECH AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE (TSING ¥1), MR PATTEN SAID:’’THERE’S PLAINLY A LOT IN THE SPEECH WITH WHICH WE ALL AGREE.
” DIRECTOR LU TALKS ABOUT THE VERY IMPORTANT ECONOMIC ROLE WHICH HONG KONG CAN PLAY AND WHICH WE ALL WANT TO SEE HONG KONG PLAY IN THE CONTINUING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA.”
HOWEVER, MR PATTEN BELIEVED SOME PEOPLE WOULD BE A LITTLE SURPRISED BY THE REMARKS ABOUT POLITICS.
" AFTER ALL, HONG KONG ISN’T JUST AN EXAMPLE OF CAPITALISM AT WORK,” HE SAID.
” THERE ARE ALSO FREEDOMS AND VALUES IN THE INSTITUTIONS OF AN OPEN SOCIETY WHICH HAVE HELPED TO CREATE OUR PROSPERITY HERE IN HONG KONG. AND CHINA ITSELF HAS RECOGNISED THIS.
” CHINA ITSELF HAS SIGNED UP IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASIC LAW TO A PROCESS OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WHICH RECOGNISES THE MODEST BUT GROWING ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY.
” SO, I THINK THAT THERE WILL BE SOME QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT THAI . "
THE GOVERNOR HOPED THAT IF THERE WERE DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT ISSUES LIKE POLITICS OR SOME ELEMENTS OF POLITICS, HE AND DIRECTOR LU COULD TALK CALMLY AND RATIONALLY TO ONE ANOTHER AND PERHAPS PUT THEM ON ONE SIDE WHILE GETTING ON WITH THE LIVELIHOOD ISSUES WHICH DIRECTOR LU HAD PUT SO MUCH EMPHASIS ON IN HIS SPEECH.
” 1 THINK ON THAT, PEOPLE WILL BE HOPING THAT THE SPEECH IS FOLLOWED BY PRACTICAL ACTIONS AND PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF PROGRESS IN CO-OPERATION,” HE ADDED.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA AFTER VISITING ELDERLY HOME ♦ » ♦ * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER VISITING AN ELDERLY HOME TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: I AM DELIGHTED THAT WITH LIBBY I'VE BEEN ABLE TO VISIT THIS EXCELLENT HOME THIS MORNING. I THINK THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BELIEVES AS WE BECOME MORE PROSPEROUS SO WE SHOULD PROVIDE A BETTER LEVEL OF CARE AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY CITIZENS WHO HAVE HELPED TO CREATE THE PROSPERITY THAT WE NOW ENJOY. THIS HOME IS OBVIOUSLY DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB. WE WANT TO TRY TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT MORE PEOPLE, MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE LOOKED AFTER LIKE THIS.
WE’VE MADE A NUMBER OF PLEDGES AS YOU KNOW TO DEVELOP OUR SERVICES. WE ARE PROVIDING AN EXTRA 800 CARE AND ATTENTION PLACES OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS. WE’VE TAKEN THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH A NETWORK OF NURSING HOMES RIGHT ACROSS HONG KONG WITH AN INITIAL COMMITMENT TO J 4,000 PLACES AS A FIRST STEP. WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN TO DEAL WITH THE BACKLOG IN THE SINGLE ELDERLY ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY LIST AND WE’RE PLEDGED TO CLEAR A BACKLOG OF 4,000 IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS. IN GENERAL WE WANT TO SEE BETTER SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY. LIBBY AS THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE CHAIRS THE WORKING GROUP WHICH IS TRYING TO POOL TOGETHER ALL OUR SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE BETTER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE PROVISION. IN THE BACKGROUND, OF COURSE, IS THE CONTINUING DEBATE AND THE IMPORTANT DEBATE ABOUT FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR THE ELDERLY WITH AT THE MOMENT A FEASIBILITY STUDY INTO THE PROPOSALS WE HAVE PUT FORWARD FOR OUR OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME. SO AS A WHOLE NETWORK OF POLICIES WHICH WE NEED TO BRING TOGETHER AND I THINK THAT EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS AND NOBODY I THINK WILL GRUDGE FOR A MOMENT THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WE WANT TO PUT INTO ELDERLY CARE.
QUESTION: MR
APPLICATION OF EVENT IN CHINA.
PATTEN, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS REFUSED THE SOME HONG KONG REPORTERS TO COVER THE QIANTAO LAKE HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO IT?
GOVERNOR: I WOULD HAVE HOPED THAT AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME, CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD BE WORKING AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG TO BELIEVE THAT THEY, THOSE CHINESE OFFICIALS WERE SERIOUS ABOUT COMMITMENTS TO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT THE ISSUE, CONCERNS THAT WERE GIVEN PARTICULAR POINT BY THE XI YANG CASE BUT WITH CONCERNS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED THROUGH OTHER REASONS AS WELL WITH MORE AND MORE PEOPLE, ACCORDING TO THE POLLS, WORRY ABOUT WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AFTER 1997. SO MY OWN VIEW, THOUGH IT’S A MATTER FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS, MY OWN VIEW IS THAT THEY SHOULD BE WORKING TO REMOVE THOSE CONCERNS, NOT TAKING DECISIONS WHICH INCREASE THOSE CONCERNS. I NOTICE WHAT ONE OR TWO MEMBERS OF THE PWC THEMSELVES HAVE SAID ABOUT THE DECISION WHICH SEEMS TO ME TO BE SENSIBLE AND BRAVE.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: SIR, A LATEST SURVEY SHOWS THAT THE TRUST OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IN BEIJING AND THE UK GOVERNMENTS IS AT AN ALL TIME LOW, WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
GOVERNOR: I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT SURVEY. MOST OF THE SURVEYS I HAVE SEEN RECENTLY SUGGESTED THAT IN COMPARISON WITH MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES, THERE IS AN ASTONISHING LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT. BUT IF YOU TELL WHAT THE SURVEY IS AND YOU SEE ME THIS AFTERNOON I WILL RESPOND TO IT.
QUESTION: DID YOU PROPOSE A DATE TO THE CHINESE SIDE FOR THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING?
GOVERNOR: YES, WE HAVE MADE PROPOSALS TO THE CHINESE SIDE WHICH I
HOPE THE CHINESE SIDE WILL BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO IT POSITIVELY.
QUESTION: DIRECTOR LU PING WILL VISIT JUNK BAY ON THE COMING SUNDAY, WILL YOU PROVIDE ANY SECURITY ARRANGEMENT FOR HIM?
GOVERNOR: ANYTHING WHICH DIRECTOR LU PING AND HIS COLLEAGUES WOULD LIKE WE WILL PROVIDE. WE’VE BEEN PROVIDING THEM WITH AS MUCH ASSISTANCE AS THEY HAVE ASKED FOR ALL WEEK AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO DO SO BECAUSE WE WOULD LIKE DIRECTOR LU PING’S VISIT TO HONG KONG TO BE SO ENJOYABLE AND SUCCESSFUL THAT HE COMES BACK MANY TIMES IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT HE SEES AS MUCH OF HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE, MEETS AS MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE AND IS ABLE TO ADDRESS AS MANY CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS POSSIBLE. SO ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO MAKE HIS VISIT A SUCCESS AND ENJOYABLE WE WILL BE HAPPY TO DO.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, THE RECENT BRITISH LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTION SHOWS THAT THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY ENJOYS THE LOWEST SUPPORT FROM THE BRITISH. HOW DO YOU EXPECT THAT IT WILL AFFECT YOUR FUTURE AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK IT MAKES ANY DIFFERENCE TO MY FUTURE AS GOVERNOR ANY MORE THAN THE LAST ELECTION RESULTS WHEN I WAS A PARTY CHAIRMAN, WHICH WERE I THINK ALMOST THE BEST WE HAVE MANY YEARS AFFECTED THE THEN GOVERNOR OR AFFECTED MY RELATIONSHIP TO THE JOB THAT EVERYBODY KNEW I WAS GOING TO DO AT THE TIME. IT’S NOT REALLY A MATTER FOR ME. I HAVEN’T SEEN THE RESULTS IN ANY DETAIL. I TOLD YOU WHAT I AM INTERESTED IN. I AM INTERESTED IN THE RESULTS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THIS SEPTEMBER IN PARTICULAR. I AM INTERESTED IN GETTING THE MAXIMUM REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND AS BIG A TURNOUT AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE 1 THINK IT’S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THEIR LOCAL AFFAIRS. LAST QUESTION.
QUESTION: DIRECTOR LU IS GOING TO MAKE A SPEECH ON ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” THIS AFTERNOON.
GOVERNOR: GOOD, EXCELLENT.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
4
QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF EXPECTATIONS ARE YOU WAITING TO SEE, WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE ARE YOU HOPING THAT DIRECTOR LU WILL GIVE HONG KONG IN HIS SPEECH?
GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE HE WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN AROUSED ABOUT THE SPEECH. I HAVE BEEN READING LEADING ARTICLES AND OTHER PIECES IN YOUR NEWSPAPERS ALL WEEK SAYING THE SORT THE THINGS THAT YOU HOPE DIRECTOR LU WILL SAY AND I HOPE THAT HE WILL HAVE GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG. I HOPE MORE GENERALLY HE WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERLINE CHINA’S COMMITMENT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. I HOPE HE WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS THAT HAS MADE HONG KONG SO SUCCESSFUL - A COMBINATION OF MARKET ECONOMICS AND THE RULE OF LAW. I HOPE THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERLINE HONG KONG’S CONTINUING SPECIAL NATURE AND CONTINUING IMPORTANCE. I HOPE ALSO THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERLINE THAT IN THE FUTURE HONG KONG WILL ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY AS IT HAS BEEN PROMISED. I AM SURE THAT IT WILL BE AN EXTREMELY INTERESTING SPEECH. IT’S A SPEECH WHICH EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN WAITING FOR AND HE WILL HAVE I AM SURE A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE FOR IT.
QUESTION: ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ... ?
GOVERNOR: WELL, SINCE I THINK FEBRUARY I HAVE HAD AN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE HONG KONG LIONS, THE CLUB THAT IS, RATHER THAN THE ONES THAT ROAR AND I AM GOING TO GO AND HAVE LUNCH WITH THEM NOW. HAVING LUNCH WITH LIONS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I’VE OFTEN DONE AND I HOPE I EMERGE UNSCATHED.
QUESTION: ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE SIMILAR SPEECH ON SIMILAR ITEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
GOVERNOR: I MAKE LOTS OF SPEECHES ON THAT ISSUE. I MADE ONE NOT VERY LONG AGO, AT THE UNIVERSITY ON HOW I THOUGHT WE MANAGED TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION. I POINTED OUT ALL THE WORK WHICH STILL HAS TO BE DONE, ALL THE WORK THAT HAS TO BE DONE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE WORK THAT HAS TO BE DONE ON THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS AND THE WORK THAT HAS TO BE DONE ON THE CONTAINER TERMINAL, ON THE AIRPORT AND ALL THOSE OTHER MATTERS. AND THOSE ARE ISSUES ON WHICH I HOPE WE’LL BE HEARING FROM DIRECTOR LU PING EITHER THIS AFTERNOON OR IN HIS SUBSEQUENT VISITS, WHICH I REPEAT WE HOPE WILL BE MANY AND CHEERFUL. THANK YOU.
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/5.........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
5
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION AFTER VISITING THE HE TECHNICAL COLLEGE ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER VISITING THE HONG RONG COLLEGE (TS1NG YIl THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR, TECHNICAL
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WHAT’S YOUR THAT IT’LL BE DISASTROUS IF HONG
REACTION TO LU PING’S KONG IS TURNED INTO A
STATEMENT TODAY POLITICAL CITY?
GOVERNOR: OBVIOUSLY, DIRECTOR LU PING’S SPEECH WAS VERY CAREFULLY THOUGHT ABOUT AND CAREFULLY WRITTEN. 1 ’VE ONLY HAD A CHANCE OF LOOKING AT IT VERY QUICKLY IN BETWEEN GOING ROUND THIS TECHNICAL COLLEGE AND I THINK IT DESERVES RATHER MORE CAREFUL STUDY. THERE’S PLAINLY A LOT IN THE SPEECH WITH WHICH WE ALL AGREE. LU PING TALKS ABOUT THE VERY IMPORTANT ECONOMIC ROLE WHICH HONG KONG CAN PLAY AND WHICH WE ALL WANT TO SEE HONG KONG PLAY IN THE CONTINUING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA.
J THINK THAT SOME PEOPLE WILL BE A LITTLE SURPRISED ABOUT POLITICS. AFTER ALL, HONG KONG ISN’T JUST CAPITALISM AT WORK. THERE ARE ALSO FREEDOMS AND INSTITUTIONS OF AN OPEN SOCIETY WHICH HAVE HELPED
BY THE REMARKS AN EXAMPLE OF VALUES IN THE. TO CREATE OUR
PROSPERITY HERE IN HONG KONG. AND CHINA ITSELF HAS RECOGNISED THIS. CHINA ITSELF HAS SIGNED IIP IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN THE BASK’ LAW TO A PROCESS OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WHICH RECOGNISES THE MODEST BUT GROWING ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE
COMMUNITY, OF YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE THE ONES I HAVE MET TODAY. SO, I THINK THAT THERE WILL BE SOME QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT THAT BUT OVERALL, J HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL SEE IT AS A POSITIVE STATEMENT ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE. AND 1 HOPE THAT IF THERE ARE DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT ISSUES LIKE
POLITICS OR SOME ELEMENTS OF POLITICS, WE CAN TALK CALMLY AND RATIONALLY TO ONE ANOTHER AND PERHAPS PCT THEM ON ONE SIDE WHILE. WF GET ON WITH THE LIVELIHOOD ISSUES WHICH DIRECTOR LU PING PUT SO MUCH
EMPHASIS ON IN HIS SPEECH. AND I THINK ON THAT, PEOPLE WILL BE HOPING THAT THE SPEECH IS FOLLOWED BY PRACTICAL ACTIONS AND PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF PROGRESS IN CO-OPERATION.
QUESTION: BUT DO YOU SEE THAT KIND OF SNUB TOWARDS THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
REMARKS AS ......... A KIND OF
OF HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: J DON’T THINK THAT I WANT TO USE THAT SORI’ OF LANGUAGE. I’VE SAID BEFORE THAT I DON’T THINK YOU CAN TREAT HONG KONG AS JUS!' AN ECONOMIC LABORATORY. IT’S A LIVING, THRIVING COMMUNITY WITH ALL SORTS OF SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS, MODES! ONES, MODERATE ONES. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A COMMUNITY WHICH IS THE EIGHTH LARGEST TRADING COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND IMPRESSIVE COMMUNITIES ANYWHERE AND WE AKE ALSO TALKING ABOUT CHINA’S AGREEMENT TO THE STEADY, NOT TOO RAPID, BUT THE STEADY POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG. SO, I THINK PEOPLE WILL WANT TO REMEMBER THAT WHEN THEY READ DIRECTOR LU PING’S WORDS. AND I AM SURE THAT WE’LL LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM HIM AND OTHER CHINESE OFFICIALS HOW THEY INTERPRET THE THINGS THAT THEY’VE AGREED TO IN THE JOINT DECLARATION ABOUT HONG KONG’S VALUES AND HONG KONG’S FREEDOMS. ALL THE THINGS WHICH THE YOUNG AND 1NTELLLGEN’i STUDENTS I WAS TALKING TO TODAY WOULD TAKE COMPLETELY FOR GRANTED.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 199^
6
QUESTION: YOU ALWAYS SAID THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD NO'l DISBAND THE THREE TIERS OF ELECTIONS DURING THE CHANGEOVER, BIT DURING MR LU PING AND PWC ’ S TRIP IN HONG KONG, THEY ALWAYS SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN I’HAT THE THREE TIERS OF ELECTIONS WOULD BE DISBANDED, AND THIS MORNING HE SAID AGAIN. SO, DO YOU STILL HOPE I’HAT DREAM, OR STILL HOLD THAT DREAM OR PREPARE NOT FOR THAT?
GOVERNOR: I’VE SAID BEFORE THAI II IS NO DENIAL OF CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AFTER 1997 TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS NO REASON WHY CHINA SHOULD THROW OUT OF THE WINDOW THE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH THE COMMUNITY REGARD.S AS BEING MOST SENSIBLE AND MOST IN THE COMMUNITY'S INTERESTS. BUT I THINK IT IS A LITTLE PREMATURE TO REACH DECISIONS ON THAT. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HASN'T FINISHED DEBATING OUR BILL.. I HOPF. OUR BILL WILL GO THROUGH UNAMENDED BECAUSE IT’S AN EXTREMELY GOOD BILL. IF IT DOES GO THROUGH UNAMENDED, IT WILL PUT ON THE STATUTE BOOK ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE WHOLLY IN LINE NOT JUST WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION BUT WITH THE BASIC LAW. LAST.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU AGREE WITH MR LI PING, IN THE SPEECH, HE MENTIONED THAT STABILITY OF CHINA IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE ONE-COUNTRY-TWO SYSTEMS CONCEPT. OTHERWISE, IT WILL JUST MERELY BUILD ON SAND. WHAT WILL YOU DO IF YOU TRY TO ASSESS THE ONE-COUNTRY-TWO-SYSTEMS CONCEPT INTO REALITY?
GOVERNOR: I HAVE SAID ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG, I HAPPEN TO THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO THE REGION ANU THE WORLD, THAT CHINA CONTINUES TO GROW AND DEVELOP PROSPEROUSLY, PEACEFULLY AND WITH STABILITY BECAUSE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CHINA IS ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US AND ALL OF US SHOULD WANT TO SEE IT SUCCEED. I’VE MADE THAT POINT PLAIN AGAIN, AGAIN AND AGAIN. NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MINDS COULD CONCEIVABLY WANT CHINA To STUMBLE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. CHINA IN FIFTEEN YEARS HAS MADE AN ASTONISHING TRANSFORMATION FROM THE SORT OF ECONOMICS WHICH, I THINK NONE OF US WOULD AGREE WITH, TO SOMETHING QUITE LIKE A MARKET ECONOMY. IT’S MANAGED THAT PASSAGE WITH SPECTACULAR AGILITY. OF COURSE, IT NOW FACES SOME MAJOR PROBLEMS BUT NOBODY SHOULD BE SURPRISED ABOUT THAT. PROBLEMS OF MACRO-ECONOMIC POLICY, INFLATION AND OVER-HEATING, PROBLEMS IN CHANGING OVER MAN-1NDUSTR1ES. THOSE ARE ALL PROBLEMS WHICH OTHERS HAVE TO TACKLE. THEY ARE BIGGER IN CHINA’S CASE BECAUSE CHINA IS SO MUCH BIGGER. BUT, I HOPE AS YOU ALL DO THAT CHINA MANAGES TO COPE WITH THEM WITH THE SAME DEXTERITY WITH WHICH CHINA’S COPED WITH ITS PROBLEMS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND I VERY MUCH HOPE AND SO DO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, I BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE IN HONG KONG CAN PLAY A ROLE IN THAT SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT. BUT WE ALL HAVE TO RECOGNISE, YOU DON’T HAVE, I AM NOT MAKING A CHEAP POINT, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MARXIST OR AN EX-MARXIST TO RECOGNISE IT THAT ECONOMICS HAS SOCIAL AND TECHNICAL AND POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES THAI’ THERE ARE RELATIONSHIPS. AND SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION ACCOMMODATES AND BALANCES THE TWO AND THAT'S WHAT WE'VE ALL GOT TO DO AS SATISFACTORILY AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU VERA MUCH INDEED.
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/7........
FRIDAY. MAY 6, 1994
GOVERNOR VISITS HOME FOR THE AGED *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE CHUK LAM MING TONG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED IN POKFULAM TO SEE HOW A SUBVERTED HOME FOR THE ELDERLY PROVIDES ITS SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, THE GOVERNOR WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN.
MR STRACHAN INTRODUCED TO THE GOVERNOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR SO TUNG-LAM, AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOME, MS LIU YIN-CHOI.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE FACILITIES OF THE HOME WHICH PROVIDES HOME FOR THE AGED, CARE-AND-ATTENTION AND INFIRMARY SERVICE FOR PERSONS AGED 60 AND OVER.
HE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 180 PLACES, OF WHICH 60 ARE HOME FOR THE AGED PLACES AND 120 ARE CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES INCLUDING 40 INFIRMARY BEDS.
THE PARTY FIRST ARRIVED AT THE HOME’S ACTIVITY ROOM TO SEE A GROUP OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS PRACTISING CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, TAI CHI, COTTON-WOOL MAKING, HANDICRAFT, DIM SUM MAKING AND MEAL PREPARATION.
THE GOVERNOR LATER JOINED THE RESIDENTS IN CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MADAM WOO WAI-CHUN WHO IS THE OLDEST RESIDENT AT THE HOME. THE GOVERNOR ALSO PRESENTED A BIRTHDAY CAKE TO MADAM WOO.
BEFORE DEPARTURE, THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE CARE-AND-ATTENTION CUM INFIRMARY SECTION.
- - 0 - -
GOVERNOR THANKS LIONS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
*****
THE 39-YEAR COMMUNITY SERVICE OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG HAS EARNED WORDS OF APPRECIATION FROM THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.
SPEAKING AT THE CLUB’S LUNCHEON TODAY (FRIDAY), MR PATTEN PAID TRIBUTE TO ITS MEMBERS’ WORK IN HEALTH, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AS WELL AS SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND DISABLED.
ON ITS FUTURE PLANS, MR PATTEN WAS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE LIONS WERE WORKING ON A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS, SUCH AS A COMMUNITY CHARTER ON AIDS, A STUDENT VISIT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME FOR HONG KONG, CHINA AND TAIWAN, A PREVOCAT1ONAL SCHOOL AND A HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE.
/AN INTERNATIONAL
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 199#
8
AN INTERNATIONAL LIONS CLUB CONVENTION IS PLANNED IN HONG KONG FOR THE YEAR 2000.
MR PATTEN EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD FIND HONG KONG PEOPLE BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WITH THE SAME VIGOUR, INVENTIVENESS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITH WHICH THEY HAD BUILT HONG KONG IN THE PAST.
------0-------
WHITEHEAD OPERATION PRESS REPORT DISMISSED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) DISMISSED AS UNTRUE A REPORT IN AN ENGLISH NEWSPAPER THAT A REQUEST HAD BEEN PUT TO THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS TO USE HELICOPTERS TO DROP WATER DURING THE REMOVAL OF 1,500 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7.
"AT NO STAGE DURING THE PLANNING OF THIS OPERATION WAS THE USE OF WATER DROPPED FROM HELICOPTERS EVER CONSIDERED. SUCH USE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE WHITEHEAD INCIDENT WOULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS,” HE SAID.
DURING THE OPERATION IN WHITEHEAD, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WERE ON STAND-BY TO CONTROL POSSIBLE OUTBREAKS OF FIRE. THEY HAD NO OTHER ROLE.
THE SPOKESMAN CATEGORICALLY DENIED THAT THEY EVER PUT SUCH A REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE.
"CRITICISM OF MR ERIC MCCOSH, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ATTRIBUTED TO PAM BAKER OF REFUGEE CONCERN AND RECORDED IN THE REPORT WAS ILL-FOUNDED AND IRRESPONSIBLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
HK REPRESENTATIVES TO APEC PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM NAMED *****
HONG KONG HAS NOMINATED TWO PROMINENT LEADERS FROM THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO REPRESENT THE TERRITORY IN THE ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) PACIFIC BUSINESS FOR(JM, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE MR LINUS CHEUNG WING-LAM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONG KONG TELECOM AND DR SARAH LIAO SAU-TUNG, DIRECTOR OF EHS CONSULTANTS LTD.
THE PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM WAS ONE OF THE INITIATIVES AGREED BY THE APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS’ MEETING IN SEATTLE ON NOVEMBER 20, 1993.
THE AIM OF THE FORUM IS TO FACILITATE REGIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT AND ENCOURAGE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS NETWORKS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
/THE FORUM .......
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 9 -
THE FORUM WILL BE TASKED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF IDENTIFYING THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT SUPPORT OR CONSTRAIN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN THE REGION AND RECOMMENDING STEPS THAT APEC COULD TAKE TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE.
"WITH THE WIDE EXPERIENCE THEY HAVE IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR, I AM SURE THAT MR CHEUNG AND DR LIAO WILL MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE FORUM," MR CHAU SAID.
THE FORUM IS EXPECTED TO MEET AT LEAST TWICE BEFORE THE SECOND ECONOMIC LEADERS’ MEETING IN INDONESIA IN NOVEMBER 1994. THE DATE AND VENUE OF THE FIRST MEETING HAVE YET TO BE FIXED.
--------0-----------
HK HOME TO SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE
*****
HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE LOGISTICAL BASE AND NERVE CENTRE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHERN CHINA BECAUSE IT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AND SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRES IN THE WORLD, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE BRITISH COMPUTER SOCIETY (HONG KONG SECTION), MR SIU SAID HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE DE FACTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS HUB OF THE REGION.
MR SIU SAID TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS, HONG KONG HAD TO MAINTAIN ITS LEADING EDGE IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
"HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE IN THAT WE HAVE ALREADY MADE A HEAD START," HE SAID.
"WE ARE THE FIRST CITY IN THE WORLD THAT HAS A COMPREHENSIVE FIBRE OPTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND FULLY DIGITALISED TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SYSTEM.
"WE WILL SHORTLY BE ISSUING LOCAL FIXED NETWORK LICENCES TO THREE ADDITIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATORS SO THAT THE RANGE OF SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS WILL BE EVEN WIDER.
"IN SHORT, WE ARE MAKING SURE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IS IN PLACE," MR SIU SAID.
TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM WAS PRODUCING WORKERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION, MR SIU SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT $40 MILLION IN EQUIPPING SCHOOLS WITH COMPUTERS AND ANOTHER $20 MILLION MORE WOULD BE SPENT.
MORE THAN 350 SCHOOLS ARE NOW OFFERING COMPUTER STUDIES COURSES.
/TO IMPROVE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 10
TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENGAGING IN A $600 MILLION-PROJECT DESIGNED TO LINK COMPUTER FACILITIES AND SYSTEMS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MR SIU SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO SET UP A JOINT EQUITY COMPANY, TRADELINK, WITH 11 MAJOR HONG KONG ENTERPRISES TO PROVIDE A CATALYST FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMMUNITY WIDE ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE SERVICE, HE SAID.
------0--------
SPEL EXCHANGES VIEWS WITH CONSUMER COUNCIL ♦ » » * ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (FRIDAY) EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, PROF EDWARD CHEN, AND THE COUNCIL’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MRS PAMELA CHAN, ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES CONCERNING CONSUMER PROTECTION IN PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS.
MR EASON SAID: ’’THE MEETING WILL BE VERY USEFUL IN HELPING THE TASK FORCE FORMULATE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON INCREASING LAND SUPPLY AND DEALING WITH PROPERTY SPECULATION.
”WE DISCUSSED PROPERTY PRE-SALE ARRANGEMENTS AND WAYS TO ASSIST POTENTIAL FLAT BUYERS TO OBTAIN MORE UP-TO-DATE AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPERTY MARKET AND THE FLAT SUPPLY SITUATION IN THE LONGER TERM.”
TODAY’S MEETING FORMED PART OF THE CURRENT CONSULTATION THAT MR EASON IS HAVING WITH RELEVANT GROUPS AND BODIES. VIEWS SOLICITED IN THIS PROCESS WILL HELP THE TASK FORCE FORMULATE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR TO INCREASE LAND SUPPLY AND TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES.
MR EASON SAID: ”OUR WORK IS PROCEEDING WELL AND IT REMAINS OUR TARGET TO COMPLETE OUR WORK BY THE END OF JUNE."
---------0-----------
HONG KONG FESTIVAL FOR 1995 ♦ ♦ » ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO HOLD A LARGE-SCALE HONG KONG FESTIVAL LATE NEXT YEAR TO HELP FOSTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE FESTIVAL WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS, BEGINNING AROUND LATE OCTOBER TO EARLY NOVEMBER 1995.
A SOPKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID: "THE SUCCESS OF THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL IN CANADA IN 1992 ENCOURAGED US TO COME UP WITH THIS IDEA. THAT EVENT SHOWED THAT HONG KONp HAS THE ORGANISING ABILITY AND CREATIVE TALENT TO MOUNT A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME.
/"THE HIGH .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
11
"THE HIGH LEVEL OF SUPPORT IN HONG KONG FOR THAT FESTIVAL ALSO SHOWED THAT THE COMMUNITY IS VERY WILLING TO RALLY ROUND TO 'CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH EVENTS."
THE MAIN AIM OF THE PLANNED HONG KONG FESTIVAL IS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, TO PROVIDE A RALLYING POINT FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SHARE AND ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THE YEARS OF EFFORT AND PERSEVERANCE THAT HAVE LED TO ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR HOME-GROWN ARTISTIC AND SPORTING TALENT.
"THE FESTIVAL WILL AT THE SAME TIME REFLECT HONG KONG’S COSMOPOLITAN CHARACTER WITH INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION BOTH THROUGH LOCAL EXPATRIATE GROUPS AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF TALENT FROM OVERSEAS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ARE BEING INVITED TO BECOME CO-ORGANISERS.
THEY WILL BE REPRESENTED ON A STEERING COMMITTEE TO BE CHAIRED BY A PROMINENT MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING A MAJOR THEME, FORMULATING STRATEGY AND GIVING DIRECTION FOR THE ORGANISATION OF THE FESTIVAL.
AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR DETAILED PROGRAMME PLANNING WILL ALSO BE SET UP.
"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT DISTRICT BOARDS, TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, LOCAL RECREATIONAL AND ARTS GROUPS, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, CHARITABLE BODIES, BUSINESS COMPANIES, THE MEDIA, CONSULATES ETC. WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE ORGANISATION OF BOTH KEY AND SUPPORTING EVENTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE PROGRAMME MAY INCLUDE CARNIVALS, FIREWORKS DISPLAYS, FLOATS AND PARADES, YOUTH RALLIES, OPEN-AIR CONCERTS, COMMUNITY BAZAARS, FILM SHOWS, ARTS AND ARCHITECTURAL EXHIBITIONS, CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, SPORTS EVENTS, PHOTOGRAPH, MUSIC, AND PAINTING COMPETITIONS."
IT IS EXPECTED THAT FUNDING FOR THE FESTIVAL WOULD COME FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON AN EQUAL SHARING BASIS.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING AND FOR DRAWING UP THE BUDGET.
THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE BY PROVIDING PERFORMANCES AND VENUES FREE OF CHARGE.
- - 0----------
/12 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
12
PLANNING DEPARTMENT ACTS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS *****
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN TAKING ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER THE 1991 TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE AGAINST UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS IN RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING SAN TIN AND NGAU TAM MEI,
THESE UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE POND FILLING, SITE FORMATION, OPEN STORAGE AND CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKS.
UP TILL NOW, 29 SUMMONSES HAVE BEEN ISSUED IN RESPECT OF THREE CASES OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS IN SAN TIN AND NGAU TAM MEI AREA.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION ACTIONS IS TO PREVENT FURTHER PROLIFERATION OF UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS AND DETERIORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THIS AREA.
IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THESE UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS HAVE HAD NO PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, THUS CONTRAVENING THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
------0-------
ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND TO BE SET UP
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT A BILL SHOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE SETTING UP OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL, RESEARCH AND OTHER PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL AND CONSERVATION MATTERS.
SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND BILL AND FUNDING APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE FUND WILL BE SET UP WITH AN INITIAL CAPITAL INJECTION OF $50 MILLION BY THE GOVERNMENT AS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS LAST POLICY ADDRESS.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (SPEL) WILL BE THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND WHICH WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL BODIES TO UNDERTAKE WORTHWHILE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE TRUSTEE ON MATTERS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE FUND.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIST OF A CHAIRMAN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, MAXIMUM OF FOUR OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS FROM RELEVANT GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
SPEL, AS THE TRUSTEE, WILL TABLE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANNUALLY THE AUDITED ACCOUNT AND HIS REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 18 THIS YEAR. --------------------------------0-------
/13 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 13 -
FOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED FOUR DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS FOR LAU FAU SHAN AND TSIM BEI TSUI, NAM SANG WAI, KAM TIN SOUTH AND KAM TIN NORTH IN YUEN LONG, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY ARE RURAL AREAS ENGAGED IN OPEN STORAGE AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES MIXED WITH RURAL SETTLEMENTS.
IN RECENT YEARS, MANY FISH PONDS AND AGRICULTURAL LAND HAVE BEEN CONVERTED INTO CAR-REPAIRING YARDS AND CONTAINER STORAGE USE.
’’THESE USES HAVE DEGRADED THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT AND CREATED VARIOUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION, VISUAL BLIGHT AND FLOODING.
’’THE DPA PLANS ARE PUBLISHED TO INTRODUCE PROPER PLANNING CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDANCE FOR THE RURAL AREAS AND TO PREVENT THE PROLIFERATION OF UNCO-ORDINATED DEVELOPMENTS SO THAT THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT WILL NOT BE DEGRADED FURTHER,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID.
THREE SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSS1S) OF ABOUT 87 HECTARES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED IN TSIM BEI TSUI AND AROUND THE INNER DEEP BAY.
’’THESE SITES ARE IMPORTANT EGRETRIES PROVIDING A NESTING PLACE FOR DIFFERENT SPECIES OF EGRET AND HERON IN THE TERRITORY. THEY ARE ALSO THE LARGEST AND THE MOST IMPORTANT DWARF MANGROVE COMMUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
"ALL THE SSSIS ARE LOCATED WITHIN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONE ONE. THE PLANNING INTENTION FOR BUFFER ZONE ONE IS TO PROTECT THE SPECIAL ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF THE INNER DEEP BAY AREA AND THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE IN PARTICULAR.
"NEW DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THIS ZONE WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED UNLESS IT IS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE CONSERVATION OF NATURAL FEATURES IN THE AREA," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MEANWHILE, 'OPEN STORAGE’ ZONES OF ABOUT 22 HECTARES AND SEVEN HECTARES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED IN THE KAM TIN NORTH DPA PLAN AND THE NAM SANG WAI DPA PLAN RESPECTIVELY TO PROVIDE LAND FOR OPEN STORAGE USES.
OPEN STORAGE USES WHICH HAVE NO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT WOULD BE PERMITTED THERE.
STORAGE USES WHICH MAY CAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, SUCH AS FOR CAR BREAKING AND DANGEROUS GOODS, WOULD REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
PLANNING PERMISSION IS ALSO REQURIED FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE 'UNSPECIFIED USES’ AREAS EXCEPT THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN SPECIFIED IN THE NOTES OF THE PLANS.
/"AREAS HAVE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
14
’’AREAS HAVE ALSO BEEN SET ASIDE ON THE PLANS FOR SMALL HOUSE DEVELOPMENT AND FOR LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USE.
”IN ADDITION, THERE ARE ’GREEN BELT’ ZONES DELINEATING AREAS WITH LANDSCAPE AND AMENITY VALUE; AND ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ ZONES RESERVING LAND TO MEET LOCAL AND DISTRICT DEMANDS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ALL FOUR APPROVED DPA PLANS ARE BEING EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL MAY 13 AT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THEY ARE ALSO ON DISPLAY AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG; AND THE TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, LEVEL 11, METROPLAZA TOWER 1, 223 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI FONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COPIES OF THE PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
FOOTBRIDGE PROPOSED FOR SHA TIN ♦ * * * ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT A FOOTBRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHE KUNG MIU ROAD AND HUNG MUI KUK ROAD IN SHA TIN.
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWN, ALSO INCLUDES ASSOCIATED ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF:
♦ A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE WITH FOUR ESCALATORS AND STAIRS FOR PEDESTRIANS AND RAMPS FOR CYCLISTS;
* A ROUNDABOUT TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SIGNALISED ROAD JUNCTION;
* ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS ON CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND MEI TIN ROAD; AND
♦ FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING.
SOME EXISTING ACCESS MAY HAVE TO BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE WORKS. BUT PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ACCESS WOULD BE PROVIDED TO CATER FOR ROADS THAT HAVE TO BE CLOSED.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, NECESSARY ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED TO MINIMISE ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
A NOTICE ABOUT THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLAN .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 15 -
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ABLERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 5, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
_ _ 0 - -
CAR RAMP TO OCEAN TERMINAL PROPOSED » » t * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED GRANTING A SHORT-TERM TENANCY TO WHARF PROPERTIES LIMITED TO CONSTRUCT A RAMP WITHIN ABOUT 2,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED ADJOINING OCEAN TERMINAL IN KOWLOON.
THE TWO-WAY SPIRAL PUBLIC VEHICULAR RAMP WILL CONNECT OCEAN TERMINAL AND OCEAN CENTRE PRAYA ROAD, AND WORK WILL START IN JULY FOR COMPLETION IN MAY 1995.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE, AND ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE. GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN ’ INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 6, 1994. HE SHOULD ALSO DESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0---------
/16 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 16 -
DSD LOOKS FOR EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS ♦ * » * »
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR A WORKS CONTRACT FOR STAGE I OF THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THE CONTRACT WILL COVER THE DESIGN, MODELLING, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SEDIMENTATION TANKS TO BE BUILT FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
A NOTICE INVITING THE SUBMISSIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ONLY CONTRACTORS WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WITH A TREATMENT PLANT DESIGN CAPACITY EXCEEDING 10 CUBIC METRES PER SECOND ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENT FROM THE PROJECT’S CONSULTANT, MONTGOMERY WATSON HONG KONG LIMITED, 1911 WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CONSULTANT BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 16. .
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE TENDERS FROM THE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS LATER THIS YEAR.
---------0-----------
SWD HELPS EXPANSION OF CHARITY WORK INTO CHINA *****
THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE CHARITY WORK OF THE LEPROSY MISSION, AN INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AGENCY BASED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, MAY BE FURTHER EXPANDED INTO CHINA IN THE FIELD OF LEPROSY REHABILITATION.
A CHEQUE OF 10,000 POUND STERLING WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED TO THE MISSION BY MR HO SAU-KI, A PHILANTHROPIST IN HONG KONG IN THE PRESENCE OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHO ARRANGED THE DONATION. THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S H LEE, AND DR HARRY S Y FANG WERE ALSO PRESENT.
MR STRACHAN SAID THAT THE MISSION HAD A CLOSE LINK WITH HONG KONG DATING BACK TO THE 60S AND 70S TO HELP THE PEOPLE WITH LEPROSY WHO WERE DEPRIVED AND REJECTED.
MR STRACHAN SAID: "THE ORGANISATION PROVIDED A VALUABLE SERVICE TO PEOPLE WHO SUFFERED FROM LEPROSY WHO WERE THEN BEING CARED FOR AND TREATED IN HEI LING CHAU.
SUBSEQUENTLY ITS ROLE IN HONG KONG HAD DIMINISHED AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THE CENTRE THAT CAME ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF LEPROSY VICTIMS.
/"HOWEVER THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
- 17 -
’’HOWEVER THE AGENCY IS STILL COMMITTED TO THE CARE AND TREATMENT OF A QUARTER OF A MILLION LEPROSY PATIENTS EACH YEAR ALL OVER THE WORLD.”
MR STRACHAN ADDED THAT SINCE 1990 THE LEPROSY MISSION HAD BEEN WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHINESE HEALTH AUTHORITIES ON A REHABILITATION PROJECT IN MID-SOUTH AND SOUTH-WEST CHINA AND IN COASTAL REGIONS.
THE DONATION WILL BE USED TO CONDUCT AN EVALUATION STUDY FOR THE PROJECT WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER DEVELOPING THE PROGRAMME.
------0--------
OPEN EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS VITAL * » ♦ * *
ALL EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE OPEN-MINDED TOWARDS DISABLED PERSONS, TO FOCUS ON THEIR ABILITIES AND TO TAKE THEM ON AS EMPLOYEES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GREENWOOD MORNINGHILL SCHOOL TODAY (FRIDAY), MRS PATTEN SAID MANY OF THE DISABLED PERSONS HAD THE CAPABILITIES TO WORK IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT AND COULD MAKE A USEFUL CONTRIBUTION IF THEY WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY.
AT PRESENT, MORE THAN FOUR PER CENT OF THE POPULATION SUFFER FROM SOME FORM OF DISABILITY.
’’REHABILITATION AIMS AT DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS, SO HELPING THEM TO LEAD FULL AND INDEPENDENT LIVES.
”IT IS PRIMARILY THROUGH OPEN EMPLOYMENT THAT THE GOAL OF INTEGRATION IS ACHIEVED,” MRS PATTEN SAID.
THE SCHOOL, WHICH PROVIDES 200 PLACES FOR MILDLY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
------0--------
SECONDARY STUDENTS URGED TO BECOME VOTERS * * » * *
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE AREA TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AWARD, HE ENCOURAGED STUDENTS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IF THEY WANTED TO ELECT A RESPONSIBLE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER TO REPRESENT THEM.
AS THE VOTING AGE HAS NOW BEEN LOWERED TO 18, HE ALSO HOPED THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD RESPOND.
HIS OFFICE WILL ARRANGE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS AND VARIETY SHOWS TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE.
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/18 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1994
18
39 ECVIIS SENT BACK
*****
A TOTAL OF 39 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, INCLUDING 30 MEN, FIVE WOMEN, TWO BOYS AND TWO GIRLS, WERE RETURNED TO GUANGDONG VIA SHA TAU KOK THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE REPATRIATION OF THE 670 ECVIIS STILL REMAINING IN HONG KONG.
-----0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,925 0930 + 540
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,634 1000 + 540
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 740
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 736 1200 + 740
LAF TODAY -1027 1500 + 740
1600 + 736
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.7 *+0.2* 6.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 2.89 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.68 5.82
1 MONTH 3.53 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.29 6.12
3 MONTHS 4.05 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.70 6.66
6 MONTHS 4.62 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.90 6.78
12 MONTHS 5.22 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.43 6.85
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 22,099 MN
CLOSED 6 MAY 1994 --------------------------------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR ON THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE................................................... 1
IMPORTANCE OF MFN RENEWAL EMPHASISED TO NEW YORK AUDIENCE.................................................... 1
HK DRINKING WATER FREE FROM HELICOBACTER PYLORI............. 2
STUDENTS TO SEE THE WORLD OF WORK........................... 3
VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO HELP OFFENDERS......................... 4
BEAUTY QUEENS HELP PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION............... 5
COLOURFULLY DECORATED BUSES PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION . .. 5
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION................ 6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 7
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR ON THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE *****
FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON THE DEATH OF FORMER FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE:
"I WAS SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE DEATH IN ENGLAND OF SIR JOHN
BREMRIDGE. FOR MANY YEARS, SIR JOHN WAS A DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE
HONG KONG COMMUNITY, AS A BUSINESSMAN, THROUGH HIS MEMBERSHIP OF THE
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, AND, FINALLY, AS FINANCIAL
SECRETARY FROM 1981 TO 1986.
HE WILL BE REMEMBERED WITH GRATITUDE BY THE COMMUNITY FOR HIS WISE AND FIRM STEWARDSHIP DURING THOSE OFTEN DIFFICULT YEARS, IN PARTICULAR FOR HIS FAR-SIGHTED DECISION TO LINK THE HONG KONG AND U.S. DOLLARS IN 1983. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED ALSO WITH AFFECTION FOR HIS SENSE OF HUMOUR AND FOR HIS UNBOUNDED ENTHUSIASM FOR PROMOTING HONG KONG’S INTERESTS AT HOME AND ABROAD.
SIR JOHN WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS IN HONG KONG.
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY, I OFFER MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO LADY BREMRIDGE AND HER FAMILY.”
--------0-----------
IMPORTANCE OF MFN RENEWAL EMPHASISED TO NEW YORK AUDIENCE
*****
WITHDRAWAL OF MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) STATUS FOR CHINA WOULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO HONG KONG, TO THE UNITED STATES AND MOST OF ALL THOSE IT IS MEANT TO HELP: THOSE IN THE FOREFRONT OF CHANGE IN CHINA, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER TO THE UNITED STATES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID IN A SPEECH IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (MAY 5) NIGHT.
MR WIGGHAM TOLD A CAPACITY MEETING OF THE OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB IN NEW YORK THAT THE ECONOMIC FALL OUT TO HONG KONG FOLLOWING MFN WITHDRAWAL COULD MEAN A LOSS OF UP TO US$24 BILLION IN TRADE AND SOME 75,000 JOBS - OR THREE PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S WORKFORCE.
AMERICANS TOO WOULD LOSE, MR WIGGHAM SAID, WITH INCREASED COSTS IN CONSUMER GOODS AND MORE THAT $7 BILLION WORTH OF U.S. EXPORTS TO CHINA AT RISK AND UP TO 200,000 JOBS.
WHILE ASSURING HIS AUDIENCE THAT HONG KONG SHARES THE VIEW THAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE CHINA TO ABIDE BY ACCEPTED HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS, MR WIGGHAM SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE MFN TO BE AN EFFECTIVE LEVER FOR THIS.
"WE AGREE WITH THE OBJECTIVE. THE QUESTION IS , DO YOU STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF PERSUADING CHINA TO IMPROVE ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD BY REDUCING TRADE, BY ISOLATING CHINA AND BY CUTTING OFF CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD?" MR WIGGHAM QUESTIONED.
/"OR DO .......
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
"OR DO YOU STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF PERSUADING CHINA IF YOU CONTINUE WITH TRADING AND HELPING TO OPEN UP CHINESE SOCIETY, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME KEEPING HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE AGENDA BUT PURSUING THAT OBJECTIVE, VIGOROUSLY, FROM A DIFFERENT DIRECTION?
"IN THE LAST FEW YEARS TRADE BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND NOT LEAST WITH THE UNITED STATES, HAS BROUGHT ABOUT ECONOMIC CHANGE IN CHINA, AND WITH IT GREAT CHANGES TO THE LIVES OF ORDINARY PEOPLE IN CHINA," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
"THE CHINESE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS BEING ALLOWED FREER REIGN THAN HAS PROBABLY EVER BEEN THE CASE. TAKE AWAY OPPORTUNITIES AND INCENTIVES AND WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?" MR WIGGHAM QUESTIONED.
MR WIGGHAM SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE SELECTIVE OR TARGETTED NON-RENEWAL WAS A VIABLE OPTION. THAT ROUTE MIGHT LOOK ATTRACTIVE TO THOSE LOOKING FOR THE SO-CALLED MIDDLE WAY BUT WOULD STILL CREATE UNCERTAINTY AND RETALIATION - AND WOULD NOT HELP HONG KONG.
"A TRADE WAR NEVER DOES ANYONE ANY GOOD AND I DO NOT SEE HOW, BY TAMPERING WITH MFN, YOU BENEFIT THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS."
MR WIGGHAM SAID HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES SHARE THE SAME OBJECTIVE OVER HUMAN RIGHTS; "WE SIMPLY DISAGREE OVER THE MEANS," HE SAID.
"HONG KONG IS PROUD OF ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD. WE REGARD OURSELVES AS HAVING A VERY FREE SOCIETY AND THESE ARE THE VERY FREEDOMS THAT WE WANT TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN AFTER 1997."
0 - -
HK DRINKING WATER FREE FROM HELICOBACTER PYLORI *****
HELICOBACTER PYLORI HAS NOT BEEN FOUND IN DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG, A WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG COMPLIES CHEMICALLY AND BACTERIOLOGICALLY WITH THE GUIDELINE VALUES FOR DRINKING WATER PUBLISHED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND THIS COMPLIANCE IS CONFIRMED BY A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON A RECENT NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG CONTAINED THE BACTERIUM HELICOBACTER PYLORI, WHICH CAUSED DUODENAL ULCER.
AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL EXPERTS NAMED LN THE REPORT: PROFESSOR S K LAM OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, DR HUI WAI-MO FORMERLY OF THE SAME UNIVERSITY, AND DR JOSEPH J Y SUNG OF CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE SPOKESMAN MADE THE FOLLOWING CLARIFICATION BASED ON THE OPINION OF ALL THESE PARTIES IN ORDER TO REMOVE MISCONCEPTION AND ALLAY PUBLIC CONCERNS:
IT IS
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
- 3 -
* IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT HELICOBACTER PYLORI MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSATION OF DUODENAL ULCER, BUT THERE IS NO DIRECT PROOF OF CAUSE AND EFFECT;
» THE BACTERIUM SURVIVES IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, BUT IS •READILY KILLED BY CHLORINE DURING WATER TREATMENT OR BY BOILING. THE FULLY TREATED DRINKING WATER IN HONG KONG IS DISINFECTED WITH CHLORINE AND HAS A CHLORINE RESIDUAL IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM THAT ENSURES THE ELIMINATION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI WHICH HAS NOT BEEN FOUND IN HONG KONG DRINKING WATER; AND
♦ THE EXACT MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI IS STILL UNCLEAR, BUT PROBABLY FROM PERSON TO PERSON. CONTAMINATED WATER IS SUSPECTED TO BE A POSSIBLE PATHWAY IN ONE SINGLE STUDY ON HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN ONE SOUTH AMERICAN CITY ONLY. THERE IS NO DIRECT PROOF THAT DRINKING WATER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSMISSION.
--------0-----------
STUDENTS TO SEE THE WORLD OF WORK
*****
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE REAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS IN THE ’’VISITS TO WORK PLACES" PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE (CAS).
’’THE PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT WHICH AIMS AT HELPING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD OF WORK SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE BETTER PLANS FOR THEIR FUTURE," SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MRS CLARE SIU SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MRS SIU DISCLOSED THAT DURING MAY AND JUNE, MORE THAN 600 SECONDARY 4 TO SECONDARY 7 STUDENTS FROM 18 SCHOOLS WILL VISIT VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDE HOTELS, BANKS, DEPARTMENT STORES, PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, TRAINING INSTITUTES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"WE HOPE THAT THROUGH VISITS TO VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS, STUDENTS CAN OBTAIN FIRST-HAND AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON DIFFERENT CAREERS," MRS SIU SAID.
THE FIRST GROUP OF 20 STUDENTS VISITED THE OMNI HONG KONG HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK INSIDE A HOTEL.
"DURING THE VISIT, STUDENTS WERE TAKEN ON A GUIDED TOUR TO SEE THE WORK OF THE HOTEL STAFF IN RESTAURANTS AS WELL AS IN THE HOTEL ROOMS.
"THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY THE MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL OF THE HOTEL ON THE DUTIES OF HOTEL STAFF, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND CAREER PROSPECTS,’’ SHE ADDED.
/APART FROM .......
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
4
APART FROM THIS RECURRENT CAREERS EDUCATION ACTIVITY, MRS SIU SAID THE CAS ORGANISED A LARGE VARIETY OF CAREERS FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS, QUIZZES AND SEMINARS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES CAREERS INFORMATION THROUGH ITS CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES (CICS) TO ASSIST YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHOOSING A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTEREST AND ABILITIES.
’’EACH CIC HAS A REFERENCE LIBRARY, AN AUDIO-VISUAL UNIT WITH SLIDE PRESENTATION, CASSETTE RECORDINGS AND VIDEO TAPES ON CAREERS, AS WELL AS FREE ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING INFORMATION ON CAREERS AND TRAINING,” MRS SIU SAID.
’’YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING CAREERS INFORMATION ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CICS WHICH ARE LOCATED AT THE SOUTHORN CENTRE IN WAN CHAI AND THE MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES,” SHE ADDED.
------o-------:
VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO HELP OFFENDERS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.
PEOPLE AGED 21 OR ABOVE WITH SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, MATURE PERSONALITY AND INTEREST IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS, ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS (VSP).
SOME 500 VOLUNTEERS HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME WHICH COMMENCED IN 1976.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID THAT THE SCHEME AIMED TO PROMOTE INTEREST AND CONCERN OF THE PUBLIC TOWARDS HELPING AND REHABILITATING OFFENDERS AND BY SO DOING BRING GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND STRONGER COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST CRIME.
”IT ALSO HELPS TO MEET THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF SUITABLE PROBATIONERS THROUGH SERVICE OFFERED BY VOLUNTEERS AND COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF PROBATION OFFICERS IN THE SOCIAL REHABILITATION OF PROBATIONERS,” HE ADDED.
THE PERIOD OF SERVICE IS NORMALLY SIX MONTHS, BUT A VOLUNTEER MAY SERVE FOR FURTHER TERMS FOR THE SAME OR OTHER OFFENDERS.
’’SELECTED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE GIVEN A THOROUGH BRIEFING BEFORE THEY START TO ASSIST THE PROBATION OFFICERS BY BEFRIENDING, HELPING AND ADVISING PROBATIONERS ON A PERSONAL BASIS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FORMER VOLUNTEERS OF THE SCHEME ARE WELCOMED TO APPLY AGAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE FOR VSP ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR,- WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI AND PROBATION OFFICES ATTACHED TO THE MAGISTRACIES, COMMUNITY CENTRES AS WELL AS CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO ONE OF THE ABOVE CENTRES ON OR BEFORE MAY 31. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE ON TEL 892 5117.
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/5 .....
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
BEAUTY QUEENS HELP PROMOTE VOTER. REGISTRATION * * * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY) ENLISTED THE HELP OF TWO BEAUTY QUEENS TN ITS CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION.
THE SECOND RUNNER-UP OF THE 1993 MISS HONG KONG PAGEANT, MISS MIDDY YU AND MISS INTERNATIONAL GOOD WILL, CHRISTINA LAU, ACCOMPANIED BYr YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROBERT CHAN, VISITED TWO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN TIN SHUI WAI TO URGE THE RESIDENTS TO SIGN UP AS VOTERS.
THEY WENT TO A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT TIN YIU ESTATE AND A SHOPPING ARCADE AT TIN SHUI ESTATE TO HELP DISTRIBUTE FORMS TO PASSERS-BY.
THE TWO ESTATES AT PRESENT HOUSE ABOUT 80,000 PEOPLE. MOST OF THEM HAVE MOVED IN FOR LESS THAN TWO YEARS.
- - 0 - -
COLOURFULLY DECORATED BUSES PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION
*****
TWO DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES FESTOONED WITH COLOURFUL BANNERS TOURED KWUN TONG AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT TODAY (SATURDAY) TO HELP SPREAD THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE.
AS PART OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES’ CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF JULY 1, THE BUSES STOPPED AT MAJOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES TO REACH AS MANY POTENTIAL VOTERS AS POSSIBLE.
STAFF FROM THE TWO OFFICES ASSISTED THOSE WHO CAME FORWARD TO FILL IN THE FORMS AND SOUVENIRS WERE GIVEN AWAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, CALLED ON THOSE WHO HAD REGISTERED TO MOTIVATE THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD REACHED THE AGF OF 18 TO FOLLOW SUIT.
SPEAKING AT THE RIBBON-(UTTING CEREMONY TO KICK OFF THE BUS TOUR OF HER DISTRICT, MRS URE SAID: ’’YOU HAVE TO BECOME A REGISTERED VOTER BEFORE YOU CAN MAKE YOUR CHOICE IN THE THREE-TIER COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD THIS SEPTEMBER AND NEXT YEAR.”
APART FROM THE GAILY DECORATED BUSES, OTHER PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS AND THE SETTING UP OF REGISTRATION COUNTERS IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
6 -
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE RY AUCTION *****
ONE HUNDRED CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $2,684,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR. CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK *A),7 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $245,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK *2662 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $240,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FW4493, FW805, FW9896, FV9166, FW7160, FW556.
FOLLOWING $ ARE THE RESULTS OF THE MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $
FW810 7,000 FW738 5,000 FV330 13,000 FW125 3,000
FV3330 6,000 FW1008 11,000 AA7033 33,000 AT348 100,000
*FW343 WITHDRAWN ♦FV3883 17,000 ♦ FC 6 1 10,000 ♦ BC58 15,000
FV8918 5,000 AW371 9,000 FV220 13,000 FV3118 10,000
AB9093 6,000 FW147 5,000 FW801 10,000 AW823 36,000
FU8600 7,000 FV318 26,000 DR668 64,000 FW3200 10,000
CT6 1 7 8,000 CX468 14,000 AA3299 72,000 FW1965 WITHDRAWN
*FK99 90,000 ♦ DK60 50,000 ♦ 497 50,000 ♦AX696 28,000
FW1012 2,000 FW1999 6,000 FW190 8,000 FW9896 1,000
FW4493 1,000 FW2088 13,000 FW805 1,000 FW729 12,000
FW2220 20,000 FV9989 10,000 ♦DL4444 9,000 AW1863 4,000
FV9166 1,000 CT501 11,000 FW7160 1,000 ♦BH6767 7,000
FW1891 3,000 FOLLOWING FW1165 ARE THE WITHDRAWN RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
FW718 $ 10,000 CC801 $ 23,000 FW199 $ 9,000 FV688 S 45,000
FW325 1 4,000 AW377 14,000 BK468 12,000 FW330 20,000
»BC868 WITHDRAWN ♦HK131 160,000 ♦ AL7 245,000 ♦ BCM 8 50,000
FW1967 12,000 FV1997 5,000 FW380 13,000 AW 7 22 23,060
FW556 1,000 FV3323 12,000 FW228 60,000 FW886 36,000
BB5 17 7,000 DY2888 22,000 AA711 52,000 FW2328 30,000
FV8682 8,000 FV810 8,000 FV6888 32,000 FV9998 20,000
♦ DK25 30,000 ♦ ERI 1 1 10,000 ♦ 2662 240,000 ♦ FX30 70,000
FW3400 2,000 AA306 40,000 FV1118 16,000 FW825 5,000
FW960 4,000 FW 11 2 32,000 FW312 9,000 FV968 14,000
FW8777 30,000 FW3688 11,000 ♦FW333 80,000 XX9329 41,000
CP1638 20,000 FW682 7,000 AA3781 17,000 ♦FY9000 18,000
FW2198 4,000 THERE WAS FW1289 6,000 • ,i NO BIDDER FOR »FW343, FW1965, FW1165 , ♦BC868 , FW 1.965
AND FW1 165 WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ( JRIGINAL APPLICANTS.
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1994
7
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PA’i 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 224TH AND 225TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $314,421,905.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,634 0930 + 400
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,434 1000 + 400
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 + 400
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 400 1200
LAF TODAY -600 1 500
1600
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.6 ♦ -0. I * 7.5.94
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CNTA HANDLES OVER 495,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS........... 1
COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN CONTEST NEARS DEADLINE............ 2
WARNING ON USE OF UNAUTHORISED LIFTS....................... 2
BUILDING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS THANKED...................... 3
VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTH AT MTR STATION.................... 4
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994
CNTA HANDLES OVER 495,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS
*****
THE 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESCS) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HANDLED A TOTAL OF 495,418 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE OF 480,724 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
MOST, OR 201,310 WERE DECLARATIONS FOR TRUE COPIES OF DOCUMENTS.
OTHERS WERE DECLARATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS PURPOSES (64,036), LOSS OF DOCUMENTS (54,237), FUTURE USE (28,112), EMIGRATION (27,199) AND IMMIGRATION (24,633).
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE PUBLIC FOR PRIVATE USE ONLY.
HE SAID PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIMS OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR DOCUMENTS FROM VARIOUS NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS COULD MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE.
IN MAKING THE DECLARATION, THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE HIS OR HER HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR OTHER VALID EQUIVALENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS AND COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT EITHER IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE PERSONALLY IN A PRESCRIBED FORM.
"IN THE END, THE DECLARANT MAKES AN OATH IN THE SAME LANGUAGE AS THE DECLARATION IS PRESENTED BEFORE A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS DECLARATIONS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID, INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADMINISTERING THEIR OWN STATUTORY DECLARATIONS SINCE APRIL 1991.
RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE PESCS.
THEY MAY ALSO CALL THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE HOTLINE ON 835 2500.
- 0----------
/2 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 8,
- 2 -
COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN CONTEST NEARS DEADLINE
*****
COMPUTER FANS INTENDING TO JOIN A COMPUTER SOFTWARE DESIGN CONTEST ARE REMINDED THAT THE ENTRY DEADLINE IS MAY 13.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CONTEST IS AIMED TO HEIGHTEN YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
HE SUGGESTED THEMES SUCH AS URGING PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS, THE ELECTION PROCESS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF ELECTED MEMBERS.
THERE WILL BE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND OPEN DIVISIONS. THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED GIFT COUPONS VALUED AT $10,000, $7,000 AND $5,000 RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SIX CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $1,000 EACH IN GIFT COUPONS.
ALL ENTRIES, APPLICATION FORMS, WITH THE DISKETTES PLUS ALL OTHER NECESSARY SYSTEM AND APPLICATION SOFTWARES, SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT ON 31ST FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI DURING OFFICE HOURS.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT A SIX-DAY EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION FROM JULY 2 AT THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM 20 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES ACROSS THE TERRITORY AND THE COMMITTEE’S OFFICE IN WAN CHAI.
THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY AND SPONSORED BY AST COMPUTER.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 835 1381.
--------0-----------
WARNING ON USE OF UNAUTHORISED LIFTS
*****
UNAUTHORISED LIFTS SHOULD NOT BE USED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STRESSED TODAY (SUNDAY).
IT IS AN OFFENCE TO USE A LIFT WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES (DEMS), THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.
"THE RESTRICTION IS AIMED AT AVOIDING ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.
/THE WARNING .......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994
3
THE WARNING FOLLOWED THE CONVICTION AT THE KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY RECENTLY OF THE OWNER OF AN ANAUTHORISED GOODS LIFT IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN KWUN TONG.
FOUR EMPLOYEES OF A TEXTILE COMPANY WERE INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THEY WERE USING THE BANNED GOODS LIFT IN THE BUILDING IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
"INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THAT THE LIFT HAS BEEN PROHIBITED FROM USE SINCE MAY LAST YEAR BY THE DEMS AND THE BAN WAS IN FORCE WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROPRIETOR OF THE TEXTILE COMPANY WHO OWNS THE LIFT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PROSECUTED FOR VIOLATING THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE.
USE OF UNAUTHORISED LIFTS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
------0-------
BUILDING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS THANKED *****
TWO OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN KWAI TSING WERE PRAISED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT FOR ACHIEVING 100 PER CENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE ON REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
A TOTAL OF 196 UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WERE REMOVED FROM THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF MAI ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT 17-21 KUNG YIP STREET AND HOOVER INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT 26-38 KWAI CHEONG ROAD.
SINCE SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TARGET INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN KWAI TSING BY THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, 71 ADVISORY LETTERS FROM THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WERE SENT ON OCTOBER 20, 1992 TO MAI ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING REQUESTING REMOVAL OR RECTIFICATION OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
WITHIN A 12-MONTH PERIOD, 112 UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS (FOR EXAMPLE, PROJECTING FRAMES SUPPORTING AQUA-COOLING TOWER, ABANDONED METAL FRAMES, METAL CAGES AND FLAT ROOF STRUCTURES) WERE REMOVED AND FOUR SUB-STANDARD METAL GATES RECTIFIED.
THE HOOVER INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WAS SELECTED AS A TARGET BUILDING UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATION CATHERINE WHEEL OPERATION IN JUNE 1992.
IT RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MONTH 48 ADVISORY LETTERS REQUESTING REMOVAL OF ALL UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
AS OF JANUARY 25, 1994, A TOTAL OF 84 UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS WERE REMOVED, INCLUDING A CLUSTER OF METAL FRAMES SUPPORTING HEAVY AQUA-COOLING TOWERS OVERHANGING A BUSY BUS STOP AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
/THE SUCCESS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994
THE SUCCESS OF THE TWO BUILDINGS’ OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD, BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY.
THE TWO OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND THREE OTHERS WERE EACH AWARDED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI TSING ON FEBRUARY 17 FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS IN ESTABLISHING THE HIGH STANDARD OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
- - 0 - -
VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTH AT MTR STATION * * * * *
A VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTH HAS BEEN SET UP INSIDE THE KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF COMMUTERS WISHING TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
STAFF MEMBERS FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MAN THE COUNTER FROM 2 TO 5 PM ON ALL SATURDAYS THIS MONTH.
MEANWHILE, ACTING KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SHIRLEY YUNG, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON YOUNGSTERS WHO REACHED THE AGE OF 18 TO REGISTER WITHOUT DELAY.
SHE SAID MORE THAN 1,800 STUDENTS HAD ALREADY RETURNED THEIR REGISTRATION FORMS AS A RESULT OF HER STAFF MEMBERS’ RECENT VISITS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES IN THE DISTRICT.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ............... 1
MORE VISITS WILL REASSURE PEOPLE.......................... 3
BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON HK HOPED.......................... 4
ACP TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH IS A BIG MILESTONE: CS............ 4
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION ADEQUATE: CS.................... 6
PROPOSALS ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HA........... 7
HUMAN RESOURCE REVIEW IN THE CIVIL SERVICE................ 8
39 INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS GRANTED FUNDS..................... 10
GDP FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 ...................... 11
CO-OPERATION IN INVESTIGATING MARINE ACCIDENTS VITAL... 15
TENDER FOR THE FIFTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES TO BE HELD NEXT MONDAY............................. 16
CUSTOMS DELEGATION MEETS GUANGDONG CUSTOMS AT ZHANGJIANG............................................... 16
/RE-OPENING OF...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
RE-OPENING OF CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY................... 17
LEAFLETS ON MATERNITY PROTECTION AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS................................................... 17
WATER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN SHA TIN CLOSED FOR RENOVATION.... 18
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 19
PROMOTE DISTRICT AFFAIRS CALL BY DO......................... 20
ENQUIRY CENTRE’S RENOVATION COMPLETED....................... 20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 21
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER ATTENDING THE PACIFIC ASIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:-
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, DO YOU GET ANY RESPONSE FROM THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE PROPOSALS OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING?
GOVERNOR: NOT YET. I MEAN, NOT AS WHEN I LEFT THE OFFICE AT QUARTER TO ONE.
QUESTION: WILL YOU BE DISAPPOINTED?
GOVERNOR: NO, I HOPE WE’LL GET ONE SOON.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE POLL IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST THAT SHOWS........... LESS CONFIDENCE AS A RESULT OF
LU PING’S VISIT?
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT WOULD BE A PITTY, IF THAT WERE THE CASE, BUT I VERV MUCH HOPE THAT THE MORE DIRECTOR LU IS ABLE TO VISIT HONG KONG, THE MORE PEOPLE WILL FEEL REASSURED ABOUT THE FUTURE. I THINK THAT THE CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US AND I AM SURE DIRECTOR LU MUST HAVE FELT IT AS KEENLY LAST WEEK AS 1 HAVE IS THAT WE SHOULD DEMONSTRATE OUR COMMITMENT TO CO-OPERATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. I THINK THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO SEE AND I THINK THEY’VE GOT A RIGHT TO WANT TO SEE THAT. SO, I HOPE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE OUR COMMITMENT TO CO-OPERATION IN THE FUTURE, IT WILL ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE RATHER THAN LESS BECAUSE HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS BEEN NOTED, I THINK, FOR ITS EBULLIENCE, FOR ITS VIGOUR AND FOR ITS SELF-CONFIDENCE.
QUESTION: HOW ARE YOU GOING TO DEMONSTRATE THAT CO-OPERATION? HOW CAN YOU DEMONSTRATE THAT CO-OPERATION?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT WE ARE DEMONSTRATING IT EXTREMELY POSITIVELY. WE WANT TO HAVE A DIALOGUE. WE WANT TO HAVE A DIALOGUE WITH DIRECTOR LU. WE WANT TO SEE MORE WORK FLOWING UP AND DOWN THE CHANNELS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, THE LAND COMMISSION AND SO ON. THERE ARE SOME GOOD SIGNS. I THINK THAT THE MEETING OF THE LAND COMMISSION RECENTLY WAS A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND SHOWED COMMITMENT ON ALL SIDES TO THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG. I THINK WE’D LIKE TO SEE, ALL OF US, THE NEXT JOINT LIAISON GROUP MEETING AS SUCCESSFUL AND I KNOW THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DAY WOULD PRAY FOR THE DAY WHEN WE DIDN’T HAVE WRANGLE ABOUT AIRPORT FINANCING. I WAS ENCOURAGED BY WHAT THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THAT.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION:DURING THE PAST WEEK, WHILE MR LU PING HAS BEEN HERE, APART FROM THE FACT THE OPINION POLL SHOWS THAT CONFIDENCE ACTUALLY DROPPED, WE HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN MORE OF YOU THAN WE HAVE... DESPITE THE FACT YOU HAVE BEEN HERE FOR TWO YEARS, HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IS TO DO WITH THE DIFFERENT WAYS THE TWO OF YOU HANDLE YOUR PR? PEOPLE HAVE SOME QUESTIONS OF DIRECTOR LU PING AND COMPLAINED LAST NIGHT THAT HE HAS NOT BEEN VERY ACCESSIBLE. HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK HAS TO DO WITH THE WAY YOU HANDLE PR?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT YOU WILL KNOW THAT SINCE I CAME TO HONG KONG AS GOVERNOR, I’VE TRIED TO BE AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE. SOMETIMES, I HAVE MORE ENGAGEMENTS THAN OTHERS BUT I’VE BEEN OUT AND ABOUT EVERY WEEK SINCE I’VE BEEN HERE. THAT MAY HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST IN HONG KONG TO SOME EXTENT BUT REFLECTS, I GUESS, BOTH MY OWN BACKGROUND AS A DEMOCRATIC POLITICIAN AND MY FEELING THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANTED THAT, WANTED TO SEE THEIR GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND SHOWING ITSELF TO BE ACCESSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE. DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND TRADITIONS BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT THAT IS THE SORT OF OPENNESS WHICH HONG KONG NOW EXPECTS, NOW TAKES FOR GRANTED. I HOPE THAT ALL OF US, WHETHER PRC OFF]CIALS OR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, CAN RECOGNISE THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE CONCERNS, HAVE QUESTIONS. THEY WANT TO EXPRESS THOSE CONCERNS DIRECTLY TO US AND THEY WANT TO HAVE THOSE QUESTIONS ANSWERED BUT WHILE I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, I AM NOT YET RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, WILL YOU TRY TO INVESTIGATE THE CASE OR THE REPORTING CONCERNING THE LEGISLATOR TIMOTHY HA. THERE ARE DISPUTES AND DISCONTENT ABOUT HIS MIS-SPENDING ABOUT HIS ALLOWANCES?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT MATTER HAS BEEN HANDLED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITSELF IN THE USUAL WAY AND I THINK IT IS TRADITIONAL FOR LEGISLATURES AROUND THE WORLD TO HANDLE THOSE SORTS OF ISSUES REGARDING EXPENSES AND SO ON THEMSELVES. NOBODY’S SUGGESTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT I SHOULD GET INVOLVED AND I WOULD HAVE SOME RESERVATIONS AND DOUBTS ABOUT DOING SO. I AM SURE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITSELF WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT. ONE MORE
QUESTION: ABOUT THE EARLIER SURVEY POINT, ARE YOU ADMITTING THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS BASICALLY POWERLESS TO STOP THE OUTFLOW OF POLITICAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT CHINESE CO-OPERATION?
GOVERNOR: NO. WHAT I AM SAYING IS THAT THERE WILL BE MORE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE. THE MORE CLEARLY PEOPLE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PRC’S COMMITMENT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION, 1997 IS A RING IN THE DIARY, RING BY HISTORY IN THE BRIGHTEST COLOURS AND THERE IS NOTHING I OR ANY OTHER MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CAN DO ABOUT THAT OR WOULD CHOOSE TO DO ABOUT THAT. WE CAN, I HOPE, EARN CONFIDENCE BY THE WAY WE BEHAVE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997 AND BY THE AMOUNT WE DO BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997 TO ENSURE THAT THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ARE AS SECURE AS POSSIBLE. BUT, THERE ARE OTHERS WHO’LL BE BUILDING ON THOSE FOUNDATIONS AFTER 1997. WITH, I HOPE, HONG KONG HAVING THAT HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WHICH DIRECTOR LU SPOKE ABOUT VERY WARMLY LAST FRIDAY, AND I THINK THAT THAT WAS THE POINT IN HIS SPEECH WHICH PEOPLE FELT MOST SUPPORTIVE OF, AND WHICH PEOPLE WARM TO WITH THE GREATEST ENTHUSIASM. THAT WAS AN IMPORTANT POINT HE MADE. HE MADE IT VERY ELOGUENTLY AND I THINK IT’S SOMETHING WHICH WILL, I HOPE, AS IT SINKS IN, REASSURE PEOPLE.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
3
QUESTION: THERE IS A GUY, A HONG KONG MAN WHO IS STUCK IN A THAI PRISON, HE HAS AIDS. APPARENTLY HONG KONG AND THAILAND HAVE A FEDERAL EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS, BUT THIS GUY HAD A TERRIBLE WAIT AND TRYING TO GET OUT. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS BUREAUCRACY IN........?
GOVERNOR: WHAT I THINK ABOUT IT IS, SINCE YOU MENTION THE MATTER TO ME, I WILL GO BACK AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IT. IT HASN’T BEEN RAISED WITH ME BEFORE AND IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE UNHELPFUL BOTH TO THE MAN IN QUESTION AND TO THE AUTHORITY WHO’S PRESUMABLY BEEN DEALING WITH HIS CASE. IF I WERE TO SOUND OFF ABOUT IT WITHOUT KNOWING SOME OF THE BACKGROUND, I AM SURE WHEN I GET BACK TO THE OFFICE, SOMEBODY WILL BE ABLE TO TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT YOU HAVE IN MIND AND EXACTLY WHAT THE AUTHORITY IS DOING ABOUT IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
---------0-----------
MORE VISITS WILL REASSURE PEOPLE *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HOPED THAT THE MORE DIRECTOR LU PING WAS ABLE TO VISIT HONG KONG, THE MORE PEOPLE WOULD FEEL REASSURED ABOUT THE FUTURE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE PACIFIC ASIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, MR PATTEN SAID: "I THINK THAT THE CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US IS THAT WE SHOULD DEMONSTRATE OUR COMMITMENT TO CO-OPERATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
"I THINK THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WANT TO SEE AND I THINK THEY’VE GOT A RIGHT TO WANT TO SEE THAT.
"I HOPE THAT IF WE ARE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE OUR COMMITMENT TO CO-OPERATION IN THE FUTURE, IT WILL ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO HAVE MORE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE RATHER THAN LESS BECAUSE HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS BEEN NOTED FOR ITS EBULLIENCE, FOR ITS VIGOUR AND FOR ITS SELFCONFIDENCE."
ASKED TO ELABORATE ON THE WAY TO DEMONSTRATE CO-OPERATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I THINK THAT WE ARE DEMONSTRATING IT EXTREMELY POSITIVELY. WE WANT TO HAVE A DIALOGUE WITH DIRECTOR LU. WE WANT TO SEE MORE WORK FLOWING UP AND DOWN THE CHANNELS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE, THE LAND COMMISSION AND SO ON."
MR PATTEN SAID THERE WERE SOME GOOD SIGNS AND THE MEETING OF THE LAND COMMISSION RECENTLY WAS A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND SHOWED COMMITMENT ON ALL SIDES TO THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.
"I THINK WE’D LIKE TO SEE, ALL OF US, THE NEXT JOINT LIAISON GROUP MEETING AS SUCCESSFUL AND I KNOW THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE DAY, WOULD PRAY FOR THE DAY WHEN WE DIDN’T HAVE WRANGLES ABOUT AIRPORT FINANCING," HE ADDED.
---------0 - -
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
4
BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON HK HOPED * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) HE HOPED THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, MR LU PING, WOULD COME TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT WAS THAT MADE HONG KONG SPECIAL AFTER HIS RECENT VISIT.
MR PATTEN SAID: "IT IS NOT A CITY RUN BY AND FOR CAPITALISTS, BUT A COMMUNAL ENTERPRISE IN WHICH, UNDER A FRAMEWORK OF LAW THAT APPLIES IMPARTIALLY TO ALL, EACH PERSON, EACH INSTITUTION HAS A PART TO PLAY AND A SHARE TO RECEIVE."
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF HONG KONG PACIFIC ASIA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION, MR PATTEN SAID HE HOPED THAT DIRECTOR LU AND HIS COLLEAGUES REALISED THE NEED TO WORK IN TRUST WITH THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND ALL ITS INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
TALKING ABOUT THE TOURIST INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS AWARE OF A SHORTAGE OF HOTEL ROOMS.
HE SAID VISITOR ARRIVALS OF 17 MILLION IN 2001 WERE FORECAST, REQUIRING INVESTMENT IN 20,000 MORE HOTEL ROOM.
"OUR TOWN PLANNERS HAVE IDENTIFIED ENOUGH SITES TO PROVIDE 22,000 ROOMS BY THAT YEAR," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT A CONSULTANCY STUDY HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, TO ASSESS THE ABILITY OF THE TERRITORY’S PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE TO HANDLE THIS HUGE BUILDING DEMAND.
"WHEN WE HAVE THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY, WE WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO JUDGE WHETHER ANY OTHER MEASURES ARE GOING TO BE NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT DEMAND IS MET," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
ACP TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH IS A BIG MILESTONE: CS
*****
ANOTHER MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WAS REACHED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH OF THE CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL ON TSING YI ISLAND.
THE 1.6 KILOMETRE TUNNEL, WHICH RUNS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF TSING YI ISLAND, FORMS PART OF THE NEW ROAD NETWORK LEADING TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE NEW TOWN IN TUNG CHUNG.
THE BREAKTHROUGH WAS ACHIEVED TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AND JUST A YEAR AFTER BLASTING WORKS BEGAN, AND A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OCCASION WAS PERFORMED TODAY BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN.
/SAID MRS .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 5 -
SAID MRS CHAN: "WE ARE CELEBRATING THE FACT THAT WE HAVE REACHED A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR NEW HIGHWAYS."
SHE SAID THE BREATHROUGH ALSO ILLUSTRATED THE EXTREMELY GOOD PROGRESS THAT WAS BEING MADE ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
"CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS TOTALLING SOME $48 BILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED, ALL WITHIN BUDGET AND PROGRESSING WELL. THAT IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, OF WHICH HONG KONG, AND ALL THE CONTRACTORS INVOLVED, CAN BE PROUD," MRS CHAN SAID.
THE TUNNEL IS AN IMPORTANT SECTION OF ROUTE 3. THIS SECTION OF ROUTE 3 IS A MAJOR LINK IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME’S HIGHWAYS NETWORK CONNECTING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN TO KOWLOON AND CENTRAL HONG KONG. ROUTE 3 WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED NORTHWARDS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES NEAR THE BORDER WITH CHINA.
MRS CHAN SAID THE TUNNEL WHEN OPENED WILL BRING WELCOME IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
IT WILL PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED ADDITIONAL CAPACITY FOR THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD NETWORK BY CHANNELLING THE CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC VIA THE NEW RAMBLER CHANNEL BRIDGE AND KWAI CHUNG VIADUCT, THUS RELIEVING THE CURRENT HEAVY TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN.
MRS CHAN SAID: "ALONG WITH OTHER ACP CONTRACTS, THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, WITH THE MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO EXISTING SERVICES AND RESIDENTS.
"I AN HAPPY TO HEAR THAT THESE STANDARDS ARE BEING MET, ALONG WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS THAT WE HAVE SET FOR THE ACP."
THE CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL WILL BE HONG KONG’S WIDEST ROAD TUNNEL. ITS TWIN TUBES RUNNING UNDER THE CENTRAL RIDGE OF TSING YI WILL EACH BE 17 METRES WIDE AND ACCOMMODATE THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC -OTHER ROAD TUNNELS IN HONG KONG ONLY HAVE TWO LANES.
WORK ON THE TUNNEL BEGAN ON MARCH 5 LAST YEAR FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF AN $856 MILLION CONTRACT TO DRAGAGES FT TRAVAUX PUBLICS WITH THE FIRST BLAST TAKING PLACE TWO MONTHS LATER.
THE MAJOR PART OF THE TUNNEL WAS EXCAVATED BY BLASTING THROUGH SOLID VOLCANIC ROCK AND GRANITE WORKING INWARDS FROM EITHER ENDS.
MR C K WONG, THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ROUTE 3 DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHICH IS SUPERVISING THE WORKS, SAID THE PROJECT BROUGHT ADVANCED TUNNELLING TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG, HOLES FOR EXPLOSIVES WERE DRILLED USING COMPUTERS AND LASERS.
"TWO DRILLING MACHINES OF A TYPE KNOWN AS AN ’AUTOMATIC JUMBO’, WHICH ARE EQUIPPED WITH COMPUTERS AND OPERATED WITH THE AID OF LASER BEAMS, WERE USED TO DRILL THE HOLES FOR EXPLOSIVES, FURTHER IMPROVING ACCURACY TN BLASTING AND IN THE AMOUNT OF EXPLOSIVES NEEDED," SAID MR WONG.
/IN ADDITION.........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
6
TN ADDITION, HE SAID THE CONTRACTOR USED AN EMULSION EXPLOSIVE TO CARRY OUT THE BLASTS WHICH WAS ALSO A ’’FIRST” FOR TUNNELLING WORK IN HONG KONG.
MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT AS THIS MATERIAL WAS INERT IT HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF PROVIDING SAFER HANDLING AS WELL AS BEING EASIER TO LOAD.
EXCAVATION OF THE TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ANOTHER 12 MONTHS. AS THE EXCAVATION PROCEEDS, THE CONTRACTOR WILL ALSO HAVE TO INSTALL CONCRETE TUNNEL LININGS.
ABOUT 400,000 CUBIC METRES OF SPOIL WILL BE PRODUCED BY THE EXCAVATION AND BARGES WILL SHIP THIS FROM TSING YI TO CHEK LAP KOK AND OTHER GOVERNMENT WORKS SITES TO BE USED AS FILL FOR RECLAMATION WORK THERE.
THE CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN 1997.
--------0-----------
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION ADEQUATE: CS
*****
THERE WERE ADEQUATE AND VERY EFFECTIVE CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION WHICH BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES SHOULD USE TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
RESPONDING MEDIA QUESTIONS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE BREAKTHROUGH CEREMONY OF THE CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL, MRS CHAN SAID: "IF THE CHINESE WISH TO SEEK OUR VIEWS OR TO SEEK CLARIFICATION ON ANY ISSUE THAT ARE OF MUTUAL CONCERN, WE WOULD VIEW THAT THEY SHOULD DO IT THROUGH RECOGNISED CHANNELS.”
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE CHEUNG CHING TUNNEL, MRS CHAN DESCRIBED IT AS A VERY SIGNIFICANT BREAKTHROUGH.
”WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT WE HAVE MADE SUCH GOOD PROGRESS AND WE HOPE THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET VERY SOON.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, WE VERY MUCH WELCOME MR LU PING AND AMBASSADOR GUO’S VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN EARLY MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE.
"WE HOPE IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO AGREE ON THE DATE AND THAT AT THIS MEETING, WE WILL BE ABLE FINALLY TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE TO ALLOW BOTH THE AIRPORT PROJECT AND HIE AIRPORT RAILWAY TO PROCEED.
"THIS IS REALLY THE WISH OF THE COMMUNITY.”
/7........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
7
PROPOSALS ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HA *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SET OUT A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY (HA) AIMED AT ENABLING THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE BETTER USE OF ITS SURPLUS CASH TO SPEED UP THE SUPPLY OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND UPGRADE ITS EXISTING ESTATES.
PRESENTING THE PROPOSALS TO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THE AUTHORITY WAS NOW FINANCIALLY VERY ROBUST.
’’THE AUTHORITY ESTIMATES THAT IT HAS A POSITIVE GROSS CASH BALANCE OF $18.2 BILLION AS AT MARCH 31, 1994. OF THIS, WE ESTIMATE THAT THE NET CASH SURPLUS TO THE AUTHORITY’S OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS IS ABOUT $9.5 BILLION. THIS WILL RISE TO $17 BILLION BY THE END OF 1997/98,” HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID: ’’CLEARLY WE SHOULD PUT THESE HUGE SUMS TO PRODUCTIVE USE.
’’ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT IS ENTITLED TO TAKE BACK THIS SURPLUS INTO GENERAL REVENUE, WE FEEL IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO LEAVE THE MONEY WITH THE AUTHORITY TO FUND MORE HOUSING AND HOUSING-RELATED PROJECTS.
”WE HAVE THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE BULK OF THE SURPLUS SHOULD GO TOWARDS SETTING UP A DEVELOPMENT FUND TO SPEED UP THE SUPPLY OF ASSISTED HOUSING FOR THOSE IN NEED.
"WE ESTIMATE THAT A DEVELOPMENT FUND COULD BE SET UP WITH AN INITIAL CASH BALANCE OF $7.5 BILLION. DISBURSEMENT WILL REQUIRE THE AGREEMENT OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED FULL\ COMMITTED TO THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FREE LAND FOR RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING AND SUBSIDISED LAND FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
"THE COST OF THIS FOR THIS YEAR ALONE WILL BE $21 BILLION. WE WILL ALSO PROVIDE FURTHER CAPITAL INJECTIONS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IF NECESSARY."
MR TSANG SAID WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND, AND ASSUMING THAT THE AUTHORITY WILL HAVE A NET CASH SURPLUS OF $17 BILLION BY 1997/98, IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO SPEED UP THE PRODUCTION OF HOUSING BY UP TO 10,000 FLATS PER YEAR OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THIS WILL BE ON TOP OF THE CURRENT PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION TARGETS.
"THESE EXTRA FLATS, TOGETHER WITH PARALLEL EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT TASK FORCE SET UP TO TACKLE PRIVATE HOUSING PRICES, SHOULD HAVE A STABILISING EFFECT ON ALL SECTORS OF THE HOUSING MARKET," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE DEVELOPMENT FUND, THE PROPOSALS PUT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY INCLUDED USING THE REMAINING PART OF THE SURPLUSES TO SET UP OF A NEW $2 BILLION IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT WITHIN THE HA’S EXISTING CAPITAL WORKS FUND.
/"THE IMPROVEMENT .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 8 -
"THE IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT IS TO PROVIDE FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE STANDARDS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES OF EXISTING ESTATES.
"EXPENDITURE FROM THIS ACCOUNT WILL BE DECIDED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
"THE WHOLE PACKAGE WILL BENEFIT BOTH EXISTING AND NEW PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS," HE SAID.
ANOTHER KEY PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS IS THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD NO LONGER HAVE TO PAY INTEREST ON THE $13.5 BILLION WHICH REPRESENTED THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPITALISED LOANS MADE TO THE AUTHORITY BEFORE 1988.
"WE ALSO PROPOSE THAT THE $12.8 BILLION CASH RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY SINCE 1988 BE REPAID TO GOVERNMENT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
"THESE PAYMENTS WILL COME OUT OF THE AUTHORITY’S OPERATING SURPLUSES AND THE ANNUAL AMOUNT WILL BE NO HIGHER THAN THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INTEREST PAYMENTS.
"THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE WAIVING OF INTEREST ON THE REMAINING $13.5 BILLION, WILL LEAVE THE AUTHORITY IN AN EVEN STRONGER FINANCIAL POSITION IN FUTURE," HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID THAT APART FROM THESE PROPOSALS, THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE AUTHORITY WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
"THESE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP AFTER WE HAVE LISTENED TO A WIDE SPECTRUM OF VIEWS INCLUDING MEMBERS OF LEGCO, DISTRICT BOARDS, THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS HOUSING INTEREST GROUPS," HE ADDED.
------0-------
HUMAN RESOURCE REVIEW IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM) REVIEW CARRIED OUT BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH (CSB) LAST YEAR RECOMMENDED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO TAKE A MORE INTEGRATED APPROACH TN MANPOWER PLANNING, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT.
"AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW, MORE OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ARE NOW BEING DEVOLVED TO DEPARTMENTS, ENABLING THEM TO RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO SERVICE NEED," THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MS LOLLY CHIU, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, MS CHIU POINTED OUT THAT THE HRM REVIEW WAS AIMED AT DEVELOPING A MORE DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT THROUGH WHICH STAFF COULD BE MOTIVATED TO MAXIMISE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CIVIL SERVICE.
/SHE SAID ........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 9 -
SHE SAID OVER THE YEARS, THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR VARIOUS PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS RECRUITMENT AND PROMOTION, CREATION OF MOST NEW POSTS, DISCIPLINE MATTERS FOR JUNIOR STAFF, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND APPROVAL OF VARIOUS ALLOWANCES AND LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS, HAI) BEEN DELEGATED TO HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
MS CHIU SAID IN INTRODUCING THE CHANGES UNDER THE HRM REVIEW, THE GOVERNMENT FOUND AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE AS USEFUL REFERENCE.
”AT THE INVITATION Of THE GOVERNMENT, AN OFFICER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, MR JOHN HAMILTON, IS ON A ONE YEAR ATTACHMENT TO THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SINCE MID-JANUARY THIS YEAR.
“MR HAMILTON, WHO IS VERY EXPERIENCED IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, IS ASSISTING THE (SB TO DEVELOP A COMMON SET OF CRITERIA FOR DIRECTORATE STAFF. THESE CRITERIA WHICH ARE BEING DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH DEPARTMENTS, RELATE TO THE DEFINED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ATTITUDE REQUIRED FOR THE DIRECTORATE.
’’THE CRITERIA CAN BE USED TO ASSIST IN PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL, CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING,” MS CHIU SAID.
SHE SAID THE ATTACHMENT OF MR HAMILTON WAS PART GOVERNMENT’S ON-GOING EXCHANGE PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN LINKS AND UNDERSTANDJ NG WITH COUNTERPARTS REG J ON.
OF THE CONTACT
IN THE
"HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO SENT OFFICERS TO WORK IN ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK IN MANILA AND APEI IN SINGAPORE,” SHE ADDED.
MS CHJI EXPLAINED THAT THE HRM REVIEW WHICH EXAMINED IN DETAILS, THE PERSONNEL POLICY AND PRACTICES WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE, WAS TO SUPPORT THE EARLIER CHANGES INTRODUCED INDER THF GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM SINCE THE 1980S.
’’OVER THE YEARS, MUCH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN STREAMLINING
INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE
INTRODUCTION OF AN ANNUAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM, TRADING FUNDS FOR CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS, PRIVATISATION OF SERVICES AND DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
CREATION OF SOME PUBLIC
TO POLICY
SECRETARIES.
’’THIS MOVEMENT HAS GATHERED FURTHER MOMENTUM WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY UNIT IN 1993,” MS CHIU SAID.
---------0-----------
/10........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
10
39 INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS GRANTED FUNDS
*****
THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC) TODAY (MONDAY) APPROVED 39 PROJECTS TO BE FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S $180 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE FUNDS, TO BE PROVIDED ON A YEARLY BASIS, AIM AT SUPPORTING INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WHICH CAN CONTRIBUTE To THE OVERALL INDUSTRIAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND TO THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURI NG INDUSTRIES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID THAT ALL THE 39 APPROVED PROJECTS COULD FULFILL THIS OBJECTIVE.
HE SAID THE NATURE OF THE PROJECTS COULD BE CATEGORISED AS INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT, MANPOWER TRAINING, ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, PROMOTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL DATA BASE DEVELOPMENT.
’’THE VETTING PROCESS WAS NOT EASY BEC AUSE OF THE VOLUME AND TECHNICAL NATURE OF THE APPLICAT IONS.
’’EXPERT OPINIONS FROM MEMBERS OF VARIOUS SECTORS OF INDUSTRY WERE SOUGHT IN THE VETTING PROCESS, AND THE MAIN CRITERION ADOPTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PROJECTS VETTING COMMITTEE (PVC) OF THE ITDC WAS WHETHER THE APPLICATION WAS ’MARKET DRIVEN’, THAT IS, WHETHER THERE WAS A GENUINE NEED IN THE INDUSTRY FOR Till- DELIVERABLES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT,” HE SAID.
THE TOTAL PROJECT COST, AMOUNTING TO SOME $289 MILLION OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, WOULD BE DISBURSED TO THE APPLICANT ORGANISATIONS ACCORDING TO THE YEARLY COST ESTIMATES OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS.
FUNDS REQUIRED IN THE 1994/95 FINANCIAL \FAR WOULD BE AROUND $139 MILLION, WITH A COMMITMENT OF $91 MILLION AND $59 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEARS 1995/96 AND 1996/97 RESPECT IVELY.
OF THESE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS, 21 ARE FROM INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT BODIES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCT IV J TY COUNCIL, 12 FROM HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, FIVE FROM TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND ONE FROM A RESEARCH INSTITUTE.
"THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE DECISION OF THE ITDC SHORTLY AND FUNDS WILL BE DISBURSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR PROJECTS WHICH COST LESS THAN $10 MILLION," MR YOUNG SAID.
"HOWEVER, THREE OF THE APPROVED PROJEC TS WILL HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL BECAUSE THEIR PROJECT COST EXCEEDS $10 MILLION," HF. SAID.
THEY ARE, NAMELY, THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS, THE RAPID PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND THE CENTRE FOR LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY RESEARCH.
/MR YOUNG .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 11 -
MR YOUNG SAID THE ITDC HAS ALSO DECIDED TO PASS AN ADDITIONAL EIGHT PROJECTS, EACH COSTING LESS THAN $1 MILLION, TO THE RELEVANT COMMITTEES OF THE ITDC FOR CONSIDERATION. THESE PROJECTS COULD BE FUNDED FROM THE $30 MILLION SET ASIDE FOR THE COMMITTEES.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS STILL ABOUT $10 MILLION UNCOMMITTED FUNDS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, MR YOUNG SAID THE PVC WOULD SOON CONSIDER SOME APPLICATIONS IN THE BORDERLINE CATEGORY.
ANY FUNDS WHICH REMAINED UNCOMMITTED AFTER THE SECOND ROUND OF VETTING WOULD BE RESERVED FOR CONTINGENCY PURPOSES OR WOULD SUPPLEMENT, WHERE NECESSARY, THE SET-ASIDE FUNDS OF THE ITDC COMMITTEES, HE SAID.
------0--------
GDP FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993
* * * * t
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY 5.5% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992, ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
AMONG THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE GDP ESTIMATES, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GREW BY 9.5% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992. UNDERLYING THIS GROWTH WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE TN EXPENDITURE ON BOTH CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE (DEFINED IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS) DECLINED MARGINALLY BY 0.1% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992.
THE DECLINE IN GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE REFLECTED IN PART THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO RESTRAIN GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS, AND IN PART THE DECREASE IN GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON PURCHASE OF GOODS AND SERVICES.
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION DECLINED SLIGHTLY BY 0.5% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1992. WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT DECREASED BY 0.8% WHILST EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION GREW BY 2.3%.
THE SLOW-DOWN IN THESE TWO ITEMS WERE AFFECTED PARTLY BY THE HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992. THE FORMER STAGED A MARKED PICK-UP SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1992 WHEREAS THE LATTER ALSO BEGAN TO REVIVE SINCE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992. IN TERMS OF LEVELS, THEY WERE COMPARABLE TO THOSE RECORDED IN THE PRECEDING QUARTERS.
FOLLOWING NOTABLE GROWTH IN PREVIOUS QUARTERS, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF EXTERNAL TRADE SLOWED DOWN SOMEWHAT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.
/TOTAL EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 12 -
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS GREW BY 9.1% IN REAL TERMS, WHILST IMPORTS GREW BY 6.5% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1993 WERE 14.2% AND 15.2% RESPECTIVELY.
AS REGARDS EXPORTS OF SERVICES, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS WAS 6.5% TN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF 1992. THIS WAS LARGER THAN THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE OF 5.9% FOR IMPORTS OF SERVICES. AS A RESULT, NET EXPORTS OF SERVICES ROSE BY 8.4% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.
THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP MODERATED FURTHER, FROM 7.7% IN THE THIRD QUARTER TO 6.0% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. FOR 1993 AS A WHOLE, THE RATE OF INCREASE WAS 7.9%.
THIS WAS SIGNIFICANTLY BELOW THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 10.5% RECORDED IN 1991 AND 10.1% IN 1992, AND WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE MODERATION IN CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION.
THE RATE OF CHANGE IN THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP IS A BROAD MEASURE OF INFLATION IN THE WHOLE ECONOMY.
ACCORDING TO THE REVISED (MAY 94) ESTIMATES, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF GDP IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 WAS ADJUSTED SLIGHTLY UPWARDS, FROM 5.5% TO 5.6%, WHILST THAT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 5.3% AND THAT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER WAS REVISED DOWNWARDS FROM 5.6% TO 5.5%.
BASED ON THE LATEST GDP ESTIMATES, GDP GREW BY 5.5% IN REAL TERMS IN 1993 OVER 1992.
THE LATEST GDP FIGURES FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 TO THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 ARE PRESENTED IN TABLES 1 AND 2.
THE LATEST QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GDP FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 TO THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 4TH QUARTER 1993".
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $4.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 582 5077.
/Table 1 .......
mWTOY, TOY 9, 1994
- 13 -
Table 1 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates
first quarter of 1992 to fourth quarter of 1993
GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1980) Market Prices
% change over % change over
same period of same period of
Year/quarter HK$ Mn the preceding year HK$ Mn the preceding year
1992 745,364 15.9 287,980 5.3
1993 848,455 13.8 • 303,761 5.5
1992 QI 163,615 17.1 64,799 5.3
Q2 176,556 16.2 67,665 5.2
Q3 198,905 15.3 77,573 5.8
Q4 206,288 15.4 77,943 5.1
1993 QI 188,822 15.4 68,430 5.6
Q2 202,763 14.8 71,239 5.3
Q3 226,062 13.7 81,833 5.5
Q4 230,808 11.9 82,259 5.5
/Table 2 .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
14
Table 2 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates Quarterly Year-on-year Growth Rates, first quarter of 1992 to fourth quarter of 1993
Expenditure % change over same period of the preceding year
Components of GDP At current market prices At constant (1980) market prices
1992 1993 1992 1993
01 02 03 01 Annual 01 02 03 01 Annual 01 02 03 04 Annual 01 02 01 01 Annual
Private consumption expenditure 17.1 15.3 17.1 13.9 15.8 14.4 14.9 11.8 15.2 14.1 9.1 8.0 9.4 6.7 8.3 7.6 8.0 5.7 9.5 7.7
Government consumption expenditure 16.0 17.9 20.0 17.4 17.8 10.1 13.4 11.8 10.3 11.4 6.0 7.5 9.0 6.1 7.1 -0.8 3.2 1.3 -0.1 0.9
Gross domestic fixed capital formation 13.8 18.9 18.9 12.6 16.0 10.3 10.0 10.5 5.3 8.9 7.5 10.7 11.6 8.4 9.6 6.4 6.3 4.0 -0.5 3.9
of which : Construction 3.3 -2.6 -1.1 9.0 2.3 10.0 14.5 17.8 8.9 12.6 0.9 -5.7 -3.0 7.1 e 7.8 13.5 12.0 2.3 8.6
Machinery and equipment 11.6 24.8 32.8 26.3 24.6 19.5 16.1 7z5 1.8 10.4 11.2 22.3 28.2 24.1 22.1 16.9 11.2 3.8 -0.8 6.9
Total exports of goo^s 23.2 23.0 20.0 17.9 20.8 18.4 12.4 14.3 8.8 13.1 20.8 21.5 18.3 16.8 19.2 18.8 11.5 14.2 9.1 13.1
Imports of goods 21.6 24.4 21.9 22.2 22.6 17.7 11.8 14.7 6.3 12.2 21.9 23.9 20.7 22.9 22.3 19.5 12.0 15.2 6.5 12.8
Exports of services 15.3 21.9 r 15.2 19.0 18.0 17.3 14.4 13.9 12.1 14.2 10.9 14.5 8.1 10.8 11.0 9.9 6.8 8.6 6.5 7.8
Imports of services 10.3 11.0 16.3 9.3 11.8 6.1 7.4 5.6 6.5 6.4 8.2 6.3 8.9 4.9 7.0 8.3 6.6 6.9 5.9 6.9
Gross Domestic Product 17.1 16.2 15.3 15.4 15.9 15.4 14.8 13.7 11.9 13.8 5.3 5.2 5.8 5.1 5.3 5.6 5.3 5.5 5.5 5.5
9 Less than 0.05
---------0-----------
/15 .......
MONDAY. MAY 9, 1994
15
CO-OPERATION IN INVESTIGATING MARINE ACCIDENTS VITAL » * » * *
CO-OPERATION AMONG NATIONAL MARITIME ADMINISTRATIONS IN INVESTIGATIONS INTO MARINE ACCIDENTS WAS ESSENTIAL IF THESE INVESTIGATIONS WERE TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE THIRD MEETING OF THE MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATORS INTERNATIONAL FORUM (MAI IF), MR PYRKE NOTED ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FORUM, POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE, WAS TO DEVELOP AND SUSTAIN A CO-OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP AMONG MARITIME INVESTIGATORS OF DIFFERENT MARINE ADMINISTRATIONS.
HE SAID CO-OPERATION WAS VITAL AS AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED TO A SHIP TODAY WAS MORE LIKELY TO INVOLVE A NUMBER OF ADMINISTRATIONS.
MORE THAN 40 DELEGATES FROM 30 COUNTRIES ATTENDED THE THREE-DAY MAI IF MEETING HOSTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
MR PYRKE SAID THE PRESENCE OF MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATORS WAS A TESTIMONY TO THE APPRECIATION OF THE NEED OF CO-OPERATION.
HE SAID: "WE IN HONG KONG CANNOT EMPHASISE THE NEED FURTHER. WE HAD 31,000 SHIPS CALLING AT THIS PORT LAST YEAR. THEY BELONGED TO 108 DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES. OUR OWN SHIPS TRADE ALL OVER THE WORLD."
MR PYRKE SAW TWO BASIC REQUIREMENTS WHICH MUST BE MET IF EFFECTIVE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS WAS TO BE ACHIEVED.
FIRSTLY, THE BUREAUCRATIC INERTIA OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINE SHOULD BE ELIMINATED THROUGH PERSONAL CONTACTS DEVELOPED IN FORUMS SUCH AS THE MAI IF.
"INFORMAL DIALOGUES ALSO HELP UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL RESTRAINTS UNDER WHICH DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS WORK," HE ADDED.
SECONDLY, THE INVESTIGATION SYSTEMS OF DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS SHOULD BE HARMONISED SO THAT LEGAL RESTRAINTS ON EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION OR PARTICIPATION IN INVESTIGATION PROCESSES ARE REMOVED.
MR PYRKE ASSERTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE SECOND TASK WAS HARDER AND MIGHT TAKE A LONG TIME TO ACCOMPLISH, THE FORUM COULD BE AN IDEAL CATALYST TO BRING ABOUT THE CHANGES NEEDED.
DURING THE THREE-DAY MEETING, THE MARITIME .INVESTIGATORS WILL GIVE FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND CHARTER OF THE MAI IF.
THE INVESTIGATORS WILL FINALISE THE PROPOSALS FOR THE MODIFICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) RESOLUTION A637(16) TO OBTAIN BETTER CO-OPERATION AMONG MARITIME ADMINISTRATIONS AND TO DEVELOP A DIRECTORY OF CASUALTY INVESTIGATION PRACTICES OF DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS.
THEY WILL ALSO LOOK AT WAYS TO DEVELOP A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE IMO CONVENTION ON SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA TO ESTABLISH UNIFORM PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES FOR MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS.
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/16 .....
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 16 -
TENDER FOR THE FIFTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES TO BE HELD NEXT MONDAY * * * * *
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE TENDER FOR THE FIFTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WOULD BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (MAY 16) FOR SETTLEMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY (MAY 17).
SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF $500 MILLION TWO-YEAR NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, ANOTHER $100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.
THE NOTES WILL MATURE ON MAY 17, 1996 AND WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6.35% PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY DO
SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE
PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE. HONG KONG MONETARY
AUTHORITY AT 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TELEPHONE
878 8150. EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
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CUSTOMS DELEGATION MEETS GUANGDONG CUSTOMS AT ZHANGJIANG
*****
A SEVEN-MEMBER DELEGATION OF HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT LED BY COMMISSIONER MR D M WATSON DEPARTED FOR ZHANGJIANG, GUANGDONG THIS (MONDAY) MORNING FOR A MEETING WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE GUANGDONG CUSTOMS.
THIS IS THE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING TO REVIEW LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TWO ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE AREAS OF EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE ON NARCOTIC AND SMUGGLING AS WELL AS ON ANTI-SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES.
BOTH SIDES WILL DISCUSS ON TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS INCLUDING DRUG TRAFFICKING, CIGARETTE SMUGGLING, TRAINING, PIRATED CD AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO ENHANCE CO-OPERATION IN ANTI-SMUGGLING.
AFTER THE MEETING, HONG KONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION WILL TRAVEL TO HAINAN AND VISIT CUSTOMS SET-UPS AND FACILITIES THERE.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON THE MORNING OF MAY 16.
/17........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 17 -
RE-OPENING OF CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL BE RE-OPENED FOR MARRIAGE (’EREMONIES ON AUGUST 1.
"THE FOUR-MONTH RENOVATION AT THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JULY. AFTER THAT THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL BE A MORE SPACIOUS AND NICE PLACE FOR MARRIAGES TO TAKE PLACE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE MARRIAGE REGISTRATION AND RECORDS OFFICES AT THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE IN QUEENSWAY IS READY TO ACCEPT NOTICES FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY IN AUGUST AND ONWARDS.
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DO HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO CHOOSE THEIR PREFERRED DAYS FOR SERVICES, APPOINTMENTS FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES WILL BE GIVEN ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PLEASE TELEPHONE 824 6111.
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LEAFLETS ON MATERNITY PROTECTION AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS *****
FEMALE EMPLOYEES SEEKING MATERNITY PROTECTION ARE REMINDED THAT COPIES OF A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE MATERNITY PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE IN SIMPLE TERMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES AND LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICES.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEAFLET WAS ATTACHED WITH A STANDARD FORM OF NOTICE, SPECIFYING THE EXPECTED DATE OF CONFINEMENT AND THE DATE ON WHICH THE MATERNITY LEAVE WAS TO COMMENCE, TO FACILITATE EMPLOYEES TO COMPLY WITH THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE LAW.
"THERE IS ALSO A DECLARATION FORM TO FACILITATE FEMALE WORKERS TO MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATION TO VERIFY THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE HAS IN ORDER TO CLAIM MATERNITY LEAVE PAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RESPONDING TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE QUESTION OF PUBLICITY RELATING TO MATERNITY PROTECTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ADDITION TO THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON MATERNITY PROVISIONS THROUGH PRESS RELEASES AND RADIO BROADCASTS, THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT ORGANISED EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS AND LECTURES ON A REGULAR BASIS TO PROMOTE THE EMPLOYMENT LAW.
"MATERNITY PROTECTION TO FEMALE WORKERS IS AMONG THE MAJOR TOPICS OF PROMOTION IN OUR PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 18 -
HE SAID OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OFTEN ATTENDED INTERVIEWS REQUESTED BY THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE LAW ON MATERNITY BENEFITS FOR PREGNANT EMPLOYEES.
HE REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE LAW TO TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF A FEMALE WORKER AFTER SHE HAD GIVEN HER EMPLOYER A NOTICE OF HER INTENTION TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE.
’’EMPLOYERS BREACHING THE PROVISIONS WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000,” HE SAID.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON DETAILS OF THE PROVISIONS ON MATERNITY PROTECTION CAN BE MADE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE ON TEL 717 1771.
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WATER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN SHA TIN CLOSED FOR RENOVATION *****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS RENOVATING ITS SEVEN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES TO IMPROVE THEIR SERVICE ENVIRONMENT.
THE CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION STARTING ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT FULL SERVICES AT THIS CENTRE WOULD RESUME ON JUNE 27 UPON COMPLETION OF RENOVATION.
WORKS FOR OTHER CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES THIS YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE ON HOTLINE 824 5000.
THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE NEWLY INTRODUCED 24-HOUR WATER INFOLINK SERVICE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT WATER ACCOUNT AND SUPPLY MATTERS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE SERVICE IS 802 9966.
MEANWHILE, CUSTOMERS MAY VISIT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES:
* WAN CHAI CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
* SHAU KEI WAN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, PERFECT MOUNT GARDENS, PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, HONG KONG.
/* KWUN TONG ........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
♦ KWUN TONG CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 21 ON WAH STREET, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.
♦ MONG KOK CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 128 SAI YEE STRfeET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
♦ TSUEN WAN CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FIFTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
♦ TAI PO CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, FOURTH FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CUSTOMERS COULD PAY WATER CHARGES AT ANY COLLECTION OFFICES AS USUAL. THE ADDRESSES AND OPENING HOURS OF THESE OFFICES ARE SHOWN ON WATER BILLS.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO USE THE ’’PAYMENT BY PHONE SERVICE'. DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY' CALLING SERVICE HOTLINES 170 222 328
(CANTONESE) OR 170 222 329 (ENGLISH).
