DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO ACADEMICS’ COMMENTS ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME........................................... 1
HONG KONG - AN IMPORTANT MARKET FOR U.S.................. 2
INDUSTRY DIRECTOR ATTENDS TOKYO MEETING.................. 3
END OF AN ERA AS GOVERNMENT TAKES BACK STANLEY FORT... 4
BEACH WATER GRADES....................................... 4
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.. 8
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
1
GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO ACADEMICS’ COMMENTS ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE PRESS ADVERTISEMENT BY A GROUP OF ACADEMICS FROM LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS REGARDING THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (THURSDAY):
"THE GOVERNMENT NOTED THEIR VIEWS WHICH WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
"WE ARE VERY DISAPPOINTED, HOWEVER, THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE ALTOGETHER THE SERIOUS FLAWS OF PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, BE THEY CENTRAL, PRIVATE OR MIXED.
"COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, AS PROPOSED BY THE ACADEMICS, DO NOT PROVIDE ANY COVER FOR HALF OF THE POPULATION WHO ARE OUTSIDE THE WORKFORCE. FOR THE REMAINING HALF, THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY MID-AGED OR ABOVE AND THOSE WHOSE EARNINGS ARE BELOW THE MEDIAN WAGE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCRUE SUFFICIENT RETIREMENT BENEFITS. BUT THESE ARE THE GROUPS THAT HAVE THE MOST NEED FOR INCOME SECURITY AT OLD AGE.
"THESE SHORTCOMINGS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND HAVE BEEN EXPLAINED TIME AND AGAIN. IT IS SURPRISING THAT THEY HAVE NOT CHOSEN TO FACE THEM.
"OUR PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME ORIGINATES FROM THE GROWING COMMUNITY SENTIMENT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADDRESS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE THE NEED TO PROVIDE A DEGREE OF INCOME SECURITY FOR OUR ELDERLY PEOPLE, A CONSIDERABLE PROPORTION OF WHOM ARE LIVING AT THE MARGINS OF LOW INCOME. THE SIZE OF THIS GROUP IS GOING TO INCREASE RAPIDLY AS THE COMMUNITY REACHES ITS PEAK OF AGEING IN ANOTHER THREE TO FOUR DECADES. RELYING ON TAX REVENUE TO ADDRESS THEIR INCOME NEEDS WOULD IMPLY A TAX INCREASE OF 3 PER CENT TO 4 PER CENT IN BOTH INCOME AND PROFITS TAX. ANYONE WHO THINKS THAT GOVERNMENT CAN RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT PAYING AN ALTERNATIVE PRICE IS BEING UNREALISTIC.
"WE ARE ALSO SURPRISED AT SOME OF THE CRITICISMS RAISED BY THE GROUP. THEY ARE NEITHER ACCURATE NOR FAIR.
"WE HAVE TIME AND AGAIN EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME IS A SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEME THROUGH WHICH THE PUBLIC INSURE FOR INCOME SECURITY AT OLD AGE, AT A MODEST AND AFFORDABLE PRICE. THE CRITICISM THAT IT HAS ’MIXED UP RETIREMENT PROTECTION WITH SOCIAL WELFARE’ MISSES THE POINT COMPLETELY.
"CONTRARY TO WHAT THE ACADEMICS SAID, THE PROPOSED PENSION SCHEME IS NOT A UNIVERSAL PENSION SCHEME. NON-CONTRIBUTORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO ASSET DECLARATION AND THE RICH ONES WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE. WE ARE OPEN-MINDED ON WHAT THE LEVEL OF ASSET DECLARATION OUGHT TO BE.
"OUR POPULATION AND LABOUR FORCE PROJECTIONS ARE BASED ON THE BEST PRACTICABLE MEANS OF PROJECTION ON THE BASIS OF UP-TO-DATE STATISTICS AND TRENDS. DESPITE THE ACADEMICS’ CRITICISM, THEY HAVE NOT COME UP WITH A MORE CREDIBLE SET OF PROJECTIONS.
/"IT IS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
- 2
"IT IS A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO LINK PENSION BENEFITS TO PRICES INSTEAD OF WAGES. THIS IS MEANT TO BALANCE THE NEEDS FOR A BASIC LEVEL OF INCOME SECURITY FOR THE AGED ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE OTHER. WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES’ EXPERIENCE AND CHOSEN TO AVOID OVER-COMMITTING THE COMMUNITY TO A BENEFIT LEVEL WHICH THEY MAY NOT BE WILLING OR ABLE TO AFFORD.
"WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT THE GROUP HAS IGNORED THE FACT THAT OUR PROPOSED PENSION SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO HAVE AN ’IRON-LINK’ BETWEEN CONTRIBUTION INCOME AND PENSION PAYOUTS, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR ARBITRARY INCREASES TO PENSION BENEFITS TO BE MADE WITHOUT OBTAINING THE CONSENT OF THE THREE MILLION CONTRIBUTORS.
"ON EXPERIENCE OF OPERATING SIMILAR SCHEMES ELSEWHERE, THE ACADEMICS HAVE CHOSEN TO HIGHLIGHT THE DIFFICULTIES ONLY, BUT IGNORING THE TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE BENEFITS GENERATED BY THESE SCHEMES IN REDUCING POVERTY FOR THE AGED AND IN HELPING TO MAINTAIN A MORE HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY.
"THEY HAVE ALSO CHOSEN TO IGNORE THE FACT THAT, DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY SOME COUNTRIES WHOSE BENEFITS ARE OVER-GENEROUS, MORE THAN 85 PER CENT OF THE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD ARE OPERATING SIMILAR SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEMES, INCLUDING NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES SUCH AS JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA, TAIWAN AND CHINA.
"THE IDEA THAT THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WOULD AFFECT WORK ETHICS AND FAMILY SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY IS HARDLY CREDIBLE. AT A BASIC BENEFIT LEVEL OF $2,300 PER MONTH, A TOTAL CONTRIBUTION OF 3 PER CENT OF ASSESSABLE INCOME, AND WITH THE TOTAL COST OF THE SCHEME NOT EXCEEDING 1.5 PER CENT OF GDP, IT DOES NOT NEED AN ECONOMIST OR SOCIOLOGIST TO SEE THAT THIS SORT OF ARGUMENT GOES BEYOND THE REALM OF RATIONALITY AND COMMON SENSE."
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HONG KONG - AN IMPORTANT MARKET FOR U.S. * * * * «
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, STRESSED THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING THAT IN ADDITION TO BEING A KEY INTERMEDIARY FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA, HONG KONG WAS ALSO AN IMPORTANT MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER HOSTED IN HONOUR OF THE U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, MR RONALD H BROWN, SIR HAMISH SAID THIS WAS WELL ILLUSTRATED BY U.S. TRADE FIGURES, WHICH SHOWED THAT U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG, AT ABOUT US$9.8 BILLION, EXCEEDED U.S. EXPORTS TO CHINA.
"NOR ARE WE JUST A MAJOR TRADER IN GOODS - SEVENTH LARGEST IMPORTER IN THE WORLD IN FACT. WE ARE SUCCESSFUL TOO IN SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FINANCIAL SERVICES," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID HONG KONG HAD MAJOR CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER CONTRACTS FOR WHICH U.S. COMPANIES WERE WELCOME TO BID.
/EXPENDITURE ON .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
- 3
EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED TRANSPORT PROJECTS WILL REACH US$20 BILLION BY 1997, HE ADDED.
IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION AREA, THE DE-REGULATION OF LOCAL FIXED TELECOM SERVICES, AND THE LICENSING OF NEW TELECOM TECHNOLOGIES, ARE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE THAN US$5 BILLION INVESTMENT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
SIR HAMISH ASSURED THE GATHERING THAT AS A FIRM BELIEVER AND PRACTITIONER OF FREE MARKET PHILOSOPHY, HONG KONG HAD A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
’’ALREADY U.S. COMPANIES HAVE WON MANY CONTRACTS FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, AND THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTINUE TO COMPETE IN OUR MARKETS, IN EQUAL COMPETITION WITH OTHER SUPPLIERS.
"WE ARE ALSO DELIGHTED THAT OVER 900 U.S. COMPANIES HAVE CHOSEN TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA WAS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG, GIVEN THAT CHINA AND THE U.S. WERE THE TERRITORY’S TWO LARGEST TRADING PARTNERS.
AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA, HE SAID, HONG KONG WAS IDEALLY LOCATED GEOGRAPHICALLY.
"OUR BUSINESSMEN HAVE ACQUIRED RICH EXPERIENCE OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA. THEY STAND READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO DEALS AND JOINT VENTURES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CHINA," HE SAID.
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INDUSTRY DIRECTOR ATTENDS TOKYO MEETING *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE, TODAY (THURSDAY) SET OFF FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SME) DEPUTY MINISTERS’ MEETING TO BE HELD IN TOKYO TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ACCOMPANYING HER ARE AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS M L WONG, AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS ALICE CHEUNG AND A TRADE OFFICER, MR DONALD CHUNG.
MISS YUE SAID THE MEETING WAS TO PREPARE FOR THE SME MINISTERIAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN OSAKA NEXT MONTH.
"SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF SME IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION IN THE FACE OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND GLOBALISATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES, THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE SME AND MEASURES TO FOSTER THE GROWTH OF SME. REPRESENTATIVES FROM JAPAN WILL ALSO INTRODUCE THE SME POLICY ADOPTED BY THEIR COUNTRY," SHE SAID.
/WITH THE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
4 -
WITH THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE ACCORDED TO SME BY THE APEC ECONOMIES, MISS YUE NOTED THAT THE PROMOTION OF CO-OPERATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OB' SME HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF THE PRIORITY AREAS OF WORK BY APEC THIS YEAR.
"AS SME MAKE UP 98 PER CENT OF THE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG, OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE APEC SME MEETINGS WOULD ENABLE US TO SHARE WITH AND LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER APEC MEMBER ECONOMIES AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS GREATER CO-OPERATION IN THE REGION,” SHE SAID.
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END OF AN ERA AS GOVERNMENT TAKES BACK STANLEY FORT
*****
THE REMAINING BUILDINGS BEING USED BY THE BLACK WATCH AT STANLEY FORT WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
AS THE BLACK WATCH HAS WITHDRAWN, MOST OF THE PROPERTY HAS ALREADY REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
AT 10 AM, MAJOR MIKE SMITH WILL SIGN THE DOCUMENTS FINALLY ENDING OVER A CENTURY OF BRITISH MILITARY OCCUPATION OF THE FORT AND HAND THE SITE OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY.
MORE THAN 600 OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE BLACK WATCH AND THEIR FAMILIES ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY LAST YEAR. MAJOR SMITH AND THE LAST FEW REMAINING MEN WILL LEAVE ON SEPTEMBER 6.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE FINAL HANDOVER OF STANLEY FORT TOMORROW. THEY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN GATE, STANLEY FORT, NO LATER THAN 9.45 AM.
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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 OB’ BACTERIOLOGICAL POLLUTION AT VARIOUS BEACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE GRADING WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BIWEEKLY DURING THE BATHING SEASON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FREQUENCY AT WHICH BEACH WATER WAS USUALLY SAMPLED.
/THE GRADING .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
- 5 -
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 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 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.
♦ I
♦ 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, ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
6
CAFETERIA 5Z/S \ ' ■ “STLE PEAK, CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN “ !«E ,™E DEC,SI0N THE BASIS OF BEACH WATER QUALITY HOMTOrS'^aTA FOR.COTKCIEE
OLD TO ON
THE IDENTIFIED
PUBLIC IS BY AN ”X"
ARE
THE
BEACHES IN
GRADES OF HONG KONG
THE BACTERIOLOGICAL TODAY ARE:
WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT
GRADING
(AS
AT 18.8.94)
(AS AT 1.9.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY hairpin MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
1
2
3
4 X
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
2
4 X
2
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 3 X 3 3
X . 4 X 4 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
BEACH
BEACH
1 3
3 1
1 1
3 2
1
3
3
2
2
1
2
2
/ISLANDS_DISTRICT
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
7
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 2 3
DISCOVERY BAY* 2 2
HUNG SHING YEH 2 2
KWUN YAM WAN 2 3
TONG FUK 2 2
LO SO SHING 1 1
PUI 0 2 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 3 3
TUNG 0* 2 2
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X X
APPROACH 4 4
CASAM 3 3
GEMINI 3 3
HOI MEI WAN 4 3
LIDO 3 3
TING KAU 4 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2 2
NOTE : "X” »
THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING NON-GAZETTED BEACH
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
TURTLE COVE AND SILVERSTRAND FROM "3" TO ”2'’; HOI MEI WAN FROM ”4” TO ”3”; SOUTH BAY, HAP MUN BAY AND KIU TSUI FROM ”1" TO ”2”; CHEUNG SHA LOWER AND KWUN YAM WAN FROM "2" TO ”3”; NEW CAFETERIA AND KADOORIE FROM ”3” TO ”4”.
THE WATER QUALITY AT MOST BEACHES HAS NOW STABILISED AFTER THE RECENT HEAVY RAINS, WHICH CAUSED POLLUTANTS IN THE BEACH HINTERLANDS TO BE FLUSHED OUT INTO THE SEA. CHANGES OBSERVED WITHIN THE LAST TWO WEEKS ARE WITHIN THE RANGE EXPECTED AFTER A PERIOD OF PROLONGED RAINFALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, ON TEL 835
DR M J BROOM 1234.
PRINCIPAL
/8........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
— 8 — </•; * u-i-.
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * * A • • a • • < • •>*•* * . I-’. .. V
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,081 0930 -537
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,913 1000 -614
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -564
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -93 1200 -563
LAF TODAY -75 1500 -563
1600 -93
LAE RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.5 *+0.1» 1.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.23 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.22 5.77
1 MONTH 4.23 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.17 6.15
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.03 i; .’ 6.51
6 MONTHS 4.68 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.05 % • 6.65
12 MONTHS 5.24 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.69 6.79
TOTAL TURNOVER OF CLOSED 1 SEPTEMBER BILLS AND BONDS - 11, 1994 160 MN
. • • • '• } •
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LICENSING PROPOSAL FOR ESTATE AGENTS ENDORSED.............. 1
RULING ON DISTRICT BOARD NOMINATIONS WELCOMED.............. 2
CUSTOMS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER APPOINTED...................... 2
POLICE QUARTERS AND SCHOOL PROJECT......................... 2
NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION APPOINTED................. 3
NEW TERRITORIES MINIBUS RUNS SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE......... 4
TWO NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO LAW REFORM COMMISSION...... 4
673 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED............................. 5
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVES WONG TAI SIN...................... 5
DISTRICT BOARD EXHIBITION IN WONG TAI SIN.................. 6
AMBULANCEMEN PRAISED FOR SAVING LIVES...................... 6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
7
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
1
LICENSING PROPOSAL FOR ESTATE AGENTS ENDORSED
*****
THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE WORKING GROUP ON REGULATION OF ESTATE AGENTS FOR ESTABLISHING A REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE INDUSTRY HAVE RECEIVED WIDE SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND THE TRADE.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY TO THE WORKING GROUP, MR WILLIAM SHIU, DURING A LUNCHEON TALK TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHEAST TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN RESPONSE TO THE VIEW EXPRESSED BY A SMALL NUMBER OF ESTATE AGENTS THAT THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS SHOULD NOT BE SET TOO HIGH, HE SAID THE WORKING GROUP WAS WELL AWARE OF SUCH CONCERN AND HAD PROPOSED DIFFERENT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTATE AGENTS, CORPORATIONS AND FRONT-LINE ESTATE SALES STAFF.
THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE REQUIREMENTS WOULD NOT CAUSE A SHORTFALL IN THE SUPPLY OF ESTATE AGENTS OR DRIVE THEM OUT OF BUSINESS.
HE ALSO EXPECTED THAT LICENCE FEES WOULD BE SET AT LEVELS AFFORDABLE BY THE INDUSTRY ON THE BASIS THAT THE INITIAL ANNUAL OPERATING COST OF THE ESTATE AGENTS AUTHORITY WOULD BE FUNDED BY DUES FROM A LARGE INDUSTRY WITH ABOUT 4,700 ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLE.
IT IS BELIEVED THE LICENCE FEES WOULD NOT UNDULY INCREASE THE OPERATING COSTS OF ESTATE AGENTS.
ON THE PROPOSAL THAT ESTATE AGENTS SHOULD SUPPLY ESSENTIAL PROPERTY INFORMATION TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS, MR SHIU POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THEM COULD BE OBTAINED IN THE LAND REGISTRY AT A SMALL CHARGE.
AS REGARDS THE LIKELY PROBLEM OF ASCERTAINING THE FLOOR AREA OF A PROPERTY, ESPECIALLY THE OLDER ONES, THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN STEPS TO MAKE THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND ESTATE AGENTS ON REQUEST.
MR SHIU URGED ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT TO THE WORKING GROUP DURING THE TWO-MONTH CONSULTATION EXERCISE WHICH WOULD END ON OCTOBER 10.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE SUBMISSION TOGETHER WITH VIEWS EXPRESSED THROUGH THE MEDIA AND OTHER VENUES BEFORE FINALISING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT, MR SHIU SAID.
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/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
- 2 -
RULING ON DISTRICT BOARD NOMINATIONS WELCOMED » * ♦ * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES IN RELATION TO THE HIGH COURT’S JUDGMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE INVALIDATION OF THREE DISTRICT BOARD NOMINATIONS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE COURT’S RULING.
"WE WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR PREPARATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18 AND WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE THE ELECTIONS A SUCCESS," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TO COME OUT TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY.
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CUSTOMS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER APPOINTED » ♦ ♦ * »
MR LAWRENCE LI SHU-FAI HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 10 THIS YEAR.
HE JOINED THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN 1963 AS REVENUE SUB-INSPECTOR. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1990.
MR LI HAS BEEN ACTING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER SINCE DECEMBER 1993.
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POLICE QUARTERS AND SCHOOL PROJECT
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FOR TENDERING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS AT CHAI WAN AND NGAU CHI WAN, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT TSUI WAN STREET IN CHAI WAN, TWO 37-STOREY BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE 576 HOUSING UNITS WITH GROUND FLOOR AMENITIES, CLUB ROOMS AND A SQUASH COURT.
AT FUNG SHING STREET IN NGAU CHI WAN, THREE 32-STOREY BLOCKS WILL HOUSE 744 HOUSING UNITS WITH SIMILAR FACILITIES.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT 20 MONTHS.
CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I IN GROUP C FOR BUILDING WORKS OR ON LIST II FOR BUILDING WORKS, AND HAVE UNDERTAKEN DESIGN AND BUILDING CONTRACT OF NOT LESS THAN $150 MILLION IN HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM CHIEF ARCHITECT/4 OF THE DEPARTMENT, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
/THE APPLICATIONS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
- 3 -
THE APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN NOON ON SEPTEMBER 23.
TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE INVITED IN NOVEMBER FROM A SELECTED LIST OF CONTRACTORS ESTABLISHED BY THE PRE-QUALIFICATION EXERCISE.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SITE FORMATION AND FOUNDATION WORKS FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE EXISTING CARITAS ST GODFREY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN TO A SITE IN WAH FU ESTATE, POK FU LAM.
WORKS COMPRISE SITE WORKS, SITE FORMATION, RETAINING WALLS, SUBSTRUCTURES AND DRAINAGE WORKS FOR A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL CONSISTING OF TWO CLASSROOM BLOCKS AND ONE HALL BLOCK.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN APRIL 1995.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 23.