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * ♦ ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 65.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 385.709 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 309.039 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
/20
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 20 -
PROMOTE DISTRICT AFFAIRS CALL BY DO ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H T LUI, CALLED ON COMMUNITY LEADERS IN HIS DISTRICT TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT TN PROMOTING DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER HOSTED BY VARIOUS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TONIGHT (MONDAY), MR LUI SAID HIS OFFICE WOULD BE FACING MANY NEW CHALLENGES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
HE SAID: ’’THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE BEFORE US NOW IS THE FORTHCOMING THREE-TIER ELECTIONS WHICH WILL BE VERY DECISIVE IN SHAPING OUR FUTURE COMMUNITY.
"AND ONE OF THEM IS FHE FIRST DIRECT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER.
”MY FIRST PRIORITY IS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS AND TO CAST THEIR VOTES SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A FAIR AND APPROPRIATE WAY.”
”1 HOPE YOU CAN ALSO LEND YOUR UNSTINTING SUPPORT IN THIS REGARD," HE SAID.
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ENQUIRY CENTRE’S RENOVATION COMPLETED
*****
THE RENOVATION OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
STARTING FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE CENTRE WILL BE MOVED BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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/21 ........
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1994
- 21 -
HONG KONG MONETAR’S AUTHORITY MONES MARKET OPERATIONS
» * * ♦ t CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,434 0930 +1,057
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,170 1000 + 1,057
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,257
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,256 1200 + 1 ,257
LAF TODAS -1,520 1500 1600 +1,257 +1,256
LAF RATE 2.00 BJD/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.6 *4-0.0* 9.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARS AUTHORITY
EE BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS VIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.31 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.31 6.10
1 MONTH 3.71 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 96.9] 6.36
3 MONTHS 4.21 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.20 6.91
6 MONTHS 4.73 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.30 7.05
12 MONTHS 5.36 TOTAL TURNOVER OE BILLS 36 MONTHS 3704 AND BONDS - 12,055 6.15 97.69 7.15 MN
CLOSED 9 MAS 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................... 1
CIVIL SERVICE NEEDS STABILITY................................ 3
MR HUI KI-ON THE NEXT CP....'................................ 4
STI TO ATTEND MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON DC...................... 6
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 TO BETTER PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS........................................... 6
NEW 10-CENT COINS............................................ 7
MEETING TO DISCUSS BORDER CROSSING........................... 8
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY..................................................... 8
$926M SEWERAGE PROJECT FOR HK ISLAND........................ 13
HOT OFF THE PRESSES: HONG KONG 1994......................... 14
AWARD FOR BUILDINGS MOST ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED...... 15
EXERCISE CIVIC RIGHTS AND VOTE.............................. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................. 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
17
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 1 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION ♦ » » * *
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY):
GOVERNOR: GOOD MORNING. WE ARE MAKING AN ANNOUNCEMENT LATER ON TODAY ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT OF EDDIE HUI AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 3 WHEN COMMISSIONER LI KWAN-HA GOES INTO RETIREMENT, HAVING REACHED THE STATUTORY AGE FOR RETIREMENT OF 57. THAT’S WHAT IS PRESCRIBED, AS YOU PROBABLY KNOW, IN THE ORDINANCES.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY AT THIS POINT THOUGH THERE WILL BE OTHER OCCASIONS FOR PUTTING THIS ON THE RECORD THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY HAS VERY GOOD REASONS FOR BEING ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL TO THE OUTGOING COMMISSIONER. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE FORCE FOR OVER 36 YEARS. HE HAS BEEN COMMISSIONER FOR FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS AND HAS HAD DURING THAT TIME TO DEAL WITH A NUMBER OF VERY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS. THERE WAS THE SURGE, A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK, IN THE INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME, WHICH THE FORCE COPED WITH VERY SUCCESSFULLY. THERE WERE PROBLEMS OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF YOUNGER OFFICERS, WHICH AGAIN HE AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE FORCE, OVERCAME SUCCESSFULLY. AND THERE HAVE BEEN THE ADDITIONAL POLITICAL SENSITIVITY SURROUNDING SOME ASPECTS OF THE POLICING, FOR EXAMPLE, OF DEMONSTRATIONS OVER THE LAST-FOUR-AND-A-HALF YEARS. THOSE ARE ALL CHALLENGES TO WHICH THE COMMISSIONER HAS RISEN WITH VERY GREAT SKILL. I THINK HE HAS GIVEN THE FORCE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND ALL OF US HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL TO HIM.
AT THE SAME TIME AS WE ARE ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT OF EDDIE HUI AS COMMISSIONER, WE ARE ALSO ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS, MR WONG AND MR So. I THINK THEY WILL PROVIDE THE CORE OF LEADERSHIP WHICH THE FORCE NEEDS. 1 THINK THEY WILL DO AN OUTSTANDING JOB.
WE HAVE OUR POLICE IN HONG KONG WHICH HAS HELPED TO GIVE US AN ALMOST UNIQUE DOUBLE IN THE WORLD. FIRST OF AL1, WE HAVE A FALLING LEVEL OF CRIME. SECONDLY AND IN PARTICULAR, WE HAVE A FALLING LEVEL OF VIOLENT CRIME. THERE ARE VERY FEW OTHER COMMUNITIES WHICH CAN SAY THAT. IT’S NOT A REASON FOR COMPLACENCY. IT’S NOT A REASON FOR BEING ABLE TO REST ON OUR LAURELS BUT IT IS A REASON FOR. CONGRATULATING OUR CONSTABULARY, CONGRATULATING OUR POLICE FORCE, WHICH IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED AND ADMIRED FORCES ANYWHERE. SO WE SHOULD COMMIT OURSELVES, I THINK ONCE AGAIN, TO GIVING OUR POLICE ALL THE SUPPORT WHICH THEY DESERVE AND ALL THE SUPPORT WHICH FROM TIME TO TIME THEY NEED. THAT’S CERTAINLY OUR FIRM INTENTION AS THE GOVERNMENT. LAW AND ORDER HAS TO BE ONE OF THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONCERNS OF ANY GOVERNMENT. IT IS CERTAINLY OURS. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO HAVE SUCH OUTSTANDING SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS TO HELP US DISCHARGE THOSE OBLIGATIONS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU I’ll INK LOCALISATION OF THE POLICE FORCE SO FAR AT THE SENIOR POSTS IS SATISFACTORY?
/GOVERNOR: .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR: YES, IT’S GOING AHEAD IN A WAY WHICH I THINK IS SATISFACTORY AND WHICH ENSURES THAT WE HAVE THE BEST QUALITY LEADERSHIP FOR THE FORCE, BEARING IN MIND THE DEMANDS OF LOCALISATION. THERE ARE BALANCES WE HAVE TO MAKE BUT I THINK WE’VE GOT THEM ABOUT RIGHT.
QUESTION: MR EDDIE HUI IS HOLDING A FOREIGN PASSPORT, CAN HE STILL BE THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AFTER 1997?
GOVERNOR: 1 THINK EDDIE HUI IS PROMOTED ON MERIT. HE’S THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB AND I BELIEVE THAT HE MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BASIC LAW. BUT I DON’T WANT TO GO INTO DETAILS ABOUT HIS ARRANGEMENTS.
QUESTION: HOW ABOUT THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN BATTLING CRIMES? WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM MR HUI?
GOVERNOR: I THINK COMMISSIONER LI KWAN-HA HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB, HAS BUILT UP GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE POLICE FORCES IN CHINA. I AM SURE THAT EDDIE HUI WILL WANT TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF COMMISSIONER LT KWAN-HA. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE CLOSE CO-OPERATION TO DEAL WITH ALL SORTS OF THINGS. LIKE SMUGGLING, LIKE THEFT, LIKE DRUGS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS. WE MUST GO ON WORKING VERY CLOSELY TOGETHER. THERE’S AN IDENTITY OF INTEREST, I THINK, IN CO-OPERATION.
QUESTION: HAS THE COMMISSIONER’S NEW APPOINTMENT CONSULTED THE CHINESE?
GOVERNOR: WE INFORMED THE CHINESE LAST WEEK OF OUR INTENTIONS.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, CAN YOU SAY WHY THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN SINGAPORE HAS NOW DECIDED TO APPEAL FOR CLEMENCY ON THE CASE OF HONG KONG TEENAGER’S ... CANING SENTENCE?
GOVERNOR: WHY IT’S NOW DECIDED?
QUESTION: YES.
GOVERNOR: BEACUSE AS I UNDERSTAND IT THE FAMILY AND LAWYERS OF THE YOUNG MAN CONCERNED HAVE DECIDED NOT TO LODGE A FORMAL APPEAL SO THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE LEGAL CHANNELS HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED BEFORE LODGING THIS PARTICULAR APPEAL FOR CLEMENCY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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/3 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 3 -
CIVIL SERVICE NEEDS STABILITY *****
IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL CONCERNED THAT THERE SHOULD BE MAXIMUM CONTINUITY IN THE PRINCIPAL OFFICIAL LEVEL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHANt SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS IS SO IN PARTICULAR TO HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT, SHE SAID.
’’THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REMAINS READY TO DISCUSS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON HOW THIS MIGHT BE ACHIEVED.
"WE BELIEVE THIS DIALOGUE SHOULD TAKE PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," SHE SAID.
IN A SPEECH TO THE LUNCHEON OF ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG, MRS CHAN ADDED THAT IN THE MEANTIME THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE WITH ITS PLANS TO FILL THE MOST SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSTS WITH LOCAL OFFICERS IN GOOD TIME BEFORE 1997.
"A SMOOTH TRANSITION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL CONTRIBUTE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO SMOOTH TRANSITION TN THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE IN 1997," SHE SAID.
SHE WAS CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG COULD ENJOY THE SAME PROFESSIONAL AND DEDICATED SERVICE FROM A STABLE CIVIL SERVICE UP TO AND BEYOND 1997 GIVEN THE GOVERNMENT’S PERSEVERANCE TN ITS WORK AND GOODWILL FROM THE CHINESE SIDE.
THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES THAT OFFICERS WHO ARE NONCHINESE NATIONALS MAY CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THE GOVERNMENT AFTER 1997 IN ALL POSTS EXCEPT A HANDFUL OF TOP POSITIONS. THE BASIC LAW ELABORATES ON THIS.
IF THIS RESTRICTION WERE APPLIED TO THE POSTS WHICH CURRENTLY EXIST WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE, ONLY SOME 22 POSITIONS WOULD BE AFFECTED.
STRESSING THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE NEEDED STABILITY IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO NEED FOR THEM TO INDICATE WHETHER OR NOT THEY INTENDED TO REMAIN IN SERVICE AFTER 1997.
THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTINUITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE TRANSITION TO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT ARE SET OUT IN DETAIL IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
"INDEED SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, HAVE REPEATEDLY REASSURED HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS ON THIS POINT," SHE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SPELT OUT A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO REINFORCE CIVIL SERVANTS’ CONFIDENCE AND TO ENHANCE THEIR QUALITY.
/THEY INCLUDED .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
4
THEY INCLUDED THE PROPOSED CIVIL SERVICE PENSION RESERVE FUND, THE PROPOSED UNIFORM CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR ALL NEW RECRUITS, CHINA-RELATED AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING, AND THE LOCALISATION POLICY.
"IMPROVEMENT OF COMMUNI ('AT 1 ON BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND THE CIVIL SERVICE IS HIGH ON MI AGENDA," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN \ND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE HAVE SEPARATELY LINED UP SERIES OF INFORMAL GATHERINGS TO MEET CIVIL SERVANTS OF DIFFERENT GRADES AND RANKS.
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MR HUI KI-ON THE NEXT CP *****
THE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT MR LI KWAN-HA WILL BE PROCEEDING ON LEAVE PRIOR TO RETIREMENT ON JULY 3, THE DATE OF HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY, AFTER SERVING OVER FOUR YEARS AS COMMISSIONER AND OVER 36 YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THE TIMING OF MR LI’S RETIREMENT IS IN LINE WITH THE PRESCRIBED RETIREMENT AGE OF 57 FOR. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE UNDER SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO THE PENSIONS BENEFIT ORDINANCE (CAP 99).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR HUI Kl-ON, CURRENTLY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (OPERATIONS) TO SUCCEED MR LI AS THE NEW COMMISSIONER WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 3.
MR HUI’S CURRENT POSITION WILL BE FILLED B) THE PROMOTION OF MR WONG TSAN-KWONG, SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WHO IS CURRENTLY HOLDING THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION.
ALSO PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ON THE SAME DATE IS MR SO LAI-YIN, WHO HAS BEEN OCCUPYING THE POST OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (MANAGEMENT) ON AN ACTING BASIS SINCE THE FORMER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR KEITH LOMAS, PROCEEDED ON PRERETIREMENT LEAVE ON MARCH 17 THIS YEAR.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE ANNEXED.
MR LI KWAN-HA, CBE, QPM, CPM
MR LI JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AS A PROBATIONARY INSPECTOR ON OCTOBER 7, 1957. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ON APRIL 15, 1985 AND COMMISSIONER ON DECEMBER 1, 1989. ON HIS RETIREMENT AT THE AGE OF 57, MR LI WILL HAVE COMPLETED 36 AND A HALF YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR LI WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL AND THE QUEEN'S POLICE MEDAL IN 1980 AND 1985 RESPECTIVELY. HE WAS MADE A COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE IN 1990.
/MR HUI KI-ON
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 5 -
MR HUI KI-ON, QPM, CPM
MR HUI JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AS A PROBATIONARY INSPECTOR ON FEBRUARY 18, 1963. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON APRIL 29, 1984, SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON DECEMBER 1, 1989 AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ON APRIL 29, 1993. BEFORE HIS CURRENT POST AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS), HE WAS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND REGIONAL COMMANDER (KOWLOON).
MR HUI WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL AND THE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL ON 1979 AND 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
MR SO LAI-YIN, QPM, CPM
MR SO JOINED THE GOVERNMENT ON APRIL 4, 1961. ON JULY 3, 1961 HE WAS APPOINTED AS A PROBATIONARY INSPECTOR OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON AUGUST 12, 1985 AND SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON MARCH 3, 1991. BEFORE HIS CURRENT POST AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (MANAGEMENT), HE WAS DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING AND DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES.
MR SO WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL AND QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL IN 1981 AND 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
MR WONG TSAN-KWONG, QPM, CPM
MR WONG JOINED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AS A PROBATIONARY INSPECTOR ON AUGUST 19, 1963.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON NOVEMBER 30, 1988
AND SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ON JANUARY 1, 1994.
BEFORE HIS CURRENT POST AS DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, HE WAS REGIONAL COMMANDER, HONG KONG ISLAND AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CRIME.
MR WONG WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL AND QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL IN 1984 AND 1991 RESPECTIVELY.
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/6 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 6 -
STI TO ATTEND MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON DC
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IS NOW VISITING WASHINGTON DC TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL JOINT MEETING OF THE HONG KONG/UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES/HONG KONG ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COMMITTEES ON MAY 11.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG/UNITED STATES ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE IS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER MR CHEE-HWA TUNG.
MR CHAU WILL ALSO ATTEND A DINNER, TO BE HELD ON MAY 10 IN THE CAPITOL BUILDING, BY THE TWO COMMITTEES AND THF. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TASK FORCE ON U.S.-CHINA POLICY.
THE LEADING MEMBER OF THE TASK FORCE IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONGRESSMAN LEE HAMILTON.
------0-------
CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 TO BETTER PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS *****
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, WHICH SEEKS TO BROADEN THE REMIT OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IN PERFORMING ITS CONSUMER PROTECTION FUNCTIONS, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 25.
THE AMENDMENT BILL PROPOSES TO REMOVE THE SCHEDULE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE WHICH STIPULATES THAT 25 PUBLIC UTILITY AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES, BROADCASTERS AND STATUTORY PUBLIC BODIES ARE OUTSIDE THE PURVIEW OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE AMENDMENT RILL WILL FREE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL FROM ANY LEGAL CONSTRAINT IN HANDLING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND CONDUCTING RESEARCH PROJECTS CONCERNING THE BODIES IN THE SCHEDULE.
"THIS WILL HELP FACILITATE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL IN PERFORMING ITS CONSUMER PROTECTION FUNCTIONS AND MEETING THE RISING EXPECTATIONS OF THE CONSUMERS.
"WE HAVE CONSULTED ALL THE 25 SCHEDULED BODIES ON THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL. APART FROM ONE, ALL HAVE RES'PONDED, OF WHICH 19 SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL.
"WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE BROAD SUPPORT GIVEN B'i THESE BODIES AND WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSAL IS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TOWARDS BETTER CONSUMER PROTECTION," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE ARE MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO AVOID POSSIBLE DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS BETWEEN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND RELEVANT REGULATORS.
/"THE CONSUMER .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
7 -
’’THE CONSUMER COUNCIL PLEDGES THAT IT WILL NOT INTERVENE IN THOSE MATTERS WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO MONITORING UNDER THE TERMS OF A SPECIFIC REGULATORY ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND A PARTICULAR PRIVATE COMPANY.
”WE BELIEVE THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL NOT SEEK TO DUPLICATE THE ROLE OF RELEVANT REGULATORS. IT WOULD PLAY A SUPPLEMENTARY ROLE, FOCUSING QN MATTERS OF GENERAL CONSUMER INTEREST,” HE SAID.
”AS AT PRESENT, THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE ITS DIALOGUE WITH THE REGULATORS TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS.”
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL WILL BE GAZETTED ON MAY 20.
------0--------
NEW 10-CENT COINS *****
NEW DESIGN 10-CENT COINS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO GENERAL CIRCULATION NEXT MONDAY (MAY 16) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING COINS.
’’THIS IS PART OF THE PHASED PROGRAMME TO REPLACE AND WITHDRAW FROM CIRCULATION EXISTING COINS BEARING REFERENCES WHICH WILL BECOME INAPPROPRIATE TO THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
LIKE THE NEW 50-CENT AND 20-CENT COINS INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 11 LAST YEAR, THE DESIGN OF THE NEW 10-CENT COINS FEATURES A BAUHINIA FLOWER AND ’’HONG KONG” IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH ON THE OBVERSE.
THE REVERSE FEATURES THE DENOMINATION IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND ENGLISH WITH A LARGE ARABIC NUMERAL IN THE CENTRE AND THE YEAR OF ISSUE IMMEDIATELY BELOW IT.
THE METAL COMPOSITION OF THE NEW COINS IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE EXISTING ONES TO FACILITATE SORTING AND WITHDRAWAL OF THE EXISTING COINS BY MACHINE.
SMALL QUANTITIES OF THE NEW COINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO PUBLIC UTILITY AND TRANSPORT COMPANIES AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS WHICH OPERATE COIN VENDING MACHINES FOR TESTING AND CALIBRATION PURPOSES TO ENSURE THAT THEY CAN BE USED IN THESE MACHINES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 8 -
MEETING TO DISCUSS BORDER CROSSING
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS, HAS ASSISTED GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS TO SET UP A MEETING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES TO DISCUSS THE NEW INSPECTION PROCEDURE AT HUANG GANG CHECKPOINT.
THE MEETING IS NOW TAKING PLACE AT THE HUANG GANG CROSSING.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE HUANG GANG CHECKPOINT WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 11 PM TONIGHT AND GOODS VEHICLES DESIGNATED TO USE THE LOK MA CHAU - HUANG GANG CHECKPOINT, CAN ALSO USE THE MAN KAM TO CROSSING TODAY.
---------0-------------
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN FEBRUARY *****
IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1994, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 8.9% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THAT OF REEXPORTS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 13%, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 8.5%. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 7.9% IN VOLUME.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES WITH THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES BEING DISCOUNTED.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 0.8% AND 0.5% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.1%.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDICES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, DECREASED BY 0.6% IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY 21% AND 4.2% RESPECTIVELY. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS DECLINED B\ 5.8%.
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN IN INTERPRETING THE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE FOR A SINGLE MONTH AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH YEAR WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. IT IS MORE MEANINGFUL TO MAKE COMPARISONS OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/COMPARING FEBRUARY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
9
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+7.8%) AND CLOTHING (+4.5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-56%), FOOTWEAR (-53%) AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-42%).
AS REGARDS DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES INCLUDED TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+6.8%); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+2.5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE FABRICS (-7.6%), AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-3.8%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALLE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 21 % IN FEBRUARY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATION; AND FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME 01 TEA AND COFFEE, ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES, AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.0%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 9.9% IN FEBRUARY 1994 AS COMPARED W|TH FEBRUARY 1993.
SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF BASE METALS (OTHER THAN IRON AND STEEL) AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED TN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 12% IN VOLUME IN FEBRUARY 1994 AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 16% IN FEBRUARY 1994 OVER FEBRUARY 1993.
/NOTABLE DECREASES .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 10 -
NOTABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE MACHINERY; INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, OTHER THAN TEXTILE MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY; AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERI. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS INCREASED.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS, CONSUMER GOODS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 2.8%, 2.4% AND 1.5% RESPECTIVELY. THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 18% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1994 WITH FEBRUARY 1993, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 13% AND 5.5% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, AND FUELS DECREASED BY 21%, 12% AND 3.8% RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS, CONSUMER GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 2.2%, 1.3% AND 1.2% RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 16% AND 1.2% RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE FEBRUARY 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE ON THURSDAY AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4918.
/TABLE 1 : .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 11 -
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING FEB 1994 COMPARING JAN-FEB 1994
WITH FEB 1993 WITH JAN-FEB 1993
% CHANGES % CHANGES
COMMODITY GROUP
UNIT UNIT
VALUE VALUE VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME
CLOTHING 4.9 0.4 4.5 -1.7 1 . 1 -2.7
TEXTILE FABRICS -31.1 -7.6 -25.4 -13.4 -7.6 -6.3
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -33.8 -3.8 -31.1 -12.8 -3.6 -9.7
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 7.0 -0.5 7.8 -6.1 -1.8 -4.5
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 55.3 1.4 -55.7 -62.5 0.8 -62.6
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -23.6 2.5 -25.4 -15.9 2.7 -18.1
FOOTWEAR -52.8 1.2 -53.4 -38.7 1.2 -39.2
METAL MANUFACTURES -28.9 1.9 -30.2 -7.8 2.3 -9.9
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -32.2 -0.3 -32.1 -17.2 -0.1 -16.9
WATCHES AND CLOCKS -24.6 1 . 7 -25.8 -9.9 1.2 -11.0
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -14.5 6.8 -20.0 4.8 5.4 -0.7
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -41.0 0.8 -41.6 -25.2 1.7 -26.4
ALL COMMODITIES -19.8 0.9 -20.6 -8.2 0.8 -8.9
/TABEL 2 : .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 12 -
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-L’SE CATEGORY COMPARING FEB 1994 WITH FEB 1993 % CHANGES COMPARING JAN-FEB 1994 WITH JAN-FEB 1993 % CHANGES
VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 19.7 i o 00 20.6 10.0 -1.2 11.5
CONSUMER GOODS 1.4 2.4 -1.0 13.1 2.0 10.9
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -8.7 1 .5 -9.9 10.1 0.8 9.2
FUELS -7.5 -17.6 12.2 -22.9 -17.2 -6.9
CAPITAL GOODS -13.4 2.8 - •15.7 2.1 2.3 -0.2
ALL COMMODITIES -4.3 1.7 -5.8 9.2 1 . 1 7.9
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING FEB 1994 COMPARING JAN-FEB 1994
WITH FEB 1993 WITH JAN-FEB 1993
% CHANGES % CHANGES
END-USE CATEGORY
UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME
UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 14.5 1.2 13. 1 14.8 1 . 1 13.6
CONSUMER GOODS 7.0 1.3 5.5 18.0 1.3 16.5
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -12.7 -1.2 -11.5 13.9 -1.7 15.8
FUELS -18.8 -15.6 -3.8 -12.3 -17.0 5.7
CAPITAL GOODS -19.0 2.2 -20.7 2.7 1.9 0.9
ALL COMMODITIES -3.5 0.7 -4.2 13.9 0.5 13.4
/13........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 13 -
$926M SEWERAGE PROJECT FOR HK ISLAND
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING A S926-MILLION SEWERAGE PROJECT FOR HONG KONG ISLAND WITH A VIEW TO REDUCING WATER POLLUTION IN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE PROJECT, WHICH COVERS THE NORTHWESTERN SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO WAN CHAI WEST, VICTORIA PEAK AND THE MID-LEVELS DISTRICTS, WILL BE CARRIED OUT OVER THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS.
A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION OF THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED.
MR TSE NOTED THAT THE PROJECT COMPRISED CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SEWERS, MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING SCREENING PLANTS, AND INTERCEPTION OF UNTREATED SEWAGE CURRENTLY DISCHARGING INTO THE VICTORIA HARBOUR VIA THE STORM WATER SYSTEM.
"UNDER THE PROJECT, ABOUT SIX KILOMETRES OF TRUNK SEWERS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE THREE KILOMETRES OF BRANCH SEWERS, AND 21 KILOMETRES OF LOCAL SEWERS TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE PROJECT AREA," HE SAID.
A TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY WILL BE CONDUCTED TO MITIGATE IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC BY SUITABLE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO INVESTIGATE AND RECOMMEND MEASURES TO REDUCE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DURING CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION.
MEANWHILE, MR TSE ADDED, THE CENTRAL SCREENING PLANT AND WAN CHAI EAST SCREENING PLANT WILL BE MODIFIED TO MATCH THE NEW SEWERS AND TO CATER FOR THE INCREASE IN POPULATION IN THE PROJECT AREA.
"BY 2001, THEY WILL BE TREATING SEWAGE ARISING FROM 430,000 PEOPLE LIVING, AND 840,000 PEOPLE WORKING, IN THE CENTRAL, WESTERN AND WAN CHAI WEST DISTRICTS,” HE EXPLAINED.
CONSTRUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN MID-1996 FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 2000.
- - 0----------
/14 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
14
HOT OFF THE PRESSES: HONG KONG 1994 *****
THE DRAMA, DEVELOPMENT AND DETAIL OF HONG KONG OVER THE PAST YEAR WILL HIT THE BOOKSTANDS WHEN HONG KONG 1994 APPEARS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT YEARBOOK, A CONSISTENT BESTSELLER, HIGHLIGHTS THE MAJOR EVENTS AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES OF 1993, PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF HOW HONG KONG OPERATES.
COSTING ONLY $60, HONG KONG 1994 COMES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS AND COMPRISES OVER 500 PAGES OF TEXT, PHOTOS AND STATISTICS. IT )S A VITAL REFERENCE TOOL FOR ALL WITH AN INTEREST IN THE TERRITORY.
THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON AND FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE REVIEW CHAPTER THIS YEAR AND PROVIDES A PERSONAL INSIGHT INTO THE FORCES WHICH HAVE SHAPED THE TERRITORY OVER THREE DECADES IN "A RARE ALCHEMY".
"IN OUR SOCIETY, YESTERDAY’S HAWKER CAN BE TODAY’S MILLIONAIRE; AND IF HE OVER-REACHES HIS CASH FLOW AND IS FORCED BACK TO HIS STREET STALL TO BEGIN ALL OVER AGAIN, NOBODY WILL THINK THE WORSE OF HIM BUT WILL ADMIRE HIS COURAGE FOR TRYING THAT HARD," SIR DAVID STATES.
THE REVIEW CHAPTER IS PRECEDED BY A MONTH-BY-MONTH DESCRIPTION OF THE YEAR’S FORMATIVE EVENTS.
A COLOURFUL END-PAPER MAP FEATURES HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1992, AGAINST THE TRADE TREND OF THE PAST 10 YEARS.
HONG KONG 1994 CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. IT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE LATER AT DISTRICT OFFICES, LEADING BOOKSHOPS, AND AT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
THIS YEAR, A SPECIAL 15 PER CENT DISCOUNT IS BEING OFFERED TO STUDENTS ON A GROUP PURCHASE BASIS THROUGH SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC ORGANISATIONS. FOR THIS GROUP, THE YEARBOOK WILL COST $51.
ORDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DELIVERY BY MAIL, IN HONG KONG AND ABROAD. FOR ENQUIRIES, TELEPHONE 842 8801-4 OR FAX 537 1543.
- - 0-----------
/15........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 15 -
AWARD FOR BUILDINGS MOST ACCESSIBLE TO THE DISABLED * * * * »
NOMINATIONS ARE. NOW INVITED FOR THE 1994 DESIGN AWARD FOR BUILDINGS AND OPEN SPACE MOST ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS IN HONG KONG.
THE AWARD IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE ACCESS AND TRANSPORT SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE REHABILITATION ALLIANCE HONG. KONG AND THE JOINT COUNCIL FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED.
THE AWARD IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING SUITABLE ACCESS FACILITIES TO HELP INTEGRATE DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY.
IT ALSO AIMS TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO DEVELOPERS AND'" ARCHITECTS FOR THEIR INITIATIVE AND FORE-THOUGHT IN PROVIDING BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENT FOR DISABLED PERSONS.
NOMINATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON THE GROUNDS OF CONVENIENCE, INTEGRATION, INNOVATION, USEFULNESS AND TRANSFERABILITY.
AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN UNDER FIVE CATEGORIES, NAMELY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, PRIVATE NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, PUBLIC NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS AND OPEN SPACE.
A ‘PLAQUE ENGRAVED WITH THE DESIGN AWARD WILL BE FITTED TO A WINNING ENTRY, WHILE AN AWARD CERTIFICATE AND A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ARCHITECT AND THE PROPERTY OWNER RESPECTIVELY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ARCHITECTS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SERVICE, PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING OWNERS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR DESIRABLE BUILDINGS.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MAY 20 (FRIDAY).
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 864 2929. j;
• • •
---------0-----------
/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 16 -
EXERCISE CIVIC RIGHTS AND VOTE
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, HAS APPEALED TO RESIDENTS IN THE AREA TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY REGISTERING AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTION ACTIVITY AT FU HENG ESTATE LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT, MR PO ALSO URGED THEM TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
HE SAID: "BY REGISTERING AS VOTERS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CAST YOUR BALLOTS TO CHOOLE YOUR IDEAL CANDIDATES IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AS WELL AS THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR."
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TAI PO OVER THE NEXT SEVEN WEEKS. THESE INCLUDE VISITS TO HOUSEHOLDS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
MEANWHILE, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE ALSO CARRIED OUT A VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN THE BUSY STREETS NEAR THE MONG KOK MTR STATION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
STAFF MEMBERS FROM THE OFFICE ASSISTED PASSERS-BY TO FILL IN FORMS TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS.
----------0------------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 10 MAY 94 10 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q419 H464
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$3,960 MN HK$2,430 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$l,500 MN HK$800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.50 PCT 5.16 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.53 PCT 5.16 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 84 PCT ABOUT 66 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.55 PCT 5.19 PCT
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 16 MAY 1994 -
TENDER DATE 16 MAY 94 17 MAY 94 17 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 2605 Q420 Y489
ISSUE DATE 17 MAY 94 18 MAY 94 18 MAY 94
MATURITY DATE 17 MAY 96 17 AUG 94 17 MAY 95
TENOR 2 YEARS 91 DAYS 364 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$l,500 + 300 MN HKS500 + 150 MN • • • • i , ,
COUPON 6.35 PCT : « i
-----0------------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * » » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,170 0930 +1,273
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,324 1000 +1,423
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,573
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,554 1200 +1,554
LAF TODAY -1,400 1500 +1,554
1600 +1,554
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 124.7 *+0.1* 10.5.94
/HONG KONG........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1994
- 18 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.76 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.03 6.30
1 MONTH 4.09 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 96.49 6.64
3 MONTHS 4.53 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 93.74 7.13
6 MONTHS 5.16 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 93.73 7.31
12 MONTHS 5.68 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.00 7.42
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 50,859 MN
CLOSED 10 MAY 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION DEBATE ON CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON PROPERTY........... 1
GOVERNMENT SHARES DEEP CONCERN OVER XI YANG’S CASE: SHA 4
GOVT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO LEGCO MOTIONS........ 6
SCS EXPLAINS INTEGRITY CHECKING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS..... 6
RILL TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE INTRODUCED... 7
Rn.T. MAKING A PROHIBITION ORDER A JUDICIAL FUNCTION... 8
ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO BE STREAMLINED AND UPDATED... 9
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE TO COMAC...................... 10
NEW IC AC HQ COMPLEX UNDER PLANNING..................... 10
HOME MORTGAGE LOAN POLICY............................... 11
LOCAL BREWERIES ENJOY DROP IN DUTY...................... 11
GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE GUIDELINES IN THE PIPELINE. 12
FEEDBACK TO ENVIRONMENT WHITE PAPER POSITIVE............ 13
S123M SPENT ON AIRPORT SECURITY......................... 13
COMPENSATION AVAILABLE FOR AIR PASSENGERS............... 14
NO SURPLUS QUOTAS FOR PARTICULAR OCCUPATIONAL GRUOP.... 14
/UK PUBLIC
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
UK PUBLIC SERVICE JOB POLICY.............................. 15
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION COMPREHENSIVE............... 15
EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FAIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES............................................. 16
PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN INCREASING...... 16
GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS................ 17
GENERIC APPROACH IN SERVICE DELIVERY...................... 18
POOR RECEPTION DUE TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT................ 19
HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING CONCERT FOSTERS CLOSER COMMUNITY LINK...................................................... 19
29 ANNUAL REPORTS PUBLISHED IN 1993 ...................... 20
MOTION ON RELEASE OF XI YANG PASSED....................... 21
INTEGRITY CHECKING OF CIVIL SERVANTS FURTHER EXPLAINED... 22
GOODS VEHICLE BORDER CROSSING RESUMES....................... 23
SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS HELP REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS......... 23
TUEN MUN LOT TO LET......................................... 24
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 25
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1.1, 1994
MOTION DEBATE ON CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON PROPERTY
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MOTION DEBATE ON CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON PROPERTY TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OFFERED BY THIS DEBATE TO LISTEN TO THE DIVERSE VIEWS OF MEMBERS ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX TO TACKLE HIGH PROPERTY PRICES.
I SHARE MEMBERS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE SHARP RISE IN PROPERTY PRICES IN RECENT YEARS. THE ADMINISTRATION IS KEEN TO TAKE EFFECTIVE ACTION TO BRING DOWN PRICES TO A MORE AFFORDABLE LEVEL. THE GOVERNOR AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAVE ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS REPEATED OUR COMMITMENT TO THIS AIM. WE HAVE RECENTLY SET UP AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL TASK FORCE, CHAIRED BY MR EASON, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, TO CONSIDER WAYS TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF SITES FOR HOUSING AND TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET. THE TASK FORCE INTENDS TO COMPLETE ITS STUDY AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS NEXT MONTH. ONE OF THE ISSUES WHICH THE TASK FORCE IS LOOKING AT IS WHETHER A CAPITAL GAINS TAX CAN PLAY A USEFUL ROLE IN COOLING THE OVER-HEATED PROPERTY MARKET.
SOME MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX AS A PANACEA CAPABLE OF BRINGING PROPERTY PRICES DOWN QUICKLY. I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO THIS VIEW BY SHARING WITH MEMBERS THE THINKING OF THE ADMINISTRATION ON A CAPITAL GAINS TAX.
MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT ON 9 MARCH THIS YEAR, I DEALT WITH THIS SUBJECT IN SOME DETAIL IN THIS COUNCIL IN MY REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM. IN HIS SPEECH CONCLUDING THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL HELD ON 30 MARCH THIS YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AGAIN TOUCHED UPON THIS ISSUE.
PARAMETERS OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX
WHETHER A CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS WILL ACTUALLY BRING PRICES DOWN HINGES ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, IN PARTICULAR THE PARAMETERS OF THE TAX AND THE REACTION OF THE MARKET.
MEMBERS ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE FACT THAT SPECULATIVE PROPERTY PROFITS ARE NOT TAX-FREE. AT PRESENT, PROFITS FROM PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS ARE ALREADY CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX IF THEY ARISE FROM A BUSINESS OF PROPERTY TRADING OR PROPERTY DEALING. THIS COVERS TRANSACTIONS CARRIED OUT BY PROPERTY DEALERS, PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AS WELL AS THOSE PERSONS WHO RE-SELL A PROPERTY BEFORE ASSIGNMENT FOR QUICK PROFITS. LAST JULY, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCED NEW SELECTION CRITERIA FOR OPENING PROPERTY DEALING FILES IO HELP IDENTIFY THOSE PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS CONCLUDED AS PART OF A TRADE. THIS HAS BROUGHT MORE POTENTIAL TAXPAYERS TO SCRUTINY BY THE DEPARTMENT. I SHOULD ADD THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1992 ALSO ENABLED THE DEPARTMENT TO OBTAIN A MORE EXTENSIVE DATABASE ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS, THUS ENHANCING ITS ABILITY TO IDENTIFY CASES WHICH MIGHT HAVE A TAX LIABILITY.
/AGAINST THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
- 2 -
AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, ANY CAPITAL GAINS TAX WOULD HAVE TO BE SUFFICIENTLY PUNITIVE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE ADDITIONAL DETERRENT AGAINST PROPERTY SPECULATION. BUT A PUNITIVE CAPITAL GAINS TAX WOULD SEND A STRONG NEGATIVE SIGNAL TO BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS ACROSS THE BOARD. THE PROSPECT OF HAVING THE TAX AS A BANDAID SOLUTION TO ADDRESS A TEMPORARY PROBLEM WOULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE TWO MUCH-VAUNTED PRINCIPLES OF OUR TAXATION SYSTEM - ITS STABILITY AND ITS PREDICTABILITY. INVESTORS WOULD THINK TWICE ABOUT COMMITTING CAPITAL TO HONG KONG ONCE WE GOT A REPUTATION FOR INTRODUCING STOP-GAP FISCAL MEASURES TO TACKLE SOCIAL PROBLEMS, AND ABOLISHING THEM WHEN THE NEED FOR THEM WENT AWAY OR POLITICAL WHIMS TURNED AGAINST THEM.
DR HUANG COMMENTED THAT A FEW DEVELOPED COUNTRIES HAVE INTRODUCED CAPITAL GAINS TAX TO CURB A SHARP RISE IN PROPERTY PRICES. HE MENTIONED JAPAN, IN PARTICULAR. ACCORDING TO MY INFORMATION THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX HAS CAUSED DEVASTATING EFFECT. IN AN ARTICLE WRITTEN BY PROFESSOR KEITH MCKINNELL, THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SURVEYING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND PROFESSOR TAKAHIRO MIYAU, PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF CHUBUKA IN JAPAN, THEY WROTE AN ARTICLE EXACTLY A MONTH AGO, AND I QUOTE "IN 1991, CAPITAL GAINS TAX WAS RAISED SHARPLY TO DISCOURAGE PROPERTY TRANSACTION, CUMULATING IN 1992 WITH A NEW NATIONAL LAND HOLDING TAX, THE SO CALLED LAND VALUE TAX IN JAPAN. THESE MEASURES WERE SUFFICIENTLY STRONG TO STIFLE JAPAN’S ONCE BOOMING PROPERTY MARKET. BUT THEY DID MUCH MORE THAN THAT IN THAT THE WORSE DAMAGE WAS FELT ON A BALANCED SHEET OF MOST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND BUSINESS CORPORATIONS. THIS POLICY INDUCED COLLAPSE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET HAS THEREFORE SEVERELY AFFECTED THE OVERALL ECONOMY, LEADING TO THE WORSE RECESSION IN JAPAN’S POST-WAR HISTORY."
REACTION OF THE MARKET
MUCH AS WE WISH, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GAUGE IN ADVANCE THE REACTION OF THE MARKET TO THE TAX. IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY LIKE OURS, THE STEEP RISE IN PROPERTY PRICES REFLECTS AN IMBALANCE IN SUPPLY AND DEMAND. IN ADDITION TO INVESTMENT DEMAND WHICH HAS BEEN BUOYED UP IN RECENT MONTHS BY LOCAL INVESTMENT CAPITAL AND THE INFLUX OF FOREIGN FUNDS, THERE IS A SUSTAINED DEMAND FROM ASPIRING HOMEOWNERS LOCALLY. THIS END-USER DEMAND HAS EMERGED FROM A COMBINATION OF FACTORS, INCLUDING A STEADY GROWTH IN HOUSEHOLD NUMBERS AND HOUSEHOLD INCOME, ASPIRATIONS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP AND A LOW INTEREST RATE RELATIVE TO INFLATION.
AN EARLIER STUDY REVEALS THAT THE DEMAND FOR NEW PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS IS MORE SENSITIVE TO THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME THAN, FOR INSTANCE, THE MORTGAGE RATE OR FLAT PRICES. SO IF WE DID NOT GET THE TAX RATE RIGHT AND ASSUMING THAT SUPPLY REMAINED TIGHT BEFORE WE HAD AN EXPANDED HOUSING SUPPLY, WE MIGHT END UP PUSHING PRICES UP AS THE BURDEN OF THE NEW TAX WAS PASSED ONTO END-USERS.
/FURTHERMORE, A .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
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FURTHERMORE, A TAX WHICH MANAGED TO KEEP SPECULATORS AT BAY WOULD PROBABLY ALSO DAMPEN DEMAND AMONG THOSE WHO WANTED TO MAKE A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN THE PROPERTY MARKET. THIS WOULD INEVITABLY REDUCE THE AVAILABILITY OF PREMISES FOR THOSE END-USERS WHO OPTED TO LEASE RATHER THAN TO OWN PROPERTY. THERE IS ALSO THE DANGER THAT PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WOULD RESPOND BY CUTTING BACK THEIR PRODUCTION. END-USERS WOULD EVENTUALLY FEEL THE PINCH OF THE REDUCED OUTPUT. THE POINT I WISH TO MAKE HERE IS THAT IT IS NOT AT ALL EASY TO WORK OUT A CAPITAL GAINS TAX THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF PROPERTY SPECULATION WITHOUT CREATING OTHER PROBLEMS IN ITS TRAIN : THERE IS A RISK THAT THE PROPOSED TAX MIGHT HURT THE VERY PEOPLE WE WISH TO HELP.
IMPACT ON THE OVERALL ECONOMY
APART FROM THE IMPACT ON END-USERS, WE ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. DURING THE PERIOD 1989 TO 1993, PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDING EXPENDITURE TOOK UP 50-60% OF THE OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN THE ECONOMY. THIS EXPENDITURE, TOGETHER WITH THE REAL DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN, ACCOUNTED FOR 30-40% OF THE OVERALL INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE IN OUR GDP. A CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS AS SUGGESTED WOULD THUS IMPACT ON A LARGE SEGMENT OF INVESTMENT IN THE ECONOMY. IN TURN, THIS WOULD HAVE A MULTIPLIER EFFECT ON THE REST OF THE ECONOMY, RESULTING IN CURTAILMENT IN THE OVERALL GDP. ON THE BASIS OF THE RATABLE VALUES OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE CALCULATED THAT THE TOTAL VALUE OF ALL PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG COULD EXCEED $2.3 TRILLION ($2,300 BILLION). NO-ONE SHOULD SPEAK LIGHTLY OF INTRODUCING A CAPITAL GAINS TAX WHEN IT COULD LEAD TO AN UNPREDICTABLE DIMINUTION OF THAT ENORMOUS PART OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL WEALTH.
PRACTICAL ISSUES
AS I POINTED OUT WHEN I LAST SPOKE IN THIS COUNCIL ON THIS SUBJECT, THERE ARE PRACTICAL ISSUES WE SHOULD HAVE TO ADDRESS IF WE WERE TO INTRODUCE A CAPITAL GAINS TAX, FOR INSTANCE -
- THE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT OF GAINS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INFLATION;
- WHETHER LOSSES SHOULD BE DEDUCTIBLE AND, IF SO, WHETHER THEY SHOULD ONLY BE OFFSET AGAINST CAPITAL GAINS;
- WHETHER GAINS SHOULD BE AVERAGED AND BROUGHT TO CHARGE OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS; AND
- WHETHER THE TAX SHOULD APPLY TO TRANSACTIONS IN STOCKS AND SHARES IN PROPERTY-RELATED BUSINESSES.
/IN AN ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
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IN AN ATTEMPT TO ALLEVIATE THE PLIGHT OF THOSE LOOKING FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOME, MANY PEOPLE HAVE DEMANDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION TAKES CONCRETE ACTION TO TACKLE PROPERTY SPECULATORS. YET IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEFINE IN CLEAR LEGAL TERMS A "SPECULATIVE" TRANSACTION. ONE MAN’S SPECULATION IS ANOTHER MAN’S INVESTMENT. IT IS A CHALLENGE TO THE LAW DRAFTSMAN TO WORK OUT A LEGAL DEFINITION OF SPECULATORS WHICH WILL NOT UNINTENTIONALLY PENALISE GENUINE END-USERS OR THOSE FOR WHOM PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS ARE THE MAINSTAY OF A REGULAR DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS. THIS COULD BE A SOURCE OF CONTROVERSY AND WE WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE AVENUES FOR APPEAL. MOREOVER, ALMOST BY DEFINITION, A PUNITIVE TAX WOULD INVITE WIDESPREAD ATTEMPTS TO AVOID OR EVADE TAX. THIS POINTS TO AN EXPENSIVE SCHEME WITH DOUBTFUL COSTEFFECTIVENESS.
IN SHORT, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY SPECULATION DEMONSTRATES THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESOLVE IN TACKLING THE SPIRALLING PROPERTY PRICES. ON THE QUESTION OF A CAPITAL GAINS TAX, WE NEED TO GIVE VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO ITS POSSIBLE RAMIFICATIONS IN HONG KONG. WE ARE PARTICULARLY MINDFUL THAT WE SHOULD NOT ADOPT A MEASURE WHICH WOULD LIKELY LAND US WITH A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN WE ORIGINALLY HAVE.
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE CAREFUL NOTE OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS IN THE COURSE OF THIS DEBATE. THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION.
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GOVERNMENT SHARES DEEP CONCERN OVER XI YANG’S CASE: SHA * * * * *
THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS UNDERSTAND THE ANXIETY AND DISMAY FELT IN HONG KONG OVER THE TREATMENT OF XI YANG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"EVER SINCE HE WAS ARRESTED WE HAVE BEEN IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND MR XI’S EMPLOYER CONCERNING MR XI’S SITUATION," MR SUEN SAID.
SPEAKING AT A MOTION DEBATE URGING FOR THE RELEASE OF THE MING PAO REPORTER, MR SUEN SAID GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN HAD ALSO BEEN MADE CLEAR TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, AS HAD THE NEED FOR CLEARER GUIDELINES FOR FOREIGN JOURNALISTS WORKING IN CHINA.
ELABORATING, MR SUEN SAID THAT EVERY YEAR JOURNALISTS FOR WHOM, LIKE XI YANG, HONG KONG IS HOME MAKE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF TRIPS TO CHINA.
AND THEIR COVERAGE OF CHINA’S OPENING UP AND ITS ASTONISHING ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IS ADVANTAGEOUS TO CHINA, HONG KONG AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE, OR WISH TO HAVE, LINKS WITH CHINA.
FOR THIS REASON, MR SUEN SAID THESE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN NEED AND DESERVE ABOVE ALL ELSE, CLEAR GUIDELINES FOR REPORTING IN CHINA.
/MR XI'S .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
5
MR XI’S CASE, HE SAID, HAD RESULTED IN GREAT UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THESE MATTERS AMONGST JOURNALISTS.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FULLY APPRECIATES THE DEPTH OF THIS ANXIETY AND HAS FORCEFULLY CONVEYED IT TO THE UK GOVERNMENT.
"AS A RESULT, CLARIFICATION OF THE LAW ON STATE SECRETS AND THE PROMULGATION OF CLEAR RULES AND GUIDELINES ON NEWS GATHERING HAS BEEN A KEY REQUEST MADE BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN ITS EXCHANGES WITH CHINA ON XI’S CASE."
ON PRESS FREEDOM IN HONG KONG, MR SUEN SAID THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA.
THIS COMMITMENT, HE SAID, IS WELL DEMONSTRATED BY THE CURRENT REVIEW OF LEGISLATION TO IDENTIFY PROVISIONS THAT COULD HAVE AN ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE MEDIA.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT TO DATE, 27 ORDINANCES HAVE BEEN REVIEWED, INCLUDING 17 CITED BY THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS’ ASSOCIATION AS CONTAINING PROVISIONS THAT GIVE RISE TO SUCH A CONCERN.
AMENDMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE TO NINE PROVISIONS IN THREE OF THESE ORDINANCES TO REMEDY THE POTENTIAL ADVERSE IMPACT ON THE MEDIA.
WORK IS IN HAND TO AMEND A FURTHER 19 PROVISIONS IN SEVEN ORDINANCES AND FURTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO SEVEN OTHER ORDINANCES, HE ADDED.
REGARDING THE REMAINING PROVISIONS THAT MAY CAUSE POSSIBLE CONCERN, MR SUEN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT THERE WAS NO INCOMPATIBILITY BETWEEN THEM AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"INDEED, A PROMINENT FEATURE AMONG THEM IS THE PROTECTION OF PRIVACY, WHICH IS A PROTECTED RIGHT UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS," HE SAID.
MR SUEN REITERATED THAT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM NOW AND WILL REMAIN SO IN THE FUTURE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW BOTH EXPLICITLY PROVIDED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF FREEDOM OF PRESS AFTER 1997.
IN CONCLUSION, HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON XI YANG’S CASE AND THE ISSUES IT RAISES.
/6 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
GOVT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO LEGCO MOTIONS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO MOTIONS CARRIED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND TAKES THEM INTO ACCOUNT IN THE FORMULATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF ITS POLICIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO TAKE ACTION ACCORDING TO A MOTION CARRIED BY THIS COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE MOTION CARRIED IN THE LIGHT OF OTHER POLICY AND RESOURCE CONSIDERATIONS.
’’WHERE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE ACTION SUGGESTED IN THE MOTION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL STATE THE REASONS FOR THIS AND WHY IT CONSIDERS THAT AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH IS PREFERABLE,” MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT CONSTITUTIONALLY A MOTION CARRIED BY THE COUNCIL DID NOT CREATE OR IMPOSE ANY LEGAL OBLIGATION ON THE GOVERNMENT.
IN PARTICULAR, IT DOES NOT OBLIGE THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION OR TO TAKE ANY SPECIFIC ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION.
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SCS EXPLAINS INTEGRITY CHECKING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
THE PURPOSE OF INTEGRITY CHECKING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS STAFFED BY PERSONS OF HIGH INTEGRITY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
“INDEED THE COMMUNITY AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD DEMAND NO LESS . ’’
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW, MR SZE SAID ALL CIVIL SERVANTS HAD BEEN AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE SUBJECT TO SOME KIND OF CHECKING.
“THE LEVEL OF CHECKING APPLICABLE IN A CASE WILL DEPEND ON THE NATURE OF THE POST,” HE SAID, ADDING THAT CHECKING WAS AND HAD TO BE CONDUCTED WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION AND CONSENT OF THE CIVIL SERVANTS.
“SUBJECT TO THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE 1CAC REVIEW COMMITTEE, WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO ASK THE ICAC TO CO-ORDINATE SOME RECORD CHECKS AND TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CHECKING, THAT IS, EXTENDED CHECKING, WHICH WILL BE APPLIED TO TOP CIVIL SERVANTS,” MR SZE SAID.
/HE STRESSED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
7
HE STRESSED THAT NONE OF THE (’HECKS WOULD BE USED AS \ FORM OF
POLITICAL VETTING AND NO INVESTIGATION WOULD BE CONDUCTED ON A CANDIDATE’S POLITICAL BELIEFS AND AFFILIATIONS.
MR SZE SAID IF THE ICAC DID ASSUME THE TASK OF INTEGRITY CHECKING, HE DID NOT SEE ANY OBJECTION TO LETTING THE OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE OR ANY OTHER APPROPRIATE BODY MONITOR AND ADVISE ON THE PROCEDURES OF INTEGRITY CHECKING.
HOWEVER, GIVEN THE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT FUNCTION OF THE CHECKS, IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO ASK ANY OUTSIDE BODY TO LOOK AT INDIVIDUAL CASES.
"THE RESULTS OF INDIVIDUAL CHECKING WILL BE PASSED TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR APPOINTMENT AND PROMOTION PURPOSES," HE SAID.
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BILL TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE INTRODUCED
*****
A BILL AIMING TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AND CORRECTIONS TO LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND TO REPEAL CERTAIN OBSOLETE PROVISIONS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1994, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID THE BILL WAS PART OF AN ONGOING PROCESS IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT OF KEEPING THE LAW RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE.
MR MATHEWS SAID THE IMPROVEMENTS CONTAINED IN THE BILL INCLUDED PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF INTERESTED PARTIES TO OBTAIN A COURT RECORD; THE POSSIBLE JOINT SUMMARY TRIAL OF ADULTS AND JUVENILES; AND THE SETTING UP OF A CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULES COMMITTEE.
"IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT A COURT SHOULD IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES BE ABLE TO GIVE AN ALIBI WARNING TO A DEFENDANT IN WRITING, AND TO DISPOSE OF PROPERTY OF NO VALUE,” HE SAID.
MR MATHEWS SAID SOME OF THE REFORMS PROPOSED RELATED TO MAGISTRATES.
"THE BILL SEEKS TO GIVE THEM THE POWER TO IMPOSE PARTLY CONSECUTIVE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES, AND GREATER POWERS TO IMPOSE FINES AND TO AWARD COSTS AND COMPENSATION," HE SAID.
"THE PROVISION EMPOWERING A MAGISTRATE TO IMPRISON A PERSON FOR NON-PAYMENT OF FINES OR COSTS IS BROUGHT UP TO DATE, AND THE PROCEDURE FOR REVIEWING A MAGISTRATE’S DECISION IS REVISED SO THAT AN APPLICATION CAN BE MADE IN WRITING," MR MATHEWS ADDED.
HE SAID THE LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED TO BE
OBSOLETE AND WHICH WERE TO BE REPEALED BY THE BILL INCLUDED PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL JURIES, MARINE MAGISTRATES, ASSESSORS IN THE MAGISTRACY, SUMMARY PUNISHMENT FOR FALSE TESTIMONY, AND RECOGNISANCES FOR APPEALS.
/IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
- 8 -
IN ADDITION, THE BILL, PROPOSED THE REPEAL OF EXISTING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LICENSING OF AUCTIONEERS, MARINE STORE DEALERS, MARINE HAWKERS AND TALLYCLERKS, AND THE REPEAL OF THE VENEREA!, DISEASE ORDINANCE AND THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD INCORPORATION ORDINANCE, HE NOTED.
MR MATHEWS SAID ANOTHER PART OF THE BILL DEALT WITH THE REPEAL OF SIX PROVISIONS WHICH WERE CONSIDERED TO BE INCONSISTENT WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THESE RELATED TO THE POWER OF THE POLICE TO SEARCH CERTAIN PREMISES FOR STOLEN GOODS; PRESUMPTIONS OF DISHONESTY AGAINST THE DRAWERS OF DISHONOURED CHEQUES; THE AWARD OF COSTS TO AN APPELLANT WHEN AN APPEAL COURT ORDERED A RETRIAL; OFFENCES OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND ASSEMBLY AT NIGHT-TIME; AND THE POWER TO IMPOSE AN ENHANCED PENALTY ON AN OFFENDER CONVICTED OF OPERATING OR MANAGING AN UNLICENSED MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ADDED THAT THIS BILL WAS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF REVIEW.
"I WILL, FROM TIME TO TIME, BE BRINGING FORWARD BILLS OF A SIMILAR NATURE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE OUR LEGAL SYSTEM AND TO REPEAL OBSOLETE PROVISIONS," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
BILL MAKING A PROHIBITION ORDER A JUDICIAL FUNCTION
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROTECTION OF OUTBOUND TRAVELLERS AND THE NEED FOR THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS REGINA IP, TOLD THE COUNCIL THE AMENDMENT BILL SOUGHT TO ACHIEVE SO BY TRANSFERRING THE POWER TO PROHIBIT A TRAVEL AGENT FROM LEAVING HONG KONG FROM THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS TO THE MAGISTRATE.
THE EXISTING TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE REGISTRAR TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE BUSINESS OF A TRAVEL AGENT IF HE SUSPECTS THE BUSINESS OF THE TRAVEI, AGENT IS BEING CARRIED AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
HAVING DECIDED TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, THE REGISTRAR MAY REQUIRE THE MAGISTRATE TO ISSUE A PROHIBITION ORDER TO THE TRAVEL AGENT TO PROHIBIT HIM FROM LEAVING HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, MRS IP SAID THE LEGAL ADVICE HAD INDICATED THAT THE PRESENT ORDINANCE COULD BE HELD TO CONTRAVENE THE RIGHT TO LEAVE HONG KONG AND THE RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING I,AID DOWN IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE.
/"THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
"THE BILL SEEKS TO MAKE THE ISSUE OF A PROHIBITION ORDER A JUDICIAL FUNCTION.
"THE DISCRETION TO ISSUE SUCH AN ORDER WILL BE EXERCISED BY A MAGISTRATE IF HE IS SATISFIED THAT THE TRAVEL AGENT UNDER INVESTIGATION IS LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST THE REGISTRAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTIGATION; IF THERE ARE REASONABLE GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT THE TRAVEL AGENT INTENDS TO LEAVE HONG KONG; AND IF IT IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO STOP THE AGENT FROM LEAVING HONG KONG SO THAT HE CAN ASSIST IN THE INVESTIGATION,” MRS IP SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR AN APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE MAGISTRATE. TO MAKE THE PROHIBITION ORDER.
"THE PROPOSED PROCEDURE FOLLOWS CLOSELY A SIMILAR PRECEDENT IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL LAST JULY," SHE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE TO BE STREAMLINED AND UPDATED ♦ * * » ♦
A BILL AIMED AT STREAMLINING AND UPDATING THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO DELEGATE CERTAIN MINOR POWERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE FROM THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT.
HE SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE TRANSFER TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT OF SOME OF THE GOVERNOR’S POWERS NOW CONTAINED IN THE REGULATIONS.
"AS PART OF AN ON GOING PROCESS TO SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES AND SPEED-UP ACTION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN EXAMINING EXISTING LEGISLATION TO IDENTIFY POWERS, FOR EXAMPLE THOSE RELATING TO TECHNICAL, OPERATIONAL OR OTHER ROUTINE MATTERS, TO BE DELEGATED FROM THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO THE RELEVANT BRANCH SECRETARY.
"IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, POWERS TO AMEND THE ROAD USERS’ CODE AND MOST SUBSIDIARY ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION FALL WITHIN THIS CATEGORY," MR BARMA SAID.
"NOTWITHSTANDING THESE DELEGATIONS, I SHOULD EMPHASISE THAT SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WILL CONTINUE, AS AT PRESENT, TO BE SUBJECT TO CONS I. DERAT ION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," HE SAID.
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO ENHANCE THE IMPARTIALITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL, WHICH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO HEAR APPEALS, FOR EXAMPLE, AGAINST LICENSING DECISIONS.
IT WILL REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT TO APPOINT A PUBLIC OFFICER AS A MEMBER AND THE RESTRICTION THAT THE TRIBUNAL’S LEGAL ADVISERS SHOULD BE SELECTED FROM A PANEL APPOINTED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE TO COMAC * * * * *
A PANEL OF LEGAL ADVISERS CONSISTING OF LAWYERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) TO ENSURE HIS READY ACCESS TO INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE SAID: ’’THE LAW SOCIETY HAS BEEN APPROACHED TO ASSIST IN THIS, AND THEIR RESPONSE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING.”
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FULL-TIME POST OF LEGAL COUNSEL, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED JUSTIFIED AS CASES BROUGHT BEFORE COMAC REQUIRING LEGAL ADVICE WERE RELATIVELY FEW IN NUMBER.
THE ROLE OF THE COMAC WAS TO INVESTIGATE INTO COMPLAINTS OF MALADMINISTRATION, SHE NOTED.
- - 0 - -
NEW ICAC HQ COMPLEX UNDER PLANNING *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE NEED FOR A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED BUILDING FOR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC), WHICH IS NOW ACCOMMODATED MAINLY IN FAIRMONT HOUSE AND THE ADJOINING MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK BUILDING.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR WAS REVIEWING THE FEASIBILITY OF MAKING AVAILABLE A SITE WHICH WOULD MEET THE ICAC’S SPECIFIC OPERATIONAL AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ERIC LT, MR TSANG SAID: ”TO BUILD A NEW ICAC HEADQUARTERS COMPLEX WOULD COST ABOUT $400 MILLION AT 1994 PRICES.
’’UNTIL WE CAN IDENTIFY A SITE AND AGREE IT WITH THE ICAC, WE CANNOT COMMIT TO A CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE.”
/IN THE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
- 11 -
IN THE MEANTIME, THE COMMISSION’S EXISTING ACCOMMODATION IN MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK BUILDING WOULD BE REFURBISHED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE, HE SAID.
"BY THE END OF 1995 THE COMMISSION, EXCLUDING REGIONAL OFFICES AND THE ICAC TRAINING SCHOOL, WILL BE HOUSED IN OWNED ACCOMMODATION IN EITHER MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK BUILDING OR FAIRMONT HOUSE NEARBY.
"THIS CENTRALISATION OF ACCOMMODATION AND MANPOWER RESOURCES WILL GREATLY ENHANCE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY," HE SAID.
ON SECURITY ISSUE OF THE ICAC’S PREMISES, MR TSANG SAID SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AT MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK BUILDING HAD RECENTLY BEEN STRENGTHENED AND THE PROPOSED REFURBISHMENT WOULD FURTHER UPGRADE SECURITY.
------0-------
HOME MORTGAGE LOAN POLICY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT, GENERALLY, BANKS WERE TAKING A MORE CAUTIOUS APPROACH TOWARDS MORTGAGE LENDING ON OLDER PROPERTIES, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NORMALLY THE AGE OF THE PROPERTY AND THE TERM OF THE MORTGAGE TOGETHER WOULD NOT EXCEED 30 YEARS. FOR SOME BANKS, THE LENDING RATIO MAY BE LOWER FOR OLDER PROPERTIES.
MR CARTLAND SAID MAJOR REASONS INCLUDED THE POORER MARKETABILITY, HIGHER COST OF MAINTENANCE AND DETERIORATING QUALITY OF THESE PROPERTIES RELATIVE TO NEWER PROPERTIES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: "IT IS NOT THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE WITH COMMERCIAL DECISIONS ON THE PART OF BANKS UNLESS THERE ARE GOOD PRUDENTIAL REASONS TO DO SO.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT TRYING TO INFLUENCE BANKS TO ASSUME HIGHER RISKS THAN THEY MIGHT OTHERWISE WISH TO TAKE," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
LOCAL BREWERIES ENJOY DROP IN DUTY
* » « » »
LATEST INDICATIONS SHOWED THAT LOCAL BREWERIES WOULD ENJOY A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN DUTY PAYMENT UNDER THE NEW DUTY SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IS ASCERTAINING THE PRECISE TAXABLE VALUES OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
/TN A ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994 •
- 12 -
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG, MR TSANG SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT LOCAL BEER BEING SUBJECTED TO A HIGHER TAX BASE THAN IMPORTED BEER WERE DUE TO A MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE WAY IN DETERMINING THE TAXABLE VALUE OF BEER UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM.
MR TSANG SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT THE TRADE WOULD PASS ON THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE NEW SYSTEM TO CONSUMERS AS THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT AND WOULD NOT WISH TO REGULATE PRICES IN THE RETAIL TRADE OR THE CATERING INDUSTRY.
"HOWEVER, WE HAVE SEEN EVIDENCE THAT SOME WINE MERCHANTS AND RETAILERS HAVE ALREADY CUT THE PRICES OF PRODUCTS WHICH ENJOY A DUTY REDUCTION UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WILL ALSO MONITOR THE SITUATION THROUGH THEIR MARKET PRICE SURVEY,” HE ADDED.
--------0 - -
GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE GUIDELINES IN THE PIPELINE
* * * » »
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD HAS SET UP A WORKING PARTY EARLIER THIS YEAR TO DRAW UP A SET OF GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS AND TO PROPOSE A SCHEDULE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUIDELINES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MICHAEL HO MUN-KA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE WORKING PARTY WILL SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD BY EARLY NEXT YEAR," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE SAID THE LEGISLATION CURRENTLY IN FORCE TO CONTROL THE MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS WAS THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND ITS REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS, THE CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING A PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT FOR THE PURPOSE OF REGISTRATION WERE ITS SAFETY, EFFICACY AND QUALITY, MRS WONG SAID.
"THE SAME SET OF CRITERIA AND STANDARDS APPLY WHETHER THE PRODUCT TO BE REGISTERED IS A PATENT MEDICINE OR A GENERIC ONE.
"THIS IS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOMMENDED PRACTICES," MRS WONG ADDED.
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/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1], 1994
- 13 -
FEEDBACK TO ENVIRONMENT WHITE PAPER POSITIVE *****
THE COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TO THE SECOND REVIEW OF THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION IN HONG KONG IS GENERALLY POSITIVE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, MR MAK SAID: "THE SECOND REVIEW OF THE 1989 WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION IN HONG KONG, PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, IS A DOCUMENT WHICH SETS OUT IN DETAIL WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED, WHAT WE ARE STILL WORKING ON AND WHAT WB HOPE TO DO IN FUTURE."
ALTHOUGH THE FEEDBACK WAS DIVERSIFIED, HE SAID, THERE WERE ITEMS COMMON TO MANY RESPONSES, AND THESE ITEMS INCLUDED THE NEEDS FOR MORE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, TO PROMOTE RECYCLING, TO TACKLE AIR POLLUTION AND TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
MR MAK SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN FORMULATING ACTION PLANS IN RESPONSE TO THESE COMMON ITEMS.
"FOR EXAMPLE, WE ARE PLANNING TO TAKE VARIOUS ACTIONS TO BUILD ON THE CONTROLS ALREADY PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, AND FOREMOST AMONG THESE PLANS ARE REGULATIONS TO CONTROL OPEN BURNING AND EXAMINATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF CONVERTING DIESEL POWERED TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO UNLEADED PETROL POWERED ENGINES," HE SAID.
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$123M SPENT ON AIRPORT SECURITY *****
THE GOVERNMENT SPENT $123.03 MILLION ON AIRPORT SECURITY IN THE YEAR 1993/94.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE TOTAL CAPITAL AND RECURRENT COST FOR RESPONSIBILITIES DISCHARGED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE LAST YEAR IN RESPECT OF SECURITY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT THE AIRPORT IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR WERE $6.03 MILLION AND $117 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WOODHOUSE SAID AIRLINES OPERATING AT THE AIRPORT WERE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING A NUMBER OF SECURITY SERVICES TO MEET THE STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDED THE SECURITY SCREENING OF PASSENGERS, HAND LUGGAGE, HOLD-STOWED AND INTERLINE TRANSFER BAGGAGE, HE SAID.
MR WOODHOUSE SAID THE COST OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES WAS RECOVERED BY THE AIRLINES THROUGH A $20 SECURITY SERVICE CHARGE WHICH WAS LEVIED ON ALL DEPARTING PASSENGERS.
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/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
14
COMPENSATION AVAILABLE FOR AIR PASSENGERS » ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE BOARD OF AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG OVERSEES A VOLUNTARY SCHEME UNDER WHICH PARTICIPATING AIRLINES OFFER COMPENSATION TO ELIGIBLE PASSENGERS WITH CONFIRMED FLIGHT RESERVATIONS WHO ARE DENIED BOARDING IN HONG KONG.
THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF THE MAJOR AIRLINES OPERATING AT KAI TAK AIRPORT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT ASK AIRLINES TO PROVIDE STATISTICS ON SUCH CASES EACH YEAR.
"THE ADEQUACY OF THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS IS UNDER REVIEW,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING WHETHER IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR IT TO HAVE LEGISLATIVE POWERS TO REQUIRE AIRLINES TO COMPENSATE SUCH PASSENGERS AND TO SUPPLY STATISTICS ON THE CASES REGULARLY, HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
NO SURPLUS QUOTAS FOR PARTICULAR OCCUPATIONAL GROUP *****
THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT YET KNOW WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ANY SURPLUS PLACES AVAILABLE IN ANY OF THE CLASSES OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY SCHEME, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR, MR WOODHOUSE SAID NO DECISION ON RE-ALLOCATION HAD BEEN MADE SO FAR.
UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) (SELECTION SCHEME) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1993, THE GOVERNOR HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFER ANY UNALLOCATED PLACES BETWEEN CLASSES.
’’HOWEVER, SINCE DEMAND IS STRONG AMONG ALL OCCUPATIONAL GROUPS, AND GIVEN THAT THEY ALL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO SINGLE OUT ANY ONE OCCUPATIONAL GROUP FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT,” MR WOODHOUSE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
UK PUBLIC SERVICE JOB POLICY
*****
SERVICE WITH THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT AFTER 1997 WILL NOT DEBAR ANY OFFICER OR HIS RELATIVES FROM UK CROWN SERVICE OR IN ITSELF HAVE ANY BEARING ON SECURITY CLEARANCE OR SUITABILITY FOR A PARTICULAR POST.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THE ASSURANCE WAS GIVEN BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
ANY QUERIES RELATING TO UK PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT POLICY, INCLUDING SECURITY CLEARANCE, WERE MATTERS FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, MR WOODHOUSE ADDED.
------0-------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION COMPREHENSIVE
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED THAT THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION WAS ALREADY COMPREHENSIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP, MR LEUNG SAID AS AN ON GOING PROGRAMME, THE ADMINISTRATION REGULARLY REVIEWED THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW AND, WHERE NECESSARY, PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OR INTRODUCED NEW LEGISLATION.
"IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, EIGHT PIECES OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK LEGISLATION WERE ENACTED," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT LEGISLATION ALONE WAS NOT ENOUGH, MR LEUNG SAID PUBLICITY, TRAINING AND RESEARCH IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH MATTERS WERE EQUALLY IMPORTANT IN BRINGING ABOUT A HIGHER STANDARD OF WORK PLACE SAFETY.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL (OSHC) HAS A STATUTORY DUTY UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL ORDINANCE TO ENHANCE THE STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK THROUGH PROMOTION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH."
MR LEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY ADVICE FROM THE OSHC THAT IT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH EXISTING LEGISLATION ON SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
- - 0----------
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
16 -
EMPLOYERS ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE FAIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES * » ♦ « »
THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THAT PERSUASION AND ENCOURAGEMENT WOULD BE BETTER THAN INTERVENTION BY LEGISLATION IN PROMOTING FAIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR LEUNG SAID STAFF OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD, AS A MATTER OF PRACTICE, ADVISE EMPLOYERS TO RELAX AGE REQUIREMENT IN THEIR RECRUITMENT.
"THIS MESSAGE IS CONVEYED TO EMPLOYERS WHENEVER PROMOTIONAL VISITS ARE MADE TO ESTABLISHMENTS OR WHEN EMPLOYERS REGISTER THEIR JOB VACANCIES WITH THE DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID AS FOR RETRAINEES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME, THE BEST PREPARATION FOR THEM WAS TO IMPROVE THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE, SUCH AS THROUGH TRAINING IN SOCIAL, LANGUAGE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS.
"EMPLOYERS ARE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN DESIGNING AND MONITORING SUCH PROGRAMMES TO ENSURE THAT THE RETRAINEES POSSESS SKILLS THAT MEET MARKET NEEDS," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE RESPONSE FROM EMPLOYERS TO A RECENTLY INTRODUCED SPECIAL RETRAINING PROGRAMME FOR RETRAINEES AGED 50 OR OVER HAD BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING.
"FURTHER RETRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THIS AGE GROUP WILL BE DESIGNED AND LAUNCHED IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE ADDED.
TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING IN THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEME TO TAKE ON OLDER JOB APPLICANTS, MR LEUNG SAID THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD HAD RECENTLY REVISED THE CRITERIA FOR REIMBURSING TRAINING EXPENSES SO THAT EMPLOYERS COULD CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT ONLY FOR EMPLOYING RETRAINEES AGED 40 OR ABOVE.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN INCREASING
* ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL CHILDREN RECEIVING PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING OR ASSESSMENT PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN RECENT YEARS HAD INCREASED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA, MR LEUNG GAVE THE FOLLOWING FIGURES FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS:
/SCHOOL YEAR .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
SCHOOL YEAR
1988/89
1989/90
1990/91
1991/92
1992/93
17 -
NO. OF CHILDREN
5,574
5,997
7,119
8,157
8,634
HE POINTED OUT THAT PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELLING AND ASSESSMENT WERE PROVIDED BY SPECIAL EDUCATION TEAMS COMPRISING EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLORS AND PSYCHOLOGIST ASSISTANTS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS A TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF 59 POSTS FOR THESE TEAMS, COMPRISING 31 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, 15 EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLORS AND 13 PSYCHOLOGIST ASSISTANTS.
HE SAID THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR SERVICE TO NEW CASES WAS ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
"HOWEVER, IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT EXCEPTIONAL TREATMENT," MR LEUNG ADDED.
------0--------
GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS » » » » »
A TOTAL OF 180 GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE PROVIDED IN SEPTEMBER AND THE NUMBER WILL BE INCREASED TO 860 POSTS BY SEPTEMBER 1997.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-kWONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BREAKDOWNS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98
GRADUATE 180 216 360 860 POSTS
CUMULATIVE
MR LEUNG SAID A DEGREE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT FROM AN APPROVED UNIVERSITY WOULD NORMALLY BE THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATION OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
"A DEGREE IN A SPECIFIC SUBJECT RELEVANT TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM MAY ALSO BE CONSIDERED," HE SAID.
THE GRADUATE TEACHER POSTS, SAID MR LEUNG, WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ON THE BASIS OF SCHOOL SIZE AND MODE OF OPERATION.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
18
"THESE POSTS WILL BE OFFSET BY THE DELETION OF AN EQUIVALENT NUMBER OF NON-GRADUATE POSTS AND THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER," MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID ACCEPTABLE DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED PRIOR TO THE CREATION OF PRIMARY GRADUATE POSTS WOULD BE RECOGNISED.
HE SAID THE QUESTION OF POST-DEGREE EXPERIENCE FOR INCREMENTAL CREDIT PURPOSES IN THOSE CASES WOULD BE EXAMINED IN CONSULTATION WITH CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAVING REGARD TO THE RELEVANCE OF SUCH EXPERIENCE TO THE ENHANCED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GRADUATE TEACHERS.
HE SAID THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSULTED ON THE RANKING STRUCTURE AND SALARY SCALES OF A NEW GRADUATE GRADE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
"DETAILS OF THE SALARY SCALES AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR THE NEW GRADUATE TEACHING GRADE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID.
------0-------
GENERIC APPROACH IN SERVICE DELIVERY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADOPTED A GENERIC APPROACH IN THE DELIVERY OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS MEANS ONE SINGLE CASEWORKER, BE HE/SHE A FAMILY SERVICE WORKER, A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER OR A PROBATION OFFICER, HANDLES AND CO-ORDINATES ASSISTANCE TO ALL THE WELFARE NEEDS OF THE CLIENT AND HIS/HER FAMILY INCLUDING HOUSING, FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL ASSISTANCE, COUNSELLING AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES.
THIS WAS STATED BY MRS WONG IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ELSIE TU.
MRS WONG SAID THE MAJORITY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S 30 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND 32 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS WERE LOCATED IN THE SAME BUILDING OR WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY.
"ONLY ONE QUARTER OF THEM ARE NOT LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY DUE TO A LACK OF SPACE OR SUITABLE PREMISES," SHE SAID.
"WHERE SUITABLE PREMISES ARE AVAILABLE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO RELOCATE THEM WITHIN CLOSER DISTANCE," SHE ADDED.
ON APPLICATIONS FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING FROM SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS AGED 60 OR OVER, MRS WONG SAID THEY WERE PROCESSED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AS THEY WERE MAINLY BASED ON OLD AGE AND FINANCIAL GROUNDS.
OTHER SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS WHO REQUIRE HOUSING ASSISTANCE ON SOCIAL GROUNDS WERE PROMPTLY REFERRED TO AN APPROPRIATE SERVICE UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR ACTION.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
19
POOR RECEPTION DUE TO PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
*****
ANY LOCALISED PROBLEMS OF RECEPTION CAUSED BY THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FALL OUTSIDE THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE TWO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATIONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR SO SAID UNDER EXISTING LAW AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR LICENSING CONDITIONS, THE TWO STATIONS HAD FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATIONS BY PROVIDING THE TERRITORY-WIDE NETWORK.
"POOR RECEPTION IN THE AREA IN QUESTION IS THE RESULT OF
RAPID HIGH-RISE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES CREATING ARTIFICIAL OBSTABLES TO THE UHF SIGNALS," MR SO EXPLAINED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SOLUTION TO PROVIDING BETTER RECEPTION TO SUCH SHADOW AREAS WAS TO PROVIDE LOCALISED MICROWAVE OR CABLE RELAY SYSTEMS, BUT THE TWO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATIONS WERE NOT LICENSED TO PROVIDE THEM.
"THESE SYSTEMS ARE AND CAN BE PROVIDED BY PRIVATE OPERATORS, OFTEN AT EXTRA COST TO SUBSCRIBERS, OR BY GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE," HE SAID.
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WOULD HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH SUCH OPERATORS TO FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE RECEPTION PROBLEM IN THE TSUEN WAN AREA, AND COULD OFFER ADVICE TO GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS UPON REQUEST, MR SO SAID.
"IN THE LONGER TERM RECEPTION IN ALL SHADOW AREAS WILL BE IMPROVED BY EXTENSION OF WHARF CABLE’S SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION NETWORK, THOUGH THIS WILL BENEFIT ONLY SUBSCRIBERS," HE ADDED.
------0-------
HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING CONCERT FOSTERS CLOSER COMMUNITY LINK *****
THE FUND-RAISING CONCERT BY THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IS IN LINE WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY’S MISSION TO FOSTER A CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND IS IN KEEPING WITH THE TRADITION ESTABLISHED BY MANY FORMER SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID THE CONCERT WAS ORGANISED BY FRIENDS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AS THE CLIMAX OF ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOSPITAL.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
- 20 -
SHE SAID ALL PROPOSED FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES WERE CONSIDERED BY THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEES COMPRISING MAINLY OF NONOFFICIALS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES.
’’GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN PROMULGATED TO ENSURE THAT THE ACCEPTANCE OF ANY DONATIONS OR SPONSORSHIP WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THE REPUTATION OF INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS OR THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY,” SHE SAID.
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29 ANNUAL REPORTS PUBLISHED IN 1993
* * * * ♦
A TOTAL OF 29 DEPARTMENTS AND STATUTORY BODIES PUBLISHED ANNUAL REPORTS IN 1993, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN BARROW, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT 71,690 COPIES WERE PRINTED AT A TOTAL PRODUCTION COST OF $1.02 MILLION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT OUT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COPIES PRINTED, 48,590 WERE FOR THE ORIGINATING DEPARTMENTS’ OWN USE WHILE 23,100 WERE FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THIS LEFT 4,859 COPIES VALUED AT $63,155 UNDISTRIBUTED, HE SAID.
MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT ANNUAL REPORTS FORMED A USEFUL TOOL FOR EXPLAINING THE DEPARTMENTS’ AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORKING PROCEDURES.
THEY ALSO PROVIDED READY REFERENCE ON THE DEPARTMENTS STATISTICS, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO READERSHIP REQUIREMENTS, MR SUEN SAID THEY WERE ASSESSED AND REVIEWED REGULARLY ON THE BASIS OF THE EXTENT OF INTEREST IN THE REPORTS AS REFLECTED IN PAST DEMANDS AND TAKE-UP RATES; AS WELL AS THE NEED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENTS.
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/21........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
21
MOTION ON RELEASE OF XI YANG PASSED t » * * »
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION ON THE RELEASE OF MING PAO REPORTER, XI YANG FOLLOWING A TWO-HOUR DEBATE DURING ITS SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AFTER COUNCIL MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN ON THE MOTION WHICH WAS PROPOSED BY DR THE HON YEUNG SUM, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION PROPOSED BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA ON CAPITAL GAINS TAX ON REAL PROPERTY WAS, AFTER A DEBATE BY MEMBERS AND A REPLY GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, VETOED.
DURING THE SITTING THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENT AND THE CIVIL AVIATION BILL WAS ALSO PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS.
IN ADDITION, THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED. THESE BILLS WERE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL, THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
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/22 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
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INTEGRITY CHECKING OF CIVIL SERVANTS FURTHER EXPLAINED *****
THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC) IS BEING ASKED TO CARRY OUT INTEGRITY CHECKING OF CIVIL SERVANTS BECAUSE THE COMMISSION HAS FOR MANY YEARS BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME OF THE CHECKS UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM AND IT HAS THE RELEVANT EXPERTISE AND MACHINERY TO TAKE UP THE WORK.
’’THE ICAC ALSO HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN ENSURING A ’CLEAN’ GOVERNMENT INTEGRITY CHECKING IS NO MORE THAN AN EXTENSION OF THEIR CORRUPTION PREVENTION FUNCTION," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FROM THE MEDIA ON SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE’S REPLY TO A LEGCO QUESTION.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IF THE ICAC DID TAKE ON THE TASK OF INTEGRITY CHECKING, IT WOULD ACT ON THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND GRADES AND CO-ORDINATE SOME RECORD CHECKS WITH THE POLICE FOR THE HIGHER LEVELS OF INTEGRITY CHECKING.
"IT WILL ALSO UNDERTAKE, AT THE REQUEST OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, INTERVIEWS WITH THE SUBJECT, HIS REFEREES AND SUPERVISING OFFICERS FOR THE EXTENDED CHECKING OF TOP CIVIL SERVANTS.
"THE ICAC WILL REPORT ITS FINDINGS TO THE REQUESTING AUTHORITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE QUESTION WHY IT IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE OPERATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT INDIVIDUAL FILES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "INTEGRITY CHECKING HAS TO BE CONDUCTED WITH THE FULL COOPERATION AND CONSENT OF THE CIVIL SERVANTS.
"DISCLOSING PRIVATE INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUAL CASES TO AN OUTSIDE BODY WOULD DISCOURAGE CIVIL SERVANTS FROM PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFORMATION FOR CHECKING.
"THIS WOULD UNDERMINE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SYSTEM," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DECISIONS ON WHETHER AN INDIVIDUAL SHOULD BE APPOINTED OR PROMOTED IS AN INTERNAL CIVIL SERVICE MATTER WHICH SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
"AS IT HAPPENS THIS ALSO COINCIDES WITH THE DISBANDMENT OF THE SPECIAL BRANCH WHICH HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE VETTING PROCESS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVED THAT THE ICAC WAS THE MOST SUITABLE ORGANISATION TO DO THE JOB, IN VIEW THAT ICAC REVIEW COMMITTEE WOULD SHORTLY DELIBERATE ON WHETHER THE COMMISSION SHOULD TAKE ON THE TASK, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER THE REVIEW COMMITTEE’S VIEWS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.
/23........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
- 23 -
GOODS VEHICLE BORDER CROSSING RESUMES * ♦ * ♦ »
CONTAINER AND GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS HAVE RESUMED THEIR NORMAL BORDER CROSSING AT LOK MA CHAU - HUANGGANG CHECKPOINT FOLLOWING A VERY PRODUCTIVE MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WITH SHENZHEN OFFICIALS TO RESOLVE ISSUES CONCERNING NEW BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTED BY THE CHINESE SIDE.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, WHO ATTENDED THE MEETING, SAID: ’’BOTH YESTERDAY’S AND TODAY’S MEETINGS WERE SET UP THROUGH THE BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS OF THE TWO SIDES.
”AT TODAY’S MEETING, APART FROM DRIVERS’ REPRESENTATIVES, OFFICIALS FROM TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, POLICE, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS WERE ALSO PRESENT. THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES WERE REPRESENTED BY OFFICIALS FROM ALL BORDER UNITS.”
MR CHENG SAID: "THE MEETING TOOK PLACE IN A CORDIAL AND POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE, WITH ALL PARTIES WERE DETERMINED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.”
THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES HAVE AGREED TO IMPLEMENT THE DRIVERS’ SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD TO IMPROVE THE BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES.
"IN FACT SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES SINCE YESTERDAY,” HE SAID.
APART FROM THE EXISTING BORDER LIAISON CHANNELS, THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES HAVE ALSO AGREED AT TODAY’S MEETING TO MEET DRIVERS ON A BI-MONTHLY BASIS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
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SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS HELP REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
*****
AN ANALYSIS OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG SHOWED THAT MOST OF THE ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED BY TAKING SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS OR SIMPLY BY FOLLOWING PROPER WORK PROCEDURE.
AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR MAK SAI-YIU, MADE THE REMARKS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING WITH THE INSURANCE COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
ALTHOUGH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENACTING AND ENFORCING LAWS ON SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, MR MAK SAID EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAD A MORE IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN REDUCING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
’’BETTER HOUSEKEEPING AND PLANNING IN THE WORKPLACE AND SIMPLE COMMON SENSE WILL ALSO DO MAGIC IN REDUCING ACCIDENTS.
/’’IN THE...........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
24
"IN THE LONGER TERM, ANY INVESTMENT THEY PUT INTO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WILL BRING ABOUT A LOWER ACCIDENT RATE AND INDIRECTLY BETTER PROFITS FOR COMPANIES AND HAPPIER LIVES FOR THE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES," MR MAK SAID.
TALKING ABOUT THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID ENFORCEMENT ACTION ALONE WAS NOT ENOUGH.
"APART FROM INSPECTIONS, WE ALSO GIVE ADVICE, OFFER TRAINING COURSES AND ORGANISE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
"TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF WORKPLACE SAFETY, WE MUST PROMOTE AND DEVELOP A PROPER SAFETY CULTURE AMONG THE MANAGEMENT, THE WORKFORCE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
"THEY MUST REALISE IT IS THEIR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY AND IT IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND TO MAKE SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK PART OF THEIR DAILY LIFE."
IN REGARD TO SAFETY LEGISLATION, MR MAK NOTED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REGULARLY REVIEWED THE PROVISIONS OF LAW, AND WHERE NECESSARY, PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OR INTRODUCED NEW LEGISLATION.
"IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, WE HAVE SECURED THE PASSAGE OF EIGHT LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENTS ON SAFETY AND HEALTH.
"WE HAVE PROPOSED THAT CONTRACTORS AND SHIPYARDS EMPLOYING MORE THAN 100 WORKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EMPLOY A FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICER," MR MAK SAID.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS PREPARING A NEW REGULATION TO TIGHTEN CONTROL ON THE OPERATION OF SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS AND WAS ALSO CONSIDERING THE SETTING UP OF MANDATORY SAFETY COMMITTEES IN ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICERS.
WORK IS ALSO IN HAND TO PREPARE A PIECE OF NEW LEGISLATION TO CONTROL THE USE OF BUILDERS’ LIFTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
NOTING THAT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE MAJOR GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS IN 1994/95, MR MAK SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO DOING EVERYTHING IT COULD TO BRING DOWN THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
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TUEN MUN LOT TO LET
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A 3,800-SQUARE-METRE GOVERNMENT LOT IN TUEN MUN.
AT WU HONG STREET, AREA 44, THE LOT IS TO BE USED AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
/THE TENANCY .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994
25
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SENDING IN TENDERS IS NOON, MAY 27.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,324 0930 +1,237
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,740 1000 +1,227
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,414
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,416 1200 +1,416
LAF TODAY -1,000 1500 +1,416
1600 +1,416
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.1 *+0.4*
11.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.83 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.36 6.07
1 MONTH 3.97 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 96.95 6.34
3 MONTHS 4.47 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.33 6.85
6 MONTHS 5.03 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.37 7.03
12 MONTHS 5.51 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.65 7.17
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 50,949 MN
CLOSED 11 MAY 1994 ---------------------------------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR IN LEGCO........................................... 1
HK’S REPUTATION AS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IMPORTANT.......... 16
CONDOLENCES TO JOHN SMITH'S FAMILY.......................... 17
LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ON VOTER REGISTER COMPILATION..... 17
37 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS PROMOTED......................... 18
ACC MEMBERS BRIEFED ON LATEST PROGRESS OF ACP............... 19
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED . 20
STRATEGY FOR ARTS DEVELOPMENT BEING FORMULATED.............. 29
BEACH WATER GRADES.......................................... 29
17 LIFE-SAVERS COMMENDED.................................... 33
HKIED SEEKS LOGO............................................ 33
STUDENTS TAKE PART IN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE.............. 34
SAFETY AND HEALTH IN WORK PLACES URGED...................... 35
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY..................................... 36
PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS VISIT SWD.............................37
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW............................ 38
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 38
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
GOVERNOR IN LEGCO
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNOR THE RT CHRISTOPHER PATTEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY):
HON
MR PRESIDENT,
WE DISCUSS MANY SUBJECTS IN THIS COUNCIL. BUT FEW AFFECT THE LONG-TERM FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE MORE THAN EDUCATION AND TRAINING. IN HONG KONG OF ALL PLACES, WHERE WE HAVE NO NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEPEND ON, WE WILL STAND OR FALL AS AN ECONOMY ON THE SKILLS AND TALENTS OF OUR PEOPLE.
HONG KONG PEOPLE KNOW THIS VERY WELL. HONG KONG PARENTS RECOGNISE THE WORTH OF A DECENT EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN. THEY KNOW THAT EDUCATION AND TRAINING ARE A LADDER TO A BETTER LIFE.
SO THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM WITH MOTIVATION IN HONG KONG. THE DEMAND FOR A GOOD EDUCATION IS THERE. IT IS UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO DO ALL IT CAN TO MEET THAT DEMAND.
HONG KONG HAS COME ON IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS. 30 YEARS AGO:
- MANY CHILDREN WENT TO PRIMARY SCHOOL ON HOUSING ESTATE ROOFTOPS;
- WE COULD ONLY PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR ABOUT A THIRD OF THE AGE GROUP;
- THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WAS THE ONLY DEGREE-AWARDING
INSTITUTION, OFFERING JUST 400 DEGREE PLACES.
TODAY:
- EVERY ONE OF OUR CHILDREN ATTENDS NINE YEARS OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION;
- 85% OF THOSE WHO GO BEYOND SECONDARY THREE CAN GET INTO SUBSIDISED SECONDARY FOUR AND FIVE PLACES IN PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS; ANOTHER 10% CAN OPT TO UNDERGO SUBSIDISED CRAFTLEVEL TRAINING IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
TODAY, A FIFTH OF OUR POPULATION IS UNDERGOING FULL-TIME EDUCATION. BY SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, NEARLY 20% OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 20 WILL BE ENROLLED IN FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE COURSES IN OUR SEVEN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. ANOTHER 14,000 WILL BE STUDYING SUB-DEGREE COURSES IN THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE TWO TECHNICAL COLLEGES OF THE VTC. 16,000 STUDENTS ARE NOW ENROLLED IN
DISTANCE LEARNING DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES OFFERED BY THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE.
/IN HONG .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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IN HONG KONG NO QUALIFIED STUDENT NEED BE DEPRIVED OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE EDUCATION DUE TO LACK OF MEANS. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS - FROM PREPRIMARY TO TERTIARY.
SO HONG KONG HAS COME A LONG WAY IN A SHORT TIME. THAT SO MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG - ABOVE ALL TO OUR 55,000 TEACHERS. WE ALL -PARENTS, STUDENTS, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY - DEPEND UPON THEM. THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF OUR COMMUNITY DEPENDS ON THEIR CALIBRE, THEIR QUALITY, THEIR COMMITMENT TO THEIR WORK.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
WE HAVE SET OURSELVES TWO KEY AIMS FOR THE 1990S. FIRST, TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION. SECONDLY, TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION.
ON SCHOOL EDUCATION, WE HAVE HAD THE BENEFIT OF THE ADVICE FROM THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS NUMBER FIVE REPORT. WE ARE ACTING TO IMPLEMENT MOST OF ITS RECOMMENDATIONS. LET ME TELL YOU SOME OF THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE SO FAR:
- FIRST, THE NEW HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IS ON TARGET TO OFFER ITS FIRST ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES IN SEPTEMBER 1994 -
THANKS TO 15 MONTHS OF HARD WORK BY ITS PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL, LED ABLY BY THE HON SIMON IP. THE NEW GOVERNING COUNCIL IS WORKING TO A TIGHT TIMETABLE TO MOULD THE EXISTING COLLEGES OF EDUCATION INTO THE NEW INSTITUTE. THEIR TOP PRIORITY IS TO COMPLETE THE $1.9 BILLION NEW CAMPUS PROJECT IN TAI PO BY 1997. IT WILL BE THE MAIN CENTRE FOR ALL TEACHER TRAINING IN HONG KONG. IT IS A VERY BIG PROJECT, AND IT IS ON SCHEDULE.
- SECOND, WE ARE SPENDING OVER $600 MILLION TO IMPROVE THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF 60 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 50 SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SHABBY CLASSROOMS DON’T ENCOURAGE EXCELLENCE. WE ARE ALSO PLANNING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO MORE SCHOOLS IN THE SECOND PHASE.
- THIRD, WE ARE GRADUALLY REDUCING THE PUPIL/TEACHER RATIO, CUTTING CLASS SIZES, UPGRADING TEACHING POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GRADUATE LEVEL, EXPANDING THE NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS - AND WE HAVE DEVELOPED DEGREE COURSES FOR SERVING TEACHERS. WE HAVE SET CLEAR TARGETS, AND WE ARE MAKING GOOD, QUIET PROGRESS IN MEETING THEM. SINCE I FIRST ANNOUNCED THESE MEASURES IN MY POLICY SPEECH IN OCTOBER 1992, THE PUPIL/TEACHER RATIO HAS FALLEN FROM 26.9:1 TO 25.2:1 FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND FROM 21.8:1 TO 20.6:1 FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS; THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE FOR PRIMARY ONE HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 36 TO 31; AND BY THIS SEPTEMBER THERE WILL BE 180 NEW GRADUATE POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND AN EXTRA 800 GRADUATE POSTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
- FOURTH, THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION HAS JUST BEEN ELECTED. ITS ESTABLISHMENT REPRESENTS A FURTHER STEP TOWARDS GREATER PROFESSIONALISM IN TEACHING.
/GOOD, SOLID ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
3 -
GOOD, SOLID PROGRESS. BUT, AS EVER, THE FINAL SENTENCE ON THE REPORT CARD READS "COULD DO BETTER". IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO MEET OUR IMMEDIATE TARGETS. WE HAVE CONSTANTLY TO LOOK BEYOND THEM, TO TRY TO DETECT AND ADAPT TO THE NEW NEEDS OF TOMORROW.
LET ME SKETCH OUT HOW WE SEE THOSE NEXT FEW YEARS BY OFFERING MEMBERS A BRIEF TOUR D’HORIZON OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, STARTING, WHERE A SCHOOLING BEGINS, AT THE PRE-PRIMARY LEVEL.
OVER 85% OF OUR CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF SIX NOW ATTEND KINDERGARTEN. THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE ACCOUNT OF THIS - IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION SHOULD FORM PART OF THE FORMAL EDUCATION SYSTEM. PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION IS PLAINLY AN AREA WHERE WE CAN WORK FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS FORMED A SPECIAL SUB-COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THIS. WE ARE NOW WAITING FOR THE BOARD’S AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S ADVICE BEFORE DECIDING HOW BEST TO ACT TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF OUR KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION.
AT THE NEXT LEVEL UP, SCHOOL EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS SET UP SPECIAL WORKING GROUPS TO LOOK AT THREE AREAS OF WIDESPREAD CONCERN:
- EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS;
- LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY;
- AND THE WAY IN WHICH WE ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO OUR SCHOOLS.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR REPORT LATER THIS YEAR. IT WILL HELP TO GUIDE US AS WE DEBATE THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES.
THE UPGC HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A MAJOR CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON ITS INTERIM REPORT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. THIS IS A GOOD REPORT - FOCUSING SQUARELY ON THE FUTURE. IT HAS PROVOKED LIVELY DEBATE IN THE EDUCATION WORLD, PROMPTING THE UPGC TO EXTEND ITS CONSULTATION PERIOD BY TWO MONTHS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE UPGC’S FINAL REPORT, FURTHER ENRICHED BY THIS EXTRA PERIOD OF CONSULTATION.
FINALLY, CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING. THIS IS AN AREA THAT HAS IMPRESSED ME PARTICULARLY SINCE I HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG. LET ME MAKE JUST ONE POINT; IF HONG KONG IS TO RETAIN ITS CAPACITY TO ADAPT QUICKLY AND SKILFULLY TO A CHANGING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, IF HONG KONG IS TO COMPETE AS A HIGH-TECH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE, IT IS CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO EDUCATE AND RE-TRAIN OUR WORKFORCE. THE PACE OF CHANGE IN THE MARKETPLACE NEVER SLOWS. IF WE SLACKEN OUR PACE, THEN OUR COMPETITORS SURGE AHEAD. IF WE FAIL TO UPGRADE OUR SKILLS IN THE WORKPLACE, OUR PRODUCTS WON’T MAKE THE GRADE IN THE MARKETPLACE.
WE’RE DOING PRETTY WELL. HONG KONG ALREADY OFFERS A QUARTER OF A MILLION PLACES IN PART-TIME COURSES AND EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES. THE VTC OFFERS 58,000 ALONE. MY SENIOR COLLEAGUE ON THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BARONESS DUNN, IS OPENING THEIR NEW TECHNICAL COLLEGE IN CHAI WAN THIS AFTERNOON, WHICH WILL PROVIDE FURTHER PLACES. THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD HAS ALREADY PUT 12,500 TRAINEES THROUGH THEIR COURSES IN UNDER A YEAR.
/NOWADAYS, PEOPLE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
4
NOWADAYS, PEOPLE EXPECT TO CHANGE JOBS SEVERAL TIMES IN THEIR CAREERS - CHANGE CAREERS TOO. WE HAVE TO HELP THEM MEET THE CHALLENGE OF SUCH UPHEAVAL. THE BEST WAY - THE ONLY WAY - IS THROUGH EDUCATION AND TRAINING - STARTING AT INFANCY AND CONTINUING THROUGH ADULT LIFE. EDUCATION TODAY ISN’T SOMETHING THAT STARTS ABRUPTLY AT 5 OR 6 AND FINISHES ABRUPTLY AT 15 OR 16. IT STARTS EARLIER - AND IT NEEDN’T FINISH. THAT’S GOOD FOR HONG KONG, GOOD FOR OUR ECONOMY. BUT IT’S GOOD FOR US AS HUMAN BEINGS TOO.
MR TIMOTHY HA(THROUGH INTERPRETER): THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT, JUST NOW REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE TEACHERS, MR GOVERNOR HAS GIVEN THEM THE RECOGNITION, AND I AM REALLY GLAD ABOUT THAT. BUT, AT PRESENT THE WASTAGE RATE OF TEACHERS IS STILL VERY HIGH, ESPECIALLY IN THE SECONDARY SECTOR. MR GOVERNOR, WHAT MEASURES DO YOU HAVE IN MIND TO ATTRACT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE RANKS OF TEACHERS, AND ALSO CONSIDERING THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY ON THE RANKS, WHAT MEASURES DO YOU HAVE TO RETAIN THEM THERE?
GOVERNOR: I AGREE WITH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT ANY WASTAGE RATE IN A PROFESSION AS VITAL AS TEACHING IS A CONCERN. THE OVERALL WASTAGE RATE IN TEACHING IS AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS ABOUT 10% AND THOUGH WE WOULD WISH IT WERE LOWER IT IS NOT AT PRESENT IN OUR JUDGMENT POSING INSUPERABLE PROBLEMS. WE ARE ABLE, FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH EXTENDING OUR RECRUITING, AND THROUGH ENABLING PEOPLE TO EXTEND THEIR SERVICE TO DEAL WITH ANY SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY IN TEACHING WHICH IS ENVISAGED. BUT WE DO HAVE TO ENSURE THAT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, FOR YOUNG GRADUATES, FOR EXAMPLE, TEACHING IS DEMONSTRATED AS A SATISFYING PROFESSION, AS AN HONOURABLE PROFESSION, AS A PROFESSION WHICH IS CRUCIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY. ALL THOSE THINGS ARE TRUE. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IN TERMS OF PROFESSIONAL ESTEEM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE A CONSIDERABLE HELP, AND THAT WE CAN LOOK IN THE FUTURE TO A STATUTORY BASIS FOR THE WORK. I THINK THOSE WHO ENVISAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF A GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL AS IT WERE, MONITORING AND POLICING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, ARE RIGHT IN THEIR ASPIRATIONS. I THINK WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT TEACHING IS PROPERLY RESOURCED, THAT THE TEACHERS THEMSELVES ARE ADEQUATELY REMUNERATED, AND I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CONDITIONS IN WHICH THEY TEACH ARE REASONABLE. I AM VERY PLEASED THAT ONE OF THE THINGS WHICH IS RESULTING FROM OUR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IS FOR INSTANCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STAFF ROOMS IN SCHOOLS WHERE THEY DON’T AT PRESENT EXIST, WHICH MAY BE A SMALL THING BUT I THINK IS QUITE IMPORTANT FOR A TEACHER WHO IS SO BUSY TO RELAX IN FOR A LITTLE WHILE DURING THE COURSE OF THE DAY. SO, RESOURCING COMES INTO THE ISSUE AS WELL, AND I HOPE BY A COMBINATION OF MEANS WE WILL BE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO WHAT IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROFESSION OF ALL IN OUR COMMUNITY.
MR DAVID LI: ACCORDING TO A REVISED INTERIM REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION 1991 TO 2001 FROM THE UPGC, THE FUNDING TO EACH TERTIARY INSTITUTION IS BASED ON THE QUANTITY OF RESEARCH. WOULD YOU, PLEASE SIR, INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT CONSIDERATION IS GIVEN TO THE QUALITY OF TEACHING IN DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING TO EACH OF THESE INSTITUTIONS?
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE UPGC’S REPORT IN ADVOCATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN OUR TERTIARY SECTOR SEES A DETERMINATION OF GRANT ALLOCATION, NOT SOLELY THROUGH QUANTITY BUT THROUGH QUALITY AS WELL, AND QUALITY IS BEST ASSESSED I THINK BY PEER GROUP REVIEW. I DON’T THINK GOVERNMENT IS IN A VERY GOOD POSITION, OR CENTRAL ADMINISTRATORS TO DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF RESEARCH. I THINK THAT IS BEST DONE BY OTHER ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS OF COURSE TOUCHED ON AN AREA WHICH IS OF SOME CONCERN TO US. WE ARE EXPANDING OUR TERTIARY SECTOR VERY RAPIDLY, THOUGH NOT I UNDERLINE AT THE EXPENSE OF EDUCATION ELSEWHERE. I THINK IT IS RIGHT FOR US TO DO THAT. IT DOES HAVE COSTS; IT ALSO HAS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE POST-GRADUATE SECTOR, AND IN PARTICULAR FOR RESEARCH AND RESEARCH FUNDING. WE HAVE INCREASED RESEARCH FUNDING FROM $100 MILLION IN 1991/92 TO ABOUT $210 MILLION TN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR SO THAT I HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF MORE POST-GRADUATES’ RESEARCH IN HONG KONG AND THE BROADER THE BASE OF POST-GRADUATE RESEARCH THE HIGHER THE QUALITY THAT RESEARCH WILL ATTAIN.
MR PANG CHUN-HOI (THROUGH INTERPRETER): REGARDING THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME, AND THIS IS MUCH NEEDED BY OUR WORKERS. .JUST NOW YOU SAID THAT OVER 10,000 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY JOINED THE RETRAINING PROGRAMMES BUT ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM ME IN MARCH CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, CONCERNING THE RETRAINEES, FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUCCESSFULLY RE-EMPLOYED THE PERCENTAGE IS ONLY 21%, AND THIS IS A VERY LOW PERCENTAGE. SO I HOPE THE GOVERNOR CAN TELL THIS COUNCIL, WILL THE GOVERNMENT TAKE FURTHER MEASURES TO INCREASE JOB SEEKING COUNSELLING SO THAT THE RETRAINEES CAN BE EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL TN GETTING RE-EMPLOYMENT?
GOVERNOR: YES WE CERTAINLY INTEND TO ENCOURAGE AND DEVELOP JOB SEEKING COUNSELLING. THAT IS ONE OF OUR PROPOSALS WITH, FOR EXAMPLE INTERVIEWING OF THOSE WHO ARE UNSUCCESSFUL IN LOOKING FOR JOBS AFTER BEING RETRAINED. I’M NOT SURE WHETHER THE FIGURE I’M ABOUT TO GIVE IS ON ALL FOURS WITH THE FIGURE WHICH I DIDN’T RECOGNISE WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAD BEEN GIVEN PREVIOUSLY. I BELIEVE I’M RIGHT IN SAYING THAT 70% OF THOSE WHO GO THROUGH OUR RETRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE PLACED SUBSEQUENTLY IN JOBS AND THAT IS 1 THINK AN ENCOURAGING FIGURE, THOUGH NOT AS GOOD AS I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE. I THINK THAT’S THE OVERALL FIGURE AFTER THE TRAINING OF THE FIRST, AS IT WERE, OR RETRAINING OF THE FIRST 12,500. BY OCTOBER, WE THINK THE FIGURE WILL BE MORE THAN 15,000. IF WE’RE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENT PARAMETERS FOR OUR FIGURES, IF AS IT WERE, WE’RE HEADING UP DIFFERENT ROADS THEN PERHAPS WE CAN SORT OUT THE POSITION LATER ON, BUT I DO THINK THAT THE 70% FIGURE THAT I’VE GIVEN IS AN ACCURATE ONE.
MR PANG CHUN-HOI (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, I QUOTED THE FIGURE GIVEN TO ME BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. HE GAVE THAT FIGURE TO ME IN MARCH AND HE SAID THAT FOR THE RETRAINEES WHO WERE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING EMPLOYMENT THE FIGURE WAS ONLY 21%. THAT WAS A REPLY GIVEN TO ME FROM THE ADMINISTRATION IN MARCH.
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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GOVERNOR: WELL, EITHER WE’VE MADE SPECTACULAR PROGRESS SINCE MARCH, OR ELSE, WHICH I CAN’T BELIEVE IS THE CASE, THE COMMISSIONER ON THAT OCCASION WAS INACCURATE WHEREAS THE GOVERNOR ON THIS OCCASION IS ACCURATE. PERHAPS IT’S JUST THAT WE’VE MADE PROGRESS SINCE THEN. I CAN CONFIRM THAT THE PLACEMENT RATE FOR THOSE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR JOBS IS 70 - 75% OF THE 12,500 WHO’VE BEEN THROUGH THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME.
ON THE QUESTION OF THOSE WHO DON’T FIND EMPLOYMENT, I CAN TELL THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD WILL ORGANISE AN INTENSIVE FOLLOW-UP PROGRAMME FOR RETRAINEES WHO ARE UNABLE TO FIND A JOB FOUR WEEKS AFTER ATTENDING THE FIVE-DAY JOB SEARCH SKILLS COURSE.
WE’LL TRY TO RESOLVE BETWEEN US LATER ON PERHAPS, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND MYSELF, THE DISPARITY BETWEEN THE MARCH FIGURE AND THE FIGURE THAT I’VE JUST GIVEN, BUT IT MAYBE THAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENT THINGS.
MR HENRY TANG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, I WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
HONG KONG IS A VERY PROSPEROUS AND ECONOMICALLY ADVANCED PLACE. UNFORTUNATELY, EVERY YEAR THE INVESTMENT BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN EDUCATION IS REALLY ON THE LOW SIDE COMPARED TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES. FOR INSTANCE, FOR 1994/95 CONCERNING OUR EXPENDITURE FOR EDUCATION, IT ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR 6.5% OF THE OVERALL BUDGET AND IT ACCOUNTS FOR ONLY 3% OF OUR GDP. COMPARED TO NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES SUCH AS JAPAN, IT’S FIGURE IS 4.8%, MALAYSIA 5.6%, SINGAPORE AND TAIWAN 4%, WE ARE REALLY ON THE LOW SIDE AND THE ONLY PLACE COMPARED TO WHICH WE HAVE A HIGHER FIGURE IS CHINA WHICH IS 2.4%. HONG KONG IS SO PROSPEROUS AND WEALTHY, DO YOU THINK THAT THE SITUATION I JUST NOW DESCRIBED IS ACCEPTABLE OR IS IT EMBARRASSING?
GOVERNOR: NO, FIRST OF ALL BEFORE DISAGREEING WITH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, CAN I AGREE WITH HIM AND WISH MYSELF A HAPPY BIRTHDAY AS WELL. I HOPE THAT I WILL ENJOY THE GREATER LONGEVITY WHICH HONG KONG HEALTH STATISTICS SHOWS THE LOT OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY.
I DON’T ACTUALLY HAPPEN TO THINK THAT PERCENTAGE OF GDP IS NECESSARILY A VERY SATISFACTORY BASIS FOR MAKING COMPARISONS ABOUT THE QUALITY OR EVEN THE QUANTITY OF A PRODUCT. IF YOUR GDP EXPANDED VERY SLOWLY BUT YOUR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WAS GOING UP BY FASTER THAN THE TREND RATE Of GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY, THEN JT WOULD LOOK AS THOUGH YOU WERE BEING FRIGHTFULLY VIRTUOUS IF YOU WERE MEASURING EDUCATION SPENDING IN PROPORTION TO GDP, BUT YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BE SPENDING LESS MONEY IN ABSOLUTE TERMS ON EDUCATION BECAUSE YOUR ECONOMY WASN’T GROWING AS RAPIDLY AS YOU WOULD’VE LIKED. J THINK IT’S ALSO WORTH MAKING, THAT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND TAX AS PROPORTIONS OF GDP ARE MUCH LOWER THAN IN A NUMBER OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, INDEED, THAN IN MOST COUNTRIES. SO THERE ARE SOME PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION WHICH I DOUBT ARE INCLUDED IN THOSE FIGURES. I THINK THE FIGURE OF 3.4% FOR HONG KONG IS THE FIGURE FOR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION.
/I THINK ......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
I THINK IT’S PERHAPS MORE SENSIBLE TO LOOK AT THE PROPORTION OF OUR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WHICH GOES ON EDUCATION AND THE FIGURE THERE IS ABOUT 21% AND IT’S REMAINED FAIRLY CONSTANT THOUGH IT’S CERTAINLY THE HIGHEST OR THE LARGEST PUBLIC EXPENDITURE PROGRAMME WHICH IS AN INDICATION OF THE PRIORITY THAT WE ACCORD. IT’S ALSO TRUE THAT EXPENDITURE ON SCHOOLS FOR EXAMPLE, HAS BEEN GOING UP BY 6.5% IN REAL TERMS, THAT’S OVER THE INFLATION RATE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND THAT’S BEEN A LARGER FIGURE THAN THE INCREASE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AS A WHOLE ON OTHER PROGRAMMES.
SO I THINK WE’RE DOING PRETTY WELL, BUT I DON’T DISPUTE THE FACT THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE. THAT’S WHY WE’RE SPENDING ANOTHER $600 MILLION ON IMPROVING OUR SCHOOLS. THAT’S WHY WE’RE SPENDING OVER $150 MILLION TO GET ADDITIONAL TEACHERS. THAT’S WHY WE’RE SPENDING $103 MILLION ON REDUCING CLASS SIZES. ALL THOSE FIGURES ADD UP AND I THINK ADD UP IN A WAY WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD AGREE WAS SATISFACTORY, BUT 1 DON’T DOUBT THAT NOT ONLY WILL EDUCATION NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE OUR BIGGEST SPENDING PROGRAMME IF WE’RE TO HAVE THE QUALITY OF WORKFORCE THAT WE’LL NEED IN THE FUTURE BUT THAT WE’LL HAVE TO SPEND A LOT MORE ON EDUCATION AS WELL, SO AT LEAST ON THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND I CAN MARCH AS ONE.
MR HENRY TANG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, HOW COME THAT FOR ADULT EDUCATION, INSTEAD OF SPENDING $60 MILLION, WE ARE ONLY HAVING $51 MILLION THIS YEAR?
GOVERNOR: I THINK I’M RIGHT IN SAYING THAT IF YOU TAKE CONTINUING EDUCATION AS A WHOLE, THE FIGURES THERE ARE GOING UP TOO AND SOME OF THE FIGURES ARE FOR CAPITAL RATHER THAN JUST RECURRENT. FOR EXAMPLE, I ANNOUNCED A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO THAT WE WERE PROVIDING THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE WITH $150 MILLION SO THAT IT COULD BUY ITS OWN HEADQUARTERS. THAT HAS RECURRENT SAVINGS FOR THE OLI IN DUE COURSE. I’M NOT SURE WHETHER THAT FIGURE IS INCLUDED IN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S FIGURE OR WHETHER THE $100 MILLION THAT WE’RE GIVING THE OLI FOR COURSE DEVELOPMENT IS INCLUDED IN THE FIGURE, BUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTIRELY RIGHT IN SUGGESTING THAT CONTINUING EDUCATION IS AN AREA THAT WE HAVE TO GIVE GREATER PRIORITY TO. I THINK HE’LL KNOW THAT THE UPGC IS LOOKING AT THE SUBJECT AT THE MOMENT AND INCLUDING IN IT’S REVIEW THE QUESTION OF SELF-FINANCING AND THAT IS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO HAVE TO SHAPE OUR APPROACH TO THE FUNDING OF THIS IMPORTANT SECTOR IN THE FUTURE.
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO WANT TO DROP-IN TO EDUCATION AT MORE MATURE STAGES OF THEIR LIVES. WE’VE GOT TO MAKE THAT AS EASY FOR PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. I MUST SAY THAT I HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THOSE I’VE MET IN CONTINUING EDUCATION WHO ARE VERY OFTEN, AFTER A VERY HARD DAY’S WORK, HAVING A HARD EVENING’S WORK ON TOP.
/MR ALFRED TSO .......
^THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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MR ALFRED TSO (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, AS A RESULT OF THE HARD EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE ARE SPENDING MORE MONEY ON EDUCATION AND YOUTH WORK. NOW YOUNGSTERS ARE LEARNING MORE AND MORE FROM THEIR SCHOOL TEXT BOOKS BUT STILL WE HAVE TO LIVE WITH AN EVER-GROWING YOUTH PROBLEM. YOUNGSTERS ARE FACED WITH A LOT OF MATERIALISTIC ATTRACTIVENESS. SOME YOUNGSTERS ARE BECOMING YOUNG PROSTITUTES AND SOME BECOME DRUG ADDICTS. SO, MR GOVERNOR, CAN YOU NOT INCLUDE IN CIVIC EDUCATION ELEMENTS OF POLITICS AND MAKE CIVIC EDUCATION AS A COMPULSORY SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONGST OUR YOUNGSTERS SO THAT THEY KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE TO FACE UP TO AND WHAT TO DO AFTER 1997?
GOVERNOR: THERE’S QUITE A LOT MIXED UP IN THAT QUESTION AND IN RESPONDING TO IT AS POSITIVELY AS POSSIBLE, I’LL TRY TO AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO WHICH POLITICIANS OCCASIONALLY FALL PREY AND START SOUNDING LIKE A BISHOP OR SPIRITUAL LEADER, BECAUSE I THINK THAT PEOPLE THAT WANT MORAL UPLIFT SHOULD, ON THE WHOLE, LOOK TO SPIRITUAL LEADERS RATHER THAN TO POLITICIANS.
IT IS, ALAS, ONE OF THE PARADOXES OF OUR AGE THAT INCREASES IN COLLECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL AFFLUENCE HAVEN’T ELIMINATED SOCIAL PROBLEMS. THAT INDEED WE SEE, QUITE OFTEN, A GROWTH IN SOME SORTS OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS ACCOMPANYING GREATER MATERIALISM AND INCREASES IN PEOPLES’ DISPOSABLE INCOME. THAT CAN BE PARTLY ADDRESSED AT SCHOOLS AND OUR SCHOOLS HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN EDUCATING THE WHOLE BOY OR GIRL, SO CIVIC EDUCATION, SO HEALTH EDUCATION, SO TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE TO RESPECT THEMSELVES AS WELL AS OTHERS, ALL THOSE THINGS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF EDUCATION. BUT I THINK THERE IS A TENDENCY, FROM TIME TO TIME, FOR PARENTS TO PUT THE RESPONSIBILITY ON SCHOOLS RATHER THAN SHOULDER THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY THEMSELVES. I THINK MOST OF THE INCULCATION OF MORAL STANDARDS AND MORAL VALUES SHOULD BEGIN IN THE HOME AND I DON’T THINK PARENTS CAN EXPECT SCHOOLS TO MAKE UP FOR WHAT MAY BE DEFICIENT IN THE DOMESTIC BACKGROUND. SCHOOLS HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY BUT I THINK THAT PARENTS HAVE TO RECOGNISE THEIR ROLE AS WELL AND I’M VERY PLEASED THAT THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE IS BRINGING PARENTS AND SCHOOL MANAGERS TOGETHER WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE PTA’S AND SO ON, I THINK THAT’S A VERY WELCOME MOVE FORWARD.
AS FOR, AS IT WERE, THE POLITICAL CONTENT OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION. I THINK THAT THERE IS ALREADY WITHIN SEVERAL SYLLABUSES' IN THE CURRICULUM PLENTY OF MATERIAL ABOUT THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BASIC LAW, THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE IN MODERN CHINA. I DON’T THINK WE NEED TO GO FURTHER IN THAT DIRECTION, BUT IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR EDUCATION THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE AND I WELCOME THE FACT THAT OUR TEACHERS HAVE PRODUCED SUCH GOOD CURRICULUM MATERIAL ON THOSE SUBJECTS.
PERHAPS I COULD JUST ADD ONE OTHER THING. I AM VERY IMPRESSED AS I GO AROUND FROM DISTRICT BOARD TO DISTRICT BOARD BY THE WORK OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES AND BY THE LIAISON BETWEEN THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES AND OUR SCHOOLS. I THINK THAT WORK IS EXCEPTIONALLY IMPORTANT, NOT LEAST IN DISCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM TAKING PART IN TRIAD ACTIVITY. I HOPE THAT WE CAN SEE THAT SORT OF WORK WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT INCREASE IN THE FUTURE.
/DR C H LEONG: ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
9
DR C H LEONG: GOVERNOR, HONG KONG UNFORTUNATELY STILL HAS A FAIRLY SIZEABLE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS. NOW WHAT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY, IF ANY, AND HOW WILL THESE POLICY AND PRINCIPLES BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE RETRAINING OF THESE DISABLED TO GET THEM BACK INTO SOCIETY AND WILL GOVERNMENT TAKE A LEAD TN EMPLOYING THESE PEOPLE SO AS TO REALLY MAKE A GOOD START?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THAT WE HAVE BROADENED THE REMIT OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD IN ORDER TO COVER THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED AT WORK AND ALAS, THERE ARE ALL TOO MANY WHO FALL INTO THAT CATEGORY. I’VE HAD OCCASION TO SAY BEFORE, NOT LEAST WHEN AT THE SCENE OF APPALLING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, THAT OUR FIGURES FOR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG ARE OBSCENELY HIGH. FOR AN ECONOMY AS SOPHISTICATED AS THIS ONE WE STILL HAVE APPALLINGLY PRIMITIVE STATISTICS FOR INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, PARTICULARLY, THOUGH NOT EXCLUSIVELY, IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND WE'VE TAKEN STEPS WITH THE ACTIVE LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO TRY TO ADDRESS THAT QUESTION. I’D LIKE TO SAY WITHOUT RESERVATION THAT I THINK THE PRESSURE THAT WE’VE HAD FROM THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG ON THE SUBJECT HAS BEEN WHOLLY IN THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY’S INTEREST AND I WELCOME THE INTELLIGENT AND EFFECTIVE LOBBYING THAT THEY HAVE DONE ON THIS ISSUE. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN TRY TO ENSURE IN OUR TRAINING AND RETRAINING PROGRAMMES THAT A PROPER REGARD FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS INCORPORATED. IT SHOULD CERTAINLY BE THE CASE FOR ALL THOSE COURSES RUN BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BUT I WILL CHECK EXACTLY WHAT IS DONE ON THAT FRONT AND LET THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOW.
DR C H LEONG: WILL THE GOVERNMENT TAKE A LEAD ON EMPLOYING THESE PEOPLE, SIR?
GOVERNOR: I ATTENDED, NOT VERY LONG AGO, WHAT WAS CALLED A SUMMIT ON DISABILITY IN WHICH WE TALKED ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT OF THOSE WHO WERE DISABLED AND WE MADE COMMITMENTS IN GOVERNMENT FOR THOSE DISABLED IN GENERAL RATHER THAN THOSE INJURED AS A RESULT OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS. ] THINK IT’S DIFFICULT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TWO BUT WE DO HAVE TO MAKE GREATER EFFORTS IN GOVERNMENT TO EMPLOY THOSE WITH HANDICAP, WHETHER IT’S CAUSED AT WORK OR WHETHER IT’S GENETIC OR WHETHER THERE’S SOME OTHER REASON FOR IT.
DR K C LAM: MR PRESIDENT, UP TO NOW EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS IN THE UNIVERSITIES IN HONG KONG ARE MAINTAINED AT COMPARABLE LEVELS TO THOSE IN OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES BY A SYSTEM OF EXTERNAL EXAMINERS. IN 1997, HONG KONG WILL CEASE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AND THE EXTERNAL EXAMINERS SYSTEM PRESUMABLY, WITH THE OTHER PARTS OF THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH, WILL CEASE TO EXIST.
WOULD THE GOVERNOR INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT IS BEING DONE NOW AND WHAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT OUR UNIVERSITY GRADUATES WILL REMAIN AT COMPARABLE LEVELS, IN COMPETENCE TO AND ARE RECOGNISED BY MAJOR ACADEMIC CENTRES IN THE WORLD? PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IS THE CASE OF POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL TRAINING OVERSEAS WHERE A TRAINEE IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO HAVE A RECOGNISED MEDICAL QUALIFICATION BEFORE HE IS ALLOWED TO TOUCH A PATIENT.
/GOVERNOR: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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GOVERNOR: I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE INEVITABLE CHANGE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE COMMONWEALTH IN 1997, WON’T AFFECT THE ACADEMIC LINKS WHICH THIS COMMUNITY HAS WITH NOT JUST THE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, BUT WITH OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THAT THE UPGC CONTAINS A NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED ACADEMICS FROM COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES BUT ALSO FROM ONE OR TWO NON-COMMONWEALTH, CERTAINLY ONE NON-COMMONWEALTH COUNTRY AS WELL. I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL ALSO KNOW, MUCH BETTER THAN ME, THE EXTENSIVE INTERNATIONAL LINKS WHICH THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE HAS WHICH WILL SURVIVE AND PROSPER I’M SURE AFTER 1997. SO I HOPE THAT THERE CAN BE NO*QUESTION OF THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, AFFECTING OR DISRUPTING THE INTERNATIONAL LINKS THAT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG HAS BEYOND OUR SHORES AND BEYOND OUR BOUNDARIES. IF THAT WERE TO BE THE CASE, WHICH I DON’T BELIEVE IT WILL, IT WOULD BE SAD AND DEBILITATING. SO, WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WE RETAIN AN EXTROVERT, OUTWARD LOOKING INTELLECTUAL COMMUNITY AND THAT WAS, OF COURSE, ONE OF THE MAIN THEMES OF THE UPGC’S RECENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENT AND MISSION STATEMENT WHICH WANTS HONG KONG TO PURSUE AN EXTREMELY OUTWARD LOOKING ROLE.
MR LAU CHIN-SHEK(THROUGH INTERPRETER): WHETHER THE RETRAINING PROGRAMME CAN BE SUCCESSFUL, ONE OF THE VERY IMPORTANT FACTORS IS WHETHER THE EMPLOYERS ARE IN SUPPORT OF IT. MR GOVERNOR I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU THIS: THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG, SO AS THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG HAS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GOT IN TOUCH WITH THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD. AND ALSO REGARDING THE RECRUITMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS, HAVE YOU SET ASIDE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF VACANCIES TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RETRAINING GRADUATES, SO AS TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE?
GOVERNOR: WE HAVEN’T, I DON’T BELIEVE, GOT A SET PERCENTAGE FIGURE FOR RECRUITS THAT WE WOULD WANT TO TAKE WHO HAD, AS IT WERE, GRADUATED FROM THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD. I AM NOT SURE THAT THAT WOULD ALWAYS BE APPROPRIATE GIVEN WHAT MAY SOMETIMES BE A SKILLS MISMATCH BETWEEN THE SORT OF POST THAT GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING FOR AND THE SORT OF TRAINEES WHO ARE COMING OUT OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD. BUT I’LL CERTAINLY LOOK AT THE ISSUE AND SEE IF THERE IS MORE THAT WE CAN DO. AS I SAID EARLIER I THINK THE FIGURE FOR WORK PLACEMENT OF THOSE WHO ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING WORK AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEMES IS PRETTY HIGH, AND WE ARE TRYING TO FURTHER IMPROVE IT SO WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT MANY OF THE 12,500 SHORTLY TO BE 15,000 WHO HAVE BEEN RETRAINED, WHO AREN’T ACTUALLY ABLE TO FIND JOBS.
LAU CHIN-SHEK (THROUGH INTERPRETER) : MR GOVERNOR, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS BECAUSE EMPLOYERS ARE ACTUALLY FACING THE SAME PROBLEM CONCERNING THE RECRUITMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS? IF YOU HAVE SYSTEMATIC DISCUSSIONS WITH THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD OR HAVE SYSTEMATIC CO-OPERATION WITH THE BOARD, I’M SURE IT IS GOING TO GO A LONG WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF RETRAINEES OF HAVING DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING JOB. SO CAN YOU CONSIDER THIS, CAN YOU CONSIDER CO-OPERATION WITH THE BOARD SO AS TO HELP THE RETRAINEES?
GOVERNOR: CERTAINLY. IF WE HAVEN’T HAD THE SORT OF DIALOGUE WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER UNDERSTANDABLY REQUESTS I’LL ENSURE THAT THOSE DISCUSSIONS TAKE PLACE.
/MR TIK CHI-YUEN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
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MR TIK CHI-YUEN (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, YOU COME FROM BRITAIN BUT I JUST HOPE THAT YOU WILL RENDER YOUR FULL SUPPORT TO CHINESE BEING USED AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION. WE HAVE BEEN USING ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION FOR DECADES BUT IT THEN IT HAS NEVER BEEN EFFECTIVE. MANY PARENTS DO NOT WANT TO USE CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION. IN HONG KONG WE STILL FAVOUR ENGLISH AT THE EXPENSE OF CHINESE. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT IS BEING PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PHENOMENON. FOR MANY SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENGLISH IS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND EVEN WHEN THE GOVERNMENT RECRUITS CIVIL SERVANTS FOR CERTAIN POSTS THEY WOULD REQUIRE A PASS IN THE SUBJECT OF ENGLISH BUT THEY DON’T MENTION THE QUALIFICATION AS TO THEIR CHINESE PROFICIENCY. SO MR GOVERNOR, DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO INSTRUCT THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, THAT IS NOT TO FAVOUR ENGLISH AT THE EXPENSE OF CHINESE SO AS TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE WHOLE OF THE SOCIETY?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT ENTIRELY SURE THAT THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, FOR EXAMPLE, I SEE SOME DISTINGUISHED SENIOR OFFICERS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE ON MY RIGHT, I AM NOT SURE THAT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WOULD AGREE THAT TEACHING IN ENGLISH OVER THE LAST YEAR HAD BEEN A COMPLETE DISASTER AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER APPEARED TO BE SUGGESTING. THE SUBJECT IS OF COURSE A CONTROVERSIAL ONE AND A MATTER OF CONCERN TO PARENTS AND WE WANT TO PROCEED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE USING VOLUNTARY METHODS RATHER THAN COMPULSION.
WHERE I AGREE WITH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS THAT WE WANT TO SEE YOUNG PEOPLE TAUGHT IN THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEDIUM. WHAT WE DON’T WANT IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE TAUGHT IN CHINGLISH RATHER THAN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE AND THAT’S WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO AVOID AT THE MOMENT. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THAT MANY PARENTS WHEN IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE SCHOOL WHICH THEIR CHILDREN ATTEND IS GOING TO SHIFT FROM ENGLISH TO CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION DON’T LIKE IT BECAUSE THEY THINK IT’S GOING TO AFFECT THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES OF THEIR CHILDREN, THEY THINK IT’S GOING TO MEAN THAT THEIR CHILDREN GET A LESS GOOD EDUCATION. IN FACT, ONE OF THE OBVIOUS THINGS THAT ONE CAN AND SHOULD DO, WHERE THAT SHIFT TAKES PLACE, IS TO ENSURE THAT MORE EMPHASIS IS PLACED, ALBEIT WITHIN A CURRICULUM WHICH IS TAUGHT IN CHINESE, ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRAINING ITSELF THROUGH BRIDGING COURSES AND IN OTHER WAYS.
AT PRESENT, WE ARE ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO MOVE TO THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION. I HOPE THAT IN DOING THAT WE’LL HAVE AS MUCH UNDERSTANDING FROM PARENTS AS POSSIBLE. AND THAT WOULD OF COURSE BE THE BACKDROP TO THE MUCH GREATER EFFORTS THAT WE ARE TAKING TO ENCOURAGE PROFICIENCY NOT JUST IN ENGLISH BUT IN PUTONGHUA AS WELL. WE SET UP A LANGUAGE FUND FOR WHICH THIS COUNCIL HAS NOW VOTED THE CASH. I THINK THERE ARE TWO MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WHO'ARE ON THE COMMITTEE WHICH WILL DETERMINE HOW THE FUND USES ITS MONEY. THAT’S JUST ONE WAY IN WHICH I HOPE THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT HONG KONG RETAINS THE LINGUISTIC SKILLS THAT IT NEEDS AS ONE OF THE GREAT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRES IN THE WORLD. OF COURSE, WITH A LIVING LANGUAGE LIKE CANTONESE, IT IS GOING TO PROVIDE THE MAIN CULTURAL BACKDROP FOR PEOPLE IN THE TERRITORY BUT IT’S EQUALLY TRUE THAT IN ALL SORTS OF WALKS OF LIFE ENGLISH AND MANDARIN ARE GOING TO BE VERY IMPORTANT AND WAYS OF ENSURING THAT SOMEBODY CAN DO THE JOBS AS ADEQUATELY AS POSSIBLE, AND THAT WILL BE TRUE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AS WELL. AND THERE ARE SOME JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WHICH WILL REQUIRE FROM TIME TO TIME ALL THREE LANGUAGES AND WE MUST DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE CAN MANAGE THEM ALL.
/ROGER LOK: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
12
ROGER LOK: MR PRESIDENT, JUST TO FOLLOW UP THE ANSWER OF THE
GOVERNOR. WOULD THE GOVERNOR ELABORATE ON THE WAY FORWARD TO IMPROVE BOTH THE SPOKEN AND WRITTEN LANGUAGE SKILL OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS?
GOVERNOR: WE'LL OBVIOUSLY HAVE GREATER HELP IN FINDING THE WAY FORWARD WHEN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY HAS REPORTED A LITTLE LATER IN THE YEAR. AND I THINK THAT WILL PROVIDE THE SIGNPOSTS FOR THE COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BE MANAGING THE LANGUAGE FUND ITSELF -THE $300 MILLION THAT WE HAVE PUT INTO THE LANGUAGE FUND. THERE IS, AND I HEAR IT REGULARLY FROM BUSINESS LEADERS, THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT WHAT THEY BELIEVE TO BE LOWER STANDARDS OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY. I AM NOT QUITE SURE HOW MUCH THAT IS ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE AND HOW MUCH THERE IS AN OBJECTIVE BASIS TO IT, BUT I THINK THAT AT THE VERY LEAST THEY ARE RIGHT TO BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG, IF IT IS TO-RETAIN ITS ECONOMIC POSITION IN THE REGION AND THE WORLD, NEEDS TO HAVE LANGUAGE SKILLS.
DR SAMUEL WONG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR GOVERNOR, A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE CABLE TELEVISION LICENCE WE WERE GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND THAT A NUMBER OF CHANNELS OR CERTAIN TIME SLOTS WOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR THE PURPOSES OF EDUCATION. I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD STILL STAND BY THIS POSITION, AND IF SO HOW MUCH PROGRESS HAS BEEN OBTAINED?
GOVERNOR: I AM AFRAID THAT MY OWN INSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF THESE
MATTERS DOESN’T ENABLE ME TO CONFIRM OR DENY ANY COMMITMENTS MADE ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF TELEVISION. I HAPPEN TO BELIEVE, THOUGH IT JUST SHOWS A PERSONAL PREJUDICE, THAT TELEVISION IS ALL TOO FREQUENTLY AN ALTERNATIVE TO EDUCATION. BUT, I CAN SEE THAT IT CAN PLAY AN EDUCATIONAL ROLE TOO. I KNOW THAT SOME OF OUR TELEVISION COMPANIES HAVE ESTABLISHED A REGIONAL LEAD IN THE PRODUCTION OF CHILDREN'S TELEVISION PROGRAMMES. AS FOR A BROADER EDUCATIONAL ROLE, PERHAPS I CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER ABOUT THAT AGAIN. AT THE MOMENT I HAVE TO SAY THAT I DON’T SEE VERY MUCH SIGN OF THE EDUCATIONAL USE OF TELEVISION, EXCEPT PERHAPS IN RELATION TO CONTINUING EDUCATION AND OLI COURSES FROM TIME TO TIME.
MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE GOVERNOR THE FOLLOWING QUESTION, IN FACT A FOLLOW-UP OF MR TIK CHI-YUEN. IT’S REGARDING USING MOTHER TONGUE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION.
HONG KONG IS A COLONY, SO ALL ALONG OUR LANGUAGE POLICY IS SUCH THAT WE FAVOUR ENGLISH AT THE EXPENSE OF CHINESE AND THIS CONCEPT HAS BEEN FIRMLY INSTILLED OR DEEP-ROOTED IN THE HEART OF EVERYONE. NOW THE COLONIAL DAYS ARE COMING TO A CLOSE. WE HAVE TO BUILD UP A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IN HONG KONG AND SO WE NEED A CORRESPONDING LANGUAGE POLICY. EARLIER ON THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED ABOUT HAVING EITHER VOLUNTARY OR MANDATORY MEASURES TO HAVE MOTHER TONGUE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION BUT I DON’T THINK, THIS IS THE ONLY WAY. I THINK WE CAN HAVE A THIRD OPTION, THAT IS THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSIST THOSE SCHOOLS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OPTING TO USE MOTHER TONGUE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSIST SUCH SCHOOLS TO HAVE A SHIFT SO AS TO HAVE THE JOB DONE BEFORE 1997.
SO MY QUESTION IS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT ASSIST THOSE SCHOOLS? AND ALSO WILL THE GOVERNMENT TRY TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICY IN ITS COURSES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE SO AS TO GIVE CHINESE A HIGHER STATUS?
/GOVERNOR: ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
13
GOVERNOR: I REPEAT WHAT I SAW EARLIER. THE GOVERNMENT IS ATTEMPTING TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO OPT FOR WHATEVER IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND A LOT OF THE RESISTANCE TO THE IDEA COMES FROM THOSE WHO DON’T SHARE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S VIEWS ABOUT ENGLISH, COMES FROM PARENTS WHO THINK THAT TO MOVE AWAY FROM ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, EVEN IF IN PRACTICE ENGLISH HASN’T BEEN USED VERY EFFECTIVELY AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, IS SOMEHOW TO REDUCE THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE ENJOYING. WE REALLY DO HAVE A MATTER OF PARENTAL EDUCATION I THINK TO DEAL WITH JN TACKLING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM.
I MUST SAY. I DON’T SEE THE QUESTION OF LANGUAGE TRAINING IN A PARTICULARLY COLONIAL LIGHT. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT HONG KONG NEEDS, IN ADDITION TO ITS ELOQUENT CANTONESE SPEAKING POPULATION, AS MANY AS POSSIBLE WHO CAN MANAGE IN PUTONGHUA AND IN ENGLISH AND IT’S THE JOB OF GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THAT AS LIKELY AS IT CAN.
IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WE ARE DOING A GOOD DEAL TO INCREASE LANGUAGE TRAINING WITH MORE PUTONGHUA COURSES. BUT I THINK IT’S CLEARLY TRUE THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF JOBS WHICH REQUIRE ENGLISH AS WELL AS CANTONESE OR AS WELL AS PUTONGHUA. PARTICULARLY, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THOSE WORKING IN AREAS LIKE INTERNATIONAL TRADE. SO I THINK IT’S A QUESTION OF KEEPING A BALANCE AND ENSURING THAT WE ENCOURAGE, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, RATHER THAN COERCE.
MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG (THROUGH INTERPRETER): MR PRESIDENT, CONCERNING THE REPLY FROM THE GOVERNOR, ACTUALLY IT REALLY DISAPPOINTS ME. FRANKLY SPEAKING I THINK YOUR VIEWPOINT IS STILL A COLONIAL VIEWPOINT. WILL THE GOVERNMENT TAKE THE LEAD, IF HE STILL THINKS THAT MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE PROMOTED IN HONG KONG? THEN CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, IF THEY ARE ALREADY ASSESSED TO BE SUITABLE FOR EDUCATION THROUGH CHINESE, THEN THE SCHOOLS SHOULD BE TEACHING THEM IN CHINESE AND WILL YOU, THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, TAKE THE LEAD IN THIS AREA?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I CONGRATULATE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER TO BEGIN WITH. I THINK HE’S THE FIRST PERSON WHO’S ACCUSED ME OF COLONIAL ATTITUDES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, BUT THE PRIZE HAD TO GO TO SOMEBODY.
I’M NOT SURE WHETHER HE BELIEVES ALL THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE AT PRESENT CONCERNED ABOUT SCHOOLS MOVING FROM TEACHING IN ENGLISH OR ALLEGEDLY TEACHING IN ENGLISH TO TEACHING IN MOTHER TONGUE, I’M NOT SURE WHETHER HE THINKS THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT ARE ALSO COLONIALIST. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THERE ARE PARENTS THAT WE HAVE TO LEAD ALONG WHAT I THINK IS THE RIGHT ROAD. I DON’T DISAGREE WITH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER ONE BIT THAT ONE WANTS TEACHING IN THE APPROPRIATE MODE AND THAT THAT WILL VERY OFTEN MEAN, IN HONG KONG, MOVING FROM TEACHING IN ENGLISH TO MOVING TO TEACHING IN THE MOTHER TONGUE. I TOTALLY ACCEPT THAT BUT I THINK WE’RE GOING TO BE BEST SERVED BY TRYING TO ENCOURAGE AND LEAD PEOPLE ALONG THAT ROAD RATHER THAN BY DRIVING THEM ALONG IT. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT WHAT WE WANT IS THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE IN THE CLASSROOM BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MAKE VERY MUCH SENSE IF CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT IN A LANGUAGE WHICH THEY NEVER WHOLLY GRASPED, IT DOESN’T MUCH HELP IF CHILDREN ARE BEING TAUGHT IN SOMETHING THAT IS HALF CHINESE AND HALF ENGLISH. WHAT WE WANT IS THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE BUT I HOPE WE CAN [.FAD PARENTS AND SCHOOLS IN THIS DIRECTION RATHER THAN DRIVE THEM AND I THINK THAT’S PROBABLY THE VIEW OF SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS AS WELL.
/MR VICENT CHENG: ......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994'
14
MR VINCENT CHENG: GOVERNOR I’D LIKE TO ASK THIS QUESTION CONCERNING THE EDUCATION POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT. WILL IT ENCOURAGE A MORE DIVERSIFIED EDUCATION POLICY SO THAT PARENTS WILL HAVE SOME KIND OF A CHOICE AS TO WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE RECEIVING, OR WILL YOU ONLY BE VERY RIGIDLY FIXING THE MODE OF EDUCATION, SO THAT THE PARENTS DON’T HAVE ANY CHOICE WITH REGARD TO THE CHOICE. SO WILL PARENTS BE GIVEN A CHOICE.
GOVERNOR: YOU CAN’T CONCEIVABLY BE AGAINST GIVING PARENTS MORE CHOICE IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN, IT WOULD BE LIKE BEING AGAINST MOTHERHOOD. WE ALL WANT TO SEE PARENTS HAVING AS EXTENSIVE A CHOICE AS POSSIBLE, WHILE RECOGNISING IN RUNNING AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT CHOICE INEVITABLY HAS LIMITS. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE PARENTS INVOLVED IN THE WHOLE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS THAN IS AT PRESENT THE CASE. THAT IS WHY I WELCOME, AS I SAID EARLIER THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE, AND THAT’S WHY I WELCOME THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PTAS. I THINK PARENTS THEMSELVES WELCOME MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE, I THINK THEY PARTICULARLY WELCOME MORE INFORMATION WHEN THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE BULLETINS AND MEMORANDA WHICH’RE SENT TO THEM ABOUT THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN WHICH IS SOMETIMES WRITTEN IN A, I THINK, RATHER FIERCE BUREAUCRATISE. SO, YES I AM IN FAVOUR OF EXTENDING CHOICES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, THOUGH THERE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE PRACTICAL LIMITS BECAUSE OF THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF GOVERNMENT PROVIDING FOR EVERY SORT OF OPTION IN EVERY NEIGHBOURHOOD.
I THINK IF I CAN JUST ADD ONE POINT THAT THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS LEANT SO HEAVILY AND SO PROPERLY ON NON-GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF SCHOOLS IS ITSELF AN ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING A GREATER CHOICE.
MR VINCENT CHENG: THE GOVERNOR MAY NOT HAVE COMPLETELY GOT MY QUESTION. I REALLY WISH TO CONVEY AN OPINION THAT, BECAUSE THERE ARE COLLEAGUES CALLING FOR MODIFIED EDUCATION WHICH I AM ALL FOR, BUT I ALSO HAPPEN TO THINK THAT PARENTS, IF THEY WANT THEIR KIDS TO LEARN MORE ENGLISH, THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO.
GOVERNOR: 1 AM SURE THAT’S THE SORT OF CHOICE THAT ONE WELCOMES, AND IT’S WHY AT THE RISK OF APPEARING IN MY MARXIST COLONIAL ROLE. IT’S WHY I ANSWERED EARLIER QUESTIONS IN THE WAY I DID. I THINK THAT THE MORE FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE ENCOURAGING AN APPROPRIATE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION POLICY, THE MORE WE CAN ESTABLISH BRIDGING COURSES, INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES, THE MORE WE CAN ENCOURAGE BETTER LANGUAGE SKILLS THROUGH THE TARGET-ORIENTED CURRICULUM, THE MORE WE CAN DEVELOP THE VOCATIONAL ENGLISH PROGRAMME AS WELL AS EQUIVALENTS TO ALL THOSE THINGS IN MANDARIN. THE MORE WE CAN DO THOSE THINGS THE WIDER THE PARENTS’ CHOICES AND THE WIDER PUPILS’ CHOICES WILL BE.
/MRS SELINA CHOW: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 15 -
MRS SELINA CHOW: GOVERNOR, I AM SORRY TO BELABOUR THE POINT, BUT I STILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION. I’M AFRAID WHAT WAS SAID JUST NOW BY THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER HAS IN FACT CONFUSED THE ISSUE SOMEWHAT. I DON’T THINK HERE WE’RE TALKING ABOUT DEPRIVING PARENTS OF CHOICES, WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS WHAT YOU SAID SIR, LEADING PEOPLE ON THAT ROAD RATHER THAN DRIVING THEM. NOW THE CRITICISM THAT WE HAVE, MEMBERS, OF PARTICULARLY OF THE EDUCATION PANEL, IS THAT WE CANNOT SEE THE GOVERNOR LEADING PEOPLE ON THAT ROAD. WE IN FACT SEE THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING BLIND CHOICES OF PARENTS WHO INSIST THAT THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD RECEIVE EDUCATION, IN ENGLISH, IN THE MEDIUM OF ENGLISH WHEN THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DO SO AND THE TEACHERS TEACHING THEM ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO DO SO EITHER. WE HAVE A PROBLEM WHERE THE MAJORITY OF CHILDREN HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FOR YEARS AS A RESULT OF THAT. WE WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO FOCUS ITS ATTENTION TO LEAD.
NOW WE ARE NOT SATISFIED THAT WHAT IS BEING DONE NOW IS ENOUGH ON THE PART OF GOVERNMENT, IN THE WAY OF LEADING, BECAUSE ALREADY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS GIVEN A GRACE PERIOD IN WHICH TO, SO TO SPEAK, SOFT LAND INTO THE MORE VIABLE RATIO OF HAVING SCHOOLS TEACHING IN CHINESE AND IN ENGLISH, PROPERLY CATERING FOR THE CHILDREN’S’ CAPABILITIES. BUT AS YOU KNOW SIR, 1 MEAN YOU MENTIONED THE CONTROVERSY, RECENTLY THAT RESISTANCE HAS COME ON VERY VERY STRONG AND THE SCHOOLS ARE RESISTING BECAUSE THE PARENTS ARE RESISTING. NOW I AGREE WITH YOU THAT PARENTAL EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT BUT THAT IS NOT THE ONLY THING WE CAN RELY ON. WE MUST SEE GOVERNMENT PLAYING A LEAD AND THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT PLAYING A LEAD. CAN I ASK YOU SIR, WHAT YOU SIR, I MEAN PERSONALLY YOU’VE SAID YOU’RE SO, YOU PLACE SO MUCH IMPORTANCE ON THIS ISSUE, WHAT YOU SIR WILL DIRECT TO GOVERNMENT TO PLAY THAT LEAD WHICH IS SADLY NEEDED AND BADLY NEEDED?
GOVERNOR: WELL, WE'RE AT PRESENT, AS THE HONOURABLE LADY KNOWS, AT A STAGE IN WHICH WE’RE ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO DETERMINE WHICH IN THEIR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE APPROPRIATE MEANS OF INSTRUCTION AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM FURTHER HAVING MADE THAT DETERMINATION, AND IF NECESSARY, TO CHANGE THE POLICY OF THE SCHOOL. WE ARE, BEFORE LONG, GOING TO HAVE TO MOVE FROM ENCOURAGEMENT TO FIRM GUIDANCE; AND WHEN THERE IS FIRM GUIDANCE I HAVE TO SAY TO THE HONOURABLE LADY THERE WILL BE A LOT OF RESISTANCE FROM A LOT OF PARENTS AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WHEN THAT RESISTANCE FROM PARENTS COMES, TO A POLICY WHICH I THINK IS RIGHT AND THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THINKS IS RIGHT, THAT WE’LL HAVE AS A GOVERNMENT THE SUPPORT OF THE HONOURABLE LADY AND SOME OF HER COLLEAGUES IN SEEING A DIFFICULT POLICY THROUGH BECAUSE I DON’T THINK THAT ONE SHOULD UNDER-ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF RESISTANCE THAT THERE WILL BE FROM SOME PARENTS, IN MY JUDGMENT WRONGLY AND TN THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS JUDGMENT WRONGLY, BUT WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT AND IT WILL NEED A GOOD DEAL OF FIRMNESS FROM TIME TO TIME IN DOING SO.
SO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER CHIDES THE GOVERNMENT FOR NOT BEING SUFFICIENTLY ROBUST IN PRESSING THIS POLICY. I’M SURE THAT 1 WILL NEVER HAVE OCCASION TO HAVE TO CHIDE THE HONOURABLE LADY FOR NOT SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT WHEN IT IS BEING MORE ROBUST.
THE PRESIDENT: IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDERS I NOW ADJOURN THE SITTING UNTIL WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY, 1994. MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO JOIN ME IN THE ANTE-CHAMBER.
/16 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
16
HK’S REPUTATION AS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD IMPORTANT * ♦ ♦ * »
HONG KONG MUST VIGOROUSLY PROTECT ITS REPUTATION AS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE DUTCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, SIR HAMISH SAID HONG KONG’S DEVOTION TO PRESERVING THIS LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WAS THE KEY TO THE TERRITORY’S SUCCESS, THE ENVY OF OTHERS AND A GREAT ATTRACTION TO INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS AND BUSINESSMEN.
SIR HAMISH SAID HONG KONG’S COMMITMENT TO A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WAS A COMMITMENT TO FAIR COMPETITION, MOST RELEVANT TO A TENDER SITUATION, WHERE NO DISCRIMINATION SHOULD BE ALLOWED.
"IN TRADE TERMS IT MEANS THAT HONG KONG IS A FREE PORT, RAISING NO TARIFFS ON IMPORTS, NOR RESTRICTING OR DISCOURAGING IMPORTS IN ANY OTHER WAY.
"IN DOMESTIC TERMS A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD HAS MEANT NO SUBSIDIES TO INDUSTRY OR SERVICES, NO SPECIAL DEALS OR PRIVILEGES. REGULATION AND PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION ARE ONLY THERE WHEN STRICTLY NECESSARY.
"ALSO IMPORTANT TO THE BUSINESS SECTOR ARE READY RESOURCE TO IMPARTIAL JUSTICE; FREEDOM FROM OFFICIAL CORRUPTION; AND BUSINESS ETHICS, WHICH ARE AMONG THE BEST IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO KEEP THE PLAYING FIELD LEVEL IN HONG KONG BECAUSE IT BELIEVED VERY STRONGLY IT WAS RIGHT IN PRINCIPLE TO DO SO.
AS A RESULT, HE ADDED, THE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD HAD KEPT OUR ECONOMY LEAN, FIT AND ADAPTABLE.
"GDP PER CAPITA HAS RISEN STEADILY, UP FROM US$5,875 10 YEARS AGO TO A FORECAST US$20,600 THIS YEAR. REAL WAGES HAVE RISEN, AND WITH THEM STANDARDS OF LIVING."
SIR HAMISH SAID THE MOST RECENTLY UPDATED INDICATORS OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS WERE FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE GATT IN GENEVA ABOUT A FORTNIGHT AGO WHICH SHOWED THAT WITH TOTAL TRADE VALUED AT $2,119 BILLION IN 1993 HONG KONG HAD BECOME THE WORLD’S EIGHTH LARGEST TRADING ENTITY.
"WE WERE THE WORLD’S SEVENTH LARGEST IMPORTER BY VALUE AND EIGHTH LARGEST EXPORTER.
"EXCLUDE TRADE BETWEEN MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THOSE FIGURES BECOME FOURTH AND FIFTH RESPECTIVELY. REMARKABLE FIGURES FOR SUCH A SMALL PLACE AND A POWERFUL DEMONSTRATION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THE NETHERLANDS WAS FIFTH AMONG OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
/"TWENTY-SIX DUTCH .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 17 -
"TWENTY-SIX DUTCH COMPANIES HAVE THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS HERE AND MANY MORE HAVE REGIONAL OFFICES.
"FINANCIAL SERVICES, SHIPPING, OIL SUPPLY, ELECTRONICS AND TRADING ARE WELL-SERVED BY THE PRESENCE OF LARGE, WELL-KNOWN DUTCH COMPANIES.
"AND THE NEW AIPORT PROJECT IS BENEFITING ENORMOUSLY FROM DUTCH ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE," HE SAID.
------0--------
CONDOLENCES TO JOHN SMITH’S FAMILY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY):
"I WAS VERY SAD TO LEARN THE NEWS OF THE DEATH OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, JOHN SMITH.
OF THE LEADER
"HE WAS A GOOD AND DECENT MAN, WIDELY RESPECTED REGARDLESS OF PEOPLES’ INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL OPINIONS.
"I SHOULD LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTERS, AND TO HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS."
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LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ON VOTER REGISTER COMPILATION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ON THE COMPILATION OF THE VOTER REGISTER.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE SET OUT IN THE El,ECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE BILL, 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 BILL ALSO PROVIDES THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) WITH A PROPER LEGAL BASIS TO OMIT, WHEN COMPILING A NEW VOTER REGISTER FOR THE YEAR, THE NAME OF ANY PERSON IN THE EXISTING FINAL REGISTER WHOM THE REGISTRATION OFFICER HAS REASON TO BELIEVE IS NO LONGER ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXISTING ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE HAD LONG CONTAINED GENERAL PROVISIONS WHICH ALLOWED REGULATIONS TO BE MADE IN RELATION TO THE COMPILATION, REVISION AND CORRECTION OF THE VOTER REGISTERS.
/THE PROPOSED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 18 -
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT, HE ADDED, MERELY SOUGHT TO REMOVE ANY DOUBT BY ADDING A CLEAR SPECIFIC ENABLING PROVISION AUTHORISING THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO OMIT ELECTORS FROM THE VOTER REGISTER UNDER CERTAIN PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES.
"IF THE REGISTRATION OFFICER HAS NO SUCH AUTHORITY, THE ACCURACY OF THE VOTER REGISTER WOULD BE GREATLY AFFECTED AS THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT HONG KONG AND THOSE WHO HAVE MOVED WOULD ALL REMAIN ON THE VOTER REGISTER AND CONTINUE TO BE QUALIFIED TO VOTE IN THEIR OLD CONSTITUENCIES.
"THIS WILL EVENTUALLY UNDERMINE THE WHOLE BASIS OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS. THERE IS THEREFORE AN URGENT NEED TO AMEND THE PRIMARY LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO OMIT SUCH ELECTORS FROM THE VOTER REGISTER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ANY ELECTOR SO OMITTED FROM THE REGISTER COULD APPLY FOR RE-REGISTRATION PROVIDED HE HAD RESUMED ORDINARY RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG OR WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE A NEW RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, AS THE CASE MIGHT BE.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 18.
------0-------
37 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS PROMOTED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROMOTIONS OF 18 OFFICERS TO ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C AND 19 OFFICERS TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1994.
"STAFF GRADE C RANK IS THE FIRST DIRECTORATE RANK IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE; IT IS THEREFORE A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT STEP IN AN OFFICER’S CAREER," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
OFFICERS AT THIS RANK TYPICALLY OCCUPY POSTS OF PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, OR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN DEPARTMENT WHICH ARE VITAL TO THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER RANK IS ALSO A RELATIVELY SENIOR LEVEL IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND OFFICERS PROMOTED TO IT ARE FULLY CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE, OFFICERS ARE GENERALLY ASSESSED ON MERIT, WITH EMPHASIS ON THEIR PERFORMANCE, POTENTIAL AND POSTABILITY.
"PROMOTION IS A RECOGNITION THAT THE OFFICERS CONCERNED ARE ABLE AND READY TO PERFORM THE MORE DEMANDING DUTIES IN A HIGHER RANK," HE SAID.
/"AS THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 19 -
"AS THE CIVIL SERVICE IS BECOMING MORE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE, WE NEED OFFICERS WITH THE ABILITY TO FORMULATE AND EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT POLICIES TO THE PUBLIC, AND TO DEFEND POLICIES CONVINCINGLY," HE ADDED.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 37 OFFICERS BEING PROMOTED THIS TIME WHO HAVE THE ABILITY AND CONVICTION TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND BEYOND. THIS IS A GOOD SIGN FOR THE FUTURE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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ACC MEMBERS BRIEFED ON LATEST PROGRESS OF ACP * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS TODAY (THURSDAY) SAW THE EXTENSIVE PHYSICAL PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP).
DURING THE FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR, MEMBERS WERE GIVEN A BRIEFING ON PROGRESS BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE, MR JOHN BURRETT.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RESPECTIVE PROJECT OFFICES ON THE PROGRESS OF INDIVIDUAL ACP PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I, THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION, THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND THE ROUTE 3.
THE PARTY THEN WENT ON SHORE AT THE TSING YI WORKS SITE OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE, WHICH IS PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
FROM A VANTAGE POINT ON SITE, MEMBERS SAW THE TWIN BRIDGE TOWERS, WHC1H IS AT THEIR FULL HEIGHT OF 206 METRES. THEY WERE TOLD THAT SINCE THEIR LAST VISIT IN SEPTEMBER, THE BRIDGE HAD BEEN LINKED BY CABLE WIRES.
ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE WORKS ON WHAT IS THE WORLD’S LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE CARRYING BOTH ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED.
AFTER LEAVING TSING YI, MEMBERS CONTINUED THEIR BOAT TOUR ALONG THE NORTH LANTAU COAST TO VIEW PROGRESS ON THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AND THE TUNG CHUNG DEVELOPMENT.
THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY IS NOW 40 PER CENT COMPLETED AND AT TUNG CHUNG, RECLAMATION, LAND FORMATION AND INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES.
ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE WORKS ON TUNG CHUNG HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED.
ON THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, DR HENRY TOWNSEND, TOLD MEMBERS THAT OVER 50 PER CENT OF THE AIRPORT SITE HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND MORE THAN 680 HECTARES OF LAND HAD BEEN FORMED.
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/20 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR MARCH RELEASED
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR MARCH 1994.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN MARCH 1994, AT $71.1 BILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 12% OVER MARCH 1993.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, THE UNITED STATES, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 30%, 22%, 16%, 13%, 6.6%, 6.5%, 2.1% AND 1.8% RESPECTIVELY.
NEVERTHELESS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO FRANCE AND GERMANY DECREASED BY 14% AND 5.6% 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 QUARTER OF 1994 WAS $197.3 BILLION, 13% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAIN DESTINATIONS: THE UNITED KINGDOM (+25%), JAPAN (+21%), CHINA (+19%), THE NETHERLANDS (+15%), THE UNITED STATES (+15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+14%), GERMANY (+8.1%), SINGAPORE (+7.8%) AND FRANCE (+1.2%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED BY 5.1%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER 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 $5.8 BILLION OR 42%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2.7 BILLION OR 19%); FOOTWEAR (BY $1.7 BILLION OR 16%); ROAD VEHICLES (BY $1.7 BILLION OR 22%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $1.3 BILLION OR 21%) AND CLOTHING (BY $1.2 BILLION OR 6.4%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH 1994, AT $15.9 BILLION, DECREASED BY 8.2% OVER MARCH 1993.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (-27%), GERMANY (-21%), CANADA (-20%), THE UNITED STATES (-7.4%), CHINA (-7.0%), THE NETHERLANDS (-4.3%), JAPAN (-3.2%) AND TAIWAN (-2.0%).
/HOWEVER, THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE PHILIPPINES AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 40% AND 9.1% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-18%), CHINA (-12%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-11%), GERMANY (-10%), JAPAN (-8.2%), THE NETHERLANDS (-7.1%), THE UNITED STATES (-5.0%) AND TAIWAN (-3.7%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE PHILIPPINES AND SINGAPORE INCREASED BY 17% AND 2.6% RESPECTIVELY.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, AT $44.7 BILLION, DECREASED BY 8.1% 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 QUARTER 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 $876 MILLION OR 19%); CLOTHING (BY $721 MILLION OR 5.3%); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $667 MILLION OR 21%); TEXTILES (BY $569 MILLION OR 15%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $463 MILLION OR 12%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $114 MILLION OR 2.6%).
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 $62 MILLION OR 1.2%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN MARCH 1994, AT $96.2 BILLION, INCREASED BY 11% OVER THAT IN MARCH 1993.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING MARCH 1994 WITH MARCH 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS INCREASED: ITALY (+27%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+13%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+13%), GERMANY (+12%), TAIWAN (+10%), MALAYSIA (+8.9%), CHINA (+8.7%), THE UNITED STATES (+8.2%), SINGAPORE (+6.0%) AND JAPAN (+5.7%).
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS INCREASED: MALAYSIA (+25%), ITALY (+24%), CHINA (+13%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+13%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+11%), SINGAPORE (+10%), GERMANY (+6.4%), TAIWAN (+6.2%), THE UNITED STATES (+4.7%) AND JAPAN (+1.0%).
/THE VALUE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994"
- 22 -
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 WAS $255.9 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 9.8% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER 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 $6.3 BILLION OR 35%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3.6 BILLION OR 15%); NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $2.0 BILLION OR 28%); TEXTILES (BY $1.7 BILLION OR 7.6%); FOOTWEAR (BY $1.6 BILLION OR 18%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $1.4 BILLION OR 13%); AND CLOTHING (BY $1.1 BILLION OR 6.1%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $2.2 BILLION OR 17%).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS DESCRIBED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JUNE 1994.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE MARCH 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN MARCH 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 PER COPY ON MAY 27.
THE REPORT CAN BE PURCHASED EITHER AT (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL NO. 842 R802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS.DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. 582 4915) .
/TABLE 1 : .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 23 -
!• i TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 28,385 + 29.9 69,418 + 19.2
UNITED STATES 12,927 + 6.5 39,045 + 14.8
JAPAN 3,802 + 13.1 11,153 + 21.2
GERMANY 2,900 - 5.6 9,650 + 8.1
UNITED KINGDOM 1,834 + 15.9 5,807 + 25.4
TAIWAN 1,896 + 2.1 5,030 - 5.1
SINGAPORE 1,550 + 1.8 4,301 + 7.8
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,534 + 21.9 3,811 + 13.9
NETHERLANDS 997 + 6.6 3,062 + 15.4
FRANCE 909 - 13.6 2,967 + 1.2 k
/TABLE 2 : .......
p;
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
24
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (% CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 7,256 - 1.0 21,176 + 4.8
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 5,485 - 14.4 20,148 + 6.4
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,970 + 32.6 19,502 + 42.3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 6,419 + 20.3 16,917 + 18.7
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6,267 + 5.7 15,771 + 5.9
FOOTWEAR 3,706 + 11.6 12,209 + 16.5
ROAD VEHICLES 4,272 + 44.9 9,545 + 21.9
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,016 + 8.6 8,525 + 15.3 '
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 2,768 + 23.8 7,677 + 20.7
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,064 - 2.5 6,398 + 12.9
/TABLE 3 :
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 25 -
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (% CHANGE)
CHINA 5,014 - 7.0 12,388 - 11.5
UNITED STATES 3,671 - 7.4 11,021 - 5.0
SINGAPORE 1,062 + 9.1 2,756 + 2.6
GERMANY 760 - 20.7 2,636 - 10.4
JAPAN 900 - 3.2 2,265 - 8.2
UNITED KINGDOM 629 - 27.5 2,091 - 10.9
TAIWAN 500 - 2.0 1,381 - 3.7
NETHERLANDS 335 - 4.3 ' 1,015 - 7.1
CANADA 239 - 20.0 852 - 17.9
PHILIPPINES 259 + 40.2 663 + 17.4 k
/TABLE 4 : .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 26 -
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (% CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,620 - 13.4 12,862 - 5.3
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,101 + 10.6 5,251 + 1.2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1,658 - 4.6 4,235 - 2.6
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,425 - 15.9 3,720 - 19.1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,160 - 11.5 3,256 - 12.4
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,176 - 18.5 3,161 - 15.3V
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,035 - 15.4 2,483 - 21.2
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 379 - 5.5 1,022 - 5.7
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 339 + 6.9 813 + 0.8
MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 302 + 3.5 762 - 2.1
/TABLE 5 : .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 27 -
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER MAR 1994 (HKD Mn*) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 33,725 + 8.7 93,432 + 12.8
JAPAN 16,663 + 5.7 41,280 + 1.0
TAIWAN 8,642 + 10.1 22,013 + 6.2
UNITED STATES 6,734 + 8.2 18,418 + 4.7
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4,651 + 12.7 11,988 + 11.1
SINGAPORE 4,041 + 6.0 11,192 + 10.1
GERMANY 2,456 + 12.2 , 6,233 + 6.4
UNITED KINGDOM 2,008 + 13.4 5,480 + 12.6
ITALY 1,762 + 27.5 4,513 + 24.4
MALAYSIA 1,440 + 8.9 4,252 + 25.0 ,
/TABLE 6 : ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 28 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) MAR 94 OVER MAR 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-MAR 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-MAR 94 OVER JAN-MAR 93 (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 10,748 + 21.4 27,977 + 14.8
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,132 + 29.7 24,474 + 34.6
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 9,502 + 6.1 23,453 + 7.6
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,487 5.2 19,734 + 6.1
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 6,232 + 9.0 16,763 + 7.1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,527 + 17.4 11,746 + I 13.0
FOOTWEAR 3,616 + 20.2 10,768 + 17.9
ROAD VEHICLES 4,201 - 22.0 10,696 - 17.1
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,743 + 31.5 9,337 + 27.6
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,453 + 8.6 9,133 + 9.3
--------0-----------
/29 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
29
STRATEGY FOR ARTS DEVELOPMENT BEING FORMULATED
*****
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (HKADC) IS GETTING ON WITH THE WORK OF FORMULATING A STRATEGY FOR PLANNING AND PROMOTING THE BROAD DEVELOPMENT IN THE ARTS.
THE COUNCIL HAS ALREADY HELD ONE MEETING SINCE ITS INAUGURATION IN LATE APRIL AND ITS COMMITTEES ARE NOW TACKLING THE DETAILED ISSUES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HKADC SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN SET UP ON THE BASIS OF THE SOLID FOUNDATIONS THAT HAD BEEN LAID DOWN BY THE WORKING GROUP OF THE HKADC IN ITS PROGRESS REPORT.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH DRAWING UP RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE MEMBERSHIP, TERMS OF REFERENCE, OBJECTIVES AND SO ON THAT THE HKADC NEEDS TO ENABLE IT TO CARRY OUT ITS MISSION.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN THE COURSE OF ITS WORK, THE WORKING GROUP HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
UPON THE COMPLETION OF ITS WORK, THE WORKING GROUP HAD PREPARED A PROGRESS REPORT SETTING OUT DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS AND OTHER MATERIALS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT AND WORK OF THE HKADC.
THIS PROGRESS REPORT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP.
THE GOVERNOR HAD REPLIED THANKING THE WORKING GROUP FOR ALL OF ITS HARD WORK AND ALSO STATING CLEARLY THAT THE HKADC SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED LAST MONTH ALONG THE LINES SET OUT IN THE PROGRESS REPORT, INITIALLY AS A NON-STATUTORY BODY AND, WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, AS A STATUTORY BODY.
THE PROGRESS REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. THOSE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING COPIES CAN WRITE TO THE HKADC SECRETARIAT AT 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG OR TELEPHONE 594 5699.
------0-------
BEACH WATER GRADES
* * * ♦ »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER IS USUALLY SAMPLED.
/THE GRADING .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 30 -
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME 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 SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATER IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
’’BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
’’BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR SHORTER IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS:
* GRADE ”1” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
♦ GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE ”3” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
♦ GRADE ”4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE ”4” OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES, ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA, AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
/THE DECISION .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 31 -
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 IS ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THE BEACHES. THEY ARE INDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 28.4.94) (AS AT 12.5.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 2
CHUNG HOM KOK 2
DEEP WATER BAY 1
HAIRPIN 2
MIDDLE BAY 1
REPULSE BAY 1
SHEK O 2
SOUTH BAY 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 1
TURTLE COVE 1
STANLEY MAIN 2
ROCKY BAY X
TO TEI WAN* 1
2 2
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
2 X
1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA X
NEW CAFETERIA 3
CASTLE PEAK X
KADOORIE 3
BUTTERFLY 2
X 3 X
3 2
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY 1
KIU TSUI 1
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
1 1
1
1
1
1
2
1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
32
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVERMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG 0*
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2 2
1 1
1
1
1
2
1
1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CASAM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
X 3
2
X 4
3 3
3 3
3 2
NOTE: ”X” »
THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING. NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
MIDDLE BAY FROM ” 1" TO "2”; CASAM, HOI MEI WAN AND LIDO FROM ”2” TO ”3”; AND APPROACH FROM ”3” TO ”4”.
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
THE GENERAL DETERIORATION OF BEACH WATER QUALITY IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT IS PROBABLY DUE TO THE RECENT HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLAND TO BE FLUSHED INTO THE SEA WATER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR MALCOLM BROOM, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, ON 835 1234.
/33 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
33
17 LIFE-SAVERS COMMENDED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, HAS HIGHLY COMMENDED 17 BRAVE RESIDENTS FOR SAVING LIVES AT SEA OR IN SWIMMING POOLS LAST YEAR.
DR LEE MADE THE REMARKS AT THE ANNUAL PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB AT REPULSE BAY THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION AND THANKS, DR LEE PRESENTED RESCUE STARS, CERTIFICATES AND LUCKY TIN HAU COINS TO THE THREE FISHERMEN, SIX REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF MEMBERS AND EIGHT OCEAN PARK EMPLOYEES.
TWO OF THE FISHERMEN, MR LAI PAK-SING AND MR CHUNG AH-PAK, WERE JOINTLY AWARDED A TIN HAU TROPHY.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, DR LEE SAID THE CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS, WHO HAD SAVED 15 LIVES LAST YEAR, DESERVED PRAISE AND SET GOOD EXAMPLES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
HE THANKED THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB FOR ITS COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE PAST 38 YEARS.
’’LAST YEAR ALONE, THE CLUB HELPED BRING TO SAFETY 778 DROWNING CITIZENS THROUGH ITS 4,728 MAN-TIMES OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES AT BEACHES, SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER COMMUNITY WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, MR LAU HON-WAH AND MR CHAN CHI-YAT.
------0-------
HKIED SEEKS LOGO
*****
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) IS INVITING ENTRIES TO A COMPETITION ON THE DESIGN OF A LOGO TO BE ADOPTED BY THE INSTITUTE.
THE HKIED IS BEING ESTABLISHED BY SUBSUMING THE EXISTING FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WITH THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF ITS GOVERNING COUNCIL.
THE INSTITUTE WILL BEGIN OFFERING COURSES IN SEPTEMBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INSTITUTE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE LOGO SHOULD DEPICT THE HKIED AS A TERTIARY INSTITUTE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND AS A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN TEACHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
"THE LOGO SHOULD BE DISTINCTIVE, ARTISTIC AND EASY TO REMEMBER AND RECOGNISE, PREFERABLY SHOWING THE CONCEPT OF AMALGAMATING THE EXISTING FIVE COLLEGES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/“A CASH.......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
34 -
"A CASH PRIZE OF $1,000 EACH WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST 10 ENTRIES WHILE THE CHAMPION ENTRY ADOPTED BY THE HKIED AS ITS LOGO WILL BE GIVEN $5,000 IN ADDITION," HE SAID.
THE SIZE OF THE LOGO SHOULD NOT BE SMALLER THAN 15 CM BY 15 CM AND MUST BE SUBMITTED ON A4 PAPER.
THERE ARE NO COLOUR RESTRICTIONS AND THE DESIGN MUST BE IN TWO-DIMENSIONAL FORM.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL AND ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN JUNE 18 (SATURDAY).
ENTRY FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1156, 11TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON TEL 892 6661.
------0--------
STUDENTS TAKE PART IN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE
*****
ABOUT 210 STUDENTS FROM SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WAN CHAI TOOK PART IN A VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IN THE DISTRICT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY WERE DEPLOYED TO 42 STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE AREA TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST PASSERS-BY TO BECOME VOTERS.
BEFORE SETTING OFF, A CEREMONY TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT VOTER REGISTATION PUBLICITY DAY WAS HELD IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER MR PETER MANN CALLED UPON THOSE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION.
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE CIVIC EDUCATION WORKING GROUP OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD.
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/35........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
35
SAFETY AND HEALTH IN WORK PLACES URGED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 20 FACTORY
AND CONSTRUCTION SITE OPERATORS FOR FAILING TO TAKE REASONABLY PRACTICABLE MEASURES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1990.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY A SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR PANG KWOK-LAM, AT A SYMPOSIUM ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR PANG SAID MANAGEMENT IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES MIGHT FIND IT COMPLICATED TO FOLLOW THE FIVE PARTICULAR AREAS OF DUTIES AS STIPULATED IN THE PROVISIONS, BUT WHAT IT ACTUALLY REQUIRED WAS A COMPLETE SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
"ALL MANAGERS HAVE TO DO IS TO APPLY THEIR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES INTO THE FIELD OF SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND THINGS WILL AUTOMATICALLY FALL INTO THEIR PLACES.
"TO INCREASE MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY, IT IS ADVISABLE TO ADOPT A UNIFORM APPROACH BY INTEGRATING PRODUCTION, QUALITY, ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT INTO ONE SINGLE SYSTEM," HE ADDED.
MR PANG NOTED THAT UNDER THE GENERAL DUTIES PROVISIONS, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE ALL WORK PLACES WERE SAFE AND HEALTHY.
TODAY’S SYMPOSIUM WAS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION AND CO-ORGANISED BY SHELL COMPANIES IN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
THE EVENT, WHICH ATTRACTED SOME 230 PARTICIPANTS, WAS SPONSORED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS.
THE CHEMICALS HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGER OF SHELL COMPANIES IN CHINA AND HONG KONG, MR DICKSON NGAI, ALSO GAVE A SPEECH ABOUT RESPONSIBLE CARE INITIATIVE.
ANOTHER SPEAKER AT THE SYMPOSIUM WAS MR LUI TIT-LOK FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WHO PROVIDED ADVICE ON DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTE.
- - 0 - -
/36........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
36
PUBLIC WORKS ON DISPLAY
*****
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 IN A ROVING EXHIBITION TO MARK 150 YEARS OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG.
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT POPULAR LOCATIONS INCLUDING SHOPPING CENTRES AND AN MTR STATION OVER SEVEN WEEKENDS BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST, IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
THE FIRST EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MAY 14 AND MAY 15) AT THE PEDESTRIAN DECK OF THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE SHORT FILMS ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL ON HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING MORE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE IMPRESSIVE MODELS OF SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING TSING MA BRIDGE, DEVELOPMENTS AT THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION, THE AWARD-WINNING KOWLOON WALLED CITY PARK, AND THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME IN MINIATURE WHICH WILL BE DISPLAYED WHERE THE VENUE PERMITS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO FEATURE DISPLAY PANELS CONTAINING CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WITH SHORT DESCRIPTIONS TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATING OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS, NAMELY 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 THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DISPLAY IS A SET OF FIVE PANORAMIC-VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH SHOW THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
THESE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN VIRTUALLY FROM THE SAME ANGLE AT BEACON HILL WITH THE EARLIEST PICTURE DATED 1862 AND THE LAST ONE JUST LAST MONTH.
A POCKET-SIZE ADDRESS-TELEPHONE NOTEBOOK WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
37
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM. APART FROM LOK FU, IT WILL ALSO BE MOUNTED AT THE FOLLOWING DATES AND VENUES:
VENUE DATE
» CITYPLAZA, TAIKOO SHING WEST BRIDGE MAY 28 - 29
» MTR CENTRAL STATION JUNE 11-14
* HARBOUR CITY OCEAN GALLERIES EXHIBITION CORNER JUNE 25 - 26
» WHAMPOA GARDEN HONG KONG STREET PLACE JULY 9-10
» TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA 1/F CORRIDOR A JULY 23 - 24
* FANLING CENTRE SHOPPING ARCADE AUGUST 6-7
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, TOGETHER WITH WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN, AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK, WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE II PEDESTRIAN DECK AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
--------0 - -
PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS VISIT SWD
*****
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, AND EXCHANGED WITH HIM VIEWS ON WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE COMING YEAR.
THE NEW CHAIRMAN, MR WONG MAN-KON, OUTLINED THE KUK’S CHILD CARE, REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY SERVICES AS WELL AS PLANNED PROJECTS TO MR STRACHAN.
HE ALSO THANKED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR OFFERING INVALUABLE ADVICE AND SUPPORT TO THE KUK.
DURING THE VISIT, MR STRACHAN ASSURED THE BOARD MEMBERS THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM IN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
------0-------
/38......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 38 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY. THEY MAY RESERVE SEATS BY CALLING 869 9399.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » » ♦ »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,740 0930 + 850
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,346 1000 + 750
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 735
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 936 1200 + 935
LAF TODAY -1,330 1500 + 936
1600 + 936
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.0 *-0.1* 12.5.94
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1994
- 39 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.31 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.35 6.08
1 MONTH 3.72 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 96.96 6.34
3 MONTHS 4.36 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.31 6.86
6 MONTHS 4.94 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.42 7.01
12 MONTHS 5.47 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.64 7.17
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 39,745 MN
CLOSED 12 MAY 1994
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BEC SEEKS VIEWS ON ELECTION GUIDELINES..................... 1
HIGHER EXPENSE LIMIT FOR DB ELECTION CANDIDATES............ 2
SUCCESS OF HK DEPENDS ON FINE CIVIL SERVANTS............... 3
TWO ANTI-DRUG ORDINANCES TO BE AMENDED..................... 4
AUTHORITY DISCUSSES TV SERIES COMPLAINTS................... 5
AMENDMENTS TO THREE SETS OF MARITIME REGULATIONS........... 6
GREATER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE RECOMMENDED................... 7
FEES AND CHARGES REVISED TO RECOVER COST................... 8
FINDINGS OF TV BROADCASTING SURVEY 1993/94 RELEASED....... 11
TRADE DEPARTMENT TO REVISE FEES AND CHARGES............... 13
RESPONSIBLE LINE ON PUBLIC SPENDING URGED................. 17
ELECTRICAL CONTRACT FOR NORTH LANTAU WATER SUPPLY AWARDED................................................... 18
COMAC ORDINANCE NOW COVERS REO.......................... 19
MAIL SERVICES TO RWANDA SUSPENDED......................... 20
ENVIRONMENTAL FEES AND CHARGES REVISED.................... 20
/AMENDMENTS TO.....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
AMENDMENTS TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES CONTROL LIST GAZETTED................................................... 23
DAM PLANNED FOR KAU SAI CHAU............................... 24
TWO RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS GAZETTED.................... 24
60 VMS INTERCEPTED......................................... 26
APRIL AIR QUALITY REPORT................................... 27
SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN SMI SCHEME......................... 28
NEW PIER AT KAU SAI CHAU................................... 30
WU KAU TANG DEVELOPMENT PLAN PUBLISHED..................... 30
LORRY LOADING AREA PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN................... 32
CLOSURE OF MONG KOK ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT.............. 32
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
33
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
BEC SEEKS VIEWS ON ELECTION GUIDELINES
*****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED ITS PROPOSED GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THE GUIDELINES WERE AIMED AT ENSURING THAT ELECTIONS WOULD BE CONDUCTED OPENLY, FAIRLY AND HONESTLY.
THE ONE-MONTH PUBLIC CONSULTATION WILL START NEXT MONDAY (MAY 16).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED GUIDELINES TO THE COMMISSION BEFORE JUNE 16.
THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO MEET, BY APPOINTMENT, INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS DURING THE WEEK FROM MAY 30 TO JUNE 5.
THE 16-CHAPTER PROPOSED GUIDELINES EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE ELECTORAL PROCEDURE, THE REGULATIONS WHICH CANDIDATES AND THEIR AGENTS SHOULD OBSERVE AND THE AREAS TO WHICH THEY SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID, IN DRAWING UP ITS DRAFT GUIDELINES, THE COMMISSION HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE PUBLIC VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE PAST REGARDING THE ELECTORAL PROCEDURES.
THE MAIN FEATURES COVERED BY THE GUIDELINES INCLUDE:
♦ SIMPLIFIED PAYMENT OF ELECTION DEPOSIT - A CANDIDATE WILL BE ABLE TO PAY HIS ELECTION DEPOSIT, IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE, AT THE SAME TIME WHEN HE SUBMITS HIS NOMINATION FORM TO THE RETURNING OFFICER. PREVIOUSLY, A CANDIDATE HAD TO PAY THEIR DEPOSIT AT THE TREASURY, AND THEN PRESENTED THE RECEIPT TOGETHER WITH THE NOMINATION FORM TO THE RETURNING OFFICER.
» TIGHTENED CONTROL OF THE DISPLAY AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS - CANDIDATES WILL HAVE TO SERIAL NUMBER ALL THEIR ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS AND SUBMIT DECLARATIONS ON SUCH ADVERTISEMENTS TO THE RETURNING OFFICER BEFORE DISPLAY OR DISTRIBUTION, STATING THE QUANTITIES, LOCATIONS OF DISPLAY AND SO ON. THEY HAVE TO FILE TWO COPIES OR TWO PHOTOS OF EACH TYPE OF ADVERTISEMENTS FOR RECORD. ANY ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS DISPLAYED NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS WILL BE REMOVED AND SEIZED BY THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES. THE CANDIDATE OR ELECTION AGENT SO RESPONSIBLE MAY ALSO BE LIABLE TO A FINE OR IMPRISONMENT.
» AN APPEAL TO OWNERS AND TENANTS OF PRIVATE PREMISES TO ACCORD ALL CANDIDATES WITH EQUAL AND FAIR ACCESS INTO THEIR BUILDINGS FOR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.
/* A "RESTRCITED ........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
2
* A "RESTRICTED CANVASSING AREA SCHEME" WILL BE INTRODUCED TO REGULATE CANVASSING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS ON POLLING DAY. THIS IS TO MAINTAIN FREE AND SAFE PASSAGE FOR ELECTORS AND TO ALLOW CANDIDATES A FAIR CHANCE OF PROMOTING THEMSELVES.
* DETAILED EXPLANATION ON ELECTION EXPENSES, DONATIONS AND THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE.
* A DEDICATED COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE SET UP BY THE COMMISSION TO DEAL WITH ALL COMPLAINTS PROPERLY AND PROMPTLY. THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES THE THREE COMMISSION MEMBERS AND DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, JUDGE WESLEY WONG.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMMISSION RECEIVES VIEWS FROM ALL QUARTERS, SO THAT IT CAN MAKE A BALANCED DECISION ON ITS FINAL GUIDELINES," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
HIGHER EXPENSE LIMIT FOR DB ELECTION CANDIDATES
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF ELECTION EXPENSES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR FROM $30,000 TO $60,000, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MAXIMUM SCALE OF ELECTION EXPENSES (DISTRICT BOARDS) ORDER 1994 UNDER THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE WILL BE GAZETTED NEXT WEEK TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE CHANGE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW CEILING WOULD ENABLE CANDIDATES TO RUN AN EFFECTIVE ELECTION CAMPAIGN ON THE ONE HAND, AND ENSURE THAT THE MORE WELL-OFF CANDIDATES WOULD NOT ENJOY AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE ON THE OTHER.
THE CURRENT EXPENSE LIMIT OF $30,000 FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS SET IN 1990 AND WAS BASED ON VARIOUS BASIC EXPENDITURE ITEMS THAT WERE COMMONLY EMPLOYED BY CANDIDATES IN THEIR CAMPAIGNING ACTIVITIES.
THESE INCLUDED EMPLOYMENT OF ELECTION AGENTS, MEALS AND DRINKS FOR HELPERS, PRINTING OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND PRODUCTION OF BANNERS, PLACARDS AND POSTERS.
"SINCE THEN, THE COSTS FOR THESE ITEMS HAVE GONE UP SUBSTANTIALLY AND AS ELECTIONS BECOME MORE KEENLY CONTESTED, THE EXPENDITURE ITEMS USED BY CANDIDATES IN FUTURE ELECTIONS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN BOTH VARIETY AND QUANTITY.
"THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE CONSIDERS THAT INCREASINGLY POPULAR CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES AND ITEMS SUCH AS PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLICITY BOARDS, T-SHIRTS AND ARMBANDS FOR ELECTION HELPERS, AGENT ID CARDS, AS WELL AS MAILING AND TRAVELLING EXPENSES SHOULD ALSO BE FACTORED IN THE CALCULATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION EXPENSE LIMIT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 3 -
HE
ON THESE CONTESTING
SAID THE CALCULATION OF THE NEW LIMIT OF $60,000 WAS BASED EXPENDITURE ITEMS AND ASSUMING THAT A CANDIDATE WAS IN A DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY WITH THE LARGEST
POPULATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PRESENT MAXIMUM SCALE OF ELECTION EXPENSES AT $30,000 REMAINED APPLICABLE TO ANY BY-ELECTIONS THAT MIGHT BE HELD IN THE MEANTIME IN RESPECT OF THE EXISTING DISTRICT BOARDS.
---------0-----------
SUCCESS OF HK DEPENDS ON FINE CIVIL SERVANTS
* * » * »
THE SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG HAS DEPENDED ON A CIVIL SERVICE WHICH HAS CONSISTENTLY SHOWN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF INTEGRITY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
”1 KNOW THAT OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE PRC HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME HIGH REGARD FOR THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE,” HE SAID.
”SO I HOPE VERY MUCH THAT ALL OUR FINE CIVIL SERVANTS IN HONG KONG WILL SET THEIR MINDS AT REST ABOUT THE TRANSITION,” HE ADDED.
MR PATTEN SAID WHATEVER THE OCCASIONAL PROBLEMS, HE WAS ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY THE CENTRAL ROLE IN THE PROSPERITY AND DECENCY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE.
SPEAKING AT THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS’ ASSOCIATION, MR PATTEN SAID THE CIVIL SERVANTS’ FAITHFUL COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG’S INTERESTS WAS ONE OF THE BEST POSSIBLE SAFEGUARDS OF THE WAY OF LIFE.
’’THAT COMMITMENT HAS BEEN SHOWN BOTH IN HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND BY A STRONG SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT,” HE ADDED.
”WE ARE ALL INVOLVED IN THE TASK OF MAKING THE CIVIL SERVICE MORE EFFECTIVE, BETTER ABLE TO RESPOND TO THE DEMANDS BEING PLACED ON IT.
”A KEY GOAL FOR ALL OF US IS GREATER USER-FRIENDLINESS BOTH TOWARDS COLLEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE TO THE COMMUNITY," MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR HELPING TO FOSTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND A SENSE OF MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT.
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/4 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
4
TWO ANTI-DRUG ORDINANCES TO BE AMENDED *****
TWO ANTI-DRUG ORDINANCES WILL BE AMENDED TO BE BROUGHT INTO LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND TO MEET OPERATIONAL NEEDS.
BILLS TO AMEND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE AND THfe ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) ORDINANCE ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO BE IN LINE WITH THE 1988 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 SOUGHT TO INTRODUCE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORTS OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES. •
THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 WOULD BRING IN NEW PROVISIONS TO SUPPRESS ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFIC BY SEA, HE ADDED.
. > ? •. • ; i r-
THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE EXISTING SCOPE OF CONTROL OVER CHEMICALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS TO COVER AN ADDITIONAL *21 CHEMICALS SPECIFIED IN THE UN CONVENTION.
’’THE CHEMICALS WILL BE ARRANGED INTO THREE GROUPS TO WHICH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONTROL WILL APPLY.
’’TWELVE TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THE FOUR INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC COMMITTEES OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAVE BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES, AND SO FAR NO OBJECTION HAS BEEN EXPRESSED,” REVEALED MR SINCLAIR.
THIS AMENDMENT BILL ALSO INTRODUCES A NEW SECTION TO PROHIBIT THE POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORT, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIFIED CHEMICALS, KNOWING OR HAVING REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT /-THEY ARE TO BE USED IN OR FOR THE ILLICIT PRODUCTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.
. .4 •
THE BILLS PROVIDE FOR THE REPEAL, IN BOTH ORDINANCES, “ OF PROVISIONS THAT A PERSON IN POSSESSION OF THE KEYS TO ANY MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINING A DANGEROUS DRUG IS PRESUMED TO HAVE HAD POSSESSION OF THE DRUG.
• • - ’.
’’THIS PRESUMPTION HAS BEEN HELD BY THE HIGH COURT TO BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS,” MR SINCLAIR SAID.
IN ADD 1'1'JON, THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 MAKES A NUMBER OF TECHNICAL CHANGES TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST TO CARRY OUT HIS DUTIES.
’’THESE INCLUDE EMPOWERING HIM TO CULTIVATE CANNABIS AND SYNTHESISE DANGEROUS DRUGS AND LISTING CANNABIS RESIN SEPARATELY FROM CANNABIS,” THE COMMISSIONER SAID.
/THE BILL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 5 -
THE BILL WILL ALSO LOWER THE CONCENTRATION OF CODEINE IN COUGH PREPARATIONS TO WHICH THE ORDINANCE APPLIES, ENABLING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO MONITOR THE IMPORTATION OF CODEINE SYRUP FOR THE PURPOSE OF MANUFACTURING COUGH MEDICINES.
’’FOLLOWING A RECENT HIGH COURT RULING ON THE POWER OF ENTRY AND SEARCH WITHOUT A WARRANT, THE BILL LIMITS THIS POWER TO SITUATIONS WHERE IT IS NOT REASONABLY PRACTICABLE TO OBTAIN ONE,” MR SINCLAIR CONCLUDED.
THE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THEIR FIRST READING AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON MAY 18.
------0--------
AUTHORITY DISCUSSES TV SERIES COMPLAINTS ♦ ♦ t t *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MET YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND DISCUSSED THE RECENT DECISIONS BY ATV AND TVB TO SHOW EPISODES OF THE ”PAO THE JUDGE” SERIES CONCURRENTLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID MEMBERS EXPRESSED GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE ACTIONS OF BOTH BROADCASTERS WHO, BY COMPETING IN THIS WAY, WERE NOT ACTING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE VIEWING PUBLIC.
HE SAID MEMBERS WERE VERY CONCERNED THAT THE PUBLIC WAS NOT BEING GIVEN AN ADEQUATE CHOICE OF PROGRAMMING MATERIAL, AND THIS WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE AUTHORITY’S GENERAL APPROACH OF ENCOURAGING COMPETITION IN ORDER TO INCREASE CHOICE FOR HONG KONG VIEWERS.
AS OF MAY 11, THERE HAD BEEN SOME 74 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SITUATION.
IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING PUBLIC CONCERN, THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY DECIDED TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING AND TO INVITE THE TWO STATIONS TO DISCUSS THE MATTER NEXT WEEK.
IT WILL REQUEST THE TWO STATIONS TO ACCOUNT FOR THEIR
RECENT
DECISIONS
AND TO ADVISE ON THEIR NEXT PROGRAMMING PLANS.
IN ADDITION, THE AUTHORITY’S COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WILL BE DEALING WITH THE COMPLAINTS SEPARATELY.
THE AUTHORITY ALSO CONSIDERED SOME PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BROADCAST ON TELEVISION OF AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR A COMPACT DISC ENTITLED ’’MARLBORO RED HOT HITS”.
THE COMPLAINANTS HAD ALLEGED THAT THE ADVERTISEMENT HAD THE EFFECT OF PROMOTING MARLBORO CIGARETTES, A PRODUCT THAT MAY NOT BE ADVERTISED ON TELEVISION.
THE AUTHORITY’S CODES OF PRACTICE PROHIBIT ANY ADVERTISEMENT FOR AN ACCEPTABLE PRODUCT IF A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT OF THE ADVERTISEMENT IS TO PROMOTE AN UNACCEPTABLE PRODUCT.
/THE SPOKESMAN
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 6 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD STUDIED THE CASE CAREFULLY AND IN GREAT DETAIL, AND HAD COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE ADVERTISEMENT DID NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT OE PROMOTING MARLBORO CIGARETTES.
HE SAID TIIF AUTHORITY NOTED THAT IT WAS NOT ILLEGAL IN HONG KONG TO USE AN ESTABLISHED BRAND NAME FOR THE PROMOTION OF OTHER LEGITIMATE BUSINESS.
HOWEVER, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR SUCH CASES VERY CLOSELY TO ENSURE THAT ANY LEGITIMATE ADVERTISEMENTS DID NOT OVER-STEP THE MARK AND HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT OF PROMOTING ANY UNACCEPTABLE PRODUCTS.
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AMENDMENTS TO THREE SETS OF MARITIME REGULATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVISED THE DEFINITION OF "FERRY VESSEL" UNDER REGULATION 2 OF THE SHIPPING AND PORI' CONTROL (HONG KONG - CHINA AND MACAU FERRI TERMINALS) REGULATION TO MAXIMISE THE UTILISATION OF THE TWO FERRY TERMINALS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENT, CONTAINED IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (HONG KONG - CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS) AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
PREVIOUSLY, "FERRY VESSEL" WAS DEFINED AS A VESSEL CARRYING PASSENGERS PLYING REGULARLY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU OR HONG KONG AND ANY PLACE IN CHINA.
"THIS DEFINITION IMPOSED A GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARY AND LIMITED THE USE OF THE TERMINALS BY FERRIES OTHER THAN THOSE AS STIPULATED IN THE PRINCIPAL REGULATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"TO DEFINE ’FERRY VESSEL’ AS FERRI CARRYING PASSENGERS AND SERVICES FOR SHORT INTERNATIONAL VOYAGES TO AND FROM HONG KONG PERMITS THE USE OF HONG KONG’S FERRY TERMINALS Bl VESSELS ENGAGED IN, FOR EXAMPLE, VOYAGES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REGULATION ALSO PROVIDES THE DIRK TOR OF MARINE WITH POWERS TO PERMIT PASSENGERS TO STAY ON BOARD AN INTERNATIONAL FERRY; SUCH POWERS WERE FORMERLY GRANTED TO THE MASTER OF A VESSEL.
"HONG KONG AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS AND CHINA FERRY TERMINALS ARE NOT ONLY LOCATIONS FOR EMBARKING AND DISEMBARKING PASSENGERS, THEY ARE ALSO BORDER CHECK POINTS. IT IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR SECURITY AND MANAGEMENT REASONS FOR THE MASTER OF A VESSEL TO BE GIVEN SUCH POWERS," HE SAID.
TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY OF TERMINAL OPERATIONS, CERTAIN PROVISIONS FOR REGULATING PASSENGER, CARGO AND VESSEL MOVEMENTS AT THE TERMINALS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER ALL VESSELS WHICH ARE PERMITTED TO USE THE TERMINALS.
/THE REGULATION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
7
THE REGULATION ALSO SIMPLIFIED THE ISSUE OF PASSES TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA WITHIN THE TERMINAL PREMISES. THE TYPES OF PASSES HAVE BEEN REDUCED FROM FIVE TO THREE.
IT ALSO EXEMPTS HELICOPTER PASSENGERS FROM WEARING PASSES WHEN ENTERING THE RESTRICTED AREA.
PROVISIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO ALLOW PERSONS TO BE ESCORTED INTO RESTRICTED AREA UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES SUCH AS FOR RECORDING A COMPLAINT OR TO VISIT PERSONS DETAINED IN A TERMINAL.
ALSO GAZETTED TODAY WAS THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 WHICH REVISED THE FEE STRUCTURES FOR SURVEYING OF PASSENGER SHIPS AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT FOR THE WHOLE PERIOD THE SURVEYORS ARE STAYING OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
"THE REVISION IS TO RECTIFY THE UNDER-RECOVERY OF COSTS. THE REGULATION PROVIDES THAT ALL FEES RELATING TO SURVEYS AND INSPECTIONS OF PASSENGER SHIPS AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG SHOULD INCLUDE ELEMENTS FOR TRAVELLING TIME AND COSTS," HE SAID.
THESE AMENDMENTS ARE TO RECTIFY THE UNDER-RECOVERY OF COSTS BECAUSE THE EXISTING FEES CHARGED FOR SURVEYING OF PASSENGER SHIPS AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT ARE BASED ON AS IF THEY WERE CARRIED IN HONG KONG.
AS SURVEYORS WERE OUTSIDE HONG KONG, IT WAS ONLY FAIR THAT THEIR ACTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A THIRD MARITIME REGULATION, SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (TYPHOON SHELTERS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WAS ALSO GAZETTED TO DELETE CERTAIN REGULATIONS IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (TYPHOON SHELTERS) REGULATIONS WHICH APPLY SPECIFICALLY TO THE OLD YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.
"THESE PROVISIONS ARE OBSOLETE FOLLOWING THE RECLAMATION OF THE OLD YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
GREATER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE RECOMMENDED
*****
THE WORKING PARTY ON FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE WHICH IS CHAIRED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) HELD ITS FOURTH MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKING PARTY REAFFIRMED ITS EARLIER RECOMMENDATION THAT THERE SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, BEGINNING WITH THE ACCOUNTS FOR 1994.
THIS WOULD MEAN FULL DISCLOSURE OF BANKS’ PROFITS FOR 1994, INCLUDING ANY TRANSFERS TO AND FROM INNER RESERVES. MUCH MORE DETAILED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION WOULD ALSO BE PUBLISHED IN THE 1994 ACCOUNTS.
/THE WORKING .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 8 -
THE WORK TNG PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THE QUESTION OF THE DISCLOSURE BY BANKS OF EXISTING INNER RESERVES ON THE BALANCE SHEET SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN MID-1995 IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE INCREASED DISCLOSURE IN THE 1994 ACCOUNTS.
IT ALSO APPROVED A REVISED PRESENTATION OF ITS RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON A "CHECK-LIST” OF RELEVANT ITEMS.
"THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS ARE AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE BY THE BANKING SECTOR WHICH WOULD LEAD TO A VERY SUBSTANTIAL AND WELCOME INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG," THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, COMMENTED.
"FROM 1994 ONWARDS, INVESTORS AND DEPOSITORS WILL HAVE FULL INFORMATION ON THE OPERATING PERFORMANCE OF INSTITUTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL DISCIOSURE STANDARDS," HE SAID.
THE NEXT STEP WILL BE FOR THE HKMA TO CONSULT THE BANKING SECTOR MORE WIDELY ON THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE HKMA WILL ALSO USE THE RECOMMENDATIONS AS THE BASIS FOR ITS COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED DISCLOSURE BY LISTED BANKS CONTAINED IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE’S DISCUSSION PAPER OF MARCH 28.
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FEES AND CHARGES REVISED TO RECOVER COST *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO INCREASE A NUMBER OF TRANSPORT-RELATED FEES AND CHARGES, INCLUDING THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION FEES AT GOVERNMENT-OWNED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES, TO OFFSET HIGHER OPERATING COSTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MOST OF THE FEES AND CHARGES HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE THE LAST REVISION IN 1990. THE PROPOSED INCREASES WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JUNE 20.
APART FROM VEHICLE EXAMINATION FEES, THE PROPOSED REVISION WILL INCLUDE FEES FOR CAR CLEANER’S PERMITS, PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCES FOR PUBLIC BUS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS AND PRIVATE BUS, CLOSED ROAD PERMITS, VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMITS AND REMOVAL OF VEHICLE FROM GOVERNMENT TUNNELS.
THE REVISION IS PROPOSED ON THE BASIS THAT FEES AND CHARGES SHOULD, IN GENERAL, BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COST.
TO AVOID SHARP INCREASES, THE ISSUING FEE AND THE ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR THE LANTAU CLOSED ROAD PERMIT WILL INITIALLY BE RAISED TO A LEVEL REPRESENTING 50 PER CENT OF THE COST. THE INTENTION IS THAT THESE TWO FEES WILL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY WITH A VIEW TO FULL-COST RECOVERY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/DETAILS OF .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
9
DETAILS OE PROPOSED REVISION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NATURE OF FEE CURRENT FEES ($) PROPOSED FEES ($)
1. VEHICLE EXAMINATION FEE
A) MOTOR CYCLE, MOTOR TRICYCLE 190 290
B) PRIVATE CAR 310 485
C) TAXI OR TRAILER 310 485
D) GOODS VEHICLE OR SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE NOT EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 370 580
E) GOODS VEHICLE OR SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 500 775
F) LIGHT BUS 370 580
G) SINGLE-DECKED BUS 500 775
H) DOUBLE-DECKED BUS 560 870
2. CAR CLEANER’S PERMIT 20 30
3. DUPLICATE HIRE CAR PERMIT 60 I 00
4. PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE FEE -PUBLIC BUS SERVICE, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SERVICE, PRIVATE BUS SERVICE 1 50 320
5. DUPLICATE LICENCE OF PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE 60 1 15
6. PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE CERTIFICATE FOR PUBLIC BUS, PRIVATE BUS & PUBLIC LIGHT BUS 60 1 35
7. DUPLICATE PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE CERTIFICATE 10 75
8. CERTIFICATE OF PARTICULARS IN REGISTER FEE 25 35
9. REGISTRATION FEE OF MOTOR VEHICLE 60 70
10.INTERNATIONAL FISCAL PERMIT 50 1 10
11.INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE 60 110
/I 2.CERTIFICATE OF.......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 10 -
12.CERTIFICATE OF MAXIMUM LOAD & MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WEIGHT 50 110
13.CLOSED ROAD PERMIT OTHER THAN LANTAU
A) PRIVATE 420 468
B) GOODS VEHICLE 360 396
C) BUS 360 396
14.GOODS PERMIT 60 150
15.EXCESS PASSENGERS PERMIT 140 155
16.MOVEMENT PERMIT 210 430
17.LONG LOAD PERMIT 90 200
18.WIDE LOAD PERMIT 90 200
19.ADVERTISING VEHICLE PERMIT 100 120
20.EXPRESSWAY PERMIT 1 30 170
21.VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT (FIRST ISSUE & RENEWAL)
A) DRIVER-OPERATED 1 10 230
B) PEDESTRIAN CONTROLLED 1 10 230
C) GOLF CART 110 230
22.DUPLICATE VILLAGE VEHICLE PERMIT 30 50
23.REMOVAL FEE FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL, ABERDEEN TUNNEL, AIRPORT TUNNEL, SHING MUN TUNNELS & TSEUNG KWAN 0 TUNNEL
A) PRIVATE CARS, TAXI & MOTOR CYCLES 80 130
B) PUBLIC & PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, PUBLIC & PRIVATE SINGLE-DECKED BUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES OF A PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT NOT EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES 100 160
/C) PUBLIC &.........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 11 -
C) PUBLIC & PRIVATE 120
DOUBLE-DECKED BUSES, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES AND GOODS VEHICLES OF A PERMITTED GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES
24.PERMIT FEE (ALL VEHICLE) TO PASS 45
THROUGH A TUNNEL UNDER SPECIAL CONDITION
------0--------
FINDINGS OF TV BROADCASTING SURVEY 1993/91 RELEASED
*****
NEARLY ALL INDIVIDUALS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 64 HAVE TELEVISION SETS IN THEIR HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, A SURVEY COMMISSIONED BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY REVEALS.
COMPARED WITH ITS EARLIER SURVEY IN 1990, THE PERCENTAGE OF INDIVIDUALS OWNING TWO OR MORE TELEVISION SETS HAS INCREASED FROM 23 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT.
THE SURVEY ALSO FINDS THAT THE TELEVISION BROADCASTING SCENE HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1990.
MULTI-CHANNEL SOUND TELEVISION BROADCASTS USING THE NICAM SYSTEM WERE INTRODUCED IN THE SUMMER OF 1991. THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS HAD NICAM DECODERS IN THEIR HOUSEHOLDS AT THE BEGINNING OF 1994.
SATELLITE AND SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISIONS WERE INTRODUCED TO HONG KONG IN 1991 AND 1993 RESPECTIVELY BY STAR TV AND WHARF CABLE.
AT THE TIME THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED, 13 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS HAD INSTALLED STAR TV IN THEIR HOUSEHOLDS AND TWO PER CENT WERE ENJOYING THE WHARF CABLE SERVICE, WHICH WAS LAUNCHED ONLY TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE SURVEY FINISHED AND COVERED ONLY LIMITED AREAS IN HONG KONG.
IN KEEPING WITH AN AFFLUENT SOCIETY, VIEWERS NOW HAVE MORE CHOICES IN TELEVISION VIEWING, THE SURVEY REVEALS.
NONETHELESS, INDIVIDUALS TEND TO SPEND LESS TIME ON AVERAGE WATCHING COMMERCIAL, WIRELESS TELEVISION WHEN COMPARED WITH THE 1990 SURVEY RESULTS, FROM 4.2 HOURS PER DAY IN 1990 TO 3.5 HOURS PER DAY THIS YEAR.
DESPITE THE CHOICES AVAILABLE, TVB JADE IS CLAIMED BY 91 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS TO BE THE CHANNEL THEY WATCH MOST OFTEN.
SEVEN PER CENT WATCH ATV HOME MOST OFTEN AND TWO PER CENT TVB PEARL.
WHEN COMPARED WITH THE 1990 SURVEY, FEWER INDIVIDUALS RATE THE VARIOUS SPECIFIED PROGRAMME TYPES AS BEING HIGH IN QUALITY; THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION BEING NEWS PROGRAMMES.
/IN PARTICULAR.........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
12 -
IN PARTICULAR, MORE INDIVIDUALS THIS YEAR CONSIDER DRAMA SERIES, VARIETY PROGRAMMES, CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES, ADULT MAGAZINE PROGRAMMES AND CULTURAL AND ARTS PROGRAMMES VERY OR QUITE LOW IN QUALITY.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, MORE INDIVIDUALS TEND TO FIND THE PORTRAYALS OF VIOLENCE, SEX, NUDITY, TRIAD RITUALS, TRIAD JARGON, AND HOMOSEXUALITY ON COMMERCIAL TELEVISION UNACCEPTABLE THAN ACCEPTABLE, THOUGH ABOUT A THIRD DO NOT HAVE STRONG VIEWS.
FURTHER ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THOSE WHO THINK THE PORTRAYALS UNACCEPTABLE FOF? TRIAD RITUALS (43 PER CENT), TRIAD JARGON (44 PER CENT) AND HOMOSEXUALITY (44 PER CENT) ARE TWICE AS NUMEROUS AS THOSE WHO FIND THESE PORTRAYALS ACCEPTABLE (22 PER CENT, 24 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
COMPARED WITH THE 1990 SURVEY, THERE IS AN INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF INDIVIDUALS WHO CONSIDER THE PORTRAYALS OF TRIAD RITUALS (1990: 30 PER CENT; 1994: 53 PER CENT) AND THE USE OF TRIAD JARGON (1990: 37 PER CENT; 1994: 60 PER CENT) EXCESSIVE (TOO MANY/A BIT TOO MANY).
A MAJORITY OF INDIVIDUALS (87 PER CENT) CONSIDERS THE PRESENT LICENCE REQUIREMENT THAT EACH CHANNEL SHOULD BROADCAST A MINIMUM OF TWO COMPREHENSIVE NEWS BULLETINS BETWEEN 6 PM AND MIDNIGHT APPROPRIATE.
THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO BROADCAST, ON EACH CHANNEL PER WEEK, AT LEAST TWO HALF-HOUR CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES AND HALF AN HOUR OF PROGRAMMES ADVISING YOUNG PEOPLE AGED UNDER 21 ON HOW TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME OR FOR THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE ALSO ENDORSED AS BEING NECESSARY BY 74 PER CENT AND 87 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS RESPECTIVELY.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWS THAT AROUND 60 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS NEITHER STRONGLY BELIEVE IN NOR DOUBT THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE CLAIMS IN TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS.
HOWEVER, THOSE WHO TEND NOT TO BELIEVE IN THE TRUTHFULNESS OF ADVERTISEMENTS OUTNUMBER THOSE WHO DO BY OVER TWO TO ONE (26 PER CENT VS 11 PER CENT)
REGARDING THE PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN IN TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS, 57 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO COMMENTED CONSIDER SUCH PORTRAYAL AS REFLECTING THE TRUTH.
THIS IS MORE THAN TWICE AS MANY AS THOSE WHO THINK THAT WOMEN ARE GLAMORISED (25 PER CENT) AND MORE THAN THREE TIMES AS MANY AS THOSE WHO CONSIDER WOMEN ARE DENIGRATED (18 PER CENT) IN TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS.
A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS (22 PER CENT) ADMIT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE FAMILY VIEWING HOURS (4 PM TO 8.30 PM) AND 77 PER CENT CANNOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFY BOTH THE STARTING AND END TIMES OF THE SLOT.
/THE SURVEY .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWS THAT HALF OF INDIVIDUALS (50 PER CENT) ARE AWARE OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY'S COMPLAINTS HOTLINE ON PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS AND THE OTHER HALF ARE NOT.
BOTH FACTS SUGGEST THAT MORE PUBLICITY ON THE FAMILY VIEWING HOURS AND THE COMPLAINTS HOTLINE IS NEEDED.
MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF INDIVIDUALS CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO RETAIN THE OPTION OF THE IMPOSITION OF FINANCIAL PENALTIES BY THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY FOR BREACHES OF THE TELEVISION PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS.
- - 0 - -
TRADE DEPARTMENT TO REVISE FEES AND CHARGES » » » * ♦
APPLICATION FEES FOR CERTAIN TRADE LICENCES, CERTIFICATES, RELATED DOCUMENTS AND SERVICES WILL BE REVISED AS FROM JUNE 30 UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN PARALLEL, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR NOTICES TO EXPORTERS AND OTHER CIRCULARS ISSUED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE REVISED, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
"IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION BY FINANCE BRANCH, A 9.9 PER CENT INCREASE ON CURRENT FEES AND CHARGES WILL BE APPLIED.
"IN CERTAIN CASES, THE PROPOSED FEE LEVELS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED UP OR DOWN FOR CONVENIENCE OF COLLECTION OR FOR HARMONISATION WITH STAMP DENOMINATION AS SOME FEES ARE PAID BY AFFIXING STAMPS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE PERCENTAGE IS BASED ON THE GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE DEFLATOR WHICH HAS BEEN WORKED OUT TO BE 9.9 PER CENT THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
"STARTING FROM LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPLIED AN ESCALATING FACTOR TO THE FEES AND CHARGES FOR THOSE YEARS WHEN A FULL COSTING EXERCISE IS NOT CARRIED OUT."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID MOST OF THE NEW FEES WOULD TAKE EFFECT AS FROM JUNE 30, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATION FEES WHICH WOULD BE REVISED AT A LATER STAGE.
"THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD HAVE BEEN CONSULTED RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
/THE NEW
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
14
THE NEW SCALE OF FEES IMPLEMENTATION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE
DATE OF
FEES
TYPE OF APPLICATION
CURRENT NEW
DATE OF
IMPLEMENTATION
$ $
I TEXTILES LICENCES, DOCUMENTS AND SERVICES
(A) APPLICATION FOR ISSUE OF TEXTILES EXPORT LICENCE -NON-RESTRAINED ITEMS (FORM 4) 44 4 8 30 JUNE 1994
(B) APPLICATION FOR ISSUE OF TEXTILES EXPORT LICENCE -RESTRAINED ITEMS (FORM 5) 132 145 30 JUNE 1994
(C) APPLICATION FOR SWING OF QUOTA 193 212 30 JUNE 1994
(D) APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF QUTOA 193 212 30 JUNE 1994
(E) APPLICATION FOR FREE QUOTA EXPORT AUTHORISATION 358 393 30 JUNE 1994
(F) APPLICATION FOR SURVEILLANCE EXPORT AUTHORISATION AND QUOTA EXPORT AUTHORISATION 193 212 30 JUNE 1994
(G) APPLICATION FOR TEXTILES IMPORT LICENCE (FORM 7) 28 31 30 JUNE 1994
( H ) APPLICATION FOR LICENCE ISSUED UNDER THE SPECIAL EXPORT AND IMPORT LICENSING (TEXTILES) SCHEME FOR PIECE-KNITTED GARMENTS: 30 JUNE 1994
EXPORT LICENCE (FORM 8) 132 145
SPECIAL EXPORT LICENCE (FORMS 8A AND 8D) 44 48
SPECIAL IMPORT LICENCE (FORMS 8B, 8C AND 8E) 28 31
( I ) ANNUAL FEE FOR REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES FOR TEXTILES CONTROL PURPOSES 1,210 1,330 30 JUNE 1994
(J) ANNUAL FEE FOR REGISTRATION OF TEXTILES TRADER 2,000 2,200 30 JUNE 1994
/(K) CERTIFIED TRUE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
15
(K) CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES (CTC) OF TEXTILES LICENCES 50 55 30 JUNE 1994
II NON- •TEXTILES TRADE DOCUMENTS
(A) LANDING CERTIFICATE 231 254 30 JUNE 1994
(B) PROVISION OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF STATISTICAL DATA DERIVED OR EXTRACTED FROM IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS (PER PAGE) 13.2 14.5 30 JUNE 1994
(C) DELIVERY VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE 99 109 30 JUNE 1994
(D) OFFICIAL SIGNATURE FEES FOR CERTIFYING COPY OF TRADE DECLARATION AND CARGO MANIFEST 154 169 30 JUNE 1994
(E) INTERNATIONAL IMPORT CERTIFICATE 39 43 30 JUNE 1994
(F) CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES (CTC) OF NON-TEXTILE TRADE LICENCES 50 55 30 JUNE 1994
III CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN AND RELATED SERVICES
(A) CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN, OTHER THAN GENERALISED PREFERENCE CERTIFICATE 110 121 3 JAN 1995
(B) GENERALISED PREFERENCE CERTIFICATE 150 165 3 JAN 1995
< C) ANNUAL FEE FOR FACTORY REGISTRATION 1,650 1,813 1 AUG 1994
(D) OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE FEES CHARGED FOR THE ISSUE OF STATUTORY DECLARATION OF ANTIQUE 825 907 3 JAN 1995
(E) CERTIFIED TRUE COPIES (CTC) OF CERTIFICATES 50 55 30 JUNE 1994
IV ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEE FOR NOTICES TO EXPORTERS AND OTHER CIRCULARS
(A) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR DIRECT MAILING SERVICES OF "NOTICES TO EXPORTERS" 30 ' JUNE 1994
FOR ”A” SERIES 66 7 3
FOR ”0” SERIES 149 164
/(B) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.....
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
16 -
(B) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR DIRECT MAILING SERVICES OF "CERTIFICATION BRANCH CIRCULARS ’’ 72 79 30 JUNE 1994
(C) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR DIRECT MAILING SERVICES OF ’’ COMMERCIA L IN FORM AT I ON CIRCULARS" 143 157 30 JUNE 1994
( D) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR 30 JUNE 1994
OVERSEAS SUBSCRIBERS "NOTICES TO EXPORTERS" OF (NOTE)
FOR ASIA:
"A" SERIES -
USA 292/ 435 321/ 479
EU 341/ 490 375/ 539
OTHERS 358/ 985 394/ 1,083
"0" SERIES -
USA 226/ 616 249/ 677
EU 231/ 649 254/ 714
OTHERS 407/ 1,282 448/ 1,409
FOR REGIONS OTHER ASIA: THAN
"A" SERIES -
USA 396/ 539 436/ 593
EU 468/ 611 515/ 672
OTHERS 490/ 1,117 539/ 1 ,228
/"O"
SERIES - .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 17 -
"O" SERIES -
USA 286/ 677 315/ 745
EU 297/ 327/
715 786
OTHERS 545/ 599/
1,419 1,560
(E) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR 30 JUNE 1994
OVERSEAS SUBSCRIBERS OF
"COMMERCIAL IN FORMATION
CIRCULARS” (NOTE)
FOR ASIA: 281/ 309/
820 902
FOR REGIONS OTHER THAN 363/ 399/
ASIA: 902 992
(F) ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION FEES FOR 30 JUNE 1994
OVERSEAS SUBSCRIBERS OF
”CERTIFICATION BRANCH
CIRCULARS” (NOTE)
FOR ASIA: 176/ 194/
413 454
FOR REGIONS OTHER THAN 226/ 249/
ASIA: 468 515
NOTE: 2ND CLASS AIR MAIL/EXPRESS
--------0-----------
RESPONSIBLE LINE ON PUBLIC SPENDING URGED * * » ♦ «
THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED POLITICAL PARTIES TO TAKE A RESPONSIBLE LINE IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC SPENDING AS WELL AS TAXES AND FEES.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH, MR TSANG SAID PARTY MANIFESTOS MUST BE COHERENT, COMPREHENSIVE, AFFORDABLE PORTRAITS OF THE COMMUNITY THE PARTIES WISHED THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD.
HE NOTED THAT VOICES WERE BEING RAISED TO URGE THAT THE GOVERNMENT TAKE ON A DIRECT ROLE IN AREAS WHERE IT DID NOT BELONG, OR AN EXCESSIVE ROLE IN THOSE AREAS WHERE IT DID BELONG.
/"THE RESULT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
'•Ute.
18
’’THE RESULT WOULD BE PUBLIC SPENDING INCREASES MUCH FASTER THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR ECONOMY, FOLLOWED BY THE GRADUAL SQUEEZING OUT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, LOWER RATES OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, LESS PROSPERITY FOR ALL,” HE SAID.
MR TSANG SAID COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THE MEDIA MUST EXAMINE SUCH CLAIMS CRITICALLY.
’’THOSE WITH OPPOSING VIEWS, OR THOSE WHO SIMPLY WISH TO ADVOCATE CAUTION, MUST NOT BE SHY ABOUT SPEAKING UP,” HE SAID.
’’FOR IF THEY FAIL TO DO SO, SLOWLY, INSIDIOUSLY, THE DEBATE WILL BE LOST,” HE ADDED.
ON TAXES AND FEES, MR TSANG SAID HONG KONG HAD BY FAR THE LOWEST RATE OF TAXATION OF ANY ADVANCED ECONOMY IN THE WORLD.
HE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE WERE STILL VOICES RAISED IN FAVOUR OF LOWER RATES; AND LOUDER VOICES WHO OPPOSED MODEST INCREASES IN RATES AND CHARGES EVEN WHEN THESE DTD NO MORE THAN KEEP UP WITH INFLATION.
’’THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ’GOVERNMENT MONEY’,” MR TSANG SAID.
’’ALL OUR RESOURCES COME FROM THE POCKETS AND HANDBAGS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND MUST BE SPENT FOR THEIR BENEFIT.
’’THAT MEANS A DECISION NOT TO SET FEES TO RECOVER THE FULL COST FOR ONE SERVICE MUST BE COMPENSATED FOR BY TAX LOADED FEES FOR ANOTHER SERVICE, PLUS OF COURSE OUR GENERAL TAXATION.
’’DECISIONS TO SUBSIDISE MUST BE CONSCIOUS ONES, TAKEN AFTER CAREFUL THOUGHT AND APPLIED SPARINGLY.
”WE MUST NOT DRIFT INTO A SITUATION WHERE AN ELEMENT OF SUBSIDY IS ASSUMED FOR ALMOST EVERY SERVICE,” HE SAID.
------0--------
ELECTRICAL CONTRACT FOR NORTH LANTAU WATER SUPPLY AWARDED *****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF A $19.28 MILLION WATERWORKS CONTRACT UNDER THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) .TO INCHCAPE INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED.
THE CONTRACT IS PART OF THE NORTH LANTAU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK KAP KOK, TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN AND OTHER PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH LANTAU.
IT COVERS THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL PLANTS AT SIU HO WAN FRESH WATER AND PUI O ’B’ RAW WATER PUMPING STATIONS AND TUNG CHUNG FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR.