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NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION APPOINTED * » * * ♦
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MISS ELAINE CHUNG LAI-KWOK, WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FROM SEPTEMBER 19, SUCCEEDING MR ROBERT LO CHUN-HANG, WHO WILL RETIRE FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN MID-SEPTEMBER, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, EXPRESSED APPRECIATION OF MR LO’S LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION.
HE NOTED THAT MR LO WOULD BE EMIGRATING AND OFFERED MR LO AND HIS FAMILY THE BEST WISHES.
THE FOLLOWING ARE BIOGRAPHIC NOTES ON THE TWO OFFICERS:
MR ROBERT LO CHUN-HANG, JP
AGED 56, MR LO JOINED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS AN ASSISTANT EDUCATION OFFICER IN SEPTEMBER 1961. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN OCTOBER 1984 AND TO SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN 1990. HE HAS BEEN FILLING THE POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SINCE MAY 1992.
/MISS ELAINE CHUNG .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
4
MISS ELAINE CHUNG LAI-KWOK, JP
AGED 49, MISS CHUNG JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1969 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1987. SHE WAS DISTRICT OFFICER (TSUEN WAN) FROM 1982 TO 1984, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FROM 1984 TO 1986 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE FROM 1986 TO 1987. SHE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION FROM 1987 TO 1989 BEFORE TAKING UP HER PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WORKS IN 1989.
------0--------
NEW TERRITORIES MINIBUS RUNS SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE *****
TO PROVIDE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN LUEN WO HUI AND WING FUK CENTRE, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 54K WILL DEPLOY ONE GREEN MINIBUS TO OPERATE A SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE FROM FANLING KCR STATION TO LUEN WO HUI FROM SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 4).
THE MINIBUS WILL RUN BETWEEN 9.30 AM TO 10 PM DAILY AND THE FARE IS $2 PER SINGLE JOURNEY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.
ALSO, THE FARE OF THE 54K ROUTE PLYING BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND LUNG YEUK TAU WILL BE INCREASED ON THE SAME DAY FROM $2.6 TO $3. ITS SECTION FARE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND LUEN WO HUI WILL ALSO GO UP FROM $1.8 TO $2.
------0-------
TWO NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO LAW REFORM COMMISSION *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MR JEREMY MATHEWS, TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMISSION: PROFESSOR PETER WESLEY-SMITH AND MR ERIC CHEUNG.
THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN APPOINTED FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS.
PROFESSOR WESLEY-SMITH IS THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A MEMBER OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE HONG KONG LAW REPORTS.
MR CHEUNG IS A SOLICITOR IN PRIVATE PRACTICE WITH JOHNSON STOKES & MASTER, SPECIALISING IN LITIGATION MATTERS.
MR MATHEWS WELCOMED THEIR APPOINTMENTS AND SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THEM ON THE COMMISSION.
/HE ALSO .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
- 5 -
HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MR ROBERT RIBEIRO, QC, AND PROFESSOR H C KUAN FOR A SECOND THREE-YEAR TERM.
MR MATHEWS SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT MR RIBEIRO AND PROFESSOR KUAN HAD ACCEPTED ANOTHER TERM, SAYING THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMISSION FOR THERE TO BE CONTINUITY OF MEMBERSHIP.
PROFESSOR WESLEY-SMITH AND MR CHEUNG REPLACE MR LESLIE SUNG AND MR PETER RHODES WHO ARE RETIRING FROM THE COMMISSION AFTER SIX YEARS AS MEMBERS.
MR MATHEWS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE RETIRING MEMBERS AND SAID THE COMMISSION HAD COMPLETED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT LAW REFORM PROJECTS IN RECENT YEARS, INCLUDING REFERENCES ON COPYRIGHT, DATA PROTECTION AND POWERS QF ARREST.
AFTER THE LATEST APPOINTMENT, THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION CONSISTS OF 12 MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THEY ARE: MR ERIC CHEUNG, PROFESSOR YASH GHAI, PROFESSOR H C KUAN, MRS MIRIAM LAU, MR ANDREW LIAO, QC, MR GAGE MCAFEE, MR JUSTICE MORTIMER, MR ALASDAIR MORRISON, MR ROBERT RIBEIRO, QC, PROFESSOR DEREK ROEBUCK, PROFESSOR PETER WESLEY-SMITH, AND MR JUSTEIN WONG.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE LAW DRAFTSMAN ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
------0-------
673 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED » * » * »
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 673 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (FRIDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 514 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 55 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 104 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 673 CASES, ACTION FOR 460 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
------0-------
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVES WONG TAI SIN
*****
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS PLYING BETWEEN WONG TAI SIN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AND FUNG TAK ESTATE WILL START OPERATION ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 4), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE ROUTE NO. 40M WILL TRAVEL VIA.SHATIN PASS ROAD, MING FUNG STREET, SHEUNG FUNG STREET, FUNG TAK ROAD^ PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, SLIP ROAD, TAI HOM ROAD AND LUNG POON STREET.
IT WILL RUN FROM 7 AM TO 11.30 PM DAILY AT FIVE TO SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FARE FOR EACH TRIP IS $2.
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/6 .....
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
- 6 -
DISTRICT BOARD EXHIBITION IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
A ROVING EXHIBITION WILL BE LAUNCHED IN WONG TAI SIN FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO FAMILIARISE RESIDENTS AND VOTERS WITH THE WORK OF THEIR DISTRICT BOARD.
TO BE PRESENTED AT FOUR MAJOR SHOPPING CENTRES IN THE AREA, THE CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE A SLIDE SHOW ON THE HISTORY AND ORGANISATION OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE THREE-TIER GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AS WELL AS THE LOCATIONS OF ELECTORAL CONSTITUENCIES AND POLLING STATIONS WILL BE ILLUSTRATED.
LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS ABOUT THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD POLLS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL BEGIN AT NOON UNTIL 4 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
DATE VENUE
SEPTEMBER 3 (SATURDAY) 3/F, LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, LOK FU ESTATE
SEPTEMBER 4 (SUNDAY) 3/F, WONG TAI SIN SHOPPING CENTRE, 104 CHING
TAK STREET
SEPTEMBER 10 (SATURDAY) G/F, FUNG TAK COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, FUNG TAK ESTATE
SEPTEMBER 11 (SUNDAY) 1/F, CHUK YUEN SHOPPING CENTRE, CHUK YUEN ESTATE
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.
------0------
AMBULANCEMEN PRAISED FOR SAVING LIVES
*****
TEN AMBULANCEMEN WERE HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THEIR CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THEIR EFFICIENCY AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS WHICH HELPED SAVE THE LIVES OF THREE PATIENTS.
IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR PERFORMANCES, MR MAK KWAI-PUI PRESENTED COMMENDATIONS TO AU CHU-KWOK, CHAN KAM-FAI, HUNG WING-KAN, CHUNG WAI-LAM, IP TAI-HUNG, CHAN WAI-HONG AND LUI PO-SHING, AND ’’FAVOURABLE ENTRIES" TO KWOK CHI-CHEUNG, CHENG SIK-YIN AND TONG HON-FAI.
THEY SUCCESSFULLY RESTORED THE HEART BEAT AND RESPIRATION OF THE PATIENTS BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE HOSPITAL BY USING CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) AND DEFIBRILLATION.
/THE CASES ......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
7
THE CASES OCCURED IN CHEUNG SHA WAN IN APRIL, AND IN TUEN MUN AND ON CHEUNG CHAU IN JUNE.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR MAK SAID THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS RUNNING 11 PARAMEDIC AMBULANCES MANNED BY AMBULANCE PERSONNEL WHO WERE QUALIFIED TO THE STANDARDS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANT II LEVEL.
"THE PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE FLEET WOULD BE FURTHER EXPANDED TO 33 VEHICLES IN 1996," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, 53 AMBULANCES AND AMBULANCE-AID MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFIBRILLATORS ARE NOW IN OPERATION.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » * * * CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN CLOSING BALANCE IN CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE MONEY MARKET LAF TODAY THE ACCOUNT THE ACCOUNT TO : ACTIVITY 2,913 4,128 +2,765 -1,550 0930 1000 1100 1200 1500 1600 -283 -103 + 47 + 47 +2,765 +2,765
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5 .00 OFFER TWI 122.4 »-0.1* 2.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD 1 WEEK 4.22 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.22 5.77 1 MONTH 4.23 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.20 6.13 3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.09 6.48 6 MONTHS 4.66 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.10 6.63 12 MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.71 6.79 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 11,760 MN CLOSED 2 SEPTEMBER 1994 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
ELECTION FORUMS FOR RESIDENTS....................... 1
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 1
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
POLL CARDS SENT TO ELECTORS............................... 2
SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON....................... 2
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1994
- 1 -
ELECTION FORUMS FOR RESIDENTS
*****
CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18 WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AT FORUMS NEXT TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 6).
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FORUMS TO GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES IN THE RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES.
THE CANDIDATES WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ISSUES BEFORE ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 4,128 0930 +1,220
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,963 1000 +1,220
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,220
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,220 1200 +1,220
LAF TODAY -3,385 1500
1600 •
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.2 »-0.2» 3.9.94
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/2 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1994
- 2 -
POLL CARDS SENT TO ELECTORS
* * * * »
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE IS ISSUING POLL CARDS TO ELECTORS INFORMING THEM THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18 (SUNDAY).
INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE POLL CARD INCLUDES THE POLLING HOURS, THE POLLING DAY, THE CONSTITUENCY AND THE POLLING STATION AT WHICH AN ELECTOR CAN CAST HIS VOTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT IT MIGHT NOT BE NECESSARY TO BRING ALONG THE POLL CARD TO THE POLLING STATION.
’’BUT IT WILL FACILITATE CHECKING AND AVOID DELAY IF YOU DO SO,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AN ELECTOR IS REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG HIS HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD TO ESTABLISH HIS IDENTITY AT THE POLL.
HE SAID THOSE ELECTORS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE A POLL CARD BY SEPTEMBER 8 SHOULD INFORM THE OFFICE ON TEL 827 1122. THE ADDRESS OF THE OFFICE IS 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SOUTHEAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 6) TO 9 AM THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF REPAIR WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KAI TAK AIRPORT, TUNG TAU , WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, KOWLOON CITY, WANG TAU HOM, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON HOSPITAL, MA TAU WAI AND MA TAU KOK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBERS, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPOINTMENTS TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL..............1
STATEMENT ON VEHICLE GROWTH................................ 2
MORE APPLICANTS OFFERED CERTIFICATED MASTER POST........... 2
HONG KONG INTRODUCED ATC SYSTEM SINCE 1978................. 3
MARRIAGE REGISTRY EXTENDS SERVICE.......................... 3
APPOINTMENTS TO HOME-SCHOOL COMMITTEE...................... 4
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.................... 5
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 5
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 5
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
APPOINTMENTS TO CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
* * » * ♦
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS TO THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:
* DR ANDREW CHUANG SIU-LEUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GOLD PEAK INDUSTRIES (HOLDINGS) LIMITED;
* DR PANG KING-CHEE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION;
* MR RONALD LAU YIU-FAI, PRINCIPAL OF HONG KONG WEAVING MILLS ASSOCIATION CHU SHEK LUN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL;
* DR LESLIE LO NAI-KWAI, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG;
* MR NORMAN SO CHUNG-PING, PRINCIPAL OF WAH YAN COLLEGE (KOWLOON);
* MR TONY TANG SHEK-LEUNG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF BELLILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL’S PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING SERVING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED:
♦ MR AU PAK-KUEN;
♦ DR JACK CHAN CHAM-KIT;
* MR CHAN KAI-YEEN;
* MR CHOI CHEE-CHEONG;
* MISS FUNG PIK-YEE;
» MS LEE WAI-LING;
* MR LI SHIU-TSANG;
* MRS LAURA LING LAU YUET-FUN;
* MR SEID SUN-NG;
* MRS EUNICE WONG LAM YUEN-CHING;
* MR WU SIU-WAI; AND
* MR YUNG HO-KOON
MR KENNETH TING WOO-SHOU HAS BEEN SERVING AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR SUCCEEDING MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS.
/DR LEUNG .......
i ■.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
- 2 -
DR LEUNG YAT-MING. THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SERVES AS THE VICE-CHAIRMAN IN HIS EX-OFFICIO CAPACITY.
ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
MR LAM THANKED THE FORMER MEMBERS MRS ALICE CHENG YAU SHUK-KI, MRS ESTHER FUNG YUEN YAU-KIT, MR FRANK NG HAK-TSUN, AND DR DAVID TO CHI-SHANG FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN THE PAST YEARS.
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STATEMENT ON VEHICLE GROWTH
*****
COMMENTING ON PRESS REPORTS ABOUT LIKELY MEASURES TO CONTROL TRAFFIC CONGESTION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT TAKEN ANY DECISION ON THE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED.
HE CLARIFIED THAT A QUOTA SYSTEM FOR NEW PRIVATE CARS HAD BEEN DISCUSSED BY THE TRANSPORT BRANCH WORKING GROUP. FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS HAD YET TO BE DRAWN UP.
MR BARMA SAID: "IT IS PREMATURE TO SAY THAT A QUOTA SYSTEM WOULD DEFINITELY BE INTRODUCED, AND CERTAINLY AT THIS STAGE REPORTS THAT THE NUMBER OF NEW PRIVATE CARS COULD BE REGISTERED WILL BE LIMITED TO 2,000 PER ANNUM IS INCORRECT."
NO SUCH STATEMENT HAD BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR BARMA REPEATED THAT A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO ADDRESS THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEM WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN ABOUT SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS’ TIME.
_ ----o-------
MORE APPLICANTS OFFERED CERTIFICATED MASTER POST
*****
TEACHERS HOLDING NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT (NGTQA) CERTIFICATES OR THOSE ACCORDED QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUS UNDER THE SCHEME ARE REMINDED TO APPLY FOR THE POST OF CERTIFICATED MASTER/MISTRESS (CM) IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) 17 SUCH TEACHERS FROM THE FIRST BATCH OF APPLICANTS HAD BEEN OFFERED APPOINTMENT AS CM IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
“AMONG THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS,- 16 ACCEPTED THE APPOINTMENT AND ONE TURNED DOWN THE OFFER TO TAKE UP A TEACHING POST IN A SUBSIDISED SCHOOL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/IN ADDITION, .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
3
IN ADDITION, 61 TEACHERS UNDER THE NGTQA SCHEME HAD REPORTED HAVING ACQUIRED TEACHING EMPLOYMENT BY SUBSIDISED OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEXT RECRUITMENT EXERCISE FOR CM POSTS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WOULD BE ADVERTISED AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
’’SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES OF THE NGTQA SCHEME IN 1993 AND 1994 ARE WELCOME TO APPLY. NGTQA CANDIDATES WHO FAILED IN ONE SUBJECT IN THE 1993 OR 1994 ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION, BUT WILL APPLY TO RESIT THAT SUBJECT IN 1995, MAY ALSO APPLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG INTRODUCED ATC SYSTEM SINCE 1978 *****
IN RESPONSE TO A NEWSPAPER REPORT TODAY (MONDAY) CONCERNING TRAFFIC ADAPTIVE CONTROL FACILITY IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID SINCE 1978, HONG KONG HAD BEEN USING CENTRAL COMPUTER BASED AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) SYSTEMS TO REMOTELY ADJUST TRAFFIC SIGNAL TIMING.
"IN FACT, WE HAVE INSTALLED UP-TO-DATE ATC SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL CAPABILITY FOR HONG KONG ISLAND IN 1989, AND THIS YEAR FOR KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING DISTRICTS.
’’NOW THERE ARE OVER 60 JUNCTIONS OPERATING UNDER ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND KWAI CHUNG, AND THESE ARE BEING EXPANDED TO OVER 100 JUNCTIONS WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. PLANS ARE IN HAND TO EXPAND THE SYSTEM FURTHER.
"WE ARE ALSO WORKING TO IMPLEMENT AN ATC SYSTEM IN SHA TIN WITHIN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
MARRIAGE REGISTRY EXTENDS SERVICE
*****
THE COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WILL, SAME AS THE TSIM SHA TSUI MARRIAGE REGISTRY, EXTEND ITS MARRIAGE CEREMONY SERVICE TO THE AFTERNOON - FROM 2 PM TO 4.45 PM - ON THE SATURDAYS OF DECEMBER 17 AND 24.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
WHEN TWO PEOPLE WISH TO GET MARRIED, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEM TO GIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE OF MARRIAGE ON THE PRESCRIBED FORM IN ADVANCE AT A MARRIAGE REGISTRY, WHETHER THE MARRIAGE IS TO TAKE PLACE AT A MARRIAGE REGISTRY OR IN A LICENSED PLACE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.
THE NOTICE WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRY WHERE IT IS GIVEN AND ALSO AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRATION AND RECORDS OFFICE FOR AT LEAST 15 CLEAR DAYS.
/IF NO .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
4
IF NO OBJECTION IS RECEIVED AFTER THAT PERIOD, THE MARRIAGE MAY TAKE PLACE WITHIN A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, OTHERWISE THE NOTICE BECOMES VOID AND FRESH NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN.
”IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO CHOOSE A DESIRED DAY FOR MARRIAGE, APPOINTMENTS FOR MARRIAGE CEREMONIES ARE GIVEN ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR ENQUIRIES,
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
--------0----------
APPOINTMENTS TO HOME-SCHOOL COMMITTEE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION HAS REAPPOINTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR TIK CHI-YUEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION FOR TWO YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1994, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THREE NEW MEMBERS HAD BEEN APPOINTED FOR THE 1994/96 TERM. THEY ARE: THE PRINCIPAL OF’ PO LEUNG KUK 1984 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, MR SHEUNG KWOK-CHU; A KINDERGARTEN PARENT, MR CHENG KAR-FOO; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF PARENT EDUCATION PROMOTERS, MRS TSOI LAI YUET-SUM, SUSANNA.
IN ADDITION, 10 MEMBERS WERE REAPPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE.
THEY ARE: THE HEADMASTER OF SKH YAN LAAP PRIMARY AM SCHOOL, MR TONG YOK-KEE; THE HEADMISTRESS OF HO TAK KINDERGARTEN, MS WONG PO-OI; A SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER, MR LAU KIM-HUNG; A PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER, MISS WONG PO-YAM; A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, MS WAN SIU-WAH; THE CHAIRMAN OF LAW TING PONG SECONDARY SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION, MR CHENG HO-LAI; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION, MRS LEUNG LEUNG KAM-CHI ; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO PUBLIC SCHOOL LIMITED SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KWOK-WAI; THE PRESIDENT OF JOHN F KENNEDY CENTRE PARENT ASSOCIATION, MR LEUNG PAK-SHING; AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENT, MRS LAU NG SHUK-CHING, CANNY.
TWO EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS) AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION WAS SET UP IN FEBRUARY 1993 FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5 TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON WAYS TO PROMOTE POSITIVE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL EDUCATION.
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/5........
t
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
- 5 -
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES » « * » »
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES USED FOR DWELLING ARE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF A BUILDING IN 3 HORSE SHOE LANE.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 96.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 567.924 MILLION CUBIC METRES. ,1
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 463.535 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 79.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
J $ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,963 0930 +1,080
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,526 1000 +1,080
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 613
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 603 1200 + 613
LAF TODAY -40 1500 + 613
1600 + 603
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.1 ♦ -0.1» 5.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1994
- 6 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.10 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.24 5.77
1 MONTH 4.17 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.16 6.15
3 MONTHS 4.36 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.05 6.51
6 MONTHS 4.65 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.07 6.64
12 MONTHS 5.21 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.67 6.80
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,879 MN
CLOSED 5 SEPTEMBER 1994
--------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
EXCO ENDORSES REVISED PACKAGE FOR COLLEGE LECTURERS..... 1
TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT CONTRACT SIGNED.... 2
LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD STAGE I WORKS COMPLETED.............. 4
MOST DOMESTIC PREMISES NOT AFFECTED BY LANDFILL CHARGING SCHEME................................................... 5
STANLEY FORT PROPERTIES UP FOR RENTAL...................... 6
SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED............. 6
100 CAR MARKS OPEN FOR AUCTION............................. 7
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED.................................. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
1
EXCO ENDORSES REVISED PACKAGE FOR COLLEGE LECTURERS
♦ ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A REVISED PACKAGE FOR THE LECTURING STAFF AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION STAFF'S VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED BRIDGING-OVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR TRANSFER TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING THAT THE REVISED PACKAGE INCLUDED THE OPTION OF ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS, A SIGN-UP BONUS, A GOVERNMENT DOWNPAYMENT LOAN UNDER THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME, THE SHORTENING OF THE SECONDMENT PERIOD TO ONE YEAR, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF A SEPARATE SENIORITY LIST FOR LECTURING STAFF.
MR WONG SAID ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE STAFF WHO OPTED TO REMAIN AS CIVIL SERVANTS BUT COULD NOT BE REDEPLOYED TO SUITABLE POSTS IN THE LECTURING OR OTHER EDUCATION GRADES.
"STAFF WHO ARE GRANTED ABOLITION OF OFFICE TERMS WILL BE PAID AN ENHANCED LUMP SUM GRATUITY AND MONTHLY PENSION, AND AN EX-GRAT1A PAYMENT EQUIVALENT TO SIX MONTHS’ OF SUBSTANTIVE SALARY," MR WONG SAID.
MR WONG EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION WAS TO ENCOURAGE AS MANY SERVING LECTURERS AS POSSIBLE TO JOIN THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION. THIS WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE UPGRADING OF TEACHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
"TO ENCOURAGE STAFF TO JOIN THE INSTITUTE AT AN EARLY STAGE, WE ARE PREPARED TO GRANT A SIGN-UP BONUS, EQUIVALENT TO THREE MONTHS’ SUBSTANTIVE SALARY, TO THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE INSTITUTE OFFER OF APPOINTMENT BEFORE A PRESCRIBED DATE," HE EXPLAINED.
MR WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO A STAFF REQUEST THAT LECTURERS WHO WERE ON POINTS 22 - 33 OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE WOULD REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENT DOWNPAYMENT LOAN AND THE HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE WHEN THEIR TURN IN THE GOVERNMENT QUEUE CAME.
HE SAID STAFF WOULD HAVE BETTER CAREER PROSPECTS ON JOINING THE INSTITUTE. THE MAXIMUM SALARIES OF THE VARIOUS RANKS IN THE INSTITUTE’S LECTURING GRADE WERE HIGHER THAN THOSE UNDER THE EXISTING LECTURING GRADE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN FACT, OVER 70 PER CENT OF THE 272 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES HAD BEEN OFFERED APPOINTMENT TO A RANK WITH A HIGHER MAXIMUM SALARY, AND ANOTHER 20 PER CENT HAD BEEN OFFERED ACTING APPOINTMENT IN A RANK WITH HIGHER MAXIMUM SALARY.
MR WONG SAID TO BALANCE THE NEED FOR CONTINUITY IN TEACHER EDUCATION AND STAFF’S PREFERENCE FOR EARLY REDEPLOYMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO SHORTEN THE SECONDMENT PERIOD FROM FIVE YEARS TO ONE YEAR GENERALLY.
HE SAID THE SECONDEES WOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR PROMOTION TO LECTURING POSTS IN THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND ALSO TO VACANCIES IN THE INSPECTORATE AND LECTURING STREAMS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
/"WE AGREE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 2 -
"WE AGREE TO MAINTAIN A SEPARATE SENIORITY LIST FOR THE REDEPLOYED LECTURING STAFF. WE MUST EMPHASISE THAT IT IS THE OFFICER’S ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE, AND NOT HIS RELATIVE POSITION ON A SENIORITY LIST, WHICH ARE THE KEY FACTORS IN CONSIDERING AN OFFICER’S SUITABILITY FOR PROMOTION. A SEPARATE SENIORITY LIST SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE FOR PROMOTION.
"THE REVISED PACKAGE IS A FAIR, REASONABLE AND BALANCED ONE. IT GOES A LONG WAY IN MEETING STAFF’S REQUESTS.
"IN FACT, NO LECTURING STAFF WILL SUFFER IN TERMS OF SALARY, PENSION OR HOUSING BENEFITS, WHICH WILL BE PRESERVED UNDER THE BRIDGING-OVER PACKAGE," MR WONG ADDED.
"WITH THIS IMPROVED PACKAGE, ALL LECTURERS SHOULD CALL OFF THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND TO RETURN TO THEIR NORMAL DUTIES IN THE INSTITUTE IN ORDER THAT THE IMPORTANT TASK OF TEACHER EDUCATION WILL NOT BE DISRUPTED.
"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR DIALOGUE WITH STAFF DURING THE REST OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, WHICH ENDS ON OCTOBER 31," HE SAID.
MR WONG WROTE TO ALL LECTURING STAFF TODAY, INFORMING THEM OF THE DETAILS OF THE REVISED PACKAGE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO UPGRADE TEACHER EDUCATION AND HENCE THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. THE INSTITUTE WILL UPGRADE COURSES AT THE PRE-DEGREE LEVEL WHILE PREPARING ITSELF FOR THE OFFER OF DEGREE PROGRAMMES AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. -s ; '
THE FORMER COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION HAVE BEEN MERGED INTO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, WHICH WILL HAVE ITS OWN CAMPUS, NOW UNDER PLANNING, AT TAI PO IN 1997.
--------0-----------
TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT CONTRACT SIGNED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR KWONG HON-SANG, TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED A $1,738 MILLION CONTRACT WITH THE TING KAU CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT SECTION OF ROUTE 3.
THE JOINT VENTURE COMPRISES A PARTNERSHIP OF CUBIERTAS Y MZOV, SA (SPAIN); ENTRECANALES- Y TAVORA, SA (SPAIN); ED ZUBLIN AG (GERMANY) AND DOWNER AND COMPANY LIMITED (HONG KONG).
THE CONTRACT STARTED ON AUGUST 30 THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1997. THE CONTRACT IS OF THE "DESIGN AND BUILD" TYPE AND IS THE LARGEST IN-HOUSE PROJECT EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT FORMS A MAJOR PART OF ROUTE 3 BETWEEN THE PROPOSED COUNTRY PARK SECTION ON THE NORTH AND THE TSI NG YI SECTION CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON THE SOUTH.
/IT WILL .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 3
IT WILL LINK THE TUEN MUN ROAD TO THE TSING YI SECTION OF ROUTE 3 AND THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROVIDING EASY ACCESS FROM NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES TO THE KOWLOON PENINSULA AND THE PROPOSED PORT DEVELOPMENTS ON LANTAU AND THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE CONTRACTOR WILL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT THE TING KAU BRIDGE, A TRIPLE TOWER CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 1,178 METRES ACROSS THE RAMBLER CHANNEL AND A HIGH LEVEL APPROACH VIADUCT ON TING KAU HEADLAND WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF ABOUT 700 METRES.
THESE MAJOR STRUCTURES WILL CARRY A DUAL THREE-LANE EXPRESSWAY WITH HARD SHOULDERS AND THE APPROACH VIADUCT WILL CONNECT TO THE PROPOSED TAI LAM TUNNEL SECTION OF THE ROUTE 3: SLIP ROADS TO AND FROM THE TING KAU BRIDGE AT ITS NORTHERN END WILL PROVIDE CONNECTIONS TO AND FROM THE WEST ONTO TUEN MUN ROAD (ROUTE 2), WHILST AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE, A CONNECTION WILL BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN PART OF ROUTE 3 AND THE INTERCHANGE WITH THE TSING MA BRIDGE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UPON COMPLETION, THE TING KAU BRIDGE WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE KOWLOON PENINSULA, AND WOULD BRING RELIEF TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE TING KAU - TSUEN WAN - KWAI CHUNG CORRIDOR, BY CONNECTING SECTIONS OF ROUTE 3 CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON TSING YI ISLAND TO TUEN MUN ROAD.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT UPON ITS OPENING IN 1997, THE TING KAU BRIDGE WILL TAKE UP TO 2,000 VEHICLES PER HOUR WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE USE TUEN MUN ROAD EAST OF TING KAU IN THE PEAK HOURS.
THE COMPLETION OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE WILL ALSO PROVIDE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK FROM THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,738 MILLION, IN MONEY OF THE DAY, FOR DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING THE TING KAU BRIDGE, THE APPROACH VIADUCT AND CONNECTIONS TO TUEN MUN ROAD IS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT'S ESTIMATE OF $2,438 MILLION, IN MONEY OF THE DAY, FOR THE CONTRACT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD BEEN DECIDED TO TENDER THIS CONTRACT ON A "DESIGN AND BUILD" BASIS BECAUSE THIS WOULD MAKE THE BEST USE OF CONTRACTORS’ AND DESIGNERS’ EXPERIENCE, RESOURCES AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT EFFICIENTLY AND ECONOMICALLY WITHIN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.
COMMENTING ON THE DESIGN OF THE TING KAU BRIDGE PROPOSED BY THE TING KAU CONTRACTORS JOINT VENTURE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS COST-EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE WITH MAIN SPANS OF 448 AND 476 METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE DESIGN IS NOT ONLY ECONOMICAL BUT ALSO PROVIDES AN ELEGANT STRUCTURE OVER THE RAMBLER CHANNEL CAUSING MINIMAL OBSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT TO THE BUSY WATERWAY.
THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY COVERING THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND TO PROPOSE AND INCORPORATE IDENTIFIED MITIGATION MEASURES.
/ENVIRONEMTNAL PROTECTION .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
4
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED AS CONTRACT CONDITIONS, THE COMPLIANCE OF WHICH, DURING THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE, WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY SPECIALIST CONSULTANTS EMPLOYED BY GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROJECT.
UPON COMPLETION, NOISE-REDUCING ROAD SURFACING WILL BE PROVIDED TO LOWER TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS AT THE EXISTING BUILDINGS IN THE TING KAU AREA AND TO ENSURE THAT NOISE IS CONTAINED WITHIN LIMITS SET BY THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
DURING THE PLANNING STAGE OF THE PROJECT, GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONED ITS OWN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THE PROJECT WAS ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE.
THE DETAILED PLANNING FOR THE CONTRACT WAS MANAGED BY THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHO WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE CONTRACT.
--------0-----------
LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD STAGE I WORKS COMPLETED
*****
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SHA TIN ROAD, BEING STAGE I OF THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, HAS BEEN COMPLETED. ALL FOUR LANES WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 8).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TIDAL FLOW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT WHICH WAS IMPLEMENTED DURING THE STAGE I WORKS WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED.
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ALAN LUI, SAID THE TIDAL FLOW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES HAD BEEN EFFECTIVE WITH NO SERIOUS CONGESTION.
"THE CO-OPERATION OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC IN FULLY UTILISING ALTERNATIVE ROUTES AS WELL AS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND THEIR PATIENCE, IS MUCH APPRECIATED," HE SAID.
THE WORKS COMPLETED INCLUDED TOTAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD PAVEMENT, IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPER-ELEVATION AND ALIGNMENT ON BENDS, LENGTHENING THE SLIP ROADS TO AND FROM THE HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE, REPLACEMENT OF THE CONCRETE CENTRAL DIVIDER AND ROAD LIGHTING SYSTEM, IMPROVEMENT TO THE ROAD DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND INSTALLATION OF OVERHEAD GANTRY SIGNS.
STAGE II, WHICH IS THE FINAL STAGE OF RECONSTRUCTION WORKS, IS NOW UNDER WAY. IT COVERS THE SECTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA.
MR LUI POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE FIVE TRAFFIC LANES IN THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD, AND ONLY ONE LANE HAS TO BE TAKEN OUT OF USE AT A TIME TO ALLOW WORKS TO PROCEED.
"AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAINTAIN TWO TRAFFIC LANES IN EACH DIRECTION ALL THE TIME DURING THIS STAGE OF WORKS, THERE IS NO NEED TO IMPLEMENT A TIDAL FLOW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME," HE SAID.
/"HOWEVER, IT ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 5 -
"HOWEVER, IT IS NECESSARY TO SUSPEND THE BUS ONLY LANE BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND THE TOLL PLAZA AND REDUCE THE SPEED LIMIT FROM 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR," HE ADDED.
OTHER SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IMPLEMENTED UNDER STAGE I WORKS ARE BEING MAINTAINED IN GENERAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE ERECTED TO ADVISE AND GUIDE MOTORISTS DURING THE COURSE OF WORKS.
"MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE THESE REVISED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE," MR LUI SAID.
WORKS UNDER STAGE II ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE CARRIED OUT IN I. SINCE THE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION EARLY NEXT YEAR, CRITICAL SECTIONS WILL BE WORKED ON 24 HOURS A DAY TO MEET THIS TIGHT SCHEDULE.
"SUCH NIGHT TIME WORKING WILL BE CONFINED TO ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL NOT GENERATE EXCESSIVE NOISE. TEMPORARY NOISE BARRIERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ERECTED ALONG THE DOWN HILL SIDE OF THE ROAD TO MINIMISE THE DISTURBANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS," MR LUI SAID.
--------0-----------
MOST DOMESTIC PREMISES NOT AFFECTED BY LANDFILL CHARGING SCHEME » » » « «
HOUSEHOLDS IN DOMESTIC PREMISES INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS WHICH ARE COVERED BY REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES OF THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE LANDFILL CHARGING SCHEME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) .
"SOME DOMESTIC PREMISES, FOR VARIOUS REASONS, CHOOSE NOT TO USE THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS OF THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND RELY ON PRIVATE REFUSE COLLECTORS TO TAKE THEIR WASTE DIRECT TO LANDFILLS.
"OUR ESTIMATE IS THAT, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED LEVEL OF LANDFILL DISPOSAL FEES, THE ADDITIONAL COST FOR HOUSEHOLDS WHICH USE PRIVATE REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE WOULD COME TO ABOUT $5 PER MONTH."
THE CALCULATION IS BASED ON THE PROPOSED MODEST LANDFILL DISPOSAL FEES FOR PRIVATE REFUSE COLLECTORS AT A RATE OF $175 FOR A SMALL VEHICLE WITH A LOAD OF WASTE UP TO FIVE TONNES AND $350 FOR A LARGER VEHICLE WITH HEAVIER LOAD.
THE CHARGING SCHEME, WHICH AIMS TO DISCOURAGE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF THE LIMITED LANDFILL RESOURCES AND TO ENCOURAGE WASTE MINIMISATION, RECYCLING AND REUSE, WOULD ONLY AFFECT USERS OF PRIVATE REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
6
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE CHARGING SCHEME IS MAINLY TARGETED AT CONSTRUCTION, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL WASTE WHICH ARE COLLECTED BY PRIVATE REFUSE COLLECTORS. DOMESTIC WASTE ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF WASTE HANDLED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"IT REMAINS OUR AIM TO ENACT THE ENABLING LEGISLATION SOON AND TO INTRODUCE THE SCHEME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ARE READY," HE SAID.
------0--------
STANLEY FORT PROPERTIES UP FOR RENTAL *****
A NUMBER OF FLATS AND HOUSES AT STANLEY FORT WILL BE PUT ON THE MARKET LATER THIS MONTH FOR RENTAL.
FIRST PACIFIC DAVIES (HONG KONG) LIMITED, WHICH MANAGES STANLEY FORT, HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AGENCY TO LEASE THE PROPERTIES BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. AS THE FORT WILL REVERT TO MILITARY USE IN 1997, THE LEASES WILL BE FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD ONLY.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT LEASING THE FLATS AND HOUSES WOULD HELP REDUCE THE OVERALL COST OF MANAGING THE MILITARY ESTATE.
"IN THE CURRENT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET AN INJECTION OF 300 GOOD QUALITY UNITS IN THE STANLEY AREA WILL HELP TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON RENTS, ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE EFFECT ON THE MARKET WILL BE SIGNIFICANT," HE SAID.
MR WOTHERSPOON ALSO SAID OTHER PARTS OF THE FORT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES BY COMMUNITY GROUPS.
"THE FORT HAS EXCELLENT SPORTS FACILITIES WHICH COMMUNITY GROUPS HAVE USED FOR A LONG TIME AND WE ARE PLEASED THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE," HE SAID.
-----0-------
SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED ELECTORS THAT 22 SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE OPENED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS MAY APPLY TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, NOT LESS THAN FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD POLLING DAY ON SEPTEMBER 18, TO VOTE AT THESE SPECIFIED STATIONS, IF NECESSARY.
UPON APPROVAL, THEY SHALL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS ALLOCATED TO HIM.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 881 7562.
------0-------
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
7
100 CAR MARKS OPEN FOR AUCTION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ONE HUNDRED LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AUCTIONED ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 10) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
FIFTY OF THEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY
ARE:
• GA2889 GB986 GB320 GB2468
GB206 FY132 GB3338 DD512
♦GA919 ♦ GA33 *1216 ♦ DB7
GA4665 GA3618 EL228 GA6628
GA133 AE106 GB14 3 GA7278
GB210 GB118 AA321 BT1880
GB8848 GA9663. GB186 GA8908
♦ FY97 ♦ GB6 ♦ CY18 ♦EV222
GB1130 CC3108 GA3668 GA6626
GB3089 GA8238 CH6123 GA1023
GB1126 GB650 ♦AH1313 EC8678
GB932 GA2213 BM7301 ♦GB9779
GA1738 GB2198
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION, WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, THE
OTHER 50 MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THE ARE:
GB268 EL382 GB106 GB1128
GB993 GB8111 BP375 GB3323
♦GC181 ♦ FC16 ♦ 115 ♦ GB3
GA9188 DD501 GB328 AL7818
GA1992 GB338 GA188 GB163
GB220 GB622 GB911 CJ3222
BB885 GB7776 GB309 GB1708
♦ CW7 ♦ GB12 ♦ FY8 ♦ FC29
GA8848 GB1828 AW1138 GA9908
GB1112 GA8850 GB2600 GB1217
CT197 GB3308 ♦BB456 GB3382
GA9969 ♦GA4004 GA9819 AS8982
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 238TH AND 239TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-------
/8 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 8 -
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED
*****
ALL EMPLOYERS SHOULD INSURE THEIR EMPLOYEES, COMPLYING WITH THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED TWO RECENT CASES IN WHICH HYDE HAIR BEAUTY SALOON IN TAI PO AND GRADE ONE LIMITED, A GARMENT FACTORY IN KOWLOON CITY, WERE FINED $10,000 AND $5,000 RESPECTIVELY BY THE COURT FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
THE FIRST CASE WAS DETECTED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN A LABOUR INSPECTOR CONDUCTED AN INSPECTION .OF THE BEAUTY SALOON AND DISCOVERED THAT THE EMPLOYER DID NOT TAKE OUT INSURANCE FOR HIS TWO EMPLOYEES.