THE ELECTRICAL PLANTS INCLUDE POWER SUPPLY SWITCHBOARDS, FLOWMETERS, CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.
/THE CONTRACT.......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 19 -
THE CONTRACT ALSO COMPRISES NON-ACP WORKS WHICH INVOLVE THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF AN ELECTRICAL PLANT AT SIU HO WAN RAW WATER PUMPING STATION.
IT WAS DECIDED TO INCLUDE THESE WORKS, VALUED AT ABOUT $4 MILLION, IN THE CONTRACT AS IT IS MORE CONVENIENT AND MORE ECONOMICAL TO CARRY OUT WORKS AT THE SAME TIME IN THE SAME LOCATION.
THE WORKS WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN JUNE 1996.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO 40, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN $32 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE SIX CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, VALUED AT $10.7 BILLION, AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, AND THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP IS OVER $48.3 BILLION.
- - 0---------
COMAC ORDINANCE NOW COVERS REO * * * * *
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) IS NOW INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS GOVERNED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) ORDINANCE BY AN AMENDMENT ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REO WAS PREVIOUSLY PART OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH (CAB) AND AS SUCH FELL UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF COMAC BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THAT CAB WAS INCLUDED IN SCHEDULE 1 TO THE COMAC ORDINANCE UNDER THE BROAD CATEGORY OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
"WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC), THE REO, WHICH BECOMES ITS EXECUTIVE ARM, WAS SEPERATED FROM THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFIARS BRANCH AS FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE SEPERATION IS TO REFLECT BETTER THE NEW ROLE OF THE REO AND TO UNDERLINE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE BEC. BUT AS A RESULT, THE REO HAS FALLEN OUTSIDE THE PURVIEW OF COMAC.
"TO ENABLE THE COMAC TO CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS RELATING TO THE REO, IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO ADD THE REO TO SCHEDULE 1 TO THE COMAC ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 20 -
MAIL SERVICES TO RWANDA SUSPENDED *****
ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO RWANDA HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF THE PREVAILING SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS THE SERVICES RESUME.
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ENVIRONMENTAL FEES AND CHARGES REVISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE FEES AND CHARGES FOR SERVICES UNDER MOST ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO OFFSET THE RISE IN OPERATION COST DUE TO INFLATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALL THESE FEES, EXCEPT THOSE UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT, AN OVERSEAS ORDER FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, HAD NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE THEY WERE INTRODUCED.
HE SAID THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AS THE REVISED FEES REPRESENTED A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE OPERATING COST BORNE BY THE SECTORS USING THE SERVICES.
THE PROPOSED FEE INCREASES HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT. THEY COVER FEES AND CHARGES LEVIED UNDER ALL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION EXCEPT THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
THE REVISED FEES WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). IT IS INTENDED THAT THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 22 THIS YEAR.
/21 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 21 -
Existing Proposed with effect from 22.6J>4-,.
I. Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance 1989 • For registration $ 1,000.00 $ 1,505.00
- For a licence 500.00 755.00
n. Noise Control Ordinance - Cap. 400 —
(a) Noise Control General Regulations - General Works (8(1)) 100.00 150.00
- Percussive Piling (8(2)) 100.00 150.00
(b) Noise Emission Label - Air Compressors 100.00 120.00
- Hand Held Percussive Breakers > 100.00 120.00
HI. Waste Disposal Ordinance - Cap. 354
(a) - Licence for Provision of Waste Collection Services (8.21(1) 13,000.00 15.615.00
(b) - Renewal of. Licence (a)(S.23(2)) 6,500.00 7,810.00
(c) - Licence for Collection of Waste Produced by Licensee ($.21(1)) 3.000.00 3,605.00
(d) - Renewal of Licence (c)'(S.23(2)) 1,500.00 1,805.00
(e) - Licence for Provision of a Waste Disposal Sendee (S.21(2)) 24,000.00 28,825.00
(f) - Renewal of Licence (e) (8.23(2)) 12.000.00 14,415.00
(g) - Licence for Disposal of Waste Produced by Licensee (S.21(2)) 2.400.00 2,885.00
(h) - Renewal of Licence (g)(S.23(2)) 1,200.00 1,445.00
(i) - Waste Producer Registration Fee ($.7) 200.00 240.00
(j) - Certified Copy of an entry in 10.00 125.00
register (S.7) IV. Air Pollution Control Ordinance - Cap 311 (a) - For an application for a licence (S. 14) 100.00 190.00
(b) - For an application for renewal of a licence (8.16) nil NIL
(c) - For an application for variation of a licence ($• 18) 100.00 190.Q0
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 22 -
(d) - For an application for transfer of a licence '
(S.18A) 100.00 , • 190.00
(e) - For an application for variation or cancellation
of any term or condition (S.23) 100,00 190.00
(f) - For a certified copy of an entry in the register 20.00 125.00
V. Road Traffic Ordinance * Cap. 374: (Amendment of Tenth Schedule) Order 1994
(a) - Fee payable for designation or renewal of designation of a place as a vehicle emission testing centre 1,000.00 1,205.00
(b) * Fee to be charged in respect of a test of a motor vehicle (S/examination) (c) - Fee payable for supply of Form of Certificate of Compliance ($/Cert.) 140.00 14.00 170.00 17.00
VI. Dumping at Sea Act 1974 (Overseas Territories) Order 1975
(a) - Licence referred to in section 2 of Schedule 1 to the Order to dump the following substances in the territorial waters of Hong Kong or in the sea outside such waters:-(i) dispersants (ii) spoil or sewage sludge (iii) other substances or articles 150 7,515 15,030
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/23
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 23 -
AMENDMENTS TO STRATEGIC COMMODITIES CONTROL LIST GAZETTED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO REFLECT UPDATED CONTROLS OF VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL EXPORT CONTROL REGIMES ON STRATEGIC COMMODITIES WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS WERE CONTAINED IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 1) ORDER 1994 .
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENTS TO SCHEDULE 1 OF THE REGULATIONS REFLECTED CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT RELAXATION OF CONTROLS ON ELECTRONICS, COMPUTERS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT INTRODUCED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR MULTILATERAL EXPORT CONTROLS (COCOM) BEFORE ITS DISSOLUTION ON MARCH 31, 1994 .
FOR EXAMPLE, UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, COMPUTERS THAT OPERATE UP TO 260 MILLION THEORETICAL OPERATIONS PER SECOND (MTOPS) WOULD NO LONGER BE CONTROLLED.
’'COCOM MEMBERS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO ESTABLISH A NEW REGIME AIMED AT ENHANCING TRANSPARENCY AND RESTRAINT IN ARMS SALES AND TRANSFERS OF SENSITIVE TECHNOLOGY. PENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW REGIME, THEY AGREED TO MAINTAIN EXISTING COCOM CONTROLS TO ALL DESTINATIONS ON A NATIONAL LEVEL. HONG KONG FOLLOWS THIS ARRANGEMENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BESIDES, THE CONTROL LISI’S OF PLANT PATHOGENS AND CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED TO REFLECT THE UPDATED CONTROLS OF THE AUSTRALIA GROUP, THE INTERNATIONAL REGIME SPECIALISED IN EXPORT CONTROLS OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DUALUSE GOODS.
NO CHANGE, HOWEVER, HAS 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, HE ADDED.
THE AMENDMENT ORDER SHALL BE TABLED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 18 AND BECOME EFFECTIVE ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE BY NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TUI1: GAZETTE, IF THE COUNCIL RAISES NO OBJECTION TO THE ORDER AMER 28 DAYS.
"THE PURPOSE OF IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING CONTROLS IS TO MONITOR AND CONTROL THE FLOW OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES TO PREVENT HONG KONG FROM BEING USED AS A CONDUIT FOR THE PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS AND RELATED SYSTEMS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR EXPORTS ANY ARTICLE SPEC’I Fl ED IN THE SCHEDULES WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT TO AN UNLIMITED FINE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SEVEN YEARS, HE ADDED.
(’OPIES OF THE AMENDMENT ORDER ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
24
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE OF THE STRATEGIC COMMODITIES SECTION, TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON OR ON TEL 398 5581 OR 398 5572.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO INFORM TRADERS OF DETAILS OF THE AMENDED SCHEDULE 1 BY CIRCULAR.
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DAM PLANNED FOR KAU SAI (’HAU
♦ * * * *
A 140-METRE DAM WILL BE BUILT ACROSS THE KWAT TAU TAM INLET FOR THE CREATION OF A FRESHWATER RESERVOIR TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A PROPOSED PUBLIC GOLF COURSE AT KAU SAI CHAU, SAI KUNG.
THE WORKS WILL START IN JULY AND FINISH IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED, COVERING 5.73 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT KAU SAU CHAU, IS DESCRIBED IN A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A COPY OF THE PLAN DEIONEATING AND DESCRIBING THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING AND THE FORESHORE AND SEABED TO BE AFFECTED CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE AFFECTED AREA MAY SEND HIS WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, SECOND FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, ON OR BEFORE JULY 13.
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TWO RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS GAZETTED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE GAZETTING OF THE DRAFT PING KONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (O/.P) (NO. S/NE-PK/1) AND THE DRAFT KWUN YAM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG OZP (NO. S/ST-KYS/1).
THESE PLANS COVER THE RURAL AREAS IN PING KONG NEAR FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN AS WELL AS KWUN YAM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG NEAR SHA TIN NEW TOWN. THEY ARE THE FIRST TWO IN A SERIES OF RURAL OZP’S TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
’’THEY ARE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS COVERING THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES. THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREAS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
THE DPA PLANS ARE INTERIM PLANS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISION OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991.
/THEY SERVE ........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 25 -
THEV SERVE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CONTROL ON LAND USES IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES. UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE DPA’S ARE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT.
THESE PLANS ARE ONLY EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PUBLICATION AND ARE TO BE REPLACED BY OZP’S.
"ALTHOUGH THE DPA PLANS ARE REPLACED BY OZP’S, THE ENFORCEMENT’ POWERS PROVIDED THEREIN WILL CONTINUE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE PING KONG OZP COVERS ABOUT 140 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE SOUTHEAST OF FAN KAM ROAD WITH FANLING/SHEUNG SHUT NEW TOWN IN THE NORTH, THE ROYAL HONG KONG GOLF CUB IN THE WEST AND THE VOLUNTEER SLOPE IN THE EAST.
THE AREA IS MAINLY RURAL AND THE MAIN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THERE IS AGRICULTURE, SUCH AS LIVESTOCK REARING AND VEGETABLE GROWING.
ABOUT 68 HECTARES OF LAND, WHICH REPRESENT HALF OF THE TOTAL LAND AREA THERE, HAVE BEEN ZONED "AGRICULTURE” ON THE PLAN TO PRESERVE AND SUPPORT THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL USES.
TWO PIECES OF LAND OF ABOUT 8.6 HECTARES HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT" TO INCLUDE THE EXISTING RECOGNISED VILLAGES AND AREAS SUITABLE FOR VILLAGE EXPANSION.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 15 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR RECREATIONAL USES TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING SPORTS TRAINING GROUND AND HOLIDAY CAMP.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 16 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUT1ON/COMMUNITY" TO COVER THE EXISTING TAI LI NG EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND A NEW POLICE DEPOT. ABOUT 31 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED "GREEN BELT” ON THE PLAN.
THE KWUN YAM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG OZP COVERS ABOUT 120 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE WEST OF MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK AND TO THE RAST OF LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK, ADJACENT TO THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE AREA IS HILLY AND (INSISTS OF SEVERAL RECOGNISED VILLAGES.
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 59 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED "CONSERVATION AREA" TO PROTECT THE EXISTING NATURAL CHARACTER. ONLY CONSERVATION-RELATED USES SUCH AS FIELD STUDY CENTRE, EDI CATION CENTRE AND VISITOR CENTRE ARE PERMITTED.
THOSE USES THAT WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROVISIONS, SI-CH AS TENT CAMPING GROUND, WOULD ONLY BE PERMITTED UPON APPROVAL BV THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
ABOUT 29 HECTARES OF LAND WHICH ARE WELL-SERVED UPGRADED IRRIGATION FACILITIES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR USES, PARTICULARLY PLANT NURSERIES AND ORCHARDS.
BY RECENTLY
VGR(CULTURAL
OTHER USES INCLUDE ABOUT SIX HECTARES FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT, TWO HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY USES, 25 HECTARES FOR GREEN BELT, 0.8 HECTARE FOR THE EXISTING AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TELEVISION TRANSMITTING STATION, AND 0.6 HECTARE FOR COUNTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT.
/THE TWO ........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 26 -
THE TWO DRAFT OZP’S ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JULY 13 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES;
» NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE,
THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS,
NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES (FOR DRAFT PING KONG OZP ONLY); AND
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES
(FOR DRAFT KWUN YAM SHAN AND FA SAM HANG OZP ONLY).
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE TWO DRAFT PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION ON OR BEFORE JULY 13 TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE 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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60 VMS INTERCEPTED
* * ♦ » ♦
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT A BOAT WITH 60 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON BOARD WAS INTERCEPTED INSIDE HONG KONG WATERS AT 8.30 AM TODAY (FRIDAY). THE VMS ARE NOW ACCOMMODATED IN THE CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE.
"THIS BRINGS TO 190 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ARRIVALS THIS YEAR.
“THE LATEST ARRIVALS INDICATE THAT THE VM PROBLEM IS NOT YET OVER AND WE MUST THEREFORE REMAIN AS VIGILANT IN MAINTAINING A FIRM POLICY ON THE VMS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/27........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
27
APRIL AIR QUALITY REPORT ♦ * * » *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND TO EXPLAIN THE MEASUREMENTS.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS FROM MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG. THESE LOCATIONS ARE TYPICAL OF THREE OF THE IMPORTANT LAND USE TYPES FOUND IN THE TERRITORY:
» LOCATIONS CLOSE TO ROAD TRAFFIC IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS;
* COMBINED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; AND
* DISTRICTS CLOSE TO INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
THE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY MONITORS AIR QUALITY CONTINUOUSLY AT EIGHT STATIONS, INCLUDING THE THREE MENTIONED. SHORT-TERM MEASUREMENT CAMPAIGNS ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AS AND WHERE THE NEED ARISES.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) WHICH COMPRISE ALL SIZES OF DUST PARTICLES, AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE THE RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF THE DUST.
ALL THESE POLLUTANTS CAN AFFECT RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATION.
IN APRIL, THERE WERE TWO EXCEEDANCES OF THE SULPHUR DIOXIDE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE AT MONG KOK.
LEVELS OF NITROGEN DIOXIDE AND PARTICULATES WERE AGAIN HIGHER AT THE STREET-LEVEL MONG KOK SITE THAN AT THE ROOFTOP SITES AT KWAI CHUNG AND CENTRAL/WESTERN.
HIGHER NITROGEN DIOXIDE LEVELS AT ALL THREE STATIONS ON THE FIRST, SECOND AND 15TH OF THE MONTH WERE CAUSED BY CALM CONDITIONS WHICH PREVENTED VEHICLE EXHAUST FUMES FROM DISPERSING.
THERE WERE LOWER GASEOUS POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH AT THE TIME WHEN SOUTHERLY WINDS BLEW FROM SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THE GASES AND PARTICLES DESCRIBED ORIGINATE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. S02 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 (N.O.), ALSO A PRODUCT OF COMBUSTION.
/VEHICLE EXHAUSTS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
28
VEHICLE EXHAUSTS ARE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF N.O. 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS AIR QUALITY REPORT AND OTHER AIR QUALITY ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TEL 594 6401.
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SCHOOLS INVITED TO JOIN SMI SCHEME
*****
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN THE FOURTH PHASE OF THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE (SMI) SCHEME WHICH IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK TO HELP RAISE THE STANDARDS OF LEARNING AND TEACHING IN SCHOOLS.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY): ’’THE SMI SCHEME IS AN EXCELLENT WAY FOR SCHOOLS TO MANAGE THEIR OWN FINANCES AND AFFAIRS MORE FLEXIBLY AND TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, PAST STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR SCHOOLS.
’’THE SCHEME HELPS ENHANCE COMMUNICATION, DETERMINE SCHOOL OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVE MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES WHICH ARE BENEFICIAL TO THE STUDENTS.
’’THE SMI ALSO PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOLS TO IMPROVE THEIR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE SO AS TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.”
THE SMI HAS FOUR AIMS:
» TO DEFINE CLEARLY THE ROLES OF SPONSORS, MANAGERS, SUPERVISORS, PRINCIPALS AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND CONSEQUENTLY TO ENSURE GREATER EFFECTIVENESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY;
* TO PROVIDE FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, PARENTS AND PAST STUDENTS IN SCHOOL DECISION-MAKING AND MANAGEMENT;
TO ENCOURAGE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 29 -
* TO ENCOURAGE MORE SYSTEMATIC PLANNING AND EVALUATION OF SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AND REPORTING THEIR PERFORMANCE; AND
» TO GIVE SCHOOLS MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF RESOURCES IN * MEETING THEIR DEFINED INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SMI WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1991 AND SO FAR 128 SCHOOLS HAD JOINED IN THE SCHEME.
HE SAID THE SMI SCHEME HAD ADVANTAGES FOR SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND PAST STUDENTS AND CURRENT STUDENTS.
FOR SCHOOLS, IT WILL BE FREE FOR THEM TO CARRY OUT THEIR MISSION AND TO ADJUST WHAT THEY DO TO MEET THEIR NEEDS.
THE GREATER FLEXIBILITY PROVIDED BY THE BLOCK GRANT WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR SCHOOLS TO MAKE USE OF THEIR FUNDS TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES OR SERVICE WHICH MEET THEIR OWN DEFINED NEEDS.
SOME DECISIONS WILL BE BETTER WHEN THEY ARE MADE AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL THAN BY THE GOVERNMENT.
FOR TEACHERS, IT WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISION-MAKING AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT, THEREBY FOSTERING JOB SATISFACTION AND COMMITMENT.
GREATER PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMME PLANNING AND BUDGETING WILL INCREASE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE TEACHERS.
TEACHERS WILL FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEIR SCHOOL WHEN THEY KNOW THEIR OPINIONS ARE VALUED, SOUGHT AND USED.
FOR PARENTS AND PAST STUDENTS, THE SCHEME WILL INCREASE THEIR UNDERSTANDING, INTEREST AND SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL.
FOR STUDENTS, RESOURCES ARE MORE LIKELY TO MATCH PUPIL NEEDS WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE BY THOSE WHO WORK MORE DIRECTLY WITH STUDENTS.
REPLY FORMS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE FOURTH PHASE OF THE SMI ARE INVITED TO SEND THEIR REPLY FORM TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE JULY 9.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SMI OFFICE ON TEL 892 6656.
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Z30........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
30
NEW PIER AT KAU SAI CHAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD A PIER ON THE NORTHWESTERN SHORELINE OF KAU SAI CHAU IN SAI KUNG TO SERVE THE PROPOSED PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE ON THE ISLAND.
WORK ON THE 320-SQUARE-METRE PIER WILL START IN JULY, FINISHING BY NEXT MARCH.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED, COVERING ABOUT 8,500 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT KAU SAI CHAU, IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE, AND ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JULY 13.
THE OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
WU KAU TANG DEVELOPMENT PLAN PUBLISHED *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT WU KAU TANG DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLAN.
ENCLOSED BY THE PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK, THE AREA COVERS ABOUT 104 HECTARES OF LAND ABOUT 8.5 KILOMETRES TO THE EAST OF THE FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN.
WU KAU TANG IS AN UPLAND RURAL VALLEY WITH SOME OF THE FLAT ARABLE LAND STILL UNDER ACTIVE CULTIVATION.
IT FALLS WITHIN THE WATER-GATHERING GROUNDS OF THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR AND IS ALSO A STRATEGICALLY SIGNIFICANT LANDSCAPE AREA.
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MAINLY CONCENTRATES IN THE EIGHT RECOGNISED VILLAGES WITH A SMALL NUMBER OF POPULATION.
"THE PLAN SERVES TO PROVIDE PROPER PLANNING GUIDANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL TO THE LAND USES IN THE AREA. IT AIMS TO PRESERVE THE RURAL LANDSCAPE AND TO PROTECT THE SURROUNDING PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK AND THE WATER-GATHERING GROUNDS FROM UNDESIRABLE DEVELOPMENTS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
/ON THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 31 -
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 83 HECTARES OR 80.29 PER CENT OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED ’’CONSERVATION AREA” TO PROMOTE NATURAL CONSERVATION.
STRINGENT LAND USE CONTROL HAS BEEN IMPOSED ON THIS ZONE TO SAFEGUARD THE WATER-GATHERING GROUNDS FROM POLLUTION, PRESERVE A NATURAL INTERFACE WITH THE ADJACENT PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARK, AND PROVIDE A BUFFER TO THE SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AT CHIU KENG TAM TO THE SOUTHEAST OF THE AREA.
ABOUT FIVE HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN RESERVED ON THE PLAN FOR AGRICULTURAL USE, EIGHT HECTARES FOR VILLAGE-TYPE DEVELOPMENT, 1.5 HECTARES FOR RECREATIONAL USE, AND 3.5 HECTARES FOR GREEN-BELT USE.
THE DRAFT PLAN (NO. DPA/NE-WKT/1) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JULY 13 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR,
MURRAY BUILDING,
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* SHA TIN & NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
♦ NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE,
THIRD FLOOR,
NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
3 PIK FUNG ROAD,
FANLING,
NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLAN MAY SEND IN WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING ON OR BEFORE JULY 13.
THE DRAFT PLAN IS ALSO ON SALE 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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/32........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
- 32 -
LORRY LOADING AREA PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN
* * * ♦ »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES BUILDING A LORRY LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA IN HO PONG STREET, TUEN MUN.
ASSOCIATED DRAINS AND FOOTWAYS WILL ALSO BE BUILT.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE GIVING DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND
» TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, BOTH AT TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 12, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
CLOSURE OF MONG KOK ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN A BUILDING IN MONG KOK SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OTHER OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES USED FOR DWELLING PURPOSES ARE ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING IN 81-83 SAI YEE STREET.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON SEPTEMBER 30 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
--------0 - -
/33 .......
- 33 -
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,346 0930 + 1140
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,882 1000 + 1250
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 1300
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,296 1200 + 1297
LAF TODAY + 240 1500 + 1297
1600 + 1296
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4 .00 OFFER TWI 125.1 »+0.1* 13.5. 94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE 1 COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.00 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.41 6.04
1 MONTH 3.63 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97.03 6.30
3 MONTHS 4.28 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.41 6.82
6 MONTHS 4.94 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.50 6.97
12 MONTHS 5.41 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.77 7.12
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 44,778 MN
CLOSED 13 MAY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF JUSTICE TAKES PRIDE IN LOCAL LEGAL SYSTEM.......... 1
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA....................................... 1
PUBLIC WORKS ROVING EXHIBITION OPENS..................... 2
LAW HELPS SETUP OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.................. 3
BOOKLETS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON SALE.................. 4
EXTENSIVE HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION... 5
APRIL WARM AND DRY........'.............................. 5
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION................. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 8
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW FINANCING SYSTEM FOR DAY CRECHES..................... 9
CRIME VICTIMS GET $9 MILLION COMPENSATION............... 10
CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ TO START IN SCHOOLS................ 10
REGISTER AS VOTER IS A CITIZEN’S DUTY................... 11
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
1
CHIEF JUSTICE TAKES PRIDE IN LOCAL LEGAL SYSTEM *****
IT IS NO ACCIDENT THAT HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM OCCUPIES THE PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE COMMON LAW WORLD, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE ADMISSION OF QUEEN’S COUNSEL CEREMONY, SIR TI LIANG SAID IT WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE QUALITY OF THE BAR, VIGILANTLY GUARDED AND ASSIDUOUSLY IMPROVED UPON OVER THE YEARS, PARTICULARLY TN THE PAST 15 TO 20 YEARS.
"THE TRADITIONAL MUTUAL TRUST AND RESPECT BETWEEN BENCH AND BAR, SO NECESSARY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM, HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME, IN SPITE OF THE INEVITABLE VICISSITUDES WHICH OCCUR IN ANY HUMAN RELATIONSHIP," SIR TI LIANG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT WITHOUT FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE JUDGES AND PRACTISING LAWYERS, THE WHEEL OF JUSTICE COULD BUT BE RUN ON A ROUGH PASSAGE.
SIR TI LIANG ALSO NOTED THAT "THE HIGH STANDARD OF THE BAR, THE RULE OF LAW, THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BENCH AND BAR, ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF A HEALTHY LEGAL SYSTEM, ON WHICH OUR FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY DEPEND.”
"IN THE LONG TERM, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE JUDICIARY AS WE KNOW IT TODAY, AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION AS WE KNOW IT TODAY, WILL CONTINUE ON THE SAME BASIC PRINCIPLES AS WE KNOW THEM TODAY.
"IT REMAINS FOR US TO PRESERVE AND DEVELOP THAT WHICH WE ALREADY POSSESS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO POSSESS,” HE CONCLUDED.
THE CEREMONY WAS TO MARK THE APPOINTMENT OF FIVE QUEEN’S COUNSEL - MR ANTHONY R DICKS, MR WARREN CHAN CHEE-HOI, MR LAWRENCE LOK YING-KAM, MR MICHAEL V LUNN, AND MR NIGEL A C AIKEN. THEIR APPOINTMENTS TOOK EFFECT ON MARCH 30 THIS YEAR.
-----0-----
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY MRS ANSON CHAN AFTER OPENING THE SHATIN HOSPITAL TODAY (SATURDAY):
QUESTION : COULD YOU REPEAT YOUR ANSWER (ON MEN STATUS) IN ENGLISH PLEASE ?
CS : I WAS SAYING THAT ON THE MFN ISSUE, AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN IN WASHINGTON TO LOBBY FOR UNCONDITIONAL EXTENSION OF THE MFN BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT WITHDRAWAL OF MFN WOULD DEAL AN ECONOMIC BODY BLOW, NOT ONLY TO CHINA, BUT WOULD ALSO AFFECT HONG KONG VERY SERIOUSLY AND IN TURN WOULD AFFECT STABILITY' IN THE ENTIRE EAST ASIA REGION.
/QUESTION: .......
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION : DO YOU THINK CHINA IS USING PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE AS A KIND OF BARGAINING CHIP TO GET THE MFN STATUS ?
CS : I THINK THE CHINESE ARE WELL AWARE FROM THEIR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION AS TO THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER. AS YOU KNOW, THE PRESIDENT HAS TO CERTIFY COMPLIANCE WITH THE EXECUTIVE ORDER IN ORDER FOR EXTENSION OF MFN. THERE IS A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE GOING ON BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE CHINESE OFFICIALS. I AM SURE THE CHINESE ARE WELL AWARE OF WHAT IS REQUIRED.
QUESTION : ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT IT WOULD BE RENEWED ?
CS : I AM VERY GLAD TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT FORWARD HONG KONG’S CASE AND TO STATE OUR VIEWS ON UNCONDITIONAL EXTENSION OF MFN WHEN I WAS IN WASHINGTON. I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT HONG KONG’S CASE WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. I HAVE POINTED OUT THE CONSEQUENCES AND WE MUST NOW AWAIT THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION.
-----0 - -
PUBLIC WORKS ROVING EXHIBITION OPENS ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR SIU CHUEN, TODAY (SATURDAY) ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT STAFF OF HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE DOING THEIR BEST TO MEET THE CHANGE THAT LIES AHEAD.
HE GAVE THE ASSURANCE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE FOR A ROVING EXHIBITION WHICH MARKS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG.
MR SIU SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE TERRITORY’S TRANSFORMATION FROM A FISHING VILLAGE 150 YEARS AGO INTO A HIGHLY MODERNISED CITY.
"I MYSELF, AND MY STAFF, ARE NOT COMPLACENT OF THIS. WE FULLY REALISE THAT THERE ARE MUCH MORE FOR US TO DO IN THE NEAR AND MORE DISTANT FUTURE," HE STRESSED.
EARLIER, MR SIU POINTED OUT THAT THE WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN OR BEING UNDERTAKEN IN VARIOUS FIELDS BY THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS UNDERLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING THE TERRITORY’S POSITION AS THE HUB OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC, AND TO MEET THE PUBLIC’S RISING ASPIRATIONS.
"THE PROJECTS ALSO SIGNIFY THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE GROWTH," HE SAID.
THE PROJECTS COVERED THE FIELDS OF RECREATION AND CULTURE; EDUCATION; MEDICAL SERVICES; CIVIL ENGINEERING; ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES; DRAINAGE SERVICES; TRANSPORT AND WATER SUPPLIES.
MR SIU NOTED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE EXHIBITION WAS TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A BETTER PICTURE OF WHAT THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN DOING TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE.
/THE EXHIBITION.........
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
- 3 -
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL CONTINUE AT LOK FU TOMORROW, AND AT POPULAR SHOPPING CENTRES AND AN MTR STATION OVER SEVEN WEEKENDS UNTIL AUGUST, IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE SHORT FILMS ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL ON HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING MORE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE IMPRESSIVE MODELS OF SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING TSING MA BRIDGE, DEVELOPMENTS AT THE CENTRAL AND WANCHAI RECLAMATION, THE AWARD-WINNING KOWLOON WALLED CITY PARK, AND THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME IN MINIATURE WHICH WILL BE DISPLAYED WHERE THE VENUE PERMITS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO FEATURE DISPLAY PANELS CONTAINING CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WITH SHORT DESCRIPTIONS TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATING OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS - ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPIES DEPARTMENT.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MISS ELAINE CHUNG; WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KAM-MAN, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK.
--------0-----------
LAW HELPS SETUP OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS
* * * * *
THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE HAS ENABLED FLAT OWNERS TO SPEEDILY FORM OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OC’S) TO OVERSEE THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE "BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - PERSPECTIVE AND PARTICIPATION", MISS CHOW SAID THE ORDINANCE ALSO STIPULATED CLEAR AND DETAILED PROVISIONS ABOUT THE COMPILATION OF EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS AND THE PROCUREMENT OF SUPPLIES, GOODS AND SERVICES.
SHE STRESSED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE A SOUND LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO ENABLE FLAT OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY STAFF TO THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND THEIR DUTIES AND ROLES SO THAT THEY COULD MANAGE THEIR BUILDINGS EFFECTIVELY.
AS TO THE EXTENSION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL’S JURISDICTION TO HANDLE DISPUTES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS, MISS CHOW EXPECTED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE EFFECT AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
"WE BELIEVE THIS CHANGE WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO GOOD OF BUILDINGS," SHE SAID.
MANAGEMENT
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
4
IN ORDER TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY BUILDING MANAGEMENT, MISS CHOW SAID THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) WOULD CONDUCT PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS AS WELL AS SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS AND TRAINING COURSES.
IN ADDITION, THE CNTA HAD PRODUCED A SERIES OF VIDEOS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, WHICH COULD BE BORROWED BY OWNERS’ ORGANISATIONS FREE OF CHARGE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, SHE ADDED.
MISS CHOW ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE SEMINAR TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
THE SEMINAR, THE FIFTH IN A SERIES, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CNTA AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 300 BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS, FLAT OWNERS AND MEMBERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND OWNERS’ COMM ITTEES.
--------0-----------
BOOKLETS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON SALE
*****
BOOKLETS ON THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES AN OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OC’S) AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
AT $30 EACH, THEY ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, AFTER EXTENSIVE AMENDMENTS IN MAY LAST YEAR, HAS CHANGED ITS TITLE TO THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE TO REFLECT ITS PURPOSES AND APPLICATION.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ORDINANCE INCLUDE FACILITATING THE CREATION OF OC’S, INCREASING CONTROL OVER THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF AN OC AND INTRODUCING MEASURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT.
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS ALSO PUBLISHED A PAMPHLET ON "HOW TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT".
IT SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE, COVERING TOPICS SUCH AS THE PROCEDURES FOR FORMING AN OC, THE APPOINTMENT OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF SUPPLIES, GOODS AND SERVICES BY MANAGERS AND OC’S.
THE PAMPHLETS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
0
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
- 5 -
EXTENSIVE HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE HAS DEPLOYED MORE THAN 120 TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS TO CONDUCT EXTENSIVE HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO SECURE AS MANY NEW NAMES AS POSSIBLE FOR THE ELECTORAL ROLL, THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW WELLS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION CARNIVAL, HE SAID THERE WAS NO FEWER THAN 26,000 ADDITIONAL YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER IN THE DISTRICT FOLLOWING THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE FROM 21 TO 18.
”1 REGARD IT AS OUR TOP PRIORITY TO DEMONSTRATE TO THESE YOUNG PEOPLE THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AND TO LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD,” HE SAID.
THE CARNIVAL FEATURED PERFORMANCE BY POPULAR SINGERS, DRAMA, QUIZ AND CARTOON FIGURES.
---------0-----------
APRIL WARM AND DRY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ >
LAST MONTH WAS THE WARMEST AND DRIEST XPRIL SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884, A MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT COMPILED BY TH! ROYAL OBSERVATORY SA ID TODAY (SATURDAY).
IN THE ABSENCE OF SIGNIFICANT LATF-SEASON COLD SURGES, THE TERRITORY WAS DOMINATED BY A RELATIVELY WARM SOUTH TO SOUTHWESTERLY AIRSTREAM, PARTICULARLY IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE MONTH.
THE MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 24.7 DEGREES, THE MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURF OF 27.5 DEGREES XND THE MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 22.8 DEGREES WERE ALL THE HIGHEST VALUES FOR APRIL ON RECORD.
THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 6.0 MILLIMETRES, THE LOWEST FOR APRIL, WAS MUCH LESS THAN THE APRIL NORMAL OF 16 1.5 MILLIMETRES.
RAINFALL IN THE FIRS'! FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 AMOUNTED TO 83.0 MILLIMETRES, 72 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAI. OF 299.8 MILLIMETRES FOR TH! PERIOD.
FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER PREVAILED FOR THE FIRST EIGHT DAYS OF THE MONTH. A LIGHT AND HUMID SOUTHEASTERLY AIRSTREAM DOMINATED THE PERIOD WITH OVERNIGHT AND MORNING COASTAL MIST THAT DISPERSED IN THF DAY .
THE ARRIVAL OF EASTERLY WINDS BROUGHT CLOUDY SKIES ON THE NIGHT OF APRIL 8.
RAIN DEVELOPED IN THF EARLY MORNING OF APRIL 9 AS WINDS FRESHENED. EASTERLIES PERSISTED ON APRIL 9 AND 10 AND THE WEATHER STAYED CLOUDY WITH DRIZZLE. MISTY CONDITIONS RETURNED AS EASTERLIES MODERATED IN THE LATE AFTERNOON OF 10 APRIL.
/A MAINLAND .......
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
6
A MAINLAND FISHING BOAT COLLIDED WITH X GREEK FREIGHTER IN POOK VISIBILITY AND SANK ABOUT 150 KILOMETRES SOUTHWEST OF WAGLAN ISLAND. ONE FISHERMAN WAS REPORTED MISSING IN THE ACCIDENT.
MIST AND DRIZZLE CONTINUED ON APRIL 11 AND 12. A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED OVER GUANGDONG AND MOVED ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA COAST IN THE EVENING OF APRIL 12.
ARRIVAL OF A COOLER CONTINENTAL AIRSTREAM BEHIND THE TROUGH CLEARED THE MIST AND BROUGHT THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 18.1 DEGREES EARLY ON APRIL 13.
THE WEATHER REMAINED OVERCAST WITH OCCASIONAL LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 13 AND 14.
AS WINDS SUBSIDED ON APRIL 15, CLOUDS STARTED TO BREAK AND THERE WERE SUNNY SPELLS IN THE AFTERNOON.
GENERALLY FINE WEATHER PERSISTED FROM APRIL 16 TO 20. DURING THIS PERIOD, TEMPERATURES ROSE STEADILY AS THE EASTERLIES WERE GRADUALLY REPLACED BY WARMER SOUTHERLY WINDS.
THE APPROACH OF A LOW PRESSURE TROUGH BROUGHT UNSETTLED WEATHER TO THE TERRITORY ON APRIL 21.
HEAVY AND THUNDERY SHOWFRS AFFECTED THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE AFTERNOON ANT) EVENING. OVER 80 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN FELL IN SAI KUNG AREA AND THERE WERE ALSO REPORTS OF PEA-SIZED HAILSTONES AT MA TSEUK LENG NEAR SHA TAU KOK.
THE WEATHER STARTED TO IMPROVE ON APRIL 22 WITH LONG PERIODS OF SUNSHINE DURING THE DAY. APART FROM SOME LIGHT SHOWERS, A HOT AND FINE SPELL LASTED UNTIL APRIL 28 WHEN TEMPERATURES CLIMBED TO THE MONTH’S HIGHEST OF 31.6 DEGREES.
AN UNSTABLE SOUTHWESTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT DISTURBED WFATHER TO THE TERRITORY ON APRIL 29.
HEAVY RAIN WAS VERY LOCALISED AND AS A RESULT RAINFALL OF OVER 70 MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEU TERRITORIES WHILE ONLX 2.4 MILLIMETRES FELL AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE WEATHER TURNED FINE AGAIN ON APRIL 30.
THERE WAS ONLY ONE TROPICAL ('X CLONE OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN APRIL 1991.
TWO AIRCRAFT WERE DIA EKTED IN THE MONTH AS A RESULT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
DETAILS ON THE ISSUANCE/HOJ STI NG AND tANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/S1GNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAI ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
/TABLE 1.1 .......
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
7
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN APRIL 1994
WARNINGS / SIGNALS
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS
YELLOW RED APR APR APR 3 0615 10 0000 5 0000 - APR - APR - APR 5 10 5 0000 1800 2315
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS APR 21 0130 - APR 21 0630
APR 21 1345 - APR 21 1945
APR 28 2340 - APR 29 0640
APR 29 1330 - APR 29 1730
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - APRIL 1994
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 171.5 HOURS ; 62.6 ABOVE NORMAL HOURS
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 14.97 MJ/SQM ; 1.83 ABOVE NORMAL MJ/SQM
TOTAL RAINFALL
6.0 MM ; 155.5 MM
BELOW NORMAL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT
69 % ; 9 % BELOW NORMAL
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
82 % ; 1 % BELOW NORMAL
27.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
2.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
24.7 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
2.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
22.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
2.6 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
2.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION
98.2 MM ; 8.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
REMARKS: ALL MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT SUNSHINE, SOLAR RADIATION AND EVAPORATION WHICH WERE RECORDED AT KING’S PARK.
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/8 ...
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1994
- 8 -
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION » * * * »
A SPECIALLY-DECORATED BUS CARRYING BEAUTY7 QUEENS WILL TOUR TSEUNG KWAN O TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF VOTER REGISTRATION TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THIS IS PART OF A SERIES OF VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE.
TEMPORARY REGISTRATION BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP TO HELP RESIDENTS REGISTER AS VOTERS.
THE SECOND RUNNER-UP OF MISS HONG KONG PAGEANT, MISS MIDDY YU; MISS INTERNATIONAL GOOD WILL, MISS CHRISTINA LAU; AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PARRISH NG, WILL BE PRESENT TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 12.15 PM TOMORROW AT KING LAM ESTATE, TSEUNG KWAN O.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,882 0930 -170
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,962 1000 -170
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -170
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -170 1130 -170
LAF TODAY -750 1500
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.1 *+0.0* 14.5.94
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/9 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1994
9
NEW FINANCING SYSTEM FOR DAY CRECHES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CHANGE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF SUBVENTING DAY CRECHES TO BRING IT INTO LINE WITH THAT OF THE DAY NURSERIES FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD LIFT THE EXISTING POLICY WHICH ONLY ALLOWED THE ADMISSION OF INFANTS FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH SOCIAL NEEDS TO SUBVENTED DAY CRECHES.
HE SAID IN FUTURE, DAY CRECHE SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO OTHER FAMILIES WHO MIGHT CHOOSE TO USE THE SERVICE AND YET ABLE TO PAY FOR THE FEE ACCORDING TO THEIR MEANS.
"HOWEVER, PRIORITY WILL STILL BE GIVEN TO INFANTS FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN NEED OF FULL-DAY CARE," HE ADDED.
DAY CRECHES PROVIDE CARE AND CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A BRIEFING HAD ALREADY BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE AGENCIES OPERATING DAY CRECHES LAST FRIDAY TO EXPLAIN TO THEM HOW THE NEW FINANCING SYSTEM WORKED.
"WE ALSO WISH TO ENLIST THEIR ASSISTANCE IN EXPLAINING TO PARENTS CONCERNED," HE SAID.
HE SAID INSTEAD OE' SUBVENTING DAY CRECHES, GOVERNMENT WOULD IN FUTURE, 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.
"OPERATORS OF DAY CRECHES WILL RECEIVE FROM GOVERNMENT A FIVE PER CENT SUBSIDY, CAPITAL GRANTS ON FITTING OUT COST, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS REIMBURSEMENT OF RENT AND RATES," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROCESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS TO ENSURE THAT PROVISION WOULD BE OFFERED TO FAMILIES WHO HAI) A SOCIAL NEED FOR DAY CRECHE SERVICE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PAST DECADE HAD WITNESSED MARKED SOCIAL CHANGES SUCH AS THE PREVALENCE OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES, AN INCREASE TN 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.
"WE ARE EXPANDING THE SUPPLY OF CRECHE PLACES TO MEET THIS NEW DEMAND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/10........
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1994
CRIME VICTIMS GET $9 MILLION COMPENSATION *****
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS PAID OUT $8.98 MILLION IN COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS IN 1992/93, ACCORDING TO THE BOARDS’ LATEST ANNUAL REPORT.
THE PAYMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 1,052 CRIMINAL INJURIES CASES AND SEVEN LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES CASES.
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL PAYMENT OF GRANTS TO $73.06 MILLION SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE CLEIC SCHEME TN 1973.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ANTHONY NEOH, SAID 766 APPLICATIONS FOR CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR, REPRESENTING 8.8 PER CENT OF THE 8,707 REPORTED CASES OF CRIMINAL INJURIES.
AMONG THE APPLICATIONS, 537 WERE RELATED TO ASSAULT AND WOUNDING, 157 TO ROBBERY, THEFT AND BURGLARY; 59 TO HOMICIDE, MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER, FOUR TO SEXUAL OFFENCES, EIGHT TO INJURIES CAUSED BY FALLING OBJECTS AND ONE TO ARSON.
REGARDING THE SOURCE OE' APPLICATIONS, 559 OF THEM WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE, 152 SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES OR THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE REST REFERRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, MR NEOH SAID.
DURING THE YEAR, THE LARGEST SINGLE PAYMENT WAS $111,030, WHICH WAS GIVEN TO A VICTIM, A PARTNER OF A SUPERMARKET, WHO SUSTAINED INJURIES IN A WOUNDING ACCIDENT. THE SMALLEST AWARD WAS $456.
THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES OR ARE KILLED OR INJURED IN HELPING TO PREVENT CRIME IN HONG KONG, AND THEIR DEPENDANTS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION WHERE A PERSON IS KILLED OR INJURED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS USING WEAPONS IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES. THE SCHEME DOES NOT INVOLVE A MEANS TEST AND IS NON-CONTRIBUTORY.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HOTLINE 343 2255.
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CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ TO START IN SCHOOLS
*****
THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS ORGANISING AN INTRA-SECONDARY SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ TO AROUSE STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN AND AWARENESS OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
TARGETED AT SECONDARY 3 AND 4 PUPILS, THE QUIZ IS PART OF A SERIES OF CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE. THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU.
/MORE THAN
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1994
- 11 -
MORE THAN 140 SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART IN THE QUIZ AND HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A SET OF QUIZ PAPERS.
EACH QUIZ PAPER CONTAINS 30 MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS WHICH FOCUS ON THE RULE OF LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
THE TOP FIVE STUDENTS OF EACH OF THE FORMS IN A SCHOOL WHO ATTAIN THE HIGHEST SCORE WILL RECEIVE A FLUFFY TOY.
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REGISTER AS VOTER IS A CITIZEN’S DUTY
*****
TO REGISTER AS A VOTER NOT ONLY MEANS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, IT IS ALSO THE FIRST STEP TO EXERCISE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A CITIZEN, THE ACTING KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SHIRLEY YUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION DAY, MISS YUNG STRESSED THAT EVERYBODY SHOULD TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND BE READY TO VOTE IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
SHE ALSO CALLED ON THOSE WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18 AND WHO HAVE BEEN LIVING IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS TO REGISTER WITHOUT DELAY.
REGISTERED VOTERS SHOULD INFORM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE OF ANY CHANGES OF THEIR ADDRESSES.
IN A BID TO URGE MORE YOUNGSTERS TO REGISTER, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE APPROACHING STUDENTS AT SECONDARY AND TERTIARY COLLEGES, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AS WELL AS EVENING SCHOOLS IN THE AREA.
IN EASTERN DISTRICT TODAY, A DECORATED OPEN-TOP DOUBLE DECKER TOURED THE STREETS TO DRIVE HOME THE "GET-REGISTERED" MESSAGE.
STAFF MEMBERS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE HELPED ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO FILL IN REGISTRATION FORMS WHEN THE BUS STOPPED AT HENG FA CHUEN, TIN HAU MTR STATION AND NORTH POINT FERRY FIER.
DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS ARE ALSO BEING CONDUCTED ACROSS THE TERRITORY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FORMAL RESPONSE TO RIGHTS REPORTS BEFORE END OF JUNE..... 1
GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA........................................ 2
HK SHOULD BE PRUDENT ABOUT PUBLIC FINANCING................. 6
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION...................... 6
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROSTITUTES FACE PROSECUTION.............. 8
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR DISRUPTED MINIBUS ROUTES...................................................... 8
HK AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS HOLD ANNUAL MEETING................ 9
UK NUCLEAR EXPERTS VISIT HK................................ 10
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 1ST QUARTER............................................ 11
HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND APEC MEETING IN BALI............... 14
SPEL VISITS JAPAN.......................................... 14
GOVT’S ROLE IN GREEN PRODUCTIVITY.......................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 18
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
FORMAL RESPONSE TO RIGHTS REPORTS BEFORE END OF JUNE *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS HOPING TO GIVE A FORMAL RESPONSE TO THE REPORTS OF THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (FAC) BEFORE THE END OF NEXT MONTH.
ADDRESSING THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE ISSUES WOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS.
HE SAID: "YOUR REPORT, AND THE FAC’S REPORT, WILL BE AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA FOR MY TALKS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, THE MINISTER OF STATE, MR GOODLAD, AND OFFICIALS WHEN I AM IN LONDON NEXT WEEK.
”OUR FORMAL RESPONSE WILL NOT BE TOO LONG DELAYED. WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO GIVE IT BY THE END OF JUNE, WHEN THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S OBSERVATIONS ON THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT ARE DUE.”
ON THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WERE COMPETING ARGUMENTS SURROUNDING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF SUCH A COMMISSION AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WEIGH ALL THE POINTS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.
BUT HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE ULTIMATE PROTECTORS AND GUARANTORS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG WERE THE RULE OF LAW AND AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY.
MR PATTEN NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER 1997 WERE CLEARLY PROTECTED IN INTERNATIONAL LAWS BY THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND IN HONG KONG LAW BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND OTHER LAWS.
HE SAID THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ICESCR) SHOULD REMAIN IN FORCE.
THE OBLIGATION OF BRITAIN TO REPORT ON HONG KONG TO THE RELEVANT BODIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS WOULD NO DOUBT PASS FROM BRITAIN TO CHINA AFTER JULY 1, 1997, HE SAID.
ONE OF THE SIMPLEST ANSWERS FOR CHINA TO FULFIL ITS OBLIGATIONS WAS TO SIGN UP ITSELF TO THE TWO COVENANTS TO CHANGE ITS NON-PARTY STATUS, THE GOVERNOR NOTED.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO GAVE A TIMETABLE ON THE AMENDMENT OF LEGISLATION AFTER THE LAUNCHING OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS IN LINE WITH THE ICCPR.
HE SAID SO FAR 14 AMENDING BILLS HAD ALREADY BEEN ENACTED.
"WE HAVE A CLEAR TIMETABLE FOR AMENDING A FURTHER 10 ORDINANCES, INCLUDING THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE AND THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT ORDINANCE.”
/HE SAID .......
’7
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 2 -
HE-SAID;THE ADMINISTRATION WAS STILL REVIEWING SEVEN PIECES OF LEGISLATION, INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS ORDINANCE.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS AMENDING LAWS WHICH MIGHT INFRINGE PRESS FREEDOM.
HE SAID GOVERNMENT REVIEW, WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WAY, HAD IN FACT COVERED 27 ORDINANCES. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AMENDED THREE OF THEM AND HAVE PLANNED. TO AMEND A FURTHER SEVEN BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
"WE ACCEPT THAT SOME PROVISIONS IN THESE ORDINANCES DO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON THE .PRESS; BUT THESE ARE RESTRICTIONS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF INDIVIDUALS, AND THE GOVERNMENT CLEARLY HAS A PARALLEL DUTY TO PROTECT THAT UNDER THE LAW AS WELL.
"I REPEAT THAT BY THE END OF THE YEAR WE AIM TO HAVE AMENDED AT LEAST 10 ORDINANCES WHICH COULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN HONG KONG," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
r. --------o------
GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS TALK TO THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL THIS (MONDAY) EVENING:
QUESTION: YOU SAID IN YOUR SPEECH WHEN WE STAND UP TO HUMAN RIGHTS. WE ARE FIRM TOGETHER THAT WE ARE A SINGLE HUMAN COMMUNITY. NOW, YOU YOURSELF HAVE SPOKEN ON THE MATTER OF XI YANG, OUR COLLEAGUE, AND AMBASSADOR MCLAREN HAS INVESTIGATED IN THAT. CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO US PLEASE WHY LEGCO LAST WEEK, THE EX-OFFICIO PEOPLE ABSTAINED ON THAT PARTICULAR MATTER, AND WAS THAT SENDING A KIND OF MESSAGE TO PEKING, OR WHAT WERE....?
GOVERNOR: NO, IT WAS BECAUSE THE MOTION WAS DIRECTED AT THE GOVERNMENT OF i THE PRC RATHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG BUT THERE’S NO DOUBT1, 1 THINK, IN ANYBODY’S MIND THAT WE HAVE MADE OUR VIEWS ON THE XI YANG CASE PLAIN. WE WERE VERY DISTURBED BY THE SENTENCE THAT WAS HANDED OUT AND WE WERE VERY DISTURBED BY THE OPAQUENESS OF THE PROCEEDINGS. WE RECOGNISE, OF COURSE, THAT THESE ARE CHINESE RULES APPLIED IN CHINESE COURTS BUT WE’VE ARGUED AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OF OUR PEOPLE, OUR JOURNALISTS WORKING IN CHINA, IT’S REASONABLE FOR CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW, ARE. WE’VE MADE THAT CLEAR, SEVERAL OF US, MYSELF, THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND OTHERS, ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
QUESTION: HOW CAN YOU ON ONE HAND TALK OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOR HONG KONG, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, HONG KONG IS EFFECTIVELY UNDERMINING THOSE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR SEEKING TO USE MFN TO PUT PRESSURE ON BEIJING TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA?
/GOVERNOR: .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
3
GOVERNOR: BUT, YOUR ASSUMPTION IS THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT HUMAN RIGHTS SHOULD BE LINKED TO TRADE. I READ THIS WEEKEND AN EDITORIAL IN THE WASHINGTON POST WHICH SAID THAT THERE'S A CHANGE OF MIND ON THE ISSUE AND BELIEVED THAT THE BEST WAY OF PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA WAS THROUGH OPENING UP THE ECONOMY, WAS THROUGH MORE TRADE AND THROUGH PURSUING A POLITICAL DIALOGUE. IT HAPPENS TO BE THE CASE THAT DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE IN HONG KONG HAVE MORE REASONS THAN, PERHAPS, ANYBODY TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, WE BELIEVE AS THE WASHINGTON POST ARGUED AND AS MANY AMERICANS ARGUE, AS CONGRESSMAN LEE HAMILTON, ONE OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS HAS ARGUED, THAT IT'S NOT SENSIBLE TO LINK HUMAN RIGHTS, POLITICAL ISSUES WITH MATTERS OF TRADE AND ECONOMICS. IT'S A PERFECTLY RESPECTABLE POSITION TO TAKE UP AND IT DOESN'T IN ANY WAY UNDERMINE OUR BELIEF IN HUMAN RIGHTS.
QUESTION: SIR, WITH YOUR SUPPORT TO THE SPEECH ON ’’SILENCE OF THE LAMB”, WHAT SHORT OF POLITICAL PRESSURES THAT THE ADMINISTRATION RIGHT NOW ARE FEELING, AND .....?
GOVERNOR: IT SHOULDN'T SURPRISE ANYBODY THAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY ARE IN FAVOUR OF PRUDENT FINANCING. IT'S THROUGH PRUDENT FINANCING THAT, OR PARTLY THROUGH PRUDENT FINANCING THAT HONG KONG HAS BECOME SO PROSPEROUS AND STAYED SO PROSPEROUS OVER THE YEARS. I DON’T THINK IT'S SENSIBLE IN POLITICS TO BE GUN-HELD ABOUT, TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT SPENDING MONEY BUT NOT, FOR EXAMPLE, SO ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT RAISING THE MONEY IN ORDER TO MEET THE BILLS. I THINK THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY WAS SAYING WITH FALSE INELOGUENCE THAT WE HAVE TO GO ON AND BALANCING THE BOOKS IN HONG KONG. NOW, THERE IS NOTHING UNDEMOCRATIC ABOUT BELIEVING IN PRUDENT PUBLIC FINANCING. I COULD POINT TO YOU TO ALL SORTS OF DEMOCRACY OVER THE WORLD. WE HAVE PARTY STATE IN POWER FOR YEARS ADVOCATING PRUDENT PUBLIC FINANCING. AT THE MOMENT, THE PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES IS TRYING TO CUT THE BUDGET DEFICIT, A SORT OF ANTIDEMOCRATIC THING TO DO. IT'S A SENSIBLE THING TO DO. SO, IN OUR OPEN SOCIETY, THE GIVE-AND-TAKE OF PUBLIC DEBATE INCLUDES THE RIGHTS OF THE EXECUTIVE TO SAV FROM TIME TO TINE WHAT HE THINKS ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, ... THE TA KUNG PAO ON ITS EDITORIAL ABOUT HUNAN RIGHTS EXPRESSED THAT ......JUST NOW SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT
GET CAUGHT UP WITH THE LEAD IN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WHICH IS SAID TO BE THE WORK OF A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE, REFERRED TO THE BRITISH, BUT THERE WERE CLAUSES IN THE BASIC LAW. IT WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE AMERICAN HAS NO SUCH COMMISSION, NEITHER DOES THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND IT IS A VERY PECULIAR THING NOW SETTING IT UP 1 141 DAYS BEFORE
REVERTING TO CHINA, HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THAT?
GOVERNOR: WE’LL GIVE OUR RESPONSE TO TA KUNG PAO AND INDEED TO THE FAC AND AMNESTY BEFORE THE END OF JUNE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO RESPONDING TO THE FAC IN THAT TIME SCALE. IT'S PERFECTLY TRUE, AS I SAID IN MY SPEECH, THAT YOU CAN THINK OF LOTS OF EXAMPLES OF COUNTRIES WITH A BILL OF RIGHTS BUT NO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS AND EXAMPLES AS WELL OF COMMUNITIES WITH A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BUT NO BILL OF RIGHTS. AND IT’S ONLY IN ONE OR TWO EXAMPLES, IN ONLY ONE OR TWO COUNTRIES, I THINK CANADA IS ONE, WHERE THERE IS BOTH THE BILL OF RIGHTS AND THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. YOU CAN ALSO THINK OF EXAMPLES OF HUMAN. RIGHTS COMMISSIONS THAT AREN’T VERY EFFECTIVE AND OTHERS THAT ARE. I THINK THAT WHAT IS IMPORTANT, AS WELL AS ADDRESSING THE INSTITUTIONAL, QUESTION, IS TO ADDRESS WHAT IT IS THAT PEOPLE EXPECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO DO AND AMNESTY'S TALKED ABOUT AFFORDABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND AWARENESS OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND I HOPE THOSE ISSUES DON’T GET LOST WHEN TALKING ABOUT THAT INSTITUTIONAL MATTER.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
4
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, I WAS STRUCK BY THE FACT THAT YOU ARE QUITE NATURALLY CONGRATULATING YOURSELF ON YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT YOU WERE ABSOLUTELY SILENT ON HONG KONG’S HUMAN RIGHTS FAILINGS... I AM SURE THAT YOU KNOW THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HISTORICALLY HAS A VERY POOR RECORD ON HUMAN RIGHTS. AND IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH YOU ARE A PART, PLAY A B[G ROLE IN HONG KONG HAVING SUCH A POOR HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, AND AS YOU KNOW, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OPPOSED TO A BILL OF RIGHTS IN HONG KONG UP UNTIL TIANMAN SQUARE, AND THE REASONS THAT THEY GAVE AT THE TIME WAS THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR A BILL OF RIGHTS, AND THAT ALL OF HONG KONG’S LAWS WERE TOTALLY IN CONFORMITY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS BECAUSE, AS YOU SAID, EACH PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS VETTED FOR COMPLIANCE TO THESE ................. OBLIGATIONS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE 10 PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT NEEDED AMENDING BECAUSE THEY MIGHT INFRINGE ON HUMAN RIGHTS. AND THE CHINESE ARE NOW USING THIS BRITISH ARGUMENT, PRE-TIANMAN BRITISH ARGUMENT, TO SAY THERE IS NO NEED FOR A BILL OF RIGHTS. THERE IS NO NEED FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BECAUSE AFTERALL, THE BRITISH HAD BEEN VERY CAREFULLY VETTING ALL LEGISLATION, GO THERE IS NOTHING IN HONG KONG.... CONTRADICTS THE COVENANTS . NOW I THINK IT LEAVES YOU TO ASSUME SOME RESPONSIBILITIES ON THIS?
GOVERNOR: BUT, FRANK, IF WE’RE TO EXCHANGE ARGUMENTS ABOUT HISTORY, I AM NOT SURE WHERE IT WILL GET US. YOU ARE KEEN TO POINT OUT PESSIMISM AS IT WERE THAT WE HAVEN’T DONE ENOUGH IN THE PAST ON HUMAN RIGHTS. WE CAN ARGUE ABOUT THAT. WHAT I AM CONSCIOUS OF IS THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING THAT WE DO ENOUGH TODAY AND I AM SURE IF YOU THINK WE ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH, NOT RESPONDING ADEQUATELY, YOU’LL KNOCK US ALL OVER THE PLACE AS IT IS YOUR TOTAL RIGHT.
QUESTION: IN YOUR SPEECH JUST NOW, YOU REFERRED TO THE FAC REPORT AND THE AMNESTY REPORT, AND YOU SAID YOU’LL BE CONSIDERING ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, AND THEN, OF COURSE, YOU GO ON ARGUING THE JOINT DECLARATION MEANS THAT CHINA IS OBLIGED TO GIVE A REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, ETC. WELL, IN THE FAC REPORT, THEY HAVE ACTUALLY SAID THE WAY CHINA TREATED TIBET, TIBET IS OF COURSE ALSO BOUND BY AN AGREEMENT, AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT LIKE HONG KONG HAS, THAT IT SERVES A WARNING FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO COMPARE HOW THE DIFFERENT AGREEMENTS FOR HONG KONG AND FOR TIBET, AND SEE IN A WAY WHAT SORT OF GUARANTEE HONG KONG ACTUALLY HAS. IT’S ALL VERY WELL SAYING, YOU KNOW, IT’S AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY BUT THEY HAVE BROKEN AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY FOR TIBET, WHAT IF THEY BREAK ONE FOR HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT A TIBETAN EXPERT THOUGH I HAVE READ THE DECLARATION-ON TIBET BUT I DON’T THINK THAT YOU ARE ARGUING THAT IT IS A TREATY LODGED AT THE UNITED NATIONS BETWEEN TWO SOVEREIGN POWERS AND THAT’S WHAT THE JOINT DECLARATION AMOUNTS TO. I AM ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THE CHINESE, HAVING SIGNED IT AS AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY, INTENDS TO ABIDE BY IT.
QUESTION: TWO POINTS, GOVERNOR. I MEAN, JUST ....... OF TREATIES THAT HAD BEEN BROKEN IN HISTORY THAT NON-AGGRESSION PACTS AND THE.......... PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THAT AND THEY ARE VERY NERVOUS. GIVEN THE DEGREE AND ANXIETY THAT PEOPLE HAVE, WHETHER YOU PHILOSOPHICALLY DISPOSE TOWARDS SOMETHING OR NOT, WOULD IT NOT BE BENEFICIAL AND TRY TO REASSURE PEOPLE TO PUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE INTO THE LAW AND INTO CONCRETE STRUCTURE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER. WHETHER THERE IS AN ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILL OR HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS, WHAT EVER IT MAY BE, CONCRETISE IT, EVEN IF IT’S NOT PHILOSOPHICAL IN ITS DISPOSITION BECAUSE IT MAKES PEOPLE FEEL BETTER?
/GOVERNOR: .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
5
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT SURE THAT IT NECESSARILY MAKES PEOPLE FEEL BETTER TO PASS A LAW. EACH OF THESE ISSUES, EACH OF THE ONES YOU TOUCH ON, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, ACCESS TO INFORMATION, HOW YOU’D LIKE TO DESCRIBE IT, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS AND SO ON, EACH OF THOSE THINGS INVOLVES MATTERS OF JUDGMENT IN WHICH ONE IS TRYING TO SECURE THE POSITION NOT JUST FOR THE SHORT TERM BUT FOR THE LONGER TERM AND WE HAVE TO WAIT, WE HAVE TO ARRIVE AT THOSE JUDGMENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND MONTHS. I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO DO SO IN A WAY WHICH COMMANDS MAJORITY CONSENT IN THE COMMUNITY. I CERTAINLY WILL BE TRYING TO EXPLAIN AND JUSTIFY WHATEVER DECISIONS WE COME TO. ONE MORE, LAST ONE.
QUESTION: THIS IDEA ABOUT A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE FROM THE BILL OF RIGHTS...
GOVERNOR: THAT IS NOT MY ARGUMENT.
QUESTION:... THERE IS AN INDICATION THAT PERHAPS, SOME ARE CITED AS SAYING THAT YOU HAVE CORRUPTION LARGE ENOUGH......... THE ICAC AND YOU HAVE SECURITY BRANCH. YOU DON’T NEED SFC. WHY NOT HAVE TWO TOGETHER, OF COURSE,...........................................
GOVERNOR: YOU COULD HAVE THE TWO TOGETHER. I JUST POINTED OUT THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE DO AND I POINTED OUT THAT WHILE CANADA DID WORK SUCCESSFULLY, I COULDN’T THINK OF MANY OTHER EXAMPLES. WHICH OTHER EXAMPLES CAN YOU THINK OF? (REMARKS BY REPORTERS INAUDIBLE) I DON’T BELIEVE THAT IT IS AN EXCLUSIVE ARGUMENT BUT I POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS OF INTEREST THAT I CAN ONLY THINK OF ONE EXAMPLE WHERE THE TWO COEXIST AND YOU CAN’T THINK OF ANOTHER.
QUESTION: IF YOU’RE LOOKING LONG TERM, GOVERNOR, AND YOU WANT TO MAKE THINGS LONG TERM RATHER THAN SHORT TERM. I CAN’T UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC OF RELYING ON ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES THAT CAN CHANGE BY....
GOVERNOR: WE ARE TOTALLY RELYING ON ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES BUT I THINK YOU’D BETTER WAIT AND HEAR WHAT WE ACTUALLY HAVE TO SAY IN A MONTH OR SO.
QUESTION: ARE YOU GOING TO REVERSE YOURSELF ON WHAT YOU’VE SAID BEFORE AND PREFERRING ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES?
GOVERNOR: I AM GOING TO MAKE THE POSITION CLEAR BEFORE THE END OF JUNE. THANKS.
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/6.........
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 6 -
HK SHOULD BE PRUDENT ABOUT PUBLIC FINANCING * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON SAID HONG KONG SHOULD BE PRUDENT ABOUT PUBLIC FINANCING AND IF PUBLIC FUNDS WERE GOING TO BE USED, THEY SHOULD BE TARGETED ON THINGS THAT PEOPLE WERE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING FOR THE ST JOHN’S COUNCIL FOR HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID: "AT PRESENT, HOUSEHOLDS ARE PAYING TWO PER CENT OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOMES IN DOMESTIC RATES. UNDER THE PROPOSALS THAT FOLLOW THE NORMAL PRACTICE, THAT FIGURE WOULD GO UP TO 2.1 PER CENT.
"IN THE CONTENT OF A BUDGET WHICH HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL CUTS IN THE TAX BURDEN, I DON’T REALLY THINK THAT PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THINK THAT’S UNREASONABLE."
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT MFN RENEWAL, MR PATTEN HOPED THAT MFN WOULD BE DELINKED FROM POLITICAL ISSUES.
"I THINK THAT’S IN THE INTEREST OF EVERYBODY. IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF AMERICA AND CHINA. IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I THINK IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
"I CAN’T PREDICT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN WASHINGTON BUT I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT GOOD SENSE WILL PREVAIL.”
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE SUGGESTION OF SELECTIVE SANCTIONS, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE’VE MADE IT CLEARLY ALL ALONG THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF MFN.
"SOMETIMES IN THE PAST, PEOPLE HAVE TALKED ABOUT SELECTIVE SANCTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN TERMS OF TARGETING AT THE STATE SECTOR IN CHINA WHEN IT COMES TO EXPORTS.
"QUITE APART FROM THE UNDESIRABILITY OF THAT, I’VE NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW IT’LL BE ADMINISTRATIVELY POSSIBLE."
--------0-----------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AFTER THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW HEADQUARTERS BUILDING FOR THE ST. JOHN’S COUNCIL FOR HONG KONG THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON:
QUESTION: IN YOUR OPPOSITION TO HAVE A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, AN INDEPENDENT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, ARE YOU...... CONFIDENT IN KNOWING THAT YOU’RE BACK TO THIS POSITION BY DIRECTOR LU PING?
/GOVERNOR: .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
7
GOVERNOR: I THINK WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS WAIT UNTIL I’VE MADE MY SPEECH THIS EVENING AND THEN WAIT, WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE EVEN LONGER, UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT, UNTIL EXCO HAVE DISCUSSED THE ISSUE. WE’LL BE SETTING OUT OUR PROPOSALS IN DUE COURSE AND I AM SORRY THAT I CAN’T SET THEM OUT FOR YOU.
QUESTION: WILL YOU SURPRISE US?
GOVERNOR: I AM SURE THAT YOU WILL BE OVERWHELMED ONCE AGAIN BY THE GOOD SENSE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
QUESTION: THE POLITICAL PARTIES WANT TO MEET YOU TO DISCUSS THE AMENDMENT ON THE BILL ON RATES, UP TO NOW, THERE’S NO RESPONSE FROM YOU, WILL YOU...?
GOVERNOR: I AM SENDING A LETTER TO THE UDHK LATER ON TODAY. I HAVE TO SAY, I MEAN, I AM ALWAYS HAPPY TO MEET ANYBODY AT ANY TIME. 1 THINK THAT’S BEEN ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF OUR ADMINISTRATION TN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. BUT THE CASE ON RATES IS A VERY BAD ONE AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY KNOWS IT IS A VERY BAD ONE. AT PRESENT, HOUSEHOLDS ARE PAYING TWO PERCENT OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOMES IN DOMESTIC RATES. UNDER THE PROPOSALS THAT FOLLOW THE NORMAL PRACTICE, THAT FIGURE WOULD GO UP TO 2.1 PERCENT. IN THE CONTEXT OF A BUDGET WHICH HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL CUTS IN THE TAX BURDEN, I DON’T REALLY THINK THAT PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THINK THAT’S UNREASONABLE AND I DO THINK WE SHOULD BE PRUDENT ABOUT OUR PUBLIC FINANCING AND IF WE ARE GOING TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS, TARGETED ON THINGS THAT PEOPLE ARE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT. BUT I DON’T THINK THAT ON THIS OCCASION, THE POLITICAL PARTIES HAVE IDENTIFIED ONE OF THE HIGHEST ISSUES ON PEOPLE’S AGENDA. YOU’VE GOT WAIT FOR THIS EVENING.
QUESTION: WHAT IS YOUR READING ON THE SITUATION ON THE MFN. YOU NOW CONSIDER INEVITABLE THAT THE AMERICAN WILL RENEW IT?
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S A BIT DANGEROUS TO SPECULATE ABOUT THE POLITICAL PROCESS IN WASHINGTON OR ANYWHERE ELSE. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT MFN WILL BE DELINKED FROM POLITICAL ISSUES. I THINK THAT’S IN THE INTEREST OF EVERYBODY. IT’S IN THE INTEREST Ok AMERICA AND CHINA. IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I THINK IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF THE WHOLE WORLD. THAT’S A POINT WHICH THE CHIEF SECRETARY, ANSON CHAN, PUT WITH GREAT ELOQUENCE AND VIGOUR WHEN SHE WAS IN WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND IT’S A POINT THAT I PUT AGAIN. SO, I CAN’T PREDICT WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN WASHINGTON BUT I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT GOOD SENSE WILL PREVAIL.
QUESTION: SENATOR MITCHELL ADVOCATED VERY STRONGLY TODAY THAT IT LOOKED LIKE THERE WOULD BE PROBABLY SOME SORT Ok SELECTIVE SANCTIONS ?
GOVERNOR: WE’VE MADE IT CLEARLY ALL ALONG THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE UNCONDITIONAL RENEWAL OF MFN AND SOMETIMES IN THE PAST, PEOPLE HAVE TALKED ABOUT SELECTIVE SANCTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, IN TERMS OF TARGETING AT THE STATE SECTOR IN CHINA WHEN IT COMES TO EXPORTS. QUITE APART FROM THE UNDESIRABILITY OF THAT, I’VE NEVER UNDERSTOOD HOW IT’LL BE ADMINISTRATIVELY POSSIBLE, HOW YOU (’AN DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WHETHER A BICYCLE IS A PRIVATE SECTOR BICYCLE OR A STATE BICYCLE, WHETHER SILK IS THE RESULT OF A PRIVATE SECTOR OR A PUBLIC SECTOR PROCESS. IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE A HUGE JOB CREATION JOB FOR THE AMERICAN CUSTOMS. SO, I HOPE WE CAN DISPOSE OF THE ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL IN A CLEAN WAY IF POSSIBLE. IT ISN’T TO SAY THAT PEOPLE AREN’T CONCERNED ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. THEY ARE. BUT 1 DON’T THINK PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF TRADE IS THE BEST WAY OF SECURING HUMAN RIGHTS OBJECTIVES. THANKS VERY MUCH . -----------------------------------0--------
/8......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
8
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROSTITUTES FACE PROSECUTION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL STEP UP ACTION AGAINST FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND IN VICE ESTABLISHMENTS AFTER AN INCREASING NUMBER OF THEM HAVE BEEN ARRESTED BY POLICE DURING THE PAST YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE SAID POLICE LAST YEAR ARRESTED A TOTAL OF 177 FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SUSPECTED TO BE WORKING AS PROSTITUTES, HOSTESSES OR KARAOKE PUBLIC RELATIONS GIRLS, OF WHOM 75 WERE FOUND IN VICE ESTABLISHMENTS. THIS COMPARES WITH ONLY 16 IN THIS CATEGORY ARRESTED IN 1992.
NOTING THAT THE PROBLEM HAD TO BE CONTAINED, AND ELIMINATED, IF POSSIBLE, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FROM JUNE 13 PROSECUTE FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND IN VICE ESTABLISHMENTS OR OTHERWISE FOUND WORKING AS PROSTITUTES.
’’LIKE OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND AT A PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, THESE WOMEN WILL BE CHARGED WITH REMAINING IN HONG KONG WITHOUT THE AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IF THEY COMMIT OTHER OFFENCES, THEY WOULD BE PROSECUTED FOR THESE OFFENCES IN THE NORMAL WAY, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE INITIATIVE WAS NOT SO MUCH A CHANGE IN PROSECUTION POLICY, BUT IT ADDRESSED A PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT APPARENT WHEN THE PRESENT POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER 1990.
HE ADDED THAT ACTION WOULD ALSO BE STEPPED UP AGAINST FOREIGNERS FOUND WORKING IN A VICE ESTABLISHMENT.
HE SAID LIKE FEMALE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, THERE HAI) BEEN AN INCREASING NUMBER OF WOMEN FROM ELSEWHERE RECENTLY GETTING INTO HONG KONG AS TOURISTS BUT TAKING UP WORK AS PROSTITUTES.
MORE THAN 1,700 SUCH PEOPLE WERE SUSPECTED TO BE WORKING AS PROSTITUTES LAST YEAR, AS COMPARED WITH AROUND 1,000 IN 1992.
---------0-----------
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR DISRUPTED MINIBUS ROUTES *****
AS A RESULT OF STRIKE BY DRIVERS, SERVICES OF NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS (GMB) ROUTES 20K, 21K, 22K AND 23K HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCY ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO DEAL WITH THE INCIDENT:
/* ROUTE 20K .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 9
* ROUTE 20K
TO CATER FOR PASSENGER DEMAND ALONG TING KOK ROAD AND AT SAM MUN TSAI, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) HAS STRENGTHENED ITS SERVICE ON ROUTE 74K TO IMPROVE ITS FREQUENCY TO 13 MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS.
KMB HAS ALSO AGREED TO CONTINUE THE SERVICE OF THIS ROUTE FROM 6 AM UNTIL 11.10 PM. THE FREQUENCY OF THIS ROUTE DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS IS 26 MINUTES.
* ROUTE 2 IK
THE OPERATOR OF GMB ROUTE 25K HAS ALLOCATED ADDITIONAL VEHICLES TO OPERATE SHORT WORKING TRIPS BETWEEN TAI PO KCR STATION AND NAM WAH PO/TAI HANG IN ORDER TO SERVE THE PASSENGERS OF ROUTE 2 IK AT WAI TAU. ACCORDING TO THIS OPERATOR, NO CONFUSION WAS OBSERVED THIS MORNING.
♦ ROUTE 23K
KMB WILL OPERATE A 24-SEATER BUS SERVICE BETWEEN SAN UK HA AND TAT PO KCR STATION FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY). THE SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 8 PM AT 15-M1NUTE FREQUENCY. THE FARE IS $3.
AS FOR ROUTE 22K, SINCE KAM SHAN IS NEXT TO TAI WO KCR STATION, PASSENGERS CAN WALK TO THIS RAILWAY STATION AND TAI WO ESTATE BUS TERMINUS IN FIVE MINUTES.
THESE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS CLOSELY MONITORING THE SITUATION.
---------0-----------
HK AND GUANGDONG CUSTOMS HOLD ANNUAL MEETING *****
THE 12TH ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING ON CUSTOMS LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA AND THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WAS HELD IN ZHANJIANG FROM MAY 10 TO 16.
THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DON WATSON.
THE ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR LIU WENJIE, HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION AND DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF CHINA.
/BOTH SIDES .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
10
BOTH SIDES GAVE PRESENTATION AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ON ANT1-NARCOTIC’S, ANTI-SMUGGLING WORK AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO ADMINISTRATIONS SINCE THE LAST ANNUAL REVIEW MEETING. BOTH SIDES WERE SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS ACHIEVED DURING THE PAST YEAR.
APART FROM ANALYSING THE EXISTING ANTI-SMUGGLING SITUATIONS, POSITIVE DISCUSSION WITH CONCRETE MEASURES ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS WERE FORMULATED.
---------0-----------
UK NUCLEAR EXPERTS VISIT UK ♦ * * ♦ ♦
TWO NUCLEAR EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, MTSS F A FRY AND MR C R WILLBY, HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON \ SJX-OAY VISIT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY WOULD EXAMINE THE DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN AND COMMENT ON IT TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE MEDIA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
THEA WILL BE MEETING OFFICIALS FROM THE SECURITY BRANCH, ROYAL OBSERVATORY, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. IN ADDITION, THEY WILL BE VISITING THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION.
THE EXPERTS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE PANEL ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON FRIDAY (MAY 20), AND WILL PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER THE PANEL MEETING.
MR WILLBY IS HER MAJESTY’S DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF INSTALLATIONS WITH RESPONSI BILIT!ES FOR REGULATORY POLICY INCLUDES EMERGENCE ARRANGEMENTS, RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION AND SAFETY RESEARCH.
COUNCIL
GIVE A
NUCLEAR
WHICH NUCLEAR
MISS FRY IS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WITH THE UK NATIONAL RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION BOARD (NRPB).
HER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC IN NORMAL AND ACCIDENT SITUATIONS, ASSESSMENT OF DOSES TO THE PUBLIC IN NORMAL AND ACCIDENT SITUATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NRPB’S RESPONSE IN AN EMERGENCY.
------0-----------
/Il .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
11 -
DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 1ST QUARTER *****
THE THREE MAJOR INDUSTRY GROUPS OF WEARING APPAREL,TEXTILES AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 52% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR DECREASED BY 5% AND 9% FROM A YEAR EARLIER TO $8.2 BILLION AND $7.9 BILLION RESPECTIVELY.
THOSE OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ALSO DROPPED BY 20% TO $6.9 BILLION.
AS FOR OTHER INDUSTRY GROUPS, MORE SIGNIFICANT ABSOLUTE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE FOUND IN THE GROUPS OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS (+$232 MILLION OR +4%); NON-METALL1C MINERAL PRODUCTS (+$103 MILLION OR +98%); AND FOOD (+$54 MILLION OR +11%).
FOR THE TRANSPORT EQI 1PMENT INDUSTRY AND RUBBER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE CHANGES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE WERE NOT AS LARGE, MARKED PERCENTAGE INCREASES OF 79% AND 44% RESPECTIVELY WERE RFCORDED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, INDUSTRY GROUPS THAT RECORDED MORE NOTABLE ABSOLUTE DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$411 MILLION OR -11%); BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-$202 MILLION OR -9%); AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$184 MILLION OR -14%).
FOR THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE CHANGE IN ABSOLUTE VALUE WAS NOT AS LARGE, A MARKED PERCENTAGE DECLINE OF 22% WAS
RECORDED.
THE STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BI RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS ORIGINALLY GROUPED UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLI PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIF ARE EXCLUDED.
THE INDUSTRIAL (CLASSIFICATION USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HS1C). THE HSI ( IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SIT(') USED IN THE REGULAR. TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
IN COMPARISON, THE HSIC IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE SITU IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
\ SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMEN'I SAID CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN.
/"THERE MAY .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 12 -
"THERE MAY RE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OE CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS.
"IN COMPILING THE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ITEM HAS HOWEVER BEEN WHOLLY RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED," HE SAID.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE PRODUCTS THAT ARE SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES, HE ADDED.
FURTHER DETAILS (YF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN A TABLE WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEI. 839 3238).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1994".
/Domestic exports .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 13 -
Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the first quarter of 1994
(Value in HKS’OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1994 1st qtr. 1993 1st qtr. Value change % change
Food 570,292 515,918 +54,374 + 10.5
Beverages 133,490 140,244 -6,754 -4.8
Tobacco manufactures 554,938 553,714 + 1,224 +0.2
Textiles (including knitting) 7,887,503 8,706,593 -819,090 -9.4
Wearing apparel, except footwear 8,166,019 8,633,331 -467,312 -5.4
Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 334,879 368,998 -34,120 -9.2
Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 52,243 66,687 -14,444 -21.7
Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 94,101 92,543 + 1,558 + 1.7
Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 1,613,101 1,647,131 -34,030 -2.1
Chemicals and chemical products 1,566,271 1,537,951 +28,320 + 1.8
Products of petroleum and coal 2,149 2,002 + 147 +7.3
Rubber products 29,621 20,559 +9,062 +44.1
Plastic products 1,128,718 1,312,868 -184,150 -14.0
Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 208,617 105,545 + 103,072 +97.7
Basic metals and fabricated metal products 1,989,097 2,191,506 -202,409 -9.2
Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 6,907,393 6,675,048 +232,345 +3.5
Consumer electrical and electronic products 6,939,841 8,702,384 -1,762,543 -20.3
Transport equipment 69,497 38,778 +30,719 +79.2
Professional and optical equipment . 3,211,892 3,622,901 -411,009 -11.3
Other manufacturing industries 3,034,604 3,091,846 -57,241 -1.9
Total 44,494,267 48,026,548 -3,532,280 -7.4
Notes: 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.
2. The above statistics are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Third Revision of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Second Revision (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
14
HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND APEC MEETING IN BALI *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, WILL LEAD A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE SECOND SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING (SOM) FOR THE SIXTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) TO BE HELD IN BALI, INDONESIA FROM MAY 18 TO 20.
THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS A NUMBER OF ISSUES INCLUDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND RESULTS, THE FOLLOW-UP OF THE BLAKE ISLAND LEADERS’ INITIATIVES AND THE PARTICIPATION OF BUSINESS SECTOR IN APEC.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE FIRST REPORT OF THE NEWLY FORMED BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE.
BEFORE THE MEETING OF THE SENIOR OFFICIALS, EXPERTS WILL MEET TO DISCUSS NATTERS ABOUT CUSTOMS PROCEDURES, STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE, TARIFF DATABASE AND INVESTMENT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE MEETINGS OF THE AD HOC GROUP ON ECONOMIC TRENDS AND ISSUES AND THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE: DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR KEVIN HO; DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DAVID TONG; ASSISTANT DIRECTORS-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MS ANISSA WONG AND MR BRIAN TYLER; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARIES FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR PETER BOURTON AND MISS CHERRY LING; PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST, MISS ELLEY MAO; MANAGER OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SERVICES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, NR BENJAMIN LEE; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN TSANG; PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MS PATRICIA LUI; AND TRADE OFFICER, MISS AMY CHEUNG.
MEMBERS OF APEC ARE AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
------0--------
SPF.L VISITS JAPAN
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, VISITED TOKYO FROM MAY 11 TO 14 DURING WHICH PERIOD HE MET SENIOR JAPANESE MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS FOR DISCUSSIONS ON PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
THE VISIT INCLUDED MEETINGS WITH THE MINISTERS OF STATE WITH RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LAND, CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
MR EASON ALSO HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE LAND BUREAU.
/MR EASON .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 15 -
MR EASON SAID: ’’THE MEETINGS ARE VERY USEFUL AND INTERESTING. I WAS ABLE TO COMPARE NOTES ON HOW TO DEAL WITH AN OVER-HEATED PROPERTY MARKET SITUATION."
HE NOTED THAT TOKYO PREVIOUSLY HAD A PROPERTY MARKET BUBBLE SITUATION WHICH HAD SOMETIMES BEEN COMPARED WITH HONG KONG’S PRESENT SITUATION.
HE FOUND THAT WHILE THERE WERE CERTAIN SIMILARITIES, THERE WERE ALSO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SITUATIONS.
GREAT CARE THEREFORE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN WHEN LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS NOT TO MAKE THE MISTAKE OF APPLYING "FOREIGN" LESSONS INAPPROPRIATELY.
ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SIDE, MR EASON SAID IT WAS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE JAPANESE APPROACH TOWARDS ASSESSING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS WAS QUITE SIMILAR TO HONG KONG’S.
"BOTH JAPAN AND HONG KONG ARE COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING UP THE RECOMMENDATIONS AGREED AT THE RIO SUMMIT AND THE PROVISIONS OF AGENDA 21 PERTAINING TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT," MR EASON SAID.
DURING THE VISIT, MR EASON ALSO SPOKE AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN TOKYO ON THE SUBJECT OF HONG KONG IN TRANSITION.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR EASON EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO THRIVE AND PLAY A SIGNIFICANT PART IN FURTHERING CHINA’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEXT CENTURY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT MANY EMIGRANTS WERE RETURNING TO HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE STRONG ECONOMY HERE AND THE ABUNDANT OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK AND INVEST IN HONG KONG AND (’HINA.
------0--------
GOVT’S ROLE IN GREEN PRODUCTIVITY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
MANY .GROUPS, INCLUDING THOSE INVOLVED IN WINNING VIRGIN RESOURCES, THE PRODUCTION LINE, INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS, RESEARCH INSTITUTES AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ITSELF, REPRESENT POWERFUL FORCES FOR PROMOTING GREEN PRODUCTIVITY, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY* (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING ,\ WORKSHOP ON GREEN PRODUCTIVITY, ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION, DR REED ELABORATED ON THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS IN THIS AREA AND SOME OF THE STEPS THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN TN AN EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE GREEN PRODUCT IVITY.
THESE INCLUDED THE PROMOTION OF AN IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL ETHIC AMONGST THE COMMUNITY, THE APPLICATION OF THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE, ENFORCEMENT OF STATUTORY CONTROLS, PROVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMES FOR INDUSTRY.
/STRESSING THE .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
16
STRESSING THE NEED TO ATTRIBUTE A MORAL STATUS TO THE CONCPET OF GREEN PRODUCTIVITY, DR REED SAID: "THE UNDERLYING VALUES OF GREEN PRODUCTIVITY MUST THEREFORE BE INCULCATED EARLY IN THE MORAL EDUCATION OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER FUNDAMENTAL MORAL VALUES, THROUGH FAMILY EXAMPLE AND IN THE EARLY YEARS OF FORMAL EDUCATION.”
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN RECENT YEARS MADE VIGOROUS EFFORTS, INCLUDING THE INCLUSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES INTO SCHOOL SYLLABUS AND THE SETTING UP OF THE FIRST OF A PLANNED SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTRES, TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ETHIC IN THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
DR REED SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT VARIOUS GREEN GROUPS HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY INVOLVED, AND SEVERAL COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS HAD SHOWN A WILLINGNESS TO INTRODUCE IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS.
ON THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE (PPP), DR REED SAID WHILE HE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN SLOW TO RECOGNISE THE MERIT OF PPP, ARRANGEMENTS WERE NOW IN HAND FOR THE INTRODUCTION, BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. OF CHARGES FOR THE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE, ('HEMICAL WASTES AND FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES NORMALLY DISPOSED OF AT LANDFILL SITES.
"EVEN IF SOME SUCCESS IS ACHIEVED IN ESTABLISHING A GENERALLY IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL ETHIC IN THE COMMUNITY, HUMAN NATURE BEING WHAT IT IS, THERE IS ALWAYS \ PLACE FOR ’THE STICK’ IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS," HE SAID.
THE PUNITIVE MEASURES FOR VARIOUS POLLUTION OFFENCES WERE EMBODIED IN THE VARIOUS POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCES, WHICH WERE NOW ENFORCED BY FIVE LOCAL CONTROL OFFICES.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN GREEN PRODUCT1VITY, DR REED SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF COMMUNAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE WATERS, FOR CHEMICAL AND OTHER SPECIAL WASTES AS WELL AS FOR GENERAL MUNICIPAL WASTES.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANS TO MEET THIS PURPOSE HAD BEEN DRAWN UP SINCE 1986, HE SAID.
"IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PLANS IS NOW MOVING FORWARD RAPIDLY WITH AROUND $2.4 BILLION DUE TO BE SPENT ON SEWAGE AND OTHER WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN 1994/95 RISING TO $9.5 BILLION IN 1996/97,” HE SAID.
PARTS OF THE PLANS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED INCLUDE THE COMMISSIONING OF A CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE BUILDING OF LANDFILLS AND REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS.
NOTING THAT SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED INDUSTRIES COULD NOT READILY DEVELOP AND SUPPORT THEIR OWN INTERNAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND INFORMATION DATABASES FOR ('LEAN TECHNOLOGY, DR REED SAID IT WAS PROPERLY THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE INDUSTRIES CONCERNED HAD ACCESS TO SUCH PROGRAMMES.
/HE SAID .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
17
HE SAID A CONSULTANCY STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD LED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES.
AMONG THESE ARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL HOTLINE ON POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES, REGULAR SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THE SELECTED INDUSTRIES, SUBSIDISED TECHNICAL ADVISORY VISITS AND THE PROVISION OF DESIGN MANUALS FOR LOW WASTE PROCESSES AND OF AN ECO-AUDIT MANUAL.
HAVING DESCRIBED THE CONTRIBUTION THAT GOVERNMENTS THEMSELVES NEED TO MAKE TO ENCOURAGE GREEN PRODUCTIVITY, DR REED SAID: "BUT I SEE AN EVEN MORE POWERFUL FORCE EMERGING STRONGLY WHICH IS THAT OF THE COMMUNITY ITSELF, ESPECIALLY IN THE SO-CALLED DEVELOPED COUNTRIES."
THESE COMMUNITIES, HE SAID, WERE INCREASINGLY PLACING PRESSURE ON MAJOR MANUFACTURING AND COMMERCIAL CONCERNS NOT ONLY TO ACHIEVE A GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE THEMSELVES BUT TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SUPPLIERS, OFTEN LOCATED IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND MANY IN ASIA, BRING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE UP TO A GOOD STANDARD.
"I FEEL THAT THESE PRESSURES FOR THE GREENING OF SUPPLY LINES WILL BE AN INCREASINGLY POTENT FORCE FOR GREEN PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
------0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 65.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 383.043 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 308.234 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 16 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES
ISSUE NUMBER 2605
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 5,220 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 500 MN
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 100.09 (6.40 PCT)
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 100.09 (6.40 PCT)
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 50 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE (YIELD) 99.99 (6.46 PCT)
-------0----------
/IB
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1994
- 18 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,962 0930 + 285
CLOSING BALANCE IN CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE THE ACCOUNT TO : 2,495 1000 1100 + 285 + 722
MONEY MARKET LAF TODAY LAF RATE 2.00 BID/.4 ACTIVITY +722 -189 .00 OFFER TWI 125.1 *+0.0* HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY 1200 1 500 1600 16.5.94 + 722 + 722 + 722
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 1 BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.30 19 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.51 5.97
1 MONTH 3.84 22 MONTHS 2602 4.40 97 . 16 6.22
3 MONTHS 4.42 30 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.67 6.70
6 MONTHS 4.95 33 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.77 6.86
12 MONTHS 5.43 36 MONTHS 3704 6.15 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 43,277 MN CLOSED 16 MAY 1994 98.13 6.98
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY...................... 1
GOVT WELCOMES AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING................... 1
GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION REGULATION GOES TO LEGCO..................................................... 1
HK NEEDS A FRAMEWORK OF PRACTICAL LAW..................... 2
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON NUMBER PORTABILITY................... 3
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - MARCH................................................... 4
MEDICAL POLICY EXPLAINED.................................. 5
TRANSFER OF MS EVENA CHAN................................. 5
PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION CALL BY SHA.................. 6
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION.............................. 7
150 ELDERLY PEOPLE ADD MOMENTUM TO VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE.................................................... 8
POLLUTION CASES FOR APRIL RELEASED........................ 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. . 10
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
AIRPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON FRIDAY *****
THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES HAVE AGREED THAT A MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS ON ARRANGEMENT.S FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS.
------0--------
GOVT WELCOMES AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING *****
IN ANSWER TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON FRIDAY (MAY 20), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"WE WELCOME THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE IS TO MEET ON MAY 20. WE HOPE THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO AN EARLY AGREEMENT ON OUTSTANDING ISSUES REGARDING THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"IT SHOULD NOW BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS, FOLLOWING THE USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE MEETINGS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING AT EXPERT LEVEL WITH THE CHINESE SIDE SINCE EARLY MARCH," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTION REGULATION GOES TO LEGCO *****
A NEW REGULATION THAT SETS OUT THE PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) AND WILL BE TABLED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 25.
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (ELECTORAL PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION SETS OUT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES, APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS, THE POLLING AND COUNTING ARRANGEMENTS.
THE REGULATION ALSO REPEALS THE CORRESPONDING REGULATIONS OF THE EXISTING ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (PROCEDURE) REGULATIONS, WHICH DEAL WITH THE ELECTORAL PROCEDURES.
"THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION HAS TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MODERNISE THE LANGUAGE AND INTRODUCED IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED OPENLY, HONESTLY AND FAIRLY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMISSION SAID.
THE REGULATION PROVIDES FOR THE PROCEDURE BEFORE THE CONDUCT OF A POLL: THE PROCEDURE FOR A VALID NOMINATION, WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE AND APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION AGENTS.
/IT CONTAINS ......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
IT CONTAINS DETAILED PROVISIONS ABOUT THE PROCEDURE AT CONTESTED ELECTIONS, INCLUDING THE PROCEDURE RELATING TO THE VOTING, THE COUNTING OF VOTES AND THE DECLARATION OF THE ELECTION RESULT BY THE RETURNING OFFICER; AND THE DISPOSAL OF BALLOT PAPERS AND OTHER ELECTION MATERIALS AFTERWARDS.
PROVISION IS ALSO MADE IN THE REGULATION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW DATES BY THE COMMISSION TO HOLD AN ELECTION, A POLL OR A COUNT IN PLACE OF THE POSTPONED ELECTION OR ADJOURNED POLL OR COUNT.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS INCLUDING PENALTIES FOR PERSONS ACTING AS AGENTS OF CANDIDATES WITHOUT AUTHORITY TO DO SO, MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT OF DECLARATION FOR ANY PURPOSE UNDER THE REGULATION.
IT ALSO INCLUDES POWERS OF DELEGATION BY THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, RETURNING OFFICERS, PRESIDING OFFICERS, DECLARATION OF SECRECY BY ANY PERSON ENTERING A POLLING STATION, ENFORCEMENT OF SECRECY IN MATTERS RELATING TO A POLL, STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN AN ELECTION IS COUNTERMANDED, AND REPORTING OF ANY ELECTION IRREGULARITIES.
THE REGULATION WAS MADE BY THE THREE-MEMBER BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WHICH WAS SET UP IN JULY LAST YEAR TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE CONDUCT AND SUPERVISION OF ELECTIONS.
THE COMMISSION IS CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING. THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG.
THE REGULATION WAS MADE ON THE ADVICE OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW EXISTING ELECTORAL SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
THE WORKING GROUP IS HEADED BY MR JUSTICE WOO AS CONVENOR AND COMPRISES THE OTHER COMMISSION MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER.
- - 0 - -
HK NEEDS A FRAMEWORK OF PRACTICAL LAW *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THERE WOULD BE CONSTRUCTIVE WORK TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAD THE FRAMEWORK OF PRACTICAL LAW THAT IT NEEDED TO MATCH ITS PORT AND BUSINESS SYSTEM;
"I DO VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IN THE THREE YEARS REMAINING BEFORE 1997, A LINE CAN BE DRAWN ON THE WHATEVER DISAGREEMENTS BRITAIN AND CHINA MAY HAVE HAD ON POLITICAL ISSUES.
"I HAVE BEEN, AND REMAIN, WHOLLY COMMITTED TO THAT.
/"IT IS
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
3
"IT IS FRANKLY ESSENTIAL IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO SERVE CHiNA AND THE WORLD IN THE NEXT 50 YEARS AS WELL AS IT HAS FOR THE PAST 50," HE TOLD THE 11TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MARITIME ARBITRATORS.
HONG KONG HAS STEPPED INTO A LEADING POSITION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARBITRATION LAW BY ADOPTING THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT’S MODEL LAW IN 1990.
"THIS IMPORTANT STEP HAS BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY OTHER CHANGES, NOTABLY BY EFFORTS TO LOCALISE LAWS," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN ADDED THAT HONG KONG HAD MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS ON MARITIME LAW, FOR EXAMPLE IT HAS LAWS ON AN INDEPENDENT SHIPPING REGISTER, LIABILITY FOR OIL POLLUTION, SAFETY AND MARINE POLLUTION.
"BUT MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE, NOT LEAST TO WORK OUT WITH OUR COLLEAGUES, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, THE CONTINUED APPLICATION TO HONG KONG OF INTERNATIONAL MARITIME CONVENTIONS TO WHICH CHINA IS STILL NOT A PARTY," HE SAID.
"IN OTHER. FIELDS, SADLY, THE LOCALISATION OF LAW HAS PROGRESSED ALL TOO LITTLE," HE ADDED.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAW TO THE ECONOMY, HE SAID: "WITHOUT INVESTMENT IN LAW, WITHOUT FIRM GROUNDING FOR THE SYSTEM THAT MAKES AND UPHOLDS THE LAW, INVESTMENT IN THOSE OTHER THINGS WILL GIVE LESS RETURN."
CONSULTANCY STUDY ON NUMBER PORTABILITY
*****
THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE CONSULTANT OVUM ENGAGED BY THE AUTHORITY TO STUDY TELEPHONE NUMBER PORTABILITY HAD COMPLETED ITS REPORT.
THE REPORT CONCLUDES THAT THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS COMPARED TO THE COSTS INVOLVED IN INTRODUCING NUMBER PORTABILITY IN HONG KONG AND RECOMMENDS THAT SUCH A SERVICE SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS FROM JULY 1995.
IT ALSO SUGGESTS A NUMBER OF OPTIONS ON THE QUESTION OF WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THE SERVICE.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEX ARENA, SAID NO DECISIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN YET ON THE CONSULTANT’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE AUTHORITY WOULD CONSIDER THE OVUM REPORT TOGETHER WITH COMMENTS FROM THE INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC BEFORE MAKING FINAL DECISIONS ON NUMBER PORTABILITY.
OFTA HAS SCHEDULED AN INDUSTRY WORKSHOP ON MAY 30 TO RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
4
IT WILL RECEIVE AND CONSIDER WRITTEN COMMENTS AFTER THE WORKSHOP AND FINALISE ITS OWN REPORT LATER THIS YEAR.
THE OVUM REPORT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH.
THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ON 29TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
COMMENTS ON THE REPORT SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING AND SHOULD REACH OFTA ON THE ABOVE ADDRESS BEFORE JUNE 30. THE AUTHORITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED AND THE SOURCE OF THE COMMENTS.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JANUARY - MARCH
* * * * *
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY TO MARCH THIS YEAR WAS 2.2%, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.7%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
* I
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY TO APRIL;1994 WAS 2.1%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.5%.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET TIGHTENED UP SLIGHTLY IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF JANUARY TO MARCH 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRSTTIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 63,200, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 50,100.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR JANUARY TO MARCH 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,100 HOUSEHOLDS OR 41,900 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
tlJ
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF JUNE AT $24 A COPY.
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/5......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
5
MEDICAL POLICY EXPLAINED » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
GOVERNMENT HAS DISMISSED CLAIMS BY THE COALITION OF MEDICAL SERVICES THAT IT WANTED TO INCREASE HOSPITAL FEES TO RECOVER THE FULL ACTUAL COST OF MEDICAL PROCEDURES FOR PATIENTS IN GENERAL WARDS.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR DEREK GOULD, TODAY (TUESDAY) STATED THAT GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER HAD ANY SUCH PLANS.
THIS WAS NOT ONE OF THE PROPOSALS IN THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT "TOWARDS BETTER HEALTH”, NOR WAS ANY GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE CONSIDERING SUCH PLANS, HE ADDED.
"GOVERNMENT’S PARAMOUNT POLICY IS THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE DENIED ADEQUATE MEDICAL TREATMENT THROUGH LACK OF MEANS," MR GOULD SAID.
"THE PUBLIC SECTOR PROVIDES A SAFETY NET. FEES ARE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED TO ENSURE THAT SERVICES REMAIN AFFORDABLE BY NEEDY PATIENTS. WHERE NEEDY PATIENTS CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY, THEY CAN APPLY FOR WAIVER OF FEES," HE ADDED.
MR GOULD POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT PROPOSED THAT THERE SHOULD BE THREE TYPES OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL BEDS IN FUTURE:
I THE EXISTING PRIVATE ROOMS WHERE FULL COSTS WERE ALREADY RECOVERED;
♦ THE EXISTING GENERAL WARDS WHERE A LOW PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE COSTS WERE RECOVERED; AND
* THE PROPOSED SEMI-PRIVATE ROOMS WHERE A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE OPERATING COSTS WOULD BE RECOVERED.
THE EXISTING POLICY FOR GENERAL WARD BEDS WAS TO RECOVER A SMALL, AFFORDABLE PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE OPERATING COSTS. THIS POLICY WOULD CONTINUE. THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO REQUIRE GENERAL WARD PATIENTS TO PAY THE FULL COST OF THEIR TREATMENT, HE SAID.
------0-------
TRANSFER OF MS EVENA CHAN » * * » *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL MS EVENA CHAN TO THE POST OF LEGAL ADVISER TO THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (PCC), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE MOVE WAS A NORMAL TRANSFER.
HE SAID THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE (PCC) WOULD FROM JUNE START INTERVIEWING WITNESSES AND THE POST OF THE LEGAL ADVISER TO THE PCC WOULD REQUIRE
* SUBSTANTIAL CRIMINAL LAW EXPERIENCE;
» GOOD CANTONESE AND WRITTEN CHINESE; AND
/* THE ABILITY ........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
6 -
* THE ABILITY TO WORK WITH MINIMUM SUPERVISION.
MS CHAN HAD BEEN SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF HER ABILITY IN EACH OF THOSE AREAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT MS CHAN’S CAREER PROSPECT WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY HER NEW JOB.
"IT IS THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF COUNSEL THAT DETERMINES THEIR SUITABILITY FOR PROMOTION," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID MS CHAN’S ACTIVITIES IN UNION MATTERS WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
HE SAID THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SUPPORTED LEGITIMATE UNION ACTIVITIES AND UNION LEADERS WOULD NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN ANY WAY.
"ALL COUNSEL, BE THEY UNION LEADERS OR NOT, ARE EQUALLY TREATED BY THE DEPARTMENT, AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSTINGS FOR OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE TRANSFER WAS NOT A "DEMOTION” AS SOME PEOPLE SUGGESTED.
"THE POST OF LEGAL ADVISER TO PCC IS PITCHED AT SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL RANK, AND MS CHAN IS A SUBSTANTIVE SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL," HE SAID.
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PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION CALL BY SHA
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (TUESDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY KOWLOON TO REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE ORGANISATION’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MR SUEN ALSO URGED ITS MEMBERS TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN AND ENCOURAGE THOSE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER.
HE SAID THE SOCIETY, APART FROM PROVIDING CHARITY AND WELFARE SERVICES, HAD ALSO MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THESE INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF AN INFORMATION KIT ON CIVIC EDUCATION TO HELP YOUNGSTERS KNOW MORE ABOUT ELECTIONS.
"THIS WOULD HELP OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO BETTER PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY IN FUTURE," MR SUEN SAID.
AS TO RECREATION ACTIVITIES, THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY KOWLOON ALSO SPONSORED INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION AND ORGANISED CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION EVERY YEAR, HE ADDED.
/7........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
- 7 -
100 CAR MARKS UP FOR AUCTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL PUT UP 100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS EOR AUCTION ON SATURDAY (MAY 21) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
FIFTY’ OF THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
FX910 FX278 AW37 2 FW813
FW238 DW330 FX338 FX786 ♦FW303 ♦DK29 *DD24 *4278 FX8131 FX1118 DY 1 1 8 FX230 AB104 FW625 BE1608 FX8808 FW826 FX108 FW721 CB206 FW1984 FX3811 FX6628 FX6133 *BC98 *AU696 »XX7 *ER666 FX926 ESI 6 38 FX1312 FW8399 BB3156 FW2313 FX3363 FX779 CF269 FW9111 *DL6767 FX369 FW3278 FX6610 BJ8094 *CC515 FW7351 FX6693
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, OTHER 50 MARKS WILL BE AUCTIONED. THEY ARE: AW370 FX1388 FX210 FX1988 FX328 CX34O HK286 DW311 ♦FW383 *EX2828 *ER33 *6898 FX7178 FX1121 FX238 FX220 CT310 FW3882 FX932 AA801 FW9444 AA104 DY288 FX169 FX102 FW8889 FW8333 FX1238 ♦FY898 »DK27 »FC8 *CC17 FW3233 FW668 FX778 FX8886 BW1638 FX6368 FX2382 FX1218 CT923 FX9998 *FX123 IW3999 CT896 EC5001 FX3878 *CK9000 FW8082 FX8690 THE
♦ SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE
VEHICLE REG ISTRA'! ION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEH 1CLE
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS THE AUCTION. OF
/THE CERTIFICATE........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
- 8 -
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 226TH AND 227TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0--------
150 ELDERLY PEOPLE ADD MOMENTUM TO VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE *****
ABOUT 150 CIVIC-MINDED ELDERLY PEOPLE ADDED MOMENTUM TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT RY SIGNING UP AS VOTERS TODAY (TUESDAY).
THESE SENIOR CITIZENS FROM THE FONG WONG WUN TEI ELDERLY CENTRE AVAILED THEMSELVES OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPPORT AND CONCERN FOR DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OCCASION, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER MRS ROSANNA URE CALLED ON HER AUDIENCE TO ENCOURAGE THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN THIS MEANINGFUL EXERCISE AS WELL.
SHE SAID: "A LARGE SCALE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IS BEING LAUNCHED TN THE DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE ELECTORAL MESSAGE.
"THOSE WHO ARE PERMANENT HONG KONG RESIDENTS OR HAVE LIVED HERE FOR MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS AND HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18 ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER.
"BEING A VOTER, YOU ARE ABLE TO VOTE IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
POLLUTION CASES FOR APRIL RELEASED
*****
A TOTAL OF 56 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS FOR BREACHING ANT I-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
LAST MONTH
BY THE
AMONG THEM, NINE WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 16 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), 27 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), THREE UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER
1975 (DASO) AND ONE UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE (OLPO),
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $2,000 TO $100,000. UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LTD WAS FINED $100,000 UPON ITS 13TH CONVICTION FOR PERMITTING DUMPING OF ABOUT 750 CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE MUD AT SEA SOUTH OF THE STONECUTTERS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENCE CONDITION UNDER THE DASO.
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/9.......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
- 9 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS * » * » »
TENDER DATE 17 MAY 94 17 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q42O Y489
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,37O MN HK$2,210 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTED HK$1,500 MN HKS500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.48 PCT 5.42 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.49 PCT 5.42 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 66 PCT ABOUT 90 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.51 PCT 5.46 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 23 MA\ 1994-
TEDNER DATE 24 MAY 94 24 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q421 H465
ISSUE DATE 25 MAY 94 25 MAY 94
MATURITY DATE 24 AUG 94 23 NOV 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 + 300 MN HK$800 + 160 MN
_ _ 0 - -
/10........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 2,495 0930 + 5
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,576 1000 + 5
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO 1 100 + 203
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 202 1200 + 202
LAF TODAY -1121 1 500 + 202
1600 + 202
LAF RATE 2.00 BID/4.00 OFFER TWI 125.0 *-0.1♦ 17.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.34 1R MONTHS 251 1 4.15 97.56 5.94
1 MONTH 3.86 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.13 6.38
3 MONTHS 4.48 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 94.76 6.66
6 MONTHS 4.99 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 94.88 6.82
12 MONTHS 5.41 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.23 6.94
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 29,210 MN
CLOSED 17 MAY 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN WESTERN................. 1
VIEWS ON PROPERTY PRICES.................................. 1
REGULATION ON ELECTION NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS TO BE GAZETTED.................................................. 2
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY BID AND OFFER RATES GO UP. 3
PASSENGER DEMAND ALONG NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR CLOSELY MONITORED................................................. 3
PROVISION OF LORRY PARKING SPACES AT WESTERN RECLAMATION.. 4
II GIRLS TRANSFERRED TO SWD............................... 5
EPD MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGES............................. 6
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR UPGRADING SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.... 8
SAI KUNG LOT TO LET....................................... 8
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS............. 9
DR WOU TCHONG HONG JOINS CONDUCT COUNCIL 9
NEW LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE IN OPERATION SOON............ 10
75 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS........ 10
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT ON MOVE................. 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .. . 12
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
1
SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN WESTERN
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A REVISED SCHEME FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-WAY ROAD LINK BETWEEN SMITHFIELD AND POK FU LAM ROAD TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC UPON THE OPENING OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A VEHICULAR UNDERPASS AND A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY ACROSS POK FU LAM ROAD, AN ELEVATED STRUCTURE ALONG THE ROUTE OF THE NEW ROAD AND AN ELEVATED ROAD TO IMPROVE THE JUNCTIONS BETWEEN MOUNT DAVIS ROAD AND POK FU LAM ROAD.
IT IS EXPECTED THE WORKS WILL COMMENCE IN AUGUST 1994 AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE 1997 FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF BELCHER BAY LINK AND ROCK HILL STREET EXTENSION.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN FURTHER DEVELOPED SINCE IT WAS FIRST GAZETTED LAST OCTOBER.
THE MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE THE WESTWARD SHIFTING OF THE ALIGNMENT OF AN ELEVATED LINK BETWEEN POK FU LAM ROAD AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD TO PRESERVE THE WOODLAND AND MOST OF THE GRAVES IN THE AREA.
THE FOOTWAY OUTSIDE KENNEDY TOWN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL HAS BEEN WIDENED TO ACCOMMODATE LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES AND THE EXISTING LAYBY AT POK FU LAM ROAD WILL BE RETAINED.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROJECT WAS CARRIED OUT AND APPROPRIATE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AS RECOMMENDED.