THE SECOND CASE CAME TO LIGHT IN A ROUTINE INSPECTION OF THE GARMENT FACTORY IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR DURING WHICH ANOTHER LABOUR INSPECTOR FOUND THAT THE FIVE EMPLOYEES WERE NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE POLICY.
’’ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW,” LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS), MISS RITA MA, SAID.
"THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO EMPLOYERS HIRING BOTH FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.
"AN EMPLOYER HAS TO FULFIL THIS LEGAL OBLIGATION EVEN THOUGH HE HAS JUST ONE EMPLOYEE,” SHE SAID.
MISS MA POINTED OUT THAT THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE ALSO REQUIRED AN INSURED EMPLOYER TO DISPLAY, IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE OF THE WORKPLACE, A NOTICE SHOWING THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE NAME OF THE INSURER.
’’OTHER DETAILS SHOULD INCLUDE THE POLICY NUMBER, THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE POLICY, THE COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRY DATES OF THE INSURANCE PERIOD AND THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES INSURED,” SHE SAID.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS LEGAL REQUIREMENT WILL RENDER THE OFFENDER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
MISS MA ALSO URGED EMPLOYEES, WHO SUSPECTED THAT THE EMPLOYER HAD NOT TAKEN OUT INSURANCE FOR THEM, TO REPORT TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HOTLINE ON 815 2200.
- - 0-----------
/9 ........
»
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 9 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS
*****
TENDER DATE 6 SEPT 94 6 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q436 Y493
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD7,300 MN HKD4,120 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKDl,500 MN HKD500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.34 PCT 5.24 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.35 PCT 5.25 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 25 PCT ABOUT 40 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.38 PCT 5.28 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 12 SEPT 1994 -
TENDER DATE 13 SEPT 94 13 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q437 H473
ISSUE DATE 14 SEPT 94 14 SEPT 94
MATURITY DATE 14 DEC 94 15 MAR 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD1,5OO + 300 MN HKD800 + 160 MN
---------0----------
/10........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,526 0930 -13 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,493 1000 -13 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +7 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +7 1200 +7 LAF TODAY -40 1500 +7 1600 +7 LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.0 »-0.1» 6.9.94 HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.18 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.22 5. 78
1 MONTH 4.21 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.14 6. 16
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.05 6. 51
6 MONTHS 4.66 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 99.06 6. 65
12 MONTHS 5.22 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 36 MONTHS AND BONDS 3707 - 16,645 MN 6.95 100.67 6. 80
CLOSED 6 SEPTEMBER 1994
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER?, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT ACCEPTS COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON REMUNERATION FOR LEGCO MEMBERS.............................. 1
OPTOMETRISTS TO BE REGISTERED............................... 2
SECRETARY OF STATE TO VISIT FAR EAST........................ 4
BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH DEPARTS FROM ESTABLISHED POLICY ON SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS................................. 5
EDUCATION DIRECTOR WELCOMES END OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION..... 6
DSD LOOKING INTO OVERFLOWING OF DRAINAGE CHANNEL............ 7
APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG.................... 7
LOCAL COMPANY RECEIVES R AND D FUND......................... 8
YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS INVITES APPLICATIONS........... 9
749 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED.............................. 9
NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CATERING TRADE.................... 10
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FINED FOR MAKING FALSE TAX RETURNS 11
“ENVIRONMENT HK 94” RELEASED............................... 11
SECONDARY STUDENTS URGED TO VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18........... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
1
GOVT ACCEPTS COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON REMUNERATION FOR LEGCO MEMBERS *****
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ACCEPTED ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON REMUNERATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT THE PRESENT LEVEL OF REMUNERATION FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO) MEMBERS IS REASONABLE AND THAT IT ENABLES PEOPLE FROM A BROAD SPECTRUM OF SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS AS LEGCO MEMBERS. IT HAS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED NO CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION.
TO ENABLE DIRECTLY ELECTED LEGCO MEMBERS TO MAINTAIN A CLOSE CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRICT THEY REPRESENT, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT AN ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $10,000 PER MONTH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST THEM IN ESTABLISHING AN OFFICE IN THEIR CONSTITUENCY.
IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ENHANCING THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF LEGCO MEMBERS IN THE USE OF THEIR ALLOWANCES, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT MEMBERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE IN THEIR CLAIMS FOR REIMBURSEMENT, WHICH SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION, THE NAMES AND SALARIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL STAFF MEMBERS THEY EMPLOY.
THEY WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO HAND OVER TO THE LEGCO SECRETARIAT CAPITALISED ITEMS PURCHASED WITH THEIR ALLOWANCES WHEN THEY VACATE THEIR SEATS.
"WE SHALL SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN OCTOBER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PACKAGE OF REMUNERATION AND ALLOWANCES RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION FOR LEGCO MEMBERS, THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEWS ON THE LEVEL AND SCOPE OF THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE AND ADVISE ON THE INTERPRETATION OF GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF THE ALLOWANCES BY MEMBERS.
"WE SHALL ANNOUNCE THE COMPOSITION OF THE PROPOSED COMMISSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CURRENT REMUNERATION PACKAGE, WHICH COMPRISES A MONTHLY HONORARIUM OF $43,250 (AS ADJUSTED IN OCTOBER 1993) AND A GENERAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCE OF $73,000, WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN MAY 1993.
AT THAT TIME, THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION FOR LEGCO MEMBERS. SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND MANY LEGCO MEMBERS URGED THAT AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION SHOULD BE SET UP TO REVIEW THE REMUNERATION PAID TO LEGCO MEMBERS.
IN JULY 1993, THE GOVERNOR APPOINTED AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR LEGCO MEMBERS.
/THE COMMISSION .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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THE COMMISSION COMPRISED PROFESSOR WANG GUNGWU AS CHAIRMAN, DR CHENG HON-KWAN, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG WAI-CHEE AND DR THOMAS LEUNG KWOK-FAI. MR SO RESIGNED FROM THE COMMISSION IN FEBRUARY UPON HIS APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS.
THE COMMISSION’S REPORT IS PUBLISHED TODAY, AND THE COMMISSION WILL PRESENT ITS FINDINGS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM.
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OPTOMETRISTS TO BE REGISTERED
* * * * »
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR THE REGISTRATION OF MEMBERS OF THE OPTOMETRY PROFESSION TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR UNDER THE OPTOMETRISTS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATION OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE.
"THE REGULATION HAS BEEN DRAWN UP AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL, AND WILL PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR THE PUBLIC BY ENSURING ADEQUATE STANDARDS IN THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"UNDER THE REGULATION, THE REGISTER FOR OPTOMETRISTS IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR PARTS: PARTS I, II AND III FOR FULL REGISTRATION AND PART IV FOR PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONLY OPTOMETRISTS REGISTERED IN PART I CAN PRACTISE WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS.
THOSE REGISTERED IN PART II SHALL NOT USE DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS (EXCEPT STAINING AGENTS) AND THOSE IN PART III SHALL NOT PERFORM WORK OTHER THAN REFRACTION.
OPTOMETRISTS REGISTERED IN PART IV SHALL ONLY PERFORM WORK RELATING TO REFRACTION, OR REFRACTION AND CONTACT LENSES, AS APPROPRIATE.
ON QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN OPTOMETRY OR A PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN OPTOMETRY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WILL BE REGISTERED IN PART I OF THE REGISTER.
ANY PERSON WHO HOLDS A HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN OPTOMETRY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR A CERTIFICATION FROM THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD SHOWING A PASS IN AN EXAMINATION IN OPTOMETRY CONDUCTED UNDER SECTION 15A OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE REGISTERED IN PART II.
THOSE WHO HOLD A CERTIFICATION FROM THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD SHOWING A PASS IN AN EXAMINATION IN REFRACTION CONDUCTED UNDER SECTION 15A OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE REGISTERED IN PART III.
/PART IV .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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PART IV OF THE REGISTER IS FOR PERSONS ISSUED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 15 OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT PERSONS CURRENTLY PRACTISING IN THE OPTOMETRY PROFESSION WITHOUT A RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION OR FORMAL TRAINING MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR REGISTRATION IN AN APPROPRIATE PART OF THE REGISTER BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL.
PERSONS HOLDING OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS IN OPTOMETRY MAY ALSO APPLY TO THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD FOR REGISTRATION.
’’THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD, WILL DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A PARTICULAR OVERSEAS QUALIFICATION IS REGISTRABLE AND IF SO, WHICH PART OF THE REGISTER ITS HOLDER SHOULD BE REGISTERED IN,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”TO FACILITATE SUCH APPLICATIONS, THE COUNCIL IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD WILL SHORTLY DRAW UP A LIST OF OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE,” HE ADDED.
THE REGULATION ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE FORMATION OF A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE UNDER THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD TO CONSIDER ANY CASE OF COMPLAINT AND TO REFER COMPLAINTS TO THE BOARD FOR INQUIRY.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT WHILE THE BOARD WOULD RECEIVE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE PROVISIONS IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBIT PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY BY UNREGISTERED PERSONS WILL NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL APRIL 1, 1996.
"THIS WILL ALLOW ADEQUATE TIME FOR MEMBERS OF THE OPTOMETRY PROFESSION TO OBTAIN THEIR REGISTRATION," HE EXPLAINED.
HE ADDED THAT OPTOMETRY WAS THE THIRD PROFESSION TO ADOPT A REGISTRATION SYSTEM UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE, FOLLOWING THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONS.
"WE HOPE THAT LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND RADIOGRAPHERS COULD BE MADE IN THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE OPTOMETRISTS BOARD LATER.
THE OPTOMETRISTS (REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE) REGULATION WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON SEPTEMBER 9 (FRIDAY).
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/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
SECRETARY OF STATE TO VISIT FAR EAST
*****
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN LONDON HAS MADE THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT:
THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, WILL VISIT THAILAND FROM SEPTEMBER 12 TO 14, VIETNAM FROM SEPTEMBER 14 TO 15, HONG KONG FROM SEPTEMBER 15 TO 16 AND JAPAN FROM SEPTEMBER 16 TO 19.
IN THAILAND AND VIETNAM HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A GROUP OF PROMINENT BRITISH BUSINESSMEN WHO WILL BE SEEKING TO EXPAND BRITISH TRADE IN THE REGION.
IN THAILAND, HE HOPES TO CALL ON THE KING, THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN AND DEFENCE MINISTERS, AND GIVE AN ADDRESS TO THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THAI BUSINESSMEN.
IN VIETNAM, CALLS ARE PLANNED ON THE PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER AND THERE WILL BE OTHER EVENTS INVOLVING THE BUSINESS DELEGATION1.
IN HONG KONG, THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WILL HOLD MEETINGS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. HE ALSO VISIT THE NEW AIRPORT SITE.
IN JAPAN, MR HURD WILL CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER, THE FOREIGN MINISTER AND OTHER MINISTERS. THERE WILL ALSO BE SEVERAL BUSINESS-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE FOREIGN SECRETARY LAST VISITED HONG KONG IN JULY 1993 AND JAPAN IN APRIL 1993. THESE WILL BE HIS FIRST VISITS TO THAILAND AND VIETNAM.
HE WILL LAND IN HONG KONG AT 2.50 PM ON SEPTEMBER 15 BY SPECIAL FLIGHT. THE PRESS ARE INVITED TO BE PRESENT. DETAILS OF THE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR COVERING HIS ARRIVAL AND HIS ACTIVITIES WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEARER THE TIME OF HIS VISIT.
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/5........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH DEPARTS FROM ESTABLISHED POLICY ON SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES THAT IMPLEMENTATING THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN AN ACADEMIC RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR ADOPTING A NEW BASIS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $9 BILLION TO $25 BILLION EACH YEAR; PUSH TAXES UP BY NO LESS THAN THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS; DRAW UP TO 240,000 PEOPLE OUT OF THE WORK FORCE AND RAISE SOME OF THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) PAYMENTS ABOVE THE MEDIAN WAGE.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS, TOLD MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO WELFARE SERVICES PANEL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT BY RAISING THE CSSA THRESHOLD, IT MIGHT BRING IN NEARLY 160,000 MORE HOUSEHOLDS INTO THE SAFETY NET, AND THAT THE AVERAGE PAYMENTS FOR A FOUR-PERSON HOUSEHOLD WOULD INCREASE TO $10,150, WHICH IS 123 PER CENT OF THE MEDIAN WAGE.
"THE ADDITIONAL ANNUAL COST NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS REPRESENTS ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT TO 23 PER CENT OF GOVERNMENT'S ANNUAL RECURRENT SPENDING, AND WE COULD ONLY SPEND THAT SORT OF MONEY BY EITHER CUTTING BACK ON OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES OR BY RAISING TAXES," MISS WILLIS SAID.
"ADOPTING THE BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH WOULD MOVE THE FLOOR OF 'RELATIVE POVERTY’ EVER UPWARDS, AND TO PAY FOR THIS, YOU WOULD NEED A BOTTOMLESS PIT OF FUNDS,” MISS WILLIS CAUTIONED.
"EVIDENCE FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE EARNING AN INCOME CLOSE TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY RATES ARE DISCOURAGED FROM WORKING.
"WE ESTIMATE THAT PARTICIPATION IN THE LABOUR FORCE WOULD FALL BY 1.5 TO 5.0 PERCENTAGE POINTS, OR 70,000 TO 240,000 PEOPLE IF THE HIGHER RATES ARE ADOPTED. WE WOULD NOT WANT THAT TO HAPPEN IN HONG KONG," SAID MISS WILLIS.
MISS WILLIS CAUTIONED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD HAVE WIDE REPERCUSSIONS ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
"TAKING THIS ROUTE WOULD AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO EXPAND PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY, LOWER THE GROWTH POTENTIAL, PUSH UP WAGES AND INFLATION, AND BLUNT OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE," MISS WILLIS SAID.
"TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE, NO OTHER WELFARE STATES EXCEPT GERMANY PRACTISED A STRAIGHT BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH IN ITS SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMMES. AS A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO CONSIDER WHETHER OUR COMMUNITY COULD AFFORD SUCH AN EXPERIMENT," MISS WILLIS SAID.
MISS WILLIS SAID TO ADOPT A "BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH" IN DETERMINING THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF LIVING AND HENCE THE CSSA PAYMENTS WOULD BE A MAJOR DEPARTURE FROM THE PHILOSOPHY AND ESTABLISHED POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF WELFARE IN HONG KONG.
/"OUR POLICY .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
- 6 -
"OUR POLICY HAS BEEN TO PROVIDE A 'SAFETY NET’ FOR THE DISADVANTAGED AND NEEDY TO MEET THEIR BASIC AND SPECIAL NEEDS. OVER THE YEARS, THE SAFETY NET HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED TO ENSURE THAT PAYMENTS ARE BETTER TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED," MISS WILLIS SAID.
MISS WILLIS EMPHASISED THAT THE CSSA SCHEME WAS INFLATIONPROOF, AND REAL INCREASES HAD BEEN MADE TO ENABLE THE NEEDY TO SHARE IN HONG KONG’S GROWING WEALTH.
"OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES, THE CSSA RATES HAVE INCREASED BY ABOUT 15 TIMES WHILE THE RATE OF INFLATION MEASURED BY CPI(A) HAS GONE UP BY ONLY SIX TIMES.
"THESE PAYMENTS REPRESENT 35 PER CENT TO 98 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WORKER’S WAGE OR 30 PER CENT TO 83 PER CENT OF THE MEDIAN WAGE," MISS WILLIS SAID.
SHE SAID SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS WERE REVIEWED REGULARLY AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE HIGH ON THE AGENDA THIS YEAR.
"IMPROVEMENTS TO CSSA IS AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL CONTINUE," MISS WILLIS STRESSED.
THE BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH WAS ADVOCATED IN AN ACADEMIC RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO STUDY THE ADEQUACY OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES IN HONG KONG.
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EDUCATION DIRECTOR WELCOMES END OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION ***** I-
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMES THE DECISION MADE BY THE LECTURING STAFF UNIONS TO CALL OFF INDUSTRIAL ACTION WHICH STARTED ON AUGUST 30.
"I AM GLAD THAT THE LECTURERS HAVE ADOPTED A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE, AND WILL NOW RETURN TO THEIR NORMAL DUTIES IN THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SO THAT THE IMPORTANT TASK OF TEACHER EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT DISRUPTION,” MR WONG SAID.
"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR DIALOGUE WITH STAFF DURING THE REST OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, WHICH ENDS ON OCTOBER 31," MR WONG ADDED.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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DSD LOOKING INTO OVERFLOWING OF DRAINAGE CHANNEL * » * * ♦
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HIRE AN EXTERNAL INSTITUTION TO ASSIST IN LOOKING INTO THE OVERFLOWING OF A DRAINAGE CHANNEL IN TAN KWAI TSUEN, YUEN LONG DURING THE RECENT HEAVY RAINS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES, MR NG YEE-YUM, WHEN HE MET REPRESENTATIVES OF VILLAGERS FROM TAN KWAI TSUEN AND WO PING SAN TSUEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REPRESENTATIVES TOLD MR NG THAT OVERFLOWING OF THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL HAD CAUSED FLOODINGS IN THEIR VILLAGES.
NOTING THAT HE APPRECIATED THE VILLAGERS’ CONCERNS, MR NG SAID IT APPEARED THAT SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DRAINAGE CATCHMENT HAD LED TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH FLOW RATE RECORDED IN THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL.
IN THE MEANTIME, MR NG ADDED, IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUESTS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, A LOCAL FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM WOULD BE INSTALLED.
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO IMPLEMENTING A NUMBER OF URGENT SHORT TERM MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SITUATION OF THE AREA.
"THE MEASURES INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A FLOOD STORAGE BUFFER IN AN ABANDONED RESERVOIR AT THE UPSTREAM AREA OF THE CATCHMENT AND INCREASING THE INLET CAPACITY OF THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL BY RAISING THE CHANNEL WALLS ALONG THE UPSTREAM PORTION OF THE CHANNEL," MR NG SAID.
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APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG
» » * t »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE RESULTS OF THE SECOND BALLOT EXERCISE OF APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY OF PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGERS FROM CHINA FOR EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG.
"UP TO THE END OF AUGUST 1994, A TOTAL OF 2,683 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
MORE THAN HALF OF THE APPLICATIONS CAME FROM THE TRADING, CONSTRUCTION AND FINANCE SECTORS AND JOBS AS ENGINEERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND MARKETING EXECUTIVES WERE MOST POPULAR.
IN A BALLOT EXERCISE HELD TODAY, 250 APPLICATIONS WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED BY COMPUTER FROM THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.
"SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING INDIVIDUALLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’UNSUCCESSFUL APPLLICATTONS TN THE BALLOT EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR SUBSEQUENT EXERCISES TO BF HELD IN DECEMBER 1994 AND MARCH 1995.
/••EMPLOYERS SHOULD.........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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"EMPLOYERS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT DOUBLE APPLICATIONS FOR THE SAME VACANCY. OVERBIDDING WILL RESULT IN REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR ENQUIRIES, EMPLOYERS MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
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LOCAL COMPANY RECEIVES R AND D FUND
*****
A LOCAL COMPANY HAS RECEIVED A $570,000 FUNDING BOOST FROM THE HONG KONG APPLIED R AND D FUND COMPANY LIMITED TO DEVELOP A RELIABLE AND HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED SECURITY SYSTEM THROUGH APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
THE PROJECT, THE FOURTH SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION GRANTED FUNDING SUPPORT UNDER THE $200 MILLION APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R AND D) SCHEME, AIMS TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL OF SECURITY TO CLIENTS THROUGH THE UTILISATION OF DATA ENCRYPTION TECHNOLOGY.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID: "THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE SCHEME IS TO IMPROVE THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY AND HENCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF LOCAL INDUSTRY, THEREBY HELPING TO SUSTAIN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH."
HE NOTED THAT THE SCHEME HAD SO FAR RECEIVED 28 APPLICATIONS AND MORE THAN 300 WRITTEN AND TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES.
"IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR CONTRACTS THAT HAVE BEEN SIGNED, FOUR OTHER APPLICATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE," HE SAID.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE HONG KONG APPLIED R AND D FUND COMPANY LIMITED AT ROOM 1445, 14TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 737 2206 FOR DETAIL INFORMATION ON THE SCHEME.
COMMENTING ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM PROJECT, MR YOUNG SAID: "IT IS CONSIDERED WORTH SUPPORTING SINCE IT HAS A HIGH DEVELOPMENT CONTENT AND IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF APPLYING EXISTING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS."
THE PRODUCT IS TARGETED AT BOTH THE LOCAL AND ASIAN MARKETS AND ITS MAJOR USERS WILL INCLUDE MAJOR CORPORATIONS, HOTELS, SUPERMARKETS, POLICE STATIONS AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.
THE PROJECT, COSTING A TOTAL OF $1.8 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE COMPANY HAS COMMISSIONED THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TO UNDERTAKE THE APPLIED R AND D WORK REQUIRED.
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/9 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS INVITES APPLICATIONS * * * * »
THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS (CEPAIDS) REMINDED YOUNG PEOPLE INTENDING TO TAKE PART IN THE YOUTH FUNDING SCHEME ON AIDS TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH (SEPTEMBER 30).
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.
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.
SELECTED PROJECT PLANS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED THIS YEAR AND THE MAXIMUM FUNDING FOR 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 IN 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.
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749 ELECTION COMPLAINTS LODGED *****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 749 COMPLAINTS ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS AT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS, 585 WERE RELATED TO ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 57 ON ELECTIONEERING IN PRIVATE PREMISES AND 107 ON OTHER MATTERS.
OUT OF THE 749 CASES, ACTION FOR 521 CASES HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
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/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
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NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CATERING TRADE *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RECENTLY PUBLISHED A NEWLY REVISED CODE OF LABOUR RELATIONS PRACTICE FOR THE CATERING TRADE TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES DEVELOP HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS.
INTRODUCING THE CODE OF PRACTICE AT A SEMINAR TODAY (WEDNESDAY), ACTING SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER MR LI SIU-KWAI SAID: ’’HARMONIOUS LABOUR RELATIONS IS ESSENTIAL IN INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF INDIVIDUAL CATERING ESTABLISHMENT.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD JOINTLY ENSURE THAT EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION TAKES PLACE,” MR LI SAID.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD FORMULATE FAIR AND REASONABLE EMPLOYMENT POLICIES, SET UP A GOOD PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PROVIDE VARIOUS CHANNELS FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH EMPLOYEES.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYEES SHOULD MAKE USE OF THESE CHANNELS TO REFLECT THEIR OPINIONS," MR LI ADDED.
APART FROM GIVING THESE HINTS IN ACHIEVING GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS, THE NEW PUBLICATION ALSO HAS A NEW CHAPTER ON WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN TYPHOONS AND RAINSTORMS.
A SAMPLE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND A SAMPLE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK ARE ALSO PROVIDED.
THE CODE IS NOW OBTAINABLE AT THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT AND THE BRANCH OFFICES OF LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION.
THE SEMINAR HELD TODAY WAS ORGANISED BY THE TASK FORCE ON CATERING INDUSTRY WHICH COMPRISED TRIPARTITE REPRESENTATION FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, AS WELL AS WORKERS’ UNIONS AND ORGANISATIONS OF THE CATERING INDUSTRY.
AT THE SEMINAR, CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION OF RESTAURANT MANAGERS, MR DAVID NG, GAVE A TALK ON MODERN MANAGEMENT IN CATERING TRADE.
PARTICIPANTS ALSO SHARED THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN THE CASE STUDY SESSION DURING WHICH ACTUAL CASES RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT WERE DISCUSSED.
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/II .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FINED FOR MAKING FALSE TAX RETURNS ******
A MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WAS FINED $11,000 IN THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY FOR BREACHING THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
THE DEFENDANT MR NG WAI-KWONG, AGED 34, PLEADED GUILTY TO MAKING- INCORRECT STATEMENTS IN HIS SALARIES TAX RETURNS WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, CONTRARY TO SECTION 80(2)(B) OF THE ORDINANCE.
HE WAS CHARGED WITH MAKING INCORRECT CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE IN HIS TAX RETURNS FOR THE YEARS OF ASSESSMENT 1991/92 AND 1992/93.
DESPITE THE DEATH OF HIS FATHER ON NOVEMBER 6, 1990, THE DEFENDANT STILL NAMED HIS FATHER AS A DEPENDENT PARENT ON HIS TAX RETURNS AND CLAIMED FOR THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE FOR THE YEARS OF ASSESSMENT 1991/92 AND 1992/93.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT THEY MUST FILE CORRECT TAX RETURNS.
UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, A TAX EVADER IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $20,000 ON EACH CHARGE, IN ADDITION TO A FURTHER FINE EQUIVALENT TO THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
- - 0 - -
ENVIRONMENT HK 94" RELEASED
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASES THE CHINESE VERSION OF "ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994".
UNLIKE PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF ANNUAL REPORTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, THE "ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994" TAKES A NEW APPROACH TO REPORTING ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"IT CONTAINS A SERIES OF FEATURE ARTICLES PROVIDING. EASILY READABLE MATERIAL FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS WELL AS REFERENCE DATA FOR THOSE WHO ARE MORE INTERESTED IN THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORK," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
TOPICS FEATURED INCLUDE THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN MAJOR WORKS PROJECTS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC LANDFILLS AND REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS TO MEET GROWING DEMANDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WATER MONITORING WORK, AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF AIR AND NOISE CONTROLS.
AT $55 A COPY, THE CHINESE VERSION OF "ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1994" IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG. THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE REPORT HAS BEEN ON SALE SINCE EARLY JULY .
- - 0 - -
/12
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
- 12 -
SECONDARY STUDENTS URGED TO VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18
*****
SECONDARY STUDENTS WHO CAN VOTE SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND CAST THEIR BALLOTS AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18, THE ASSISTANT ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY TAM, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT TWO SEPARATE SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES ON CHEUNG CHAU AND LANTAU, MISS TAM SAID THE POLLS SIGNIFIED ANOTHER PHASE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
THE ELECTIONS, SHE SAID, WOULD PRODUCE THE FIRST FULLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARDS AND THOSE ELECTED WOULD FORM AN ELECTION COMMISSION TO SELECT 10 MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1995.
NOTING THAT DISTRICT BOARDS REPRESENTED THE BIGGEST NUMBER OF ADVISORY BODIES IN THE TERRITORY, MISS TAM SAID THEY FORMED AS ESSENTIAL PART OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG.
"THEY PROVIDE BETTER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT AND IN THIS CONNECTION, WILL ENSURE THAT THE AMINISTRATION TAKES HEED OF THEIR PROBLEMS," SHE SAID.
THE LOWERING OF VOTING AGE TO 18, SHE ADDED, WOULD ALSO ENABLE YOUNGSTERS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
HONG KONG’ MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,493 0930 + 14
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,825 1000 + 14
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 34
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 38 1200 + 38
LAF TODAY -706 1500 + 38
1600 + 38
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.1 ♦ +0.1» 7.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
- 13 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.17 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.20 5.80
1 MONTH 4.21 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.07 6.20
3 MONTHS 4.35 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.92 6.58
6 MONTHS 4.67 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.92 6.71
12 ! MONTHS 5.25 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.53 6.86
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,709 MN
CLOSED 7 SEPTEMBER 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ODHCS WILL BE SET UP ON TRIAL BASIS : SHA................. 1
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.............. 3
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE 1994 4
ACP CONTRACT AWARDED FOR SUBMARINE OUTFALL................. 9
TRADE DIRECTOR LEADS HK DELEGATION TO APEC MEETING IN INDONESIA................................................. 10
KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS TRIAL ENDS......... 11
LEAFLET EXPLAINS LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PROPOSALS........... 11
APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF EDUCATION......................... 12
POSTAL SERVICES TO YEMEN RESUMED.......................... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
ODBCS WILL BE SET UP ON TRIAL BASIS : SHA *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCHEME UNDER WHICH CENTRES WOULD BE SET UP FOR OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
AFTER A ONE-YEAR TRIAL PERIOD, THE SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A TAI PING SHAN LION’S CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE CURRENTLY ABOUT 130,000 OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS IN THE TERRITORY, OF WHICH 90 PER CENT COME FROM THE PHILIPPINES.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, THIS FIGURE HAS BEEN INCREASING AT THE RATE OF OVER 1,000 A MONTH.
THESE HELPERS, MR SUEN STRESSED, HAVE MADE A VALUABLE AND SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION NOT ONLY TO INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES IN HONG KONG BUT ALSO TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
AND HE ALSO REASONED THAT AS THEY HAVE LEFT THEIR COUNTRY TO WORK IN HONG KONG, THEIR BASIC NEEDS SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED.
IN THIS CONTEXT, MR SUEN NOTED THAT A CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) STUDY FOUND THAT THE MAIN REASON FOR THEIR CONGREGATING IN THE MORE POPULAR AREAS OF CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND TSIM SHA TSUI ON SUNDAYS WAS DUE TO A LACK OF DEDICATED PREMISES AND SITES FOR SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
ADDITIONALLY, THESE VENUES HAVE TELEPHONE, POSTAL AND BANKING SERVICES WITH CHURCHES AND GOODS STALLS NEARBY.
WHILE ADMITTING THAT IT WOULD NOT BE PRACTICAL OR EASY TO FIND SUBSTITUTE SITES, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT NEVERTHELESS NEEDED TO DRAW UP A SYSTEMATIC AND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO PROVIDE MORE SUITABLE SITES FOR THESE HELPERS.
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD NOT ONLY MEET THEIR PRACTICAL NEEDS BUT WOULD ALSO HELP RELIEVE THE IMPACT OF THEIR CROWDING THE MORE POPULAR LOCATIONS.
IN VIEW OF THIS, CNTA HAS STARTED IDENTIFYING SUITABLE SITES FOR USE AS CENTRES OR ACTIVITY CENTRES FOR THESE HELPERS - EASILY ACCESSIBLE VENUES WHICH ARE AT PRESENT UNDER-UTILISED.
"AS YOU KNOW, THIS IS NOT AN EASY TASK AS LAND IS PRECIOUS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
BUT FORTUNATELY, MR SUEN SAID, WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS PARTIES, PARTICULARLY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND PO LEUNG KUK, THE GOVERNMENT HAS FOUND TWO SUITABLE BUILDINGS WHICH HAVE BOTH BEEN LEFT VACANT FOR OVER A YEAR.
/ONE OF .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
2
ONE OF THE BUILDINGS, THE CHUNG SING BENEVOLENT SOCIETY PRIMARY SCHOOL, IS LOCATED IN KENNEDY TOWN WHILE THE OTHER, THE YIU TAK CHI MEMORIAL SCHOOL, IS IN MONG KOK AND BELONGS TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS HAVE ALSO BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR USE AS ACTIVITY CENTRES.
THEY INCLUDE THE PO LEUNG KUK YU LEE MO FAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT AND FOUR GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN THE URBAN AREA, NAMELY THE HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, CLEMENTI SECONDARY SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT, JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN KOWLOON TONG AND KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN SHAM SHUI PO.
"AS PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPOSED CENTRES IS VERY IMPORTANT, WE HAVE IDENTIFIED A NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATION KNOWN AS THE HONG KONG BAYANIHAN TRUST (THE TRUST) TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FINANCING THE ENTIRE SCHEME AND OPERATING THE CENTRES.
"THE ORGANISATION IS MAINLY FORMED BY A GROUP OF FILIPINO BUSINESS EXECUTIVES IN HONG KONG WHO ARE VERY EXPERIENCED IN PROVIDING ALL SORTS OF SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS.
"THEY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STAFFING AND MANAGEMENT OF ALL THE CENTRES INCLUDING ACTIVITY CENTRES," MR SUEN SAID.
AND THE TRUST WOULD ALSO REFURBISH THE TWO VACANT BUILDINGS.
FACILITIES SUCH AS INFORMATION CENTRES, LIBRARIES, TELEPHONE BOOTHS, PLAYGROUNDS AND FUNCTION ROOMS WILL BE PROVIDED.
REGULAR RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS, TV/FILM SHOWS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT WILL APPEAL TO THE INTERESTS OF THE OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED BY RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS.
ADDITIONALLY, UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE TRUST, THE OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS GROUPS WILL ORGANISE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING FILM SHOWS AND SPORTS TOURNAMENTS IN THOSE "SUNDAY ONLY" ACTIVITY CENTRES.
MR SUEN SAID THAT EXCEPT FOR THE TWO VACANT BUILDINGS WHICH WOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO REFURBISH, THE REST OF THE CENTRES WERE EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
AS A NUMBER OF THESE CENTRES WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN THE URBAN AREA, MR SUEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSULTED THE 10 URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS.
WHILE SEVEN OF THEM HAVE GIVEN THEIR SUPPORT, TWO HAVE REJECTED THE PROPOSALS WITH ONE BOARD EXPRESSING MIXED VIEWS.
"WITH THE SUPPORT OF MOST OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, WE BELIEVE THAT THE WHOLE CONCEPT IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL," HE ADDED.
/AS REGARDS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
- 3 -
AS REGARDS THOSE WHO WERE AGAINST THE PROPOSALS, MR SUEN SAID THEIR MAIN CONCERN WAS THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE CENTRES MAY GIVE RISE TO TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND HAWKING PROBLEMS.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT AS THE CAPACITY OF EACH CENTRE WOULD BE LIMITED COUPLED WITH PROPER MANAGEMENT, SUCH PROBLEMS WOULD NOT BE INSURMOUNTABLE.
FURTHERMORE, AS THESE CENTRES WILL IN THE COURSE OF’TIME HELP DIVERT OVERSEAS HELPERS TO VARIOUS AREAS, THEIR IMPACT ON EACH DISTRICT SHOULD BE REDUCED ACCORDINGLY.
”WE UNDERSTAND THAT EACH DISTRICT HAS ITS OWN NEEDS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE ALSO TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
"IF RESIDENTS ONLY CARE ABOUT THEIR OWN INTERESTS AND OBJECT TO THE SETTING UP OF SUCH CENTRES IN THEIR DISTRICT, THE PROPOSAL CAN NEVER BE IMPLEMENTED.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE WARNED THAT THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE CONGREGATION OF OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS IN THE MORE POPULAR GATHERING PLACES WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST OR EVEN GET WORSE.
ALTHOUGH ACCEPTING THAT THE SETTING UP OF JUST A FEW CENTRES WOULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONVERGENCE OF OVERSEAS HELPERS IN CENTRAL AND OTHER POPULAR SPOTS, MR SUEN SAID A START HAD TO BE MADE.
’’THE SUCCESS OF THESE CENTRES WILL FACILITATE OUR SEARCH FOR ADDITIONAL SITES AND IN THE LONG RUN, HELP TO RELIEVE THE SITUATION IN THE MORE POPULAR LOCATIONS.
”IT IS BEYOND DOUBT THAT OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED A GREAT DEAL TO OUR COMMUNITY.
’’SO LET US DO SOMETHING FOR THEM AND PROVIDE THEM WITH SUITABLE VENUES TO SPEND THEIR REST DAYS," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD t t * t *
STAGE II WORKS OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT COMMENCED THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TOGETHER WITH NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION WAS OBSERVED AFTER 7.45 AM FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. IT WAS BELIEVED THAT SOME MOTORISTS USED HITHERTO OTHER TRAFFIC CORRIDORS CHOSE TO RETURN TO LION ROCK TUNNEL, THINKING THAT THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WOULD BE IMPROVED WITHOUT THE TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENT EFFECTED UNDER STAGE I WORKS. BESIDES, MOTORISTS NORMALLY TAKE SOME TIME TO ADAPT TO A NEW TRAFFIC SCHEME.
/MOTORISTS ARE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT ROAD CAPACITIES ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ARE STILL REDUCED DURING STAGE II WORKS, AND ARE ADVISED TO CHOOSE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
COMMUTERS ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, AND TO PLAN THEIR TRAVEL WELL TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE POSSIBLE DELAY IN JOURNEY.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS REFINING THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WHICH CAN BEST MEET PEAK HOUR TRAFFIC DEMAND IN THE ROAD SECTIONS AFFECTED BY WORKS, WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACTUAL TRAFFIC SITUATION.
FURTHER FINE TUNNING OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOW IN HAND PARTICULARLY AT HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE TO REDUCE CONGESTION. THE POSITION SHALL BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC SCHEME SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED WHERE POSSIBLE.
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN JUNE 1994 *****
THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 14% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 5.7%, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 9.6%. MEANWHILE, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 12% 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 RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 0.6% AND 1.1% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.6%.
PRICE CHANGES ARE REFLECTED BY CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE INDICES, WHICH ARE COMPILED BASED ON AVERAGE UNIT VALUES OR, FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES, BASED ON SPECIFIC PRICE DATA.
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX, DECREASED BY 0.9% IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS ACCELERATED FURTHER TO SHOW AN INCREASE OF 20%, WHILE THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS RETURNED TO MODERATE INCREASE OF 4.9%. TAKEN TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 17%.
MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW MARKEDLY BY 23%.
/THE SIGNIFICANT .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
5
THE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH RECORDED FOR THE VARIOUS TRADE AGGREGATES IN JUNE THIS YEAR WAS, HOWEVER, PARTLY DUE TO A LOW BASE OF COMPARISON IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED, WHILE THOSE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.3%. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.6%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: CAPITAL GOODS (+23%), RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+23%), CONSUMER GOODS (+17%) AND FOODSTUFFS (+17%). THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 5.4%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS, CONSUMER GOODS, CAPITAL GOODS, AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES, INCREASED BY 1.8%, 0.7%, 0.6% AND 0.3% RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FUELS DECREASED BY 14%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+17%) AND METAL MANUFACTURES (+15%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-44%) AND FOOTWEAR (-26%).
COMMODITY GROUPS THAT RECORDED INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+5.2%), AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+3.6%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (-7.3%), METALORES AND SCRAP (-1.4%) AND TEXTILE FABRICS (-0.9%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 21% IN JUNE 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WHEAT AND FLOUR; AND SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE AND CATTLE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 18%.
/COMMODITY ITEMS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
6 -
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; AND RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS. ON THE OTHER HAND, A MARKED DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS NOTED OF PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 21% IN JUNE 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; COTTON YARN AND THREAD; AND RAW COTTON. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED MARKEDLY BY 125% IN VOLUME IN JUNE 1994 AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 28% IN JUNE 1994 OVER JUNE 1993.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND OFFICE MACHINERY. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND TEXTILE MACHINERY DECLINED.