DURING CONSTRUCTION THE CONTRACTOR HAS TO OBSERVE CONDITIONS SET FOR THE CONTROL OF DUST, NOISE AND SITE RUN-OFF.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/HONG KONG WEST.
------0-------
VIEWS ON PROPERTY PRICES
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HE HAS RECEIVED A LARGE BODY OF USEFUL OPINION AND PROPOSALS TO MODERATE PROPERTY PRICES AT MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS GROUPS IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS.
HE EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE CONTRIBUTION IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESS AND NOTED THAT THERE IS CERTAIN CONSENSUS AMONG THOSE WHOM HE MET THAT AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION LIES IN AN INCREASE IN LAND SUPPLY TO SATISFY DEMANDS IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
/"THERE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 2 -
"THERE ARE ALSO SOME POSITIVE SUGGESTIONS TO MINIMISE SPECULATION IN PRE-SALE OF FLATS IN THE INTEREST OF GENUINE HOMEBUYERS AND TO STRENGTHEN CONSUMER EDUCATION AND PROTECTION ON FLAT SUPPLY AND PRICE SITUATION."
MR EASON SAID THESE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS TOGETHER WITH THOSE EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE TASK FORCE IN THE PROCESS OF FORMULATING A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE PROPERTY MARKET SITUATION.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE TASK FORCE IS STILL EXAMINING VIGOROUSLY THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH AND EVERY AVAILABLE OPTION AND HAS NOT YET REACHED ANY CONCLUSION.
"OUR APPROACH IS TO ASSESS THE SITUATION CAREFULLY AND OBJECTIVELY BEFORE WE COME UP WITH A SENSIBLE AND REASONABLE RESPONSE. IT REMAINS OUR TARGET TO COMPLETE THE TASK FORCE’S WORK BY NEXT MONTH," MR EASON SAID.
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REGULATION ON ELECTION NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS TO BE GAZETTED *****
THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (MAY 20), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REGULATION SETS OUT THE NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOLLOW THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS: THE NOMINATION PAPER FOR EACH DISTRICT BOARD OR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL CANDIDATE MUST BE SUBSCRIBED BY 10 ELECTORS REGISTERED IN THE CONSTITUENCY CONCERNED, AND THE AMOUNT OF ELECTION DEPOSIT IN RESPECT OF EACH CANDIDATE IS $3,000 FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, AND $5,000 FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS WOULD BE REVIEWED LATER.
"THE REGULATION IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 25," HE SAID.
/3........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
3 -
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY BID AND OFFER RATES GO UP * * * * *
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES THAT, IN LINE WITH THE RISE IN DISCOUNT RATE AND THE FED FUNDS RATE BY HALF OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE U.S., IT HAS RAISED ITS LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY (LAF) BID AND OFFER RATES FROM 2 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT TO 2.5 PER CENT AND 4.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE BID AND OFFER RATES EFFECTIVELY SERVE AS THE FLOOR AND CEILING FOR OVERNIGHT INTEREST RATES IN THE HONG KONG INTERBANK MARKET.
"THE RISE IN LAF RATES MIRRORS THE RISE IN DISCOUNT RATE IN THE UNITED STATES. CHANGES IN BEST LENDING RATES WILL BE UP TO INDIVIDUAL BANKS TO DETERMINE.
'THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WILL SIMILARLY DECIDE ON DEPOSIT INTEREST RATES WHEN THE COMMITTEE MEETS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY SAID.
--------0-----------
PASSENGER DEMAND ALONG NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR CLOSELY MONITORED *****
JOINT EFFORTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE MTR DEMANDS AND THE FLOWS ON OTHER TRANSPORT MODES ALONG NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR, AND TO TAKE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO MEET THE DEMAND.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF TELFORD GARDENS EXTENSION AND MTRC HEADQUARTERS REDEVELOPMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RAFAEL HUI, SAID PATRONAGE ON THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR HAD ALWAYS BEEN HIGH IN THE SOUTHBOUND DIRECTION DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOUR.
AND THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC ALONG THIS CRITICAL SECTION IS FORECAST TO CONTINUE TO GROW STEADILY, HE SAID.
HE SAID THE MTRC IMPLEMENTED PRICING MEASURES TO SPREAD THE DEMAND BETWEEN THE TWO MTR CROSS HARBOUR LINKS AS WELL AS OVER A LONGER INTERVAL WITHIN THE MORNING PEAK HOURS.
"MORE RECENTLY, THE CARRYING CAPACITY ALONG THE SOUTHBOUND NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 77,500 TO 80,000 PER HOUR THROUGH THE OPERATION OF AN ADDITIONAL TRIP STARTING FROM MAY 2.
"THIS HAS BROUGHT CONSIDERABLE RELIEF TO THE MTR CONGESTION ALONG NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR," HE SAID.
ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, MR HUI SAID COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLANS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP TO COPE WITH THE PASSENGER DEMAND.
/SINCE 1990.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
4
SINCE 1990, THE AIR-CONDITIONED BUS NETWORK HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO ATTRACT PASSENGERS WHO USED TO TAKE THE MTR TO TRAVEL TO WORK.
AS AT TODAY, 35 BUS ROUTES USING 134 AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES ARE RUNNING FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON TO SOUTH KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND TO RELIEVE THE PASSENGER DEMAND FOR MTR ALONG THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR.
’’FIVE NEW BUS ROUTES INCLUDING FOUR CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES ARE PLANNED TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE COMING WEEKS,” HE SAID.
ON THE EXPANSION OF TELFORD GARDENS TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, MR HUI SAID THIS WAS REQUIRED NOT ONLY TO MEET THE EXISTING SHORTFALL IN CAPACITY, BUT ALSO TO CATER FOR THE NEW DEMANDS FOR TRANSPORT FACILITIES ARISING FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHICH REPRESENTS A HIGHER UTILISATION OF THE SITE.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED NEW TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WOULD INCORPORATE A NEW BUS TERMINUS WHICH WOULD BE SEPARATED FROM THE RELOCATED TAXI AND GREEN MINIBUS STANDS TO ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.
A COVERED GRADE-SEPARATED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY WOULD BE BUILT LINKING THE BUS TERMINUS, THE TAXI AND GREEN MINIBUS STANDS AND THE SHOPPING HALLS OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT. THIS WALKWAY WOULD REMOVE THE PRESENT CONFLICTS BETWEEN PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR MOVEMENTS.
NEW ACCESS POINTS AT GROUND LEVEL DIRECT FROM TAI YIP STREET WOULD BE ADDED TO REDUCE TRAFFIC VOLUME AT THE PODIUM LEVEL SO AS TO FACILITATE SMOOTH TRAFFIC CIRCULATION TO AND FROM THE EXPANDED INTERCHANGE.
"I AM FULLY CONFIDENT THAT THROUGH JOINT EFFORTS OF MTRC, THE OTHER RELEVANT TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND THE GOVERNMENT, WE CAN MANAGE TO MEET THE PASSENGER DEMAND FOR THE MTR AND THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES SATISFACTORILY UNTIL THE NEW TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES AND SERVICES UNDER PLANNING ARE COMPLETED IN THE COMING YEARS,” MR HUI SAID.
------0-------
PROVISION OF LORRY PARKING SPACES AT WESTERN RECLAMATION *****
IN RESPONSE TO LORRY DRIVERS’ CONCERN ON THE REDUCTION IN THE SIZE OF A POTENTIAL LORRY PARKING SITE IN THE WESTERN RECLAMATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CLARIFIED THAT THE SITE WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR THE PARKING OF ABOUT 120 VEHICLES.
HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE POTENTIAL HAZARD OF ON-STREET PARKING OF LPG DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES (WHICH IS ALSO ONE TYPE OF GOODS VEHICLES), ABOUT 30 SPACES HAVE TO BE SET ASIDE AND PHYSICALLY SEGREGATED FOR SAFETY REASONS TO ALLOW THESE VEHICLES TO BE PARKED OFF-STREET.
/A PORTION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 5 -
A PORTION OF THE SITE HAS TO BE ALIENATED AS WELL FOR THE PROVISION OF A BARGE LOADING POINT TO FACILITATE PROGRESS OF THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WORKS.
AS A RESULT, THE REMAINING SITE AVAILABLE FOR PARKING OF OTHER GOODS VEHICLES WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 60 TO 70 SPACES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR ALTERNATIVE LORRY PARKING SPACES SINCE JULY LAST YEAR FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WORKS, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO OBLIGATION OF A ONE-FOR-ONE REPROVISIONING.
PLANNING FOR ADDITIONAL LORRY PARKING SITE IS STILL CONTINUING. IN THE COMING MONTHS, THREE MORE PARKING SITES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, PROVIDING ABOUT 270 OFF-STREET LORRY PARKING SPACES.
HE SAID AS THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS WITH LORRY DRIVERS, DRIVERS SHOULD NOT TAKE DRASTIC ACTION THAT WOULD AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
------0-------
II GIRLS TRANSFERRED TO SWD
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HAD ORDERED THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF TWO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT GIRLS, AU YEUNG LING-LING AND TONG HIU-KWAN.
THE TWO HAVE BEEN HELD IN DETENTION, RATHER THAN BEING REPATRIATED TO CHINA, SO THAT THEY CAN GIVE EVIDENCE IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL NOW SCHEDULED FOR JULY THIS YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR HAS DIRECTED THAT THE TWO GIRLS BE RELEASED FROM DETENTION INTO THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT UNTIL THEY CAN GIVE THEIR EVIDENCE AGAINST DEFENDANTS ACCUSED OF ABUSING THEM WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVED IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NORMAL PRACTICE WAS TO REPATRIATE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS QUICKLY BUT WHERE THEY WERE REQUIRED TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, THIS WAS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE.
THE GOVERNMENT TRIES TO KEEP THE PERIOD OF DETENTION SHORT BUT THERE ARE SOMETIMES DELAYS IN BRINGING CASES TO TRIAL.
THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL CASE IN THAT THE TWO GIRLS HAVE BEEN HELD IN DETENTION FOR NINE MONTHS.
THE GOVERNOR HAS DECIDED THAT THE DETENTION OF THESE TWO GIRLS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
/IN ADDITION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
6
TN ADDITION TO ORDERING THEIR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, THE GOVERNOR MAS ASKED THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO REVIEW THE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT CASES INVOLVING DETAINED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE HEARD QUICKLY AND THAT SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH JUVENILES IN SUCH CASES ARE INTRODUCED.
HE HAS ASKED FOR A REPORT WITHIN ONE MONTH.
------0--------
EPD MAKES PERFORMANCE PLEDGES
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LAUNCHING THE PUBLICATION, THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID: "THE DEPARTMENT’S MISSION IS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY PREVENTING THE CREATION OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AS WELL AS STOPPING THOSE THAT EXIST ALREADY.
"IN THIS WAY WE WORK TO PROVIDE A MORE PLEASANT AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."
HE EXPLAINED THAT PERFORMANCE PLEDGES WERE MOST RELEVANT TO SITUATIONS WHERE A DIRECT SERVICE WAS PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC AND THE DELIVERY OF THAT SERVICE WAS MORE OR LESS WITHIN THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS POSSIBLE, KNOWING THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE, TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO A CERTAIN LEVEL OF SERVICE AND TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.
MUCH OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK DOES NOV FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY AND IN THE PAST THE DEPARTMENT HAD INSTEAD ADOPTED THE PRACTICE OF MAKING PUBLIC THE GOALS TO WHICH IT IS WORIING.
FOR EXAMPLE WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES; ITS PLANS AND PROGRAMMES FOR ACHIEVING THESE GOALS - FOR EXAMPLE THE 1989 WHITE PAPER "POLLUTION IN HONG KONG: A TIME TO ACT"; AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH PROGRESS IS BEING MADE - FOR EXAMPLE PUBLISHED REPORTS ON MARINE WATER QUALITY.
THE DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO EXTEND FURTHER ITS PUBLICATION OF SUCH MATERIAL SO AS TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY A CLEAR IDEA OF THE OBJECTIVES THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN STRIVING TO ACHIEVE, THE PROGRAMMES FOR DOING THIS AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE OBJECTIVES ARE BEING ACHIEVED.
IN PARALLEL WITH THIS THE PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PROVIDES A FOCUS ON THOSE SERVICES PROVIDED DIRECTLY TO VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE PLEDGES INVOLVE:
A COMMITMENT TO INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY ALL COMPLAINTS INVOLVING HEALTH THREATS, AND TO RESPOND TO OTHER COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES WITHIN SEVEN TO 10 DAYS.
/A COMMITMENT ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
A COMMITMENT TO MAKE PUBLIC EVERY MONTH DETAILS OF ANTIPOLLUTION PROSECUTION CASES AND AIR QUALITY MONITORING RESULTS WHILE INFORMATION RELATING TO BEACH WATER QUALITY WILL BE ISSUED EVERY TWO WEEKS DURING THE BATHING SEASON.
A COMMITMENT TO SPECIFIC RESPONSE TIMES, RANGING FROM 10 DAYS TO 28 DAYS, TO APPLICATIONS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF PERMITS/LICENCES/LABELS.
A COMMITMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS WILL BE OPEN FOR DISPOSAL OF REFUSE EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR FOR AT LEAST 10 HOURS EACH DAY, WHILE THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE WILL PROVIDE A 24-HOUR SERVICE, AND RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO CALLS FROM ANY GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTRES FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE TO DEAL WITH SIGNIFICANT SPILLAGES OF CHEMICALS OR CHEMICAL WASTE.
"OUR PERFORMANCE PLEDGES WILL BE MONITORED AND THE RESULTS OF THIS MONITORING EXERCISE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC EVERY YEAR," DR REED SAID.
"COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE SERVICES WB PROVIDE AND THE WAY IN WHICH THESE SERVICES ARE DELIVERED, OR ANY OTHER CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW WE MIGHT ACHIEVE A MORE HEALTHY AND PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, WOULD BE MOST WELCOME.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, IF ANYBODY IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE WAY IN WHICH HIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN DEALT WITH, OR IF WE HAVE FALLEN DOWN ON ANY OTHER OF OUR PLEDGES, I WOULD BE GLAD TO KNOW ABOUT IT DIRECTLY SO THAT SOMETHING CAN BE DONE TO PUT THINGS RIGHT," DR REED CONCLUDED.
INFORMATION LEAFLETS LISTING OUT THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
♦ THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS: 28TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
* ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTRE: 221 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
* LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (TERRITORY EAST): NINTH FLOOR, TOWER I, WORLD TRADE SQUARE, 123 HOI BUN ROAD, KWUN TONG.
♦ LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (TERRITORY SOUTH): 45TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
* LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (TERRITORY NORTH): 10'5-9 GROUND FLOOR, ON WO HOUSE, TAI WO ESTATE, TAI PO.
* LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (TERRITORY WEST): SUITE UG01-02, BLOCK 2, HO FAI COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 222-224 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
♦ LOCAL CONTROL OFFICE (URBAN WEST): EIGHTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
* ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
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/8........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 8 -
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR UPGRADING SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIGNED A $7.3 MILLION CONTRACT TO UPGRADE THE SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN THE SAI KUNG SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
THE CONTRACT FORMS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN FOR THE PORT SHELTER AREA.
IT COVERS THE MODIFICATION OF TWO AERATION TANKS TO ENHANCE DENITRIFICATION EFFICIENCY AND OTHER MINOR ALTERATION WORKS INSIDE THE COMPRESSOR HOUSE AND SEPTIC WASTE RECEPTION UNIT.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON SATURDAY FOR COMPLETION IN JULY 1995. BY THEN, THE EFFLUENT QUALITY AND OPERATION CONDITIONS OF THE PLANT WILL HAVE BEEN IMPROVED.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT), MR TSE HON-SUM, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, YICK HING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
------0-------
SAI KUNG LOT TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LOT IN AREA 3, TSEUNG KWAN O.
THE 1,380-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 3.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SAI KUNG; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
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/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
o
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
*****
EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY AND CAPACITY TO MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MRS PATTEN SAID.
"AFTER ALL, WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR WASTE IN SOME FORM OR OTHER, BE IT AS CONSUMERS, AS HOUSEHOLDERS, AT WORK OR AT PLAY," SHE SAID AT "PLANT FOR THE EARTH" CLOSING CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE CALLED ON EVERYONE TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBLE EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT BEFORE THEY ACT.
MRS PATTEN PRAISED FRIENDS OF THE EARTH FOR HELPING TO GREEN THE TERRITORY BY ORGANISING THE EVENT.
THE PLANTING ACTIVITY WAS ARRANGED IN COUNTRY PARKS LAST YEAR. WITH THE HELP OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR, THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE TASK TO THE ERODED AREAS NEAR MUI WO, LANTAU.
"IT SAYS A GREAT DEAL FOR THE COMMITMENT OF PARTICIPANTS THAT THEY UNDERTOOK THE CLIMBING AND SCRAMBLING OVER THE HILLSIDES TO GET TO THESE AREAS WITH THEIR VALUABLE SEEDLINGS," SHE SAID.
DR WOU TCHONG HONG JOINS CONDUCT COUNCIL
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT DR WOU TCHONG HONG OF THE HONG KONG AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION (CPCE).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID ONE OF THE TEACHERS’ UNIONS SEATS ON THE COUNCIL WAS UNFILLED BECAUSE THE TWO CONTESTANTS RECEIVED THE SAME NUMBER OF VOTES IN LAST MONTH’S ELECTION.
THE DEPARTMENT TODAY RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM ONE OF THE CONTESTANTS, MR LEE SEE-YUEN OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, TO WITHDRAW FROM THE ELECTION.
DR WOU WAS THEREFORE ELECTED UNCONTESTED AND JOINED THE COUNCIL WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 10 -
NEW LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OFFICE IN OPERATION SOON ♦ * * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE WAN CHAI AND CHAI WAN OFFICES OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WILL MERGE NEXT WEEK TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES TO EMPLOYERS AND JOBSEEKERS.
THE NEW OFFICE, WHICH HAS BEEN NAMED THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (ISLAND BRANCH), WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT MONDAY (MAY 23) .
SITUATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR AT CENTRE POINT, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD IN WAN CHAI, THE NEW OFFICE WILL OFFER EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND OUTLYING ISLANDS, EXCEPT SOUTHERN DISTRICT SUCH AS AREAS SOUTHWARDS OF TAI TAM HARBOUR AND WATERFALL BAY.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES TO THE NEW OFFICE CAN BE MADE FROM MONDAY ON TEL 591 1316 AND 591 1318 OR BY FAX AT 591 6519 AND 591 6262.
TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF OFFICES, THE OPERATION OF WAN CHAI AND CHAI WAN OFFICES WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM NOON TO 5.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY (MAY 21).
---------0---------
75 CAUGHT IN OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS *****
A 24-HOUR OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION STARTING FROM 5 AM YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) TILL 5 AM TODAY MOUNTED BY THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 75 PERSONS.
THE OPERATION WAS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE 74 PERSONS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
ONE WAS ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) 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 ONESELF,” HE SAID.
/Il .........
9
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 11 -
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT ON MOVE
* * * * *
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRIES, WILL MOVE TO THE 24TH AND 25TH FLOORS, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI ON SATURDAY (MAY 21).
THEIR PRESENT PREMISES ARE LOCATED ON 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CURVED BLOCK, TSIM SHA TSUI.
BECAUSE OF THE MOVE, THE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTRIES WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR GENERAL BUSINESS FROM 12.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20).
BUT IT WILL REMAIN OPEN SOLELY FOR RECEIVING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF DOCUMENTS:
♦ TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS CLAIMING CONVENTION PRIORITY;
* NOTICES OF OPPOSITION TO ADVERTISED TRADE MARK APPLICATIONS, AND ANY DOCUMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FILED IN CONNECTION WITH OPPOSITION PROCEEDINGS OR RECTIFICATION PROCEEDINGS WHICH HAVE ALREADY STARTED;
* PATENT APPLICATIONS FILED WITHIN FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF GRANT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR FROM ITS TAKING EFFECT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM; AND
♦ COPIES OF DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE COURT RELATING TO TRADE MARKS REMOVAL/RECTIFICATION AND APPEAL PROCEEDINGS.
FROM MAY 23, THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT AND ITS REGISTRIES WILL RESUME FULL SERVICES AT THE NEW ADDRESS.
THE NEW ENQUIRY NUMBER WILL BE 961 6868.
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994 - 12 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET * * * OPERATIONS * *
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY LAF TODAY LAF RATE 2.50 BTD/4.50 OFFER CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE $ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION) 1,576 0930 -129 2,538 1000 -199 1100 +501 +662 1200 +703 +300 1500 +662 1600 +662 TWI 125.0 *+0.0* 18.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.77 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.94 5.67
1 MONTH 3.89 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.63 6.10
3 MONTHS 4.27 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.27 6.42
6 MONTHS 4.75 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.48 6.56
12 MONTHS 5.26 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 35 MONTHS 3704 AND BONDS - 40,251 6.15 98.87 6.69 MN
CLOSED 18 MAY 1994
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: GOVERNMENT ADDRESSES PROPERTY PRICES POSITIVELY............. 1
SPEECH ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DEBATE........................ 2
MOTION TO PUT UP RATES PASSED............................... 6
TWO MOTIONS PASSED ON LOTTERY DUTY AND AIR TAX.............. 8
CARS FOR DISABLED BE EXEMPTED FROM TUNNEL TOLLS............. 9
HOUSING TRAFFIC BY-LAW AMENDED.............................. 9
BILLS TO MEET STANDARDS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING........... 10
BILL ON GREEN FUND INTRODUCED.............................. 11
ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL INTRODUCED....................... 12
RTT.T. TO MEET NEW STANDARDS AGAINST DRUG DEALING.......... 12
NEW AIRPORT BUILDING STRUCTURES COMPLY WITH ORDINANCE... 13
STRONG SUPPORT FOR LOWERING VOTING AGE..................... 14
GOVT WON’T INTERVENE IN WAGES.............................. 15
/GUIDELINES ON..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GUIDELINES ON BANNER DISPLAY EXPLAINED...................... 16
18 SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS IN THREE YEARS.............. 16
GOVT COMMITTED TO FIGHT CANCER.............................. 17
HOS SITE EARMARKED IN QUARRY BAY............................ 18
WITNESSES WILLING TO TESTIFY AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES.... 19
DIFFERENCES IN HOS AND PSPS MANAGEMENT EXPLAINED............ 20
SHOOTING INCIDENT AT CLUB UNDER INVESTIGATION............... 20
SUFFICIENT COURT INTERPRETERS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES......... 21
STRINGENT CONTROL ON USE OF DB FUNDS........................ 21
GOVT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY COMPANY.............. 22
THREE WAYS TO TACKLE METHADONE CLINIC NUISANCES............. 22
NO DUPLICATION IN WORK OF FINANCE HEADS..................... 23
PLANNING FOR CETS REACHES ADVANCED STAGE.................... 24
CHILD CARE CENTRES TO INSTALL EMERGENCY FACILITIES.......... 25
INSTITUTIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING STANDARD.............. 26
REINSURANCE MEASURES BEING CLOSELY MONITORED................ 26
MOTION ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PASSED........................ 27
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
GOVERNMENT ADDRESSES PROPERTY PRICES POSITIVELY » » * * *
HIGH RESIDENTIAL PRICES WERE A CAUSE OF CONCERN AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS ADDRESSING THIS CONCERN URGENTLY AND POSITIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A MOTION DEBATE ON LAND SUPPLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EASON SAID GOVERNMENT HAD THE URGE TO DO AND WAS DOING WHAT THE MOTION URGED IT TO DO.
HE SAID THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY WOULD CONCLUDE IT WORKS NEXT MONTH.
MR EASON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY REVIEWING YET AGAIN THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND THERE WAS A GOOD PROSPECT OF AN ADDITIONAL 30 HECTARES OF LAND BEING MADE AVAILABLE BEFORE 1997 TO MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENT.
HE SAID OTHER POSSIBLE SITES WERE ALSO BEING EXAMINED.
THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS BEEN TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LAND TO MEET CLEARLY IDENTIFIED PUBLIC HOUSING DEMAND AND THIS WAS REVIEWED REGULARLY, HE SAID.
"FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ADJUSTED INCOME LIMITS
AND CRITERIA IN 1992 AND 1993, THE GOVERNMENT QUICKLY FOUND 49 HECTARES OF EXTRA LAND TO MEET THE ADDITIONAL DEMAND,"
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE LEVEL OF DEMAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WAS A CONSTANTLY MOVING TARGET WHICH CHANGED BECAUSE OF SUCH FACTORS AS POPULATION AND INCOME GROWTH, REDEVELOPMENT AND CLEARANCE PROGRAMME, PRICES AND RENTS OF PRIVATE HOUSING ETC.
"BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDER-PROVIDED LAND FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OR INTENDS TO DO SO JUST BECAUSE DEMAND INCREASES AND NEW LAND HAS TO BE PROVIDED.
"THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT BETWEEN 1988/89 AND 1993/94, OVER 180 HECTARES OF LAND WERE ALLOCATED FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING AND ASSISTED HOUSING, THAT IS, AN AVERAGE OF 30.5 HECTARES PER ANNUM.
"BY COMPARISON, AN AVERAGE OF 17 HECTARES PER ANNUM WERE GRANTED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD," HE SAID.
GIVEN THAT LAND AND THE RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE HAD TO BE PRODUCED AND THE LEAD TIME REQUIRED, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF IMPROVING OUTPUT, FOR EXAMPLE, BY INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF LAND USE AND ADVANCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITES ALREADY EXISTED, HE SAID.
TURNING TO LAND DISPOSAL, MR EASON SAID THE LAND COMMISSION HAD IN FACT SHOWN ITSELF TO BE FLEXIBLE AND SENSITIVE TO HONG KONG’S NEED FOR LAND TO SUPPORT IT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
/"THE LAND .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
’’THE LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME HAS EXCEEDED THE 50 HACTARES LIMIT IN EVERY SINGLE YEAR SINCE THE COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1985. IT HAS ALSO AGREED TO SET ASIDE AN ADDITIONAL FIVE HACTARES FOR SUPPLEMENTARY DISPOSAL IF NECESSARY.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL REASONS WHY THE DISPOSAL OF CERTAIN SITES MIGHT SLOP FROM ONE FINANCIAL YEAR TO THE NEXT, AND THESE INCLUDED THE LACK OF INTEREST SHOWN BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS OR UNAVOIDABLE DELAYS IN LAND FORMATION OR SERVICING.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO REVIEWING THE DENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR SOME OF THE SITES TO BE DISPOSED OF TN THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR AND FOR FUTURE SITES TO SEE WHETHER HIGHER DENSITIES CAN BE ACHIEVED.
MR EASON STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DTD NOT OPERATE A HIGH LAND PRICE POLICY.
’’THE MARKET DETERMINES LAND PRICES, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT.
’’THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION OF DELIBERATELY WITHHOLDING LAND SUPPLY IN ORDER TO JACK UP THE PRICE.” HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
SPEECH ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DEBATE
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, ON THE MOTION DEBATE ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
MR PRESIDENT,
I PROPOSE TO COMMENT FIRST ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION AND THEN ON THE AMENDED MOTION.
I WOULD FIRST OF ALL LIKE TO STATE THAT THERE WAS NO NUCLEAR EMERGENCY AT DAYA BAY IN APRIL. THE PROBLEM LEADING TO THE SHUT DOWN OF UNIT ONE OF THE PLANT WAS IN THE CONVENTIONAL ISLAND. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CLASSIFIED ON THE INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR EVENTS SCALE. IT WAS NOT A REPORTABLE EVENT AND HAD ABSOLUTELY NO SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE. WE OBTAINED SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM AND CONCLUDE THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION OF ANY KIND. IN FACT, MR PRESIDENT, THERE HAS BEEN NO EVENT SINCE THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION WAS COMMISSIONED WHICH REQUIRIES THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ANY RESPONSE OF ANY DESCRIPTION.
/IN RESPONDING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
3
IN RESPONDING TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION, I MUST EXPLAIN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY DOING AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN WAS PREPARED TN MAY 1989. SINCE THEN, WE HAVE CONDUCTED TWO FULL COMMAND POST EXERCISES TO TEST AND TO IMPROVE THE PLAN, IN NOVEMBER 1990 AND IN MAY 1993. ON EACH OCCASION, WE MODIFIED AND IMPROVED OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THE TESTS AND THE ADVICE WE RECEIVED FROM INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS WHO OBSERVED HOW THE PLAN WORKED. IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC ARE AWARE OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN, IN AUGUST 1993, WE PUBLISHED A TOTAL OF 156,000 COPIES OF A LEAFLET DESCRIBING THE OUTLINE OF THE PLAN. IN DECEMBER 1993, 30,000 COPIES OF A BOOKLET WERE PUBLISHED, DESCRIBING THE PLAN IN MORE DETAIL. BOTH THE LEAFLET AND THE BOOKLET WERE PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE. A FURTHER 120,000 COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND 200,000 COPIES OF THE BOOKLET WERE PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. IN TOTAL, OVER HALF OF A MILLION COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND THE BOOKLET HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC TO INFORM THEM ABOUT THE DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN.
IN MARCH THIS YEAR, WE, TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY, MADE A PUBLIC PRESENTATION ON NUCLEAR SAFETY AND CONTINGENCY PLANNING TO THE MEDIA. WE DISPLAYED MUCH OF THE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT WHICH WOULD BE USED IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF THE PLAN BEING ACTIVATED. OFFICERS FROM FIVE OF THE 34 DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE PLAN WERE ALSO AVAILABLE TO ANSWER DETAILED QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR ROLES IN THE CONTINGENCY PLAN. LATER THAT MONTH, WE HELD A SIMILAR PRESENTATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL. THE FULL TEXT OF THE DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN WAS PUBLISHED TN APRIL.
WE’VE PUBLISHED AND WILL CONTINUE TO PUBLISH IN FULL DETAILS OF OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN AND OF NUCLEAR POWER IN GENERAL. WE WISH TO MAKE OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN AND OUR ARRANGEMENTS AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE. IN VIEW OF THE COMMENTS FROM OUR HONOURABLE MEMBERS WE CLEARLY HAVE SOME WAY TO GO. BUT WE HAVE BEGUN. WE MUST INCREASE OUR EFFORTS. HOWEVER, MR PRESIDENT, I CAN ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT OUR CONTINGENCY PI,AN IS FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND.
THE ORIGINAL MOTION CALLS ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PREPARE A PROPER CONTINGENCY PLAN. MR PRESIDENT, WE HAVE DONE SO, AND WE HAVE SENT COPIES TO THIS CHAMBER. MEMBERS SHOULD BE REASSURED THAT I DON’T INTEND TO READ FROM THERE THE CONTINGENCY PLAN. IN THE INTEREST OF BREVITY, MR CHAIRMAN, I’D LIKE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS POSED BY HONOURABLE MEMBERS SIMPLY BY REFERRING TO A FEW CHAPTERS IN OUR PLAN. THIS I THINK SET OUT IN DETAIL HOW WE WOULD RESPOND TO THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS. IN CHAPTER THREE, WE DID SET OUT IN DETAIL THE NOTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NUCLEAR INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT OCCUR AT GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION. IN CHAPTER FOUR, WE DESCRIBE OUR RADIATION MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES. IN CHAPTER FIVE, WE DEAL WITH HOW WE WOULD EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC ANY EVENTS WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE AT GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION. IN CHAPTER SEVEN, WE DESCRIBE HOW WE WOULD MONITOR PEOPLE COMING ACROSS THE BORDER AND HOW WE WOULD HAVE MONITORING CENTRES AND DE-CONTAMINATION CENTRES. IN CHAPTER EIGHT, FURTHER BORDER CONTROL MEASURES ARE SET OUT. IN CHAPTER NINE, COUNTER MEASURES DEALING WITH FOOD AND WATER. IN CHAPTER 10, WE DEAL WITH DISPOSAL OF RADIOLOGICALLY CONTAMINATED WASTE. AND IN CHAPTER 14, WE DEAL WITH CROSS BORDER AND EXTERNAL LIAISON AND ASSISTANCE. I’M PLEASED THERE IS A NUMBER OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE REFERRED TO THE DANGERS OF INGESTION BECAUSE THIS REPRESENTS THE MOST CREDIBLE POSSIBILITY WHICH ALL THE EXPERT ADVICE WE NIGHT FACE. I’M ALSO PLEASED TO REPORT THAT OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN DEALS WITH THIS RISK IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL. WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR FOOD SUPPLY. WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR WATER SUPPLY. WE WILL BE ABLE TO SCREEN PEOPLE COMING INTO HONG KONG FROM CONTAMINATED AREAS. MR PRESIDENT, ALL OF THESE DETAILS ARE SET OUT IN OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
THE ORIGINAL MOTION ALSO REFERS SPECIFICALLY TO INDOOR SHELTERING MEASURES. IN DRAFTING OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN, WE CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY THE NEED FOR SHELTERING. THIS NEED WAS FIRST ADDRESSED IN A 1987 REPORT, PREPARED FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM’S ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY, ON HOW BEST OUR CONTINGENCY PLANNING SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT. THE ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY ADVISED THAT AT 25 KM FROM THE REACTOR THERE IS A CONSENSUS OF INTERNATIONAL OPINION THAT THERE SHOULD ONLY EXIST A NEED FOR MONITORING AND PERHAPS CONTROL OF FOODSTUFFS. PLANS FOR EVACUATION AND SHELTERING ARE NOT GENERALLY CONSIDERED NECESSARY AT THIS DISTANCE. THIS REPORT PREDATED OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN AND WE TOOK ITS ADVICE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN PREPARING OUR DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN.
THE CONTINGENCY PLAN TAKES A CAUTIOUS APPROACH ON SHELTERING. WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE NEED FOR SHELTERING, AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE ONLY, APPLIES ONLY TO PING CHAU, WHICH IS SOME 13 KM AWAY FROM THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION. IN REACHING THIS DECISION, WE HAVE FOLLOWED INTERNATIONAL ADVICE AND PRACTICE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE COORDINATOR OF EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY STATED PUBLICLY TN MAY LAST YEAR -
’NO COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN A NEED TO DEVELOP PLANS OR EXERCISE A CAPABILITY TO EVACUATE OR SHELTER POPULATION AS A RESULT OF A NUCLEAR ACCIDENT, BEYOND 16 KM.’
MORE RECENTLY, A PAST PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL RADIATION PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, WHO WAS INVITED TO HONG KONG ON A PRIVATELY-SPONSORED VISIT, STATED AFTER GOING TO DAYA BAY
’WE WENT AWAY SATISFIED THAT THEY FOLLOWED THE IAEA RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR EMERGENCY PLANS. YOU CAN’T DO ANY BETTER THAN THAT.’
MEMBERS MAY LIKE TO KNOW OF THE SHELTERING ZONES IN OTHER PLACES. IN CANADA SHELTERING IS REQUIRED UP TO 10 KILOMETRES FROM THE PLANT. IN FRANCE IT IS ALSO 10 KILOMETRES. IN GERMANY, 10 KILOMETRES; ITALY, 5 KILOMETRES; JAPAN, 10 KILOMETRES; SPAIN, 10 KILOMETRES; SWEDEN, 15 KILOMETRES; SWITZERLAND, 20 KILOMETRES AND THE UNITED STATES, 16 KILOMETRES. IN HONG KONG WE HAVE: ADOPTED A FIGURE OF 20 KILOMETRES. ACCORDING TO ALL INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS HONG KONG HAS ADOPTED A PRUDENT AND CONSERVATIVE MEASURE.
MEMBERS WILL BE AWARE THAT, THIS COMING FRIDAY MORNING, TWO EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM’S ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITIES WILL BE MEETING THE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL. THEY HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO HONG KONG SPECIFICALLY TO DISCUSS CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND TO ANSWER MEMBERS’ CONCERNS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THESE TWO EXPERTS WILL AGAIN CONFIRM THAT OUR ACTIONS ON SHELTERING ARE BOTH PRUDENT AND CONSERVATIVE.
/MR PRESIDENT.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
5
MR PRESIDENT, I NOW LIKE TO TURN TO THE FIRST PART OF THE AMENDED MOTION. I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT WE WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY IN THE EXTREMELY UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY AT DAYA BAY WHICH IS LIKELY TO POSE ANY THREAT TO HONG KONG. BY THIS, I MEAN OFF-SITE EMERGENCIES, WHICH ARE DECLARED WHEN THERE IS A PROBABILITY OF RADIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARY OF THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THIS NOTIFICATION WERE ESTABLISHED AND PUBLICISED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, FOLLOWING A MEETING BETWEEN MYSELF AND MY GUANGDONG COUNTERPART FOR NUCLEAR ACCIDENT CONTINGENCY PLANNING. WE MADE IT CLEAR THEN THAT WE WOULD BE NOTIFIED OF ALL OFFSITE EMERGENCIES, WHETHER OR NOT THEY MAY AFFECT HONG KONG.
THEREFORE, MR PRESIDENT, WE ALREADY HAVE IN PLACE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF ANY EMERGENCIES WHICH MAY HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE OTHER AVENUES FOR EARLY NOTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL EMERGENCIES, MOST NOTABLY OUR OWN RADIATION MONITORING NETWORK AND THE REQUIREMENT UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE FOR CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY TO NOTIFY THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY INTERRUPTION TO ITS EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES, WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY EVENTS AT THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FORMALISING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES REGARDING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS WHICH DO NOT HAVE OFF-SITE CONSEQUENCES. THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL PROVIDE AN EXTRA LEVEL OF SECURITY ONCE THEY ARE CONCLUDED.
ONCE NOTIFIED, MR PRESIDENT, WE WILL ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC IS INFORMED AND KEPT INFORMED ABOUT ALL THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THEM. WE ACCEPT THE INFORMATION IS VITAL TO AVOID PANIC AND TO PREVENT CONCERN ARISING IN HONG KONG PUBLIC.
SO FAR, I HAVE REFERRED TO HONG KONG’S CONTINGENCY PLANNING ARRANGEMENTS IN ISOLATION. WE HAVE BEEN LIAISING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR NOTIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS AND FOR THE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION . THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED FROM STANDARD INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES, SUITABLY MODIFIED TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN HAND. PART OF OUR CONTINGENCY PLAN SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES CROSS-BORDER ASSISTANCE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. WE HAVE AGREED TO CO-OPERATE AND TO PROVIDE MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF A NUCLEAR INCIDENT AT DAYA BAY WHICH WOULD REQUIRE BOTH SIDES TO ACTIVATE THEIR CONTINGENCY PLANS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OUR LINKS WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES; THESE WILL, AS A MATTER OF COURSE, INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HOW WE MAY IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION OF OUR EFFORTS IN CONTINGENCY PLANNING. HOWEVER, OUR EXISTING CONTINGENCY PLAN TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES WHICH, AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, WERE CONCLUDED LAST SEPTEMBER, AND WHICH ALREADY INCLUDE A SIGNIFICANT LEVEL OF CO-OPERATION.
MR PRESIDENT, AS REGARDS THE SECOND PART OF THE AMENDED MOTION, WE HAVE ASKED THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE PROPOSED NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF HONG KONG. WE BELIEVE THAT FINAL DECISIONS TO GO AHEAD AT PARTICULAR SITES ARE STILL SUBJECT TO THE CONCLUSIONS OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES THAT HAVE YET TO BE COMPLETED AND ACCEPTED. THESE DECISIONS MAY, THEREFORE, BE SOME WAY OFF. NEVERTHELESS, WE SHARE MEMBERS’ CONCERNS THAT THE WORRIES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT: WE HAVE REFLECTED THESE CONCERNS TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
/MR PRESIDENT........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 6 -
MR PRESIDENT, I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT -
. WE DO HAVE A DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN;
. WE DO NOT NEED TO INCLUDE MEASURES FOR SHELTERING IN ANY PART OF HONG KONG OTHER THAN PING CHAU;
, WE WILL BE NOTIFIED IMMEDIATELY OF ANY OFF-SITE EMERGENCY AT THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION THAT MAY HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG; AND
. WE HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THE CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL, THEREFORE, ABSTAIN FROM THE MAIN MOTION AND VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE AMENDED MOTION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
------0--------
MOTION TO PUT UP RATES PASSED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO INCREASE RATES BY 20 PER CENT IN EACH OF THE FINANCIAL YEARS 1994/95 AND 1995/96.
MOVING THE MOTION TO AMEND THE RATING ORDIANNCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THE RATEABLE VALUES OF ALL PROPERTIES HAD ON AVERAGE INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT, REFLECTTING THE INCREASE IN THEIR RENTAL VALUES FROM JULY 1, 1990 TO JULY 1, 1993.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS PERCENTAGE WAS IN LINE WITH INFLATION OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, AND BELOW THE RISE IN PROPERTY PRICES.
SIR HAMISH REITERATED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE GENERAL REVALUATION WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE RATES BURDEN FELL EQUITABLY AMONG RATEPAYERS IN PROPORTION TO THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTIES.
HE SAID WHILE THE RATEABLE VALUES HAD CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE REVALUATION EXERCISE, THE OVERALL RATES PERCENTAGE CHARGE REMAINED AT 5.5 PER CENT AS IN 1993/94.
THE PROPOSED 20 PER CENT CAP ON RATES INCREASE FOR TWO YEARS WAS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE GENERAL REVALUATION, HE SAID.
"THE EFFECT OF THIS MEASURE IS THAT THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT WHICH INDIVIDUAL RATEPAYERS WILL BE ASKED TO PAY WILL BE NO MORE THAN 20 PER CENT ABOVE WHAT WAS PAID IN 1993/94.
"SIMILARLY, THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT IN 195/96 WILL BE NO MORE THAN 20 PER CENT ABOVE THE AMOUNT PAYABLE IN 1994/95."
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
HE SAID THE INCREASE IN RATES IN 1994/95 WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY LESS THAN CUMULATIVE INFLATION SINCE THE LAST GENERAL REVALUATION AND THE FULL IMPACT OF ANY INCREASE IN RATES PAYMENT ARISING FROM THE LATEST REVALUATION EXERCISE WOULD BE SPREAD OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
IT WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF $53 A MONTH FOR A SMALL FALT IN 1994/95.
HE SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF PROPERTIES WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE PROPSOED RATES RELIEF CAP WHILE PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
SIR HAMISH BELIEVED THAT THE PUBLIC FOUND THE NEW PACKAGE ON RATES ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE THE ADMINISTRATION HAD RECEIVED FEWER COMPLAINTS THAN THE PREVIOUS REVALUATION EXERCISES.
IN RESPONSE TO OBJECTIONS FROM LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS ON THE PACKAGE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE PROPOSED RATES RELIEF MEASURE SHOULD NOT BE VIEWED IN ISOLATION FROM THE OTHER BUDGET PROPSOALS AS IT WAS BUT ONE OF A VERY BROAD RANGE OF CONCESSIONS IN THE TOTAL PACKAGE.
"THE WHOLE BUDGET PACKAGE HAS BEEN PUT TOGETHER AFTER VERY CAREFUL DELIBERATIONS AND CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS, AND HAS TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF OUR FINANCIAL WELL-BEING OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD."
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE AMENDMENTS MADE BY SOME NONOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD CONSIDERED MAKING WENT TO THE VERY FABRIC OF HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.
"GIVEN OUR POLITICAL FRAMEWORK, IT IS VITAL THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO CONTROL THE PRESENTATION OF EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS TO THIS COUNCIL AND THAT WE KNOW WHAT INCOME TO EXPECT FROM LAWFULLY-ESTABLISHED REVENUES ARISING WITHIN HONG KONG OVER THE COMING FINANCIAL YEARS.
"THE AMENDMENTS WHICH SOME MEMBERS HAD PROPOSED EARLIER, IF SUCCESSFULLY MOVED, WOULD SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH THE STABILITY OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM DEPENDS," SIR HAMISH SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID TODAY’S MOTION ALSO SOUGHT TO REVISE THE SPLIT OF THE TOTAL RATES REVENUE BETWEEN GENERAL REVENUE AND THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE TWO COUNCILS WOULD GET ENOUGH TO CARRY OUT THEIR PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
HE SAID THE MOTION RAISED THE MINIMUM RATEABLE VALUE BELOW WHICH SMALL PROPERTIES WERE EXEMPT FROM ASSESSEMTN FROM $2,000 TO $2,600.
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/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
8
TWO MOTIONS PASSED ON LOTTERY DUTY AND AIR TAX *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO MOTIONS TO REDUCE THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX AND THE LOTTERY DUTY AS WELL AS TO REDUCE THE GOVERNMENT’S SHARE OF LOTTERY PROCEEDS IN FAVOUR OF THE LOTTERIES FUND.
MOVING THE MOTION TO AMEND THE FIRST SCHEDULE UNDER THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THE TAX REDUCTION FROM $150 TO $50 WAS ESTIMATED TO COST $960 MILLION IN 1994/95 AND $4.1 BILLION UP TO 1997/98.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE TOURISM INDUSTRY HAD MADE REPEATED REPRESENTATIONS TO HIM ABOUT THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF HIGH DEPARTURE TAX ON TOURISM AND THE WIDER ECONOMY.
’’THEIR ARGUMENT IS A PERSUASIVE ONE,” HE SAID.
THE REDUCTION MIGHT ALSO HELP TO REDUCE THE CONGESTION IN THE TRANSIT AREA OF THE AIRPORT, AS MORE TRANSIT PASSENGERS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO GO OUT THE AIRPORT TEMPORARILY.
EXTRA SPENDING BY THESE PASSENGERS WOULD BOOST THE RETAIL TRADE AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY. LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO TRAVEL BY AIR WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM THIS CONCESSION.
TURNING TO THE OTHER RESOLUTION THAT AMENDED THE BETTING DUTY ORDINANCE, MR MACLEOD SAID IT SOUGHT TO RAISE THE SHARE OF THE LOTTERY PROCEEDS TO BE ALLOCATED TO THE LOTTERIES FUND FROM 5 PER CENT TO 15 PER CENT.
THE LOTTERY DUTY IS CORRESPONDINGLY REDUCED FROM 30 PER CENT TO 20 PER CENT.
WITH THIS ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF FUNDING WHICH AMOUNT TO ABOUT $1.8 BILLION OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, THE LOTTERIES FUND WILL BE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO MEET THE KEY TARGETS SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION, HE SAID.
”IT WILL ALSO BE EQUIPPED TO FULFIL THE COMMITMENTS MADE IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS LAST YEAR TO BUILD SEVEN NURSING HOMES BY 1997 AND TO PROVIDE MORE CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES,” HE ADDED.
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/9.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
9
CARS FOR DISABLED BE EXEMPTED FROM TUNNEL TOLLS » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION TO EXEMPT CARS USED FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF DISABLED PERSONS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL PASSAGE TAX.
MOVING THE MOTION TO AMEND THE SECOND SCHEDULE UNDER THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THE EXEMPTION WOULD APPLY TO THE DI ALA-RIDE REHABUS SERVICE.
THE SERVICE IS A PERSONALISED TRANSPORT SERVICE PROVIDED TO DISABLED PERSONS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH SERIOUS PHYSICAL DISABILITIES WHO CANNOT USE ORDINARY MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
HE NOTED THAT THE PASSENGERS OF THE SERVICE WOULD BE DIRECTLY BENEFITED BECAUSE THEY HAD TO PAY FOR THE TUNNEL TOLLS AS A SURCHARGE.
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HOUSING TRAFFIC BY-LAW AMENDED * * * * *
A MOTION SEEKING TO REVISE FIXED PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PARKING ON RESTRICTED ROADS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE PRESENT CHARGES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING ON RESTRICTED ROADS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED SINCE FEBRUARY 1, 1990.
”IT HAS BEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PRACTICE TO ALIGN THE FIXED PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PARKING ON RESTRICTED ROADS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WITH THAT APPLYING ON PUBLIC ROADS,” MR EASON SAID.
ON FEBRUARY 23, 1994, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVED AN INCREASE IN FIXED PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL PARKING ON PUBLIC ROADS FROM $200 TO $320 UNDER THE TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS (FIXED PENALTY) ORDINANCE WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1, 1994.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE AUTHORITY APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE HOUSING (TRAFFIC) BY-LAW ON MARCH 25, 1994 TO INCREASE ILLEGAL PARKING CHARGES ON RESTRICTED ROADS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES BY AROUND 60 PER CENT.
"THE REVISED CHARGES WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JUNE 1, 1994 WHEN HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S FIXED PENALTY TICKET SYSTEM UNDER THE HOUSING (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (FIXED PENALTY) BY-LAW WILL BE PUT IN PLACE," MR EASON ADDED.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 10 -
BILLS TO MEET STANDARDS AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
TWO BILLS SEEKING TO BRING THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH NEW INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN THE 1988 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994.
MOVING THE SECOND READINGS OF THE BILLS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THEY SOUGHT TO INTRODUCE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORTS OF DANGEROUS DRUGS
THEY ALSO PROVIDE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES COVERED BY THE CONVENTION; AND SEEK TO INTRODUCE NEW PROVISIONS TO SUPPRESS ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFIC BY SEA.
MR WOODHOUSE SAID SPECIFICALLY, THE BILL AIMED TO:
» INCLUDE CANNABIS RESIN AS A DANGEROUS DRUG, SEPARATELY FROM CANNABIS;
» EMPOWER THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST TO CULTIVATE CANNABIS AND SYNTHESISE DANGEROUS DRUGS, WHERE NECESSARY, IN DISCHARGING HIS DUTIES;
* REPEAL A PRESUMPTION RELATING TO POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS DRUG WHICH WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS;
♦ DELEGATE THE GOVERNOR’S POWER TO AMEND THE SECOND SCHEDULE CONCERNING PRESCRIBED HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY;
* LIMIT THE POWER OF ENTRY AND SEARCH WITHOUT A WARRANT TO SITUATIONS WHERE IT WAS NOT REASONABLY PRACTICABLE TO OBTAIN ONE, IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PROVISION COMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS, AND TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM FOR THE ISSUING OF WARRANTS; AND
» LOWER THE CONCENTRATION OF CODEINE IN COUGH PREPARATIONS TO WHICH THE ORDINANCE APPLIED.
HE ADDED THAT THESE AMENDMENTS WERE INTRODUCED TO MEET THE OPERATIONAL NEED TO DISCHARGE THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
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/Il........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
11
BILL ON GREEN FUND INTRODUCED * t * * ♦
A BILL SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A DEDICATED FUNDING SOURCE FOR EDUCATIONAL, RESEARCH AND OTHER PROJECTS RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER CONSERVATION MATTERS AS WELL AS TO PRESCRIBE A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CONTROL OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (SPED, MR TONY EASON, SAID THE EXISTING SOURCES AND RANGE OF FUNDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES WERE UNCERTAIN AND INADEQUATE AND TENDED TO FOSTER AD HOC EFFORTS AT THE EXPENSE OF LONGER TERM AND MORE IN-DEPTH PROJECTS.
"THE GOVERNOR THEREFORE PROPOSED LN HIS 1993 POLICY ADDRESS AN INITIAL CAPITAL INJECTION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF $50 MILLION TO SET UP AN ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND TO SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH AND OTHER WORTHWHILE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS," HE SAID.
THE BILL CREATES THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND AND DEFINES ITS OBJECTIVES AS WELL AS PROVIDES FOR THE INCORPORATION OF SPEL, IN THE CAPACITY OF A CORPORATION SOLE, BE THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE SETTING UP OF AN ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE TRUSTEE ON THE USE OF THE FUND.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL COMPRISE A NON-OFFICIAL CHAIRMAN AS WELL AS NON-OFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
"IN RECOMMENDING NON-OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS, WE INTEND TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FRQM A BROAD SPECTRUM OF INTERESTS INCLUDING THE GREEN GROUPS WHO WILL ALSO BE AMONG THE MAIN TARGETS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND," MR EASON SAID.
THE TRUSTEE IS REQUIRED TO TABLE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANNUALLY THE AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS AND HIS REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND.
MR EASON NOTED THAT AS WITH MANY OTHER TRUST FUNDS ESTABLISHED FOR EDUCATIONAL OR CHARITABLE PURPOSES, THERE WAS A STANDARD PROVISION TO ALLOW THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO CHARGE A SUPERVISION FEE OF NOT MORE THAN 2.5 PER CENT OF THE ANNUAL INCOME OF THE FUND TO RECOVER COSTS IN MANAGING THE FUND SHOULD THEY BECOME SIGNIFICANT.
"HOWEVER, IT IS NOT ENVISAGED THAT THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FOR ADMINISTERING THE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND.
"IN THIS REGARD, THE BILL STIPULATES THAT THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE FUND, OTHER THAN THE COST OF EMPLOYING PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS, WILL BE CHARGED TO THE GENERAL REVENUE," MR EASON SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/12........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
EI.ECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL INTRODUCED
* * * * *
THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL WHICH EMPOWERS THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO OMIT THE NAMES OF REGISTERED ELECTORS FROM THE VOTER REGISTER WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SAID THE AMENDMENTS DID NOT INVOLVE ANY POLICY CHANGE BUT WERE ONLY TO PUT BEYOND DOUBT A LEGAL POINT.
HE SAID THE BILL GAVE THE REGISTRATION OFFICER A PROPER LEGAL BASIS TO OMIT, WHEN COMPILING A NEW VOTER REGISTER FOR THE YEAR, REGISTERED ELECTORS WHOSE NAMES APPEARED ON THE EXISTING VOTER REGISTER UNDER TWO CIRCUMSTANCES.
NAMES OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS CAN BE OMITTED WHEN THE REGISTRATION OFFICER HAS REASON TO BELIEVE THESE ELECTORS HAVE CEASED TO ORDINARILY RESIDE IN HONG KONG OR HAVE CHANGED THEIR PRINCIPAL PLACES OF RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
MR NG SAID THE ACCURACY OF THE VOTER REGISTER WOULD BE GREATLY AFFECTED IF THE REGISTRATION OFFICER DID NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO OMIT REGISTERED VOTERS.
IT WOULD ALSO UNDERMINE THE WHOLE BASIS OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS, MR NG ADDED.
"IT WILL, OF COURSE, BE OPEN TO ANY ELECTOR SO OMITTED FROM THE REGISTER TO APPLY FOR RE-REGISTRATION PROVIDED HE HAS RESUMED ORDINARY RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG OR IS ABLE TO PROVIDE A NEW RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, AS THE CASE MAY BE," HE SAID.
MR NG ALSO URGED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO GIVE THIS BILL AN EARLY AND FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION BECAUSE .OF THE TIGHT SCHEDULE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
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BILL TO MEET NEW STANDARDS AGAINST DRUG DEALING * ♦ * *
A BILL SEEKING TO MEET THE NEW INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN THE 1988 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST ILLICIT TRAFFIC IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO REPEAL A PRESUMPTION RELATING TO POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS DRUG WHICH WAS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
/"IT SEEKS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
"IT SEEKS TO EXTEND THE EXISTING SCOPE OF CONTROL TO COVER AN ADDITIONAL 21 CHEMICALS WHICH ARE SPECIFIED IN THE CONVENTION.
"IT ALSO SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THREE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CONTROL ON THE SPECIFIED CHEMICALS," MR WOODHOUSE SAID.
THE BILL EMPOWERED THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO MAKE THE ABOVE TWO AMENDMENTS ACCORDINGLY.
"THE AMENDMENT PROHIBITS THE POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORT OR DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIFIED CHEMICALS, KNOWING, OR HAVING REASONABLE GROUND TO BELIEVE, THAT THEY ARE TO BE USED IN, OR FOR, THE ILLICIT PRODUCTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS," HE SAID.
THUS THE BILL ALSO EMPOWERED THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO AMEND IT FOR THE ABOVE GOAL.
"IT ALSO REQUIRES THAT RECORDS OF DEALINGS IN SPECIFIED CHEMICALS BE KEPT FOR TWO YEARS," MR WOODHOUSE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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NEW AIRPORT BUILDING STRUCTURES COMPLY WITH ORDINANCE ♦ * t ♦ ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ASD) ENSURED THAT PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WERE FULLY APPLIED TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS BUT USUAL SUBMISSION FOR CHECKING WAS NOT NECESSARY, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BLAKE SAID THIS WOULD BE THE CASE FOR SOME OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURES ON THE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT PLATFORM, WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY ASD AND CONSTRUCTED UNDER ITS SUPERVISION.
AS FOR THE TERMINAL BUILDING AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES WHICH WERE BEING DESIGNED BY CONSULTANTS FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA), MR BLAKE SAID SINCE DESIGN COMMENCED IN 1992, THERE HAD BEEN REGULAR CONTACTS WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE (BOO) TO ENSURE THAT THE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT COMPLIED WITH THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE TERMINAL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED WITH THE CLOSE INVOLVEMENT OF THE AIRLINE AND TRAVEL INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS THE FULL INVOLVEMENT OF THOSE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURITY, IMMIGRATION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ESSENTIAL IN AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT," HE SAID.
MR BLAKE NOTED THAT THESE ONGOING CONTACTS WITH BOO HAD REPLACED THE USUAL SUBMISSION PROCEDURES IMPOSED ON PRIVATE DEVELOPER AND PAA WAS CURRENTLY DISCUSSING WITH THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS APPROPRIATE EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
14
HE SAID THE FINAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ALL BUILDING STRUCTURES AT THE AIRPORT, INCLUDING THE TERMINAL BUILDING, WOULD ENSURE THAT THE STANDARDS OF CONSTRUCTION IMPOSED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE COULD BE SATISFIED.
ON FIRE SAFETY, MR BLAKE SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT (FSD) HAD BEEN EXTENSIVELY INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING AND WAS CONSULTED BY ASD AS NECESSARY.
FSD HAD ALREADY ADOPTED FOR LOCAL APPLICATION THE UK FIRE OFFICES COMMITTEE RULES, AS WELL AS OTHER INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF THE USA, TO WHICH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ALL BUILDINGS AT THE NEW AIRPORT WOULD CONFIRM, HE ADDED.
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STRONG SUPPORT FOR LOWERING VOTING AGE * * * * »
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE DISAGREED WITH ASSERTIONS THAT THE PUBLIC HAD SHOWN LITTLE SUPPORT FOR LOWERING THE VOTING AGE TO 18 AND THAT YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 WERE NOT INTERESTED IN REGISTERING AS VOTERS.
PUBLIC OPINION POLLS CONDUCTED LAST YEAR HAD SHOWN THAT THE PUBLIC HAD GIVEN STRONG AND PERSISTENT SUPPORT FOR THE LOWERING OF VOTING AGE, HE ADDED.
THE RESPONSE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THIS AGE GROUP TOWARDS THE CURRENT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING, MR NG SAID IN A REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS SO FAR RECEIVED MORE THAN 106,000 APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS NEW VOTERS.
OF THEM, MORE THAN 17,000 OR ABOUT 16 PER CENT ARE FROM THE NEWLY ELIGIBLE AGE GROUP OF 18 TO 21.
HE SAID EFFORTS SHOULD BE KEPT UP TO PROMOTE ELECTORS’ EDUCATION THROUGH THE ONGOING CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES BOTH IN SCHOOLS AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
"FOR THE 1994/95 ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH AN EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE VOTER TURNOUT.
"OTHER THAN THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, IT IS ALSO THE ELECTORS’ DUTY TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE," MR NG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT COMMUNITY GROUPS AND POLITICAL PARTIES, THROUGH THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ELECTIONS, WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ENCOURAGING VOTERS TO TAKE PART IN THE ELECTIONS.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
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GOVT WON’T INTERVENE IN WAGES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT, AND WOULD NOT, SEEK TO INTERVENE IN WAGE DETERMINATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN THE LABOUR MARKET WERE A MUCH MORE EFFICIENT GUIDE IN SETTING WAGE LEVELS THAN ANY MEANS OF ARBITRARY DETERMINATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"SETTING A MINIMUM WAGE FOR LOCAL WORKERS WOULD INTRODUCE A HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE ELEMENT OF RIGIDITY INTO OUR MARKET SYSTEM AND WOULD WORK AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF NOT ONLY OUR ECONOMY BUT ALSO OUR WORKERS," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE SETTING OF A MINIMUM ALLOWABLE WAGE FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS, HE SAID THIS WAS A SPECIAL MEASURE TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF LOCAL WORKERS "SO THAT THEIR WAGES WOULD NOT BE DEPRESSED BY WORKERS FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG."
THIS WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS ARE NOT EXPLOITED.
MR LEUNG STRESSED IT WAS INCORRECT TO SAY THAT THE MEDIAN WAGES OF LOCAL WORKERS WERE LOWER THAN THE MINIMUM WAGE SET FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
HE AGREED THAT THE FOURTH QUARTER 1993 GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY HAD FOUND 168,000 EMPLOYEES WHOSE MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS WERE LESS THAN $3,500.
HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF LOCAL WORKERS EARNING BELOW THAT LEVEL IS QUITE SMALL AS THE SURVEY COVERED ALL EMPLOYED PERSONS, INCLUDING FAMILY WORKERS, UNDEREMPLOYED WORKERS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK, AND SOME 129,000 FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS.
TURNING TO LOCAL WORKERS’ QUALITY OF LIFE, THE SECRETARY SAID BETWEEN 1981 AND 1991, THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME HAD INCREASED BY 58 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
IN ADDITION, HONG KONG WORKERS SHARE SUCH BENEFITS AS NINE YEARS OF FREE EDUCATION, HEAVILY SUBSIDISED HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE, GOOD RECREATION AND CULTURAL FACILITIES, AND COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
CITING EXAMPLES, MR LEUNG SAID LABOUR LEGISLATION WAS CONSTANTLY REVIEWED TO BRING ABOUT BETTER PROTECTION AND BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN IMPROVEMENTS IN ANNUAL LEAVE PROVISIONS, INCREASED LEVEL OF EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION, RETRAINING TO HELP DISPLACED WORKERSAND OTHER BENEFITS.
"ALL THESE MEASURES ARE AIMED AT BRINGING BETTER BENEFITS AND PROTECTION TO OUR WORKERS AND IMPROVING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE," HE SAID.
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 16 -
GUIDELINES ON BANNER DISPLAY EXPLAINED
*****
UNDER EXISTING GUIDELINES, DISTRICT LAND OFFICERS ONLY APPROVE NON-COMMERCIAL A!' IRT1SING INVOLVING THE DISPLAY OF BANNERS AND POSTERS RELATED TO SPECIFIC EVENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LAND:-’, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLY I Ml'■ TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HOWARD YOUNG, MR EASON SAID THE MAIN CRITERION I R APPROVAL WAS WHETHER THE EVENT TO BE PUBLICISED WAS NON-COMMERCIAL ND OF INTEREST TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
"FACTORS SUCH AS OBSTRUCTION TO THE PUBLIC AND TRAFFIC SAFETY ARE ALSO TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," HE SAID.
NR EASON i. AINID THAT THE APPLICATION BY AN ORGANISATION TO MOUNT 30 BANNERS ON LAMP-POSTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI DISTRICTS FROM MAY 24 TO 29 THIS YEAR HAD BEEN REJECTED PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE APPLICANT WAS A COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION RATHER THAN A NON-PROFIT MAKING BODY.
THE APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED IN EARLY JANUARY THIS YEAR AND THE APPLICANT WAS ADVISED OF THE GROUNDS OF REFUSAL ON FEBRUARY 15 THIS YEAR.
A SIMILAR APPLICATION FOR A SIMILAR EVENT BUT MADE BY AN ORGANISATION WITH A DIFFERENT NAME WAS APPROVED IN MAY 1992.
THE DISTR "I LANDS OFFICER, HONG KONG WEST, IS CONSIDERING A FRESH APPLICATION FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT SUBMITTED BY A NON-PROFIT MAKING BODY WHICH IS ONE OF THE ORGANISERS.
HE STRESSED THAT ALL APPLICATIONS WERE TREATED TN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ESTABLISHED GUIDELINES.
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18 SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS IN THREE YEARS
t t t * t
THERE WERE 18 CASES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS (INCLUDING ANONYMOUS ONES) REC] IVED FROM STAFF AGAINST THEIR COLLEAGUES OR SUPERVISORS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE TAKE ALL STAFF COMPLAINTS VERY SERIOUSLY," STRESSED MR SZE IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"ALL COMPLAINTS WERE BY FEMALES AGAINST MALES. OF THESE, FIVE CASES WERE FOUND SUBSTANTIATED. THREE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED IN COURT FOR INDECENT ASSAULT AND TWO WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CONVICTED. ALL FIVE WERE ALSO DISCIPLINED," MR SZE SAID.
/HE POINTED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 17 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS, AND OTHER INTERNAL COMPLAINTS, WERE DEALT WITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENTAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURES DRAWN UP WITH REFERENCE TO GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.
’’THESE PROCEDURES ARE WIDELY PROMULGATED AMONG STAFF. THEY SET OUT THE STEPS IN MAKING COMPLAINTS AND ENSURE THAT THE PROCEDURES ARE FAIR, SIMPLE, DIRECT AND SPEEDY.
’’SENIOR OFFICERS AT DIRECTORATE LEVEL ARE NORMALLY DESIGNATED AS THE STAFF COMPLAINT OFFICERS IN DEPARTMENTS.
”IN ADDITION, DEPARTMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DESIGNATE MORE STAFF COMPLAINTS OFFICERS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS TO FACILITATE AND DEAL WITH STAFF COMPLAINTS.
’’THE AIM IS TO FACILITATE COMPLAINTS TO BE MADE AND TO ENABLE OBJECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS WITH PROMPT FOLLOW-UP ACTION, INCLUDING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS ON CONCERNED STAFF IF COMPLAINTS ARE SUBSTANTIATED,” HE SAID.
MR SZE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD RECENTLY REVIEWED THESE PROCEDURES, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT REFORMS AND BELIEVED THEY GENERALLY WORK WELL.
’’BUT WE RECOGNISE THAT SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS ARE OF A VERY SPECIAL AND SENSITIVE CATEGORY AND SEPARATE GUIDELINES ON HOW TO DEAL WITH SUCH COMPLAINTS MAY BE USEFUL. WE ARE PURSUING THIS,” MR SZE SAID.
GOVT COMMITTED TO FIGHT CANCER *****
THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAD IDENTIFIED CANCER AS ONE OF THE PRIORITY HEALTH AREAS WITH AN AIM TO REDUCE THE OVERALL MORTALITY ARISING FROM THE DISEASE AND TO PROVIDE A MORE HOLISTIC TYPE OF CARE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HER WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS WONG SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD FORMULATED PLANS TO OPEN AN ADDITIONAL 6,000 BEDS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THIS WOULD REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL 3,500 HEALTHCARE STAFF FOR ALL PATIENT GROUPS.
IN ADDITION, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS GRANTED A DONATION OF $350 MILLION TO REDEVELOP THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WITH MODERN FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT BY 1996 TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND.
THE INSTITUTE TREATED SOME 12,800 CANCER PATIENTS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
18
SHE SAID CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVED AN INTEGRATED SPECTRUM OF MEDICAL SERVICES INCLUDING GENERAL AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES, ACUTE CARE, EXTENDED AND HOSPICE CARE.
IT WOULD NOT BE FEASIBLE TO BREAK DOWN THE EXPENDITURE BY EACH SERVICE.
CITING STATISTICS, SHE SAID THE NUMBERS OF DEATH CASES FOR CANCER PATIENTS WERE 8,832 IN 1991, 9,021 IN 1992 AND 9,311 IN 1993.
IN THE CONTEXT OF DISEASE PREVENTION INCLUDING CANCER, MRS WONG NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONDUCTED A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIFIC MEASURES.
THESE INCLUDED PROVIDING HEALTH EDUCATION MATERIALS AND EXPERT ADVICE TO SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HEPATITIS B VACCINATION, PAPANICOLAOU SMEAR SCREENING, DIETARY ADVICE FOR HEART DISEASE AND COUNSELLING FOR SMOKERS TO QUIT.
"THE EXPENDITURE INCURRED FOR DISEASE PREVENTION IN GENERAL WAS $370.8 MILLION IN 1991/92, $431.4 MILLION IN 1992/93 AND $496.9 MILLION IN 1993/94," SHE SAID.
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HOS SITE EARMARKED IN QUARRY BAY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS EARMARKED A 2.55 HECTARE SITE AT WOODSITE, QUARRY BAY, FOR A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) PROJECT FOR A DESIGNED POPULATION OF 4,500.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEIGHBOURING KORNHILL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND AS THE SITE WAS ALREADY EARMARKED FOR HOS DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE DISPOSED OF BY PUBLIC AUCTION.
HE SAID SINCE IT WAS NOT NORMAL POLICY TO INVITE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPERS TO ACCEPT HOS SITES IN EXCHANGE FOR OTHER SITES HELD BY THEM, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT EXPLORED THE POSSIBILITY OF DOING SO IN THIS CASE.
MOST OF THIS SITE IS ALREADY ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" (R(B)) AND A SMALL PART OF IT (0.37 HA) IS CURRENTLY ZONED "GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY" (GIC) ON THE DRAFT QUARRY BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZP).
MR EASON SAID A SUBMISSION WOULD SHORTLY BE MADE TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO SEEK ITS APPROVAL TO AMEND THE DRAFT OZP TO REZONE THE "GIC" PART OF THE SITE ALSO FOR "R(B)" DEVELOPMENT.
/IF APPROVED.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
IF APPROVED, THE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT OZP WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
MR EASON SAID THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE REZONING PROPOSAL AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY OBJECTION TO IT HAVING BEEN VOICED SO FAR.
PUBLICATION OF THE REVISED DRAFT OZP WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY SUCH OBJECTIONS TO BE LODGED, HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
WITNESSES WILLING TO TESTIFY AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES
*****
COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH RELATE TO OVERCHARGING OR REFUSAL OF HIRE, CAN ONLY BE ACTIONED IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE PREPARED TO GIVE STATEMENTS TO THE POLICE AND, IF REQUIRED, TESTIFY AS WITNESSES IN COURT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID A COMPLAINANT WOULD RECEIVE A FORMAL SUMMONS UNDER SECTION 21 OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE IF HE WAS REQUIRED TO TESTIFY IN COURT, AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE SUMMONS MIGHT RESULT IN A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $5,000.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THIS HAD NOT BEEN A PARTICULAR PROBLEM AS EVIDENCED BY THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL CONVI CT IONS.
OF THE 300 TAXI OFFENCE CASES PROCEEDED BY SUMMONS IN 1993, 78.2 PER CENT WERE CONVICTED. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR 1992 AND 1991 ARE 212 AND 62.5 PER CENT AND 164 AND 86 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ON INCIDENTS DURING WHICH TAXI DRIVERS HAD TO Bl- AWAY FROM WORK BUT THE WITNESSES DID NOT SHOW UP, MR BARMA SAID IT WAS FOR THE MAGISTRATE TO DECIDE WHETHER A TAXI DRIVER SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR FINANCIAL LOSS.
"UNDER SECTION 69 OF THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE, IF THE MAGISTRATE IS SATISFIED THAT THE PROCEEDINGS OUGHT NOT TO HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED OR PURSUED AGAINST THE DEFENDANT. Ill- MAY ORDER THE AWARD OF COSTS, NOT EXCEEDING $5,000," HE SAID.
/20
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
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DIFFERENCES IN HOS AND PSPS MANAGEMENT EXPLAINED * * ♦ » ♦
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) DEVELOPMENTS ARE MANAGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHILE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) DEVELOPMENTS ARE MANAGED BY INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND MANAGERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR EASON SAID THIS ACCOUNTED FOR THE DIFFERENCES IN MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AND CAR PARKS BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES OF DEVELOPMENTS.
’’INDEED, BECAUSE THEY ARE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENTS, THERE ARE ALSO DIFFERENCES IN MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT PSPS ESTATES,” HE SAID.
MR EASON NOTED THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM WHICH APPEARED TO HAVE ARISEN FROM THE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOS AND PSPS DEVELOPMENTS WAS THAT CAR PARKS IN SOME PSPS ESTATES HAD BEEN SOLD TN LOTS BY THE DEVELOPERS TO SINGLE PURCHASERS WHO LATER RESOLD OR LET THEM FOR PROFIT.
"IN ORDER TO CURTAIL THIS PRACTICE, THE CONDITIONS OF SALE OF NEW PSPS SITES WERE REVISED IN 1993 TO RESTRICT OWNERSHIP OF CAR PARKS IN FUTURE PROJECTS TO FLAT OWNERS AND TO PREVENT ANY FLAT OWNER FROM OWNING MORE THAN ONE PARKING SPACE," HE SAID.
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SHOOTING INCIDENT AT CLUB UNDER INVESTIGATION *****
THE SHOOTING INCIDENT AT THE PRIVATE CLUB IN YAU MA TEI ON MARCH 18 WAS CLASSIFIED AS A ROBBERY AND A POLICE OPEN FIRE CASE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, MR WOODHOUSE SAID THE CRIMINAL ASPECTS OF THE CASE WERE UNDER INVESTIGATION AND PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF THE SHOOTING AND ROBBERY HAD BEGUN.
HE SAID THE PRESENCE OF THE OFFICERS CONCERNED AT THE PRIVATE CLUB AT THE TIME WAS THE SUBJECT OF A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION.
"UNTIL ALL ASPECTS OF THIS INCIDENT HAVE BEEN RESOLVED, ANY FURTHER COMMENT COULD BE PREJUDICIAL,HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
21
SUFFICIENT COURT INTERPRETERS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGES
* t * * ♦
THERE ARE SUFFICIENT COURT INTERPRETERS TO DEAL WITH CASES INVOLVING LANGUAGES OTHER THAN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
BUT THE JUDICIARY IS CONTINUING TO ENLARGE THE POOL BY RECRUITING MORE QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG MOCHI, MRS CHAN SAID OF THE 710,345 CASES DEALT WITH AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF COURTS AND TRIBUNALS LAST YEAR, 6,165 CASES OR 0.86 PER CENT INVOLVED LANGUAGES OTHER THAN CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
AT PRESENT 547 FREELANCE INTERPRETERS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE JUDICIARY TO DEAL WITH SUCH CASES.
BEFORE A FREELANCE INTERPRETER IS REGISTERED, HE WILL BE INTERVIEWED AND WILL UNDERGO AN EXAMINATION TO ENSURE THAT HE IS PROFICIENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND THE OTHER LANGUAGE WITH WHICH HE CLAIMS TO BE CONVERSANT.
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STRINGENT CONTROL ON USE OF DB FUNDS
*****
STRINGENT CONTROL HAD BEEN EXERCISED TO ENSURE THAT THE USE AND DISBURSEMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD (DB) FUNDS WERE WITHIN THE AMBIT OF VOTE AND THE EXPENDITURE GUIDELINES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT, MR SUEN EXPLAINED THAT THE FUNDS WERE SPENT ON SPECIFIC PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE DB BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE FUNDS WERE MODELLED ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING, STORES, AND GENERAL AND OTHER REGULATIONS.
HE SAID: ’’CONTROLS INVOLVING CHECKS AND COUNTER-CHECKS ARE EXERCISED BY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF FROM THE INCEPTION TO COMPLETION OF A PROJECT TO MINIMISE CHANCES OF ABUSE OR MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS.”
DISBURSEMENT OF THE FUND IS MADE ON THE PRODUCTION OF DULY CERTIFIED SUPPORTING RECEIPTS AND ONLY AFTER CHECKS HAVE BEEN MADE BY DISTRICT OFFICER STAFF THAT THE CLAIMS ARE WITHIN THE ORIGINAL AMBIT APPROVED BY THE DB AND THAT THE EXPENDITURE IS IN ORDER.
IN CASE OF DISCREPANCIES FROM THE ORIGINAL APPROVAL, MR SUEN SAID THE DB WOULD BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE DISCREPANCIES AND TO SATISFY ITSELF THAT THE EXPENDITURE WAS IN ORDER BEFORE PAYMENT WERE PAID.
NOTING THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICER PLAYED A VETTING ROLE TO ENSURE FUNDING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES WERE FULLY OBSERVED, HE STRESSED THAT DISTRICT OFFICER STAFF WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE USE OF DB FUNDS.
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/22 ....
- 22 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
GOVT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY COMPANY * * * *
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST ANY PARTICULAR COMPANY OR TYPE OF COMPANIES AS LONG AS THEY ARE OPERATING LEGALLY IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIM PUI-CHUNG, MR CARTLAND SAID A LINE MUST BE DRAWN BETWEEN COMPANIES THAT WERE SUITABLE FOR LISTING AND THOSE THAT WERE NOT.
"THIS IS CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE’S LISTING RULES," HE SAID.
THE PROPOSALS OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED (SEHK) TO TIGHTEN THE LISTING REQUIREMENTS FOR NEWLY LISTED COMPANIES WERE RELEASED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN FINALISED.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THE SEHK WOULD HAVE A DISCRETION TO RELAX THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR LISTING IN THE CASE OF DESERVING SMALLER COMPANIES, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN THEIR OPERATING PROFITS HAVE EXCEEDED $60 MILLION IN THE PAST THREE YEARS BEFORE APPLYING FOR NEW LISTING.
"THIS WOULD HELP TO AVOID HINDERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD, WELL MANAGED SMALL TO MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES," HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSALS WOULD BE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT BY THE LISTING COMMITTEE AND THE COUNCIL OF THE SEHK, BOTH OF WHICH WERE COMPOSED OF MARKET PRACTITIONERS.
HE SAID ANY PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LISTING RULES WOULD REQUIRE THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) BEFORE THE CHANGES COULD COME INTO EFFECT.
"THE ADMINISTRATION FULLY SUPPORTS THE STOCK EXCHANGE’S ACTION TO CONSULT THE MARKET ON IMPORTANT ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME IN ORDER TO KEEP PACE WITH MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND BALANCE A WHOLE RANGE OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS.
"WE CAN TRUST THE STOCK EXCHANGE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE SFC TO TAKE A DECISION IN THE GENERAL INTEREST OF THE MARKET," HE ADDED.
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THREE WAYS TO TACKLE METHADONE CLINIC NUISANCES » » » * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED A THREE-PRONGED APPROACH TO DEAL WITH SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES CAUSED TO RESIDENTS NEAR METHADONE CLINICS.
THF ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION HAD BEEN STEPPED UP AGAINST ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN THE VICINITY OF THE CLINICS.
/METHADONE PATTENTS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
23
METHADONE PATIENTS ARE EDUCATED TO DISPOSE OF USED SYRINGES PROPERLY AND STREET ADDICTS TO COME IN FOR METHADONE TREATMENT.
THE THIRD APPROACH IS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, SUCH AS FREQUENT CLEANSING TO REMOVE DISCARDED SYRINGES, BETTER LIGHTING IN THE AREA AND STRENGTHENED BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR WOODHOUSE SAID THE METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMME ENABLED PATIENTS TO ADOPT A NORMAL AND ECONOMICALLY PRODUCTIVE LIFESTYLE.
IT HELPS TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE HEALTH HAZARDS AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY RELATED TO ILLICIT DRUG USE.
HE SAID A REDUCTION IN THE INJECTING OF HEROIN DUE TO THE SUBSTITUTION OF ORAL METHADONE MEANT LESS SHARING OF NEEDLES.
’’THIS SLOWS THE SPREAD OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES, INCLUDING AIDS, WHICH CAN BE PASSED FROM DRUG USERS TO THE GENERAL POPULATION,” HE SAID.
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NO DUPLICATION IN WORK OF FINANCE HEADS * * * ♦ »
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES (SFS) ’’SHARING OUT THE WORKLOAD” WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY WERE DIFFERENT, EVEN THOUGH THE SUBJECT MATTER WAS IN SOME RESPECT CLOSELY RELATED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU, SIR HAMISH SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THIS CLOSE RELATIONSHIP THAT HAD GIVEN RISE TO SOME MISCONCEPTION OF OVERLAPPING AND DUPLICATION.
THE HKMA WAS ESTABLISHED PRINCIPALLY BY MERGING TWO OUT OF THE THREE SELF-CONTAINED EXECUTIVE OFFICES OPERATING UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE THEN MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH: THE OFFICE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
’’THUS, THE SEPARATION OF THESE OPERATIONAL ARMS FROM THE BRANCH DID NOT TO ANY SUBSTANTIAL EXTENT CHANGE THE AREAS IN WHICH THE BRANCH HELD POLICY RESPONSIBILITY, OR REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF THE RETITLED FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH (FSB) IN PRACTICAL SENSE,” THE SECRETARY SAID.
THE HKMA IS A SEPARATE AGENCY WITH EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE AREAS OF BANKING SUPERVISION AND EXCHANGE FUND AND THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA IS NOT A POLICY SECRETARY BUT HE DOES TAKE THE LEAD IN FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MONETARY POLICY AND IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
/"HE ALSO........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 24 -
"HE ALSO HAS SPECIFIC STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY, AS MONETARY AUTHORITY, TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL STABILITY AND EFFECTIVE WORKING OF THE BANKING SYSTEM UNDER THE BANKING ORDINANCE,” HE SAID.
THE SFS HAS A BROAD POLICY OVERVIEW ACROSS THE WHOLE RANGE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING BANKING, COMPANY MATTERS, INSURANCE, RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND SECURITIES.
APART FROM THE HKMA, THE OTHER BODIES TO WHICH THE FSB RELATES ARE THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, COMPANIES REGISTRY AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
"AN OVERVIEW OF THESE KEY AREAS IS IMPORTANT SINCE THEY ARE INEVITABLY CLOSELY INTERRELATED,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
"IN ADDITION, SFS HAS ALSO ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY IN THE AREA OF GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, REPORTING AND ADVICE, AFTER TAKING OVER THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH IN 1993,” HE ADDED.
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PLANNING FOR CETS REACHES ADVANCED STAGE
♦ * * *
PLANNING FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE (CETS), A PROJECT DESIGNED TO PROMOTE THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) SERVICES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE, HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY,
MR T H CHAU, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SIMON IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAU SAID THE INITIAL FOCUS OF THE CETS WAS ON TRADE TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF EDI SERVICES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR RESTRAINED TEXTILES EXPORT LICENCE (RTEL) AND LODGMENT OF TRADE DECLARATIONS (TD).
THE GOVERNMENT AND TRADELINK ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT SERVICES LTD (TRADELINK), THE COMPANY WHICH HAD ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE EDI SERVICES, ARE AIMING TO BEGIN JOINT TESTING BY JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
"PENDING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS TEST, EDI SERVICES FOR RTELS AND TDS WILL BE LAUNCHED BY TRADELINK TOWARDS THE END OF 1995.
EDI SERVICES FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS, SUCH AS TEXTILE QUOTA ENQUIRIES, APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN, AND APPLICATIONS FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES PERMITS WOULD BE INTRODUCED AT A LATER STAGE, MR CHAU SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 25 -
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLANS TO PROMOTE HE USE OF EDI SERVICES IN SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES.
HOWEVER, THE CETS NOW BEING JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND TRADELINK IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EDI SERVICES TO UP TO 120,000 HONG KONG TRADING COMPANIES, COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED 200 COMPANIES IN THE RETAIL, BANKING AND TRANSPORTATION SECTORS WHICH WERE CURRENTLY USING EDI.
"AS SUCH, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS EDI PROJECTS EVER LAUNCHED.
’’THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH A LARGE POOL OF EDI USERS SHOULD CREATE AN ATTRACTIVE MARKET ON THE BASIS OF WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE ABLE TO LAUNCH MORE EDI SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES,” MR CHAU SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAD NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE EDI SERVICES FOR THE HANDLING OF GOVERNMENT TRANSACTIONS OTHER THAN THOSE IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AREA, SAID MR CHAU.
"OUR EFFICIENCY UNIT IS, HOWEVER, CONSIDERING SETTING UP A SMALL PROJECT TEAM TO IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR USING NEW TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING EDI, TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
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CHILD CARE CENTRES TO INSTALL EMERGENCY FACILITIES » ♦ » » »
ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND EXIT SIGNS, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WOODHOUSE SAID AMONG THE 340 REGISTERED DAYTIME CHILD CARE CENTRES, 93 WERE PROVIDED WITH AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
HOWEVER, THE REMAINING 247 ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO INSTALL AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS BECAUSE THEY ARE:
» REGISTERED BEFORE 1987 WHEN THE SYSTEMS WERE NOT A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE THEN CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MINIMUM FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT;
» WITH A FLOOR AREA BELOW 230 SQUARE METRES AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE SYSTEMS UNDER THE REVISED 1987 CODE OF PRACTICE; OR
t WITH A FLOOR AREA EXCEEDING 230 SQUARE METRES IN WHICH THE OCCUPANTS HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO OPEN GROUND OR A PLACE OF SAFETY OR REFUGE TO AWAIT RESCUE.
MR WOODHOUSE ADDED THAT CENTRES REGISTERED AFTER 1987 WITH A FLOOR AREA EXCEEDING 230 SQUARE METRES MUST ALSO INSTALL AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 26 -
INSTITUTIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING STANDARD * * * * «
MAINTAINING THE TEACHING STANDARD AND THE QUALITY OF JAPANESE COURSES IS A PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HOWARD YOUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG OFFERED JAPANESE COURSES.
HE SAID THE GOVERNEMNT UNDERSTOOD THE INSTITUTIONS REGULARLY REVIEWED ALL COURSES AND MADE APPROPRIATE CHANGES IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND COMMUNITY NEEDS.
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REINSURANCE MEASURES BEING CLOSELY MONITORED *****
THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS BEEN CLOSELY MONITORING THE ADEQUACY OF INSURERS* REINSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS TO SEE WHETHER THE PROPORTION OF RISKS RETAINED IS SUPPORTED BY A SUITABLE CAPITAL BASE.
’’THIS WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO TAKE TIMELY MEASURES TO ADDRESS ANY CONCERNS IDENTIFIED," SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES. MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID.
THE MOVE FOLLOWS ADVERSE UNDERWRITING RESULTS OF REINSURANCE BUSINESS IN RECENT YEARS.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CARTLAND EXPLAINED CHANGES IN THE INTERNATIONAL REINSURANCE MARKET.
THERE HAS BEEN A SHRINKAGE OF REINSURANCE CAPACITY AS CAPITAL HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE MARKET.
REINSURERS REMAINING IN THE MARKET HAVE TIGHTENED THEIR UNDERWRITING POLICIES AND CONTROLS BY, FOR INSTANCE, RAISING PREMIUM LEVELS, REDUCING THE SCOPE OF COVER AND BEING MORE SELECTIVE IN RISK ACCEPTANCE.
MR CARTLAND SAID IT HAD BECOME MORE DIFFICULT FOR A DIRECT INSURER TO SECURE ADEQUATE REINSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LOCAL INSURANCE INDUSTRY IS THE DECISION BY THE HONG KONG REINSURERS FORUM NOT TO PROVIDE UNLIMITED LIABILITY REINSURANCE COVER FOR MOTOR (THIRD-PARTY) LIABILITY INSURANCE AND EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
/THIS WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1994
- 27 -
THIS WILL SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF DIRECT INSURERS, WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO WITHSTAND CATASTROPHIC LOSSES, THE EXTENT OF WHICH CAN BE UNLIMITED.
"THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG REPRESENTING DIRECT INSURERS ARE DELIBERATING WITH THE FORUM HOW TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM.
"A WORKING GROUP HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP BY THE FORUM AND THE ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE OPTIONS. ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ARE EXPECTED BY MID-JUNE," HE SAID.
OPTIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION INCLUDE CAPPING THE COMMON LAW LIABILITIES OF AN EMPLOYER, CAR OWNER OR DRIVER UNDER THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND SPECIFYING A MINIMUM LEVEL OF LIABILITY WHICH HE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO INSURE AGAINST.
------0-------
MOTION ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT PASSED *****
THE MOTION ON NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN AN HOUR-LONG DEBATE DURING THE COUNCIL SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORIGINAL MOTION WAS MOVED BY THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD WITH AMENDMENTS RAISED BY THE HON PETER WONG.
AFTER COUNCILLORS HAD SPOKEN ON THE MOTION, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, REPLIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
ANOTHER MOTION ON HOUSING SUPPLY, WHICH WAS PROPOSED BY THE HON EDWARD HO, WAS ALSO PASSED.
MEMBERS DEBATED THE MOTION FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, GAVE A CONCLUDING SPEECH.
IN ADDITION, MOTIONS MOVED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER RATING ORDINANCE, AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ORDINANCE, BETTING DUTY ORDINANCE, OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, HOUSING ORDINANCE AND CROSSHARBOUR TUNNEL (PASSAGE TAX) ORDINANCE, WERE PASSED.
THERE WERE ALSO SIX BILLS PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS. THEY WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
FIVE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY WERE THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994, ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FUND BILL AND ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) (NO. 2) BILL 1994. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA........................................... 1
AMENDMENT BILL REQUIRES MARKING OF PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES..... 2
ASSESSMENT OF LAND REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY DISCUSSED...... 3
RECLAMATION FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION BEGINS NEXT MONTH........................................................ 4
HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM ON STAY AFTER 1997.................. 5
CASES OF II CHILDREN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.................... 6
SELF-INFLICTED CASES DRAW CONCERN............................ 7
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MARCH 1994.................. 8
MEETING DISCUSSES PAO SERIES................................. 9
RAPID NEW TOWN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG......... 10
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT FORMS CUSTOMER GROUP....................................................... 11
maximum fine imposed for unreported overtime WORK......... 11
L ANT AU TOLL PLAZA ROAD WORKS.............................. 12
DOG TAGGING MICROCHIP SYSTEM UNDER STUDY.................... 13
YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS GIVEN SCHOLARSHIPS.............. 13
11 PASS DOCTOR LICENTIATE EXAM.............................. 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS...... 15
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 1 -
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:-
MRS CHAN: GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE. I’VE BEEN VERY PLEASED THIS AFTERNOON TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FOR MYSELF SOME OF THE VERY WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL PROVIDES. I THINK OVER THE YEARS WE’VE SEEN A VERY SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE STANDARD OF SERVICES PROVIDED. THE URBAN COUNCIL CONTINUES TO DO A GREAT DEAL TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE PEOPLE HERE IN HONG KONG AND IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THEY ESTIMATE THAT THEY WILL SPEND SOME $4.7 BILLION ON CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME WHICH WILL INCLUDE A WHOLE RANGE OF FACILITIES, SPORTS STADIUM, CULTURAL FACILITIES, MARKETS, PLAYGROUNDS AND SWIMMING POOLS, ETC.
I’D LIKE TO MAKE A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT THE LITTLE BOY, HAI HO-TAK. I THINK EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING EVERYONE IN THE ADMINISTRATION, HAS A GREAT DEAL OF SYMPATHY FOR THE PLIGHT OF THIS BOY AND HIS FAMILY. IT WAS A VERY DIFFICULT DECISION FOR THOSE INVOLVED TO MAKE BUT WE HAVE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM ON OUR HANDS. WE ESTIMATE THAT THERE ARE SOME 300,000 TO 400,000 CHILDREN WHO HAVE A PARENT IN HONG KONG. SO, CLEARLY WE CANNOT ALLOW SUCH LARGE NUMBERS TO COME INTO HONG KONG UNCHECKED. WE’VE DEVISED RULES THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THESE CHILDREN CAN APPLY FOR ONE-WAY PERMIT TO JOIN THEIR PARENTS HERE IN HONG KONG IN AN ORDERLY FASHION AND IN THIS WAY ENSURE THAT WE TREAT EVERYBODY EQUITABLY. OF COURSE, THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT WE DO NOT LOOK SYMPATHETICALLY AT EACH AND EVERY CASE OF APPEAL ON ITS MERITS AND IN THE CASE OF THIS LITTLE BOY, LET ME MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNOR LOOKED AT THE CASE HIMSELF BUT DECIDED THAT THERE WAS NO GROUNDS TO ACCEPT THE APPEAL. AS YOU KNOW, THE PARENTS HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL LEGAL CHANNELS. THEY HAVE APPEALED TO THE HIGH COURT, TO THE INDEPENDENT IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL AND TO THE COURT OF APPEAL. IT HAS BEEN TWICE TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION AND IT WAS FINALLY DECIDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, ACTING UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY THAT THE BOY SHOULD BE SENT BACK. IF WE ACCEPTED THIS BOY TO STAY IN HONG KONG, IT WOULD BE PATENTLY VERY UNFAIR TO THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHILDREN THAT WE HAVE SENT BACK. LET ME JUST GIVE YOU SOME I PEAS OF THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM. SINCE 1991, WE HAVE SENT BACK SOME 2,200 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN. WHILST ON THE ONE HAND, WE MUST CONSIDER CASES SYMPATHETICALLY, WE MUST ALSO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED To DEAL IN A HUMANE WAY WITH APPEALS BUT ALSO DEAL EQUITABLY WITH ALL THE CASES.
I WANT TO MAKE ONE OTHER POINT AND THAT IS THE CHOICE OF SPLITTING THE FAMILY HAS NOT BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE MOTHER DECIDED IN 1988 TO LEAVE BEHIND THREE OF HER CHILDREN IN CHINA AND SINCE THEN, THE THREE CHILDREN INCLUDING THE LITTLE BOY HAVE BEEN LOOKED AFTER BY HIS MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER AND BY HIS UNCLE AND AUNT. SO, FIRST OF ALL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT SPLIT THE FAMILY AND IT IS PERHAPS STRESSING THE FACT A LITTLE TOO FAR TO SUGGEST THAT THE BOY DOES NOT HAVE PROPER CARE. OF COURSE, WE HOPE THAT THE BOY WILL APPLY FOR A ONE-WAY PERMIT IN THE USUAL WAY AND THAT VERY SOON, HE WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN HIS PARENTS HERE IN HONG KONG.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
2
QUESTION: MRS CHAN, CAN YOU REPEAT THE ANSWER (ABOUT THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS) IN ENGLISH?
MRS CHAN: I WAS SAYING THAT THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS ----ON THE WHOLE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE. INDEED, THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM HAS RECEIVED CONSISTENTLY VERY STRONG CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT. AT THE MOMENT, THE FINAL PACKAGE OF LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ARE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THEY WILL BE DEBATED AND THEY WILL BE ULTIMATELY UP TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHAT FORM THE CONSTITUTIONAL PACKAGE SHOULD TAKE. WE HAVE STRESSED ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT WE HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTIONS THAT WILL BE FAIR, OPEN AND ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: WILL IT (REVOKED APPOINTMENT OF A HONG KONG ADVISER) AFFECT CONFIDENCE AND WHAT SIGNAL IS PEKING SENDING TO HONG KONG ?
MRS CHAN: I DO NOT THINK IT WILL AFFECT CONFIDENCE. I THINK AS YOU KNOW OUR ECONOMY IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL. BUSINESS AND CONSUMER CONFIDENCE ARE EXTREMELY STRONG. WE HOPE THAT THE CHINESE, IN MAKING APPOINTMENTS FOR HONG KONG ADVISERS, WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE WISHES OF THE COMMUNITY THAT THEY SHOULD TAKE OPINION AND TAKE VIEWS FROM A BROAD SPECTRUM OF COMMUNITY VIEWS. THANK YOU.
---------0-----------
AMENDMENT BILL REQUIRES MARKING OF PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED TOUGH NEW MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT ANY PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES ENTERING HONG KONG ARE MARKED WITH A CHEMICAL ADDITIVE, WHICH WILL MAKE THEM EASY TO DETECT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MEASURES ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MONTREAL CONVENTION ADOPTED IN 1991 BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIR LAW TO DETER ACTS OF TERRORISM SUCH AS THE LOCKERBIE BOMBING, WHICH INVOLVED ’SEMTEX’, A PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE WHICH WAS THEN UNDETECTABLE.
THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, INCORPORATING THE MEASURES, WILL MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO MAKE, POSSESS, TRANSFER, IMPORT OR EXPORT UNMARKED PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES IN, INTO OR OUT OF HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, THE POLICE, THE MILITARY AND THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO FOR TRAINING AND FORENSIC PURPOSES.
’’THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR TRAINING SNIFFER DOGS WHICH MUST BE ABLE TO DETECT DIFFERENT KINDS OF EXPLOSIVES WHETHER MARKED OR NOT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE BILL, PEOPLE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE WOULD FACE A SENTENCE OF UP TO 14 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
"THE PENALTY COMPLEMENTS THE EXISTING PENALTIES OF A PRISON TERM OF UP TO 20 YEARS FOR CAUSING EXPLOSIONS WITH INTENT TO HARM LIFE OR PROPERTY AND UP TO 14 YEARS FOR MAKING OR KEEPING EXPLOSIVES WITH THAT INTENT," HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
3 -
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG DID NOT MAKE PLASTIC EXPLOSIVES OR IMPORT STOCKS COMMERCIALLY, IT WAS A SIGNIFICANT AVIATION CENTRE THAT WAS POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE TO TERRORISM AGAINST AIRCRAFT.
’’THE NEW MEASURES WILL BE \ VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE RANGE OF COUNTER-TERRORIST INSTRUMENTS,” HE SAID.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 1.
------0--------
ASSESSMENT OF LAND REQUIREMENTS AND SUITIA DISCUSSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) TODAY (THURSDAY) DISCUSSED THE ASSESSMENT OF LAND REQUIREMENTS AND LAND SUPPLY FOR 199.3/94 - 2002/03.
CHAIRED BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN, THE COMMITTEE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD BE SURPLUS IN THE LAND SUPPLY FOR OFFICE, INDUSTRIAL, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY (GI( ) AND OPEN SPACE USES THROUGHOUT THE ASSESSMENT PERIOD.
SOME INDUSTRIAL AND G1C AREAS NOT REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE DEVELOPMENT ARE PUT UNDER TEMPORARY USES OR BEING RE-ZONED FOR OTHER USES, FOR EXAMPLE, RESIDENTIAL.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT PIECEMEAL REZONING OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL AREAS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES MIGHT CREATE INTERFACE PROBLEMS.
THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE SHORTFALL FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IDENTIFIED IN THE ASSESSMENT HAD LARGELY BEEN MET BECAUSE THE MARCH 1994 REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC’ HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SHOWED A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN THE HOUSING PRODUCTION AND LAND SUPPLY SITUATION.
FURTHERMORE, THE COMMITTEE WAS INFORMED THAI’ THERE WERE GOOD PROSPECTS OF AN ADDITIONAL 30 HECTARES OF LAND BEING MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING BEFORE 1997 TO MEET LIKELY NEW REQUIREMENTS.
FOR PRIVATE HOUSING, A DEFICIT IS EXPECTED AT THE END OF THE ASSESSMENT PERIOD. HOWEVER, A CUMULATIVE SURPLUS IS EXPECTED WHEN NON-COMMITTED PROJECTS ARE INCLUDED INTO THE LAND SUPPLY.
MR CHENG SAID: "THE CURRENT EFFORTS OF THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTV PRICES TO SPEED UP AND INCREASE’ LAND SUI’PIA SO AS TO COOL DOWN PROPERTY PRICES HAVE NOT BEEN RI* !• LE< 'I ED IN I HF RESULIS OF THE ASSESSMENT.”
THE TASK FORCE WAS FORMED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO WORK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO MODER ATI PROPER T\ PRO IS AND WAS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS DELIBERATIONS BV MID-JUNE, MR CHENG NOTED.
/THE ANNUA! ।........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
4
THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT, PREPARED IU THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, AIMS TO IDENTIFY THE SHORTFALL OR SURPLUS OF LAND FOR PARTICULAR LAND USES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT WILL BE USED AS REFERENCE [N LAND RESERVATION AND LAND PRODUCTION.
AS THE FORECASTING TECHNIQUES XRE NOT SENSITIVE TO SHORT-TERM FLUCTUATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET, THE RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENT ARE INDICATIVE ONLY AND MEANT TO BE USED WITH CAUTION AND FOR BROAD BRUSH PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY.
ALSO AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THE CONTINUED REDUCTION IN TIME TAKEN TO PROCESS LAND TRANSACTIONS. DISCUSSIONS WERE ALSO MADE ON WAYS TO STREAMLINE THE PLANNING PROCESS.
THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE NEW PLANNING LEGISLATION, IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL, WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION LATER THIS YEAR.
------0-------
RECLAMATION FOR CONVENTION CENTRE EXTENSION BEGINS NEXT MONTH *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN RECLAMATION WORKS IN WAN CHAI NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE LAND FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION FOR THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
THE $429 MILLION RECLAMATION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR. CHOW CHE-KING, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS (ASIA) LIMITED.
SPEAKING AFTER SIGNING THE CONTRACT, MR CHOW SAID THE EXTENSION, TOGETHER WITH ITS SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS, WOULD BE BUILT ON A 6.5-HECTARE ISLAND TO BE RECLAIMED OFF THE CONVENTION CENTRE.
"THE ISLAND IS SEPARATED FROM THE EXISTING SHORELINE BY A 75-METRE WATER CHANNEL WHICH WILL BE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE A ROAD RESERVE FOR THE UNDERGROUND TRUNK ROAD AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY,” HE ADDED.
MR CHOW EXPLAINED THAT THE FACILITIES OF THE CONVENTION CENTRE WERE FAST NEARING SATURATION IN THE COMING YEAR.
"UNLESS EXPANDED IN TIME, IT COULD RISK BEING OUT-COMPETED BY OTHER SIMILAR FACILITIES IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FOCUSED STUDY WAS CONDUCTED IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF RECLAIMING AN ISLAND OFF THE CENTRE TO PROVIDE LAND FOR BUILDING THE EXTENSION. THE STUDY WAS CONCLUDED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
AT THE SAME TIME, CONSULTANTS FOR THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE ENGINEERING WORKS WERE COMMISSIONED WITH THE AIM TO COMPLETE THE EXTENSION PROJECT BY MID-1997.
/THE FINANCE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A CAPITAL SUBVENTION OF $4,829 MILLION TO FUND THE PROJECT.
MR CHOW NOTED THAT TOP PRIORITY HAD BEEN ACCORDED TO THE PROJECT AND A FAST TRACK PROGRAMME HAD BEEN ADOPTED FOR THE RECLAMATION WORKS TO FIT IN WITH A TIGHT PROGRAMME FOR THE BUILDING WORKS.
"THE EXISTING CENTRE, WITH ONLY ABOUT 20,000 SQUARE METRES OF CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION SPACES, WILL BE ENLARGED BY MORE THAN TWOFOLD WHEN THE NEW EXTENSION IS COMPLETED, WITH A TOTAL OF 50,000 SQUARE METRES UNDER ONE ROOF," HE SAID.
THE EXTENSION WILL OFFER A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY OF ITS KIND AND WILL OCCUPY A PROMINENT SITE TO BE SEEN AS ONE OF THE LANDMARKS OVERLOOKING THE VICTORIA HARBOUR.
IT WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING CENTRE BY AN ATRIUM LINK WHICH COULD ALSO BE USED FOR LIGHT EXHIBITS.
MR CHOW EXPLAINED THAT THE DEPARTMENT ACTED AS THE AGENT OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO CARRY OUT THE RECLAMATION WORKS BECAUSE THE CENTRE FORMED PART OF THE OVERALL WAN CHAI RECLAMATION FOR WHICH THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE AT A LATER DATE.
THE BUILDING WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
"MEANWHILE, TO ENSURE THAT THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET, A PROJECT MONITORING AND CONTROL MECHANISM IN THE FORM OF A PROJECT CONTROL COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY HAS BEEN FORMED," MR CHOW ADDED.
THE RECLAMATION CONTRACT, TOGETHER WITH PILING WORKS, WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 1 FOR COMPLETION ON APRIL 26, 1995.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM ON STAY AFTER 1997 t * » » «
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE WORLD WAKING UP ON JULY 1, 1997 TO FIND HONG KONG OPERATING WITH AN ALIEN LEGAL SYSTEM, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING BANQUET OF THE I 1 TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF MARITIME ARBITRATORS HELD IN HONG KONG, SIR TI LIANG SAID: "THERE IS NO QUESTION OF A JUDICIAL VACUUM: NO QUESTION OF AN ABRUPT BREAK; NO QUESTION OF A WHOLESALE CHANGE.
"THE JUDICIARY AS WE KNOW IT TODAY AND 1’HE LEGAL PROFESSION AS WE KNOW IT TODAY WILL CONTINUE ON THE SAME PRINCIPLES AS WE KNOW THEM TODAY. THE RULE OF LAW AND AN INDEPENDENT, CREDIBLE AND FEARLESS JUDICIARY WILL BE HERE TO STAY," HE STRESSED.
/SIR TI LIANG
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 6 -
SIR TI LIANG TOLD THE DELEGATES THAT THE COMMON LAW SYSTEM, WHICH HAD SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL FOR THE PAST 150 YEARS, WOULD REMAIN.
’’THE COURTS WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE JUDICIAL POWER INDEPENDENTLY, FREE FROM ANY INTERFERENCE.
"JUDGES WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY IMMUNITY FROM LEGAL ACTION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY SECURITY OF TENURE.
"AS SUCH, THEY SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE ADDED THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF SELECTING JUDGES ON THE BASIS OF THEIR JUDICIAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES, AS WELL AS INTEGRITY WOULD BE PRESERVED.
JUDGES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE RECRUITED FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS BEYOND 1997 AND THE PRINCIPLE OF TRIAL BY JURY WOULD REMAIN.
SIR Tl LIANG POINTED OUT THAT PURSUANT 1’0 THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASH’ LAW, THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL WOULD REPLACE THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN LONDON AS HONG KONG’S HIGHEST APPELLATE BODY.
"I’ll IS IS JUST ABOUT ONF OF THE VERY FEW CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S LEGAL SYSTEM -- AND ONF DICTATED VERY MUCH BY THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY.
"OUR AIM IS TO PUT THIS COURT TN PLACE BY MID-1996," HE SAID.
CASES OF II CHILDREN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED
*****
CASES OF
TiiRCAI IMMIGRANT CHILDREN SYMPATHETICALLY, IT MUSI’ ALSO STRIKE A n/i \N(’I BETWEEN THE NEED TO DEAL IN A HUMANE WAY WITH APPEALS BUI ALSO DEM KQU^aSa Jmi a"l the cases, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
WHILST
ON THE ONE
HAND, THE GOVERNMENT MUST CONSIDER
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HER VISIT TO DEPARTMENT. MRS (MIAN SAID THE RETURN Ol* HAI DIFFICULT DECISION FOR THOSE INVOLVED TO MAKE ’ I VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM ON ITS HAND.
THE URBAN SERVICES HO-TAK WAS A VERY THE GOVERNMENT HAD A
"WE ESTIMATE
WHO HAVE A PARENT IN
THAT THERE ARE SOME 300,0(H) TO 100,000 HONG KONG," MRS CHAN SAID.
CHILDREN
"CLEARLY, WE CANNOT ALLOW SUCH LARGE NUMBERS TO COME INTO HONG KONG UNCHECKED.
/"WE'VE DEVISED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
7
"WE’VE DEVISED RULES THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THESE CHILDREN CAN APPLY FOR ONE-WAV PERMIT To JOIN THEIR PARENTS IIEIIN HONG KONG IN AN ORDERLY FASHION AND IN THIS WAY ENSURE I IIAI WH TREAT EVERYBODY EQUITABLY.”
ON HO-TAK’S CASE, MRS ('HAN SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD LOOKED AT THE CASE HIMSELF BUT DECIDED THAT THERE WAS NO GROUNDS TO ACCEPT THE APPEAL.
”IF WE ACCEPTED THIS BOY TO STAY IN HONG KONG, IT WOULD BE PATENTLY VERY UNFAIR TO THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHILDREN THAT WE HAVE SENT BACK,” SAID MRS CHAN, NOTING THAT SINCE 1991, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SENT BACK SOME 2,200 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN.
ON THE CHOICE OF SPLITTING HO-TAK’S FAMILY, MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT, a
“THE MOTHER DECIDED IN 1988 TO LEAVE BEHIND THREE OF HER CHILDREN IN CHINA AND SINCE THEN, THE THREE CHILDREN INCLUDING THE LITTLE BOY HAVE BEEN LOOKED AFTER BY HIS MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER AND BY HIS UNCLE AND AUNT,” MRS CHAN SAID.
"IT IS PERHAPS STRESSING THE FACT A LITTLE TOO FAR TO SUGGEST THAT THE BOY DOES NOT HAVE PROPER CARE.
"WE HOPE THAT THE BOY WILL APPLY FOR A ONE-WAY PERMIT IN THE USUAL WAY AND THAT VERY SOON, HE WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN HIS PARENTS HERE IN HONG KONG,” SHE ADDED.
------0--------
SELF-INFLICTED CASES DRAW CONCERN
♦ t * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN EFFORTS TO DISSUADE THE VIETNAMESE IN THE WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE FROM INFLICTING INJURIES ON THEMSELVES.
A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF SELF-INFLICTED INJURY CASES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE CENTRE OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS.
"IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBERS INVOLVED AND THE COMMUNAL STYLE OF LIVING IN THE CENTRE, IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PREVENT INDIVIDUALS FROM CARRYING OUT SUCH ACTS,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT STAFF AT THE CENTRE HAD BEEN PLACED ON FULL ALERT AND WERE MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ASSIGNED ADDITIONAL TEAMS OF COUNSELLORS DRAWN FROM ITS AFTERCARE SECTION TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION WITH THE VIETNAMESE.
"WE SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS DANGEROUS FORM OF PROTEST WILL CEASE AND THAT LIFE IN THE CENTRE WILL RETURN TO NORMAL,” HE ADDED.
AS AT 5 PM TODAY A FURTHER 11 CASES OF SELF-INFLICTED INJURIES HAD BEEN REPORTED.
------0--------
/8.......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 199 4
8 -
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HANI) IN MARCH 1994 * * * * *
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN MARCH DECREASED BY 3% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND REFER TO ORDERS AND PARTS OF ORDERS RECEIVED EARLIER BY THEM 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 MARCH THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+15%).
MODERATE INCREASE IN ORDERS WAS RECORDED IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+5%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED TN THE WEARING APPAREL (-18%) AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-15%) INDUSTRIES.
THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES ALSO RECORDED DECREASES TN ORDERS (-9%, -6% AND -4% RESPECTIVELY).
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND INCREASED BY 9%.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, A NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS ON MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN VALUE TERMS COMPILED IN THE FORM OF AN INDEX HAS BEEN PRODUCED, TO REPLACE THE OLD SERIFS WHICH WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING ORDERS.
THE NEW SERIES PROVIDES A MORE DIRECT MEASURE OF THE OVERALL VALUE OF ORDERS TN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT LEAD TO THE GENERATION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID 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," HE SAID.
/THE REPORT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 9 -
THE REPORT FOR MARCH 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT 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 RESULTS MAY BE MADE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 805 6441.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES:
PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN
FEBRUARY 1994 MARCH 1994
OVER FEBRUARY 1993 OVER MARCH 1993
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL)
SURVEY -9 -3
* WEARING APPAREL -21 -18
♦ TEXTILES -14 -6
♦ ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 + 15
* ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS + 6 + 5
♦ FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 37 -4
* PLASTIC PRODUCTS -15 -15
* PRINTING AND PUBLISHING + 22 -9
--------0 - -
MEETING DISCUSSES PAO SERIES .
* » t » »
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MET TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ATV AND TVB TO DISCUSS THE CONCURRENT BROADCAST OF THE "PAO" SERIES.
DURING THE MEETING, THE AUTHORITY INFORMED THE LICENSEES OF ITS GRAVE CONCERN THAT THEY ARE NOT PUTTING TO GOOD USE THE SPECTRUM WHICH IS A PUBLIC RESOURCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID: "WE ARE DISAPPOINTED AND DISSATISFIED WITH THE LICENSEES BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT EXERCISED SELF-REGULATION TO THE BENEFIT AND IN THE INTERESTS OF THE VIEWERS."
/"THEY ARE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
’’THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING CHOICE TO THE VIEWING PUBLIC, AS REFLECTED IN THE EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED TO DATE TOTALLING OVER 500.
”AS THE STATUTORY REGULATOR OF TELEVISION IN HONG KONG IT IS OUR PRIMARY DUTY TO LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF THE VIEWERS,” HE SAID.
AT THE MEETING, THE AUTHORITY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR REPRESENTATIONS FROM BOTH LICENSEES, AND MEMBERS APPRECIATED THEIR EFFORTS IN RESPONDING TO THE QUESTIONS AND FOR CLARIFYING MATTERS.
"IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC CONCERN, THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAS DECIDED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO REVIEW THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS.
"THE COMPETITIVE SCHEDULING OF PROGRAMMES AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST WILL ALSO BE LOOKED AT IN THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCES. THE AUTHORITY WILL DETERMINE WHETHER CHANGES TO THE REGULATORY SYSTEM ARE REQUIRED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
RAPID NEW TOWN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG * * ♦ » ♦
THE ACHIEVEMENT OF HONG KONG’S NEW TOWN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CHARACTERISED THE SUCCESS OF THE TERRITORY IN A CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF PROSPERITY AND GROWTH, THE DIRECTOR OF TERRTIORY DEVELOPMENT, MR CHOW CHE-KING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR CHOW NOTED THAT NOT ONLY WAS THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AMBITIOUS AND MASSIVE, BUT ALSO EXPANDING "PERSISTENTLY AT A DRAMATIC RATE".
"THE RESULTING IMPLEMENTATION IS MOST IMPRESSIVE BY THE WORLD STANDARD AND HAS BEEN ADMIRED BY VISITORS ALL OVER THE WORLD," HE SAID.
MR CHOW ALSO SHARED WITH THE AUDIENCE HIS EXPERIENCE IN NEW TOWN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID WHILE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE NEW TOWNS WITH THEIR IMPROVED LIVING STANDARDS WERE EVIDENT TO THE PUBLIC, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO ACTIVELY PURSUING A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE OLD URBAN ENVIRONMENT.
"AMONG THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO IDENTIFY LARGE RECLAMATION SITES AROUND THE HARBOUR, TO UPGRADE MAJOR TRANSPORT NETWORKS, TO MEET SHORTFALLS TN COMMUNITY FACILITIES, AND TO ACHIEVE BETTER ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING STANDARDS WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN AREAS," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 11 -
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT FORMS CUSTOMER GROUP » » t * t
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS FORMED A CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP TO STEP UP ITS COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC AND CUSTOMERS.
THIS FOLLOWS THE LAUNCHING OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE BY THE DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
THE GROUP IS CHAIRED BY CHIEF ENGINEER, MR YUEN SIU-SING, AND COMPRISES 15 MEMBERS FROM RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
THE GROUP HELD ITS FIRST MEETING THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE VARIOUS SERVICES IT PROVIDES TO THE COMMUNITY.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSIONS ON CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS RAISED BY THE MEMBERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON, ALSO ATTENDED THE MEETING.
THE GROUP WILL CONTINUE TO MEET QUARTERLY.
------0-------
MAXIMUM FINE IMPOSED FOR UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK
* * * * *
FACTORY EMPLOYERS MUST COMPLY WITH LABOUR LEGISLATION AND REFRAIN FROM ENGAGING WOMEN IN WORK OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS OF OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN WORKERS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IF THEY WISH TO ENGAGE WOMEN TO WORK OVERTIME.
THE PARK’N SHOP LIMITED IN SHEUNG SHUI WAS RECENTLY GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 BY A FANLING MAGISTRATE FOR ENGAGING 19 WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
THE OFFENCE WAS UNCOVERED BY LABOUR INSPECTORS DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION TO THE FACTORY IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
A LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MISS KATHERINE TSANG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, IT WAS AN OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO CHANGE THE PRESCRIBED WORKING HOURS OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY OR TO ENGAGE THEM IN OVERTIME WORK, WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFOREHAND.
’’THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE FACTORY A PRESCRIBED NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEALS OR REST, AND REST DAY FOR WOMEN WORKERS," MISS TSANG SAID.
/•'EMPLOYERS SHOULD.........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 12 -
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE PRESCRIBED NOTICE," SHE ADDED.
FOR YOUNG PERSONS, MISS TSANG SAID THEY SHOULD NOT BE EMPLOYED TO WORK OVERTIME IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO BREACHES THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
------0--------
LANTAU TOLL PLAZA ROAD WORKS
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM CONTRACTORS OR JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIPS TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR TENDERING FOR THE LANTAU TOLL PLAZA ROAD WORKS CONTRACT.
AS PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, THE TOLL PLAZA WILL BE LOCATED ON NORTHEAST LANTAU BETWEEN THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY To THE WEST AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE TO THE EAST, BOTH UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING IS ONE OF THE 10 PROJECTS IN THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
A NOTICE OF INVITATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BOX TUNNELS AND RETAINING WALLS, VEHICULAR UNDERPASSES, A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY, A REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURE TO ACCOMMODATE A TRACTION SUBSTATION AND VENTILATION BUILDING FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
IT ALSO COVERS ALL ROAD PAVEMENT AND ASSOCIATED DETAILS FOR THE TOLL PLAZA, EXPRESSWAY, LINK ROADS AND ACCESS ROADS.
CONTRACTORS OR JOINT VENTURES WITH RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION. DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSULTANT:
MOTT MACDONALD HONG KONG LIMITED
12TH FLOOR, SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE
30 HARBOUR ROAD
WAN CHAI
HONG KONG
APPLICATION FORMS ARE TO BE RETURNED TO THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS BY NOON ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
FOLLOWING THE PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE TENDERS FROM THE PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR FOR THE CONTRACT.
--------0-----------
/13.......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
- 13 -
DOG TAGGING MICROCHIP SYSTEM UNDER STUDY
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF APPLYING A MICROCHIP SYSTEM OF DOG TAGGING IN HONG KONG.
AS PART OF THE STUDY, MICROCHIPS HAVE BEEN IMPLANTED INTO THE FIRST BATCH OF POLICE DOGS.
A DEMONSTRATION OF THE SIMPLE IMPLANTING PROCESS HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA MEMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 21) AT THE POLICE DOG UNIT IN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG.
VETERINARY OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE DEMONSTRATION SESSION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 21) AT ABOUT 10.30 AM AT THE POLICE DOG UNIT, PING SHAN, YUEN LONG.
TWO VANS (AM 2130 AND ER 6854) ARRANGED TO TAKE REPORTERS TO THE VENUE WILL LEAVE THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 9.15 AM SHARP.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY THERE SHOULD TURN FROM PING HA ROAD INTO CHUK LAM NAM ROAD FOR THE POLICE DOG UNIT AND ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE NO LATER THAN 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
------0-------
YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS GIVEN SCHOLARSHIPS
*****
NINE TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS HAVE BEEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FUND FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING THIS SUMMER.
THEY ARE MISS LAM TUNG-WING, MR LUNG HEUNG-WING, MISS TONG SHUN-CHING, MR TSE TAK-KEI, MISS YIM WAI, MISS CHEUNG SAU-MUI, MR LIM CHEE-KEAT, MISS TAN SIOW-SIEW AND MISS YEUNG SUK-YI.
THEY WERE SELECTED FROM A GROUP OF 49 CANDIDATES AFTER AN AUDITION AND AN INTERVIEW CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE SCHOLARSHIP AIMS TO HELP TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVE TRAINING IN POST-DIPLOMA STUDIES AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTES.
MISS LAM, MR LUNG, MISS TONG AND MR TSE WILL PURSUE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COURSES IN THE UNITED STATES WHILE MISS YIM WILL STUDY IN AUSTRALIA.
/MISS CHEUNG, .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
MISS CHEUNG, MR LIM, MISS TAN AND MISS YEUNG WILL ATTEND DANCE COURSES IN THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA.
THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND, SET UP IN 1980 WITH A DONATION OF $10 MILLION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB, IS A NON-STATUTORY TRUST FUND FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSIC, DANCE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES BY WAY OF GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE FUND. ITS MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO DECIDE ON PAYING OUT GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS TO NON-PROFIT-MAKING DANCE AND MUSIC ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS TALENTED INDIVIDUALS.
- - 0 - -
11 PASS DOCTOR LICENTIATE EXAM ♦ * * * t
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT 11 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED THE PART II (ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE PAPER) OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS THIS YEAR.
THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE PART III EXAMINATION SCHEDULED FOR JULY THIS YEAR.
THE 1994 PART II EXAMINATION HAD BEEN HELD TWICE, IN MARCH AND MAY, GIVING CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF DATES AND THOSE WHO FAILED IN MARCH A SECOND CHANCE TO TAKE THE EXAMINATION IN THE SAME YEAR.
AMONG THE 12 CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE PART II LICENTIATE EXAMINATION IN MARCH, NINE CANDIDATES PASSED. TWO OUT OF FOUR CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE EXAMINATION IN MAY PASSED.
THE PART III EXAMINATION IS AN ORAL EXAMINATION ON CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS. EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE EXAMINED IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY, AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
- - 0 - -
/15
15
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,538 0930 -499
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,405 1000 -549
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 -539
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -538 1200 -538
LAF TODAY -595 1500 -538
1600 -538
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TW1 124.7 *-0.3* 19.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.70 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.00 5.63
1 MONTH 3.87 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.75 6.03
3 MONTHS 4.26 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.47 6.32
6 MONTHS 4.74 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.63 6.49
12 MONTHS 5.23 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.10 6.59
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 34,232 MN
CLOSED 19 MAY 1994
---------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR MEETS REPORTERS AFTER LEGCO LUNCH.................. 1
PROGRESS MADE AT AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING................. 5
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES................ 6
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DETAINEES................................. 7
NEW PROCEDURE TO SPEED UP LAW TRANSLATION................... 7
FINDINGS OF 1993/94 PAY TREND SURVEY ACCEPTED............... 8
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR APRIL......................... 9
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA............ 10
THREE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED........... 14
GERMAN BANK GRANTED LICENCE................................ 15
TENDER FOR TING KAU BRIDGE CLOSES......................... 16
ROAD WORKS FOR TUNG CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN PROPOSED......... 17
HO CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED..................... 17
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING TOOL STUDY COMMISSIONED........ 19
USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS: CAMPAIGN............................ 20
/PRIVATE LAND....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PRIVATE LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT........ 21
ART COMPETITION FOR THE “HONG KONG - USA ’94”............... 21
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION STATIONS............ 22
“RESPECT THE ELDERLY” EXHIBITION............................ 22
SCHOOL HEADS URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION............ 23
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 24
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
GOVERNOR MEETS REPORTERS AFTER LEGCO LUNCH » « * * *
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER LUNCH WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: TO SAVE YOU THE JOURNEY TO THE AIRPORT THIS EVENING I THOUGHT 1 MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS NOW.
I AM GOING TO LONDON THIS EVENING FOR PRINCIPALLY TALKS AND A NUMBER OF SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS NEXT WEEK IN ENGLAND. I’VE GOT MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR GOODLAD, FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS AND HOME OFFICE OFFICIALS. OBVIOUSLY, ONE OF THE MAIN SUBJECTS OF MY DISCUSSIONS WILL BE THE RESPONSE TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND TO THE RECENT AMNESTY REPORT. WE AIM TO MAKE OUR REPLY DURING JUNE, BEFORE THE END OF JUNE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE TIME WHEN I WANT TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH BRITISH MINISTERS AND WE’LL BE DISCUSSING IT IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS WELL IN DUE COURSE. I’VE GOT A NUMBER OF SPEECHES. I AM SPEAKING TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP; I AM SPEAKING TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARLIAMENTARY BACK BENCH COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND I’VE GOT THREE OTHER MAJOR SPEAKING INVITATIONS. ONE OF THEM, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT, IS THE ANNUAL MANCHESTER LECTURE, WHERE I AM SPEAKING ON FREE TRADE IN HONG KONG, AND THAT’S GOING TO GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY OF VISITING CHINA TOWN TN MANCHESTER AND SEEING MEMBERS OF OUR HONG KONG COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH-WEST OF ENGLAND. SO IT’S QUITE A BUSY PROGRAMME. I’LL BE BACK IN JUST OVER A WEEK’S TIME.
QUESTION: (SACKING OF ANTHONY CHEUNG AS ADVISER)
GOVERNOR: WELL, THE QUESTION OF APPOINTMENT OF ADVISERS BY CHINA IS A MATTER FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS BUT I THINK WHAT HAS HAPPENED WOULD HAVE CONFIRMED THE OPINIONS WHICH MOST PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT THE PRESENT ATTITUDE OF SOME CHINESE OFFICIALS TO THESE MATTERS.
QUESTION: WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE LACK OF PROGRESS IN THE LAND AND DEFENCE TALKS?
GOVERNOR: WELL, THOSE TALKS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVEN YEARS. ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THEY HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR SO LONG IS THAT THEY DO INVOLVE SOME PRETTY DIFFICULT ISSUES. I THINK WE’VE SEEN THAT AGAIN IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. 1 THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT BOTH TEAMS HAVE BEEN WORKING INCREDIBLY HARD TO TRY TO FIND AN AGREEMENT WHICH WE CAN THEN COMMEND TO THE COMMUNITY. THEY’VE MADE SOME PROGRESS BUT I HAVE TO CONFESS A LOT LESS THAN I WOULD HAVE LIKED. I’M SURE THEY WILL BE MEETING AGAIN SOON. J SAY THIS WITH A GOOD DEAL OF FORCE. I THINK THERE IS A COMMITMENT ON BOTH SIDES TO FIND AN AGREEMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I DON’T THINK ANYBODY WANTS OUR DISCUSSIONS TO GO ON FOR MONTHS OR YEARS TO COME. WE DO WANT TO GET THINGS SORTED OUT. IT’S IN EVERYBODY’S INTEREST. I THINK THERE’S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE COMMUNITY IN US DOING THAT. SO I HOPE THAT THE NEXT TIME THE EXPERTS MEET, THEIR VERY HARD WORK WILL BEAR FRUIT.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
2
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THERE’S CONFLICTING INFORMATION ON THE CASE OF HO-TAK, THE SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY, WHO’S DEPORTED TO ('HINA. EARLIER IN THE WEEK, ON TUESDAY YOU SAID YOU WEREN’T AWARE OF THE CASE ON TUESDAY EVEN THOUGH THE PARENTS HAD BEEN NOTIFIED ON MONDAY. YESTERDAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT YOU HAD LOOKED AT THE CASE AND THE FINAL DECISION WAS EVENTUALLY MADE S'* MR WOODHOUSE. J JUST WONDER WHETHER YOU CAN PUT IN PERSPECTIVE WHAT MOST CHRONOLOGY EVENTS WERE AND WHY IT WAS STILL A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT ESSENTIALLY THAT WAS REVIEWING A CASE WHICH HAVE ALREADY GONE THROUGH IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL, AND THE RISK WHEN YOU WERE THE HIGHER AUTHORITY ....?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I’M SURE THAT YOU’VE FAMILIARISED YOURSELF WITH THE WAY THESE MATTERS ARE DEALT WITH AND YOU’LL KNOW THAT SINCE 1980, I REPEAT SINCE 1980, THE FINAL DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ON DELEGATED AUTHORITY FROM THE GOVERNOR. THAT’S HAPPENED UNDER LORD MACLEHOSE; IT’S HAPPENED UNDER SIR EDWARD YOUDE; IT’S HAPPENED UNDER LORD WILSON AND IT’S STILL HAPPENED. SO, WHEN I SAID AT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL THAT I WASN’T FAMILIAR WITH THE DETAILS OF THE CASE ON MONDAY NIGHT THAT WAS THE LITERAL AND UNVARNISHED TRUTH. HOWEVER, SINCE I WAS ASKED ABOUT THE CASE, I LOOKED AT THE DETAILS ON TUESDAY MORNING AND WAS SATISFIED WHEN I LOOKED AT IT THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION.
IT’S AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT DECISION AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID YESTERDAY AND I ENDORSE EVERYTHING SHE SAID, AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT DECISION. THE ISSUE HAD GONE THROUGH THE COURTS SINCE 1991 AND I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT SINCE 1991, 2,200 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN SENT BACK TO CHINA, 2,200. IT SEEMED TO US AND IT CERTAINLY SEEMED TO ME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY SENDING OTHER CHILDREN BACK TO CHINA IF WITH THAT YOUNG CHILD WHOSE CASE HAD BEEN THROUGH ALL THE COURTS, ONE MUST TAKE A DIFFERENT VIEW. THESE MATTERS, I REPEAT, ARE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT AND PARTICULARLY HARROWING. BUT IF WE THINK THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A TOUGH POLICY IN ORDER TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING INTO HONG KONG, THEN IT DOES INVOLVE FROM TIME TO TIME PEOPLE HAVING TO TAKE EXTREMELY DISAGREEABLE DECISIONS.
QUESTION: GIVEN YOUR COMMENTS EARLIER TN THE WEEK THOUGH ....,
WOULDN’T IT BE FEASIBLE IF THE FAMILY BELIEVES YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THE CASE, YOU WERE THE LAST GROUND FOR APPEAL IN THE LAND, DESPITE ... BEFORE?
GOVERNOR: I REPEAT THAT FOR 14 YEARS, THAT IS THE WAY THE ISSUE HAS BEEN TREATED AND DURING THAT PERIOD, THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN HAVE GONE BACK TO CHINA. I’M NOT SURE WHERE ALL THE INTEREST HAS BEEN WHILE 2,200 HAVE GONE BACK IN THE LAST THREE YEARS WHILE THIS UNFORTUNATE YOUNG LAD’S CASE HAS BEEN GOING THROUGH THE COURTS. I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT AS WELL THAT IT’S NOT THE GOVERNMENT THAT CHOSE IN THE FIRST PLACE TO SEPARATE MOTHER AND CHILD. THE MOTHER MADE THAT DECISION HERSELF.
QUESTION: CONCERNING HONG KONG’S ETHNIC MINORITY WHO FACE STATELESS AFTER 1997, WILL YOU BE PRESSING THEIR CASE FOR BRITISH PASSPORT DURING YOUR VISIT TO LONDON?
GOVERNOR: YES, I WILL BE PRESSING THAT CASE ONCE AGAIN. I’VE DONE SO BEFORE. I’LL DO SO AGAIN.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: THE HOME OFFICE SEEMS VERY RELUCTANT TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE CURRENT AGREED POLICY, TO MAKE EXCEPTION EVEN THOUGH IT IS A MORAL
OBLIGATION IN THIS CASE. SO, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TRYING TO
PERSUADE THE HOME OFFICE TO CHANGE THEIR MIND?
GOVERNOR: I AM GOING TO ARGUE AS STRONGLY AS I CAN IN SUPPORT OF WHAT
WAS SAID IN THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT.
QUESTION: IS THE JOINT DECLARATION OF 1984 STILL VERY FIRMLY IN PLACE THESE DAYS?
GOVERNOR: YES, I BELIEVE THE JOINT DECLARATION IS VERY FIRMLY IN PLACE. IT’S OUR DETERMINATION TO DO EVERYTHING WE POSSIBLY CAN TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND I BELIEVE THAT DIRECTOR LU PING MADE HIS OWN POSITION ON THAT CLEAR THE OTHER DAY WHEN HE WAS IN HONG KONG.
QUESTION: WE ARE COMING FROM GERMAN TELEVISION. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO INVESTORS IN EUROPE?
GOVERNOR: MY MESSAGE TO INVESTORS IN EUROPE IS THAT HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD AND THAT NOBODY HAS EVER MADE ANY MONEY BY BETTING AGAINST HONG KONG. BUT, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE MADE A LOT OF MONEY BY INVESTING IN HONG KONG.
QUESTION: SHOULD WE EXPECT ANY DECISION ON THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WHEN YOU COME BACK?
GOVERNOR: YOU’LL CERTAINLY GET A DECISION ON THAT IN THE RESPONSE TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT. SO, THAT WILL BE DURING THE COURSE OF JUNE.
QUESTION: ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE HASN’T GOT ANY... AGREEMENT THIS MORNING?
GOVERNOR: OBVIOUSLY, ALL OF US, PARTICULARLY AFTER DEALING WITH THESE MATTERS FOR SO LONG, WOULD HAVE LIKED COMPLETE AGREEMENT THIS MORNING IN THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE. I THINK IT WAS A USEFUL MEETING. I THINK IT MADE SOME PROGRESS. I THINK, TO BORROW A METAPHOR, WE HAVE LIFTED OFF BUT WE HAVEN’T YET MADE A LANDING. BUT, I THINK IT TOOK MATTERS FORWARD AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL BRING THE END OF THIS SAGA A GOOD DEAL CLOSER. I KNOW BOTH SIDES HAD AND TOOK A VERY CONSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE IN THIS MORNING’S TALKS. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY AS THE AMBASSADORS OF BOTH SAID THAT WE’VE MADE SOME PROGRESS.
QUESTION: WHAT SUGGESTION WILL YOU MAKE ON THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION? WHAT IS THE STAND ?
GOVERNOR: WELL, IT MAY SURPRISE YOU TO KNOW THAT I AM GOING TO SAY THAT TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE FOREIGN SECRETARY IN PRIVATE BEFORE I SAY TO YOU IN WHETHER IT’S PRIVATE OR PUBLIC TODAY.
QUESTION: ANY' VIEWS ON LAW AND ORDER, GIVEN THE ROBBERY IN CENTRAL THE OTHER DAY?
/GOVERNOR: .......
•FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
4
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, I’D LIKE TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE POOR WOMAN WHO WAS KILLED AND MY CONDOLENCES AS WELL TO THOSE WHO’VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED DURING THE INCIDENT. I THINK THAT THE POLICE BEHAVED WITH CONSIDERABLE RESTRAINT AND I THINK THE COMMUNITY APPRECIATES THAT. WE DO HAVE A VERY GOOD POLICE FORCE AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DEAL VERY FIRMLY AND EFFECTIVELY WITH THE INCREASE IN CRIMES LIKE THIS THAT WORRY THE COMMUNITY SO MUCH A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. WHAT I CAN PROMISE THE COMMUNITY IS THAT WE WILL TAKE SIMILARLY RESOLUTE MEASURES TO STAMP OUT THIS SORT OF VIOLENT CRIME. OVERALL, IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING HONG KONG IS A COMMUNITY, ONE OF THE FEW IN THE WORLD WHERE THE LEVEL OF CRIME HAS ACTUALLY BEEN FALLING AND THE LEVEL OF VIOLENT CRIME AS WELL. WE WANT TO BUILD ON THAT RECORD AND WE WANT TO STAMP OUT ANY VIOLENT CRIME PARTICULARLY THAT SORT OF THING WE SAW ON THE STREETS OF CENTRAL THE OTHER DAY.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, CAN YOU TELL US IF BY SOME CHANCE YOU HAPPEN TO SEE LORD MACLEHOSE IN ENGLAND, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO HIS CRITICISM OF YOUR POLICY IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS DEBATE?
GOVERNOR: I’D, FIRST OF ALL, SAY ABOUT THE HOUSE OF LORDS’ DEBATE WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE GONE, ALAS, RATHER UNREMARKED THAT WHAT IT CONFIRMED ONCE AGAIN WAS THE CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT AT WESTMINSTER FOR THE APPROACH THAT WE’VE TAKEN HERE IN HONG KONG. THE SECOND THING I WOULD SAY TO LORD MACLEHOSE WAS THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS ADVISABLE TO READ THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT WHICH’S DESCRIBED THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH WHICH SOME HAVE CANVASSED TO DO WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING HERE HAS BEEN NEITHER TENABLE NOR HONOURABLE. SO, I THINK THAT WAS THE RESPONSE THAT I WOULD HAVE MADE. FINALLY, I THINK I MIGHT HAVE SAID THIS AS WELL. AS LORD HOWE HAS BEEN SAYING, HONG KONG IS A LIVING ENTITY. (REPORTER: MING VASE.) NO, HE’S CHANGED THE METAPHOR FOR NOW. IT’S MOVED FROM BEING A MING VASE TO, I THINK, A LIVING PLANT AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN SUITABLE AND APPROPRIATE IN THE 1970’S, I AM NOT SURE IT’S AS APPROPRIATE IN 1990’S. WHAT I THINK THAT LORD MACLEHOSE, A VERY DISTINGUISHED SERVANT OF HONG KONG AND OTHERS SHOULD RECOGNISE IS THAT THIS IS A COMMUNITY WHICH DOES HAVE POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS ALBEIT POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS WHICH’RE EXTREMELY MODERATE AND MODEST. LAST ONE.
QUESTION: EMILY LAU WOULD SEEK TO TABLE A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL THAT WILL GET.....?
GOVERNOR: SO, I READ.
QUESTION: WILL THE GOVERNMENT TRY TO BLOCK IT?
GOVERNOR: NO. I DON’T THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE RIGHT. I HEAR, THOUGH I THINK THAT SHE’S STILL SOME WAY FROM ACTUALLY GETTING THE WORDS ON PAPER. I HEAR THAT IT IS HER INTENTION IN VIEW OF THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TO TRY TO DRAFT A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL. I THINK IF SHE DOES SO, THEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD DEBATE THE ISSUE. I’VE SAID BEFORE THAT I DON’T THINK THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUPPORT THAT APPROACH. BUT, I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE DEBATED. OF COURSE, AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED, WE BELIEVE THAT OUR POLITICAL PROPOSALS, WE BELIEVE THAT OUR BILL IS THE BEST ONE AND WE BELIEVE THAT OUR BILL AND OUR PROPOSALS ARE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG. I’VE SEEN SOME OF THE OTHER AMENDMENTS, SOME OF THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN PROPOSED RECENTLY AND FRANKLY, I DON’T THINK THAT THEY ARE AT ALL IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG, QUITE THE REVERSE.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
5
QUESTION: IN YOUR ESTIMATION, HOW MUCH OF YOUR POLITICAL PROPOSALS WILL BE PASSED BY LEGCO?
GOVERNOR: HOW MUCH OF MINE? HOW MUCH OF THE GOVERNMENT’S? HOW MUCH OF THE PROPOSALS BACKED BY THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG? HOW MUCH OF THE PROPOSALS ENDORSED BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND SUPPORTED BY THE MAJORITY OPINION AT WESTMINSTER? I HOPE A LOT.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, JUST ONE MORE QUESTION. HAS EXCO DISCUSSED, YOU KNOW, THE ISSUE OF SETTING UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN HONG KONG BEFORE YOU GO TO LONDON?
GOVERNOR: EXCO HAS HAD A BROAD BUT NOT A DETAILED DISCUSSION ABOUT NOT ONLY THAT ISSUE BUT SOME RELATED ISSUES. BUT, EXCO WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE DEBATING THAT ISSUE AT SOME LENGTH AND IN GREAT DETAIL DURING THE COURSE OF JUNE.
QUESTION: THERE ARE QUITE A FEW EUROPEANS LIVING IN HONG KONG FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES, FOR PRIVATE PURPOSES ALSO. COULD YOU GIVE THEM ANY GUARANTEE THAT AFTER 1997, THEIR LIVELIHOOD HERE IS GOING TO BE SECURED?
GOVERNOR: BRITAIN AND CHINA AGREED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH IS AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY BETWEEN THEM THAT HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE SHOULD STAY THE SAME FOR FIFTY YEARS AFTER 1997. THAT’S WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THAT’S WHAT WF ARE COMMITTED TO AND THAT WAY OF LIFE IS SPELLED OUT IN GREAT DETAIL IN THE TREATY WHICH IS LODGED AT THE UNITED NATIONS.
QUESTION: WHICH POWER ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE TO SECURE THAT THESE COMMITMENTS ARE GOING TO BE HONOURED IN BEIJING?
GOVERNOR: IT’S A TREATY WHICH IS TABLED AT THE UNITED NATIONS AND I AM SURE THAT CHINA IS TOTALLY COMMITTED TO IT, NOT LEAST BECAUSE IT’S GREATLY IN CHINA’S INTEREST THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE THRIVING, SUCCESSFUL PLACE AS IT IS TODAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
- - 0 - -
PROGRESS MADE AT AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON SAID THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE MORNING WAS USEFUL AND HAD MADE SOME PROGRESS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCH WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, MR PATTEN SAID: ”1 THINK, TO BORROW A METAPHOR, WE HAVE LIFTED OFF BUT WE HAVEN’T YET MADE A LANDING.
’’BUT, I THINK IT TOOK MATTERS FORWARD AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT IT WILL BRING THE END OF THIS SAGA A GOOD DEAL CLOSER.
”1 KNOW BOTH SIDES HAD AND TOOK A VERY’ CONSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE IN THIS MORNING’S TALKS. I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY AS THE AMBASSADORS OF BOTH SAID THAT WE’VE MADE SOME PROGRESS.”
/IN RESPONSE
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
6
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE CASE OF HAI HO-TAK, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT DECISION AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID YESTERDAY.
EMPHASISING THAT HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION, MR PATTEN SAID: "IT SEEMED TO US AND IT CERTAINLY SEEMED TO ME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY SENDING OTHER CHILDREN BACK TO CHINA IF WITH THAT YOUNG CHILD WHOSE CASE HAD BEEN THROUGH ALL THE COURTS, ONE MUST TAKE A DIFFERENT VIEW.
"BUT IF WE THINK THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A TOUGH POLICY IN ORDER TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING INTO HONG KONG, THEN IT DOES INVOLVE FROM TIME TO TIME PEOPLE HAVING TO TAKE EXTREMELY DISAGREEABLE DECISIONS."
MR PATTEN WILL BE LEAVING FOR LONDON THIS EVENING FOR PRINCIPALLY TALKS AND A NUMBER OF SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS.
WHILE IN LONDON, HE WILL HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, AND FOREIGN OFFICE AND HOME OFFICE OFFICIALS.
ONE OF THE MAIN SUBJECTS OF THE DISCUSSION WILL BE THE RESPONSE TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT AND THE RECENT AMNESTY REPORT.
--------0------------
APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT MR NG YEE-YUM WILL SUCCEED MR SIU CHUEN AS DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES FROM NEXT MONDAY (MAY 23).
MR SIU WILL PROCEED ON RETIREMENT LEAVE ON THAT DAY AFTER SERVING THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR 36 YEARS.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF THE TWO OFFICERS:
MR SIU CHUEN, OBE, JP
MR SIU, AGED 60, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN AUGUST 1959.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN JULY 1987 AND TO DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES IN MARCH 1992.
ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR SIU WILL HAVE COMPLETED 36 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR NG YEE-YUM, JP
MR NG, AGED 58, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN APPRENTICE ENGINEER IN SEPTEMBER 1960.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN JUNE 1985 AND TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN SEPTEMBER 1989.
------0--------
/7......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DETAINEES * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THERE WERE NO OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DETAINEES IN THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AS THE TWO GIRLS RELEASED INTO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE’S CARE ON WEDNESDAY.
HOWEVER, TWO OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT GIRLS, IN DETENTION FOR A MUCH SHORTER TIME, WERE RELEASED TODAY INTO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE’S CARE.
THESE TWO GIRLS ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AGED 16 AND 17, AND HAVE BEEN DETAINED FOR A LITTLE OVER THREE MONTHS AND THE TRIAL AT WHICH THEY ARE ESSENTIAL WITNESSES IN DUE SOON.
"IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WAS DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE SAME PROCEDURE AS WITH AU YEUNG LING-LING AND TONG HIU-KWAN," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT ALL OTHER CASES OF II WITNESSES DETAINED AT PRESENT INVOLVED EITHER SHORTER PERIODS OR ADULTS.
"TWENTY-TWO OF THE TOTAL OF 34 DETAINED AS OF YESTERDAY ARE ADULT ILLEGALS, INCLUDING OTHER NATIONALS AS WELL AS CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"TWELVE ARE BELOW 21, OF WHOM FOUR ARE BELOW 18 AND ARE NOW IN MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME.
"NONE OF THOSE BELOW 21 HAVE BEEN DETAINED FOR LONGER THAN FOUR MONTHS, WHILE THE TRIALS AT WHICH THEY ARE ESSENTIAL WITNESSES WERE PREPARED," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE MUST NOT JEOPARDISE THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE AND PROFIT FROM IT, OR THOSE WHO PREY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"THESE WITNESSES ARE VITAL IN ORDER TO PROSECUTE THOSE ACCUSED OF ABUSING AND EXPLOITING THEM."
- - 0 - -
NEW PROCEDURE TO SPEED UP LAW TRANSLATION *****
A BILL PROPOSING TO SIMPLIFY THE AUTHENTICATION PROCEDURE OF THE CHINESE TEXTS OF THE ORDINANCES ENACTED IN ENGLISH ONLY HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID UPON PASSAGE OF THE BILL, MORE CHINESE TEXTS OF THE ORDINANCES COULD BE DECLARED AUTHENTIC SOON.
IT WAS ALSO HOPED THAT THE LAW TRANSLATION PROGRAMME WOULD BE SPEEDED UP, SO THAT ALL ORDINANCES WOULD HAVE BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEXTS BY JULY 1997, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE OFFICIAL
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
8 -
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 CONTAINING THE PROPOSAL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 1.
THERE ARE NOW 529 ORDINANCES ENACTED IN ENGLISH ONLY. THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXTS OF THE ORDINANCES.
TRANSLATED TEXTS ARE CONSIDERED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THEY ARE THEN DECLARED AUTHENTIC BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL. ORDERS DECLARING AUTHENTIC TEXTS OF ORDINANCES ARE SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW PROCEDURE, ORDERS DECLARING CHINESE TEXTS WOULD NO LONGER BE SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
UPON SUCH DECLARATION, THE TEXTS BECOME AUTHENTIC TEXTS OF THE ORDINANCES. THE TEXTS MUST HOWEVER BE LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE COUNCIL MAY AMEND THE TEXTS WITHIN THE STATUTORY TIME LIMIT.
SO FAR, THE AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXTS OF 15 ORDINANCES HAVE BEEN DECLARED. THE CHINESE TEXTS OF ANOTHER 123 ORDINANCES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE FINAL DRAFTS OF THESE ORDINANCES ARE AWAITING DECLARATION BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRELIMINARY DRAFTS OF MOST OF THE REMAINING ORDINANCES HAD EITHER BEEN COMPLETED OR WERE IN PROGRESS.
"THE TARGET OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS TO PREPARE AT LEAST A COMPLETE DRAFT OF THE CHINESE TEXTS FOR EVERY ORDINANCE BEFORE THE END OF 1995 AND TO HAVE ALL THE CHINESE TEXTS DECLARED AUTHENTIC BEFORE JULY 1997," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
FINDINGS OF 1993/94 PAY TREND SURVEY ACCEPTED * * » * *
THE PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE IN A MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) ACCEPTED THE FINDINGS OF THE 1993/94 PAY TREND SURVEY.
THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY INDICATE THAT THE FOLLOWING AVERAGE PAY INCREASES HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE SURVEY COMPANIES:
* 10.84 PER CENT FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING LESS THAN $10,295 PER
MONTH;
* 11.18 PER CENT FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING BETWEEN $10,295 AND
$31,570 PER MONTH;
* 10.97 PER CENT FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING BETWEEN $31,571 AND
$63,085 PER MONTH.
/THE MEETING .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 9 -
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR NICHOLAS CHIU, WHO WAS APPOINTED IN HIS CAPACITY AS A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE SURVEY, WHICH WAS CONDUCTED BY THE PAY SURVEY AND RESEARCH UNIT, MEASURED PAY TRENDS IN A SELECTED GROUP OF 77 COMPANIES DURING THE PERIOD APRIL 2, 1993 TO APRIL 1, 1994.
IT TOOK INTO ACCOUNT INCREASES RELATING TO COST OF LIVING, GENERAL CHANGES IN MARKET RATES, COMPANY PERFORMANCE, MERIT AND INSCALE INCREMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE HAS EMPHASISED THAT THESE FIGURES WERE THE RESULT OF A SURVEY OF PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE COMPANIES.
PAY ADJUSTMENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IS A SEPARATE MATTER AND THE LEVEL OF THE ADJUSTMENT IS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS.
THE PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE ADMINISTRATION, AND THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL, THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL, THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
------0-------
LAND REGISTRATION FIGURES FOR APRIL
* * * * *
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF BUILDING UNITS, MAINLY FLATS, RECEIVED BY THE LAND REGISTRY LAST MONTH INCREASED BY 3.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, AND BY 18.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE AGREEMENTS TOTALLED 13,741, INVOLVING $52.2 BILLION.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRAR ON PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION AT THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES.
A TABLE SHOWING THE RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1994 AND FOR APRIL 1993 WAS ALSO RELEASED.
NINE BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 10,967 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION LAST MONTH, COMPARED WITH SIX AND 10,502 RESPECTIVELY IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW BUILDING MORTGAGES LAST MONTH WAS $0.59 BILLION, COMPARED WITH $0.53 BILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
/THE TOTAL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
10
THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER NEW MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES LAST MONTH WAS $6.44 BILLION, COMPARED WITH $13.67 BILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, WERE $3.42 BILLION LAST MONTH COMPARED WITH $2.75 BILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
------0--------
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA * * * * *
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, 49% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 77% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 43% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 76% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 80% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992 WERE 48% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 42% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 75% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 77% FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
IN 1993, 48% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 74% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 42% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 74% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 81% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN 1992 WERE 52% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 74% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 46% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 72% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 78% FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
THE DECREASES IN THE PROPORTION OF EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AS RECORDED IN 1993 REFLECT THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FOR MEETING DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA, VIZ. EXPORTS TO CHINA NOT DESTINED FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, INCREASED AT A FASTER PACE THAN OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE DURING THE PERIOD. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE SUSTAINED INCREASE IN DOMESTIC DEMAND IN CHINA FOR IMPORTED GOODS.
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA INITIATED BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY AS FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
/THE SCOPE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
11
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS FURTHER BEEN EXTENDED SO AS TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WHICH ARE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1993 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
IN VALUE TERMS, $43,573 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14% OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1992.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING DECREASED BY 1% TO $11,899 MILLION WHILST THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 21% TO $31,674 MILLION.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 15% TO $83,476 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $99,378 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20%.
IN 1993, $160,178 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13% OVER 1992.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 2% TO $45,141 MILLION AND 18% TO $115,037 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 16% TO $295,203 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $364,536 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 22%.
THE ESTIMATES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1993 AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1992 ARE SUMMARISED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:-
/ESTIMATED VALUE
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 12 -
ESTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, 4TH QUARTER OF 1993 AND THE WHOLE YEAR 1993
TOTAL TRADE VALUE* : 4TH QTR 1993 (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER 4TH QTR 1992 (%) 1993 (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER 1992 (%)
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 88,954 + 12.5 334,334 + 23.6
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 15,495 - 5.6 61,023 + 2.5
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 73,458 + 17.2 273,311 + 29.6
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 109,135 + 13.0 400,013 + 13.6
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER 123,631 + 15.3 451,363 + 17.9
THAN CHINA
ESTIMATED VALUE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA:
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 43,573 + 13.9 160,178 + 13.1
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 11,899 - 0.6 45,141 + 2.0
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 31,674 + 20.6 115,037 + 18.1
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 1 33,476 + 14.5 295,203 + 16.2
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 1 99,378 + 19.7 364,536 + 21.6
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
ESTIMATED PROPORTION INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA:
4TH 4TH
QTR QTR
1993 1992 1993 1992
(%) (%) (%) (%)
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 49.0 48.4 47.9 52.4
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 76.8 72.9 74.0 74.3
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 43.1 41.9 42.1 46.2
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 76.5 75.5 73.8 72.1
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 80.4 77.4 80.8 78.3
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
♦ THE VALUE EXCLUDES COMMODITIES AND TRANSACTIONS NOT
CLASSIFIED ACCORDING 1 CO KIND.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-IMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
/IMPORTS FROM .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 13 -
IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTATION OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING TN CHINA REFER TO THOSE RE-EXPORTS OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-IMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IN INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VALUE AND PROPORTION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA REFER TO THOSE OF THE ENTIRE GOODS INSTEAD OF JUST THE VALUE ADDED CONTRIBUTED BY OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, AND IMPORTS FROM CHINA) AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA IS SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE.
IN THIS RESPECT, THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
THE ABOVE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE MARCH 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE".
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AT $86 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 5037.
/14 ........
- - 0---------
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
14
THREE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS APPROVED ******
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THREE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS FOR MAI PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK, PAT HEUNG, AND SHEK KONG IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MAJOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES ON THESE DPAS ARE AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCIAL FISHING. RURAL INDUSTRIAL AND OPEN STORAGE USES ARE MIXED WITH RURAL SETTLEMENTS.
’’IN RECENT YEARS, DUE TO THE DECLINE OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING ACTIVITIES, MANY AGRICULTURAL LANDS AND FISH PONDS HAVE BEEN CONVERTED TO WORKSHOPS, OPEN STORAGE FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, TIMBER, USED MOTOR VEHICLES AND CONTAINERS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID.
"THESE USES HAVE CAUSED GENERAL DEGRADATION OF THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT."
THE DPA PLANS WERE PUBLISHED TO PROVIDE INTERIM PLANNING CONTROL AND DEVELOPMENT GUIDANCE FOR THE RURAL AREAS PENDING THE PREPARATION OF OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS), THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
REPLACEMENT OZPS FOR THESE AREAS ARE NOW BEING PREPARED BY THE BOARD AND WOULD BE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION SHORTLY.
ON THE MAI PO AND FAIRVIEW PARK DPA PLAN, ABOUT 430 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE (MPNR) AND MAI PO FUNG SHUI WOODLAND IN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONES ONE AND TWO HAVE BEEN ZONED ’SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST’(SSSI).
THE NATURE RESERVE AND ITS ADJACENT INTERTIDAL MUDFLATS ARE AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED WETLAND HABITAT FOR A VARIETY OF SPECIES OF WATERFOWLS AND A STOP-OVER POINT FOR THOUSANDS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS.
IT PROVIDES A FEEDING AND RESTING PLACE FOR A NUMBER OF SPECIES OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND MAINTAINS AN IMPORTANT MANGROVE AREA OF THE TERRITORY.
"THE MAI PO FUNG SHUI WOODLAND, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS ONE OF FEW EGRETRIES IN HONG KONG PROVIDING A RESTING AND BREEDING PLACE FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED EGRETS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID STRICT DEVELOPMENT CONTROLS HAD BEEN IMPOSED WITHIN THE ’SSSI’. ONLY USES WHICH SUPPORT CONSERVATION AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND FEATURES WILL BE PERMITTED.
MEANWHILE, 147 HECTARES OF LAND IN FAIRVIEW PARK AND WO SHANG WAI HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) FOR LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USES.
DEVELOPMENT IS RESTRICTED TO MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.4, SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND BUILDING HEIGHT OF TWO STOREYS OVER ONE LEVEL OF CARPORT OR THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT INTENSITY, WHICHEVER IS THE GREATER.
/ON THE
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 15 -
ON THE PAT HEUNG DPA PLAN, ABOUT 34 HECTARES OF LAND (12 PER CENT) HAVE BEEN ZONED ’OPEN STORAGE’. ONLY THOSE OPEN STORAGE USES WHICH HAVE NO ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT WILL BE PERMITTED IN THIS ZONE.
ON THE SHEK KONG DPA PLAN, A TOTAL OF ABOUT 115 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT. THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE HECTARES OF LAND HAVE ALSO BEEN DESIGNATED AS ’UNSPECIFIED USE’ AREAS.
WITHIN THESE AREAS, PLANNING PERMISSION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT OTHER THAN THE PERMITTED USES SET OUT IN THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN.
THE THREE APPROVED DPA PLANS ARE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL MAY 27 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
» 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
COPIES OF THE APPROVED DPA PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14 111 I LOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
GERMAN BANK GRANTED LICENCE « » » « »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK GIROZENTRALE (BLG) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
BLG WAS FORMED IN 1972 IN GERMANY THROUGH THE MERGER OF BAYERISCHE GEMEINDEBANK AND BAYERISCHE LANDESBODENKREDITANSTALT.
IT IS THE EIGHTH LARGEST BANK IN GERMANY AND RANKS 84TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
THE BANK HAS EIGHT BRANCHES WITHIN GERMANY AND AN OVERSEAS NETWORK OF SIX BRANCHES, TWO SUBSIDIARIES AND EIGHT REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES.
IN HONG KONG, BLG HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1991.
/THE PANK .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 16 -
THE BANK WISHES TO UPGRADE THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TO A BRANCH TO PROVIDE A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS IN HONG KONG, CHINA, TAIWAN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
THE PROPOSED BRANCH WILL INITIALLY CONCENTRATE ON PROJECT FINANCING AND CORPORATE LENDING. COMMERCIAL AND MERCHANT BANKING SERVICES WILL BE OFFERED LATER.
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. THfi LICENCE FOR BLG IS THE SIXTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED IN 1994.
THERE ARE NOW 178 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 146 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY. OF THESE, 10 ARE FROM GERMANY.
------0------
TENDER FOR TING KAU BRIDGE CLOSES
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT RECEIVED SEVEN BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT WHEN TENDER CLOSED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BIDS WERE SUBMITTED BY PRE-QUALIFIED TENDERERS AS FOLLOWS:
♦ KLHC JOINT VENTURE;
* PAUL Y - CREC JOINT VENTURE.;
♦ ROUTE 3 CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE;
» SCMC JOINT VENTURE;
* TING KAU BRIDGE JOINT VENTURE;
♦ TING KAU CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE; AND
* TRAFALGAR HOUSE CONSTRUCTION (ASIA) LTD.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT TENDER EVALUATION WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE-AND-A-HALF-MONTHS TO COMPLETE, AND THE CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED BY AUGUST THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION TN MID-1997.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT WILL BE FUNDED TOTALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WILL FORM A MAJOR PART OF ROUTE 3, WHICH WILL BE A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY LINKING THE NORTHWEST OF TSING YI ISLAND TO THE FUTURE TAI LAM TUNNEL.
PROVISIONS FOR CONNECTIONS TO THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND TUEN MUN ROAD WILL ALSO BE MADE.
UPON COMPLETION, IT WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING AREA AND PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT ACCESS FOR THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES TO LANTAU ISLAND AND THE CONTAINER PORT.
------0-------
/17........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
ROAD WORKS FOR TUNG CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN PROPOSED
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CARRYING OUT ROAD WORKS FOR PHASE I DEVELOPMENT OF THE TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS INVOLVE BUILDING A ROAD, TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FACILITIES AND AN ACCESS ROAD TO AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
THE INTERCHANGE FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE DROP-OFF AREAS FOR PRIVATE CARS AND BUSES, TEMPORARY PARKING SPACES, TAXI RANKS, GREEN MINIBUS BAYS AND A CYCLE PARK.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, AND THE MUI WO SUB-OFFICE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO PROPOSED BUILDING A ROAD FROM ROUTE TWISK TO SAN TSUEN VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE VILLAGE.
THE WORKS ALSO INCLUDE ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS, CAR PARK AREA AND A DRAINAGE SYSTEM..
THE PROJECT IS SCHEDUDED TO BEGIN NEXT MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN 24 MONTHS.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE.
NOTICES ABOUT THE PROPOSED WORKS IN TUNG CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 19, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 - -
HO CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF THE HO CHUNG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZP).
THE PLAN COVERS ABOUT 300 HECTARES OF LAND IN HO CHUNG ABOUT 3.5 KILOMETRES SOUTH OF THE SAI KUNG TOWN. THE AREA IS SURROUNDED BY HILLSLOPES WITH LARGE TRACTS OF UNDISTURBED WOODLAND.
THE AREA IS RURAL IN CHARACTER WITH A MIXTURE OF RESIDENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL AND STORAGE USES.
/THE AGRICULTURAL
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
18 -
THE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN HO CHUNG VALLEY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN AGRICULTURAL AREAS IN SAI KUNG.
INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES ARE MAINLY LOCATED IN THE HO CHUNG/LUK MEI AREAS ADJACENT TO THE HIRAM’S HIGHWAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID: "THE HO CHUNG OZP IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING HO CHUNG DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLAN.
"DPA PLANS ARE INTERIM PLANS PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991.
"THE PLANS PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND CONTROL ON LAND USES IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES. UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE DPAS ARE SUBJECT TO ENDORSEMENT.
"THESE PLANS ARE ONLY EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THEIR PUBLICATION AND ARE TO BE REPLACED BY OZPS.
"ALTHOUGH THE DPAS ARE REPLACED BY OZPS, THE ENFORCEMENT POWERS PROVIDED THEREIN WILL CONTINUE."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLANNING INTENTION FOR THE AREA WAS TO RESERVE LAND FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES FOR FUTURE RESIDENTIAL AND VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENTS.
IT WAS ALSO INTENDED TO CONSERVE THE PERIPHERAL HILLSLOPES AND TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE HO CHUNG VALLEY AND TO PROVIDE PLANNING CONTROL ON THE UNDESIRABLE OPEN STORAGE USES, HE ADDED.
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 142 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'CONSERVATION AREA’ TO PROTECT THE EXISTING NATURAL CHARACTER.
ONLY USES RELATED TO CONSERVATION PURPOSES SUCH AS FIELD STUDY CENTRE, EDUCATION CENTRE AND VISITOR CENTRE ARE PERMITTED AS OF RIGHT.
THOSE USES WHICH WOULD HAVE INSIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROVISIONS, SUCH AS TENT CAMPING GROUND MAY BE PERMITTED UPON APPROVAL OF APPLICATION TO THE BOARD.
TO PROTECT THE RICH FLORA AND THE RARE PLANT OF ENKTANTHUS QU 1NQUEFLORUS IN THE UPPER HO CHUNG VALLEY, A 'SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST’ OF ABOUT THREE HECTARES HAS BEEN DESIGNATED.
ACTIVITIES OR USES WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THOSE NEEDED TO SUSTAIN THE SITE OR TO SERVE EDUCATION PURPOSES.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 18 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED 'AGRICULTURE' TO RETAIN AND SAFEGUARD GOOD ARABLE LAND, MOST OF WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER ACTIVE CULTIVATION.
THERE ARE ALSO ABOUT 46 HECTARES OF LAND DESIGNATED FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT TO INCLUDE EXISTING VILLAGE AND AREAS SUITABLE FOR VILLAGE EXPANSION.
/OTHER LAND .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
19
OTHER LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT SIX HECTARES OF LAND FOR ’COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA’, FOUR HECTARES FOR ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ USE, SEVEN HECTARES FOR ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D) ’ USE, 0.2 HECTARE FOR ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY’ USE, EIGHT HECTARES FOR ’RECREATION’, 54 HECTARES FOR ’GREEN BELT’ AND 13 HECTARES FOR ROADS.
THE PLAN (NO. S/SK-HC/1) IS WAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JULY 20 AT:
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* SAT KUNG AND TSEUNG KWAN O DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, SUITE 1209, 12TH FLOOR, CHINACHEM GOLDEN PLAZA, MODY ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
* SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES. *
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE JULY 20.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING TOOL STUDY COMMISSIONED * ♦ * t »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO DEVELOP A COMPUTER-BASED INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING TOOL.
THE PLANNING TOOL, WHICH SHOULD BE AN IMPROVED, FLEXIBLE AND INTERACTIVE ONE, WOULD BE USED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR MIKE STOKOE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED, MR COLIN DUTTON.
MR STOKOE SAID: "IN VIEW OF THE RAPID GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND CHANGES IN WASTE ARISINGS PATTERN, PROPER LONG-TERM PLANNING IS NECESSARY TO MEET FUTURE WASTE MANAGEMENT NEEDS. ’’
/TN 1993/94
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
20
IN 1993/94, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT OVER $1.2 BILLION ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, HE SAID.
"IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT FUTURE COSTS IN WASTE MANAGEMENT WILL INCREASE DUE TO HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AS WELL AS THE SCARCITY OF NON-RENEWABLE RESOURCES.
"ALL THESE FACTORS WARRANT A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND SOPHISTICATED PLANNING TOOL FOR CARRYING OUT SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF VARIOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SCENARIOS BOTH AT STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL LEVELS," MR STOKOE SAID.
THE STUDY WILL INVOLVE A COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION COLLECTION ACTIVITY, TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER-BASED MATHEMATICAL MODEL.
SUITABLE PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE, DEMOGRAPHICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL DATABASES WILL BE LINKED TO THE MODEL IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW PLANNING TOOL.
THE STUDY, AT XN ESTIMATED COST OF $11 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1995.
---------0-----------
USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS: CAMPAIGN *****
MORE THAN 1,400 RETA'iL OUTLETS WILL JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH A YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO ENCOURAGE USING LESS PLASTIC BAGS.
THE PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION AND CONSUMER COUNCIL.
"THIS IS AN INDUSTRY-LED CAMPAIGN. PARTICIPATING RETAILERS, INCLUDING SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND FASHION CHAIN STORES, WILL DEVISE THEIR OWN ACTION PLANS TO HELP REDUCE THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
THEY WILL ALSO VIE FOR FOUR YEAR-END AWARDS BASED ON THEIR LEVEL OF REDUCTION, CREATIVITY OF THEIR ACTION PLANS AND THE INNOVATIVE IDEAS OF THE RETAIL STAFF.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE LAUNCH CEREMONY.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, THE CHAIRMAN OF RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR RODNEY MILES, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF CONSUMER COUNCIL, PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY TO LAUNCH "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 1 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) ON LEVEL ONE OF DRAGON CENTRE, 37K YEN CHOW STREET, SHAM SHUI PO.
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/21 ......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 21 -
PRIVATE LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME ABOUT 6,400 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND IN SHA TIN TO ALLOW FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE SHA TIN TAU VILLAGE.
THE AREA COVERS 43 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS AND ONE BUILDING LOT.
THEY WILL BE RESUMED UNDER THE CROWN LAND RESUMPTION ORDINANCE BEFORE END OF AUGUST TO ALLOW SITE FORMATION WORKS TO START IN SEPTEMBER.
THE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION EXERCISE WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). --------------------------------0-------
ART COMPETITION FOR THE ’’HONG KONG - USA ’94” *****
STUDENTS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN AN ART COMPETITION FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PROMOTION CAMPAIGN, ’’HONG KONG - USA ’94”, TO PROJECT AN IMAGE OF HONG KONG OVERSEAS.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK AND ATLANTA IN AUGUST AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES, JS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS: KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY (S1-S7).
THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION IS ’’HONG KONG THROUGH MY EYES”. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD PRODUCE ARTWORKS RELATED TO LOCAL LIFE, SUCH AS FESTIVALS, TRADITIONS, HERITAGE AND DAILY LIFE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID APART FROM CERTIFICATES AWARDED TO STUDENTS WITH ENTRIES SELECTED, THE 10 BEST ARTWORKS IN EACH GROUP WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES: $500 EACH FOR THE KINDERGARTEN GROUP; $1,000 EACH FOR THE PRIMARY GROUP AND $1,500 EACH FOR THE SECONDARY GROUP.
SCHOOLS SHOULD NOTE THAT BOTH GROUP WORKS AND INDIVIDUAL WORKS, WITH LENGTHS NOT EXCEEDING ONE METRE IN ANY DIMENSION, ARE ACCEPTED IN THIS COMPETITION.
STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO USE ALL KINDS OF TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL WORK, INCLUDING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS.
/PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 22 -
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS SHOULD SEND IN STUDENTS’ ARTWORKS TOGETHER WITH ENTRY FORMS TO THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAR FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT ON OR. BEFORE JULY 9 (SATURDAY) FOR SELECTION AND ADJUDICATION. ENTRIES SENT TO THE USA FOR EXHIBITION WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOLS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE ART COMPETITION FOR THE “HONG KONG - USA ’94” CAN BE MADE TO THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 562 9205.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION STATIONS * * » » ♦
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE STATIONS FOR AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION AND METEOROLOGICAL EQUIPMENT ON ISLANDS IN THE WESTERN APPROACHES OF HONG KONG WATERS.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON SHA CHAU, SIU MO TO AND LUNG KWU CHAU COVERS SITE FORMATION, BUILDING WORKS, SERVICES INSTALLATIONS, DRAINAGE AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
THE THREE STATIONS WILL HAVE A TOTAL AREA OF 1,670 SQUARE METRES AND WILL RANGE FROM FOUR TO 10 METRES HIGH.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JUNE 10.
------0--------
’’RESPECT THE ELDERLY” EXHIBITION
* * » » ♦
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION ENTITLED ’’RESPECT THE ELDERLY - START IN YOUR OWN HOME” WILL BE HELD AT HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO MONDAY.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE WINNING ENTRIES IN THE INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS IN THE CAMPAIGN, ’’RESPECT THE ELDERLY - START IN YOUR OWN HOME”.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO EDUCATE PUPILS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOWING CONCERN AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID OTHER THEMES OF THE CAMPAIGN WERE ’’KNOW THE ELDERLY AROUND YOU BETTER’’, ’’COMMUNICATE MORE WITH YOUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS” AND ’’SHARE WITH THE ELDERLY”.
/EVENTS OF .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 23 -
EVENTS OF THE
RESOURCE MATERIALS AND
INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS INCLUDED DESIGN OF DRAMA SCRIPT WRITING FOR TEACHERS’ GROUPS.
FOR PUPILS, THERE WERE CONTESTS IN BOOKMARK; POSTER DESIGN; CHINESE SPEECH WRITING; DRAMA SCRIP COMPETITION; SONG WRITING CONTEST AND A WRI TIN,
POSTAGE STAMP AND WRITING; PROJECT COMPETITION, THE
SPOKESMAN SAID.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF ^VCATION.DMRTDO„.N.CTSn»B»ONC.s«ILLMO|.F!CIATE
SCIENCE MUSEUM, 2 SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, TSIM
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO EXHIBITION HALL, HONG KONG SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND CEREMONY.
REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING
---------0-----------
SCHOOL HEADS URGED,TO SUPPORT VOTER REGISTRATION » * * * »
THE CURRENT VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CAN AROUSE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERN OVER COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
IN HIS APPEAL TO THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL
AND WESTERN DISTRICT
SCHOOL HEADS THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON, ASSISTANT HOWARD LEE CALLED ON THE PRINCIPALS TO GIVE THEIR
DISTRICT
FULL
OFFICER MR
BACKING TO
THIS MEANINGFUL EXERCISE.
HE SAID: "THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN IS NOW IN FULL SWING
IN THE DISTRICT.
"A SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED SINCE APRIL."
THESE INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD VISITS, SETTING UP COUNTERS AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS, AND ON THE STREET REGISTRATION DRIVE.
A LETTER HAS ALSO BEEN SENT TO ALL THE SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TO ENLIST THE ASSISTANCE OF THEIR STAFF AND STUDENTS TO HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE.
- - 0--------
/24 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1994
- 24 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* ♦ * * *
$ Mil.LION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,405 0930 + 426
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,357 1000 + 436
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO 1 100 + 465
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 466 1200 + 466
LAF TODAY +1,486 1500 + 466
1600 + 466
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 * + 0.1» 20.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.69 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 98.01 5.62
1 MONTH 3.86 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.75 6.03
3 MONTHS 4.26 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.50 6.31
6 MONTHS 4.75 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.69 6.47
12 ! MONTHS 5.21 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.20 6.56
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,891 MN
CLOSED 20 MAY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY TUNNEL UNDER HARBOUR.... 1
USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED..................... 2
PAMPHLET ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PUBLISHED.................... 4
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC TO VISIT HONG KONG.................... 4
MICROCHIP SYSTEM FOR DOG TAGGING BEING STUDIED.............. 6
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GO METRIC............................ 6
RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS....................... 8
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG WAN, TAI PO AND KWAI CHUNG............. 8
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION................ 9
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE.................................... 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 10
1
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY TUNNEL UNDER HARBOUR
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FUNDS TOTALLING $820 MILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) TO COVER THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING AN IMMERSED TUBE UNDER THE HARBOUR TO CARRY THE AIRPORT RAILWAY BETWEEN WEST KOWLOON AND HONG KONG CENTRAL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY): "THIS IS PART OF OUR STEP BY STEP APPROACH To THE FUNDING OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS.
"WE NEED TO TAKE THIS STEP IN ORDER TO MEET OUR COMMITMENTS UNDER THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY JUNE 1997, AND IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECTS IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER.
"THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE MONTH (JUNE) IN ORDER TO MEET OUR TARGET OF OPENING RAILWAY FROM KOWLOON TO HONG KONG CENTRAL IN APRIL 1998."
MUST START TUNNEL NEXT THE AIRPORT
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRST PRIORITY WAS To REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
FOLLOWING.THE MEETING OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE ON MAY 20, IT WAS HOPED THAT FURTHER PROGRESS WOULD BE MADE SO THAT AN EARLY AGREEMENT WOULD BE REACHED.
"IT IS HOWEVER NECESSARY, IN PARALLEL WITH THESE TALKS, TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM ON THE ESTABLISHED STEP BY STEP BASIS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE FUNDING REQUEST FOR THE MTRC’S RAILWAY TUNNEL. THE CHINESE SIDE HAS BEEN INFORMED."
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE MTRC TO START THE RAILWAY TUNNEL CONTRACT NEXT MONTH SO THAT CONSTRUCTION COULD PROCEED IN PARALLEL WITH WORK ON THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING (WHC) ROAD TUNNEL.
THIS WOULD ALLOW BOTH 1MMERESD TUBES TO BE LAID ON THE BED OF THE HARBOUR AT THE SAME TIME, USING THE SAME TEMPORARY DIVERSIONS OF THE SHIPPING FAIRWAY.
THE MTRC WOULD SHORTLY BE SELECTING A SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR THE WORKS, AND WOULD THEREFORE IN A POSITION TO AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AS SOON AS FUNDS WERE APPROVED.
IF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL CONTRACT DID NOT START NEXT MONTH, THE WHC TUNNEL WOULD HAVE TO PROCEED ON ITS OWN IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE FRANCHISEE’S CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND OPENING DATE.
FOR MARINE SAFETY REASONS, THE RAILWAY TUNNEL WOULD THEN HAVE TO WAIT TILL THE WHC WORKS WERE COMPLETED BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO OPERATE TWO FAIRWAI DIVERSIONS AT THE SAME TIME.
/THAT WOULD .......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
2
THAT WOULD DELAY COMPLETION OF THE RAILWAY TUNNEL BY EIGHT MONTHS, WITH A CORRESPONDING SLIPPAGE IN THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG CENTRAL.
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.
IT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON MAY 25.
THE $820 MILLION (MOD) WOULD BE GIVEN TO Till MTRC FROM THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT FUND AS ADVANCE FUNDING.
IT WOULD I 'INVERTED INTO PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S EQUITY INJECTION INTO THE MTRC FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY ONCE AGREEMENT ON FINANCING HAD BEEN REACHED.
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO SEEKING APPROVAL FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR INCREASES TOTALLING $180 MILLION IN THREE PROJECT ESTIMATES FOR THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
THE PROJECTS INVOLVE DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE WORKS, SITE INVESTIGATIONS, AND CONSULTANCY WORK.
THE INCREASES ARE NEEDED TO COVER COSTS INVOLVED IN THE COMPLEX PHASING OF RECLAMATION WORKS AND THE REPROVISIONING OF EXTENSIVE WATERFRONT FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS DID NOT INVOLVE ANY INCREASE IN THE $12,798 MILLION OVERALL PROJECT ESTIMATE FOR THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ESTIMATES ON THREE OTHER PARTS OF THE RECLAMATION HAD RECENTLY BEEN CUT BY A FAR LARGER AMOUNT - $934 MILLION - WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE EXTRA $180 MILLION NOW BEING SOUGHT.
A PAPER OUTLINING THIS REQUEST HAS BEEN ISSUED TODAY TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO SUB-COMMITTEE.
------0-------
USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED t * * » t
THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE, ACTION-ORIENTED PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION PROGRAMME LED BY THE RETAIL INDUSTRY IS LAUNCHED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THIRTY-ONE RETAILERS, COMPRISING SOME 1,400 RETAIL OUTLETS, WILL DEVISE THEIR OWN ACTION PLANS IN A YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN TO ACHEIVE AT LEAST A 10 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THFIR USE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
AMONG THE INITIATIVES ARE THE DISPLAY OF CAMPAIGN LOGO, WHICH SHOWED ARROWS POINTING TO THE USE OF LESS PLASTIC BAGS, AND PUBLICITY MESSAGES AT PROMINENT PLACES, AND THE PROVISION OF STAFF TRAINING ON WAYS TO ECONOMISE ON THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
/THE CAMPAIGN .......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
- 3 -
THE CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY THE "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, NOTED THAT THE CAMPAIGN HAD ITS ROOTS IN THE FORUM ON PLASTIC BAGS HELD IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, WHEN IDEAS WERE EXCHANGED ON HOW CONSUMERS, BUSINESS AND THE GOVERNMENT COULD CO-OPERATE TO REDUCE THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
"THE SUCCESSFUL START OF THIS CAMPAIGN SHOWS THAT ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED ARE COMMITTED TO WASTE REDUCTION - AND NOW INTEND TO TAKE ACTION," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE RETAIL INDUSTRY WAS SO COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE, MR EASON APPEALED TO CONSUMERS TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN BY REFUSING THE OFFER OF PLASTIC BAGS DURING THEIR NEXT SHOPPING TRIP.
"GOVERNMENT, TOO WILL PLAY ITS PART; WE ARE COMMITTED TO THE AIM OF THE CAMPAIGN AND WILL HELP BY TRYING TO INDUCE CHANGES IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES," HE SAID.
WHILE THE RETAIL SECTOR WAS ONLY ONE SOURCE OF PLASTIC BAGS, MR EASON SAID PUBLIC MARKETS ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER.
"WITH THE EXAMPLE SET BY THIS CAMPAIGN, WE HOPE THAT OTHER SECTORS TOO CAN CONTRIBUTE BY REDUCING THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS IN THEIR OWN TRADES," HE SAID.
"AND IF THE RETAIL SECTOR CAN, ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, TACKLE THE DAUNTING PLASTIC BAG PROBLEM, 1 SEE NO REASON WHY OTHER COMMERCIAL SECTORS CANNOT ADOPT WASTE AND RESOURCE MINIMISATION PRACTICES TO HELP TACKLE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR RODNEY MILES, DESCRIBED THE CAMPAIGN AS SIGNIFICANT.
HE SAID IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT A TRADE ASSOCIATION HAD RALLIED TOGETHER A GROUP OF RETAILERS TO CARRY OUT AN INDUSTRY LED ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN.
"WE BELIEVE THAT MANY OTHER RETAILERS WILL JOIN IN AS THE CAMPAIGN GATHERS EXPOSURE AND MOMENTUM," HE SAID.
PARTICIPATING RETAILERS, BASED ON THEIR LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT IN THE CAMPAIGN, WILL VIE FOR FOUR YEAR-END AWARDS, THAT IS, "BEST REDUCTION" AWARD, "DISTINCTIVE RETAIL OUTLET" XWARD, "BEST ACTION PLAN" AWARD AND "BEST REDUCTION IDEA" AWARD.
OTHER THAN RETAILERS’ SUPPORT, THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL INVITE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON WAYS TO LIMIT THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS THROUGH A COMPETITION.
ALSO PLEDGING SUPPORT TO THE CAMPAIGN TODAY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED.
------0--------
/4 .....
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
PAMPHLET ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PUBLISHED Ct***
A PAMPHLET ADVISING PARENTS HOW TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM BEING SEXUALLY ABUSED IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COLLECTION.
THE PAMPHLET, ONE OF THE LATEST PUBLICITY EFFORTS BY THE CHILD NEGLECT PREVENTION PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE NEED TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN.
THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE.
CONTENTS OF THE PAMPHLET INCLUDE DEFINITION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE WITH EXAMPLES, BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED AS WELL AS SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS ON HANDLING OF SUCH CASES.
"TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN, THE FIRST STEP IS TO ESTABLISH GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH THEM,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"WHEN YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BECOME VICTIMS OF SUCH CASES, SEEK ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS OR REPORT TO THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE PAMPHLET ALSO CONTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT WELFARE ORGANISATIONS WHICH OFFER COUNSELLING SERVICES TO NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES.
COPIES OF THE PAMPHLET IN CHINESE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ALL OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ESTATE OFFICES OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
- 0 -
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC TO VISIT HONG KONG *****
THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER TO THE USA, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, HAS WELCOMED THE FORTHCOMING VISIT TO HONG KONG BY THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC.
THE ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM AT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON JUNE 19 (SUNDAY) AS PART OF ITS NINE-CITY ASIAN TOUR.
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION HOSTED BY CITIBANK TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING TOUR ON FRIDAY 'MAY 20), FOLLOWING A PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC IN NEW YORK, MR WIGGHAM ASSURED MUSIC DIRECTOR KURT MASUR OF A WARM RECEPTION IN HONG KONG ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO ASIA WITH THE PHILHARMONIC.
/"WE ARE
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
5 -
"WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THE WORLD-RENOWNED NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC FOR ITS THIRD VISIT UNDER CITIBANK SPONSORSHIP. I RECALL THE ORCHESTRA PLAYED TWO VERY SUCCESSFUL CONCERTS IN HONG KONG IN 1984 AND 1989," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
"OUR AUDIENCES ARE YOUNG AND ENTHUSIASTIC AND WILL CERTAINLY APPRECIATE A VISIT BY ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER ORCHESTRAS," MR WIGGHAM SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS PLEASED THAT MAESTRO MASUR HAD EXPRESSED GREAT INTEREST IN THE EMPHASIS LAID ON MUSIC EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
AS A FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE IN HONG KONG, AND A FORMER VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, MR WIGGHAM SAID HE HAD ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE AMOUNT OF EFFORT THAT GOES INTO ALL ASPECTS OF MUSIC TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, RESULTING IN ENTHUSIASTIC AND APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCES, AND A REAL ABUNDANCE OF MUSICAL TALENT OF WHICH ANY CITY COULD BE PROUD.
THIS TIME, AN ADDED BONUS FOR HONG KONG WAS THAT ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S TALENTED MUSICIANS, SAMUEL WONG, WAS COMING BACK TO VISIT, MR WIGGHAM NOTED.
MR WONG, THE ASSISTING TOUR CONDUCTOR, WAS BORN IN HONG KONG AND LIVED IN THE TERRITORY UNTIL HE WAS NINE.
HE RECEIVED HIS EARLY MUSIC TRAINING - PIANO LESSONS - IN HONG KONG BEFORE MOVING TO NORTH AMERICA.
IN 1991, MR WONG RETURNED TO HONG KONG AS CONDUCTOR WITH THE ASIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA TOUR.
IN JUNE 1995 HE WILL CONDUCT THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC FOR TWO WEEKS.
MR WONG HAS LED OVER 30 PERFORMANCES WITH THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC AND REGULARLY APPEARS AS GUEST CONDUCTOR WITH MANY ORCHESTRAS WORLD WIDE.
THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC’S OPENING CONCERT IN THIS YEAR’S 14-CONCERT ASIAN TOUR WILL TAKE PLACE IN SEOUL ON JUNE 16. THE 100-STRONG ORCHESTRA THEN TRAVELS TO HONG KONG.
FOR ITS SINGLE CONCERT IN THE TERRITORY, THE NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC WILL PERFORM RICHARD STRAUSS (DEATH AND TRANSFIGURATION), NED ROREM (ENGLISH HORN CONCERTO) AND BEETHOVEN (SYMPHONY NO. 5). OTHER ASIAN CITIES TO BE VISITED INCLUDE TAIPEI, TOKYO, OSAKA, OKAYAMA, NAGOYA, MIYAZAKI AND CHIBA.
/6.........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
6
MICROCHIP SYSTEM FOR DOG TAGGING BEING STUDIED
*****
VARIOUS MICROCHIP SYSTEMS FOR DOG TAGGING WERE NOW BEING STUDIED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND MIGHT BE INTRODUCED LATER IN HONG KONG, SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER DR LIU KWEI-KIN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THE SYSTEM, WHEN INTRODUCED, WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO QUICKLY IDENTIFY THE DOG OWNER.
"THIS WILL PROVIDE MUCH BETTER CONTROL OF DOGS AND HELP PREVENT THE INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD OF RABIES."
THE MICROCHIP SYSTEM NOW BEING CONSIDERED IS AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A GRAIN OF RICE. IT IS INSERTED BENEATH THE LOOSE SKIN OF THE DOG IN A SIMPLE PROCESS, THE SAME AS AN INJECTION.
THE AIM OF THE SYSTEM IS FOR THE EASY IDENTIFICATION OF DOGS. THE MICROCHIP CONTAINS A 10 DIGIT CODE, SIMILAR TO A BAR CODE, WHICH CAN ONLY BE READ WITH A SCANNER WHEN HELD CLOSE TO THE SKIN OF THE DOG.
THE INFORMATION ON THE DOG AND ITS OWNER IS STORED IN A COMPUTER DATABASE, NOT IN THE MICROCHIP. THE INFORMATION STORED IS SIMILAR TO THAT CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR DOG LICENCES.
THE SYSTEM, WHICH IS PROVEN SAFE, IS USED IN MANY COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY, DENMARK AND SPAIN.
"AS THE SYSTEM IS NEW TO HONG KONG, THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF ITS APPLICATION IN THE TERRITORY," DR LIU SAID.
"A NEW DATABASE SYSTEM HAS TO BE DESIGNED TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS. IT WILL ALSO TAKE SOME MONTHS TO TRAIN UP STAFF TO IMPLANT THE MICROCHIPS," HE ADDED.
THE FIRST BATCH OF MICROCHIPS HAVE BEEN IMPLANTED INTO 20 POLICE DOGS. THEIR REACTIONS TO THE MICROCHIPS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED.
SO FAR, THE RESULTS WERE SATISFACTORY, DR LIU SAID.
------0-------
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO GO METRIC
*****
THE METRICATION COMMITTEE TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED AWARDS TO 25 STUDENTS WHO WON A CHINESE CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION HELD AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO USE THE METRIC SYSTEM.
THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES - PRIMARY, LOWER SECONDARY AND UPPER SECONDARY. A TOTAL OF 358 ENTRIES FROM 32 SCHOOLS WAS RECEIVED.
/SPEAKING AT .......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
7
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE HALL TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR K Y TONGSON, SAID: ’’SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1978, THE METRICATION COMMITTEE HAS SOUGHT THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
"GREAT PROGRESS WAS MADE IN VARIOUS FIELDS SUCH AS PUBLIC UTILITIES, CONSTRUCTION, EDUCATION, INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
"HOWEVER, WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE AT THE LOCAL RETAIL LEVEL. THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO ORGANISE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND ENCOURAGE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL PARTICIPATION,’’ HE SAID.
"THE CHINESE CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION ENABLES NOT ONLY THE STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM KNOWING MORE ABOUT METRICATION, BUT ALSO THEIR PARENTS TO HAVE A CLEARER CONCEPT OF WHAT METRICATION IS THROUGH PARTICI PATTON WITH THEIR CHILDREN AS A FAMILY UNIT," HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, A COMMITTEE MEMBER MR KWAN KON-WAH SAID: "JUDGING FROM THESE ENTRIES, THE YOUNGER GENERATION HAS CERTAINLY PROVIDED A NEW AND INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE ON HOW METRICATION CAN BE PROMOTED AT HOME AND IN THE COMMUNITY.
"I AM PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY THE KEEN RESPONSE FROM THE PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS," HE XDOED.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISED MR PONG SHOON-KUENG OF THE OVERSEAS CHINESE DAILY NEW’S, MR FUNG YTM-WAH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AS WELL AS MR h Y TONGSON AND MR ANTHONS WAN OF THE METRI CATION COMMITTEE.
JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAN METRIC SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTERS EARLY THIS YEAR WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPOINTMENT AS METRICATION AMBASSADORS AT THE ( EREMONY .
’THESE AMBASSADORS HAVE MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND THEY HAVE FOUND THEIR PARTICIPATION AN EQUALLY USEFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE," MR TONGSON SAID.
TO FURTHER PROMOTE METRICATION, THE COMMITTEE WILL SET UP A METRIC,’ SCALE DEMONSTRATION COUNTER AT THE FIFTH FOOD EXPO ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO BE HELD FROM AUGUST 17 TO 21 AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
"WE HOPE TO EXTEND THE METRICATION AMBASSADOR SCHEME TO OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS THROUGH THESE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
"ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE INTERESTED TN THE SCHEME SHOULD CONTACT THE COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT ON 810 3013," MR TONGSON SAID.
WINNING ENTRIES OF THE CHINESE CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY LINK DYEING WORKS LTD WILL BE PUT UP IN MOBILE EXHIBITIONS FROM MID-JULY ONWARDS IN EIGHT URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
------0-----------
/8 ........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 199<1
- 8
RESIDENTS URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
* * * * »
KEEN SUPPORT FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS IS REQUIRED IN THE TERRITORYWIDE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROBERT CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION OF THE FAIRVIEW PARK ASSOCIATION, MR CHAN APPEALED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
AS THE VOTING AGE HAS NOW BEEN LOWERED TO 18, HE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO URGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO RESPOND ACTIVELY.
HE SAID THOSE REGISTERED WERE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
------0--------
WATER CUTS IN SHEUNG WAN, TAI PO AND KWAI CHUNG
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 23) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT CHUNG KING ROAD, CHUNG KONG ROAD, WESTERN FIRE SERVICES STREET, 3-87 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, ON TAI STREET, TUNG LOI LANE, TUNG HING LANE, NEW MARKET STREET, IB MORRISON STREET, 25-27 AND 28-32 QUEEN STREET, 163-247 AND 112A-216 WING LOK STREET, 1-71 AND 2-16 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, 135 BONHAM STRAND AS WELL AS 1-85 AND 32-46 BONHAM STRAND WEST.
BECAUSE OF SIMILAR WORKS, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO HONG LOK YUEN IN TAI PO WILL GO OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
ALSO, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM ON TUESDAY TO FACILITATE ELECTRICAL WORKS IN HA LO WAI SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SHING MUN ROAD AND WO YI HOP ROAD, INCLUDING LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE, SHEK YAM ESTATE AND SHEK LEI ESTATE.
---------0-----------
/9 .......
SATURDAY. MAY 21. 1994
- 9 -
LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION
*****
ONE HUNDRED CAR REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $4,571,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK *XX7 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1,650,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK *FC8 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $328,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR FX910, FW1984, FX6610, BJ8094, FW7351, FX6693.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ s $ 8
FX910 1,000 FX278 6,000 AW372 10,000 FW813 13,000
FW238 40,000 DW330 15,000 FX338 88,000 FX786 3,000
♦FW303 10,000 *DK29 65,000 ♦ DD24 32,000 *4278 47,000
FX8131 5,000 FX1118 17,000 DY118 63,000 FX230 13,000
AB104 12,000 FW625 WITHDRAWN! BE1608 12,000 FX8808 18,000
FW826 11,000 FX108 37,000 FW721 3,000 CB206 13,000
FW1984 • 1,000 FX3811 6,000 FX6628 25,000 FX6133 4,000
♦ BC98 80,000 ♦AU696 16,000 ♦ XX7 1,650,000 *ER666 55,000
FX926 3,000 ES1638 18,000 FX1312 3,000 FW8399 2,000
BB3156 3,000 FW2313 4,000 FX3363 6,000 FX779 6,000
CF269 12,000 FW9111 7,000 ♦DL6767 15,000 FX369 32,000
FW3278 9,000 FX6610 1,000 BJ8094 1,000 ♦CC515 52,000
FW7351 1,000 FX6693 1,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
AW37O 9,000 FX1388 42,000 FX'210 7,000 FX1988 6,000
FX328 75,000 CX340 5,000 HK286 150,000 DW3U 20,000
♦FW383 80,000 *EX2828 43,000 *ER33 120,000 *6898 110,000
FX7178 7,000 FX1121 2,000 FX238 40,000 FX220 8,000
CT310 6,000 FW3882 16,000 FX932 8,000 AA801 48,000
FW9444 WITHDRAWN AA104 22,000 DY288 60,000 FX169 10,000
FX102 26,000 FW8889 25,000 FW8333 38,000 FX1238 8,000
♦FY898 80,000 *DK27 48,000 *FC8 328,000 *CC17 163,000
FW3233 7,000 FW668 92,000 FX778 30,000 FX8886 22,000
BW1638 38,000 FX6368 6,000 FX2382 4,000 FX1218 5,000
CT923 22,000 FX9998 18,000 *FX123 55,000 FW3999 9,000
CT896 15,000 EC5001 4,000 FX3878 6,000 ♦CK9000 72,000
FW8082 5,000 FX8690 2,000
THERE WERE
NO BIDDER FOR FW625 AND FW9444.
THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1994
- 10 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONL\ TO CARS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 226TH AND 227TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $318,992,905.
------0--------
FIRING PRACTICE IN JUNE * * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES FOR THE FIRING PRACTICE:
DATE TIME
JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 2 (THURSDAY) 9 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 15 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 5 PM
JUNE 29 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 11.59 PM
JUNE 30 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
0
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * * ♦ »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,357 0930 -1,225
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,612 1000 -1,225
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -1,225
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,225 1130 -1,225
LAF TODAY -520 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 *+0.0* 21.5.94
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DIRECTOR OF LANDS VISITS SHANGHAI............................ 1
UNSPARING EFFORTS TO GET MESSAGE ACROSS...................... 1
SHAM SHUI PO VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IN FULL GEAR........... 2
REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR A BETTER FUTURE....................... 2
PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED.............. 3
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNBOARDS................................................... 3
APPLICATIONS FOR 1995 FLAG DAYS INVITED.................... • 4
HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE MOVES OFFICE.............. 5
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
1
DIRECTOR OF LANDS VISITS SHANGHAI
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR ROBERT POPE, WILL LEAD A FOUR-MEMBER DELEGATION ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO SHANGHAI TOMORROW (MONDAY).
DURING THE SIX-DAY VISIT, THE DELEGATION WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE LAND ADMINISTRATION BUREAU OF THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL TO DISCUSS REFORM SYSTEMS ON LAND USE AND REFORMS ON HOUSING SYSTEM.
THE DELEGATION WILL ALSO PRESENT A PAPER ON THE LAND TENURE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
THEY WILL VISIT THE REAL ESTATE CENTRE, THE PUDONG NEW TOWN AND MAJOR URBAN DEVELOPMENTS OF THE MUNICIPAL. IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING A UNIVERSITY SEMINAR.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE MR TOM BERRY, PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR; MR LEUNG SHOU-CHUN, GOVERNMENT LAND SURVEYOR; MR NG HANG-KWONG, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT/HONG KONG AND MR CHUNG WING-KAI, DISTRICT LANDS OFF1CER/HONG KONG EAST.
------0-------
UNSPARING EFFORTS TO GET MESSAGE ACROSS *****
THE PAST SEVEN WEEKS HAVE PROVED TO BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE FOR THE TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WORKING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT. /
THANKS TO THEIR UNSPARING EFFORTS, MORE THAN 13,000 VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SO FAR.
THE 140-PLUS COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ARE TASKED UPON TO KNOCK AT EVERY DOOR OF THE 77,000 LOCAL FAMILIES, TO PUT ACROSS THE VOTER REGISTRATION MESSAGE AND TO CONVINCE RESIDENTS TO REGISTER.
”1T IS A KING-SIZED JOB. WE APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORT VERY MUCH,” CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER MR. HERMAN CHO SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE HOUSEHOLD VISIT EXERCISE WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID-JUNE.
APART FROM CONDUCTING HOME VISITS, THEY ALSO MAKE THEIR APPEAL TO PEDESTRIANS ON THE STREET.
THEY GO TO BUS STOPS, MTR STATIONS, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, AND LO( AL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
WITH THE LOWERING OF THE VOTING AGE FROM 21 TO IS, MR CHO SAID, SPECIAL EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO THIS NEW TARGET GROUP.
/A COUNTER .......
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
2
A COUNTER WAS SET UP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG LAST MONTH TO ESPECIALLY CATCH UNDERGRADUATES BEFORE THEIR TERM ENDS THIS MAY.
APPEAL LETTERS HAVE ALSO BEEN SENT TO ALL THE LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
MR CHO URGED ALL THOSE RESIDENTS WHO WERE ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO SIGN UP BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN ENDED ON JULY I TO ENABLE THEM TO VOTE IN THE FORTHCOMING THREE-TIER ELECTIONS THIS SEPTEMBER AND NEXT YEAR.
------0-------
SHAM SHUT PG VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE IN FULL GEAR
* * * * ♦
THE SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT OFFICER. MS LINDA LAI, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS oF HIE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
OFFICIATING AT THE SHAN SHU.I PO DISTRICT VOTER REGISTRATION PUBLICITY DRIVE AT MAPLE STREET SPOR'I SGROUND, MS LAI ALSO URGED YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OE I8 TO BECOME ELECTORS.
THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION DEPENDED OK THE ACTIVE
PARI H I RATION AND SUPPORT OF I’HI PUBLIC AND THE VOTERS. SHF SA ID.
THE SHAM SHI I PO DISTRICT OFFICE STATE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN CoNDUC ; I NG HOUSEHOLD VISITS 1’0 \SSIST RESIDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
THEY ARE ALSO TRYING THEIR BEST TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION 1“ THE STREETS, AT MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AND SHOPPING ARCADES.
VOTER REGISTRATION BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP IN THE CITY* POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
------0-------
REGISTER AS VOTERS FOR A BETTER FUTURE *****
THE BEST WAY TO STRIVE FOR Y BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION IS 1*0 REGISTER \S A VOTER, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO RESIDENTS AT A CARNIVAL, MR KWOK SAID REGISTERED VOTERS COULD ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO SPEAK OUT FOR THEM IN THE THREE-TIER ( OUNc ILS.
’’ANYONE WHO REACHES THE AGE OF 18 BEFORE JUNE 30 SHOULD TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET REGISTERED BEFORE 1’HE REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES ON JULY 1,’* HE ADDED.
MEANTIME, STAFF MEMBERS OF THE WoN<. TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE Will. CONTINUE 'IO HELP RESIDENTS FILL IN REGISTRATION FORMS OUTSIDE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS, SUPERMARKETS, BANKS AND COMMERCIAI COMPLEXES.
/DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
- 3 -
DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS ARE ALSO BEING CONDUCTED TO DRIVE HOME THE "REGISTER TO VOTE" MESSAGE.
ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN tH SENDING IN THEIR REGISTRATION FORMS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, BANKS AND OFFICES OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
------0--------
PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED *****
FOOD WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS MUST PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGES, CHINESE OR ENGLISH, AS STIPULATED BY THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) OFFENDERS WERE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS UPON CONVICTION.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING THREE COURT CASES IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT STORES IN CAUSEWAY BAS, QUEENSWAY AND TSIM SHA TSUI WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $24,500 AFTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY OF SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PRE-PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS.
THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF PREPACKAGED FOOD TO MARK OR LABEL IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH WITH THE NAME OR DESIGNATION OF THE FOOD, THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS, AN INDICATION OF ITS MINIMUM DURABILITY, NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MANUFACTURER, AND THE NUMERICAL COUNT OF THE CONTENTS OR THE NET WEIGHT OF THE FOOD.
------0--------
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT DANGEROUS ADVERTISEMENT SIGNBOARDS *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC' ARE URGED TO REPORT TO THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ANY ADVERTISEMENT SIGNBOARDS THAT MIGHT POSE A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC.
HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION MR MIKE GREEN SAID: "THERE IS PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE RISK OF DANGER FROM ADVERTISEMENT SIGNBOARDS OVERHANGING PUBLIC STREETS."
UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS IS DELEGATED THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE ADVERTISEMENT SIGNBOARDS THAT ARE, OR ARE LIKELY TO BECOME, DANGEROUS. THEY INCLUDE THOSE THAT MAY BECOME DANGEROUS THROUGH LACK OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE.
/IN THE .......
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
IN THE 1993/94 FISCAL YEAR. 56 NOTICES WERE ISSUED TO OWNERS OE DANGEROUS SIGNS REQUIRING I'HEIR REMOVAL. THIRTY-TWO OWNERS COMPLIED WITH THE NOTICES, WHILE 24 SIGNBOARDS WERE' REMOVED RY THE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEIR OWNERS COULD NOT BE TRACED.
IN ADDITION. 59 SIGNBOARDS WERE REMOVED WITHOUT NOTICE UNDER EMERGENCY.
MR GREEN HAS RECENTLY WRITTEN TO THE CHAIRMEN OF ALL DISTRICT BOARDS, CALLING FOR THEIR HELP IN ENCOURAGING THEIR CONSTITUENTS TO REPORT ANY SUSPECT SIGNS.
THE REPORTS CAN BE MADE ON A SPECIAL COMPLAINT TELEPHONE NUMBER 848 2487 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS FOR 1995 FLAG DAYS INVITED
* * * * *
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO HOLD FLAG DAYS NEXT YEAR ARE REMINDED TO APPLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ABOUT 50 FLAG DAVS WI LI BE ALLOCATED NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT APPLICANTS MUST BE BONA FIDE, NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS UNDER THE INLAND REVENGE ORDINANCE.
"ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THI MERITS OF THE SERVICE OR SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR WHICH A FLAG DAY IS PROPOSED, THE ORGANISATION’S FINANCIAL NEEDS, AND ITS ABILITY TO CONDUCT SUCH ACTIVITIES,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH A FLAG DAY SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NEED TO OBSERVE THE CONDITIONS FOR HOLDING FLAG DAYS AS LAID DOWN ON A PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION PERMIT ISSUED UNDER THE SUMMARA OFFENCES ORDINANCE. •
APPLICATION KORNS 'AN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, ROOM 920, NINTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
THE COMPLETED FORM, TOGETHER WITH A COPY OF THE ORGANISATION’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS, MUST REACH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MAY 31. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED BY OCTOBER.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 892 5293.
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1994
- 5 -
HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE MOVES OFFICE » * t » *
THE OFFICE OF THE HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE HAS BEEN MOVED TO KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
THE NEW OFFICE, LOCATED ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, HAS A RESOURCE CENTRE WHERE PARENTS AND EXECUTIVES OF PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) CAN EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS AND STUDY CONSTITUTIONS AND NEWSLETTERS PREPARED BY OTHER PTA’S.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE ARE:
NAME OF THE OFFICER TELEPHONE
EDUCATION OFFICER, MR COLIN LIU
ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER, MISS LI MAN-WAH
ITS FAX NUMBER IS 781 0206.
782 7643
782 7642
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWO MORE ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED ....................... 1
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS AGAIN ........... 2
FIGURES SHOW A DECLINE IN EMIGRATION ................. 2
IMPLEMENTATION OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST HAITI.......... 3
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR APRIL ..................... 4
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER ASSESSMENT RESULTS ANNOUNCED ........................................... 10
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDANCE NOTES REVISED ............................................. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ................................ 11
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT .............................................. 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .......................................... 12
MONDAY, MAY 23,
1994
1
TWO MORE ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF TWO AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF OVER $64.3 MILLION.
A $39.9-MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO CHUN WO CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUI O ”B" PUMPING STATION, WATERMAINS AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
THE CONTRACT IS PART OF THE NORTH LANTAU WATER SUPPLY PROJECT TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN AND OTHER PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH LANTAU.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1996.
THE OTHER CONTRACT, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED TO HONG KONG KWONG TAI BUILDERS LIMITED AT A PRICE OF $24.4 MILLION, COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MICROWAVE LINK RELAY STATION IN NORTH LANTAU FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE COMPANY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WHICH COMPRISES AN EQUIPMENT ROOM, PERMANENT AND EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY FACILITIES, FIRE PROTECTION PROVISION, A STEEL TOWER TO ACCOMMODATE THE ANTENNAS, A HELIPAD FOR ACCESS AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
WORK WILL COMMENCE NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1995.
THE AWARD OF THESE TWO CONTRACTS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE GOVRNMENT TO 42, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF MORE THAN $32 BILLION.
TOGETHER WITH THE SIX CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, VALUED AT $10.7 BILLION, AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, AND THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR THE ACP IS OVER $48.4 BILLION.
-------------0----------------
2/ .............
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
2
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS AGAIN ♦ * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL MEET AT 11 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) TO DISCUSS THE ADMINISTRATION’S FUNDING PROPOSAL FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE AND RELATED WORKS.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CONFERENCE HALL, FIRST FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING (NEW ANNEXE), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MR CHAN HO-KEUNG AT 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
AS SEATING IN THE CONFERENCE HALL 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 - -
FIGURES SHOW A DECLINE IN EMIGRATION *****
THE LATEST STATISTICS ON EMIGRATION COMPILED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOW A MARKED DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF LOCAL RESIDENTS EMIGRATING LAST YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THE STATISTICS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AN ESTIMATED 53,000 PEOPLE EMIGRATED FROM HONG KONG IN 1993.
COMPARABLE FIGURES FOR 1991 AND 1992 ARE 60,000 AND 66,000 RESPECTIVELY.
’’THE STATISTICS ARE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF VISAS ISSUED BY THE CONSULATES OF MAIN DESTINATION COUNTRIES IN HONG KONG, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE LEAD TIME FOR THE TAKING UP OF THE VISAS BY THE EMIGRANTS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE IMMIGRANT VISAS ISSUED IN OTHER COUNTRIES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS,” HE SAID.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
3 -
"THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE OBTAINING IMMIGRANT VISAS OUTSIDE HONG KONG."
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURE FOR 1993, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECREASE WAS POSSIBLY DUE TO THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AND REDUCED INTAKE OF SOME DESTINATION COUNTRIES.
ON THE TREND FOR THE FUTURE, HE SAID THE NUMBER OF EMIGRANTS WOULD STILL DEPEND HEAVILY ON THE IMMIGRATION POLICIES OF DESTINATION COUNTRIES.
EMIGRATION IN 1994 IS EXPECTED TO BE AROUND THE 60,000 MARK.
0
IMPLEMENTATION OF UN SANCTIONS AGAINST HAITI
*****
SPECIFIC POWERS FOR THE BETTER IMPLEMENTATION OF A UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN EXTENDING A RANGE OF SANCTIONS AGAINST HAITI HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IN A UNITED KINGDOM ORDER IN COUNCIL WHICH COMES INTO FORCE TODAY (MONDAY).
THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL ON MAY 6.
THE ORDER RE-ENACTS WITH CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS, THE PROVISIONS OF THE HAITI (UNITED NATIONS SANCTIONS) ORDER 1993 AND IMPOSES FURTHER RESTRICTIONS PURSUANT TO SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 917 ON THE EXPORT OF GOODS TO HAITI AND THE SUPPLY OF GOODS TO PERSONS CONNECTED WITH HAITI AND ON THE IMPORTATION OF GOODS THEREFROM.
THE ORDER RESTRICTS CERTAIN RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE CARRIAGE OF PROHIBITED GOODS IN SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT.
THE ORDER ALSO PROHIBITS AIRCRAFT FROM TAKING OFF FROM, LANDING IN OR OVER-FLYING HONG KONG IF THEY ARE DESTINED FOR, OR HAVE TAKEN OFF FROM, HAITI, UNLESS THE AIRCRAFT IS CARRYING PASSENGERS AND UNDERTAKING A SCHEDULED JOURNEY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE ORDER ALSO RESTRICTS THE MAKING OF PAYMENTS UNDER ANY BOND IN RESPECT OF A CONTRACT THE PERFORMANCE OF WHICH IS UNLAWFUL BY VIRTUE OF THE ORDER, AND PROHIBITS THE MAKING OR OBTAINING OF PAYMENTS UNDER CERTAIN INDEMNITIES IN RESPECT OF SUCH BONDS.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
- 4 -
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT FULLY HONG KONG’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE ORDER IN COUNCIL.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE! DIRECTED TOWARDS THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS FOLLOWS:
GENERAL AND PRESS ENQUIRIES:
DUTY OFICER, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
(TEL NO: 842 8747)
TRADE RELATED MATTERS:
TRADE DEPARTMENT
(TEXTILE - TEL NO: 398 5450)
(NON-TEXTILES - TEL NO: 398 5556/398 5572)
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT
(TEL NO: 852 3303)
MARINE MATTERS:
MARINE DEPARTMENT
(TEL NO: 852 4403)
FLIGHTS AND AVIATION RELATED MATTERS:
CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT
(TEL NO: 867 4210 OR 867 4211)
FINANCIAL SERVICES RELATED MATTERS:
FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH
(TEL NO: 527 1893)
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR APRIL
*****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN APRIL 1994 WAS 7.7% HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1993, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) WAS 8.0% IN MARCH. THE SLOWER INCREASE IN APRIL WAS MAINLY DUE TO A MODERATION IN THE PRICES OF MOST FRESH FOOD ITEMS AND IN THE CHARGES FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS.
TAKING THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS TOGEHTER, THE CPI(A) ROSE BY 7.4% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF 8.5% RECORDED IN 1993.
THE CPI(B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 8.2% AND 9.9% RESPECTIVELY IN APRIL 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN MARCH 1994 WERE 8.2% AND 9.2%.
THE FASTER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CPI IN APRIL THAN IN MARCH WAS MAINLY DUE TO FASTER INCREASES IN THE RENT FOR PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND THE PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE EFFECT OF THE SLOWER INCREASE IN FOOD PRICES.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
5
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHELDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 8.4% IN APRIL 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. INCREASE OF THE SAME MAGNITUDE WAS ALSO RECORDED IN MARCH.
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH APRIL 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (2.2% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.3% IN THE CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (2.4% AND 2.6%); FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS AT RESTAURANTS) (2.9% AND 3.5%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.2% AND 5.9%); AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (6.8 % AND 6.1%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (11.7% IN THE CPI(A) AND 10.8% IN THE CP1(B)); HOUSING (11.0% AND 11.4%); TRANSPORT (10.2% AND 9.6%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (8.0% AND 8.4%).
AS FOR MEALS AT RESTAURANTS, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE WAS 7.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 7.7% IN THE CPI(B).
COMPARING APRIL 1994 WITH MARCH 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED BY 0.9% AND 1.3% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO APRIL 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 7.4% AND 7.8% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 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 DESEASONALISFD CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.9% PFR MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1994.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1-2 AND CHARTS 1-4.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR APRIL 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THF CFNSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 805 6403.
DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LIMITED.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
6
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for April 1994
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng GT Caiposite CPI
Component Index for Apr 94 % change over Apr 93 Index for Apr 94 % change over Apr 93 Index for Apr 94 % change oxer Apr 93 Index for Apr 94 % change over Apr 93
Food 137.9 +5.5 140.3 +6.1 142.0 +7.3 139.6 "6.1
Meals bought away fran hare 150.4 "7.9 150.0 "7.7 149.9 -9.2 150.2 -8.1
Food, excluding meals bought away from hare 125.5 +2.9 126.8 +3.5 128.6 +3.7 126.5 "3.3
Housing 160.8 +11.0 162.3 +11.4 168.4 +14.8 163.8 "12.4
Fuel and light 121.9 +2.2 121.4 +2.3 122.1 "2.7 121.8 "2.3
Alcdtolic drinks and tobacco 185.6 +5.2 176.5 +5.9 172.0 +6.0 180.5 +5.5
Clothing and footwear 138.6 +8.0 140.8 +8.4 147.5 "10.4 142.5 "9.0
IXirable goods 111.9 +2.4 111.7 +2.6 117.2 +2.5 113.4 "2.5
Miscellaneous goods 130.2 "6.8 127.3 +6.1 126.2 +6.0 128.1 "6.3
Transport 146.0 +10.2 144.6 +9.6 143.6 "8.2 144.8 "9.4
Miscellaneous services 154.2 +11.7 149.5 +10.8 141.2 +9.1 148.5 "10.6
All iterrs 143.8 +7.7 144.8 +8.2 147.9 +9.9 145.2 "8.4
The 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on the expenditure patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of urban households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-39,999 in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure patten) of the next 30% of urban households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-$17,499 in the same period. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of urban lx>useholds, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-837,499 in 1989/90.
Whereas the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of houseliolds with different rragnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is ccnipiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Unis, virile the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Haiig Seng CPI six* the impact of consider price changes on different groups of houseliolds, the Composite CPI sliows the impact of consumer price changes on the houseliold sector generally.
7/ ...............
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
7
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - April 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/mon th 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
8/ ...........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
- 8
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
9/ .............
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
- 9 -
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
10/ ...........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994 - 10 - ’
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER ASSESSMENT RESULTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT 90 OUT OF 137 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED IN THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT (NGTQA) EXAMINATION HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE PASSING RATE WAS 66 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 52 PER CENT LAST YEAR.
’’THE 1994 ASSESSMENT RESULTS ARE ENCOURAGING,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
LETTERS OF NOTIFICATION HAVE BEEN SENT TO CANDIDATES, WHETHER THEY HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE EXAMINATION OR NOT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OUT OF 90 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES, 71 WERE QUALIFIED TO USE CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WHILE 19 COULD TEACH IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
NINETEEN CANDIDATES PASSED ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXAMINATION. A TOTAL OF 71 PASSED PARTS I AND II.
PART 1 OF THE EXAMINATION IS TO TEST THE CANDIDATES ON GENERAL EDUCATION, PART II ON THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND PART III, PR SESSIONAL TRAINING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NGTQA SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5 TO IDENTIFY A WIDER POOL OF POTENTIAL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OBTAINED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
CANDIDATES WHO FAILED IN ONE SUBJECT IN A SITTING MAY APPLY TO RESIT THE EXAMINATION ONCE ON THE SUBJECT IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS.
HOWEVER, A CANDIDATE UHO FAILS IN TWO OR MORE SUBJECTS IN ONE SITTING OR FAILS IN THE SAME SUBJECT IN TWO ATTEMPTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPEAT THE WHOLE EXAMINATION.
ON THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF 1993 NGTQA CANDIDATES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 61 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES HAD REPORTED HAVING OBTAINED TEACHING APPOINTMENTS.
TN ADDITION, 21 CANDIDATES WOULD BE EMPLOYED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AMONG THE 23 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WHO PASSED ALL THREE PARTS OF THE 1993 NGTQA EXAMINATION, 18 WERE UNDERGOING SUPERVISED PRACTICAL TEACHING.
THEY WOULD BE GIVEN QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUS ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE SUPERVISED TEACHING PERIOD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ON THE WHOLE, THE TEACHING PERFORMANCE OF TEACHERS QUALIFIED THROUGH THE NGTQA SCHEME WAS SATISFACTORY.
11/ .............
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
11
PLANNING APPLICATION FORM AND GUIDANCE NOTES REVISED *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS REVISED THE FORM AND GUIDANCE NOTES FOR PLANNING APPLICATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF AREAS COVERED BY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (OZPS), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE CURRENT FORM ONLY CATERS FOR THE NEED OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS AND NEW TOWNS WHERE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN PROVIDED.
"THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON PLANNING PROPOSALS SUCH AS SITE FORMATION AND INFRASTRUCTURAL PROVISIONS.
"WITH THE GRADUAL PUBLICATION OF RURAL OZPS WHICH REPLACE THE DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA PLANS IN THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES, IT IS NECESSARY TO AMEND THE CURRENT APPLICATION FORM SO THAT THE BOARD WILL HAVE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF THREE RURAL OZPS HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED. THEY ARE PING KONG OZP, FA SAM HANG AND KWUN YAM SHAN OZP AND HO CHUNG OZP.
COPIES OF THE REVISED FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SECRETARIAT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING; AND THE DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICES OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
-----0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 379.403 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 299.432 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER REPRESENTING 51.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
----------0-------------
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN KWUN TONG SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT CAUSING DANGER TO OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE, USED FOR DWELLING PURPOSE, IS ON THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING AT 20 YUET WAH STREET.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON SEPTEMBER 27 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
12/ ...........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1994
12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » » * t *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,612 0930 -8
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,404 1000 -69
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 100
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 112 1200 + 112
LAF TODAY -320 1500 + 112
1600 + 112
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.7 »-0.1» 23.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.73 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.90 5.71
1 MONTH 3.88 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.63 6.10
3 MONTHS 4.26 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.30 6.41
6 MONTHS 4.74 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.48 6.57
12 : MONTHS 5.22 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.92 6.67
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,354 MN
CLOSED 23 MAY 1994
----------0--------------
. Si
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST LOCAL LAW OFFICERS APPOINTED........................... 1
STATEMENT ON AIRPORT FINANCING............................... 3
EXCO APPROVES YAUMATI FERRY FARE RISE........................ 3
$742 MILLION WORKS CONTRACT AWARDED.......................... 4
FISHERMEN’S CLAIMS BEING PROCESSED........................... 5
PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON TV BROADCASTS................... 6
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MARCH..... 7
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES UP..................... 10
LANGUAGE FUND COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING................. 11
ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE TO HOLD OPEN DAYS....... 12
POST OFFICE APPOINTS TWO COURIER COMPANIES.................. 13
NEW STAMPS ON CHINESE FESTIVALS............................. 13
193 VMS RETURN HOME......................................... 14
TWO GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION................................... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................. 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
16
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
1
FIRST LOCAL LAW OFFICERS APPOINTED *****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR PETER V T NGUYEN AND MR DANIEL R FUNG, QC AS HONG KONG’S FIRST TWO LOCAL LAW OFFICERS.
MR NGUYEN HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE NEXT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS WHILE MR FUNG WILL BECOME THE SOLICITOR GENERAL.
MR NGUYEN, WHO WILL SUCCEED MR JOHN WOOD, WHO WILL RETIRE AND RETURN TO BRITAIN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT IN JULY. MR FUNG WILL ASSUME OFFICE IN DECEMBER 1994.
MR MATHEWS, IN WELCOMING THESE APPOINTMENTS SAID MR NGUYEN AND MR FUNG, BOTH HIGHLY RESPECTED SENIOR BARRISTERS, WILL BRING A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
HE NOTED THAT THEIR APPOINTMENTS MARKED A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN THE LOCALISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT, AT A VERY SENIOR LEVEL. HE LOOKED FORWARD VERY MUCH TO WORKING WITH THEM.