COMPARING JUNE 1994 WITH JUNE 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2.7%), CONSUMER GOODS (+1.8%) AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1.0%). THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED. THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 17%.
DETAILS OF THE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE JUNE 1994 ISSUE OF THE ’’HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS”.
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE AROUND SEPTEMBER 12 AT $9 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4918).
/TABLE 1 : .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JUN 1994
COMPARING JAN-JUN 1994
WITH JUN 1993
WITH JAN-JUN 1993
% CHANGES
% CHANGES
UNIT
UNIT
END-USE CATEGORY
VALUE VALUE VOLUME
VALUE VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 19.0 1.8 17.1 18.0 1.7 16.2
CONSUMER GOODS 16.9 0.7 17.3 12.2 1.0 11.2
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 24.4 0.3 23.3 20.0 -0.7 20.8
FUELS -18.5 -14.5 -5.4 10.9 -16.0 28.4
CAPITAL GOODS 23.2 0.6 23.4 9.9 1.9 9.2
ALL COMMODITIES 19.8 0.5 19.9 14.0 0.6 13.9
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP
CLOTHING
COMPARING JUN 1994
WITH JUN 1993
% CHANGES
UNIT
VALUE VALUE VOLUME
4.8
1.0
COMPARING
WITH
JAN-JUN 1994
JAN-JUN 1993
CHANGES
UNIT
VALUE VALUE VOLUME
-1.8 1.2 -2.4
4 . 1
%
/TEXTILE FABRICS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
- 8 -
TEXTILE FABRICS -4.8 -0.9 -4.1 -12.5 -4.1 -8.8
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 4.8 2.8 2.6 -7.4 0.2 -6.4
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 5.0 3.1 1.4 -3.5 0.1 -4.9
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -44.0 1.0 -43.6 -57.2 1.9 -57.6
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 23.8 5.2 16.8 -3.^ 3.9 -7.5
FOOTWEAR -28.0 -7.3 -25.7 -22.1 -2.9 -23.6
METAL MANUFACTURES 13.6 2.0 15.2 -0.4 2.1
METAL ORES AND SCRAP -12.2 -1.4 -14.4 -10.9 -1.7 -11.0
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10.6 2.2 9.9 -6.9 1.6 -7.2
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 11.7 3.6 8.4 -0.9 4.6 -5.0
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -6.8 3.2 -12.3 -16.8 2.5 -21.2
ALL COMMODITIES 6.4 1.3 4.9 -4.4 1.1 -5.7
* LESS THAN 0.05%
/TABLE 3 : .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
9
TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JUN 1994 WITH JUN 1993 COMPARING JAN-JUN 1994 WITH JAN-JUN 1993 % CHANGES
END-USE CATEGORY % CHANGES
VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 21.9 0.5 21.0 15.2 0.1 15.5
CONSUMER GOODS 17.8 1.8 17.5 10.8 1.9 10.0
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 25.2 2.7 21.1 18.0 2.1 15.0
FUELS 86.9 -16.9 125.1 11.7 -17.1 35.6
CAPITAL GOODS 30.0 1.0 28.0 8.9 1.9 6.8
ALL COMMODITIES 24.0 1.6 23.0 13.1 1.6 12.0
0
ACP CONTRACT AWARDED FOR SUBMARINE OUTFALL
*****
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBMARINE OUTFALL OFF THE NORTH LANTAU COAST AT SIU HO WAN.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $115 MILLION, WILL BE AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO A JOINT VENTURE FORMED BY MCCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTORS LIMITED OF NEW ZEALAND AND UNIVERSAL DOCKYARD LIMITED OF HONG KONG.
/WORKS UNDER .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
- 10 -
WORKS UNDER THIS CONTRACT INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF A 1.5-KILOMETRES LONG STEEL PIPELINE OF WHICH 1.3 KILOMETRES WILL BE LAID BENEATH THE SEABED.
IT WILL FORM PART OF THE SEWAGE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON THE NORTH LANTAU.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1996.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR TO 62, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF ABOUT $51.3 BILLION.
THESE INCLUDE 49 CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $33.5 BILLION AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 11 CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $11.5 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND A $0.6 BILLION IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CONTRACT FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
TRADE DIRECTOR LEADS HK DELEGATION TO APEC MEETING IN INDONESIA *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, WILL LEAD A HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE THIRD SENIOR OFFICIALS’ MEETING FOR THE SIXTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) TO BE HELD IN YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA, FROM SEPTEMBER 12 TO 14.
THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS A NUMBER OF ISSUES INCLUDING TRADE AND INVESTMENT, FOLLOW-UP OF THE BLAKE ISLAND LEADERS’ INITIATIVES, HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE/BUSINESS SECTOR IN APEC AND THE FUTURE STRUCTURE OF APEC.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT OF THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EMINENT PERSONS GROUP.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR KEVIN HO; DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW• GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K Y TANG; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DAVID TONG; ASSISTANT DIRECTORS-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MS ANISSA WONG, MISS M L WONG AND MR BRIAN TYLER; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MISS CHERRY LING; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR JOHN TSANG; PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, MS PATRICIA LUI; AND TRADE OFFICERS, MR ANTHONY LEE AND MISS ADA YEUNG.
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--------
/Il .....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
- 11 -
KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS TRIAL ENDS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE TRIAL OF KEY-OPERATED ELECTRONIC PARKING METERS AT LO TAK COURT IN TSUEN WAN WILL END FROM MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 11).
THE 50 PARKING SPACES WILL BE REPROVIDED WITH COIN-OPERATED METERS FOR -PARKING PRIVATE CARS, PUBLIC/PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES, LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES AND TAXIS.
THESE TWO-HOUR METERS WILL BE OPERATIONAL BETWEEN 8 AM AND MIDNIGHT FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. PARKING CHARGE WILL BE $2 PER 30 MINUTES.
OWNERS OF THE "PARK KEYS” CAN ARRANGE WITH THE 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORE AT SHOP B, 85 HOI PA STREET, TSUEN WAN FOR REFUND FROM SEPTEMBER 12 TO OCTOBER 11, 1994.
THE TRIAL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 TO ASSESS THE
APPLICABILITY OF THEIR USE IN THE ON-STREET CONDITION.
------0-------
LEAFLET EXPLAINS LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PROPOSALS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC REQUESTS, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY HAS PUBLISHED A LEAFLET, SETTING OUT THE AIMS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF ITS REPORT IN A SIMPLIFIED MANNER.
’’SOME PEOPLE HAVE TOLD US THAT OUR REPORT IS A BIT TECHNICAL AND COMPLICATED,” CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP MRS ANGELA CHEUNG SAID.
"THE LEAFLET WILL HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE TRIED TO TACKLE, AND THE REASONS FOR OUR RECOMMENDATIONS."
MRS CHEUNG NOTED THAT MEDIA REPORTS OVER THE SUMMER HAD FOCUSED ON ONLY ONE ASPECT OF THE REPORT, NAMELY THE AGE WHEN CHILDREN SHOULD START LEARNING ENGLISH.
"IN OUR REPORT WE SUGGEST THAT SOME SCHOOLS MIGHT TRY OUT ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES, WHERE ENGLISH IS NOT TAUGHT FORMALLY UNTIL PRIMARY. 4. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE PROPOSALS WE MAKE FOR IMPROVING THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN," SHE SAID.
"OUR AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING, AND AT THE SAME TIME HELP THE CHILD TO BUILD A FIRMER FOUNDATION OF CHINESE LANGUAGE SKILLS.
"AT PRESENT OUR CHILDREN SPEND ABOUT A THOUSAND HOURS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL ENGLISH LANGUAGE LESSONS, OFTEN WITH DISAPPOINTING RESULTS," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
Z"WE WELCOME........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
12
"WE WELCOME THE DEBATE, WHICH OUR REPORT HAS STARTED, ABOUT WAYS TO IMPROVE THIS SITUATION."
SHE SAID THE WORKING GROUP WOULD HOLD FOUR PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSIONS LATER THIS MONTH TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE REPORT.
"I HAVE WRITTEN TO ALL SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS, ENCLOSING COPIES OF THE LEAFLET AND INVITING TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING SESSIONS," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"WE ARE ALSO ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE BRIEFING SESSIONS ON THE RADIO."
DETAILS OF THE FOUR BRIEFING SESSIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS. SEATING WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
DATE/TIME VENUE
SEPTEMBER 7.30 PM - 13 (TUESDAY) 9.30 PM SHA TIN TOWN HALL (CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL), 1 YUEN WO ROAD, SHA TIN
• SEPTEMBER 7.30 PM - 16 (FRIDAY) 9.30 PM TUEN MUN TOWN HALL (CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL), 3 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN
SEPTEMBER 7.30 PM - 23 (FRIDAY) 9.30 PM SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE (THEATRE), 145 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL
SEPTEMBER 7.30 PM - 28 (WEDNESDAY) 9.30 PM QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL (HALL), 152 SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES, OR FROM THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT, NINTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL. THE FAX NUMBER IS 537 4591.
------0-------
APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF EDUCATION
*****
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 TO JUNE 30, 1995.
THEY ARE SISTER MARIE REMEDIOS, EPISCOPAL DELEGATE FOR EDUCATION, AND MR SHEUNG KWOK-CHU, PRINCIPAL OF PO LEUNG KUK 1984 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK HAS RESIGNED FROM THE BOARD WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1994 TO FOLLOW A FULL-TIME MASTER DEGREE COURSE IN EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
MR LAM THANKED MR LEE FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE BOARD SINCE HIS APPOINTMENT IN JULY 1991.
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/13......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1994
- 13 -
POSTAL SERVICES TO YEMEN RESUMED
*****
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO YEMEN, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE MAY 25, ARE NOW RESUMED.
-----0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,825 0930 + 257
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,227 1000 + 457
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 457
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 457 1200 + 457
LAF TODAY -55 1500 + 457
1600 + 457
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER
TWI 122.1 *+0.0* 8.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.17 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.22 5.79
1 MONTH 4.20 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.07 6.20
3 MONTHS 4.35 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.97 6.55
6 MONTHS 4.65 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.95 6.70
12 MONTHS 5.24 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.56 6.84
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,161 MN
CLOSED 8 SEPTEMBER 1994
------0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PLEDGES FULL INVESTIGATION INTO WALL COLLAPSE.... 1
ACTING CS COMMENTS ON WALL COLLAPSE........................ 1
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING CS’S MEDIA SESSION.................... 2
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING WALL COLLAPSE........... 4
SWD OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO WALL COLLAPSE VICTIMS............. 4
MORE FUNDS HELP INDUSTRIES GO UP- MARKET................... 4
WASTE COLLECTORS’ CONCERN WILL BE CONSIDERED............... 5
TENDERS FOR URBAN AND NT TAXI LICENCES INVITED............. 5
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY REVIEWS CABLE OPERATION............. 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT..................... 7
NEW ROADS ON HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PROPOSED.......... 8
PRIVATE CARS MUST BE INSPECTED............................. 8
GOVT APPRENTICES REMINDED OF THEIR DUTIES.................. 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
10
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
1
GOVERNOR PLEDGES FULL INVESTIGATION INTO WALL COLLAPSE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) DESCRIBED THE COLLAPSE OF A WALL AT NATHAN ROAD AS A HORRIFIC AND TRAGIC ACCIDENT.
HE PLEDGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CARRY OUT A FULL AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION.
”1 HEARD NEWS OF THIS HORRIFIC ACCIDENT WITH GREAT SADNESS. OUR FIRST THOUGHTS MUST BE FOR THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND I AM SURE THAT I SPEAK FOR EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IN OFFERING MY CONDOLENCES."
MR PATTEN ADDED: "THERE WILL BE A FULL AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF THE COLLAPSE AND THE RESULTS OF THIS INVESTIGATION WILL, OF COURSE, BE MADE PUBLIC.
"THE PUBLIC HAS AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW WE INTEND TO PREVENT THIS SORT OF TRAGEDY FROM HAPPENING AGAIN," HE SAID.
------0-------
ACTING CS COMMENTS ON WALL COLLAPSE
*****
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON EXPRESSED REGRET THAT THE WALL COLLAPSE AT NATHAN ROAD HAD HAPPENED AND HE SENT HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE KILLED AND INJURED TN THIS VERY TRAGIC ACCIDENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER INSPECTING THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVING ALL THE HELP TO THE AFFECTED FAMILIES AT THE PRESENT TIME.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO FIND OUT THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE NOW ESTABLISHED A TEAM OF EXPERTS IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TO LOOK INTO THE CAUSES OF THIS ACCIDENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEVELOPER, THE AUTHORISED PERSON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGULATION OF THIS DEMOLITION EXERCISE.
"WE PLEDGE TO FIND OUT THE ROOT CAUSES OF THIS ACCIDENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IF THE OUTCOME IS AVAILABLE."
MR LEUNG THANKED THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED FOR THE TREMENDOUS WORK THEY HAD DONE TN MOUNTING THE RESCUE OPERATION WHICH WERE QUITE DIFFICULT IN THIS SITUATION.
ASKED WHETHER THE INVESTIGATION RESULTS WOULD BE MADE PUBLIC, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: "WE WILL MAKE THE FINDINGS KNOWN WHEN WE HAVE THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION.
"BUT I DO ASSURE THE PUBLIC AND ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPARE NO RESOURCES TO FIND OUT THE CAUSES AND TO ENSURE THAT ALL OUR BUILDING ACTIVITIES ARE SAFE AND SECURE AND HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN REST ASSURED THAT WE WILL DO OUR VERY BEST TO MAKE SURE THIS IS DONE."
/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
- 2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF ACTING CS’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AFTER HIS INSPECTION OF THE COLLAPSE OF A WALL AT A NATHAN ROAD DEMOLITION SITE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING:
MR LEUNG: THIS HAS BEEN A VERY TRAGIC ACCIDENT AND WE EXPRESSED DEEP REGRET tHAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. FIRST OF ALL, OUR CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO HAVE DIED OR INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT AND THE GOVERNMENT IS GIVING EVERY HELP TO ALL THE FAMILIES OF THOSE AFFECTED AT THE PRESENT TIME. SECONDLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED, THE FIRE SERVICES, THE POLICE, AND THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT AND ALL INVOLVED IN HELPING THE RESCUE OPERATIONS WHICH ARE QUITE DIFFICULT AND NOT EASY IN THIS SITUATION. BUT THEY HAVE DONE TREMENDOUS WORK IN GETTING THE RESCUE OPERATIONS FINISHED BY THIS TIME. THIRDLY, THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO FIND OUT THE CAUSES OF THIS ACCIDENT. WE HAVE NOW
ESTABLISHED A TEAM OF EXPERTS IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TO LOOK INTO
THE CAUSES OF THIS ACCIDENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEVELOPER, THE AUTHORISED PERSON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGULATION OF THIS
DEMOLITION EXERCISE AND WE PLEDGE TO FIND OUT THE ROOT CAUSES OF THIS
ACCIDENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IF THE OUTCOME IS AVAILABLE.
QUESTION: WILL THE PROBE BE MADE PUBLIC?
MR LEUNG: CERTAINLY, WE WILL MAKE THE FINDINGS KNOWN WHEN WE HAVE THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION. BUT I DO ASSURE THE PUBLIC AND ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPARE NO RESOURCES TO FIND OUT THE CAUSES AND TO ENSURE THAT ALL OUR BUILDING ACTIVITIES ARE SAFE AND SECURE AND HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN REST ASSURED WE WILL DO OUR VERY BEST TO MAKE SURE THIS IS DONE.
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE COMPANY IN CHARGE OF DEMOLITION HERE?
MR LEUNG: THE COMPANY LOOKING AFTER THIS IS THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT PARTICULAR DEMOLITION SITE AND THEY ARE NOW IN CHARGE OF THE REINSTATEMENT WORK FOR THIS PARTICULAR BUILDING, CHECKED AND SUPERVISED BY THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS SAFE AND SECURE.
QUESTION: IT SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THIS KIND OF ACCIDENTS HAPPENING RECENTLY?
MR LEUNG: I DON’T THINK THERE HAVE BEEN THAT MANY ACCIDENTS. I THINK BEARING IN MIND THE LARGE NUMBER OF DEMOLITIONS EVERY DAY IN HONG KONG, THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OF THESE GOING ON YEAR AFTER YEAR, DAY AFTER DAY IN HONG KONG. THIS IS A VERY, VERY RARE ACCIDENT INDEED IN HONG KONG. BUT WE ARE NOT COMPLACENT. WE MUST FIND OUT THE ROOT CAUSES OF THIS AND TO TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS ANYTHING INVOLVED IN THIS.
/QUESTION .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
3 -
QUESTION: WHEN THE GOVERNMENT ISSUES A DEMOLITION PERMIT, AND YOU SAY THERE SHOULD BE AN AUTHORISED PERSON, WHY DOESN’T THE GOVERNMENT CHECK IF THAT AUTHORISED PERSON, WHY DON’T YOU KNOW WHO THE AUTHORISED PERSON IS?
MR LEUNG: THE GOVERNMENT KNOWS WHO THEY ARE. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW INVESTIGATING WITH THE AUTHORISED PERSON ON THIS PARTICULAR ACCIDENT.
QUESTION: WHEN YOU ISSUE THE DEMOLITION PERMIT, AFTER THAT DO YOU
COME OUT AND CHECK THE SITE AND MONITOR THE DEMOLITION PROCESS?
MR LEUNG: THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REGULATION ON THE DEMOLITION LIES WITH THE AUTHORISED PERSON UNDER THE ORDINANCE. THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IS TO MONITOR AND CHECK THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS. IN THIS CASE, WE ARE DOING ACCORDING TO THE LAW, THAT WE ARE CHECKING WHETHER THE AUTHORISED PERSON IS ACTING ACCORDING TO THE LAW AND IF NOT, WE’LL HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ACCORDINGLY.
QUESTION: SO YOU CHECK IF THE AUTHORISED PERSON IS QUALIFIED TO
OVERSEE THE DEMOLITION.
MR LEUNG: WE’LL CHECK WHETHER THE AUTHORISED PERSON HAS DONE ALL THE WORK REQUIRED OF THE ORDINANCE AND IF NOT, WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ACCORDINGLY.
QUESTION: SHOULD ANYTHING BE DONE IN THE INTERIM BEFORE THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION ...?
MR LEUNG: I THINK WE SHOULD NOT PRE-JUDGE THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION. BUT WE ARE, AS I SAID, WE ARE DETERMINED TO FIND OUT THE ROOT CAUSES AND IF APPROPRIATE WE WILL TAKE ACTION ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF THIS INVESTIGATION.
QUESTION: SO YOU ARE GOING TO HOLD A PUBLIC INQUIRY?
MR LEUNG: NO, WE ARE DOING THE INVESTIGATION OURSELVES. WE WILL ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS WHEN THE RESULTS ARE KNOWN.
QUESTION: WHAT KIND OF CRITERIA IS THERE FOR AN AUTHORISED PERSON ON A DEMOLITION SITE?
MR LEUNG: IT’S ALL LAID DOWN IN THE ORDINANCE STATING REQUIREMENTS THAT THE PERSON MUST BE AN AUTHORISED PERSON AS DEFINED IN THE ORDINANCE. HE IS A PROFESSIONAL, HE’S AN ARCHITECT OR AN ENGINEER ACCORDING TO THE DEFINITION IN THE ORDINANCE, AND HE MUST SATISFY OUR REQUIREMENTS BEFORE HE CAN BE AN AUTHORISED PERSON UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO CONTROL THE OPERATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE.
QUESTION: ARE AUTHORISED PERSONS REQUIRED TO OVERSEE AT THE ... SITE OF THE DEMOLITION EVERYDAY....?
MR LEUNG: YES, THIS IS WHAT .... ?
0
/4 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
4
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATING WALL COLLAPSE
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, TODAY (FRIDAY) EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE CASUALTIES OF THE WALL COLLAPSE AT A DEMOLITION SITE AT 343-361 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
MRS YU SAID THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT HAD SET UP A TEAM TO ESTABLISH THE FACTS OF, AND TO INVESTIGATE, THE INCIDENT.
’’THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR THE DEPARTMENT IS TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO RESTORE PUBLIC SAFETY AT THE SITE.
"IN THIS RESPECT, THE TEAM IS WORKING IN CONSULTATION WITH THE AUTHORISED PERSON, THE REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER AND THE REGISTERED CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEMOLITION WORKS," SHE ADDED.
------0-------
SWD OFFERS ASSISTANCE TO WALL COLLAPSE VICTIMS
*****
STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE ATTENDED TO THE SCENE OF THE WALL COLLAPSE INCIDENT AT NATHAN ROAD AND WILL CONTINUE TO LOCATE THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND RELATIVES OF THE VICTIMS TO SEE WHAT KIND OF SERVICES CAN BE OFFERED TO THOSE AGGRIEVED.
FIELD UNIT AND FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE PERSONNEL RUSHED TO THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER THE WALL COLLAPSED. IT WAS LATER ESTABLISHED THAT NO EMERGENCY RELIEF SERVICES WERE REQUIRED AT THIS STAGE.
MEANWHILE, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL ARE APPROACHING THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE INJURED VICTIMS TO OFFER ASSISTANCE IF NECESSARY.
SEPARATELY, THE DEPARTMENT’S CASEWORKERS ARE CONTACTING THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO DIED TO OFFER THEM COUNSELLING AND TO SEE WHAT KIND OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES THEY REQUIRED.
------0-------,
MORE FUNDS HELP INDUSTRIES GO UP-MARKET
*****
A TOTAL OF $180 MILLION HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR TO FINANCE PROJECTS THAT WILL PROMOTE HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 13TH HONG KONG WATCH AND CLOCK FAIR, SIR HAMISH SAID TO DATE, $29 MILLION HAD BEEN PROVIDED TO FUND PROJECTS BENEFICIAL TO THE WATCH AND CLOCK INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN FUNDING WAS AIMED AT ASSISTING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES TO MOVE UP-MARKET AND INTO HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION.
/"THE HONG .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
5
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO HELPING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ENHANCE THEIR COMPETITIVENESS BY PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND BY FACILITATING TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE WATCH AND CLOCK SECTOR WAS HONG KONG’S FOURTH LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
HONG KONG IS THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES BY QUANTITY AND THE SECOND LARGEST BY VALUE.
------0--------
WASTE COLLECTORS’ CONCERN WILL BE CONSIDERED
* i * » »
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BRANCH SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER WASTE COLLECTORS’ CONCFRN ABOUT THE PREPAID TICKET SYSTEM.
"OUR ULTIMATE AIM IS TO INTRODUCE A COMPUTERISED BILLING SYSTEM BUT THIS NEEDS TIME TO DEVELOP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE IN PUBLIC INTEREST TO DELAY THE CHARGING SCHEME IN VIEW OF ITS IMPLICATION FOR OUR VALUABLE LANDFILL RESOURCES AS WELL AS THE URGENT NEED TO ENCOURAGE WASTE MINIMISATION AND TO APPLY THE POLLUTER-PAYS PRINCIPLE.
ON CONCERN ABOUT THE PRE-PAID TICKET SYSTEM BEING ABUSED, THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED WITH MEASURES TO ENABLE EMPLOYERS TO DEVELOP GOOD ACCOUNTING PRACTICES SUCH AS RECORD SLIPS TO INDICATE THE AMOUNT OF WASTE DISPOSED OF AND THE AMOUNT OF CHARGES PAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT PARTIES ON THE CHARGING PROPOSAL TOOK PLACE BACK IN MID-1993 AND COMMENTS RECEIVED WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DEVELOPING THE PRESENT SCHEME.
"WE HAVE PLANNED A PUBLICITY EXERCISE BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARGING IN ORDER TO BRING THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL PARTIES AFFECTED," HE SAID.
------0--------
TENDERS FOR URBAN AND NT TAXI LICENCES INVITED * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND 100 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES.
A NOTICE ON THE TENDER INVITATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE ISSUED IN ORDER TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND FOR TAXI SERVICES.
/6........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
6
THE LAST TIME WHEN URBAN TAXI LICENCES WERE ISSUED WAS DECEMBER 1991 WHEN 200 LICENCES WERE ISSUED, AND 100 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES WERE ISSUED IN JULY 1989.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ACCEPTED A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO IMPROVE TAXI SERVICES AND DAMPEN SPECULATION IN TAXI LICENCES.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS THAT TAXI LICENCES SHOULD BE ISSUED AS AND WHEN NECESSARY. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME TENDERS FOR TAXI LICENCES HAVE BEEN INVITED SINCE THEN.
"AS PART OF THE NEW POLICY, TWO NEW CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE TENDER EXERCISE.
"FIRST, NO ONE MAY BID FOR MORE THAN ONE URBAN OR NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCE, AND SECOND, THE NEW TAXI LICENCES WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE WITHIN 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST REGISTRATION OF THE TAXIS CONCERNED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN PERSON FROM THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THIRD FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDERERS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED TENDER FORMS BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1994. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
RESULTS OF TENDERS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.
------0-------
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY REVIEWS CABLE OPERATION » * * » t
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA), AT ITS MEETING YESTERDAY (THURSDAY), WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT WHARF CABLE HAD MADE STEADY PROGRESS IN ITS NETWORK BUILDING AND PENETRATION.
AND IT HAD PASSED 31.5 PER CENT OF THE 1.6 MILLION TELEVISION HOMES IN HONG KONG BY JUNE 1 THIS YEAR, A NUMBER EXCEEDING THE LICENCE REQUIREMENT FOR THE FIRST-YEAR OPERATION.
THE BA REVIEWED WHARF CABLE’S PERFORMANCE IN RESPECT OF ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND IS IN GENERAL SATISFIED WITH WHARF CABLE’S COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
ANOTHER REVIEW OF ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE PERFORMANCE WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN ANOTHER YEAR’S TIME.
THE BA CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND DECIDED TO IMPOSE A PENALTY OF $10,000 ON WHARF CABLE FOR THE SERIOUS BREACH OF THE SUBSCRIPTION TELEVISION PROGRAMME CODE RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS, PORTRAYAL OF VIOLENCE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES.
THE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINT CONCERNED THE DEPICTION OF A CHILD THROWING A CAT OUT OF THE BALCONY IN A CHILDREN’S DRAMA "LONELY BOY" BROADCAST ON THE CABLE .CHILDREN CHANNEL.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
7
A SPOKESMAN FOR BA SAID THE AUTHORITY TOOK A VERY SERIOUS VIEW AND CONSIDERED THE PORTRAYAL OF THE THROWING OF A CAT OUT OF THE BALCONY TOO CRUEL, UNNECESSARY AND INHUMANE.
THE REPEAT OF THE SEQUENCE IN SLOW MOTION AT THE END OF THE PROGRAMME WAS ALSO GRATUITOUS AND UNNECESSARY.
THE SCENES COULD FRIGHTEN, UNNERVE AND CAUSE PAIN TO CHILDREN, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TVB WAS SERIOUSLY WARNED FOR TRANSMITTING TWO BLOCKS OF PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL FOR A NUMBER OF VARIETY SPECIALS UNDER THE TITLE "FUN IN SUMMER CAMP" WITHIN THE PROGRAMME "BYT: SATCHI - QUEEN KING", AND NOT DURING BREAKS WITHIN OR INTERVALS BETWEEN PROGRAMMES AS REQUIRED UNDER THE LICENCE TO BROADCAST AND TELEVISION ADVERTISING STANDARDS.
THE BA WAS MINDFUL THAT TVB HAD BEEN STRONGLY ADVISED FOUR MONTHS AGO TO OBSERVE THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS MORE CAREFULLY REGARDING A SIMILAR COMPLAINT.
A SERIOUS WARNING WAS ALSO ISSUED TO TVB FOR BREACHING THE RESTRICTION PROHIBITING ADVERTISEMENTS FROM INVITING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN ARRANGEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO PROPERTY WITH THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING GAINS ALLEGED OR LIKELY TO ARISE FROM SUCH ARRANGEMENTS.
THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR "PARKLANE GARDEN (DONGGUAN)" BROADCAST ON TVB CARRIED THE CLAIM THAT THE DEVELOPER WOULD GUARANTEE A 200 PER CENT REPURCHASE VALUE.
THE CLAIM CONSTITUTED AN INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC TO BUY PROPERTY WITH THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING GAINS ARISING FROM SUCH ARRANGEMENTS AND WAS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE RELATED PROVISIONS IN THE TELEVISION CODE OF PRACTICE ON ADVERTISING STANDARDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT * ♦ * * ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES NORTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ANOTHER PROJECT AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF TAI PO NEW TOWN.
A SMALL TRANSPORT TERMINUS, ROADS AND DRAINS WILL BE BUILT IN AREA 33, TAI PO.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED, 4 FUNG WO LANE, WO CHE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 30.
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/8 .....
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
8
NEW ROADS ON HUNG HOM BAY ♦ * * *
RECLAMATION PROPOSED *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT ROAD WORKS ON THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION AND AT THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL PLAZA.
THE ROAD WORKS INCLUDE BUILDING OF NEW ROADS AND WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SOME ROADS.
THEY SERVE TO PROVIDE A ROAD SYSTEM FOR DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION AND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE HUNG HOM AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS NEAR THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-1995 AND WILL BE COMPLETED AROUND LATE 1998.
THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE WORKS MAY BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
» THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARKING BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
* THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, MIDDLE ROAD CARPARK BUILDING, 15 MIDDLE ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
♦ THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BY NOVEMBER 8.
------0--------
PRIVATE CARS MUST BE INSPECTED
*****
PRIVATE CARS MANUFACTURED IN 1988 OR BEFORE THAT REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR MUST BE INSPECTED FOR THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS AS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR LICENCE RENEWAL.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT OWNERS OF ALL PRIVATE CARS SIX YEARS OR MORE FROM THE YEAR OF MANUFACTURE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION AT A DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRE TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED VEHICLE OWNERS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY OF THE 24 DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR INSPECTION.
/9 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
9
GOVT APPRENTICES REMINDED OF THEIR DUTIES
***** * h*
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED NEWLY GRADUATED GOVERNMENT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES TO KEEP IN MIND THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFEGUARDING THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC.
"THIS SIMPLY MEANS YOU MUST NEVER IGNORE THE IMPACT OF WHAT YOU DO," HE SAID.
MR WONG GAVE THE ADVICE WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE APPRENTICES.
HE REMINDED THE APPRENTICES THAT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO FOLLOW GUIDELINES OR MEET A SPECIFICATION.
"YOU MUST TRAIN YOURSELVES ALWAYS TO ASK THE QUESTION 'WHAT IF?’. WHAT IF THIS COMPONENT FAILS, OR SOMEBODY FORGETS TO OIL IT? WHAT IF WIND OR RAIN BATTER THE INSTALLATION YOU ARE WORKING ON? WHAT IF AN IDIOT GETS AT THE CONTROLS? WHAT IF POLLUTANTS GET IN THE WATER? CAN YOUR WORK SURVIVE? WILL THE PUBLIC REMAIN PROTECTED?" HE NOTED.
MR WONG ALSO URGED THE APPRENTICES TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION.
"YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WHAT YOU DO MAY CONTRIBUTE TO POLLUTION AND, THOUGH YOUR CONTRIBUTION MAY BE SMALL, EVEN SEEMINGLY NEGLIGIBLE, THE SUM OF EVERYBODY’S CONTRIBUTION MAY BE CRITICAL," HE STRESSED.
PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BY MR WONG TODAY ARE 44 CRAFT APPRENTICES AND 16 TECHNICAL APPRENTICES WHO HAVE ACQUIRED A PARTICULAR SKILL UNDER THE GOVERNMENT TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT APPRENTICES TRAINING SCHEME RUN BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SCHEME HAS A HISTORY OF MORE THAN 20 YEARS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING TRAINED CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS WELL AS TO MEET THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRIES AT LARGE IN HONG KONG.
SELECTED CANDIDATES UNDERGO A FOUR-YEAR TRAINING COURSE WHICH COMBINES ACADEMIC LEARNING WITH PRACTICAL TRAINING.
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/10........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET ♦ * » OPERATIONS * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,227 0930 + 47
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,048 1000 + 37
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : • 1100 + 54
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 36 1200 + 54
LAF TODAY -215 1500 + 54
1600 + 36
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 122.2 *+0.1* 9.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.08 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.25 5.78
1 MONTH 4.16 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.08 6.20
3 MONTHS 4.34 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.96 6.57
6 MONTHS 4.64 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.96 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.24 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.58 6.83
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,881 MN
CLOSED 9 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SPEL ON WALL COLLAPSE...................................... 1
DISTRICT OFFICE NOT WARNED OF DANGER AT DEMOLITION SITE. 1
SOCIAL WELFARE DELEGATION VISITS CHINA..................... 2
HONG KONG IS NO. 1 CONTAINER PORT.......................... 3
RESULTS OF “USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS” CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED... 4
POK FU LAM ROAD STAGE I RECONSTRUCTION WORKS COMPLETED ... 5
IMPORTANCE OF REFRESHER TRAINING STRESSED.................. 6
SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED............. 6
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION........... 6
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
8
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
1 SPEL ON WALL COLLAPSE *****
FOLLOWING IS THE OPENING STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING ON YESTERDAY’S WALL COLLAPSE AT NATHAN ROAD:
• THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A FEW POINTS IN RELATION TO YESTERDAY’S TRAGEDY IN YAU MA TEI AND OUTLINE WHAT WE ARE DOING IMMEDIATELY TO PREVENT SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY FROM NOW ON. THEN MY COLLEAGUES AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE QUESTIONS.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT (BD) HAS ALREADY CALLED IN STAFF TO CARRY OUT CHECKS ON ALL CURRENT DEMOLITION SITES. THE CHECKS WILL COMMENCE THIS WEEKEND AND CONTINUE AS A MATTER OF URGENCY UNTIL EVERY SITE HAS BEEN CHECKED. WE WILL ALSO BE ESTABLISHING A DEDICATED TEAM IN THE BD TO CARRY OUT SPOT CHECKS OF DEMOLITION SITES FROM NOW ON. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WILL BE NEEDED FOR THIS WORK. AT OUR MEETING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS MORNING, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THIS REQUIREMENT MUST BE MET AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.
WE HAVE CALLED AN EMERGENCY MEETING WITH THE BUILDINGS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE AUTHORISED PERSONS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS COMMITTEE ON MONDAY AFTERNOON. THESE ARE THE FORMAL CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATES WITH THOSE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY AT DEMOLITION SITES. WE WILL BE MAKING CLEAR TO THEM THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY WHO HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF THESE SITES MAKE PROPER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPERVISION OF DEMOLITION WORK. OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT PROFESSIONALS FULFIL THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND WE WILL TAKE WHATEVER ACTION IS NECESSARY IF WE FIND THAT THEY DO NOT MEASURE UP.
WE WILL BE REVIEWING IMMEDIATELY THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED WHEN CONSENT IS GIVEN FOR DEMOLITION WORK UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE. WE WANT TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT THEY ARE SUFFICIENTLY TIGHT. WE WILL BE LOOKING IN PARTICULAR AT THE FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS REQUIRED BY THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMOLITION SITES UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, THE REQUIREMENTS FOR HOARDINGS AT SUCH SITES AND OTHER MEASURES SUCH AS DIVERTING PEDESTRIAN AWAY FROM DEMOLITION SITES WHERE POSSIBLE.
WE WILL ALSO BE REVIEWING THE EXISTING LEGISLATION TO SEE WHETHER ANY TIGHTENING UP IS REQUIRED.
------0--------
DISTRICT OFFICE NOT WARNED OF DANGER AT DEMOLITION SITE *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE NATHAN ROAD WALL COLLAPSE, YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER MR BART IRELAND TODAY (SATURDAY) CLARIFIED THAT HIS OFFICE HAD NOT BEEN FOREWARNED OF ANY DANGER POSED BY THE DEMOLITION WORK.
HE SAID THE JORDAN ARFA COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR YIP WAH WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU TS1M DISTRICT BOARD, ONLY DISCUSSED ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE DEMOLITION OF THE WING ON BUILDING AT ITS MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 6 (TUESDAY).
/THE ISSUE .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
2
THE ISSUE WAS RAISED BY DR LO CHI-KEUNG WHO SAID THE DEMOLITION WORK WAS CAUSING OBSTRUCTION TO THE PAVEMENT AND THAT AN UNACCEPTABLE STREAM OF WATER WAS FLOWING FROM THE SITE. ADDITIONALLY, THE PAVEMENT WAS ALSO BLOCKED BY ORNAMENTAL PLANTERS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE MEETING AGREED THAT THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE DISCUSSED FURTHER BY THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES, AND THEN IN DUE COURSE, BY THE DISTRICT BOARD ITSELF.
CONSEQUENTLY, THESE ENVRIONMENTAL PROBLEMS WERE RAISED BY DISTRICT BOARD AND JORDAN AREA COMMITTEE MEMBER MR LI KING-WAH AT YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING.
IT WAS ONLY AT THIS MEETING THAT MR LI HAD RAISED THE PROBLEM OF OBJECTS FALLING FROM THE DEMOLITION SITE POSING A HAZARD TO PEDESTRIANS.
MR IRELAND STRESSED THAT THE DANGER OF FALLING DEBRIS HAD NOT BEEN RAISED AT THE JORDAN AREA COMMITTEE MEETING LAST TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 6).
INDEED, MR IRELAND SAID AFTER COMPLAINTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE WERE MADE AT THE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING, HIS STAFF VISITED THE SITE THE FOLLOWING DAY (SEPTEMBER 7).
HE ALSO ADDED: “THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT AND ADVICE OF THE AREA COMMITTEES AND WILL ALWAYS RESPOND POSITIVELY TO MATTERS WHICH ARE OF CONCERN TO THEM."
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SOCIAL WELFARE DELEGATION VISITS CHINA
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WILL LEAD AN 11-MEMBER SOCIAL WELFARE DELEGATION TO VISIT CHINA ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13). THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED SOCIAL WELFARE DELEGATION VISITS CHINA.
THE DELEGATION, COMPRISING SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONALS FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, WILL DISCUSS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AFFAIRS AND THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND REHABILITATION MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
"WE WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH OUR CHINESE COUNTERPARTS ON WHAT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN HONG KONG, THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS RESPECTIVELY IN THIS DELIVERY OF SERVICES AND PROPOSALS FOR PLANNED EXPANSION OF THESE SERVICES," MR STRACHAN SAID.