WITH THEIR APPOINTMENTS, 28.8 PER CENT OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTORATE ARE LOCAL OFFICERS, AS COMPARED WITH 6.3 PER CENT IN 1988, WHEN A NUMBER OF SCHEMES WERE INTRODUCED TO SPEED UP LOCALISATION IN THE DEPARTMENT, WHILE THE PROPORTION OF LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT OVERALL HAS JUMPED FROM ONE THIRD IN 1988 TO OVER HALF.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BIOGRAPHIES OF MR NGUYEN AND MR FUNG:
MR PETER V T NGUYEN, NEWLY-APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS
BORN IN 1943, MR NGUYEN WAS CALLED TO THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES IN 1970, AND TO THE HONG KONG BAR IN 1974.
MR NGUYEN SERVED AS AN ASSISTANT CROWN COUNSEL AND CROWN COUNSEL IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT FROM AUGUST 1970 TO NOVEMBER 1974, DURING WHICH PERIOD HE PROSECUTED IN ALL LEVELS OF THE COURTS.
MR NGUYEN WENT INTO PRIVATE PRACTICE SINCE 1974, STARTING WITH A MIXED PRACTICE DURING THE INITIAL FIRST FEW YEARS BUT AFTER THAT HAVING AN EXCLUSIVELY CRIMINAL PRACTICE.
DURING THESE YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE, HE HAS PROSECUTED AND DEFENDED IN MANY COMPLEX CASES, INCLUDING BRIBERY AND FRAUD CASES.
MR NGUYEN SERVED AS A MEMBER OF THE BAR COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION IN 1984; THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION SUB-COMMITTEE ON BAIL IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS (1986-88); AND THE CORRUPTION PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE ICAC (1990-91).
MR NGUYEN IS MARRIED WITH TWO SONS.
/MR DANIEL .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
2
MR DANIEL R FUNG, QC NEWLY-APPOINTED SOLICITOR GENERAL
MR FUNG WAS BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1953.
AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON IN 1974, HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES IN 1975 AND ADMITTED TO THE HONG KONG BAR IN 1977. HE WAS APPOINTED A QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1990.
MR FUNG HAS A COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC LAW PRACTICE, AND HAS APPEARED IN MANY BILL OF RIGHTS CASES.
HE ALSO HAS A DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF PUBLIC, LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SERVICE.
HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE BASIC LAW CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FROM 1985 TO 1990; A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL STUDIES BOARD BETWEEN 1988 AND 1989; A MEMBER OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON BILL OF RIGHTS IN 1988; AND A PART-TIME MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT BETWEEN 1993 AND 1994.
HE WAS ALSO A DEPUTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE IN 1986 AND SAT AS DEPUTY HIGH COURT JUDGE BETWEEN 1992 AND APRIL THIS YEAR.
MR FUNG WAS THE HON. SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION FROM 1985 TO 1988; AND A MEMBER OF THE BAR COUNCIL BETWEEN 1984 AND 1991.
MR FUNG SERVED AS HONORARY LECTURER AND EXTERNAL EXAMINER IN THE FACULTY OF LAW, HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FROM 1987 TO 1994 AND IS CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE FACULTY BOARD, LAW FACULTY, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE NEWLY-APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, MR PETER NGUYEN, AND SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR DANIEL FUNG, QC WILL MEET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES RESPECTIVELY IN THEIR OFFICES THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR FUNG WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AT 3 PM IN HIS CHAMBERS AT SUITES 1517-1522, TWO PACIFIC PLACE, 88 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
MR NGUYEN WILL MEET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT 4.30 PM IN HIS CHAMBERS AT 22ND FLOOR, ON HING BUILDING, 1-9 ON HING TERRACE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSIONS.
---------0-----------
/3 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
3
STATEMENT ON AIRPORT FINANCING
» * » » »
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS ON REMARKS TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE CHINESE STATE COUNCIL, MR LU PING, ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN AGREEMENT SOON ON FINANCING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"WE WELCOME THIS INDICATION THAT OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY WILL BE BROUGHT TO AN EARLY AND SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION.
"WE WILL ALSO WELCOME FURTHER CONSULTATIONS ON THE AIRPORT CORPORATION BILL."
------0--------
EXCO APPROVES YAUMATI FERRY FARE RISE
» t » » »
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A FARE INCREASE BY AN OVERALL WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 14.2 PER CENT FOR THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF).
HYF LAST REVISED ITS FARES TWO YEARS AGO.
THE STATUTORY ORDER SETTING OUT THE NEW FARES WILL BE GAZETTED AND SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL WITH A VIEW TO IMPLEMENTING IT ON JULY 1.
IN APPROVING THE FARE INCREASE, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE FOLLOWING CONCESSIONS TO BE INTRODUCED TOGETHER WITH THE NEW FARES.
» THE HIGHER WEEKEND FARES FOR OUTLYING ISLAND SERVICES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
» THE EXISTING CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 WILL BE EXTENDED TO HOVERFERRY SERVICES.
* THE EXISTING CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 65 AND ABOVE WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL ROUTES AT ALL TIME AND IN ALL NON-DELUXE CLASSES.
THE FARE CHANGES FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
RANGE OF % INCREASE IN
INCREASE MONEY TERMS
PASSENGER SERVICES
- CROSS HARBOUR 13% - 19% 30 CENTS - 50 CENTS
- NEW TOWN - OUTLYING DISTRICTS 10% - 20% 50 CENTS - $2
- WEEKDAYS 12% - 22% 50 CENTS - $3
- WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS 8% - 22% 50 CENTS - $3.5
/EXTENSION OF .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
4
RANGE OF % REDUCTION IN
REDUCTION MONEY TERMS
EXTENSION OF
CONCESSIONARY FARE
SCHEME FOR ELDERLY
PASSENGERS 33% - 45% $1.4 - $9
EXTENSION OF
CONCESSIONARY FARE
SCHEME FOR CHILDREN 33% - 40% $1.5 - $6
SATURDAY MORNING
FARE REDUCTIONS 12% - 67% $0.7 - $9
ALSO, FARES FOR VEHICULAR SERVICES WILL GO UP BY AN AVERAGE OF 7.6 PER CENT AND FREIGHT SERVICE BY 20 PER CENT. THE NON-PEAK HOUR DISCOUNTED FARE FOR NEW TOWN HOVERFERRY SERVICES WILL BE WITHDRAWN.
THE APPROVED RATE OF INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THE ESTIMATED INFLATION RATE OF 17 PER CENT FROM JULY 1992 TO JULY 1994. OVERALL ABOUT 77 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PASSENGERS WILL HAVE THEIR FARES INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT AND BELOW.
THE NEW FARES WILL ONLY INCREASE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) MARGINALLY BY 0.01 PER CENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID EVEN WITH THE APPROVED FARE INCREASE, THE COMPANY WOULD NOT BE MAKING ANY PROFIT THIS YEAR LARGELY BECAUSE OF DECREASING PATRONAGE, INCREASING OPERATING COST AND STRONGER COMPETITION FROM OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE FARE INCREASE WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO REDUCE THE ESTIMATED LOSS.
------0-------
$742 MILLION WORKS CONTRACT AWARDED
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED A $742-MILLION CONTRACT WITH THE AOKI CORPORATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MA ON SHAN TREATMENT WORKS.
THIS IS THE LARGEST CONTRACT EVER AWARDED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
UPON COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1996, THE MA ON SHAN TREATMENT WORKS WILL HAVE A PUMPING STATION AND A DAILY OUTPUT OF 227,000 CUBIC METRES AND A PRIMARY SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 40,000 CUBIC METRES.
IT CAN MEET THE DEMAND OF THE GROWING POPULATION IN MA ON SHAN AS WELL AS THE EASTERN AND WESTERN AREAS OF SHA TIN FOR MORE FRESH WATER SUPPLY.
/ANOTHER CONTRACT........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
5
ANOTHER CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND LAYING OF WATER MAINS FROM THE TREATMENT WORKS TO SHA TIN HAS ALSO BEEN AWARDED RECENTLY.
AFTER THE CONTRACT-SIGNING, MR HU ANNOUNCED HIS DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES FOR THIS YEAR.
"THE NEW PLEDGES AIM AT IMPROVING MY DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS BY ENHANCING OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND BY DEVELOPING A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE IN THE DEPARTMENT.
"THEY MAINLY COVER THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES RELATED TO WATER ACCOUNTS AND DAILY WATER SUPPLY MATTERS.
"IN THE PAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT ACHIEVED VERY SATISFACTORY RESULTS FOR ITS PERFORMANCE TARGETS," HE SAID.
MR HU SAID FOR MOST TARGETS, THE ACHIEVEMENT RATES HAD REACHED OR WERE VERY CLOSE TO 100 PER CENT.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE FRESH WATER QUALITY AT SUPPLY CONNECTION POINTS, WHICH IS CUSTOMERS’ MAJOR CONCERN, HAS ACHIEVED A COMPLIANCE RATE OF 99.9 PER CENT AGAINST THE GUIDELINE STANDARDS OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
OTHER MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS IN CUSTOMER SERVICES IN THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF A CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP, PUBLICATION OF A QUARTERLY CUSTOMER NEWSLETTER, REFURBISHMENT OF THE CUSTOMER ENQUIRY CENTRES AND THE COMMISSIONING OF THE WATER INFOLINK, A 24-HOUR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SYSTEM, MR HU POINTED OUT.
HE ADDED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE RESULTS OF LAST YEAR’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGES AND HAVING CONSIDERED VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS, HE HAD DECIDED TO ENHANCE SOME OF THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES MADE LAST YEAR AND INTRODUCED NEW TARGETS TO FURTHER IMPROVE SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS THIS YEAR.
MR HU SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD DEVOTE ITSELF TO PROVIDING RELIABLE, EFFICIENT AND CUSTOMER-ORIENTED SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
THE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUING ITS EFFORTS WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, HE STRESSED.
------0-------
FISHERMEN’S CLAIMS BEING PROCESSED
« t t t *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED FISHERMEN TO CONTINUE THEIR DIALOGUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN REGARD TO THEIR CLAIM FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR ANY REDUCTION OF CATCHES AS A RESULT OF DREDGING OR DUMPING WORK WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO PROCESS THEIR CLAIMS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. HE NOTED THAT PAYMENT TO FISHERMEN OPERATING OFF SOUTH CHEUNG CHAU WAS ALREADY MADE LAST AUGUST.
/"WE ARE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
6
"WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF HANDLING APPEALS FROM CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT.”
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE RATE OF PAYMENT WAS WORKED OUT ON FAIR AND EQUITABLE GROUND AND HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WHEN THEY APPROVED THE NECESSARY FUND FOR CURRENT EXERCISES.
IT IS BASED ON THREE TIMES THE ANNUAL NET INCOME OF EACH VESSEL OPERATING IN AN AFFECTED FISHING GROUND.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT REGISTRATION OF CLAIMS WAS EITHER IN PROGRESS OR HAD COMPLETED IN SEVEN LOCATIONS AND WOULD COMMENCE IN THREE OTHER LOCATIONS SHORTLY.
REGISTRATION OF LARGER VESSELS EXCEEDING 15 METRES WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST.
WITH REGARD TO THEIR REQUEST FOR RETENTION OF THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE UPON DISPOSAL OF THEIR VESSELS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE REQUEST WOULD BE CONSIDERED SYMPATHETICALLY.
ON THEIR DEMAND FOR IMPORTING HELPERS FROM CHINA, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL LABOUR IMPORTATION POLICY.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO UNDERTOOK TO REFER THEIR REQUEST FOR PUBLIC REHOUSING TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
------0-------
PUBLIC INVITED TO COMMENT ON TV BROADCASTS
*****
THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD DURING THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE ATV AND TVB COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCES WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY (MAY 28), THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID BOTH LICENCES WERE RENEWED IN DECEMBER 1988 FOR A TERM OF 12 YEARS EXPIRING IN DECEMBER 2000.
’’BOTH LICENCES CARRY A CONDITION STATING THAT THEY ARE SUBJECT TO RENEWAL BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON A DATE TO BE DETERMINED BUT NOT BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 1994,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE HEARING WAS TO OBTAIN FEEDBACK FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF COMMERCIAL TELEVISION BROADCASTS.
’’MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVITED TO COMMENT ON A RANGE OF TOPICS COVERING THE PROGRAMMES AND ADVERTISEMENTS BROADCAST,” HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DISCUSSIONS WOULD BE LIMITED TO POINTS FALLING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW AND WITH REGARD TO MATTERS CONCERNING POLICY. THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH WOULD CONDUCT A SEPARATE STUDY.
/"THE BROADCASTING .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
"THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON WHAT HAS BEEN BROADCAST OVER THE PAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS. THIS WILL HELP THE AUTHORITY DETERMINE WHETHER ANY CHANGES TO THE REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING IS REQUIRED," HE SAID.
THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON MAY 28 AT THE CONFERENCE HALL OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
TWO MORE SESSIONS OF THE HEARINGS WILL BE HELD IN JUNE IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE KOWLOON SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE LECTURE HALL OF HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM IN SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI ON JUNE 16.
THE NEW TERRITORIES SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF SHATIN TOWN HALL IN SHA TIN ON JUNE 22.
BOTH SESSIONS WILL BEGIN AT 6.30 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID BECAUSE SEATS WERE LIMITED, ADMITTANCE WILL BE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON VENUES. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS CAN BE MADE ON 594 5792.
A PAMPHLET GIVING DETAILS OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS IS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR MARCH * * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1994, ESTIMATED AT $15.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 17% WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1993, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 11% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN MARCH 94 OVER MARCH 93 WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO A STRONG GROWTH IN SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (28% IN VALUE AND 23% IN VOLUME), JEWELLERY AND WATCHES (20% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME), CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES (19% IN VALUE AND 17% IN VOLUME), AND SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES (17% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME).
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR SALES IN SUPERMARKETS, BY 14% IN VALUE AND 7% IN VOLUME; SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS, BY 8% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME; AND SALES OF FUELS, BY 6% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME.
/ON THE
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
8
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DROPPED BY 3% IN VALUE AND 10% IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MARCH 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 18% IN VALUE AND 12% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1994 INCREASED BY 4% TN VALUE AND 5% 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 FEBRUARY 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MARCH 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH 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 MARCH 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1994 AND THOSE FOR MARCH 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MARCH OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE MARCH 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 125R.
/TABLE 1 : .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 3994
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for March 1994 (Provisional Figure) = HX$15,854.9 million
for February 1994 (Revised Figure) « Hk$15,233.6 million
TABLE 2 ; VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY 1994 AND MARCH 1994
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of outlet Index of Retail Sales February 1994 March 1994 March compared February 1994 with 1994 March compared March 1994 with 1993 Jan.-Mar.1994 compared with Jan.-Mar.1993
(Revised (Provisional Points % Points X Points %
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS figures) figures) ♦24.3 ♦ 16.8 ♦26.5 ♦ 17.9
Value 162.2 168.8 ♦6.6 ♦4.1
Volume 132.7 138.9 ♦6.1 ♦4.6 ♦ 13.6 ♦ 10.9 ♦ 15.2 ♦ 11.9
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 127.2 129.4 ♦2.2 ♦ 1.8 ♦9.8 ♦8.2 ♦ 10.5 ♦8.7
drinks and tobacco (other than Volume 95.5 100.8 ♦5.3 ♦5.6 ♦2.1 ♦2.1 ♦5.7 ♦5.9
supermarkets)
Supermarkets 0 Value 156.5 151.4 -5.1 -3.3 ♦ 18.3 ♦ 13.7 ♦22.1 ♦16.4
Volume 116.7 110.7 -6.1 -5.2 ♦7.3 ♦7.1 ♦ 10.4 ♦9.8
Fuels Value 109.7 136.3 ♦26.6 ♦24.2 ♦7.8 ♦6.1 •2.7 -2.1
Volume 81.0 98.0 ♦ 17.0 ♦21.0 ♦3.2 ♦3.4 -4.5 -4.7
Clothing, footwear and Value 208.0 219.1 ♦ 11.1 ♦5.4 ♦48.1 ♦28.1 ♦57.9 ♦31.4
allied products Volume 162.5 171.8 ♦9.4 ♦5.8 ♦31.9 ♦ 22.8 ♦35.6 ♦23.4
Consumer durable goods Value 181.8 187.2 ♦5.4 ♦3.0 ♦ 15.8 ♦9.2 ♦20.7 ♦ 12.4
Volume 153.3 159.1 ♦5.8 ♦3.8 ♦8.6 ♦5.7 ♦ 12.5 ♦8.5
- Motor vehicles Value 205.2 176.2 •29.0 -14.1 -5.6 •3.1 ♦3.0 ♦1.5
and parts Volume 153.2 130.7 -22.4 -14.6 -14.8 -10.2 -9.7 -6.2
- Consumer durable Value 164.9 195.1 ♦30.3 ♦ 18.4 ♦31.2 ♦ 19.1 ♦33.6 ♦22.8
goods other than motor vehicles Volume 153.4 179.7 ♦26.3 ♦ 17.2 ♦25.6 ♦ 16.6 ♦ 28.6 ♦20.6
and parts
Department stores Value Volume 154.8 123.6 139.1 110.3 -15.7 -13.3 -10.2 -10.7 ♦20.5 ♦ 12.8 ♦ 17.3 ♦ 13.1 ♦ 17.5 ♦7.6 ♦ 12.2 ♦6.4
Jewellery, watches Value 156.7 186.4 ♦29.7 ♦18.9 ♦30.9 ♦ 19.E ♦35.2 ♦ 24.6
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 150.1 178.9 ♦28.8 ♦ 19.2 ♦13.2 ♦8.C ♦18.1 ♦ 11.9
Other consumer goods Value 167.4 177.3 ♦9.9 ♦5.9 ♦37.2 ♦26. ♦37.9 ♦26.0
not elsewhere Vo! ume 136.2 U2.7 ♦6.5 *4.7 ♦26.2 ♦22.! ♦ 27.0 ♦22.2
class’fied - . . — ... —
NOTE : C Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
/IO........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
- 10 -
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES UP
*****
THE ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE INCREASED TO 4.56% (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.84% (TAX FREE) FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED THE INCREASE WAS GAZETTED YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.38 PER MONTH PER $100.
INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 25, 1994.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE MAY 25 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 4, 1990 AND BEFORE AUGUST 15. 1990:
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 15, 1990 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 24, 1990;
7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 24, 1990 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1991;
6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
JANUARY 30, 1991 AND BEFORE MAY 29. 1991:
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 29, 1991 AND BEFORE JULY 3, 1991;
6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 3, 1991 AND BEFORE AUGUST 14, 1991;
6.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
AUGUST 14, 1991 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18, 1991;
5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 18, 1991 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 6, 1991;
5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 6, 1991 AND BEFORE MAY 6, 1992;
4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 6, 1992 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1992;
3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1992 AND BEFORE JULY 8, 1992;
/3.00% .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
11
3.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
JULY 8, 1992 AND BEFORE MARCH 30, 1994; AND
3.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 30, 1994 AND BEFORE MARCH 25, 1994.
THEY ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
FOR EXAMPLE:
$1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MAY 25, 1994,JUNE 25, 1994 AND JULY 25, 1994 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN
PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON AUGUST 24, 1994 WILL HAVE
INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:-
ON $1,000, MAY 25, 1994 TO AUGUST 24, 1994
THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.80 PER MONTH =$11.40
ON $1,000, JUNE 25, 1994 TO AUGUST 24, 1994
TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.80 PER MONTH = $7.60
ON $1,000, JULY 25, 1994 TO AUGUST 24, 1994
ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $3.80 PER MONTH = $3.80
$22.80
--------0-----------
LANGUAGE FUND COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (TUESDAY) THANKED THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR TAKING UP "A VERY IMPORTANT AND MEANINGFUL APPOINTMENT” AS ADVISERS TO HONG KONG’S $300 MILLION LANGUAGE FUND.
MR WONG IS THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND AND PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG THE CHAIRMAN. OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE INCLUDED LANGUAGE EXPERTS, EDUCATIONALISTS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
ADDRESSING THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEWLY FORMED ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY, MR WONG SAID: "WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO HAVF BEEN ABLE TO DRAW ON YOUR RICH EXPERIENCE AND EXPERT KNOWLEDGE IN DIFFERENT FIELDS, INCLUDING THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES AND THEIR DAY-TO-DAY APPLICATION.
"WE ARE GREATLY INDEBTED TO PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG WHO HAS GENEROUSLY CONSENTED TO BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
/"WITH HER .......
TUESDAY, MAY ?A, I 994
- 12 -
"WITH HER EXTENSIVE PUBLIC SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE, INCLUDING HIGH LEVEL EDUCATIONAL BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, AND UNDER HER CAPABLE LEADERSHIP, I AM SURE THAT THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL MAKE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEVELOPING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE LANGUAGE FUND AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON WORTHY PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING PROFICIENCY IN THE USE OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"THESE PROGRAMMES MAY EITHER ENHANCE EXISTING EFFORTS AND MEET TEMPORARY SHORTFALLS, OR MAY BE TOTALLY NEW INITIATIVES,” MR WONG SAID.
---------0-----------
ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE TO HOLD OPEN DAYS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE OFFERED VARIOUS INTERESTING PROGRAMMES DURING THE OPEN DAYS OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH FROM MAY 26 TO 28.
THE EVENT IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF LOCAL HERITAGE AND INTRODUCING THEM TO THE WORK OF AMO WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S HERITAGE SINCE 1976.
THE OFFICE IS NOW HOUSED IN THE BUILDING OF THE FORMER KOWLOON BRITISH SCHOOL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AMO SAID THE BUILDING WAS A TYPICAL VICTORIAN STRUCTURE AND WAS THE OLDEST SURVIVING SCHOOL BUILDING IN THE TERRITORY.
THE THREE-DAY PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE LECTURES ON HISTORICAL STRUCTURES, ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION; DEMONSTRATION OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AND ARTEFACT CONSERVATION; VIDEO SHOWS ON RESTORATION PROJECTS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS; AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORKSHOPS.
GUIDES TOURS TO THE BUILDING WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED.
ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
IN ADDITION, AN EXHIBITION ON THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY AT CHEK LAP KOK WILL GO ON AT AMO FROM MAY 7 TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE OPENING HOURS FOR THE OPEN DAYS ARE:
MAY 26 (THURSDAY) 9.30 AM - 2.30 PM - 12.30 PM
5 PM
MAY 27 (FRIDAY) 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM
2.30 PM 5.30 PM
MAY 28 (SATURDAY) 9 AM - NOON
THE AMO IS LOCATED AT 136 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 721 2326.
------0--------
/I 3 .........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
- 13 -
POST OFFICE APPOINTS TWO COURIER COMPANIES
*****
THE POST OFFICE HAS APPOINTED TWO COURIER COMPANIES, GESELLSCHAFT DER SCHNELLKURIERE GMBH 4 CO. KG OF GERMANY AND ASG SWEDEN AB TO UNDERTAKE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE AND DELIVERY OF SPEEDPOST ITEMS IN GERMANY AND SWEDEN RESPECTIVELY WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1.
SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY YESTERDAY (MONDAY), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID THE APPOINTMENTS WERE NECESSARY.
HE SAID THE APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE FOLLOWING DECISIONS. BY THE TWO COUNTRIES TO WITHDRAW FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST NETWORK AND TO TERMINATE THEIR EXISTING OBLIGATIONS TO OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO DELIVER SPEEDPOST ITEMS WITHIN THEIR TERRITORIES AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
MR PAGLIARI SAID THE TWO COMPANIES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION AND THAT THEIR SERVICES WERE FOUND TO BE BOTH SATISFACTORY AND RELIABLE BY THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE.
---------0-----------
NEW STAMPS ON CHINESE FESTIVALS *****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WOULD BE ISSUED ON JUNE 8 ON THE THEME OF "TRADITIONAL CHINESE FESTIVALS", THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS: $1, $1.9, $2.4 AND $5.
THE STAMPS ARE DESIGNED BY MR KEN LI AND PRINTED BY THE HOUSE OF QUESTA LIMITED OF ENGLAND. THE STAMPS FEATURE FOUR TRADITIONAL CHINESE FESTIVALS: THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ($1), THE LUNAR NEW YEAR ($1.9), THE SEVEN SISTERS FESTIVAL ($2.4) AND THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL ($5) .
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIfi SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM FRIDAY (MAY 27).
A ’ •
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST’ OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM FRIDAY AT $1 EACH.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM MAY 27 TO JUNE 2. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
A RESTRICTION OF TWO SHEETS OF STAMPS OF EACH DENOMINATION (100 SETS) PER CUSTOMER QUEUING WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
/FIRST DAY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
- 14 -
FIRST DAY COVERS AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE FESTIVALS STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES AT $13.30 EACH
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE GIVEN TO ALL OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY MADE COVERS BEARING ’’FIRST DAY” INDICATION ON JUNE 8 AT ALL POST OFFICES EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE.
------0-------
193 VMS RETURN HOME
» * * * *
A GROUP OF 193 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 69 MEN, 52 WOMEN, 44 BOYS AND 28 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 209TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THIS GROUP BROUGHT TO 3,747 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,360 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
------0--------
TWO GOVT LOTS FOR AUCTION » * t * »
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT 2.30 PM IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL ON MAY 26 (THURSDAY).
(JHr . .
THE FIRST LOT, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 20,780 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 19, LUEN WO HUI, FANLING. IT IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE EXCLUDING GODOWN. '
•’ .r 1 . '
THE SECOND LOT IS SITUATED AT FUNG KAM STREET, YUEN LONG, HAVING ABOUT 5,889 SQUARE METRES FOR THE SAME USE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
/15 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
15 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 24 MAY 94 24 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q421 H465 ’ f A •.
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$4,890 MN HK$4,170 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$l,500 MN HKS800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.23 PCT 4.72 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.24 PCT 4.73 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 50 PCT ABOUT 40 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.29 PCT HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 30 MAY 1994- TENDER DATE 31 MAY 94 PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS ISSUE NUMBER Q422 ISSUE DATE 1 JUN 94 MATURITY DATE 31 AUG 94 TENOR 91 DAYS AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 + 300 MN 4.78 PCT
---------0-----------
/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,404 0930 + 295
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,752 1000 + 295
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 565
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 568 1200 + 568
LAF TODAY -220 1500 + 568
1600 + 568
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.7 »+0.0* 24.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.81 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.81 5.78
1 MONTH 3.86 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.47 6.19
3 MONTHS 4.20 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.08 6.52
6 MONTHS 4.70 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.25 6.67
12 MONTHS 5.24 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.63 6.78
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 30,308 MN
CLOSED 24 MAY 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA........................................... 1
HONG KONG SHOULD NOT BE USED AS BASE FOR SUBVERSION...... 2
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR VISITS CUSTOMS........................ 3
GOVT TO PHASE IN LICENSING FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING............. 4
POST OFFICE GOES AUTOMATION.................................. 5
POST OFFICE MOVES INTO TRADING FUND OPERATIONS............... 6
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR APRIL................ 7
TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $2,550 MILLION............................ 10
$79.2 MILLION PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS.............. 10
BEACH WATER GRADES...............................:.......... 11
EMPLOYMENT AND WORK SAFETY FOR SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS........ 15
VOTER REGISTRATION CARNIVAL IN NORTH DISTRICT............... 17
FIREMEN PRAISED FOR FIGHTING RESTAURANT FIRE................ 17
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW............................ 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 18
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
CS SPEAKS TO MEDIA *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER HER VISIT TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:-
MRS CHAN: FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO SAY HOW PLEASED I AM TO BE ABLE THIS AFTERNOON TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE FOR MYSELF HOW THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE STAFF GO ABOUT THEIR VERY IMPORTANT WORK. AS YOU KNOW, THEY PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN PREVENTING DRUG TRAFFICKING, MONEY LAUNDERING. WE HAVE A REPUTATION FOR PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL RIGHT PROPERTY WHICH IS SECOND TO NONE. THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING A VERY SUBSTANTIAL PART OF OUR REVENUE. LAST YEAR, IT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING OVER $7 BILLION WHICH IS ABOUT 6 PERCENT OF OUR TOTAL REVENUE. SO, YOU CAN SEE FROM THAT THAT THEY DO HAVE A VERY VERY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY. THEY’VE SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED A COMPUTERISATION SYSTEM WHICH WILL NOT ONLY EXPEDITE IMPORT LICENSING AND OTHER LICENSING PROCEDURES BUT WILL ALSO, OF COURSE, ASSIST IN THE DAILY EXECUTION OF THEIR WORK. AND, I CONGRATULATE THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS STAFF FOR THE FIRST-CLASS JOB THAT THEY ARE DOING. NOW, I’LL ANSWER QUESTIONS. I GATHER YOU HAVE ONE OR TWO AREAS THAT ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO YOU.
QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT THE NEWS THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON WILL RENEW CHINA’S MFN IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WITH THE CONDITION THAT WEAPONS SALE FROM CHINA BE BANNED?
MRS CHAN: THERE’S BEEN A GOOD DEAL OF SPECULATION ABOUT WHAT THE PRESIDENT MAY OR MAY NOT DECIDE TO DO ON THE MFN FRONT. I AM EXPECTING AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE VERY VERY NEAR FUTURE AND, OF COURSE, UNTIL THE ACTUAL ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE, WE CAN ONLY SURMISE WHAT THE PRESIDENT MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT DO. AS YOU KNOW, I MYSELF WAS IN WASHINGTON LOBBYING FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL EXTENSION OF MFN FOR CHINA. WE BELIEVE VERY VERY STRONGLY THAT THAT IS THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD. IT IS IN THE INTEREST NOT ONLY OF HONG KONG BUT CLEARLY IN THE INTEREST OF BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA. AND SO, WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON WILL FEEL ABLE TO EXTEND MFN UNCONDITIONALLY.
QUESTION: ARE YOU ENCOURAGED BY MR LU PING’S WORDS TODAY THAT CHINA IS PREPARED TO BE FLEXIBLE ON THE MAKE-UP OF THE JUDGES IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL?
MRS CHAN: YES. I STRESS ONCE AGAIN THAT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS THAT WE HAVE DRAFTED ARE BASED ON THE AGREEMENT THAT WE HAVE REACHED PREVIOUSLY WITH THE CHINESE. WE HAVE HANDED TO THE CHINESE A COPY OF THE DRAFT BILL AND WE HOPE THAT WE WILL REACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE WILL ALSO,. OF COURSE, BE CONSULTING THE LEGAL PROFESSION. OF COURSE, THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S VIEWS ARE KNOWN TO US BUT WE HOPE VERY MUCH IN THE NEXT STAGE OF THE CONSULTATION, WE WILL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE THE LEGAL PROFESSION THAT ALTHOUGH THEY MAY NOT BE ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH THE ACTUAL PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF JUDGES IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, THEN, NEVERTHELESS, THEY CAN BE PERSUADED THAT THIS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG. WHAT IS OF INTEREST TO US IS TO GET THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ESTABLISHED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT IT HAS SOME EXPERIENCE OF ACTUALLY RUNNING *
AND ACCUMULATING EXPERIENCE.
/MRS CHAN: ........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 2 -
MRS CHAN: I’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE HAN DONGFANG CASE AND DISSIDENTS. I THINK IN HONG KONG, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN AND SAFEGUARD THE BASIC FREEDOMS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE. THESE BASIC FREEDOMS INCLUDE THE FREEDOM TO .EXPRESS ONE’S VIEWS FREELY IN A PEACEFUL AND LAWFUL MANNER. AND, OF COURSE, IT’S ENTIRELY NATURAL THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A VIEW AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON EVENTS IN CHINA. THESE BASIC FREEDOMS ARE GUARANTEED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW AND, OF COURSE, THEY WILL CONTINUE AFTER 1997. THE QUESTION OF OFFERING HOSPITALITY FOR VISITORS TO HONG KONG WHO MIGHT WISH TO USE HONG KONG AS A BASE FOR SUBVERSION IS QUITE A DIFFERENT MATTER. NEITHER THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT NOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WISH TO SEE HONG KONG BEING USED AS A BASE FOR SUBVERSION AND WE INTEND FULLY' TO ABIDE BY THE CONCEPT OF ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” AND, OF COURSE, THIS IS A TWO-WAY STREET.
Z --------------------------------0--------
HONG KONG SHOULD NOT BE USED AS BASE FOR SUBVERSION *****
NEITHER THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT NOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WISH TO SEE HONG KONG BEING USED AS A BASE FOR SUBVERSION AND HONG KONG INTEND FULLY TO ABIDE BY THE CONCEPT OF ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS”, THE DEPUTY' TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ABOUT THE HAN DONGFANG CASE AFTER HER VISIT TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MRS CHAN SAID IN HONG KONG, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WAS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN AND SAFEGUARD THE BASIC FREEDOMS OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE.
’’THESE BASIC FREEDOMS INCLUDE THE FREEDOM TO EXPRESS ONE’S VIEWS FREELY IN A PEACEFUL AND LAWFUL MANNER,” MRS CHAN SAID.
"OF COURSE, IT’S ENTIRELY NATURAL THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A VIEW AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON EVENTS IN CHINA. ;
"THESE BASIC FREEDOMS ARE GUARANTEED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW AND, OF COURSE, THEY WILL CONTINUE AFTER 1997."
HOWEVER, SHE EMPHASISED THAT THE QUESTION OF OFFERING HOSPITALITY FOR VISITORS TO HONG KONG WHO MIGHT WISH TO USE HONG KONG AS A BASE FOR SUBVERSION WAS QUITE A DIFFERENT MATTER..
ASKED TO COMMENT ABOUT DIRECTOR LU PING’S WORDS ABOUT FLEXIBILITY ON THE MAKE-UP OF THE JUDGES IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DRAFTED WERE BASED ON THE AGREEMENT REACHED PREVIOUSLY WITH THE CHINESE.
"WE HAVE HANDED TO THE CHINESE A COPY OF THE DRAFT BILL AND WE • HOPE THAT THEY WILL REACT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WE WILL ALSO BE CONSULTING THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
/•'OF COURSE.......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 3 -
"OF COURSE, THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S VIEWS ARE KNOWN TO US BUT WE HOPE VERY MUCH IN THE NEXT STAGE OF THE CONSULTATION, WE WILL BE ABLE TO PERSUADE THE LEGAL PROFESSION THAT ALTHOUGH THEY MAY NOT BE ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH THE ACTUAL PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF JUDGES IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, NEVERTHELESS, THEY CAN BE PERSUADED THAT THIS IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG."
WHAT IS OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG IS TO GET THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL ESTABLISHED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT IT HAS SOME EXPERIENCE OF ACTUALLY RUNNING, SHE ADDED.
------0-----------
DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR VISITS CUSTOMS * * * * *
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, VISITED THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON AS PART OF HER REGULAR VISITS TO UPDATE HERSELF ON THE DEPARTMENTS’ SERVICES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR DON WATSON, AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MR LAWRENCE LI, MRS CHAN FIRST MET WITH THE DIRECTORATE OFFICERS AT CUSTOMS HEADQUARTERS AT HARBOUR BUILDING AND WAS BRIEFED ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.
SHE THEN VISITED THE OFFICE OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ADMINISTRATION WHICH COLLECTS DUTY ON LIQUOR, TOBACCO, HYDROCARBON OIL AND METHYL ALCOHOL.
IN 1993/94, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COLLECTED $7.1 BILLION WHICH CONSTITUTED SIX PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RECURRENT REVENUE.
THE OFFICE ALSO ADMINISTERS A SYSTEM OF LICENCES AND PERMITS WHICH AIMS TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE REVENUE CONTROL ON THE IMPORT, EXPORT, MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES.
FROM HARBOUR BUILDING, MRS CHAN WENT TO THE TENTH FLOOR OF THE RUMSEY STREET CARPARK BUILDING WHERE THE INVESTIGATION BRANCH MUSEUM IS LOCATED.
SHE SAW MORE THAN 200 EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY IN THE MUSEUM. THESE WERE GOODS SEIZED BY MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING SMOKING AND MANUFACTURING PARAPHERNALIA WHICH WERE SEIZED IN A HEROIN CASE IN 1974 .
MRS CHAN ALSO VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONS CONTROL ROOM WHICH HOUSES AN EFFECTIVE AND SECURE RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM PROVIDES A CLOSE COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN SURVEILLANCE OFFICERS AND THEIR OPERATION COMMANDERS.
MRS CHAN LATER SAW VARIOUS ITEMS OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED BY OFFICERS OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INVESTIGATION BUREAU.
- - 0-----------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
4
GOVT TO PHASE IN LICENSING FOR LIVESTOCK KEEPING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PHASE IN A LICENSING SCHEME WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1994 FOR THE REGULATION OF LIVESTOCK KEEPING IN THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AND RESTRICTION AREAS.
THIS FOLLOWS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S PASSAGE OF THE ENABLING LEGISLATION AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL FOR MAKING THE NECESSARY REGULATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE REVISED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WHICH HAS INCORPORATED SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE ORIGINAL SCHEME TO ADDRESS FARMERS’ CONCERN.
THESE INCLUDE MUCH MORE CASH ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO INSTALL WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND A GENEROUS THREE-YEAR LEAD TIME TO ATTAIN THE FINAL REQUIRED DISCHARGE STANDARD.
PHASE I OF THE LICENSING SCHEME WILL COVER SOME OF THE CONTROL AND RESTRICTION AREAS DESIGNATED IN TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TAI LAM CHUNG, AND ALONG NG CHUNG RIVER AND SHENZHEN RIVER.
OPERATORS OF LIVESTOCK FARMS LOCATED WITHIN THESE AREAS CAN APPLY TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR A LICENCE BETWEEN JULY 1 AND DECEMBER 31, 1994.
COMPLIANCE OF THE ULTIMATE DISCHARGE STANDARD FOR PHASE I AREAS WILL BE PHASED IN OVER THREE YEARS, INITIALLY AT 250:250 (BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND: SUSPENDED SOLIDS DISCHARGE) ON JULY 1, 1995, THEN A YEAR LATER TO 100:100 BEFORE REACHING THE 50:50 STANDARD BY JULY I, 1997.
PHASE II LICENSING APPLICATION WILL BEGIN FROM JULY 1, 1995 FOR FARMERS OPERATING IN SOME OF THE CONTROL AND RESTRICTION AREAS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND KAM TIN.
THE FINAL PHASE WHICH COVERS THE REMAINING CONTROL AREAS WILL BEGIN ON JULY 1, 1996.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS MR WILLIAM HUI SAID THE REVISED SCHEME WAS WORKED OUT AFTER PROLONGED DISCUSSIONS WITH MAJOR LIVESTOCK FARMING BODIES.
"WE HAVE MORE THAN DOUBLED THE CAPITAL GRANT AND HAVE ADDRESSED FARMERS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE DISCHARGE STANDARD BY ADOPTING A GRADUAL APPROACH TOWARDS COMPLIANCE AND BY ALLOWING THEM TO CHOOSE WHATEVER TREATMENT METHOD THEY PREFER SO LONG AS THEY CAN COMPLY WITH THE DISCHARGE STANDARD.
"OVER 1,000 TONNES OF UNTREATED LIVESTOCK WASTE IS BEING DUMPED INTO OUR RIVERS AND STREAMS EVERYDAY. THE POLLUTION EFFECT IS EQUIVALENT TO DISCHARGE FROM ONE MILLION PEOPLE OR 1/6 OF THE POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
"WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS SITUATION, WHICH IS SERIOUSLY POLLUTING OUR BEACHES AND STREAMS, TO CONTINUE," HE SAID.
/HE SAID ......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 5 -
HE SAID THE CHANGES MADE IN THE REVISED SCHEME HAD ADDRESSED FARMERS’ CONCERN, POINTING OUT THAT NO OTHER INDUSTRY OR TRADE RECEIVED SUCH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD.
UNDER THE REVISED SCHEME, A LICENCE WILL BE ISSUED FOR THREE YEARS BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES UPON COMPLIANCE BY THE APPLICANT WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT IN THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS INCLUDING INSTALLATION OF AN APPROVED WASTE TREATMENT SYSTEM.
THE PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENCE IS $50,000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $100,000 FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $1,000 FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE OFFENCE.
A PAMPHLET TO EXPLAIN THE CONTROL SCHEME AND THE LICENSING PROCEDURE WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND LOCAL OFFICES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
------0-------
POST OFFICE GOES AUTOMATION *****
THE POST OFFICE IS PUSHING AHEAD WITH MORE MECHANISATION AND AUTOMATION TO FURTHER BOOST PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY.
ANNOUNCING MAJOR PROJECTS COMING ON STREAM AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID THE SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES WOULD BE COMPUTERISED IN JULY.
THIS WILL SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES AT COUNTERS AND REDUCE CUSTOMERS’ WAITING TIME.
LT WILL ALSO KEEP TRACK OF THE HANDLING OF THE ITEM AND STREAMLINE THE ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES. HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL IS HELPING THE POST OFFICE DEVELOP A SELF-SERVICE AUTO MAILING SYSTEM FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF BOTH ORDINARY AND REGISTERED LETTERS.
THE SYSTEM CAN ASSESS POSTAGE, ACCEPT COINS, GIVE CHANGE, PRODUCE A FRANKED POSTAGE IMPRESSION ON THE ITEM AND ISSUE A RECEIPT IF THE ITEM IS TO BE REGISTERED.
IT WILL REDUCE WAITING TIME AT THE COUNTER AND PROVIDE SERVICE OUTSIDE NOkMAL OFFICE HOURS.
"A PROTOTYPE MACHINE IS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR TRIAL IN TWO MONTHS,” HE SAID.
ALSO, THE POST OFFICE IS CONTINUING TO REPLACE MECHANICAL STAMP VENDING MACHINES AND LETTER SCALES WITH NEW ELECTRONIC ONES.
/REFERRING TO .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
6
REFERRING TO PERFORMANCE PLEDGES MADE IN APRIL LAST YEAR, MR PAGLIARI SAID ON ALMOST ALL THE PLEDGES, THEY COULD ACHIEVE BETTER THAN THE TARGET STANDARDS.
ACCORDING TO A CUSTOMER OPINION SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST SUMMER, THE PERCENTAGES OF INTERVIEWEES WHO EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH DELIVERY AND COUNTER SERVICES WERE 93.4 PER CENT AND 98.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
"THE SCOPE OF OUR PLEDGES THIS YEAR HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESS REPLY SERVICE AND THE USE OF PRIVATE FRANKING MACHINES.
"THE PLEDGE OF PROVIDING COUNTER SERVICE WITHIN 10 MINUTES HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED EVEN TO OUR BUSIEST OFFICES," HE SAID.
A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTER SERVICES HAVE BEEN MADE THIS YEAR. AN INTERACTIVE VOICE PROCESSING SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED LAST MONTH, MAKING IT EASIER FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRERS TO GET THROUGH THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY BUREAU.
TO SHOW RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY, A SPECIAL COUNTER WILL BE SET UP AT ALL POST OFFICES TO SERVE HOLDERS OF SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS.
REGARDING THE INTERNATIONAL ROLE OF THE POST OFFICE, MR PAGLIARI SAID: "FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, HONG KONG HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION TO BE A MEMBER OF ONE OF ITS WORKING GROUPS . "
HONG KONG WILL ALSO PLAY HOST TO THE CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN AUGUST.
OFFICIALS FROM MORE THAN 30 COMMONWEALTH POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE BEFORE ATTENDING THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION CONGRESS IN SEOUL.
"THIS HONOUR IS INDEED A RECOGNITION OF THE ACTIVE ROLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE IN THE POSTAL WORLD," HE SAID.
------0-------
POST OFFICE MOVES INTO TRADING FUND OPERATIONS
*****
WITH THE POST OFFICE MOVING INTO TRADING FUND OPERATIONS BY APRIL NEXT YEAR, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WOULD BE EXPANDED AND THE EXTRA REVENUE GENERATED WOULD OFFSET GREATLY THE PRESSURE FOR HEFTY POSTAGE INCREASES FOR LOCAL AND SURFACE LETTERS.
EXPLAINING THE TRADING FUND OPERATION AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID IT WAS A FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING FRAMEWORK TO ENABLE A DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE SERVICES ON A QUASI-COMMERCIAL AND SELF-FINANCING BASIS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ADOPT THE ACCOUNTING AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES COMMON IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND PLOUGHING BACK PROFITS FOR DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS WHILE REMAINING AS A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
/IT WILL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
7 -
IT WILL BE GIVEN THE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY TO RETAIN ITS REVENUE TO FINANCE ITS ACTIVITIES AND TO INVEST IN EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, SUBJECT TO THE MEETING OF CERTAIN PRESCRIBED OPERATING AND FINANCIAL TARGETS.
MR. PAGLIARI SAID IN RECENT YEARS THE POST OFFICE HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY AGAINST OTHER GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES FOR ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES NECESSARY TO DEVELOP ITS SERVICES AND MAINTAIN ITS HIGH SERVICE STANDARDS.
THE LIMITED RESOURCES OBTAINED HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR BASIC SERVICES LIKE LETTERS AND PARCELS, AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROFITABLE PREMIUM SERVICES, HE ADDED.
AS A RESULT, THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN FORCED TO DAMPEN DEMAND FOR SUCH SERVICES LIKE SPEEDPOST.
THIS AFFECTS THE OVERALL PROFITABILITY OF THE POST OFFICE AND PRODUCES PRESSURE FOR COMPENSATORY INCREASES IN BASIC POSTAGE RATES.
ALSO, A LACK OF RESOURCES IMPLIES DIFFICULTIES IN MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE, HE SAID.
SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 62 COUNTRIES. DURING 1993/94, 4.3 MILLION SPEEDPOST ITEMS WERE HANDLED, REPRESENTING 5.1 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE YEAR BEFORE.
----------------------0------- RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR APRIL ♦ * * * ♦
THE GROWTH IN RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE IN APRIL, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THERE ARE HOWEVER SIGNS THAT THE FLOW OF NEW MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS SLOWED IN MAY.
GROSS NEW LENDING BY THE 33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY FELL SLIGHTLY DURING APRIL, FROM $9.6 BILLION TO $9.4 BILLION. HOWEVER, REPAYMENTS FELL MORE SHARPLY WITH THE RESULT THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING GREW BY 1.7% IN APRIL (1.3% IN MARCH) FROM $227.0 BILLION TO $231.0 BILLION.
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS RISEN TO 17.7% FROM 15.1% IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO MARCH. THE 12-MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LENDING STANDS AT AN ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF 17.7%, THE SAME AS- IN MARCH.
"THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT THE REPORTED SLOWDOWN IN ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE MARKET WHICH OCCURRED AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO DAMPEN PROPERTY PRICES HAS NOT YET BEEN REFLECTED IN THE BANK LENDING FIGURES,” THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID.
/'•THIS IS .........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
8
"THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT A DECLINE IN LOAN APPLICATIONS,
WHICH BANKS SEEM TO BE EXPERIENCING AT PRESENT, TAKES SOME TIME TO
SHOW THROUGH IN REDUCED LENDING. GROWTH."
MR CARSE ADDED THAT WHILE SOME IMPACT ON LENDING GROWTH MAY BE
FELT IN MAY, A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF UNDRAWN COMMITMENTS REMAINED IN
THE PIPELINE.
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN FELL IN APRIL FROM $6.7 BILLION TO $6.3 BILLION, BUT REMAINED AT A RELATIVELY HIGH LEVEL.
AS REGARDS LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA, THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT SUCH LENDING ROSE BY 1.6% IN APRIL, FROM $3.8 BILLION TO $3.9 BILLION.
ALMOST ALL OF THE INCREASE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES. THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT OF RESIDENTIAL LENDING IS NOW $3.1 BILLION.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN APRIL ROSE IN NUMBERS (TO 277 FROM 256) BUT FELL IN AMOUNT (TO $110 MILLION FROM $134 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED GREW BOTH IN NUMBERS (TO 705 FROM 336) AND AMOUNT (TO $219.,, MILLION FROM $164 MILLION).
/Residential Mortgage
4
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
9
Residential Mortgage Loans in Hong Kong Results of Survey for April 1994
April March
1994 1994
(Amount in HK$ 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 230,926 226,968 1.7% 1.3% 17.9% 18.0% 17.7% 15.1% 17,7% 17.7% 9.381 9,599 6801 6941 10,042 10,990 7278 7580 6,272 6.716 4581 4783
/io
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
10
TWO LOTS SOLD FOR $2,550 MILLION * * * * »
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,550 MILLION AT THE PUBLIC LAND AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST LOT IN AREA 19, LUEN WO HUI, FANLING, WAS BOUGHT BY DIRECT PROFIT DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AT $2,040 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $1,800 MILLION.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 20,780 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 64,112 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1998.
THE SECOND LOT, SITUATED AT FUNG KAM STREET, YUEN LONG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,889 SQUARE METRES, WAS BOUGHT BY MORICROWN LIMITED FOR $510 MILLION WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $480 MILLION. IT IS ALSO INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 19,000 SQUARE METRES BEFORE JUNE 30, 1998.
THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL, WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR FRANCIS HAY.
- - 0 - -
$79.2 MILLION PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) PAID OUT SOME $79.2 MILLION FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS IN 1992/93.
ACCORDING TO THE 1992/93 TAVA FUND ANNUAL REPORT, 5,517 APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 5,604 APPLICATIONS IN 1991/92.
THE TAVA SCHEME, OPERATING SINCE MAY 1979, IS ONE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES ADMINISTERED BY THE SWD.
"IT 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 ACCIDENT." A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SWD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
DURING 1992/93, THE SWD HANDLED 49 CASES OF SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN WHICH HEAVY CASUALTIES WERE INVOLVED.
THE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN THE LARGEST NUMBER OF CASUALTIES OCCURRED ON JANUARY 30 LAST YEAR AT TUEN MUN ROAD WHEN A BUS OF KOWLOON MOTOR BUS OVERTURNED.
/AS A
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 11 -
AS A RESULT, 54 PEOPLE WERE INJURED OF WHOM 36 WERE FOUND ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE. A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $83,026 WERE PAID TO THESE VICTIMS.
"TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE, AN APPLICATION MUST BE MADE WITHIN THE SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID STAFF FROM THE TAVA SECTION WOULD, IN • MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO CONTACT VICTIMS OR THtlR DEPENDANTS DIRECTLY TO HELP THEM APPLY AT AN EARLY DATE.
"IN THE CASE OF INJURY NOT CAUSING DEATH, AN APPLICANT MUST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE FROM A REGISTERED DOCTOR REQUIRING AT LEAST THREE DAYS OF SICK LEAVE.
"BENEFICIARIES UNDER THE SCHEME STILL RETAIN THE RIGHT TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR LEGAL DAMAGES OR COMPENSATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN THE USUAL WAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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 ADDED.
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 CHAT.
---------0-----------
BEACH WATER GRADES ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THE GRADING SYSTEM IS TO INFORM SWIMMERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC ABOUT THE STATE OF BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BI-WEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER IS USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH THAT HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
/THE ESTIMATE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
12
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATER IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
"BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR SHORTER IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADINGS BEACH WATER QUALITY IS:
* GRADE ”1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MI LI,I LITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
» GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
* GRADE "4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE "4" OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES - ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY - ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF RECENT BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA.
THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
/THE GRADES ..
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 13 -
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES TN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
beach grading
(AS AT 12.5.94) (AS AT 26.5.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK 0 SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN'S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
SAT KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 1
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI ’
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 1
/ISLANDS DISTRICT
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 14 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI O SILVERNINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG O»
1 1
2 2
. 2 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
2 2
1 1
1 1
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ APPROACH CASAM GEMINI HOI MEI WAN LIDO TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
X X
4 4
3 3
3 2
3 3
3 3
3 4
2 2
NOTE : ”X” THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACH.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
MIDDLE BAY AND DISCOVERY BAY FROM ”2’' TO ”1”; GEMINI FROM ”3" TO ”2”; DEEP WATER BAY, REPULSE BAY AND ST. STEPHEN’S FROM ”1” TO ”2”; AND TING KAU FROM ”3" TO ”4”.
ALL OF THE CHANGES ARE WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF THESE BEACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOK FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT DR MALCOLM BROOM, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, ON TEL 835 1234.
/15 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 15 -
EMPLOYMENT AND WORK SAFETY FOR SUMMER JOB-SEEKERS *******
STUDENTS PLANNING TO TAKE UP TEMPORARY JOBS DURING'THE COMING SUMMER VACATION SHOULD PAY EXTRA CARE TO SIX TYPES OF POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT TRAPS WHICH HAVE CAUGHT PUBLIC ATTENTION IN RECENT YEARS.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES MR RAYMOND CHAN SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) INFORMATION ON THESE COMMON EMPLOYMENT TRAPS WAS CONTAINED IN A NEWLY-PUBLISHED BOOKLET SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS LOOKING FOR SUMMER JOBS.
’’COMPLEMENTED BY CARTOON DRAWINGS IN THE BOOKLET, WE PUT ACROSS USEFUL ADVICE TO SUMMER JOB SEEKERS, HOPING THAT THEY CAN AVOID BEING VICTIMISED BY UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE,” MR CHAN SAID.
MR CHAN OFFERED THE FOLLOWING ADVICE ON AVOIDING EMPLOYMENT TRAPS:
* BE CAREFUL OF DUBIOUS RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH REQUIRE NO SKILL OR ACADEMIC
QUALIFICATIONS, BUT PROMISE A HIGH PAY;
♦ WHILE ATTENDING A JOB INTERVIEW, BE ALERT OF WHETHER THE OFFER IS GENUINE;
» AVOID ACCEPTING JOBS WITH POSSIBLE IMMORAL IMPLICATIONS;
* BE CAREFUL IN SIGNING ANY CONTRACT;
* CONSIDER SERIOUSLY BEFORE ACCEPTING ANY DEMAND FROM THE EMPLOYER IN RESPECT OF MONETARY GUARANTEE, OR PAYMENT OF CASH EITHER FOR TRAINING PURPOSES OR FOR THE PURCHASE OF GOODS; AND
♦ WHEN IN DOUBT OR HAVING PROBLEMS, CONSULT PARENTS, CAREERS TEACHERS OR APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES.
COPIES OF THE BOOKLET ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE NINE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND THE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES AT MONG KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND SOUTHORN CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
MEANWHILE, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT MR HO HONG-WAI SAID HIS UNIT HAD PRODUCED A NEW BOOKLET ON EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR SUMMER JOB SEEKERS.
“IT PROVIDES SOME BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LABOUR LAW AND OTHER ADVICE TO YOUNG STUDENTS INTENDING TO TAKE UP TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT IN THE SUMMER VACATION,” MR HO SAID.
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, THERE WERE RESTRICTIONS GOVERNING THE EMPLOYMENT AGE, THE WORKING HOURS AND THE TYPES OF JOBS WHICH CHILDREN COULD OR COULD NOT DO.
/“UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
16
"UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS ALSO ON THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 15 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE WORKING IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
"WE PROVIDE SOME SALIENT POINTS IN THE BOOKLET ON EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AND CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT COVERING ASPECTS ON-TERMINATION OF CONTRACT, HOLIDAYS, REST DAYS, SICK LEAVE AND PAYMENT OF WAGES," MR HO ADDED.
STUDENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO COLLECT COPIES OF THE BOOKLET FROM THE 11 OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
SPEAKING ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS (TRAINING) MR MA SHI-HANG SAID THE NUMBER OF SUMMER WORKERS INJURED IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WAS ON THE RISE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS ALTHOUGH IT HAD NOT REACHED AN ALARMING LEVEL.
NOTING THAT MOST OF THESE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF MACHINERIES AND HANDLING OF HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, MR MA ASKED STUDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM THESE POTENTIALLY’ DANGEROUS JOBS.
"JOBS REQUIRING THE OPERATION OF WOOD-WORKING MACHINES, THE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS, TOXIC SUBSTANCES OR FIRE-RELATED PROCESSES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS AS THEY HAVE NO PROPER TRAINING.
"UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION SITES STARTING FROM JUNE 22," HE SAID.
UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS, NO PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE SHALL OPERATE ANY LIFTING APPLIANCE DRIVEN BY' MECHANICAL POWER OR TO GIVE SIGNALS TO THE DRIVER OF THE APPLIANCE.
THE LAK ALSO PROHIBITS YOUNG PERSONS TO CLEAN ANY DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES.
MR MA CALLED ON STUDENTS INTENDING TO WORK IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARE AS THEY MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO USE SHARP KNIVES AND COOKING EQUIPMENT ON A POTENTIALLY' SLIPPERY FLOOR.
COMPREHENSIVE WORK SAFETY INFORMATION WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHEN FACTORY INSPECTORS LAUNCH A SERIES OF SAFETY TALKS TO AT LEAST 54 SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM JUNE 1.
MORE THAN 16,400 STUDENTS ATTENDED WORK SAFETY LECTURES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TN LAST YEAR’S PUBLICITY EXERCISE.
--------0-----------
/17........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 17 -
VOTER REGISTRATION CARNIVAL IN NORTH DISTRICT
* ♦ * » ♦
A LARGE-SCALE CARNIVAL AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT TO REGISTER AS VOTERS WILL BE HELD IN SHEUNG SHUI ON MAY 28 (SATURDAY).
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, WITH HELP FROM THE NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THERE WILL BE GAME STALLS, MAGIC SHOWS, SINGING PERFORMANCES AND HANDICRAFT DEMONSTRATION BY THE FRINGE CLUB.
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MOBILISE MORE THAN 20 STAFF MEMBERS TO HELP RESIDENTS FILL IN VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS.
ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL IS FREE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND AT SAN LOK STREET, SHEUNG SHUI.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0-------
FIREMEN PRAISED FOR FIGHTING RESTAURANT FIRE * * ♦ * t
FIREMEN HAVE BEEN THANKED FOR PUTTING OUT A NO. 3 ALARM FIRE AT A RESTAURANT IN ABERDEEN TWO MONTHS AGO.
REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION, LED BY ITS CHAIRMAN MR SHEK KWOK-KEUNG, PRESENTED A PENNANT TO THE FIRE-FIGHTERS AT POKFULAM FIRE STATION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE BLAZE BROKE OUT AT THE RESTAURANT AT 12 SAI ON STREET IN THE EVENING ON MARCH 3.
USING THREE JETS AND THREE BREATHING APPARATUS TEAMS, FIREMEN CONTAINED THE BLAZE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR.
FIFTEEN PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT TO SAFETY.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE TWO NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT'S PUBLIC LIAISON GROUP.
/18 ........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 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.
ADVANCE COPIES OF THE PAPERS FOR THE MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE AFTER 2.30 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENTS OF THE PAPERS ARE NOT FOR USE UNTIL THE MEETING IS OVER.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,520 0930 + 175
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,497 1000 + 225
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 305
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 307 1200 + 307
LAF TODAY -330 1500 + 307
1600 + 307
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.9 *-0.2» 26.5.94
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1994
- 19 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF TERMS BILLS YIELD TERM EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.75 18 MONTHS 2511“ 4.15 97.92 5.70
1 MONTH 3.77 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.57 6.13
3 MONTHS 4.10 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.19 6.47
6 MONTHS 4.62 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.38 6.62
12 MONTHS 5.21 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.76 6.73
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,112 MN
CLOSED 26 MAY 1994
--------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
( FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RENEWAL OF CHINA'S MFN STATUS.............................. 1
DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA............................. 1
FS SPEAKS TO MEDIA......................................... 2
NEW PROPOSALS ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS................... 3
HK AND MANCHESTER FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE MOVEMENT............ 4
WARM MANCUNIAN WELCOME FOR GOVERNOR........................ 5
1ST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT.............................. 6
DEPARTMENTS READY TO DEAL WITH LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING.. 13
LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS................................ 15
PUBLIC MEETINGS ON ELECTION GUIDELINE PROPOSALS........... 16
LANDS TRIBUNAL TO HANDLE BUILDING MANAGEMENT DISPUTES.. 16
HK AND SWEDEN SIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT............................................... 17
FEES ON DISTRAINTS FOR RENT TO RISE....................... 18
REPORT ON ASIA SECURITIES INTERNATIONAL LTD PUBLISHED.. 18
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR LAST MONTH... 19
/NOTICES SENT...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NOTICES SENT TO VOTERS.................................... 22
RS APPEALS TO COMMUNITY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS............. 22
$5 MILLION APPROVED FOR SCIENCE PARK...................... 23
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR MANAGEMENT TENDERS INVITED............. 24
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER LANDING STEPS........... 24
CLIMBING LANES TO HELP EASE CONGESTION.................... 25
FARMERS URGED TO USE LESS AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES......... 26
PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION................................... 27
TWO RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED.................. 28
COURTESY CALL ON SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR.................. 30
SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TAI PO................... 31
ROAD WORKS FOR TUEN MUN PROPOSED.......................... 31
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
32
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS *****
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) HAS WELCOMED PRESIDENT CLINTON’S DECISION TO RENEW CHINA’S MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) TRADING STATUS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
"PRESIDENT CLINTON’S DECISION TO RENEW CHINA’S MFN STATUS WITHOUT ATTACHING CONDITIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S RENEWAL AND TO DELINK HUMAN RIGHTS FROM THE ANNUAL EXTENSION OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS IS GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG. THE DECISION HAS REMOVED A SIGNIFICANT AREA OF UNCERTAINTY IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE," SHE SAID.
"WE KNOW THAT THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION TOOK INTO ACCOUNT HONG KONG’S CONCERNS AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THAT.
’’BUT WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF AN IMPORT BAN AGAINST CERTAIN CHINESE PRODUCTS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT, BECAUSE OF ITS VERY LIMITED SCOPE, THE IMPORT BAN WILL NOT CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO CHINA’S TRADE AND ECONOMY AND WILL NOT LEAD TO A DETERIORATION IN U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS.
"THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA ARE HONG KONG’S TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS AND GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM ARE A VITAL FACTOR IN OUR LONG-TERM SUCCESS,” SHE SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE AS A GENERAL PRINCIPLE AND BELIEVES THAT FREE TRADE AND OPEN MARKETS HELP TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC' AND SOCIAL PROGRESS.
"WE HOPE THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON’S DECISION WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE AND A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERSMRS CHAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
DEPUTY TO GOVERNOR MEETS MEDIA
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES’ LOBBY AT NOON TODAY (FRIDAY):
MRS CHAN : THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION TO RENEW MFN AND TO DELINK THE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE FROM THE MFN ISSUE IS GREAT NEWS FOR HONG KONG AND WE WARMLY WELCOME THE PRESIDENT’S DECISION. I THINK THAT THE PRESIDENT HAS SHOWN REAL LEADERSHIP AND GREAT COURAGE IN MAKING THIS DECISION. IT WILL MOVE THE US-CH1NA RELATIONSHIP ON TO A MUCH BROADER FRONT AND I BELIEVE IN THE LONGER RUN WILL ENABLE BOTH SIDES TO DEVELOP A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE AND MORE LONG LASTING RELATIONSHIP, AND THIS MUST BE GOOD NOT ONLY FOR THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA BUT ALSO FOR HONG KONG AND FOR THE ENTIRE EAST ASIAN REGION.
/REPORTER :
FRIDAY, MAY 27,i1994
- 2 -
REPORTER : CAN THE PEOPLE HONG KONG NOW SIT BACK AND RELAX ABOUT THIS ISSUE THEN ?
MRS CHAN : WELL, CERTAINLY DELINKING MEANS IT IS NO LONGER AN ANNUAL IRRITANT AND WILL NO LONGER DOMINATE THE US-CHINA RELATIONSHIP. OF COURSE, WE ENTIRELY AGREE WITH THE CONTINUED CONCERN ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN CHINA BUT I ALSO AGREE WITH THE PRESIDENT THAT WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN CHINA BY DELINKING THE TWO THAN BY LINKING IT AND I AM SURE, AS THE PRESIDENT HAS SAID, THAT HE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS THROUGH OTHER CHANNELS.
REPORTER : WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SETTING UP -A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ? WILL THIS BE AS EFFECTIVE AS HAVING THE THREAT OVER MFN RENEWAL ?
MRS CHAN : WE BELIEVE THAT CONTINUOUS TRADE, THE ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE THE CHINESE TN THE CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE AND TO HAVE A MEANS OF INFLUENCING CHINA IS LIKELY TO DO MORE TO SECURE HUMAN RIGHTS IMPROVEMENT IN CHINA THAN BY ISOLATING CHINA AND REFUSING TO DEAL WITH IT.
‘-------o-------
FS SPEAKS TO MEDIA
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY SIR HAMISH MACLEOD’S MEDIA SESSION AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE ISSUE OF MOST FAVOURED NATION (MFN) RENEWAL:
Q: CAN YOU COMMENT ON THE RENEWAL OF MFN?
FS: I THINK MFN RENEWAL IS GREAT NEWS. I THINK WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, CLEARLY THEY’VE LISTENED TO HK'S REPRESENTATIONS AND HAVE BORNE THEM VERY MUCH IN MIND, SO I THINK THE OUTCOME IS EXCELLENT. 1 DON’T THINK WE SHOULD GET TOO HUNG UP ON ALL THE DETAILS, THE EIGHT POINTS AND SO ON, I THINK THE BASIC DECISION IS VERY CLEAR, HUMAN RIGHTS IS TO BE TREATED SEPARATELY FROM MFN DECISIONS. I THINK THAT’S ABSOLUTELY MADE A STEP FORWARD, AND OF COURSE IN ESSENCE, MFN IS RENEWED. SO THE EFFECT ON HONG KONG... IS NOT ONLY THAT OUR TRADE WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BUT A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY IS REMOVED.
Q: THERE IS SOME CONCERNS THAT CHINA MIGHT REACT HARSHLY TOWARDS THE SANCTIONS ON MILITARY PRODUCT, DO YOU THINK THE PEOPLE OF HK COULD DO SOMETHING, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH THE CONNECTIONS WITH BEIJING TO ALLAY THESE CONCERNS....
FS: I THINK THAT HAS BEEN PLAYED UP MUCH TOO HARD. THE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE COVERED BY THE EXCEPTION... I UNDERSTAND IS A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF TRADE, I DON’T SEE ANY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECT FROM THAT AT ALL. AND AGAIN, I THINK OF COURSE FROM HK’S POINT OF VIEW, NONE OF OUR TRADE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THAT.
/Q: BUT .........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
3 -
Q: BUT THE TRADE SEPARATED FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS, DON’T YOU THINK THAT THAT WILL GIVE LESS PRESSURE FOR CHINA TO IMPROVE ITS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD?
FS: WELL, I HAVE TO FOCUS VERY MUCH ON THE ISSUE BEFORE US WHICH IS MFN RENEWAL. I THINK THE PRESIDENT MADE CLEAR THERE ARE OTHER WAYS IN WHICH HE IS PURSUING HUMAN RIGHTS, I THINK THAT IS A MATTER BETWEEN, MAINLY FOR THE PRESIDENT AND CHINA TO PURSUE. I THINK FOR HONG KONG ON THE MFN ISSUE, THE RESULT IS, AS I’VE SAID, GREAT NEWS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
---------0-------------
NEW PROPOSALS ON TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS *****
THE FOLLOWING IS ISSUED BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH:
■ # ’
’’AFTER REFLECTING ON THE SITUATION CAREFULLY, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS COME UP WITH A NEW PACKAGE ON THE QUESTION OF TRANSFER TO LOCAL TERMS WHICH WE THINK WOULD ADDRESS THE INTERESTS AND CONCERNS OF BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICERS.
’’THE DETAILS OF THE PACKAGE WERE DISCUSSED TODAY AT MEETINGS BETWEEN SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SENIOR NON-EKPATRI ATE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AND THE ASSOCIATION OF EXPATRIATE CIVIL SERVANTS.
’’THE PACKAGE INVOLVES EMPLOYING CERTAIN OVERSEAS OFFICERS AT ONE RANK BELOW THEIR EXISTING RANK BUT ALLOWING THEM TO KEEP THEIR SALARY AND BENEFITS AT THEIR ORIGINAL RANK ON LOCAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
’’THIS WOULD GIVE SUITABLE LOCAL OFFICERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RISE TO A HIGHER RANK, THEREBY ADDRESSING THE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS OF LOCAL OFFICERS UNDER THE LOCALISATION POLICY.
"ON THE OTHER HAND THE OVERSEAS OFFICERS WOULD BE ABLE TO OBTAIN CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT JN THE CIVIL SERVICE WITH THE SAME TAKE-HOME PAY AS BEFORE.
’.’STARTING FROM NEXT YEAR, THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDS TO OPEN UP THE POSITIONS OF ALL AGREEMENT OFFICERS - OVERSEAS AND LOCAL ALIKE -FOR COMPETITION WHEN THEIR AGREEMENTS EXPIRE. THE INCUMBENTS KILL BE CONSIDERED ON AN EQUAL BASIS WITH OFFICERS ONI. RANK BELOW THEM.
’’THE ADMINISTRATION HAS RESUMED DISCUSSIONS. WITH THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WITH A V[EW TO REACHING A SETTLEMENT. KE HOPE THAT THE STAFF ASSO< 1ATIOKS WILL LOOK AT THE PACKAGE POSITIVELY AND COME TO AN EARLY AGREEMENT.
"IT IS LN THE INTERESTS OF BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STAFF, AND THF CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE, TO SETTLE THE MATTER.”
------0--------
/4 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
4
HK AND MANCHESTER FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE MOVEMENT
* t » * »
HONG KONG AND MANCHESTER HAVE BEEN ON THE SAME SIDE IN THE FIGHT FOR FREE TRADE AND OPEN MARKET, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID DURING HIS VISIT IN MANCHESTER TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE FREE TRADE MOVEMENT WHICH MANCHESTER CHAMPIONED TN THE 1830S AND 1840S IS TODAY THE VERY ESSENCE OF HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE.
DELIVERING THE MANCHESTER LECTURE 1994 "MANCHESTER AND HONG KONG - A TALE OF TWO CITIES", MR PATTEN SAID FREE TRADE MEANT HIGHER INCOMES AND MORE JOBS WHILE PROTECTIONISM REDUCED INCOMES AND DESTROYED JOBS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRADE BARRIERS.
NOTING THAT NO MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION WAS MORE COMMITTED TO LIBERALISING TRADE THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM, HE SAID HONG KONG LOOKED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP TN COUNTERING PROTECTIONISM.
ASIA ALSO LOOKS TO BRITAIN TO CONTINUE TO CHAMPION THE CAUSE OF FREE TRADE, TO CHAMPION IT IN THE GATT AND ELSEWHERE.
HE SAID: "IN HONG KONG AND IN THE OTHER BOOMING ECONOMIES OF THE REGION, THE CASE FOR AN EXTROVERT, OPEN, FREE-TRADING EUROPE IS REGARDED AS SELF-EVIDENT.
"SO TOO THE CASE FOR ENSURING THAT EUROPE AVOIDS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SCLEROSIS.
"ASIAN COUNTRIES COULD BF EXPECTED TO CHEER ON THE PROPONENTS OF A COMPETITIVE, DECENTRALISED EUROPEAN UNION. AND, THEY WOULD LOOK, NATURALLY ENOUGH, TO BRITAIN, OF ALL COUNTRIES, TO BE AT THE HEAD OF THOSE ARGUING FOR SUCH A EUROPE.
"THAT APPROACH IS SO OBVIOUSLY IN BRITAIN’S SELF-INTEREST - AS WELL AS EUROPE’S - THAT THEY WOULD FIND ANY OTHER VERY HARD TO COMPREHEND," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR MADE IT CLEAR THAI FREE TRADE ENSURED THAT GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH WAS NOT A ZERO-SUM GAME.
"IT WAS PROTECTIONISM, NOT FREE TRADE, WHICH RESULTS IN BEGGAR-MY-NEIGHBOUR ECONOMICS."
HE HOPED EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA WERE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG AND MANY OTHER PARTS OF ASIA WAS NO THREAT TO THEIR OWN PROSPERITY AND THEIR OWN WAY’ OF LIFE.
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID HE BELIEVED IF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS IMPLEMENTED IN FULL, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE A SPECTACULAR FUTURE.
"IT WILL PLAY THE ROLE IN RELATION TO THE CHINESE ECONOMY WHICH MANCHESTER PLAYED IN THE BRITISH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND WHICH NEW YORK PLAYED IN THE OPENING UP OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT.
/"IF THE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
5
"IF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS NOT IMPLEMENTED IN FULL, HONG KONG WILL PUT IN JEOPARDY THE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH MAKE IT SPECIAL - THE RULE OF LAW, A FREE PRESS, A HIGH LEVEL OF RESISTANCE TO CORRUPTION,” HE SAID.
"HONG KONG WILL NO LONGER BE SPECIAL AND THE POTENTIAL OFFERED BY THE HISTORIC 'ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT WILL HAVE BEEN SQUANDERED," HE ADDED.
------0--------
WARM MANCUNIAN WELCOME FOR GOVERNOR * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND MRS PATTEN, RECEIVED A WARM WELCOME FROM THE HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND WHEN THEY VISITED MANCHESTER ON THURSDAY (MAY 26) .
MORE THAN 100 BUSINESSMEN, ACADEMICS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND STUDENTS LIVING IN THE REGION ATTENDED A RECEPTION HELD TO MARK MR PATTEN’S FIRST VISIT TO THE CITY AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG.
EARLIER, ACCOMPANIED BY THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SIR DAVID FORD, THE GOVERNOR VISITED THE CHINESE SECTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY WHERE HE PRESENTED A COLLECTION OF BOOKS AND COMPACT DISCS FROM HONG KONG.
MR PATTEN HAD A BUSY SCHEDULE IN MANCHESTER, WHICH BOASTS THE SECOND LARGEST HONG KONG COMMUNITY IN THE UK AFTER LONDON.
HE VISITED A MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN MANCHESTER’S CHINATOWN AND MET THE RESIDENTS WHO ARE MAINLY FROM HONG KONG. THE HOME, ESTABLISHED FIVE YEARS AGO WITH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE FUNDING, PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 60 TENANTS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO CALLED AT THE MANCHESTER CHINESE ARTS CENTRE NEARBY WHERE HE VIEWED PAINTINGS BY HONG KONG ARTISTS. HE PRESENTED THE CENTRE WITH A SET OF URBAN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS ON CHINESE ART.
LATER IN THE EVENING MORE THAN 500 GUESTS, INCLUDING LEADING INDUSTRIALISTS, BUSINESSMEN, AND ACADEMICS IN THE NORTH WEST, HEARD THE GOVERNOR DELIVER THE FIFTH MANCHESTER LECTURE OF THE MANCHESTER LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. THE TITLE OF HIS LECTURE WAS "MANCHESTER AND HONG KONG - A TALE OF TWO CITIES".
THE MANCHESTER LECTURE IS A PRESTIGIOUS OCCASION THAT MARKS THE LINKS BETWEEN THE SOCIETY AND MAJOR ORGANISATIONS IN GREAT MANCHESTER, WHOSE LEADERS ATTEND AS GUESTS OF THE SOCIETY.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A DINNER HOSTED BY THE LORD MAYOR OF MANCHESTER COUNCILLOR SHEILA SMITH.
--------0-----------
/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 6 -
1ST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT *****
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 WAS RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS:
* THE HONG KONG ECONOMY CONTINUED TO GROW STEADILY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994. THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) PROBABLY GREW BY 5% - 5.5% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, BROADLY SIMILAR TO THE GROWTH RATES IN RECENT QUARTERS.
* EXTERNALLY, RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RECORD A NOTABLE INCREASE, ALBEIT AT A LESS RAPID RATE THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTERS. THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS HOWEVER REMAINED SLACK.
* LOCALLY, CONSUMER SPENDING ROSE STRONGLY, AND THE GROWTH RATE OF INVESTMENT SPENDING PICKED UP SOMEWHAT.
* NOTWITHSTANDING A RELATIVELY RAPID INCREASE IN LABOUR
SUPPLY, THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR MATCHED CLOSELY AND THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT.
* THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS BUOYANT IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE PRICE UPSURGES PARTICULARLY IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND OFFICE SPACE SUB-SECTORS HAD REINFORCED CONCERN, PROMPTING THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A TASK FORCE TO TACKLE THE SITUATION.
* CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION MODERATED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 FROM THE PRECEDING QUARTER. BUT THE INCREASES IN HOUSING RENTALS, TRANSPORT FARES AND IN PRICES OF CONSUMER SERVICES REMAINED RAPID.
* THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1994 HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND UPDATED. OVERALL, THE FORECAST GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS FOR 1994 IS MAINTAINED, AT 5.5%. THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE ALSO KEPT UNCHANGED, AT 8.5% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY.
THE EXTERNAL SECTOR
TOTAL EXPORTS RECORDED A FURTHER GROWTH OF ABOUT 8% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE MAIN DRIVING FORCE FOR THE OVERALL GROWTH IN EXPORTS AND HAD A NOTABLE INCREASE OF ABOUT 13% IN REAL TERMS.
IN CONTRAST, DOMESTIC EXPORTS WEAKENED FURTHER TO SHOW A DECLINE OF ABOUT 9% IN REAL TERMS.
/THE SHARE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS THUS ROSE FURTHER, TO 82% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, FROM 78% IN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
RE-EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS REMAINED ROBUST IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, THOUGH WITH SOME DECELERATION IN GROWTH .
ON RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE LESS RAPID GROWTH WAS MAINLY DUE TO CHINA’S LOCAL DEMAND SLOWING DOWN AS THE IMPACT OF THE EARLIER ECONOMIC RESTRAINT MEASURES BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT FILTERED THROUGH.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE MAJOR MARKETS WERE ON A DOWNTREND, AFFECTED PARTLY BY THE ONGOING SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY BY SLACK DEMAND.
SUPPORTED MAINLY BY THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS, IMPORTS ROSE BY ABOUT 9% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. RETAINED IMPORTS, HOWEVER, SHOWED ONLY A MODERATE INCREASE OF ABOUT 2% IN REAL TERMS.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $13.9 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $10.1 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
DOMESTIC DEMAND
DOMESTIC DEMAND CONTINUED TO BE UNDERPINNED BY THE STRONG GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING AMIDST VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND RISING REAL INCOMES.
THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES ROSE MARKEDLY, BY 12% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS HOWEVER CONSOLIDATED, SHOWING A 1% FALL IN REAL TERMS.
THIS SITUATION SUGGESTS THAT THERE WAS PROBABLY SOME DEPLETION IN STOCKS OF CONSUMER GOODS IN RECENT MONTHS. THE DEMAND FOR CONSUMER SERVICES WAS ROBUST IN THE LOCAL MARKET.
THE GROWTH IN FIXED CAPITAL INVESTMENT PICKED UP SOMEWHAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, ALTHOUGH PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDING ACTIVITY REMAINED SUBDUED, PUBLIC SECTOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY WAS INTENSE AS WORK ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS PROGRESSED.
ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, FOLLOWING A 4% DECLINE IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1993, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS RECORDED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
OVERALL, THE SUSTAINED RISE IN EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATELY OFFSET THE CONSOLIDATION IN EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
/THE LABOUR .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
8
THE LABOUR MARKET
THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT IN THE FIRST QUARTER. BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE STAYED AT A LOW LEVEL, AT 2.2% AND 1.7% RESPECTIVELY.
A RELATIVELY RAPID INCREASE IN LABOUR SUPPLY, ATTRIBUTABLE AT LEAST IN PART TO REDUCED NET OUTFLOW OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WAS MATCHED BY A CONCURRENT GROWTH IN JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS IN THE VARIOUS SERVICE SECTORS WERE GENERALLY TIGHTER THAN IN THE MANUFACTURING AND THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTORS.
REFLECTING THE ONGOING SHIFT IN LABOUR RESOURCES TOWARDS SERVICES IN PARALLEL WITH THE ONGOING RELOCATION OF PRODUCTION PROCESSES TO CHINA, EMPLOYMENT IN MOST OF THE MAJOR SERVICE SECTORS ROSE FURTHER IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1993, WHILE THAT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR CONTINUED TO FALL MARKEDLY.
THE WEAK PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO CONTRIBUTED.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES SHRANK FURTHER, AS PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDING ACTIVITY, BEING STILL RELATIVELY LABOUR-INTENSIVE, REMAINED SLUGGISH.
AVERAGE EARNINGS IN MOST OF THE MAJOR SERVICE SECTORS RECORDED FURTHER NOTABLE INCREASES IN MONEY TERMS AS WELL AS IN REAL TERMS IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1993.
MAINLY OWING TO A HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN DECEMBER 1992, AVERAGE EARNINGS OF MANUFACTURING WORKERS FELL IN REAL TERMS. CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN REAL TERMS.
THE PROPERTY SECTOR
BUYING INTEREST IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY REMAINED STRONG AND FLAT PRICES AGAIN SHOWED MORE RAPID INCREASES DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
WARY OF A HEATED MARKET, A NUMBER OF BANKS TIGHTENED THEIR MORTGAGE LENDING POLICIES FURTHER IN JANUARY.
IN LATE MARCH, AS LOCAL INTEREST RATES ROSE FOLLOWING HIGHER INTEREST RATES IN THE UNITED STATES, THE MORTGAGE RATE WAS RAISED IN PARALLEL.
PARTLY BECAUSE OF REDUCED AFFORDABILITY AND PARTLY IN ANTICIPATION OF NEW MEASURES LIKELY TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STABILISE THE MARKET, TRADING ACTIVITY IN RESIDENTIAL FLATS HAD COOLED DOWN LATELY.
MEANWHILE, THE RENTAL MARKET REMAINED ACTIVE, WITH RENTALS SHOWING A FURTHER INCREASE.
/AMIDST A .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
9
AMIDST A KEEN INVESTOR AND END-USER INTEREST, PRICES AND RENTALS OF OFFICE SPACE SURGED FURTHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
ON SHOPPING SPACE, PRICES AND RENTALS CONTINUED TO RISE DUE TO THE SUSTAINED GROWTH IN BOTH LOCAL CONSUMER AND TOURIST SPENDINGS.
THE DEMAND FOR CONVENTIONAL FLATTED FACTORY SPACE CONTINUED TO BE DAMPENED BY THE ONGOING RELOCATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER.
BUT NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS DESIGNED ALSO FOR OFFICE USE REMAINED WELL-RECEIVED. WHILE PRICES FOR MODERN INDUSTRIAL PREMISES WERE STILL ON AN UPTREND, RENTALS WERE GENERALLY STABLE.
THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR REMAINED STABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, MOVING WITHIN A NARROW RANGE OF HKS7.723 TO HK$7.749 TO US$1 ON THE STRONG SIDE OF THE LINK.
FOLLOWING THE MOVEMENTS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR EASED SLIGHTLY AGAINST THE MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES DURING THE FIRST QUARTER. AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN, IT WEAKENED FURTHER.
UPON THE UNIFICATION OF THE RENMINBI EXCHANGE RATE AND CONSEQUENTIALLY THE USE OF THE MARKET RATE IN PLACE OF THE PREVIOUS OFFICIAL RATE IN CALCULATING THE TRADE-WEIGHTED EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, THE INDEX INCREASED SHARPLY FROM 114.3 AT END-DECEMBER TO 127.8 IN EARLY JANUARY BEFORE CLOSING THE FIRST QUARTER AT 125.0.
ALONG WITH THE RISE IN THE U.S. FEDERAL FUNDS RATE, LOCAL MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES GENERALLY MOVED HIGHER.
DEPOSIT RATES ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE BEST LENDING RATE WERE ADJUSTED UPWARDS IN LATE MARCH, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MAY 1991.
AFFECTED IN PART BY A SLOWER NET INFLOW OF FUNDS, THE GROWTH RATES OF BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 MODERATED MARKEDLY, TO 2.5%, 3% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
THE GROWTH RATE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS, ON THE OTHER HAND, PICKED UP TO 5.7% DURING THE FIRST QUARTER. AS A RESULT, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN-TO-DEPOSIT RATIO ROSE.
THE HANG SENG INDEX, AFTER RALLYING TO A NEW RECORD HIGH OF 12,201 IN EARLY JANUARY, CONSOLIDATED THEREAFTER NOTWITHSTANDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF FAVOURABLE CORPORATE RESULTS.
THE THREAT OF AN IMMINENT RISE IN INTEREST RATES COUPLED WITH PROFIT-TAKING BY INVESTORS CONTRIBUTED TO THIS MARKET CORRECTION. A 24% DROP IN THE INDEX WAS RECORDED DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
/INFLATION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 10 -
INFLATION
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION MODERATED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) DECELERATED FROM 8.7% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993 TO 7.3% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994.
THE CPI(B), HANG SENG CPI AND COMPOSITE CPI SHOWED A BROADLY SIMILAR MODERATING TREND, WITH INCREASES OF 7.7%, 9.3% AND 7.9% RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 8.6%, 9.7% AND 8.9% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993.
THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, ALSO EXHIBITED A MODERATING TREND MORE RECENTLY. ITS YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE DECELERATED MARKEDLY TO 6.0% IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1993, FROM 7.7% IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
UPDATED FORECASTS
THE GDP AND PRICE FORECASTS FOR 1994 HAVE BEEN REVIEWED BY INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS. THE UPDATED FORECASTS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1 .
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1994 IS REVISED DOWNWARDS, FROM 22% TO 17%. THIS HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE RECENT SLOW-DOWN IN GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS TO A NUMBER OF MARKETS.
LOOKING AHEAD, THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WILL HINGE ON THE PACE OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND THE STRENGTH OF DEMAND FOR IMPORTS IN THE MAJOR INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.
IN CHINA, CONTINUATION OF THE ECONOMIC RESTRAINT MEASURES IS LIKELY TO DAMPEN FURTHER THE DEMAND FOR IMPORTS FOR CHINA’S OWN USE.
ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS, PERFORMANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE AFFECTED BY SLACK DEMAND FOR SUCH EXPORTS IN THE MAJOR MARKETS AND THE ONGOING SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT TREND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1994 ARE EXPECTED TO SHOW A LARGER DECLINE, BY 5% IN REAL TERMS INSTEAD OF 2% AS FORECAST EARLIER.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN 1994 IS ACCORDINGLY LOWERED, FROM 16.5% TO 12%.
THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF IMPORTS IN 1994 IS REDUCED FROM 16.7% TO 12.2%, HAVING REGARD TO THE ACTUAL OUTTURN OF BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND RETAINED IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
LOOKING AHEAD, RETAINED IMPORTS OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT WILL PROBABLY PICK UP SOMEWHAT, WHILE RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS CAN BE EXPECTED TO RISE IN LINE WITH THE STEADY GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING.
/THE FORECAST........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 11 -
THE FORECAST GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES IN 1994 ARE BOTH KEPT UNCHANGED, AT 9% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY.
ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR TRADE-RELATED SERVICES ARE LIKELY TO BE SLOWER, IN LINE WITH THE TREND ENVISAGED FOR VISIBLE TRADE, THE GROWTH IN DEMAND IN THE AREAS OF TRAVEL, TOURISM AND VARIOUS BUSINESS SERVICES WILL PROBABLY BE SOMEWHAT FASTER THAN IN THE EARLIER FORECAST.
IN THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN 1994 IS KEPT UNCHANGED, AT 7%.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY POSSIBLE NEGATIVE WEALTH EFFECT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY CONSOLIDATION IN THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET, THE GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING, AS REFLECTED BY RETAIL SALES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, SUGGESTS A SOLID TREND.
LARGELY OWING TO INCREASED GOVERNMENT PURCHASES OF SUPPLIES AND SUNDRY EQUIPMENT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN 1994 IS RAISED, FROM 3.5% TO 4.4%.
ON INVESTMENT SPENDING, AS WORK ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR PUBLIC SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS PROCEEDED APACE, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS REVISED UPWARDS, FROM 22% TO 27.5%.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FORECAST RATE OF DECLINE IN REAL TERMS IN PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION REMAINS UNCHANGED AT 2%.
TAKEN TOGETHER, OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO RISE BY 10.4% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994, FASTER THAN THE INCREASE OF 8.7% IN THE EARLIER FORECAST.
CONCURRENTLY, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF PUBLIC SECTOR AND PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURES ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT ARE KEPT UNCHANGED, AT 35% AND 5% RESPECTIVELY.
OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, WITH AN EXPECTED GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF 5.8%, IS LARGELY UNCHANGED FROM THE EARLIER FORECAST.
THERE WERE SIGNS THAT THE DECLINE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS HAD BOTTOMED OUT IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AND CAPITAL SUBSTITUTION SHOULD CONTINUE TO TAKE PLACE AMIDST THE TIGHT LABOUR MARKET SITUATION.
COMBINING ALL RELEVANT COMPONENTS, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IN 1994 IS RAISED SLIGHTLY, FROM 5.2% TO 5.6%.
OVERALL, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP FOR 1994 IS MAINTAINED AT 5.5%.
WHILE THE FORECASTS IN REGARD TO THE MAIN DOMESTIC DEMAND COMPONENTS REMAIN BROADLY ON TRACK, THE SLOWER THAN EXPECTED GROWTH IN EXPORTS IS ENVISAGED TO BE OFFSET BY A CORRESPONDING DECELERATION IN ABSORPTION OF IMPORTS.
/ON INFLATION.........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 12 -
ON INFLATION, THE FORECAST RATES OF INCREASE IN BOTH THE CPI(A) AND THE GDP DEFLATOR ARE KEPT UNCHANGED FOR THE TIME BEING, AT 8.5% AND 8% RESPECTIVELY, NOTWITHSTANDING THE MODERATION IN INFLATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
LOOKING AHEAD, IMPORT PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN LARGELY STABLE.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE INFLATION SITUATION lN CHINA, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA WILL PROBABLY REMAIN SOFT.
LOCALLY, THE RELATIVELY MORE ABUNDANT LABOUR SUPPLY, IF IT CAN BE SUSTAINED, SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME RELIEF TO THE CURRENT CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS.
HOWEVER, INFLATIONARY PRESSURES NOTABLY ON THE HOUSING RENTALS, TRANSPORT AND CONSUMER SERVICES FRONTS ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN STRONG.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $44 A COPY .
TABLE 1
FORECAST CURRENT
FOR 1994 UPDATE
AS RELEASED RELEASED ON
ON 2.3.1994 27.5. 1994
( % ) ( % )
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF:
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 7 7
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 3.5 1.4
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION 5.2 5.6
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND AND BUILDINGS 0 0
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 8.7 10.4
PRIVATE SECTOR -2 -2
PUBLIC SECTOR 22 27.5
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN — 2 -2
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 5.9 5.8
PRIVATE SECTOR 5 5
PUBLIC SECTOR 35 35
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 16.5 12
DOMESTIC EXPORTS — 4 -5
RE-EXPORTS 22 17
IMPORTS OF GOODS 16.7 12.2
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 9 9
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 8 8
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 5.5 5.5
PER CAPITA GDP 3.8 3.8
/GROWTH RATE .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 13 -
GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF:
GDP 13.9 13.9
PER CAPITA GDP 12.1 12.1
RATE OF INCREASE IN:
GDP DEFLATOR 8 8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) 8.5 8.5
--------0-----------
DEPARTMENTS READY TO DEAL WITH LANDSLIPS AND FLOODING *****
EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTRES HAVE BEEN SET UP WITHIN VARIOUS LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS WHICH WILL ACTIVATE CONTINGENCY PLANS TO DEAL WITH NATURAL DISASTERS.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY) THE WORKS BRANCH HAD ESTABLISHED A STANDING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ON A REGULAR BASIS.
OF MORE DIRECT CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC, SHE POINTED OUT, WERE THE PROJECTS UNDER THE FLOOD MITIGATION PROGRAMME AND THE LANDSLIP PREVENTION PROGRAMME.
"WE ARE IMPLEMENTING AND DRIVING THESE PROGRAMMES FORWARD WITH DETERMINATION AND VIGOUR," SHE NOTED.
"FIRSTLY, THE LANDSLIP PREVENTION PROGRAMME. SINCE 1977 WHEN THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WAS SET UP, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPILED A CATALOGUE OF MAN-MADE SLOPES.
"WE HAVE UPGRADED A TOTAL OF 525 OLD SUB-STANDARD SLOPES ON PUBLIC LAND AT A COST OF $1 BILLION AND ISSUED NOTICES TO PRIVATE OWNERS REGARDING 379 SLOPES.
"MORE THAN 65,000 PERSONS HAVE MOVED FROM HUTS ON STEEP SLOPES TO PUBLIC HOUSING.
"LAST YEAR, WE CONTINUED THIS WORK, AND UPGRADED 76 GOVERNMENT SLOPES. MORE THAN 1,000 SQUATTERS WERE REHOUSED.
"BUT THERE IS MORE TO LANDSLIP PREVENTION. MAN-MADE SLOPES MUST BE KEPT IN GOOD REPAIR. TO ALERT OWNERS TO THIS WE LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN 1992," SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO FLOOD MITIGATION, MISS CHUNG SAID, NORTH AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN MORE VULNERABLE TO FLOODS IN RECENT YEARS BECAUSE OF THE QUICK PACE OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH TOOK AWAY THE FLOOD STORAGE CAPACITY AND BECAUSE MANY OF THE NATURAL RIVER COURSES HAD BEEN BLOCKED.
/"THE GOVERNMENT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 14 -
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW TRYING TO RATIONALISE LAND USE, CONSTRUCT DRAINAGE CHANNELS AND CLEAR BLOCKAGES IN RIVER COURSES WITH A VIEW TO ALLEVIATING FLOODING," SHE NOTED.
MISS CHUNG SAID THE MOST CRITICAL PROJECT FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT IS THE SHENZHEN RIVER TRAINING SCHEME.
LAST YEAR, PREPARATION FOR LAND RESUMPTION WAS MADE AND DETAILED DESIGN WAS ABOUT TO COMPLETE.
"AT PRESENT, WE ARE CARRYING OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY.
"THE PROJECT, COSTING A TOTAL OF $1,065 MILLION, IS DUE TO START IN 1995. THE FIRST TWO STAGES OF THE SCHEME WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 2001.
"WHEN COMPLETED, THERE WILL BE VERY SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN NORTH DISTRICT,” SHE ADDED.
A CONTRACT FOR TRAINING SHAN PUI RIVER COSTING $275 MILLION, COMMENCED IN OCTOBER 1993.
ANOTHER CONTRACT TO TRAIN THE LOWER REACHES OF KAM TIN RIVER, COSTING $284 MILLION, COMMENCED IN APRIL 1994.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1996, THERE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
IN THE MEANTIME, MISS CHUNG SAID THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS IMPLEMENTING POLDER FLOOD PUMPING SCHEMES IN FLOOD ■ ’RONE AREAS SUCH AS SHEUNG SHUI TSUEN AND TSUNG PAK LONG, KAM TIN, NGAM TAM MEI AND SAN TIN.
FURTHERMORE, A PLAN WAS IN HAND TO REHABILITATE CERTAIN RIVERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO RESTORE TO THEIR NATURAL STATE.
"WE PLAN TO SPEND A TOTAL OF $3.7 MEASURES," SHE ADDED.
BILLION ON ANTI-FLOODING
OVER $88 MILLION WERE SPENT BY DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ON CLEARING BLOCKED DRAINS AND OTHER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WORK PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF THE WET SEASON.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD REVIEWED THE RISK OF THE WATERWORKS INSTALLATIONS PRONE TO FLOODING AND THE NECESSARY PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAVE ALL BEEN COMPLETED.
UTILITIES COMPANIES HAD DONE THE SAME FOR ALL THEIR IMPORTANT INSTALLATIONS.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO PREPARED ITSELF FOR THE COMING WET SEASON.
MAINTENANCE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT HAVE TAKEN PREVENTIVE MEASURES PRIOR TO THE ONSET OF THE WET SEASON, INCLUDING CLEARANCE AND MAINTENANCE OF ROAD/SLOPE DRAINS, CHANNELS, CATCHPITS, GULLIES AND GULLY CONNECTIONS.
/THE DEPARTMENT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 15 -
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO SET UP AN EMERGENCY CENTRE WHICH WILL CO-ORDINATE REMOVAL OF FALLEN TREES, BOULDERS AND LANDSLIP MATERIAL,
MISS CHUNG ALSO APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO HELP BY:
* KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN. IN PARTICULAR, DON’T THROW RUBBISH, ESPECIALLY PLASTIC BAGS, INTO GULLIES, DRAINAGE INLETS, OPEN CHANNELS, CATCHPITS;
* REFRAINING FROM ILLEGAL DUMPING OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AT OR NEAR CULVERT INLETS AND OUTLETS \ND INDISCRIMINATE FILLING UP OF NATURAL STREAMS;
» REFRAINING FROM ILLEGAL EXCAVATION OF NATURAL SLOPES AND SITE FORMATION AS IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PRACTjCE; AND
* REGULAR INSPECTION OF PRIVATE SLOPES BY OWNERS. PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO BLOCKED DRAINS.
------0--------
LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS ♦ ♦ * » »
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON:
"WE WILL BE REVIEWING THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR AUCTIONS IN THE LIGHT OF YESTERDAY’S EXPERIENCE CHANGES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED BEFORE THE NEXT ONE.
THE SECRETARY FOR
THE CONDUI T OF LANI)
TO SEE WHETHER ANY
"IT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO ANY AUCTION - AND PARTICULARLY AUCTIONS OF LAND IN HONG KONG - THAT THERE SHOULD BE REAL COMPETITION.
"THE PREMIA OBTAINED AT YESTERDAY’S AUCTION WAS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPECTATIONS.
"WE DO NOT CONSIDER THERE WAS A CHALLENGE TO THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY. CERTAINLY THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES BEING PUT TOGETHER BY THE TASK FORCE WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED Bl ANY SUCH CHALLENGE.
"THE ATM OF OUR PACKAGE REMAINS AS IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN: TO BRING ABOUT A MODERATION OF PROPERTY PRICES WITHOUT CAUSING TH! MARKET TO LOSE ITS EQUILIBRIUM."
/16 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
16
PUBLIC MEETINGS ON ELECTION GUIDELINE PROPOSALS *****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL HOLD A SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS FROM NEXT MONDAY (MAY 30) TO RECEIVE REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON ITS PROPOSED GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS.
THE MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK WILL BE HELD AT THE COMMISSION’S CONFERENCE ROOM, 1OTH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE MEETINGS ARE PART OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE THE COMMISSION IS HOLDING UNTIL JUNE 15 TO SOLICIT VIEWS ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. THEY MAY SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO THE COMMISSION SECRETARIAT BEFORE THE JUNE 15 DEADLINE.
------0-------
LANDS TRIBUNAL TO HANDLE BUILDING MANAGEMENT DISPUTES *****
THE JURISDICTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL WILL BE EXTENDED TO HANDLE DISPUTES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS AS FROM JUNE 1.
SECTIONS OF THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 RELATING TO THE TRIBUNAL’S ADDITIONAL POWER WILL ALSO COME INTO FORCE ON THAT DATE.
A SCHEDULE OF THESE SECTIONS TN THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1993 (27 OF 1993) (COMMENCEMENT) NOTICE 1994 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED AND PUT INTO EFFECT IN MAY LAST YEAR, EXCEPT FOR THOSE SECTIONS AND SCHEDULE RELATING TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL OVER BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
ITS OBJECTIVES INCLUDE FACILITATING THE CREATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATION, INCREASING CONTROLS OVER THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND INTRODUCING MEASURES RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANTS.
MEANWHILE, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS PUBLISHED A PAMPHLET WHICH SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE PAMPHLET, ENTITLED “HOW TO FORM AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT", ALSO COVERS TOPICS SUCH AS THE PROCEDURES OF FORMING AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION, THE APPOINTMENT OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF SUPPLIES, GOODS AND SERVICES.
THE PAMPHLETS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
---------0-----------
/17........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
17 -
HK AND SWEDEN SIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENT t t » » *
AN AGREEMENT ON THE PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS WAS SIGNED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWEDEN TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN HONG KONG BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR' T II CHAU, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND THE SWEDISH CONSUL-GENERAL, MR MIKAEL WESTERLIND, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN.
THIS IS THE FOURTH AGREEMENT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION. OTHER AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE NETHERLANDS, AUSTRALIA AND DENMARK.
SUCH AGREEMENTS ARE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS BINDING UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW WHICH AIM TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT, ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS, INVESTMENTS BY INVESTORS OF ONE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE OTHER’S AREA.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID THE AGREEMENT WOULD FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE EXCELLENT ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWEDEN.
"THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES INVESTORS WITH GUARANTEES OF FAIR TREATMENT, THE UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO TRANSFER INVESTMENTS AND RETURNS, AND PROPER COMPENSATION IN THE EVENT OF LOSSES OWING TO EXPROPRIATION."
"IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR INVESTMENT DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAID-DOWN PROCEDURES."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR WESTERLIND POINTED TO THE SOPHISTICATED ECONOMIES AND OPEN MARKETS OF BOTH SWEDEN AND HONG KONG.
EVEN THOUGH SECURE PROPERTY RIGHTS ARE ALREADY EMBODIED IN THE LEGAL FRAMEWORKS OF THE TWO SOCIETIES, MR WESTERLIND DREW THE ATTENTION TO THE AGREEMENT AS A WAV TO ENHANCE BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND TO FOSTER BILATERAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION, AS WELL AS BEING A LANDMARK OF THE FRIENDLY TIES BETWEEN SWEDEN AND HONG KONG.
THE AGREEMENT WILL ENTER INTO FORCE 30 DAYS AFTER AND WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF THEREAFTER, IT WILL REMAIN IN FORCE INDEFINITELY, UNLESS BY EITHER PARTY BY GIVING ONE YEAR’S WRITTEN NOTICE.
SIGNATURE, 15 YEARS. TERMINATED
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/18 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
18
FEES ON DISTRAINTS FOR RENT TO RISE ♦ * * * *
THE FEES TO BE LEVIED ON DISTRAINT FOR RENT AND ON THE ISSUE OF SUBPOENAS UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WILL GO UP BY 10 PER CENT FROM JUNE 30.
THIS MEANS THAT THE FEE FOR USING A WATCHMAN TO KEEP CHARGE OF PROPERTIES HELD IN ARREAR OF RENT Wll.l BE INCREASED FROM $300 TO $330 PER DAY.
IN CASES WHERE A TENANT DISPUTES THE LANDLORD’S CLAIM AND WITNESSES HAVE TO BE SUBPOENAED, ADDITIONAL FEES FOR EACH SUBPOENA WILL BE RAISED FROM $50 TO $55.
DETAILS OF THE INCREASES ARE GIVEN IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF FOURTH SCHEDULE) NOTICE 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR THE INCREASES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1992.
THE NEW RATES WERE THEREFORE IN LINE WI TH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICE TO SET FEES AT LEVELS SUFI K I ENT 1’0 RECOVEL I HI- FULL COST OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES, HE ADDED.
------0--------
REPORT ON ASIA SECURITIES INTERNATIONAL LTD PUBLISHED *****
THE REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE (SDIO) REGARDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF ASIA SECURITIES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (AS1L) FROM FEBRUARY 1991 TO EARLY JUNE 1993 HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD FORWARDED A COPY OF THE REPORT TO AS IL AND REFERRED THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC) FOR POSSIBLE FOLLOW-UP ACTION.
ON JUNE 22, 1993, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY APPOINTED MR STUART CROSBY OF THE SFC AN INSPECTOR UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE SDIO TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF AS IL IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE TRUE PERSONS WHO ARE OR HAVE BEEN FINANCIALLY INTERESTED IN THE SUCCESS AND FAILURE OF THE COMPANY OR ABLE ’1’0 CONTROL OR MATERIALLY INFLUENCE ITS POLICY DURING FEBRUARY 1, 1991 TO JUNE 1, 1993, AND ON ANY SUBSEQUENT TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES MATERIAL TO THE INVESTIGATION.
MR CROSBY SUBMITTED HIS REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN LATE MARCH THIS YEAR.
THE SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION WAS LIMITED TO 60 MILLION SHARES IN ASIL SOLD BY ASIA SECURITIES LIMITED AND QUATRO ENTERPRISES LIMITED PURPORTEDLY TO MR WONG SHEU CHUI PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT DATED JUNE 28, 1991.
/THE SHARES .
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 19 -
THE SHARES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ACQUIRED BY THE HONGKONG CHINA/EIE GROUP DURING A TAKEOVER BID FOR ASIL IN MID-1993.
"THE INSPECTOR MADE A NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE TRUE PERSONS WHO WERE FINANCIALLY INTERESTED IN THE SHARES IN QUESTION DURING THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE INVESTIGATION.
"HE RECOMMENDED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE CASE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE TO THE PANEL ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS TO EXAMINE THE ROLE OF CERTAIN PARTIES INVOLVED IN SOME OF THE TRANSACTIONS COVERED BY THE INVESTIGATION," MR CARTLAND SAID.
THE INSPECTOR ALSO CONCLUDED THAT THERE REMAIN 39,000 SHARES, THE TRUE OWNERSHIP OF WHICH IS UNCLEAR. THE QUANTITY OF THESE SHARES IS CONSIDERED TOO SMALL TO WARRANT A FREEZING ORDER TO BE MADE UNDER THE SDIO TO RESTRICT THE TRANSFERABILITY OF SUCH SHARES.
"THE NEXT STEP WILL BE FOR THE SFC, AS THE EXECUTIVE TO THE PANEL ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS, TO DECIDE WHAT, IF ANY, FOLLOW-UP ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN,” MR CARTLAND SAID.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
"1 WOULD LEAVE IT TO THOSE INTERESTED TN THIS CASE TO READ THE DETAILS SET OUT IN THE REPORT," MR CARTLAND SAID.
--------0-----------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR LAST MONTH t * ♦ t t
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS RECORDED FURTHER INCREASE IN APRIL 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993, WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED SLACK.
THESE ARE SHOWN TN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR APRIL RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $74.8 BILLION IN APRIL 1994, WAS $7.2 BILLION OR 11% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY $1.2 BILLION OR 6.7% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $16.6 BILLION IN APRIL.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY $6.0 BILLION OR 7.0% TO $91.4 BILLION IN APRIL 1994. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $8.3 BILLION OR 8.8% TO $101.9 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN APRIL WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $10.5 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 10% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
/THIS COMPARED ......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 20 -
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $8.2 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 8.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN APRIL 1993.
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 8.1% OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR. AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 13%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 7.8%.
SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN HONG KONG’S REEXPORT TRADE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.5%.
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $24.4 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.8% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $18.4 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 5.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS STILL QUITE ROBUST, ALTHOUGH THE GROWTH RATE HAD MODERATED SOMEWHAT FROM LAST YEAR.
THE MODERATION WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO SLOWER GROWTH IN REEXPORTS TO CHINA, THE UNITED STATES AND GERMANY.
MEANWHILE, AFFECTED IN PART BY THE SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS, THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED SLUGGISH. THE SHARE OF REEXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE TO 82% IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1994 FROM 78% IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
RETAINED IMPORTS IN APRIL 1994 RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 6.1% OVER APRIL 1993. FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS AS A WHOLE, RETAINED IMPORTS WAS 4.9% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR APRIL 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-JUNE 1994 .
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
21
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR APRIL 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $16,623 million
Re-exports : $74,821 million
Total Exports : $91,444 million
Imports : $101,905 million
Trade balance : -$10,461 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Feb 94 to Feb 93 to Change
Latest 3 months Apr 94 Apr 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 46,018 51,964 -5,947 -11.4
(X of Total Exports) (18.3%) (21.2%)
Re-exports 205,307 192,648 ♦12,659 +6.6
Total Exports 251,324 244,612 +6,712 +2.7
Imports 277,443 263,357 +14,086 +5.3
Trade balance -26,119 -18,745 -7,374
April April Change
Same month last year 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 16,623 17,814 -1,192 -6.7
(X of Total Exports) (18.2%) (20.9X)
Re-exports 74,821 67,615 +7,206 + 10.7
Total Exports 91,444 85,429 +6,014 + 7.0
Imports 101,905 93,654 +8,251 +8.8
Trade balance -10,461 -8,224 -2,237
April March Change
Last month 1994 1994
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 16,623 15,930 +693 +4.4
(X of Total Exports) (18.2X) (18.3X)
Re-exports 74,821 71,120 +3,701 +5.2
Total Exports 91,444 87,050 +4,394 + 5.0
Imports 101,905 96,238 +5,667 +5.9
Trade balance -10,461 -9,188 -1,274
Jan-Apr Jan-Apr Change
Calendar year to-date 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 61,358 66,524 -5,166 -7.8
(X of Total Exports) (18.4%) (21.6%)
Re-exports 272,078 241,813 +30,265 + 12.5
Total Exports 333,436 308,337 +25,099 +8.1
Imports 357,821 326,708 +31,113 +9.5
Trade balance -24,385 -18,371 -6,014
May 93 to May 92 to Change
Last 12 months Apr 94 Apr 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. X
Domestic Exports 217,861 (20.3%) 234,223 -16,362 -7.0
(X of Total Exports) (24.OX)
Re-exports 853,489 739,701 +113,788 + 15.4
Total Exports 1,071,350 973,924 +97,426 + 10.0
Imports 1,103,711 1,005,496 +98,215 +9.8
Trade balance -32,361 -31,572 -789
0----------
/22 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 22 -
NOTICES SENT TO VOTERS
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE IS ISSUING NOTICES TO REGISTERED ELECTORS ON THE 1993 ELECTORAL ROLL INFORMING THEM THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY AND THE POLLING STATION TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN REALLOCATED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IF THEY DID NOT RECEIVE THE NOTICES IN TWO WEEKS TIME, THEY SHOULD INFORM THE OFFICE ON TEL 827 1122.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 440 POLLING STATIONS FOR 346 CONSTITUENCIES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18.
RS APPEALS TO COMMUNITY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS *****
THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG HINGES ON THE COMMUNITY’S REGISTERING AS VOTERS AND CASTING THEIR BALLOTS IN THE THREE-TIER ELECTIONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE RENOVATED ABERDEEN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE BUILDING CUM OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOCKEY CLUB WONG CHI-KEUNG MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY.
MISS CHOW SAID COMMUNITY BUILDING REQUIRED THE FULL SUPPORT OF RESIDENTS.
SHE THEREFORE CALLED ON EVERYONE IN THE DISTRICT TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN SEPTEMBER’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AS WELL AS THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
"IN ORDER TO VOTE, YOU MUST FIRST REGISTER YOURSELF AS AN ELECTOR. THAT IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT IS ENGAGED IN A LARGE-SCALE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER," SHE SAID.
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/23........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 23 -
$5 MILLION APPROVED FOR SCIENCE PARK
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (FRIDAY) APPROVED FUNDS OF $5 MILLION FOR A STUDY TO EXAMINE HOW A SCIENCE PARK COULD BE ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG.
THIS FOLLOWS AN EARLIER STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR A SCIENCE PARK, TO FURTHER UPGRADE THE TECHNOLOGY OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES.
THAT STUDY CONCLUDED THAT ADDITIONAL INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WAS REQUIRED TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN ORDER TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE ITS COMPETITIVENESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID A SCIENCE PARK WOULD FOSTER TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER BY PROVIDING A FOCUS FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY-BASED BUSINESSES AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS.
THE STUDY SHOWED THERE WAS KEEN INTEREST ON THE PART OF INDUSTRY IN LOCATING THEIR BUSINESSES IN A SCIENCE PARK.
"THE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS FIRMS WHICH WERE SURVEYED FELT THAT A SCIENCE PARK WOULD HELP IN THE RECRUITMENT OF QUALIFIED STAFF, FACILITATE CONTACT WITH HIGH-TECHNOLOGY FIRMS AND PROVIDE MORE APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR OPERATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"A SCIENCE PARK WOULD ALSO HELP TO ESTABLISH HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A TECHNOLOGY-BASED INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, AS WELL AS ATTRACT TECHNOLOGY-BASED FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE STUDY IS TO CONSIDER THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF THE SCIENCE PARK, THE TIMING AND PHASING OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND OTHER NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS THE OPERATIONAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS.
AS PART OF THE STUDY, CONSULTATIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS, HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER INTERESTED BODIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT.
THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING A CONSULTANT FOR THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER. THE STUDY IS LIKELY TO TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
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/24 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 24 -
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR MANAGEMENT TENDERS INVITED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A CONTRACT TO MANAGE AND OPERATE THE CENTRAL TO MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR AND WALKWAY SYSTEM.
THE INVITATION TO TENDER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE TENDER DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, UPON THE PRODUCTION OF A COMPANY LETTER.
A RECEIPT SHOWING THE SPECIFIED DEPOSIT AMOUNT WITH THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE ATTACHED TO EACH TENDER.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD BEFORE NOON ON JUNE 24.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
--------0-----------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF QUEEN’S PIER LANDING STEPS
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A SET OF LANDING STEPS IN THE NORTH-EAST CORNER OF QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM SUNDAY (MAY 29) TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS.
WITH THE CLOSURE OF ONE SET OF LANDING STEPS, MARINE TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE PIER IS EXPECTED TO BE EXTREMELY CONGESTED, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED COXSWAINS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL CRAFT NOT TO USE QUEEN’S PIER IF THEY CAN USE PUBLIC LANDING AT ANOTHER LOCATION.
"SHOULD THERE BE AN ABSOLUTE NEED, THEY ARE ADVISED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE. THEY ARE ALSO URGED TO WAIT IN THE SMALL CRAFT HOLDING AREA ABOUT 200 METRES OFF QUEEN’S PIER WHEN THE PIER IS OCCUPIED OR IF PASSENGERS ARE NOT READY TO BOARD OR DISEMBARK," HE SAID.
THE CLOSURE IS EXPECTED TO LAST ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
/25........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 25 -
CLIMBING LANES TO HELP EASE CONGESTION
*****
THE COMPLETION OF CLIMBING LANES AT FOUR SECTIONS OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD WILL RAISE THE OVERALL CAPACITY OF THE ROAD BY 15 PER CENT, REDUCING THE CHANCE AND DEGREE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1996.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR.
SPEAKING AFTER THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES, MR YEUNG YU-CHEONG, SAID TUEN MUN ROAD WAS NOW NEAR CAPACITY AND CONGESTION WOULD OCCUR WHEN THERE WAS A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE WORK AND EVEN WHEN A LARGE NUMBER OF HEAVY VEHICLES WERE USING THE LONG UPHILL SECTIONS OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
"THIS SITUATION WILL DETERIORATE FURTHER AS NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES CONTINUES TO GROW. HOWEVER, THE SITUATION WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE COUNTRY PARK SECTION OF ROUTE 3," HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, MR YEUNG SAID GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO CONSTRUCT CLIMBING LANES WITH A WIDE HARD SHOULDER IN THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD AT FOUR SECTIONS, SAM SHING HUI, SO KWUN WAT, TAI LAM AND TING KAU.
"THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CLIMBING LANES WILL INCREASE THE DESIGN CAPACITY OF THE HILLY SECTION TO MATCH WITH THAT OF THE LEVEL SECTIONS WHICH IS ABOUT 4,000 VEHICLES PER HOUR, INCREASING THE OVERALL CAPACITY OF THE ROAD BY 15 PER CENT," HE SAID.
"THIS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE CHANCE AND DEGREE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY. ON THE OTHER HAND, TRAFFIC CAN BE DIVERTED TO THE WIDE HARD SHOULDER AT THE HILLY SECTIONS IN CASE OF ROAD WORKS OR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT," HE ADDED.
WORKS UNDER THIS $500-MILLION CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE: '
* CUTTING AND FILLING OF EXISTING SLOPES TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR AN ADDITIONAL LANE WITH A 3.3-METRE WIDE HARD SHOULDER AND A TWO-METRE WIDE VERGE;
* THE ASSOCIATED SLOPE AND GEOTECHNICAL WORKS;
* WIDENING EXISTING BRIDGES AND SUBWAYS;
* CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH-RETAINING STRUCTURES; AND
* INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTS;
/MR YEUNG .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
26
MR YEUNG SAID DURING CONSTRUCTION, STRICT CONTROL WOULD BE EXERCISED BY ALL RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS SO THAT THE TRAFFIC FLOW ON TUEN MUN ROAD WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THE INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE SO THAT PROMPT ACTIONS COULD BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION OR INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WAS CONSULTED DURING THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN STAGE. THE DEPARTMENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FOUND THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DUE TO THIS PROJECT WAS MINIMAL AND AIR QUALITY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
--------0-----------
FARMERS URGED TO USE LESS AGRICULTURAL PESTICIJES
*****
LOCAL FARMERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE GROWING VEGETABLES, ARE URGED TO USE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ONLY WHEN NECESSARY.
THE APPI' AL WAS ISSUED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MR FONG CHUN-WAH AFTER A SEMINAR ON THE SAFE AND PROPER USE OF PESTICIDES THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR FONG STRESSED THAT THERE WERE MANY OPTIONS SUCH AS CULTURE CONTROL, PHYSICAL CONTROL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL METHODS AVAILABLE TO FARMERS, OTHER THAN RELYING ON AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ALONE TO SOLVE THEIR PEST PROBLEMS.
THE WHOLE STRATEGY WAS KNOWN AS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT, HE SAID.
"BY REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF PESTICIDES USED, FARMERS COULD ALSO HELP CONSTITUTE TOWARDS THE BETTERMENT OF THEIR FIELDS AND THE ENVIRONMENT AS A WHOLE," HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON TODAY’S SEMINAR, MR FONG SAID IT WAS WELL RECEIVED BY ABOUT 50 PARTICIPATING FARMERS.
DURING THE SEMINAR, THE MESSAGE OF "USE LESS OR NO
AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES" WAS CONVEYED TO THEM.
THEY WERE ALSO TOLD TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARF IN HANDLING PESTICIDES WHEN THEY HAD NO OTHER ALTERNATIVES BUT TO USE THESE SUBSTANCES.
"DEMONSTRATIONS AND PRACTICES ON TECHNIQUES OF PREPARING A SPRAY SOLUTION, AND ON THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SPRAYERS, WERE ALSO GIVEN TO FARMERS," MR FONG SAID.
THE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS WERE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
/MR FONG .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 27 -
MR FONG ALSO REMINDED FARMERS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY NOT TO BUY UNREGISTERED OR IMPROPERLY LABELLED PESTICIDES, AND TO REPORT TO HIS DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY SPOT SUCH INCIDENTS.
UNDER THE PESTICIDES ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON IN POSSESSION OF AN UNREGISTERED PESTICIDE WITHOUT A PERMIT SHALL CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AS PART OF AN ONGOING LIAISON AND TECHNICAL BACKUP EXERCISE FOR LOCAL FARMERS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE SAFE AND PROPER USE OF PESTICIDES CAN BE MADE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICES OR THE PLANT PROTECTION SECTION AT TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL STATION, SHEUNG SHUI .
------0--------
PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION
♦ ♦ * * *
A ROVING EXHIBITION ON HONG KONG’S PUBLIC WORKS WILL BE STAGED AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF CITYPLAZA, TAI KOO SHING IN QUARRY BAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION IS THE SECOND OF A SERIES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AX'D THE WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS TO MARK THE 1 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG.
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 IN THE EXHIBITION.
SHORT FILMS WILL BE SHOWN ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL TO ILLUSTRATE HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING MORE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON DISPLAY TO DEPICT THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATING OFFICE, AND SEVEN WORKS DEPARTMENTS, NAMELY ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT. TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WILL BE A SEI OF FIVE PANORAMIC-VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH SHOW THE. CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE SKYLINE OF KOWLOON PENINSULA AND HONG KONG ISLAND OVER THE PAST 150 YEARS.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 28 -
THE EXHIBITION WILL
BE OPENED FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM
TOMORROW
AND
10 AM TO 8 PM ON SUNDAY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELI) AT THE WEST BRIDGE OF CITYPLAZA, TA I KOO SHING, QUARRY BAY AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR LEE SHING-SEE; THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LU] HAU-TUEN; THE CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE,' MR WONG PO-LAM; THE CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR KONG TZE-WING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR FU YUEN-CHEUNG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
--------0-----------
TWO RURAL OUTLINE ZONING PLANS PUBLISHED
* * ♦ t t
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PUBLICATION OF THE MAN UK PIN AND KWU TUNG NORTH OUTLINE ZONING PLANS (OZPS).
THE PLANS COVER THE RURAL AREAS IN MAN UK PIN AND KWU TUNG TO THE NORTHEAST AND NORTHWEST OF THE FANL1NG/SHEUNG SHUT NEW TOWN RESPECTIVELY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID: "THESE OZPS ARE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION AREA (DPA) PLANS.
"THEY INDICATE DEFINITE AND COMPREHENSIVE LAND USF ZONES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL DEVELOPMEN'I IN HIE AREAS."
"SIMILAR TO DPA PLANS, UNAUTHORISED DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE OZPS ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE MAN UK PIN PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 206 HECTARES. THE AREA IS CHARACTERISED BY A MIXTURE OF AGRICUI.TURAL, RESIDENTIAL AND OPEN STORAGE USES.
AGRI CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, WHICH MAIN1A CONSIST 01- CASH CROP FARMING, ARE CONCENTRATED AT THE CENTRA! PART OF THE AREA.
OTHER AREAS WITH DIRECT VEHICULAR ACCESS TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD HAVE BEEN CONVERTED TO OPEN STORAGE USES AND A CARGO-WEIGHING STATION.
/EXISTING RESIDENTIAL .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 29 -
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT MAINLY CONCENTRATES IN THE MAN UK PIN, LOI TUNG AND TAI TONG WU VILLAGES.
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 98 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED ’AGRICULTURE’ TO PRESERVE AND SUPPORT THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL USES.
ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN ZONED ’VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT.
ABOUT THREE HECTARES OF LAND AT THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP D)’ WITH A VIEW TO UPGRADING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF THE EXISTING TEMPORARY HOUSES.
MEANWHILE, THERE IS ABOUT ONE HECTARE OF LAND NEAR MAN UK PIN VILLAGE WHICH HAS BEEN ZONED ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE LENG TSAI KINDERGARTEN.
TO RETAIN THE EXISTING NATURAL CHARACTER AND TO DELINEATE LIMITS OF URBAN GROWTH, ABOUT 26 HECTARES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR ’CONSERVATION AREA’ AND ABOUT 64 HECTARES FOR 'GREEN BELT' ON THE PLAN .
THE KWU TUNG NORTH PLAN COVERS 378 HECTARES OF LAND. THE AREA IS RURAL, INTERMIXED WITH AGRICULTURAL, OPEN STORAGE AND INFORMAL INDUSTRIAL USES.
ON THE PLAN, ABOUT 137 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED 'AGRICULTURE' TO PRESERVE AND SUPPORT THE EXISTING AGRICULTURAL USES.
A SITE OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES TO THE NORTH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD - KWU TUNG AND THE ADJOINING CASTLE PEAK ROAD - HAS BEEN ZONED 'COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA’ FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
DEVELOPMENT IN THIS ZONE IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF 0.4, MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE OF 20 PER CENT AND MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT OF THREE STOREYS, INCLUDING ONE LEVEL OF CARPORT.
TWO PIECES OF LAND OF ABOUT 14 HECTARES HAVE ALSO BEEN ZONED 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ TO INCLUDE EXISTING VILLAGES AND AREAS SUITABLE FOR VILLAGE EXPANSION.
FOUR PIECES OF LAND OF ABOUT 25 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED ’INDUSTRIAL (GROUP D)’ TO PROVIDE IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES TO THE EXISTING INDUSTRIES ACCOMMODATED IN TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 43 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ZONED ’OPEN STORAGE’ TO CATER FOR THE DEMAND OF THIS KIND OF USE IN THE AREA.
OTHER LAND USES INCLUDE ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF LAND FOR 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’, SIX HECTARES FOR 'OPEN SPACE’ AND 108 HECTARES FOR 'GREEN BELT’.
THE TWO DRAFT OZPS (NO. S/NE-MUP/1 AND NO. S/NE-KTN/1) ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JULY 27 AT:
/* PLANNING DEPARTMENT
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
30
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES;
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, 3RD FLOOR, NORTH DISTRICT GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLI NG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLANS MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JUL^ 27.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLANS ARE WAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. ---------------------------------0--------
COURTESY CALL ON SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR
* ♦ * * *
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN 01 TONG TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, TO DISCUSS THE ORGANISATION’S WELFARE SERVICES IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR WONG SING, SAID THE TONG HAD MADE GREAT EFFORTS IN PROVIDING ELDERLY, EDUCATION, SPORTS AND MEDICAL SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
’’FURTHERMORE, THE ELDERLY CENTRE AT SAM SHING ESTATE, TUEN MUN, THE HOME HELP SERVICES CENTRE AT TIN SHU 1 WAI AND THE DENTAL CLINIC AT TUEN MUN WILL START OPERATION THIS YEAR," MR WONG SAID.
AT THE MEETING, MR STRACHAN PLEDGED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO RENDER ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT TO YAN 01 TONG IN REALISING ITS PLANS.
/31 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 31 -
SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR TAI PO
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 3,200 CUBIC METRES AND LAYING ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS AND DRAINAGE PIPES IN HA HANG, TAI PO.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER. WHEN THE WORKS ARE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR, THE RESERVOIR CAN SERVE TAI YUEN ESTATE, FU SHIN ESTATE AND TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
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 JUNE 17.
------0-------
ROAD WORKS FOR TUEN MUN PROPOSED ♦ » » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR A DEVELOPER TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH HIS PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN TSZ WAI, TUEN MUN.
THE WORKS INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY VEHICULAR ACCESS OVER PRIVATE LOTS AND GOVERNMENT LAND, AND UPGRADING OF AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS A NULLAH TO A 6.75-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY AND A 1.6-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH.
A PORTION OF ROAD A4 AND A NEW FOOTPATH WILL ALSO BE BUILT.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 26, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
--------0 - -
/32........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1994
- 32 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 1,497 0930 + 274
CLOSING BALANCE TN THE ACCOUNT 3,04 3 1000 + 274
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 254
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 254 1200 + 254
LAF TODAY +1,292 1500 + 254
1600 + 254
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWT 124.9 *+0.2* 27.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.69 18 MONTHS 2511 4 . 15 97.87 5.74
1 MONTH 3.76 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.52 6.16
3 MONTHS 4.06 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.15 6.49
6 MONTHS 4.56 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.35 6.63
12 MONTHS 5.20 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.75 6.74
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,833 MN
CLOSED 27 MAY 1994
I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DRIVING ON LAM KAM ROAD A PLEASURE.............................. 1
WORKS DEPARTMENTS PROMISE HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC WORKS 2
VOTER REGISTRATION AMBASSADORS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES 3
DAY CRECHES HELP WORKING PARENTS................................ 4
ORGAN DONATION DRIVE.....................................■■■■■■■■■■ 5
POST OFFICE DELEGATION VISITS MACAU............................. 6
MORE PEOPLE URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS 7
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 8
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
1
DRIVING ON LAM KAM ROAD A PLEASURE
*****
THE COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR LAM KAM ROAD BETWEEN LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE AND KADOORIE FARM NOT ONLY MAKES IT A PLEASURE TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD BUT SAFETY HAS ALSO BEEN MUCH ENHANCED.
THE ROAD HAS NOW BEEN BUILT TO A STANDARD 7.3-METRE-WIDE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY. THE ROAD ALIGNMENT AND LINE VISIBILITY HAVE BEEN IMPROVED.
REFUGE ISLANDS AND A CONTINUOUS TWO-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH ALONGSIDE THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AND COMFORTNESS OF DRIVERS ENHANCED.
WITH THE PROVISION OF A CLIMBING LANE AT THE UPHILL SECTION NEAR KADOORIE FARM, THE POSSIBILITY OF THE THOROUGHFARE TRAFFIC BEING BLOCKED BY THE SLOW-MOVING HEAVY VEHICLES HAS BEEN REDUCED.
Till. PROVISION OF PROPER ROAD DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND RIVER TRAINING STRUCTURES REDUCES THE RISK OF FLOODING IN THE ADJACENT AREAS.
THE HYGIENIC CONDITION OF THE NEIGHBOURING VILLAGES HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED WITH THE REPROVISIONING OF FIVE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ALONGSIDE LAM KAM ROAD.
SINCE THE ROAD IS A TOURIST ROUTE TO LAM TSUEN VALLEY, NG TUNG CHAI AND KADOORIE FARM, CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN AT THE DESIGN STAGE TO INCORPORATE LANDSCAPE WORKS INTO THE PROJECT AND TO HARMONISE THE ROAD WITH THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE.
MORE THAN 31,000 NUMBERS OF PLANTS COMPRISING 32 SPECIES ARE BEING PLANTED ALONGSIDE THE ROAD.
ALL THESE WORKS WERE PARTS OF THE $65.5-MILLION CONTRACT TO IMPROVE THE 3.9-KILOMETRE SECTION OF THE ROAD. WORK STARTED IN OCTOBER 1990 AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED LAST MONTH.
IN THE OLDER DAYS, LAM KAM ROAD HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG.
HOWEVER, AS THE ROAD WAS SUBSTANDARD BOTH IN TERMS OF ALIGNMENT AND WIDTH AND WAS HAZARDOUS TO BOTH DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS, IMPROVEMENT TO TWO OF THE MOST CRITICAL SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD BETWEEN CHAI KEK AND PAK NGAU SHEK AND BETWEEN KADOORIE FARM AND NAM SHEUNG TIN WAS COMPLETED IN 1986.
WITH THE OPENING OF TOLO HIGHWAY IN SEPTEMBER 1985, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING LAM KAM ROAD AS A THROUGH ROUTE TO AND FROM NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE REMAINING SECTIONS OF THE ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS FROM THE LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE ALL THE WAY UP TO KADOORIE FARM, ONLY THE SECTION BETWEEN NAM SHEUNG TIN AND ROUTE TWISK ROUNDABOUT WILL NEED TO BE IMPROVED AT A LATER STAGE.
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/2 ......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
- 2 -
WORKS DEPARTMENTS PROMISE HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC WORKS *****
STAFF MEMBERS OF THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS WILL ALL BE DOING THEIR BEST TO CONTINUE PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY PUBLIC WORKS TO MEET THE COMMUNITY NEEDS FOR THE NEXT 150 YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON, WHEN HE OPENED AN EXHIBITION MARKING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG AT CITYPLAZA THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
MR PHILLIPSON NOTED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC WORKS IN THE PAST 150 YEARS HAD BEEN A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION IN THE TRANSFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG FROM A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE INTO A LEADING MODERN INTERNATIONAL CITY.
"THIS IMPRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT HAVF BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DEDICATION AND HARD WORK OF ALL THOSE CONCERNED OVER MANY YEARS.
"DURING THOSE 150 YEARS MUCH EFFORT HAS BEEN DEVOTED BY TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF IN GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE PUBLIC WORKS THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD NEEDED," HE SAID.
THESE WORKS INCLUDED RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES, PORT WORKS, RECLAMATIONS, HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, DRAINAGE SCHEMES, MANY BUILDINGS AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES NEEDED FOR THESE PROJECTS.
POINTING OUT THAT THE SIZE OF MANY OF THE WORKS HAD INCREASED EVERY YEAR, MR PHILLIPSON SAID AT PRESENT THE TERRITORY WAS INVOLVED IN PROBABLY THE BIGGEST PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT IN THE WORLD: THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WITH ITS HUGE RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED PROJECTS OF HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES, TUNNELS AND RAILWAY.
"AND THE SEWAGE STRATEGY PROJECT IS ANOTHER VERY LARGE IMPORTANT PROJECT NOW UNDER WAY," HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, CONTINUING AT CITYPLAZA TOMORROW, AND AT POPULAR SHOPPING CENTRES AND AN MTR STATION OVER WEEKENDS UNTIL AUGUST, IS ORGANISED BY THE WORKS BRANCH AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE SHORT FILMS ON A FULL-SIZE VIDEO WALL ON HOW PUBLIC MONEY IS SPENT ON BUILDING MORE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PARKS, ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
- 3 -
THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES DISPLAY PANELS CONTAINING CHARTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS WITH SHORT DESCRIPTIONS TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE WORKS BRANCH, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATING 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 THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR LEE SHING-SEE; EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN; EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR WONG PO-LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR KONG TZE-WING; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR FU YUEN-CHEUNG.
------0-------
VOTER REGISTRATION AMBASSADORS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES
* * t * »
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO MORE THAN 170 VOTER REGISTRATION AMBASSADORS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR WORK TO SPREAD "GET-REGISTER" MESSAGE ACROSS THE COMMUNITY.
THE "AMBASSADOR SCHEME" IS A NEW ATTEMPT AND AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THIS YEAR’S VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN.
SPEAKING AT THE CERTIFICATE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE COMMISSION’S CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID IN PROMOTING VOTER REGISTRATION, THE AMBASSADORS WOULD BE ABLE TO SHARE THE SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITY SERVICE.
HE SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME WOULD NOT BE MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS COLLECTED.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS BY THE ENHANCEMENT OF CIVIC AWARENESS SO THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES IN SOCIETY.
"THIS WILL BE A LONG-TERM MISSION WHICH WILL NOT END WITH THE CLOSE OF OUR CAMPAIGN ON JULY 1," THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
THE CAMPAIGN STARTED ON APRIL 1.
THE AMBASSADORS WORK AT FOUR LEVELS: FIRST, WITH THEIR FAMILY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS; SECONDLY, AT THEIR WORKPLACE OR SCHOOL; THIRDLY, THROUGH VARIOUS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES; AND LASTLY THROUGH THEIR OWN INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN.
THE LEAGUE OF AMBASSADORS COMPRISE BOTH CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL AMBASSADORS.
/CORPORATE AMBASSADORS .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
4
CORPORATE AMBASSADORS INCLUDE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, HONGKONGBANK, HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LTD, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, COMMERCIAL RADIO AND GIORDANO LTD.
ALSO ON THE LIST ARE CIVIL AID SERVICES, RADIO AND TELEVISION HONG KONG, HONG KONG PUBLIC DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION, ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG NURSING STAFF, CARITAS GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE, SOCIETY FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATION, HONG KONG ELDERLY RIGHTS LEAGUE, VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS.
INDIVIDUAL AMBASSADORS INCLUDE STUDENTS, ARTISTS AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED INDIVIDUALS FROM DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS.
APART FROM THE COMMISSION’S CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND MR NORMAN LEUNG ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE AMBASSADORS.
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DAY CRECHES HELP WORKING PARENTS
* * * * *
PARENTS WHO ARE WORKING AND HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN LOOKING AFTER THEIR CHILDREN AGED UNDER TWO CAN CONSIDER SENDING THEM TO A DAY CRECHE.
THIS OPTION IN CHILD CARE IS SUGGESTED BY MRS ELAINE MA, SENIOR SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (CHILD CARE CENTRES) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
TO TIE IN WITH THE WORKING HOURS OF MOST PEOPLE, DAY CRECHES ARE GENERALLY OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 8 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAYS. THEY WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"CHILDREN ADMITTED TO DAY CRECHES ARE LOOKED AFTER ACCORDING TO A TIME-TABLE WHICH NORMALLY COVERS SESSIONS RANGING FROM SLEEPING, RESTING, FEEDING, CLEANING, LEARNING TO PHYSICAL TRAINING.
"LEARNING AND PHYSICAL TRAINING WILL BE INTRODUCED GRADUALLY AS THE CHILDREN GROW UP AND DEVELOP THEIR MOTOR AND LEARNING SKILLS," MRS MA SAID.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 21 SUBVENTED DAY CRECHES WITH A TOTAL OF 1,208 PLACES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
MANAGED BY NINE NON-GOVERNMENT WELFARE AGENCIES, THESE CRECHES ARE LOCATED IN WAN CHAI, SAI YING PUN, SHAU KEI WAN, HUNG HOM, KOWLOON CITY, MONG KOK, NGAU TAU KOK, WANG TAU HOM, SAC MAU PING, SHEK KIP MEI, LAM TIN, YAU TONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND FANLING RESPECTIVELY.
TO MEET AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR DAY CRECHE SERVICE, MRS MA SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 989 AIDED DAY CRECHE PLACES IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
/THIS WILL
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
- 5 -
THIS WILL, BRING TO 2,197 BY 1996/97 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDED DAY CRECHE PLACES IN HONG KONG, A TARGET THAT WAS SET OUT BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS 1992 POLICE ADDRESS.
MRS MA EXPLAINED THAT THE PAST DECADE HAD WITNESSED MARKED SOCIAL CHANGES SUCH AS THE PREVALENCE OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES, AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WORKING MOTHERS \ND THE GROWTH OF SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES.
"IN ADDITION, THERE IS GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME," SHE SAID.
DAY CRECHES PROVIDE CARE AND CATER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWO.
TO ENSURE THE PROVISION OF SERVICE AT DAY CRECHES IS KEPT TO A REQUIRED STANDARD, MRS MA SAID STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD PAY REGULAR VISITS TO THESE PREMISES.
"DAY CRECHES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OF FLOOR SPACE, STAFF TO CHILDREN RATIO, STAFF QUALIFICATION AND TRAINING, PROGRAMME, DIET, HEALTH AND SANITATION.
"ADVICE IS ALSO GIVEN ON SERVICE FACILITIES AND STAFFING IMPROVEMENTS.
"PARENTS WHO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO THESE INSTITUTIONS CAN THEREFORE REST ASSURED THAT THEY WILL BE PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF," SHE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DAY CRECHE SERVICE ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON 836 3114 OR CALL THE DEPARTMENTAL HOTLINE 343 2255.
"THEY CAN ALSO APPROACH ANY DAY CRECHE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SERVICE," MRS MA SAID.
PARENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE DAY CRECHE FEE CAN APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS FOR HELP.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL, FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, DIRECTLY HELP PARENTS PAY THE DAY CRECHE FEE ACCORDING TO A SLIDING SCALE, BASED ON THEIR NET INCOME, UP TO THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE FEE," SHE ADDED.
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ORGAN DONATION DRIVE
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL STAGE AN EXHIBITION IN WAN CHAI TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS PART OF ITS PUBLICITY DRIVE TO PROMOTE ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN SIGN ORGAN DONATION CARDS AND HAVE THEM LAMINATED AT THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE SET UP AT THE WAN CHAI MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION ENTRANCE, NEXT TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
/THE EXHIBITION .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
- 6 -
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO SOLICIT POTENTIAL DONORS TO SIGN UP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID HEALTH PERSONNEL WOULD BE PRESENT TO ANSWER ANY QUERIES THE PUBLIC MIGHT HAVE ON DONATING ORGANS.
HE SAID IN JUNE THE UNIT WOULD ALSO FEATURE IN ITS COMPUTERISED HEALTH EDUCATION HOTLINE - 833 0-111 - A SPECIAL PRE-RECORDED ORGAN DONATION MESSAGE IN THE FORM OF DRAMA IN ( ANTONESE.
AFTER THE EXHIBITION, THE UNIT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE LAMINATION SERVICE TO THOSE WHO SIGN UP AT ITS OFFICE ON SEVENTH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR,' THE (’ARDS ARE AVAILABLE AT 80 STORES Of- MANNINGS, 18 WATSONS STORES, 32 BRANCHES OF THE KWONG ON BANK AND OFFICES OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER.
THE CARDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND RECREATIONAL XNI) AMENITIES VENUES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN \LSO PICK UP THE CARDS FROM DISTRIBUTION POINTS INCLUDING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CLINICS AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, DISTRICT OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES, HONG KONG RED CROSS TRANSFUSION SERVICES DONOR CENTRES AND VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
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POST OFFICE DELEGATION VISITS MACAU
A POST OFFICE DELEGATION HAD FRUITFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MACAU POSTAL ADMINISTRATION ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST DURING THEIR RECENT VISIT TO MACAU.
LED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, THE DELEGATION COMPRISED FIVE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE POST OFFICE.
THE\ WERE WARMLA RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF POSTS AND TELECOMMUNI CATIONS OF MACAU, MR CARLOS A R LOPES AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE MACAU POST OFFICE.
AFTER THE VISIT, MR PAGLIARI SAID BECAUSE THE TWO TERRITORIES WERE CLOSE TO EACH OTHER, THEIR POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS HAD ALWAYS ENJOYED A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP.
’’REGULAR EXCHANGE OF VISITS IS DESIRABLE AND INDEED ESSENTIAL TO HELP IMPROVE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION,” HF SAID.
DURING THE VISIT, THEY TOURED HIE MAIL PROCESSING CENTRE AND KEY POSTAL INSTALLATIONS IN MACAU.
- - 0----------
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
1
MORE PEOPLE URGED TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
*****
TO REGISTER AS VOTERS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS PARTICIPATING IN POLITICS AND ACHIEVING DEMOCRATIC GOALS IN HONG KONG, NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TIMOTHY TONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SNEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION CARNIVAL AT SHEK WU HUI, MR TONG HOPiD THAT ALL WHO HAD REGISTERED WOULD ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD, MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
IN THIS WAY, MR TONG SAID, VOTERS CAN REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
MR TONG SAID IN RECENT YEARS THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD SUCCESSFULLY HELPED RESIDENTS FIGHT FOR MORE WELFARE FACILITIES.
HE CITED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND THE SHA TAU KOK HIGHWAY AS EXAMPLES.
HE SAID HIS OFFICE HAD RECEIVED MORE THAN 13,000 REGISTRATION FORMS SO FAR.
HE ALSO REMINDED REGISTERED VOTERS TO REPORT ANY CHANGES OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
------0--------
BUS PARADE TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION
* * * * *
p SPECIALLY DECORATED BUS ARRANGED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO PROMOTE VOTER REGISTRATION TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THIS IS PART OF A SERIES OF VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE OFFICE.
THE BUS WILL VISIT TAI WO ESTATE, TAI PO CENTRAL PLAZA, FU HENG ESTATE, FU SIN ESTATE, KWONG FUK ESTATE AND WAN TAU TONG ESTATE FROM 9 AM TO 12.15 PM TOMORROW.
TEMPORARY COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA TO HELP RESIDENTS REGISTER..
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PO PUI-LEONG, WILL BE PRESENT TO PROMOTE THE DRIVE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AT TAI WO ESTATE NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAI WO, TAI PO.
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/8 .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,043 0930 -1,330
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,683 1000 -1,330
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO: 1100 -1,330
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,330 1130 -1,330
LAF TODAY -30 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 *-0.1*
28.5.94
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CENTRAL-JORDAN CAR FERRY SERVICE WITHDRAWN.................. 1
TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION VISITS BEIJING.................. 2
TREASURY TO SET UP NEW TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SYSTEM............. 3
MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION VIDEO MAKES DEBUT AT EXHIBITION ... 3
STAFF AWARDED FOR INCENTIVE................................. 5
DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF RIDES HK SEAS TO GET MORE VOTERS... 6
NINE BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN JUNE.......................... 6
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES URGED TO SUPPORT VOTER
REGISTRATION............................................... 8
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORTS RELEASED............ 8
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
CENTRAL-JORDAN CAR FERRY SERVICE WITHDRAWN
*****
THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED WILL BE WITHDRAWN WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPROT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERVICE WAS TO FACILITATE THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION WORKS.
HE SAID THE PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE WOULD, HOWEVER, REMAIN TN OPERATION.
USERS OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY AND NORTH POINT WHICH OPERATES FROM 7 AM TO 7.40 PM FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
NOTICE AND SIGNS HAVE BEEN PUT Up AT THE AFFECTED PIERS TO ADVISE USERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEFN MADE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY.
THESE INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY LOGO ONTO THE EXISTING GANTRY SIGNS ALONG GLOW ESTER ROAD WITH DESTINATIONS SHOWING ’’NORTH POINT".
ON THE KOWLOON SIDE, 12 ADDITIONAL DIRECTION SIGNS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ALONG THE MAIN APPROACHES FROM NORTH AND WEST KOWLOON TOWARDS THE KOWLOON CITY VEH 1 CUI \R FERRY P1FR.
STOPPING RESTRICTIONS HAYE BIEN IMPLEMENTED ALONG JAVA ROAD IN FRONT OF THE NORTH POINT URBAN COUN( IL COMPLEX TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ON THIS MAJOR ACCESS ROUTE TO THE NORTH POINT VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG THE CROSS II ARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED.
THESE INCLUDE:
♦ THE EXISTING SIGNALISED JUNCTIONS IN WAN CHAI NORTH WILL BE LINKED AND PUT UNDER CLOSE MONITORING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE. THIS \RRANGEMENT WILL FACILITATE USE OF CONVENTION AVENUE/HUNG HING ROAD BY FASTBOUND TRAFFIC AS A BYPASS ROUTE TO NORTH POINT, HENCE AVOIDING THE BUSY GLOUCESTER ROAD;
* THE SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD PAST (EASTBOUND) OUTSIDE TANG (’HI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL BE WIDENED, AFTER WHICH THE DELAY 1’0 CAUSEWAY BAY-BOUND TRAFFIC CAUSED BY CONGESTION ON THE TUNNEI APPROACH WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUC FI);
/* MORE TRAFFIC ........
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
- 2 -
* MORE TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION OF HARCOURT ROAD/COTTON TREE DRIVE. THIS Wild. INCREASE JUNCTION CAPACITY AND RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE HARCOURT ROAD APPROACH TO THIS JUNCTION;
* THE BUS LANE ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER APPROACH TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE ENLARGED TO GIVE SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR BUSES TO WAIT TO MERGE WITH THE GENERAL TRAFFIC WITHOUT CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO TRAFFK HEADING TOWARDS NORTH POINT;
* THE SLIP ROAD FROM VICTORIA PARK ROAD (WESTBOUND) TO GLOUCESTER ROAD W1LI BE RELOCATED EASTWARD TO REDUCE CONFLICT BETWEEN TRAFFK HEADING TOWARDS (’ROSS HARBOUR TUNNEI AND TRAFFK HEADING TOWARDS CAUSEWAY BAY; AND
ON KOWLOON SIDE, AN ADDITIONAL PROVIDED AT HONG TAI PATH/HONG INCREASE ROAD CAPACITY YND HENCE
TRAFFIC FROM TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND
TRAFFIC LANE WILL
CHONG ROAD. THIS IMPROVE CONDITIONS FROM THE TUNNEL.
BE WILL FOR
TO AVOID CONGESTION AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY. THE SERVICE MAY BE STRENGTHENED IF NECESSARY TO MEET ADDITIONAL DEMAND.
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TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION VISITS BEIJING
*****
A DELEGATION OF SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS, LED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR KEVIN HO, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR A FIVE-DAY VISIT TO BEIJING.
’’THE MAIN PURPOSE OF OUR VISIT IS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING WITH OFFICIALS OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN TRADE AND ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO BOTH SIDES,” MR HO SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE MR ROBIN GILL AND MISS JENNIFER MAK, ASSISTANT DIRECTORS-GENERAL OF TRADE; MRS SHIRLEY LAU, PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER; MR ARTHUR CHAR AND MS FLORENCE LAU, TRADE OFFICERS; MISS ANNA YUEN AND MISS JOANNA CHEUNG, ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICERS; MS SARAH LOY, SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER AND MR CHEUNG KING-MAN, CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN To HONG KONG ON THURSDAY (JUNF 2).
_ _ 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
3
TREASURY TO SET UP NEW TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SYSTEM *****
THE TREASURY WILL INTRODUCE A NEW COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SYSTEM WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1) AS PART OF ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE COLLECTION AND BILLING SERVICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THROUGH THIS NEW SERVICE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD OBTAIN INFORMATION ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS COVERING RATES, CROWN RENT AND PAYMENT OF CHARGES TO THE TREASURY ON A 24-HOUR BASIS.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER WHICH WILL APPEAR IN THE THIRD QUARTER RATES BILLS TO BE ISSUED TO RATEPAYERS IN LATE JUNE IS 845 8866.
ONE OF THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE NEW SYSTEM IS THAT IT IS CONNECTED WITH THE TREASURY’S MAINFRAME COMPUTER AND CAN THEREFORE PROVIDE ON-LINE INFORMATION TO CALLERS ON RATES ACCOUNT MATTERS, FOR EXAMPLE, INFORMATION ON THE LATEST ACCOUNT BALANCE AND THE SETTING UP OF AUTOPAY RECORD.
’’THE SYSTEM HAS A VOICE RECORDING FACILITY TO ENABLE CALLERS TO LEAVE MESSAGE WITH THE TREASURY TO AMEND RATEPAYERS OR CROWN RENT PAYERS’ NAMES AND ADDRESSES.
“THROUGH THIS VOICE BOX SYSTEM, THE CALLERS CAN ALSO REQUEST A DUPLICATE DEMAND NOTE.
“IF THE CALLER HAS ACCESS TO FORMS OR HARI) COPIES OF THE MESSAGI
A FAX MACHINE, HE CAN ALSO THROUGH FAX TRANSMISSIONS.”
OBTAIN
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IF THE CALLER WISHED TO SPEAK TO THE OPERATOR DIRECT ON MORE COMPLICATED SUBJECTS, HE COULD DO SO BY PRESSING A PARTICULAR DIGIT AS INSTRUCTED BY THE SYSTEM.
“THE NEW SYSTEM SHOULD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE \S II WILL ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE OBTAIN A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION AND GET THROUGH THE EASILY DURING PEAK PERIODS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TREASURY’S PUBLIC TO LINE MORE
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MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION VIDEO MAKES DEBUT AT EXHIBITION *****
A NEW 15-MINUTE VIDEO PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION WILL MAKE ITS DEBUT AT A ROVING EXHIBITION THAT OPENS TOMORROW (MONDAY ) AT OCEAN TERMINAL MAIN CONCOURSE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL BE STAGED AT FOUR POPULAR SHOPPING ARCADES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS PART OF ITS EFFORT TO PUBLICISE THE BENEFITS OF MOTHER TONGUE TEACHING.
/THE NEW
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
4
THE NEW VIDEO BRINGS TOGETHER THE UNEDITED VIEWS OF A NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE EITHER RECEIVING MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION OR HAVE EXPERIENCED A SWITCH OF TEACHING MEDIUM FROM ENGLISH TO CHINESE.
TWO TEACHERS WHO HAVE TAUGHT IN BOTH THE ENGLISH AND THE CHINESE MEDIA COMPARED THEIR CLASSES IN THE TWO MEDIA.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THEIR OPINIONS WOULD BE USEFUL TO PARENTS AND SCHOOL HEADS WHO WERE CONSIDERING CHOOSING MOTHER TONGUE TEACHING FOR THEIR CHILDREN OR SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION TO THE VIDEO, THE EXHIBITION FEATURES FINDINGS OF MAJOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SURVEYS ON THE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF HONG KONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANTS, THE ATTITUDE AND LEARNING ATMOSPHERE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS WHO ARE TAUGHT IN ENGLISH, AND COMPARISON OF EXAMINATION RESULTS OF STUDENTS TAUGHT IN THE MOTHER TONGUE AND IN A MIXED MODE OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
COMMENTS BY A HOST OF PERSONALITIES INCLUDING THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY’S PROFESSOR WOO CHIA-WEI AND INDUSTRIALIST KENNETH TING ON MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION ARF FEATURED AMONG THE EXHIBITS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WOI LD BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION ON MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION AND MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION GROUPING.
THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN TOMORROW WITH A CEREMONY AT 11 AM, THEN IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE CLOSING AT 7 PM. IT WILL THEREAFTER BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT OCEAN TERMINAL MAIN CONCOURSE ON MAY 30 AND 31, SECOND FLOOR OF CITYPLAZA 2 FROM JUNE 1 ’1’0 3, FIRST FLOOR CORRIDOR OF TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA ON JUNE I AND 5, AND THE BRIDGE BETWEEN PHASE I AND PHASE III OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA ON JUNE 6 AND 7.
THE SPOKESMAN ENCOURAGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SEE THE EXHIBITION.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY OF THE MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION EXH I Bill ON AT 11 AM (MONDAY) AT OCEAN TERMINAL MAIN CONCOURSE.
OPENING TOMORROW
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE SENIOR ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), MR T F KWAN; THE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DR TAM MAN-KWAN; THE EDUCATION THE CATHOLIC DIOCFSE, SISTER MARINE REMEDIOS; AND THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENTS-TEACHERS’
CHAIRMAN OF DELEGATE OF CHAIRMAN OF ASSOCIATION,
MR CHO YU-FUN.
------0------------
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
- 5 -
STAFF AWARDED FOR INCENTIVE * ♦ * t *
THE HARDWORK, DEDICATION AND INITIATIVE OF FIVE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PAID OFF RECENTLY VS THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONA, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, PRESENTED TO THEM THE AWARD WHICH COMPRISED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT AND A WATCH EMBOSSED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S LOGO.
THE FIVE ARE: MR AU CHAK-YUEN, MRS KWOK FAN LAI-TUEN, MR LUK KWOK-MING, MR MA CHUNG-BOON AND MR CHO YAT-WAH.
MR WONG PRAISED THEM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE OF WORK, COMPETENCE, COURTESY, INITIATIVE AND EXTRA EFFORT IN HELPING THE PUBLIC.
THE STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED EARLY THIS YEAR TO RAISE STAFF AWARENESS OF GOOD CISTOMER SERVICE, GIVE RECOGNITION TO MERITORIOUS SERVICE AND ESTABLISH ROLF MODELS OF HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS SERVICE.
MR \U CHAK-YUEN, AN ASS I STAN! MASTER AT SHA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WAS AWARDED FOR HIS INITIATIVE TO INTRODUCE THE "SELF-IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME" THAI’ HAS IMPROVED STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE IN LEARNING AND CHANGED THEIR GENERAL BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL.
FROM DEC EMBER LAST YEAR, MR Al BEGAN TO LOBBY TEACHERS IN THE SCHOOL AND WAS ABLE TO CONVINCE ALL THE TEACHERS TO SUPPORT HIS PLAN AND TO CO-OPERATE WHEN THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN FEBRUARY’ THIS YEAR.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, STUDENTS VRE AWARDED FOR IMPROVEMENT IN BEHAVIOUR.
THROUGH SINCERE AND FRANK COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS, MR AU WAS ABLE TO GET STUDENTS’ SUPPORT TO VI'HIEVE THE SCHOOL’S EDUCATIONAL TARGETS AND THUS BRING ABOUT A MORE PLEASANT SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND PROJECT A BETTER IMAGE OF THE SCHOOL.
MRS KWOK FAN LAI-TUEN, SENIOR EDUCATION ASSISTANT WITH THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT, WAS NOMINATED FOR HER PATIENCE AND COURTESY IN HANDLING ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
MR LUK KWOK-MING, CLERICAL Obi- I< ER I OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, WAS AWARDED FOR HIS COURTESY, SINCERITY AND HELPFULNESS TN RECEIVING THE PUBLIC.
HE IS ALWAYS READY TO GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE, ACCURATE AND HELPFUL ADVICE IN HANDLING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND REQUEST.
/MR MA ........
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
- 6 -
MR MA CHUNG-BOON, CLERICAL OFFICER I AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE, WAS NOMINATED FOR HIS COMPETENCE IN ORGANISING AND MONITORING THE DEPARTMENT’S RECENT INITIATIVE OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY BY INDUCING INTO HIS STAFF THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTESY AND EXTRA EFFORT TO HELP THE PUBLIC.
MR CHO YAT-WAH, WORKMAN IT OF FUK WING STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, RECEIVED THE AWARD FOR HIS READINESS AND COMPETENCE AND EXTRA EFFORT AND READINESS TO GIVE ASSISTANCE AND HELP TO THE PUBLIC.
------0--------
DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF RIDES HK SEAS
*****
TO GET MORE VOTERS
IN YET ANOTHER UNUSUAL TACT IC TO WIDEN THE ELECTORAL NET, ISLANDS DISTRICT OEEICE STAFF MEMBERS ARE RIDING THE HONG KONG SEAS TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
WITH THEIR TEMPORARY HELPERS IN THIS INTENSIFYING CAMPAIGN, THEY BECOME "PART-TIME SAILORS" EVERX EVENING ON OUTLYING FERRY ROUTES TO ENCOURAGE, PERSUADE XND HELP COMMUTERS FILL IN THE NECESSARY BUT SIMPLE FORMS.
AND ACCORDING TO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG, THE RESPONSE SINCE THIS "NEW ARRANGEMENT" WAS STARTED LAST WEEK HAS BEEN QUITE GOOD.
"WE HOPE IT’LL GET BETTER BECAUSE WE NOW HAVE A LARGER AND YOUNGER ELECTORATE AS THE VOTING AG I- HAS BEEN LOWERED TO 18," HR ADDED.
MEANWHILE ON LAND, SPRCIAI l‘ I G I STR XT I ON BOOTHS IU\F BEEN SET UP AT MAJOR PIERS.
IT’S ALL PART OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S STRATEGY TO CAST "THAT NET" THAT MUCH WIDER.
------0--------
NINE BODIES TO RAISE FUNDS IN JUNE
*****
NINE ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RA I SI- FUNDS NEXT MONTH (JUNE), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOI LAL 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 86C 8123 IN
CASE OF DOUBT.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
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 GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEKT MONTH:
FLAGS
EVENT DATE
JUNE 4
JUNE 18
JUNE 25
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
EVENT DATE
JUNE 5, 12, 19 AND 26
JUNE 4
JUNE 5, 19 AND 26
JUNE 4, 5, 13, 14, 25 AND 26
JUNE 4, 5, 11, 12, 13 AND 14
JUNE 6 TO 12, 22 TO 26 AND 28 TO 30
ORGANISATION
HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION
ARTS WITH THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION HONG KONG
HONG KONG CHILD HEALTH FOUNDATION
ORGANISATION
THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC.
LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LIMITED
JESUS IS LORD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (HK) LIMITED.
RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG COMMITTEE
YAN CHAI HOSPITAL
FRIESLAND FOODS LTD
---------0-----------
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1994
- 8 -
....... 8\
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
........ 8' OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,043 0930 -1,330
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,683 1000 -1,330
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO: 1100 -1,330
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -1,330 1130 -1,330
LAF TODAY -30 1500
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI
124.8 *-0.1* 28.5.94
- - 0---------
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
- 9
Following is a list of EIA reports completed since the last release in February:
* Relocation of Hong Kong Oxygen Plant to the Third Industrial Estate
(Hong Kong Oxygen and Acetylene Co, Ltd)
♦ Proposed Gas Pipeline from Braemar Hill to Wong Nei Chung Gap Road
(Hong Kong and China Gas Co. Ltd)
♦ Smithfield Extension
(Highways Department)
* Shiu Wing Steel Mill Tuen Mun Area 38 - EIA (Shiu Wing Steel Ltd)
* Tung Chung Main Sewage Pumping Station (Territory Development Department)
♦ Western Harbour Crossing - Shek 0 Quarry casting Basin EIA
(Western Harbour Tunnel Company)
* Kau Sai Chau Golf Course
(Recreation & Culture Branch)
/EIAs that .......
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1994
10 -
EiAs that are likely to be completed in the next 12 months include :
* Tuen Mun Port Development
(Territory Development Department)
♦ Sha Lo Tung golf Course
(Sha Lo Tung Development Co. Ltd)
♦ Lantau Port Development - Stage 1 : CT10 & CT11 (Civil Engineering Department)
* Route 3 - Ting Kau Bridge & Approach Viaduct (Highways Department)
* Route 3 - Tai Lam Tunnel & Yuen Long Approach Road (Highways Department)
* Route 5 - Section between Shek Wai Kok 6 Chai Wan Kok (Territory Development Department)
* Shenzhen River ETA - Stage I (Drainage Services Department)
* NWNT Refuse Transfer Station
(Environmental Protection Department)
* NWNT Landfill Restoration
(Environmental Protection Department)
* Centralised Incineration Facilities (Environmental Protection Department)
* Restoration of Urban Landfills Stage II (Environmental Protection Department)
* Tuen Mun Area 38 - Reclamation & Infrastructure (Territory Development Department)
* Pax Shek Kok Reclamation (Civil Engineering Department)
* Aviation Fuel Supply System
(Provisional Airport Authority)
♦ Black Point LNG Supply
(China Light & Power Co Ltd)
* CRPC Oil Depot Relocation and Extension
(China Resources Petroleum & Chemicals Co Ltd)
♦ Sheung Shui Slaughter House
(Architectural Services Department)
--------o---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM LONDON.............................. 1
SEVEN MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED.................... 3
SLIP ROAD WIDENED TO EASE TRAFFIC.......................... 4
3,676 VMS REFUSE FOOD.................................... 4
EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUPS........................ 5
BRIDGING COURSE TO PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING................. 5
EXHIBITION OF PROJECT WORK ON CHINESE CULTURE.............. 6
CENTRAL-JORD AN VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE TO STOP FROM JUNE ... 7
SURVEY STARTS ON BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR 1993 .......................................... 9
ARTICLE REVIEWS CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION 1983/93 ......... 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE..................................... 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 11
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
GOVERNOR RETURNS FROM LONDON *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AT THE KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AFTER HIS RETURN FROM LONDON THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE BACK IN HONG KONG. I HAD AN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO BRITAIN. GOOD MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, FOREIGN SECRETARY, A NUMBER OF OTHER MINISTERS. GOOD MEETINGS WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT AND BUSINESS INTERESTS AND A NUMBER OF SPEECHES. I PARTICULARLY ENJOYED GOING TO MANCHESTER WHICH HAS THE LARGEST HONG KONG COMMUNITY OUTSIDE LONDON AND MEETING SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, SEEING WHAT A TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTION THEY ARE MAKING TO CIVIC AND COMMERCIAL LIFE IN MANCHESTER, AND MAKING THE ANNUAL MANCHESTER LECTURE ON HONG KONG WHICH ATTRACTED A VERY LARGE AUDIENCE. SO, IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL REGULAR VISIT TO LONDON. ONCE AGAIN, EVIDENCE OF SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT RIGHT ACROSS THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM FOR ALL THAT WE ARE DOING HERE IN HONG KONG. AND I SHALL CONTINUE TO GO REGULARLY TO LONDON FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR COMMUNICATIONS ARE AS GOOD AS POSSIBLE. IF THEREN’T ANY QUESTIONS..
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU KNOW THAT TWO MAINLAND DISSIDENT WRITERS WERE REJECTED VISAS TO COME TO HONG KONG TO ATTEND SEMINARS. WHY IS IT ALRIGHT FOR HAN DONGFANG AND IT IS NOT ALRIGHT FOR THEM?
GOVERNOR: SENSIBLY, WE DON’T COMMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CASES. BUT, PERHAPS, I CAN DEAL WITH ONE PARTICULAR POINT AND ONE GENERAL POINT. THE PARTICULAR POINT IS ABOUT MR HAN. MR HAN IS HERE BECAUSE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WON’T LET HIM GO BACK INTO CHINA WHICH HE WOULD LIKE TO DO. SO, 1 THINK WHEN NAMELESS OFFICIALS WHO DON’T ALLOW THEIR NAMES TO BE PUBLISHED, CRITICISED US IN THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY AND EXTRAVAGANT TERMS FOR MR HAN’S POSITION HERE IN OUR MIDST, THEY SHOULD BEAR THAT IN MIND. IT’S A PROBLEM THAT THEY’VE CREATED, NOT US. THEY’VE TIED THE KNOT. THEY HAVE TO UNTIE IT. SECONDLY, WE HAVE HERE IN HONG KONG FREEDOM OF SPEECH, FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY WHICH PEOPLE EXERCISE ON A WHOLE WITH RESTRAINT, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT THINGS HAPPENING OUTSIDE HONG KONG. AND, I THINK THAT PEOPLE RECOGNISE THAT PART OF THE ’’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’’ CONCEPT IS THAT WE DO NEED TO BE RESTRAINED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE WAY WE SAY THINGS OR THE WAY WE PUT OUR ARGUMENTS. I THINK THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FREEDOMS THAT WE ALL EXERCISE HERE AND AT SENSITIVE MOMENTS, ALLOWING OTHERS, HOWEVER DISTINGUISHED OR ELOQUENT, TO COME IN AND USE THOSE FREEDOMS THEMSELVES TO, PERHAPS, CRITICISE WHAT’S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE. I DON’T THINK ON A WHOLE THAT THE COMMUNITY FINDS THAT SURPRISING OR DOESN’T SUPPORT THE GENERAL APPROACH THAT WE TAKE ON THESE MATTERS, BUT THERE ARE JUST SOME MOMENTS, YOU KNOW JUST AS WELL AS I DO, WHICH ARE MORE SENSITIVE THAN OTHERS AND NONE OF US WANT TO MAKE DIFFICULTIES MORE COMPLEX.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE ALL HONG KONG PEOPLE ALLIANCE IN SUPPORT OF PATRIOTIC AND DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT IN CHINA, THEY ARE LABELLED BY NCNA VICE DIRECTOR AS SUBVERSIVE ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG AND YESTERDAY THEIR DEMONSTRATIONS WERE CONTROLLED OR TIGHTENED UP THE CONTROL BY THE POLICE. WHAT IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY? SHOULD IT BE DISBANDED AFTER 1997?
/GOVERNOR: .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR: WE HAVE FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND PEOPLE EXERCISE THAT FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY YESTERDAY. I THINK THAT THE POLICE BEHAVED WITH A GOOD DEGREE OF TACT. THESE ARE NOT EASY MATTERS FOR THE POLICE BUT I THINK FROM ALL I’VE HEARD IN THE LAST FEW MINUTES, THEY BEHAVED VERY SENSIBLY AND SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY ARE GUARANTEED UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WE’LL CERTAINLY DO EVERYTHING WE CAN BEFORE 1997 TO ENSURE THAT THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THOSE FREEDOMS ARE AS SECURED AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT RESTRAINTS, DOESN’T IT GIVE YOU ALL THE REASONS TO APPROVE THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, AND NUMBER TWO, MOST OF THE EXCO MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR DISAPPROVAL OF SUCH A BODY, YOU HAVE YOURSELF SO. WHAT IS THE POINT OF DRAGGING THE ISSUE FOR ANOTHER MONTH?
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, WE ARE DISCUSSING NOT JUST THE INSTITUTION OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BUT THE FUNCTIONS WHICH A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SHOULD CARRY OUT IN EXCO AND I’VE BEEN DISCUSSING THOSE MATTERS IN LONDON. BUT, I DON’T THINK THAT IT’S PARTICULARLY SENSIBLE TO CREATE A TOTEM WITHOUT CONSIDERING WHAT THAT TOTEM IS SUPPOSED TO DO. I’LL BE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM YOU WHAT YOU THINK A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SHOULD DO. I THINK THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL FUNCTIONS WHICH PEOPLE HAVE DISCUSSED. THEY’VE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BETTER EDUCATION IN HUMAN RIGHTS. THEY’VE TALKED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GREATER ACCESS TO THE COURTS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CASES. THEY’VE TALKED ABOUT AFFORDABILITY. THOSE ARE ALL IMPORTANT AND SERIOUS ISSUES. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO THINK THE ONLY WAY WE CAN SECURE THOSE ISSUES IS TO ESTABLISH A NEW INSTITUTION. THERE ARE OTHERS WHO THINK THAT WE COULD BEST SECURE THOSE OBJECTIVES IN OTHER WAYS. THAT IS A SERIOUS AND LEGITIMATE ARGUMENT. BEFORE I KNOCK DOWN ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, I HOPE THAT OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, WE’LL BE ABLE TO DEBATE IT IN AN INTELLIGENT WAY.
QUESTION: IN PRINCIPLE, DO YOU SUPPORT IT?
GOVERNOR: IN PRINCIPLE, I WILL TELL YOU WHAT OUR VIEW IS AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME WHICH WILL BE BEFORE THE END OF JUNE.
QUESTION: IF THE COMMITTEE, HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE, CAN’T BE SET UP OR CAN’T BE FUNCTIONED AFTER ’97, WHAT SORT OF REMEDY OR SUBSTITUTE WILL YOU HAVE TO DO, FOR EXAMPLE, BEFORE ’97?
GOVERNOR: THAT’S A HYPOTHETICAL QUESTION WHICH ASSUMES THAT WE’VE SET UP A COMMITTEE. WHEN WE MAKE A DECISION ON THAT WE CAN ANSWER REAL QUESTIONS RATHER THAN HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION ABOUT HAN DONGFANG. NOW THAT THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED BECAUSE HAN DONGFANG MADE IT CLEAR REPEATEDLY THAT HE DOES NOT HAVE THE INTENTION TO GO BACK TO CHINA ANY MORE?
GOVERNOR: SO FAR AS 1 AM CONCERNED, MR HAN IS HERE BECAUSE HE WASN’T BEEN ABLE TO COME BACK TO CHINA. NOBODY, I THINK, HAS HEARD FROM HIM. WHAT YOU’VE JUST TOLD ME, I THINK, IT’S FOR MR HAN TO SAY WHAT HE WANTS TO DO AND NOT INDIVIDUAL JOURNALIST HOWEVER DISTINGUISHED.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, J4AY 30, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, REGARDING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S REFUSAL TO ISSUE VISAS TO SOME OF THE DISSIDENTS TO COME TO HONG KONG, AND REGARDING THE DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE NONA HEADQUARTERS LAST NIGHT, DO YOU THINK THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ILAS SOFTENED ITS STANCE TN ORDER TO PLEASE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: NO, I’VE ALREADY ANSWERED THAT QUESTION.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, ARE YOU GOING TO PICK UP WHISKY?
GOVERNOR: I’VE GOT EXCO TOMORROW MORNING BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT THE SECOND MOST FAMOUS DOG IN THE UNIVERSE IS GOING TO BE PICKED UP TOMORROW MORNING PROVIDED THE VET IS HAPPY WITH HIS CONDITION. I’D LIKE TO SAY ONCE AGAIN THAT I AM SORRY THAT ONE OF OUR WORKMEN WHO DO SUCH A SPLENDID JOB AROUND GOVERNMENT HOUSE WAS BITTEN. J THINK IT WAS ONLY A PRETTY SMALL BITE, BUT NEVERTHELESS, ANY BITE CAN BE A BIT OF A SHOCK. AND I HOPE THAT WHISKY HAS LEARNED HIS LESSON.
QUESTION: WILL YOU PUNISH WHISKY OR TIE HIM UP, TIE HIM UP AT HOME?
GOVERNOR: CERTAINLY NOT. HF. HAS TO LIVE, BOTH OF THE DOGS DOING SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS FROM MOST OTHERS WITH PEOPLE COMING IN AND OUT OF THE HOUSE QUITE PROPERLY AND OCCASIONALLY SURPRISING THEM. BUT THEY ARE BOTH CHEERFUL LITTLE TERRIERS, AND I THINK THEY ADD TO THE ENJOYMENT OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY ARE VERY POPULAR AROUND THE HOUSE. AND I HOPE THAT AFTER A WEEK INSIDE AS IT WERE, HE’LL HAVE LEARNED HIS LESSON. AND I’LL BE INTERESTED TO HEAR FROM HIM HIS VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT'S KENNELS AND THE QUARANTINE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE MADE IN HONG KONG. I AM SURE HE’LL BE VERY ELOQUENT ON THE SUBJECT.
- - 0----------
SEVEN MORE HIV INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SIX MEN AND A WOMAN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (APRIL), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 442.
THREE NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 103 WITH 66 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 442 HIV INFECTED, 166 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 163 THROUGH HETEROSEXUAL SEX, 11 WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS, AND 65 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 37, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
/UNDER THE .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 199-1
4
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 321,841 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, 1,406,129 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 30 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
------0--------
SLIP ROAD WIDENED TO EASE TRAFFIC
* * * * *
THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD KWU TUNG SECTION EASTBOUND TO PO SHEK WU ROAD IN SHEUNG SHUI HAS BEEN WIDENED TO EASE TRAFFIC AT THE FAN KAM ROAD INTFRCHANGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID BEFORE THE WIDENING WORK, THE SLIP ROAD WAS A SINGLE-LANE ROAD. LOCAL TRAFFIC WAS ALWAYS HELD UP BY CHINA-BOUND TRAFFIC.
IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, THE SLIP ROAD WAS WIDENED TO TWO LANES. WORK WAS COMPLETED AT THE END OF LAST MONTH.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE ADDITIONAL LANE, CHINA-BOUND GOODS VEHICLES FOR MAN KAM TO ARE RESTRICTED TO USE THE INSIDE LANE, SO THAT TRAFFIC FOR SHEUNG SHUT AND OTHER AREAS ARE NOT AFFECTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OBSERVATIONS SHOW THAT THE ADDITIONAL LANE EFFECTIVELY IMPROVED THE TRAFFIC FLOW TN THE AREA.
THE ROAD WIDENING PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS.
------0--------
3,676 VMS REFUSE FOOD
*****
A TOTAL OF 3,676 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE (WHDC) REFUSED TO TAKE THE FOOD ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT TODAY (MONDAY) AS A PROTEST AGAINST THE POLICY TO REPATRIATE ALL NON-REFUGEES TO VIETNAM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID SINCE THE LAST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD IN GENEVA IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, VMS OF WHDC HAD STAGED DEMONSTRATIONS AND REFUSED FOOD ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT.
A TECHNICAL MEETING ON RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES IS DUE TO BEGIN IN BANGKOK ON WEDNESDAY.
-----0-------
/5 ........
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
5
EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUPS » * » * *
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION TODAY (MONDAY) NOTED THE THREE REPORTS SUBMITTED BY THE WORKING GROUPS ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS, AND SCHOOL FUNDING.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, CONGRATULATED THE WORKING GROUPS ON THEIR EIGHT MONTHS OF HARD WORK.
"I AM PERSONALLY VERY PLEASED THAT THE NEW APPROACH OF SETTING UP WORKING GROUPS TO LOOK INTO SPECIFIC COMPLEX ISSUES HAS PRODUCED SUCH GOOD RESULTS," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
"TO PURSUE THIS NEW STRATEGY FURTHER, WE HAVE ALSO DECIDED ON A NEW APPROACH TO PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
"WE HAVE DECIDED TO ASK THE WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TO MAKE A FEW EDITORIAL CHANGES, AND TO PUBLISH THE REPORT IN JULY, AS SOON AS TRANSLATION AND PRINTING ARR'NGEMENTS CAN BE COMPLETED.
"THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS, UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
"DURING SEPTEMBER, THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS WILL BE PUBLISHED, ALSO FOR A THREE-MONTH PERIOD OF CONSULTATION. WE SHALL DECIDE LATER THE TIMING FOR PUBLISHING THE REPORT ON SCHOOL FUNDING," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USEFUL COMMENTS ON ONE MAJOR TOPIG OF INTEREST AT A TIME, AND WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSION TO BENEFIT FROM PUBLIC FEEDBACK BEFORE IT MAKES FINAL PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNMENT,” SHE ADDED.
- 0 - -
BRIDGING COURSE TO PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING
*****
A SIX-WEEK BRIDGING COURSE FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO TRANSFER
FROM A GRAMMER TO A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL WILL START IN JULY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE COURSE, WHICH IS FREE OF CHARGE, PROVIDES THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING IN METALWORK, ELECTRICAL STUDIES AND TECHNICAL DRAWING.
"THE COURSE IS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY 1 IN A GRAMMER SCHOOL AND WHO WISH TO CONTINUE STUDIES IN SECONDARY 2 IN A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE COURSE WAS ARRANGED FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. I ON THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN GRAMMER SCHOOLS WHO, AFTER THE FIRST YEAR, FOUND THEMSELVES LOSING INTEREST IN THE MORE ACADEMIC APPROACH AND WISHED TO LEARN MORE PRACTICAL SUBJECTS.
/THE COMMISSION
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
- 6 -
THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT A BRIDGING COURSE SHOULD INCLUDE WORKSHOP TRAINING TO HELP STUDENTS OF GRAMMER SCHOOLS ADJUST TO THE MORE PRACTICAL CONTENT OF THE CURRICULUM AND GAIN' A MINIMUM LEVEL OF PRACTICAL PROFICIENCY REQUIRED IN PRE-VOCATTONAL SCHOOLS.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD AT TWO CENTRES WITH AN ENROLMENT OF 40 STUDENTS EACH:
* BISHOP HALL MEMORIAL PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
82 HIU KWONG STREET
SAU MAU PING
KOWLOON
♦ COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCATION PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
350 KWAI SHING CIRCUIT
KWAI CHUNG
NEW TERRITORIES
THE SPOKESMAN SAID STUDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO PASS A TEST AT THE END OF THE SIX-WEEK BRIDGING COURSE FOR ADMISSION TO A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM INDIVIDUAL GRAMMER SCHOOLS. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE RELEVANT PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 16.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 892 6315.
------0-----------
EXHIBITION OF PROJECT WORK ON CHINESE CULTURE * ♦ ♦ ♦ »
A FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION OF THE PROJECT WORK ON CHINESE CULTURE WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO SATURDAY AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.
ON DISPLAY ARE 19 WINNING ENTRIES AT THE ’’PROJECT WORK ON CHINESE CULTURE COMPETITION”.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE HOK HOI LIBRARY OF HONG KONG FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
IT IS AIMED AT ENRICHING STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF CHINESE CULTURE, ENHANCING STUDENTS’ CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS AND AROUSING THEIR INTEREST IN THE STUDY OF CHINESE.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION INCLUDED STUDENTS FROM HOLY FAMILY CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND HO DAO COLLEGE, BEING AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZES OF THE SENIOR GROUP AND JUNIOR GROUP RESPECTIVELY; STEA TAM PAK YU COLLEGE, THE SECOND PRIZE; AND MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL OF MFBM, THE THIRD PRIZE.
/PRIZES AWARDED .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
PRIZES AWARDED TO WINNERS WILL SCHOLARSHIP RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $2,500.
INCLUDE A
TROPHY AND
WINNERS OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WILL BE INVITED • TO A FREE VISIT TO THE CHINA FOLK CULTURE VILLAGES IN SHENZHEN DURING SUMMER VACATION OR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.
DETAILS OF THE EXHIBITION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
VENUE: HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
DATE: MAY 31 TO JUNE 4
TIME: MAY 31 2 PM TO 4.30 PM
JUNE 1-3 9 AM TO 4.30 PM
JUNE 4 9 AM TO NOON
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR HO CHE-LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EXHIBITION OF PROJECT WORK ON CHINESE CULTURE AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, AT 10 AM TOMORROW.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
----L o--------
CENTRAL-JORDAN VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE TO STOP FROM JUNE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDS THE PUBLIC TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERlVl E BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD WILL CEASE OPERATION WITH EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
HOWEVER, THE PASSENGER SERVICE WILL REMAIN IN OPERATION.
USERS OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY ADD NORTH POINT WHICH OPERATES FROM 7 AM TO 7.40 PM ON MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THIS SERVICE MAY BE STRENGTHENED, IF NECESSARY, TO MEET ADDITIONAL DEMAND.
NOTICES AND SIGNS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT THE AFFECTED PIERS TO ADVISE VEHICULAR FERRY USERS.
TO GUIDE MOTORISTS TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR IERRY SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY, THE VEHICULAR FIRRY LOGO HAS BEEN ADDED ONTO THE EXISTING GANTRY SIGNS ALONG GLOUCESTER ROAD WITH DESTINATIONS SHOWING "NORTH POINT", AND ADDITIONAL SIGNS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ALONG THE MAIN APPROACHES FROM NORTH AND WEST KOWLOON TOWARDS THE KOWLOON CITY VEHICULAR FERRY PIER.
/STOPPING RESTRICTIONS .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
- 8
STOPPING RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED ALONG JAVA ROAD IN FRONT OF THE NORTH POINT URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION ON THIS MAJOR ACCESS ROUTE TO THE NORTH POINT VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
AT THE SAME TIME, SPECIAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED.
THE EXISTING SIGNALISED JUNCTIONS IN WAN CHAI NORTH WILL BE LINKED AND PUT UNDER CLOSE MONITORING BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL FACILITATE USE OF CONVENTION AVENUE/HUNG HING ROAD BY EASTBOUND TRAFFIC AS A BYPASS ROUTE TO NORTH POINT HENCE AVOIDING THE BUSY GLOUCESTER ROAD.
THE SECTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST (EASTBOUND) OUTSIDE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC WILL BE WIDENED, SO THAT THE DELAY TO CAUSEWAY BAY-BOUND TRAFFIC CAUSED BY CONGESTION ON THE TUNNEL APPROACH WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.
MORE TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION OF HARCOURT ROAD/COTTON TREE DRIVE. THIS WILL INCREASE JUNCTION CAPACITY AND RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE HARCOURT ROAD APPROACH TO THIS JUNCTION.
THE BUS LANE ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER APPROACH TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE ENLARGED TO GIVE SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR BUSES TO WAIT TO MERGE WITH THE GENERAL TRAFFIC WITHOUT CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO TRAFFIC HEADING TOWARDS NORTH POINT.
THE SLIP ROAD FROM VICTORIA PARK ROAD (WESTBOUND) TO GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE RELOCATED EASTWARD TO REDUCE CONFLICT BETWEEN TRAFFIC HEADING TOWARDS CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND TRAFFIC HEADING TOWARDS CAUSEWAY BAY.
ON KOWLOON SIDE, AN ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE PROVIDED AT HONG TAI PATH/HONG CHONG ROAD. THIS WILL INCREASE ROAD CAPACITY AND HENCE IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR TRAFFIC FROM TSIM SHA TSUI FAST AND FROM THE TUNNEL.
TO AVOID CONGESTION AT CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL. MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY.
- - 0 -
/9 ........
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
- 9 -
SURVEY STARTS ON BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR 1993 ♦ ♦ » * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCT ION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS 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.
IT is AIMED TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL DATA FOR EVALUATING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCT ION AND REAL ESTATE 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 BA RETURNING PROMPTLY THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES AND CO-OPERATING WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE SURVEY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONF IDENO UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE.
ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
MR HO SAID AUDITED ACCOUNTS WERE NOT ESSENTIAL FOR THE SUPPLY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE DATA REQUIRED IN THE SURVEY.
THE DEPARTMENT ACC EPTS 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 5,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE PRESEN'I ROUND Ob THE SURVEY, INCLUDING A FULL COVERAGE OF PROMINENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS:
t BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION;
* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT;
* ARCH ITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING; AND
♦ REAL ESTATE LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT.
/THE SURVEY .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
10
THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY 01 BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 14 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984 .
A DIFFERENT VERSION OF SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS USED FOR EACH OF THE FOUR CATEGORIES OF ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN GENERAL, INFORMATION TO BE SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP; NUMBER OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; CONSUMPTION OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES; PAYMENTS FOR SUBCONTRACT WORK; OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES; VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED; VALUE OF PROPERTIES UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT OUTLAYS (INCLUDING LAND VALUES); OTHER FORMS OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS; CAPITAL EXPENDITURE; AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION ON THE BUSINESS OPERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS. THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31.
I’ REQUIRED, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT INDIVIDUAL ESTABLIS1MENTS AND HELP THEM COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
TIE OFFICERS WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD AND A CERTIFICATE FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY WHILST ON DUTY, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
A4Y ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TEL 839 3204.
- - 0 - -
ARTICLE REVIEWS
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION 1983/93
*****
THE MARCH 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE DESCRIBING THE GENERAL SITUATION OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION FROM 1983 TO 1993.
CURING THE PERIOD, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) (CPI(A)) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 7.6%.
THE RESPECTIVE RATES OF INCREASE FOR THE CPI(B), HANG SENG CPI AND COMPOSITE CPI WERE 7.6%, 8.5% AND 7.9%.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PRICE LEVEL OF GOODS AND SERVICES GENERALLY PURCHASED BY HOUSEHOLDS.
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF CHANGE IN THE INDEX IS COMMONLY USED AS AN INDICATOR OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION.
/DETAILED ANALYSIS
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE INDICES AT COMMODIIY/SERVICE SECTION LEVEL AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF DIFFERENT COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS TO THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) ARE ALSO PRESENTED.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS AVAILABLE AT $48 A COPY.
IT IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WAHCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE *****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 375.094 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 309.108 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 52.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,683 0930 + 68
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,051 1000 +68
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO 1100 -12
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -12 1200 -12
LAF TODAY + 380 1500 -12
1600 -12
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 *+0.0» 30.5.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1994
12
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 2511 4.15 97.84 5.77
1 MONTH 3.75 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.43 6.21
3 MONTHS 4.09 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.09 6.53
6 MONTHS 4.58 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.24 6.68
12 MONTHS 5.22 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.62 6.79
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,496 MN
CLOSED 30 MAY 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAC ENDORSES CMB FARE INCREASE.............................. 1
TAXI LICENCE LAW TO BE AMENDED.............................. 2
FEWER TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN FIRST QUARTER 1994............ 2
ESTATE AGENTS REPORT BEING FINALISED........................ 3
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL............................... 4
PRIMARY 1 CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT ON SATURDAY..... 7
TRIPARTITE COALITION PROMOTES BIOTECHNOLOGY................. 8
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES......... 10
TAXI DRIVERS REMINDED TO DISPLAY IDENTITY PLATES......... 11
DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR THREE METRO DISTRICTS COMPLETED.................................................. 12
VMS REFUSE TO TAKE FOOD.................................... 13
SURVEY ON WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1993 ........................................... 13
RS URGES STUDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.................... 15
EASY TO BECOME A VOTER................................... 15
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS.................... 16
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STUDIES......... 17
CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT............... 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
19
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
1
TAC ENDORSES CMB FARE INCREASE *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED THE ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION TO GIVE CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) A FARE INCREASE BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 9.8 PER CENT IN JULY - SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THE 19.1 PER CENT SOUGHT BY THE COMPANY.
EXCLUDING THE INCREASE FOR CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES WHICH WAS INTRODUCED ON APRIL 1 TOGETHER WITH THE FARE RISE FOR KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, CMB’S FARES FOR HONG KONG ISLAND ROUTES WOULD ONLY GO UP BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 5.6 PER CENT.
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE WILL MEAN THAT ABOUT 96 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS ON 34 MAIN ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL ONLY PAY 10 TO 20 CENTS MORE PER TRIP.
FARES FOR OTHER ROUTES OF LOWER FREQUENCY AND PATRONAGE WILL GO UP BY 20 TO 30 CENTS, WHILE FARES FOR 15 RECREATIONAL ROUTES WILL RISE BETWEEN 20 CENTS TO $1.
IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN AIR-CONDITIONED AND NON-AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES SHOULD BE REDUCED FROM 46 PER CENT TO 41 PER CENT.
THE PROPOSED FARE RISE HAS A NEGLIGIBLE IMPACT ON THE CONSUMERS PRICE INDEX (A) - A MERE 0.03 PER CENT.
CMB HAS AGREED TO EXTEND ITS EXISTING ELDERLY CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME TO ALL ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON A FULL DAY BASIS WHEN THE NEW FARES BECOME EFFECTIVE. BUT, THE CONCESSIONARY FARE WOULD NOT BE APPLICABLE TO CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES.
THE ELDERLY CONCESSIONARY FARE SCHEME IS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY AND IT IS LEFT TO THE INITIATIVE OF INDIVIDUAL TRANSPORT OPERATORS, TAKING ACCOUNT OF THEIR FINANCIAL POSITION.
IN CONSIDERING THE FARE INCREASE APPLICATION, MEMBERS NOTED THAT WITH HIGHER STAFF AND MAINTENANCE COST AND LITTLE PROSPECT FOR PATRONAGE INCREASE, CMB*S PROFIT WILL FALL TO A VERY LOW LEVEL IN 1994/95 IF FARES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ROUTES ARE TO REMAIN AT EXISTING LEVEL.
A MODEST FARE INCREASE WILL ENABLE CMB TO ACHIEVE A REASONABLE RETURN FOR IT TO CONTINUE ITS SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND TO REMAIN REASONABLY COMPETITIVE.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT SINCE THE REDUCTION OF 26 ROUTES IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, CMB HAD MADE SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN ITS PERFORMANCE, SUCH AS A HIGHER BUS TURNOUT RATE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PASSENGERS LIAISON GROUPS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO RECEIVED TODAY CMB’S FIVE-YEAR FORWARD PLAN AND NOTED THAT CMB WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND ITS SERVICES.
---------0-----------
/2 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 2 -
•J • < ‘ J
TAXI LICENCE LAW TO BE AMENDED ***** - '
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO IMPLEMENT SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATION IN TAXI LICENCES.
TO ENABLE A 12-MONTH RESTRICTION BE IMPOSED ON THE TRANSFER OF NEW TAXI LICENCES, AN AMENDMENT BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 22 THIS YEAR. • • •• • ,
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 SEEKS TO GIVE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT A GENERAL POWER TO IMPOSE A CONDITION ON A TAXI LICENCE, PREVENTING THE TRANSFER OF TAXI OWNERSHIP WITHIN A CERTAIN PERIOD. ■ 1
UNDER THIS POWER, THE COMMISSIONER WILL SPECIFY A 12-MONTH RESTRICTION IN THE TAXI LICENCE TENDER DOCUMENTS AND IN THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS FOR TAXIS.
TO TIGHTEN THE PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSFER OF TAXI LICENCES, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) REGULATION WILL BE MADE TO REQUIRE BOTH THE BUYER AND SELLER OF A TAXI LICENCE TO REGISTER THE TRANSFER IN PERSON IN A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE TRANSFER.
THE AMENDMENT BILL WILL COME INTO FORCE AS SOON AS IT IS ENACTED. THE AMENDMENT REGULATION WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3) AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 6 THIS YEAR.
------0--------
FEWER TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN FIRST QUARTER 1994 ***** i / •
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 1994 TO MARCH 31, 1994 DROPPED BY 4.2 PER CENT TO 3,292 AS COMPARED WITH 3,437 IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1993.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT (61 PER CENT), ENFORCEMENT (17 PER CENT) AND ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS (15 PER CENT). ' , <
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT DROPPED BY 4.6 PER CENT FROM 2,096 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 1,999.
THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE MAINLY TO FEWER COMPLAINTS AGAINST CITYBUS (DOWN 66.3 PER CENT FROM 193 TO 65 CASES), GREEN MINI-BUSES (DOWN 10.7 PER CENT FROM 215 TO 192) AND TAXI MALPRACTICES (DOWN 3.8 PER CENT FROM 898 TO 864).
HOWEVER, COMPLAINTS AGAINST KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROSE FROM 336 TO 424 THIS QUARTER. OF THESE, TWO-THIRDS WERE RELATED TO ERRATIC SERVICES, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF DRIVERS AND INADEQUATE SERVICES. COMPLAINTS AGAINST CHINA MOTOR BUS ALSO ROSE SLIGHTLY FROM 185 TO 190.
/COMPLAINTS AGAINST .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
3
COMPLAINTS AGAINST TRAFFIC REGULATION ENFORCEMENT DECREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT TO 567 CASES FROM 617 IN THE LAST QUARTER.
THEY WERE RELATED MAINLY TO REQUESTS FOR ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING AND MOTORISTS FAILING TO COMPLY WITH TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, ALL OF WHICH HAD B$EN REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR ACTION.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 170’COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 28 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 237 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE 149 COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND 135 SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS, COMPARED WITH 143 AND 125 CASES RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES FOR CONSIDERATIONS.
------0-------
ESTATE AGENTS REPORT BEING FINALISED » » * » »
THE WORKING GROUP ON REGULATION OF ESTATE AGENTS TODAY (TUESDAY) MET TO DISCUSS FURTHER . THE RECOMMENDATIONS THEY HAD DELIBERATED IN PAST MEETINGS IN THE PROCESS OF DRAFTING ITS REPORT FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WORKING GROUP IS IN SUPPORT OF SETTING UP A SELF-FINANCING LICENSING AUTHORITY WITH LEGISLATIVE BACKING TO ADVANCE AND REGULATE ACTIVITIES OF THE TRADE.
THE APPROACH IS TO EMPOWER THE AUTHORITY TO SET LICENSING STANDARD AND TO PUT IN PLACE A SANCTION AND REDRESS SYSTEM TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM UNETHICAL AND ILLEGAL PRACTICE.
MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED THE APPROACH TO ENHANCE THE IMPARTIALITY AND CREDIBILITY OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY BY INVITING REPRESENTATIVES FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION IN THE COMMUNITY TO SERVE AS MEMBERS.
THEY HAVE ALSO RECOMMENDED THE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL PANEL TO DEAL WITH APPEALS AGAINST THE AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS.
IN THEIR PREVIOUS MEETINGS, MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED A WIDE RANGE OF SHORT-TERM MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE OF THE TRADE.
THESE INCLUDE THE STANDARDISATIQN OF THE PROVISIONAL SALE 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 TRADE ASSOCIATIONS DRAWING UP A CODE OF PRACTICE AND PRACTISING GUIDELINES FOR THE TRADE.
IT IS EXPECTED THE WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (HOUSING POLICY), MR LEO KWAN, WILL SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
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/4.........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL ♦ » ♦ « »
STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY SHOWED THAT HK$ M3 GREW MODERATELY BY 2.2% IN APRIL 1994, UP FROM 0.1% IN MARCH.
ITS YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE WAS 22.6%, HIGHER THAN THE LEVEL IN MARCH BUT CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN THOSE IN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS.
FOLLOWING A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 0.1% IN MARCH, THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS PICKED UP FURTHER BY 2.5% IN APRIL. YEAR-ON-YEAR, IT GREW BY 22.3%.
WITH THE NARROWING OF THE INTEREST RATE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND SWAP DEPOSITS AFTER THE INCREASE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS DEPOSIT RATES IN LATE MARCH, THE SHARP GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS RECORDED IN MARCH (+9.4%) MODERATED IN APRIL (+1.9%).
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE MODERATELY IN APRIL BY 1.0%. THE AMOUNT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS IS MARGINALLY BELOW THE LEVEL ONE YEAR AGO. ITS PROPORTION IN TOTAL DEPOSITS FELL TO 48.9%, THE LOWEST LEVEL AMONGST THE LAST THREE MONTHS.
HK$ Ml REGISTERED LITTLE CHANGE IN APRIL AS THE RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS (+2.5% ) OFFSET THE FALL IN LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COINS HELD BY THE PUBLIC (-3.9%).
THE REDUCTION IN PUBLIC’S CASH HOLDING WAS DUE TO THE HIGH COMPARISON BASE AT THE END OF MARCH BEFORE THE EASTER HOLIDAY BREAK. YEAR-ON-YEAR, IT GREW BY 15.3%.
THE BROADEST DEFINITION OF LOCAL MONEY SUPPLY, HK$ M3 ROSE BY 2.2% DURING APRIL.
ITS ANNUAL GROWTH IN APRIL (+22.6%) WAS HIGHER THAN THAT IN MARCH (+19.5%), BUT IT HAS SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY FROM THE GROWTH OF 25.2% TO 46.5% RECORDED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1994.
TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 17.6% AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
BECAUSE OF THE SLUGGISH GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, TOTAL M2 AND M3 HAD SLOWER GROWTH THAN THEIR CORRESPONDING HONG KONG DOLLAR COUNTERPARTS.
THEIR RESPECTIVE ANNUAL GROWTH RATES WERE 11.2% AND 11.8%, IN LINE WITH THE OVERALL ECONOMIC GROWTH.
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 1.8% IN APRIL. AMONGST THESE LOANS, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS INCREASED BY 1.6% DURING APRIL.
/THE YEAR-ON-YEAR .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 5 -
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH WAS 18.7%, LOWER THAN THAT OF HONG KONG DOLLOR DEPOSITS.
THIS BROUGHT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR LOAN-TO-DEPOSIT RATIO DOWN TO 114.0% IN APRIL FROM 115.1% IN MARCH. FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS INCREASED BY 1.9% DURING THE MONTH AND BY 12.3% OVER THE YEAR, r
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE RECORDED A SOLID GROWTH OF 3.9% IN APRIL, FOLLOWING A 2.2% INCREASE IN MARCH. ITS YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH WAS 14.4%.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 1.4%, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.8% IN MARCH. YEAR-ON-YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 18.4%.
ENQUIRIES ON THE MONETARY STATISTICS FOR APRIL MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, ON TEL 878 1687.
/TABLE 1 : .......
6
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - APR 1994
(HKSmn)
Apr 1994 Earlier months (% change to Apr 1994)
Mar 1994 Jan 1994 Apr 1993
Money Supply
Ml - HKS 171,499 171358 ( -0.0 ) 187,940 ( -8.7 ) 148,781 ( 15.3)
Foreign currency 21355 19,051 ( 13.1) 20,280 ( 6.3) 15,436 ( 39.6 )
Total 193,054 190,609 ( 1.3) 208,219 ( -7.3) 164,218 ( 17.6 )
M2 - HKS* 972,233 950329 ( 2.3) 1,026,621 ( -5.3) 790373 ( 23.0 )
Foreign currency* 842,402 835,787 ( 0.8 ) 854,466 ( -1.4) 840,566 ( 0.2 )
Total 1,814.635 1,786,315 ( 1.6) 1381,087 ( -3.5) 1,631,139 ( 11.2 )
M3 - HKS* 988,816 967,405 ( 2.2 ) 1,043,224 ( -5.2) 806.388 ( 22.6 )
Foreign currency* 886,997 878313 ( 1.0) 893,991 ( -0.8 ) 870,906 ( 1.8)
Total 1,875,813 1345,918 ( 1.6) 1.937,215 ( -3.2 ) 1,677,294 ( 11.8 )
Notes and coins in circulation 73.254 77.767 ( -5.8) 78,950 ( -7.2 ) 63,439 ( 15.5 )
of which held by public 65,187 67.804 ( -3.9) 67,284 ( -3.1) 55.300 ( 17.9 )
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 127,868 122,805 ( 4.1) 140,935 ( -9.3 ) 108,918 ( 17.4 )
Total Savings deposits 412,889 401,573 ( 2.8 ) 415,968 ( -0.7 ) 376,004 ( 9.8 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1,178,078 1,164,915 ( 1.1) 1232,889 ( -4.4 ) 1,073,448 ( 9.7)
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 28217 26.607 ( 6.1) 25,381 ( 11.2 ) 24,890 ( 13.4 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 17,680 17,720 ( -0.2) 17,678 ( 0.0 ) 18,211 ( -2.9 )
HKS deposits* 901,693 879,416 ( 2.5) 957,979 ( -5.9) 737,123 ( 22.3 )
USS deposits* 434384 418.942 ( 3.8) 433,237 ( 0.4 ) 419,309 ( 3.7)
Other foreign currency deposits* 428,154 435,262 ( -1.6) 441,637 ( -3-1) 445,039 ( -3.8)
All deposits 1.764,731 1,733,620 ( 1.8) 1332.852 ( -3-7) 1,601,472 ( 10.2 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 81.742 80.209 ( 1.9) 72326 ( 12.7 ) 61,171 ( 33.6)
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 110,414 106,309 ( 3.9) 104,354 ( 5.8) 96331 ( 14.4 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 11,179 10,624 ( 5.2) 11332 ( -3-1 ) 12237 ( -8.6 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 1.155354 1.139,415 ( 1.4) 1,162,030 ( -0.6 ) 975,635 ( 18.4 )
Other loans for use outside H.K. 1,751308 1,719,082 ( 1.9) 1,651.850 ( 6.0 ) 1359,887 ( 12.3 )
Other loans where the place of use is not known 45,129 43,946 ( 2.7) 43,007 ( 4.9 ) 43272 ( 4.3)
Loans in HKS 1.028,202 1,011,843 ( 1.6) 1,047,056 ( -1.8) 866.327 ( 18.7 )
Loans in foreign currencies 2,045381 2,007333 ( 1.9) 1,925,717 ( 6.2) 1.821234 ( 12.3 )
Total loans and advances 3.073.783 3.019.376 ( 1.8) 2,972,773 ( 3.4) 2.687362 ( 14.4 )
♦ 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.
--------o-----------
/7........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
7
PRIMARY 1 CENTRAL ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT ON SATURDAY * * ♦ * »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES FOR SCHOOL ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WILL BE RELEASED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID A TOTAL OF 19,128 CHILDREN PARTICIPATING IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WOULD BE ALLOCATED TO SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST THREE CHOICES.
’’THIS REPRESENTS 59.8 PER CENT OF 31,982 CHILDREN TAKING PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION.’’
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS SHOULD GO TO THE RELEVANT DISTRIBUTION-COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR DISTRICT ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM OR 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM TO COLLECT AN ’’ALLOCATION SLIP”.
THE SLIP SHOWS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEIR CHILD HAS BEEN ALLOCATED, TOGETHER WITH THE DATES FOR REGISTRATION.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THE PARENT’S COPY OF THE "APPLICATION FORM FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE" OR THE "CHOICE OF SCHOOLS FORM" FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES ON JUNE 8 (WEDNESDAY) OR JUNE 9 (THURSDAY).
REGISTRATION HOURS FOR AM SCHOOLS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND, FOR PM SCHOOLS, FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM . FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS WHO FOR SOME PERSONAL REASONS COULD NOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT BEFOREHAND FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
"PARENTS FAILING TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL ON THE SPECIFIED DATES WITHOUT MAKING PRIOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED," HE SAID.
"UPON REGISTRATION, THE ALLOCATION SLIP SHOULD BE SURRENDERED TO THE SCHOOL AND PARENTS MUST NOTE THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND REQUESTS FOR RE-ALLOCATION WITHOUT VALID JUSTIFICATION WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED."
PARENTS WHO HAVE SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS HAVING MOVED TO ANOTHER DISTRICT RESULTING IN THE ALLOCATED SCHOOL BEING TOO FAR FROM THEIR NEW HOME, ARE ADVISED TO PERSONALLY CALL ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, TO SEEK HELP.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THE ORIGINAL AND COPIES OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THE NEW ADDRESS, SUCH AS RENTAL RECEIPTS, TITLE DEED OF THE PROPERTY, RATES DEMAND NOTES, WATER BILLS OR ELECTRICITY tflLLS BEARING THE NAME OF THE PARENT OR THE GUARDIAN OF THE CHILD.
/“IF THEIR .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 8 -
”IF THEIR REQUEST IS JUSTIFIED, THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN A SCHOOL NEARER TO THEIR NEW HOME,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’SHOULD PARENTS FIND IT NECESSARY TO CHANGE SCHOOL FOR THEIR CHILD AFTER REGISTRATION, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN ASSURANCE FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL BEFORE RETRIEVING THE ALLOCATION SLIP FROM THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL BECAUSE RETRIEVAL OF THE ALLOCATION SLIP MEANS CANCELLATION OF THE SCHOOL PLACE ALREADY ALLOCATED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL LAST DECEMBER NEED NOT REPEAT THE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES, HE ADDED.
PARENTS WHO WISH TO OBTAIN GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION PROCEDURES MAY DIAL 891 0088 FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S 24-HOUR AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE.
THOSE WHO HAVE FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE PROCEDURES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 572 4383. OPERATION HOURS OF THE ENQUIRY SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE PERIOD FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM AND 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JUNE 4 AND 5) .
---------0-----------
TRIPARTITE COALITION PROMOTES BIOTECHNOLOGY * » * ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS HAVE FORMED A TRIPARTITE COALITION IN PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE PROVISION OF QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE 1994 BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME.
THE PILOT TRAINING SCHEME AIMS TO BETTER EQUIP HONG KONG’S TERTIARY STUDENTS IN THE DISCIPLINE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY BY WIDENING THEIR EXPOSURE THROUGH INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
A TOTAL OF 11 COMPANIES HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO CO-SPONSOR 31 ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIELD OF BIOTECHNOLOGY THIS SUMMER. SO FAR, 16 OF THESE PLACES HAVE BEEN FILLED AND THE REMAINING ONES WILL BE FILLED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. t
THE AREAS OF ACTIVITIES OFFERED INCLUDE MANUFACTURING, MARKETING AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
MR YOUNG SAID ANOTHER RECENT EFFORT MADE BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO ENHANCE THE GROWTH OF BIOTECHNOLOGY WAS THE COMPILATION OF A DIRECTORY OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG.
/THIS DIRECTORY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
THIS DIRECTORY WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT’S VARIOUS SUPPORT PROGRAMMES ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, THE RESEARCH FACILITIES AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE OF THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND ITS RESEARCH INSTITUTES, SUCH AS THE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HE SAID,
"THE DIRECTORY WILL BE A USEFUL REFERENCE GUIDE TO BOTH OVERSEAS AND LOCAL INVESTORS INTERESTED IN BIOTECHNOLOGY. THIS DIRECTORY WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE THIRD OR FOURTH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
MR YOUNG SAID THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAD BEEN ACTIVELY CONDUCTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R & D) PROJECTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY, AND IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE RESULTS OF THOSE SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED R & D PROJECTS COULD BE UTILISED BY THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
"TO FACILITATE THE DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH OUTCOME, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL BE ORGANISING A SEMINAR ON APPLIED R & D EFFORTS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 1994/95. IT WILL PROVIDE A VENUE FOR INFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
"THE RESPONSE FROM THE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAS BEEN FAVOURABLE AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY RECEIVED AROUND 30 RESEARCH TOPICS FOR PRESENTATION AT THE PROPOSED SEMINAR.
"IN ADDITION, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS ALSO PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE APPLIED R & D SCHEME AND THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SCHEME," HE ADDED.
ONE OF THE PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE APPLIED R & D SCHEME, WHICH AIMS AT DEVELOPING A DEGRADABLE PACKING MATERIAL, WAS GRANTED A LOAN OF SLIGHTLY LESS THAN $1 MILLION EARLIER THIS YEAR AND IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.
TWO OTHER BIOTECHNOLOGY-RELATED APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING SUPPORT UNDER THE SCHEME ARE BEING ASSESSED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS A MEMBER OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR LO YUK-LAM.
FIRSTLY, GIVEN THE CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, THERE ARE VAST OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG TO CO-OPERATE WITH CHINA IN COMMERCIALISING THE LATTER’S RESEARCH OUTCOME IN BIOTECHNOLOGY, HE SAID.
"OUR BUSINESSMEN ARE WELL VERSED IN MARKET NEEDS AND HAVE WELL-ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL MARKETING NETWORK WHEREAS CHINA HAS EXCELLENT RESEARCH CAPABILITIES, NOT TO MENTION ITS GIGANTIC MARKET SIZE AND RESOURCEFUL MANPOWER. BY CO-OPERATING WITH CHINA IN COMMERCIALISING ITS BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECTS, BOTH PARTIES CAN BE BENEFITED.
/"SECONDLY, WE
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 10 -
"SECONDLY, WE HAVE STRONG LOCAL R & D EXPERTISE AND EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FROM HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LOCALLY.
"MOREOVER, UNLIKE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, MOST OF THE BIOTECHNOLOGY-RELATED BUSINESS DO NOT REQUIRE A LOT OF LAND, WHICH IS EXPENSIVE IN HONG KONG. RATHER, THEY WILL BE LOOKING FOR HIGH CALIBRE MANPOWER AND EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT, WHICH CAN BE PROVIDED BY HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES
*****
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IS INVITING SECONDARY 5 AND 7 SCHOOL LEAVERS TO APPLY FOR THE TWO-YEAP AND THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME PRE-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES IN 1994/95.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INSTITUTE SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECOMMENDATION BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 5 , HONG KONG’S FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION HAVE BEEN MERGED TO BECOME THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, WHICH WILL START OPERATING TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES FROM SEPTEMBER 1994.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID HOLDERS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT COULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE THREE-YEAR COURSE WHILE THOSE HOLDING THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE OR EQUIVALENT COULD APPLY FOR THE TWO-YEAR COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS AND GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
♦ HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION HEAD OFFICE, NINTH FLOOR, SUNNING PLAZA, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSWAY BAY;
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 15TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI;
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE,
KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
SEVENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI;
» NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,
21 SASSOON ROAD, POKFULAM;
♦ GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION,
42 GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON;
/★ SIR ROBERT ........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 11 -
* SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER’S HILL; AND
* HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 1 PM ON THURSDAY, JUNE 30.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 386 0442.
---------0-----------
TAXI DRIVERS REMINDED TO DISPLAY IDENTITY PLATES
* » * » *
TAXI DRIVERS ARE REMINDED TO DISPLAY THEIR IDENTITY PLATES BEFORE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RELEVANT REGULATION ON JULY 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE REQUIREMENT WAS TO ENCOURAGE TAXI DRIVERS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND HELP PASSENGERS LODGE COMPLAINTS.
THE REGULATION CAME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1. THE THREE-MONTH GRACE PERIOD WILL EXPIRE ON JUNE 30.
’’FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $2,000,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE IDENTITY PLATE WILL SHOW A DRIVER’S FULL NAME IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DRIVER.
IT HAS 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 PASSENGERS.
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.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS PRINTED BLANK PLATES FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE DRIVERS. THEY CAN BE COLLECTED 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.
- - 0------------
/12........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 12 -
DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR THREE METRO DISTRICTS COMPLETED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
SENIOR GOVERNMENT PLANNERS TODAY (TUESDAY) BRIEFED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S LANDS AND WORKS PANEL ON THE RECENTLY COMPLETED DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS FOR WEST KOWLOON, SOUTH EAST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING.
THE BRIEFING WAS GIVEN BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS (LAND POLICY), MR CANICE MAK, AND THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT'S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER (TERRITORIAL), DR TED PRYOR.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE PREPARATION OF THESE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS, DR PRYOR SAID IN SEPTEMBER 1991, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED METROPLAN AS A LAND USE-TRANSPORT-ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR RESTRUCTURING THE METRO AREA OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN.
"MANY PARTS OF THE METRO AREA HAVE BECOME OBSOLETE AND METROPLAN ENVISAGES THAT SUCH DISTRICTS SHOULD BE RESTRUCTURED IN ASSOCIATION WITH DEVELOPMENTS ON NEW RECLAMATIONS IN WEST KOWLOON, HUNG HOM BAY, SOUTH EAST KOWLOON, CENTRAL - WAN CHAI, GREEN ISLAND, ALDRICH BAY AND TSUEN WAN BAY.
"DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS ARE, THEREFORE, BEING PRODUCED FOR EACH OF THE SEVEN METRO DISTRICTS TO TRANSLATE THE BROAD METROPLAN CONCEPTS INTO MORE SPECIFIC OUTLINE PROPOSALS WHICH CAN THEN BE USED AS A BASIS FOR DETAILED PLANNING AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION," HE SAID.
THE THREE DEVELOPMENT STATEMENTS PRESENTED TO LEGCO TODAY SERVE AS FRAMEWORKS TO GUIDE THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE THREE BROAD DISTRICTS UP TO 2001.
THEY DESCRIBE THE MAJOR LAND USES, TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IN THE RESPECTIVE METRO DISTRICTS.
THEY ALSO STATE THE SECTORAL PLANNING PROPOSALS IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, URBAN RENEWAL, TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, URBAN DESIGN, LANDSCAPE AND RECREATION.
MEANWHILE, THE STATEMENTS PROVIDE GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF LAND USE TYPES, DEVELOPMENT INTENSITIES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT PARAMETERS FOR AREAS FOR WHICH DETAILED LAYOUT OR REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL NEED TO BE PREPARED.
"THESE STATEMENTS WILL, WHERE APPROPRIATE, SERVE AS A BASIS FOR PREPARING OR REVISING OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AND OTHER TOWN PLANS.
"THEY ALSO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR DETAILED PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING FOR THE DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT AREAS," DR PRYOR ADDED.
/DISTRICT BOARDS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 13 -
DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE STATEMENTS IN THE COMING TWO MONTHS WHILE BRIEFINGS WITH OTHER RELEVANT BODIES, INCLUDING THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED.
DR PRYOR ALSO TOLD THE PANEL THAT THE HONG KONG ISLAND WEST DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WAS BEING PREPARED FOR COMPLETION BY NEXT FEBRUARY OR MARCH, AND PREPARATION OF THE CENTRAL AND EAST KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY MARCH 1996.
VMS REFUSE TO TAKE FOOD
*****
A TOTAL OF 3,585 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) IN WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE (WHDC) AND 2,417 IN HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE (HIDC) REFUSED TO TAKE THE FOOD ISSUED BY THE MANAGEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT BETWEEN MAY 1 AND MAY 29, A DAILY AVERAGE OF 423 VMS IN WHDC AND 151 IN HIDC HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE FOOD REFUSAL.
UP TO YESTERDAY, A TOTAL OF 545 VMS - 419 FROM WHDC AND 126 FROM HIDC - HAD BEEN SENT TO OUTSIDE HOSPITALS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT IN MAY, OF WHOM 61 HAD BEEN ADMITTED FOR OBSERVATION. AS AT TODAY, 11 OF THEM ARE STILL IN HOSPITAL.
-----0-------
SURVEY ON WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1993 *****
ABOUT 9,300 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS FOR 1993 NOW UNDER WAY.
THE ANNUAL SURVEY IS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME TO COMPILE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
IT AIMS 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 SALES LEVELS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE
PRIVATE SECTOR IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND MAKING DECISIONS.
/THE COMMISSIONER .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
14
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 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 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 QUESTIONNAIRES, IF AUDITED ACCOUNTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.
THE SURVEY COVERS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES RELATING TO WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES.
INFORMATION TO BE SOUGHT INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), OPERATING EXPENSES, TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE, 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 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS 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 WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1278.
/15 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
- 15 -
RS URGES STUDENTS TO REGISTER AS VOTERS
* * * * ♦
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, TODAY (TUESDAY) APPEALED TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18 TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
SPEAKING TO NEW TERRITORIES SECONDARY STUDENTS AT AN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MISS CHOW ALSO URGED THEM TO ENCOURAGE THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS TO ADD THEIR NAMES TO THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
SHE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE COULD SHOW MORE CONCERN TO SOCIETY AND PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
---------0-----------
EASY TO BECOME A VOTER * ♦ * ♦ *
IT TAKES ONLY A FEW MINUTES FOR THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO FILL IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS AND BECOME VOTERS, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A VOTER REGISTRATION PROMOTION ACTIVITY IN TAI WAI, MR BROWNING SAID THE FORM WAS EASY TO COMPLETE AND ONLY SIMPLE PARTICULARS WOULD BE REQUIRED.
THIS WOULD BE EVEN EASIER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS AND THE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HE ADDED.
MR BROWNING SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THE NUMBER OF TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS IN HIS DISTRICT HAD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED FROM 120 TO 200.
"I HOPE THE NEW FORCE WILL HELP ENHANCE THE PRESENT PUBLICITY DRIVE ON VOTER REGISTRATION,” HE SAID.
THEY WILL BE DEPLOYED TO VARIOUS STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE AREA, INCLUDING RAILWAY STATIONS, SHOPPING ARCADES AND BUS TERMINUS TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST PASSERS-BY TO REGISTER AS VOTERS.
------0-----------
/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
16
AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS « « » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4) 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:
FX877 FX138 FX611 AU638 FW3998
AS8805 CE269 FX880 FX654 FX987
♦ER333 ♦ BS83 ♦ CC92 ♦ FC2 ♦FU444
FX159 FX6681 FX5168 AW376 FY625
FY218 EE1638 FW338 FX921 FY3799
AA3680 BR238 AZ3222 BW3828 EM8122
FX463 FX113 FX968 FY6629 FY3298
♦ EC5 ♦HK4000 ♦ 9868 ♦FW989 ♦FU6767
FX890 BV8198 AW1319 FW267 FX4493
FY1289 FX1386 FX9188 FX8346 FX5682
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WI LL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER
50 LUCKY CAR REGISTRATION MARKS ARE: WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY
FX911 CT817 XX104 FY288 FY117
FX3328 FX663 AW375 FW3368 ER3088
♦ ER66 ♦EC300 ♦ FC28 ♦ AJ3 ♦AY656
FY413 FY510 FX311 CT955 FY7178
FY1928 FX668 HK588 FX2788 AU579
FY2111 FYI 128 DP1968 FY148 FY9880
FY9088 AU866 FX638 FX152 FX2887
♦ 8872 ♦ EN99 ♦ 920 ♦CN1001 ♦CL9595
FX2663 FX1328 FX7003 FY2829 FY4493
AV3826 FY9912 C; • FY6882 FY8038 FY2962
* SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE CAR REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A CAR REGISTERED 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, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 228TH AND 229TH ORGANISED BY
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1994
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STUDIES
♦ ♦ * * t
APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND WILL BE OPEN FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ASSISTANCE CAN BE IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIP, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS FROM THE TWO FUNDS WHICH ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEES SAID APPLICATION FORMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW FROM THE AFD HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES.
"THE FUNDS WERE SET UP IN 1978 TO HELP PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETION OF THEIR STUDIES, AND ALSO THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES WISHING TO PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING.
”ANOTHER AIM OF THE FUNDS IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CHILDREN OR DEPENDANTS OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES TO COMPLETE THEIR TERTIARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLING,” HE SAID.
APPLICATIONS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES IN THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR WILL CLOSE ON JULY 16 WHILE THOSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 17.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC, BAPTIST COLLEGE, ANY ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION AND ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE TERRITORY.
APPLICANTS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE STUDENTS IN FORMS FOUR TO SEVEN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURE OR FISHERIES AND RELATED TRADES.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FUNDS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON 733 2249 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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/18 ........
TUESDAY. MAY 31, 1994
18
CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN TUEN MUN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURE, BEING USED FOR OFFICE AND STORAGE PURPOSES, IS AN APPENDAGE ON THE EXTERNAL WALL OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN 2 KIN FAT LANE, TUEN MUN.
A NOTICE ABOUT APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON AUGUST 2, 1994 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS » « » » »
TENDER DATE 31 MAY 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q422
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD 6,810 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKD 1,500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.07 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.09 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 83 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.12 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 6 JUNE 1994
TENDER DATE 7 JUN 94 7 JUN 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q423 H466
ISSUE DATE 8 JUN 94 8 JUN 94
MATURITY DATE 7 SEPT 94 7 DEC 94
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD 1,500+300 MN HKD 800+160 MN
0
/19........
TUESDAY, MAY 31,
1994
- 19 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * » » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,051 0930 -447
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,330 1000 -447
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -347
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -346 1200 -346
LAF TODAY -375 1500 -346
1600 -346
LAF RATE 2.50 BID/4.50 OFFER TWI 124.8 » + 0.0« 31.5.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.58 18 MONTHS 2511 4.15 97.85 5.77
1 MONTH 3.73 24 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.41 6.22
3 MONTHS 4.07 29 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.05 6.50
6 MONTHS 4.56 32 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.23 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.22 35 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.61 6.79
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,644 MN
CLOSED 31 MAY 1994
- - 0 - -