"WE ALSO WISH TO LEARN ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICE IN CHINA AND TO ESTABLISH AN ONGOING RAPPORT AMONG SENIOR SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE TWO PLACES,” HE ADDED.
DURING THE FIVE-DAY VISIT IN BEIJING, THE DELEGATES WILL CALL ON A COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE, A REHABILITATION CENTRE, AN ELDERLY ACTIVITIES CENTRE, A PROSTHETICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND A CHILDREN’S WELFARE INSTITUTE.
/OTHER MEMBERS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
3
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, DR RAYMOND WU WAI-YUNG; AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL
SERVICE, MR HUI YIN-FAT.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO THE TERRITORY ON SEPTEMBER 17 (SATURDAY).
------0--------
HONG KONG IS NO. 1 CONTAINER PORT
*****
HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE FIRST PORT IN THE WORLD TO HANDLE MORE THAN 900,000 CONTAINERS IN A SINGLE MONTH. IT HAS ALSO OVERTAKEN ITS NEAREST RIVAL, SINGAPORE, AS THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT.
ITS MAY THROUGHPUT TOTALLED 985,000 TEUS (20-FOOT-EQUIVALENT UNITS). THIS WAS A 26.8 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THE HUGE JUMP BROUGHT HONG KONG’S TOTAL THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO 4.167 MILLION TEUS, A 21.6 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
SINGAPORE’S TOTAL THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 4.049 MILLION TEUS, AN INCREASE OF 16.9 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S FIGURES.
HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN 1993, HANDLING 9.204 MILLION TEUS COMPARED WITH 9.047 MILLION HANDLED BY SINGAPORE FOR THE YEAR.
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, SINGAPORE’S THROUGHPUT WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN HONG KONG’S. HOWEVER, PORT OFFICIALS POINTED OUT THAT WHILE SINGAPORE’S THROUGPUT WAS EVEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, HONG KONG’S TENDED TO GROW IN THE LATER MONTHS.
THE LATEST FIGURES BEAR THIS OUT AND PORT OPERATORS SAY THAT HONG KONG IS LIKELY TO MAINTAIN ITS LEAD POSITION FOR THE REST OF 1994.
THE BIG INCREASE IN THE NUMBERS OF CONTAINERS HANDLED IS DUE TO DEMAND FROM THE GROWING ECONOMY IN SOUTHERN CHINA.
IT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE LAST BERTH OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 8 ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND BEGINNING OPERATION SIX MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
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/4 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
4
RESULTS OF "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED
*****
RETAILERS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN HAVE REPORTED SATISFACTORY RESULTS DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN MAY THIS YEAR BY THE "USE LESS PLASTIC BAGS" CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (RMA) AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
THIRTY-ONE RETAILERS, COMPRISING SOME 1,500 RETAIL OUTLETS, HAVE JOINED IN THE CAMPAIGN TO HELP REDUCE THE USE OF PLASTIC. BAGS THROUGH THEIR OWN ACTION PLANS. THEY AIM TO ACHIEVE AT LEAST A 10 PER CENT REDUCTION IN PLASTIC BAG CONSUMPTION IN A YEAR’S TIME.
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN TODAY (SATURDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RMA, MR RODNEY MILES, SAID OVER 30 PER CENT OE THE PARTICIPANTS HAD ALREADY ACHIEVED THE YEAR-END REDUCTION TARGET OF 10 PER CENT.
"THE MOST PLEASING ASPECT IN MANY WAYS WAS THAT DESPITE VOLUME SALES INCREASES REPORTED BY ALL RETAILERS INVOLVED, NEARLY ALL OF THEM HAD MANAGED TO ACHIEVE A NOTICEABLE REDUCTION IN PLASTIC BAG USAGE," HE SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THE STRENGTH OF THE CAMPAIGN IS IN THE VOLUNTARY DRIVE OF OUR MEMBERS, THE COMMUNICATION OF THE 'USE LESS’ OBJECTIVE AND THE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT METHODS INDIVIDUAL RETAILERS HAVE USED," HE ADDED.
METHODS EMPLOYED BY THE PARTICIPATING RETAILERS INCLUDE EDUCATING THE STAFF OF THE NEED TO ECONOMISE ON THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS AND CONTROLLING THE ISSUANCE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
PAPER BAGS, THINNER PLASTIC BAGS AS WELL AS SPECIALLY DESIGNED CARRIERS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY A NUMBER OF RETAILERS.
REUSABLE BAGS ARE ALSO SOLD IN NEARLY ALL THE PARTICIPATING SUPERMARKETS AND CONVENIENCE STORES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS.
"WE ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT WE CAN MAINTAIN AN EVEN INCREASE MOMENTUM DURING THE YEAR TO ACHIEVE OUR OVERALL TARGET OF AT LEAST A 10 PER CENT REDUCTION FROM ALL PARTICIPATING RETAILERS," MR MILES SAID.
TO GIVE FURTHER SUPPORT TO THE RETAILERS, THE CAMPAIGN EOMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A COMPETITION IN MAY TO LOOK FOR NEW IDEAS TO ELP REDUCE THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
AMONG THE SUGGESTIONS ARE THE PROVISION OF GREEN LANES FOR Customers who do not require carrier bags and the use of incentives to DISCOURAGE THE USE OF PLASTIC BAGS.
/THE CAMPAIGN .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
- 5 -
THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL FOLLOW UP ON THESE SUGGESTIONS AND LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF PUTTING THEM INTO PRACTICE.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR MIKE CHIU, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MR ANTHONY YUEN.
------0-------
POK FU LAM ROAD STAGE I RECONSTRUCTION WORKS COMPLETED * * * * *
POK FU LAM ROAD STAGE I RECONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE COMPLETED DESPITE THE HEAVY RAINS IN JUDY AND AUGUST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE WORKS INVOLVE RECONSTRUCTING ABOUT 3.8 KILOMETRES OF CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAY OF THE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN MT DAVIS ROAD AND ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD. THE STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND OTHER UTILITY IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
STAGE I OF THE WORKS WHICH COVERS THE SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD TO THE NORTH OF POK FU LAM RESERVOIR ROAD, INCLUDING THE CRITICAL JUNCTION NEAR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED DESPITE THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE RECENT WET MONTHS.
STAGE II WORKS COVERING THE REMAINING SECTION TOWARDS ABERDEEN ARE IN PROGRESS AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
"UPON COMPLETION OF THE ROADWORKS, A FIVE-YEAR AND ONE-YEAR ROAD OPENING RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED RESPECTIVELY ON THE RECONSTRUCTED CARRIAGEWAY AND FOOTWAY.
"FURTHERMORE, AS RENEWAL AND PROVISION OF UTILITY SERVICES HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT CONCURRENTLY DURING THE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS, THE PRACTICAL NEED FOR ROAD OPENINGS ALONG THIS SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS SHOULD BE MINIMAL AND ROAD COMMUTERS SHOULD FIND THEIR JOURNEYS SMOOTHER THAN BEFORE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE RECONSTRUCTED POK FU LAM ROAD TOGETHER WITH OTHER ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS PLANNED IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL SERVE AS AN IMPORTANT ROUTE FOR COMMUTERS BETWEEN THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS.
THE RECONSTRUCTED WORKS COMMENCED IN OCTOBER 1992 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $42 MILLION.
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/6........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
6
IMPORTANCE OF REFRESHER TRAINING STRESSED ***** THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF REFRESHER TRAINING FOR TEACHERS TO HELP THEM STAY ABREAST OF LATEST EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1994/95 REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE FOR SERVING SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATE TEACHERS ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR WONG NOTED THAT IN THE PAST DECADE, MANY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
THE IMPACT WAS PARTICULARLY FELT IN THE AREAS OF TEACHING METHODOLOGY, SYLLABUSES, CURRICULUM DESIGN, SCHOOL MANAGEMENT, AND PROVISION OF SERVICES TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR TEACHERS AS FRONT-LINE WORKERS TO BE KEPT INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ARRANGING REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES SINCE 1983.
IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, 725 GRADUATE TEACHERS HAD BENEFITED FROM THESE COURSES.
- - 0----------
SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS FOR THE HANDICAPPED
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED ELECTORS THAT 22 SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE OPENED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS MAY APPLY TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, NOT LESS THAN FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD POLLING DAY ON SEPTEMBER 18, TO VOTE AT THESE SPECIFIED STATIONS, IF NECESSARY. THE LAST DAY OF APPLICATION IS SEPTEMBER 13.
UPON APPROVAL, THEY SHALL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIFIED POLLING STATION ALLOCATED TO HIM.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 881 7562.
-----0-------
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION
*****
ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $3,834,000 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 115 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $140,000.
/ANOTHER REGISTRATION .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
7
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK DB7 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND PRICE OF $390,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR HIGHEST GA4665, GA1738,
GA7278, GB2198, GA8908, GB1708, GA1023, GB1139. GB1126, EC8678, • GA2213, BM7301,
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GA2889 14,000 GB986 7,000 GB320 18,000 GB2468 25,000
GB206 3,000 FY132 11,000 GB3338 40,000 DD512 7,000
*GA919 15,000 *GA33 100,000 *1216 120,000 *DB7 390,000
GA4665 1,000 GA3618 4,000 EL228 80,000 GA6628 44,000
GA133 23,000 AE106 21,000 GB143 13,000 GA7278 1,000
GB210 4,000 GB118 79,000 AA321 110,000 BT1880 11,000
GB8848 3,000 GA9663 2,000 GB186 20,000 GA8908 1,000
*FY97 20,000 *GB6 172,000 ♦ CY18 155,000 »EV222 85,000
GB1130 4,000 CC3108 13,000 GA3668 20,000 GA6626 7,000
GB3089 2,000 GA8238 30,000 CH6123 2,000 GA1023 1,000
GB1126 1,000 GB650 2,000 *AH1313 74,000 EC8678 1,000
GB932 20,000 GA2213 1,000 BM7301 1,000 *GB9779 18,000
GA1738 1,000 GB2198 1,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GB268 21,000 EL382 23,000 GB106 7,000 GB1128 20,000
GB993 23,000 GB8111 6,000 BP375 9,000 GB3323 14,000
*GC181 21,000 *FC16 40,000 *115 440,000 *GB3 220,000
GA9188 16,000 DD501 11,000 GB328 107,000 AL7818 17,000
GA1992 4,000 GB338 70,000 GA188 60,000 GB163 68,000
GB220 15,000 GB622 10,000 GB911 52,000 CJ3222 28,000
BB885 25,000 GB7776 3,000 GB309 7,000 GB1708 1,000
*CW7 170,000 *GB12 90,000 *FY8 210,000 *FC29 39,000
GA8848 12,000 GB1828 18,000 AW1138 42,000 GA9908 6,000
GB1112 6,000 GA8850 WITHDRAWN GB2600 3,000 GB1217 WITHDRAWN
CT197 9,000 GB3308 10,000 ♦BB456 32,000 GB3382 12,000
GA9969 5,000 *GA4004 5,000 GA9819 6,000 AS8982 15,000
GB895 7,000 GB1139 1,000
THERE WAS NO BIDDER FOR GA8850, GB1217.
THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, TRE 238TH AND 239TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $343,541,905.
------0--------
/8 .....
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1994
- 8 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,048 0930 + 130
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,408 1000 + 130
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 130
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 130 1130 + 130
LAF TODAY -770 1500 + 130
1600
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.9 *-0.3» 10.9.94
-------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BD BLITZ AGAINST DEMOLITION SITES.......................... 1
SHENZHEN RIVER ENVIRONMENT REPORT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION................................................. 2
56 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED............................. 3
APPLICATION FORMS FOR Pl PLACES AVAILABLE TOMORROW......... 3
YOUNGSTERS URGED TO VOTE.................................. 5
ELECTORS URGED TO VOTE IN DB ELECTIONS..................... 5
SEMINAR FOR YOUNG VOTERS IN WAN CHAI....................... 6
BOOKLET TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDE........................... 7
FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS MUST BE INSURED................... 7
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
1
BD BLITZ AGAINST DEMOLITION SITES
» t » * «
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT SPECIAL TASK FORCE HAVE VISITED ALL 140 DEMOLITION SITES, OF WHICH 138 WERE IN ACTIVE OPERATION.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO INSPECT THEIR OPERATIONS FOR SAFETY AND FOR COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIRED STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS. SPECIFICALLY, THIS INCLUDES CHECKS ON:
» METHOD AND SEQUENCE OF DEMOLITION;
» AMOUNT OF DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON SITE;
» ADEQUACY OF PROTECTIVE SCREENS AND ANY OTHER SAFETY MEASURES NECESSARY;
* CONDITIONS OF COVERED WALKWAYS AND HOARDING; \ND
» ANY IRREGULARITIES OR BREACH OF THE LAW FOR BUILDING SAFETY.
OF THE 138 SITES IN ACTIVE OPERATION, THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE HAVE FOUND 12 TO BE UNSATISFACTORY IN THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS:
» EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS ON SITE;
* OBSTRUCTION TO COVERED WALKWAYS FOR PEDESTRIANS;
* NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT TO PROTECTIVE SCREENS;
* NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE BUILDINGS UNDER DEMOLITION; AND
* UNAUTHORISED USE OF HEAVY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT.
THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE HAVE REQUIRED THE AUTHORISED PERSONS (THAT IS THE PROFESSIONALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE SITES) TO TAKE IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL ACTION TO RESTORE SAFE OPERATION OF THESE 12 SITES.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS CARRIED OUT FOLLOW-UP INSPECTIONS AT THESE 12 SITES TODAY AND WILL DO SO AS APPROPRIATE AGAIN LATER TO ENSURE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ARE IN PLACE.
THE TASK FORCE HAVE FOUND THE OTHER SITES GENERALLY SATISFACTORY AND REMINDED THOSE RESPONSIBLE OF THEIR DUTY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS AND NECESSARY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS PLEDGED TO DO MORE. IT WILL BE FOLLOWING UP FURTHER AND IT WILL REQUIRE AUTHORISED PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMOLITION SITES TO SUBMIT REPORTS AND RECORDS OF:
» THEIR SITE SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS;
» THEIR INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRACTORS; AND
i THE GUIDANCE TO DEMOLITION WORKERS.
IN THIS BLITZ ACTION, THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE HAVE DEPLOYED CLOSE TO 80 PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT.
/THE DIRECTOR ......
i
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
- 2 -
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE AVAILABLE ADDITIONAL STAFF, BY INTERNAL REDEPLOYMENT, TO CARRY OUT SPOT CHECKS AND SITE INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING
REGULATIONS.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR
DEMOLITION
SITES.
IT WILL TAKE LEGAL ACTION WHERE APPROPRIATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE 12 DEMOLITION SITES FOUND UNSATISFACTORY IN SOME ASPECTS IS AS FOLLOWS:
SIX ON HONG KONG ISLAND (THREE IN WAN CHAI, AND ONE EACH IN CENTRAL, POK FU LAM AND SHAU KEI WAN).
FIVE IN KOWLOON (TWO IN SAN PO KONG, AND ONE EACH IN SHAM SHUI PO, KWUN TONG AND TSIM SHA TSUI).
ONE IN SHEUNG SHUI, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEANWHILE, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, WILL BE MEETING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AND THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT AT 3 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
------0-------
SHENZHEN RIVER ENVIRONMENT REPORT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (E1A) OF THE STAGE ONE OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND ITS REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE FULL REPORT MAY GO TO THE PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARIES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS; THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS; THE YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICES, AND THE LIBRARY OF THE OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT.
COPIES OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM THESE OFFICES.
THE EIA STUDY, WHICH BEGAN IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, IS TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACCEPTABILITY OF STAGES I AND II OF THE PROJECT AND TO RECOMMEND NECESSARY MITIGATION MEASURES.
THE EIA FOR THE OTHER STAGE OF THE PROJECT WILL CONTINUE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH NEXT YEAR.
------0-------
73......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
3
56 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED » ♦ * * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT APPROVED 56 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
OF THE PLANS, 16 ARE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 18 FOR KOWLOON AND 22 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDE 22 FOR APARTMENT AND APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, 11 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND NINE FOR FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO. START ON 56 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, WHICH INVOLVE 59,886.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 174,206.2 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH TOTALLED ABOUT $1,455 MILLION.
OF THE BUILDINGS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION IN THE MONTH, USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES ARE 65,783.2 SQUARE METRES AND 101,961.3 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED 28 OCCUPATION PERMITS - 11 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE FOR KOWLOON AND 12 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, 41 DEMOLITION CONSENTS INVOLVING 108 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 577 COMPLAINTS OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,658 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 239 REMOVAL ORDERS ON UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION ALSO INSPECTED 885 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED NO EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE COURT.
------0-------
APPLICATION FORMS FOR Pl PLACES AVAILABLE TOMORROW
*****
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE IN PUBLIC-SECTOR SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO END OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER 30).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO PRIMARY ONE WAS OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG BELONGING CHILDREN WHO WERE BORN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1989 AND WHO ARE NOT STUDYING IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
HE SAID PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO WERE ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS COULD OBTAIN THE APPLICATION FORMS, RELATED INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND EXPLANATORY NOTES ON HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM FROM THEIR KINDERGARTENS.
FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS, THE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
1
4
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE RETURNED WITHIN OFFICE HOURS BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 26 AND 30 DIRECT TO A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WHICH THE PARENT WISHES TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.
THIS SCHOOL MAY EITHER BE WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE CHILD LIVES.
BUT THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS WERE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SELECT A NEIGHBOURHOOD SCHOOL IN ORDER TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY TRANSPORT PROBLEMS AND TO TAKE THE "POINTS SYSTEM" INTO CONSIDERATION IN SELECTING THE SCHOOL.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE RETURNED IN RESPECT OF ANY ONE CHILD.
"IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE RENDERED VOID AND ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REQUESTED PARENTS OF THOSE CHILDREN WHO CANNOT USE CHINESE AS A LEARNING MEDIUM TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT SECOND FLOOR, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG (TEL 572 4383), BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FORM.
HE SAID SCHOOLS RECEIVING TOO FEW APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES MIGHT NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE PRIMARY ONE CLASSES, AND IN SUCH CASES, CHILDREN ALREADY ACCEPTED BY THESE SCHOOLS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WOULD HAVE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY RE-ALLOCATED TO SOME OTHER SCHOOLS WHICH HAD VANCANCIES.
IF PARENTS ONLY WISH TO APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION, THEY SHOULD SEND IN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM WITH RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES WITHIN OFFICE HOURS DURING THE SAME PERIOD:
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE (SECOND FLOOR, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG.)
* EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE (ROOM 706, SEVENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.)
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.)
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.)
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.)
/* TUEN MUN .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
5
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.)
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.)
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.)
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PARENTS WHO WISHED THEIR CHILDREN TO ATTEND PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OR PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SHOULD APPLY TO THESE SCHOOLS DIRECT SINCE THEY WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM.
FOR UP-DATED INFORMATION REGARDING THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION PROCEDURES, PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO DIAL THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ON TEL 891 0088.
------0-------
YOUNGSTERS URGED TO VOTE
* * * * *
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER MR WONG HON-HO TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED YOUNGSTERS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN NEXT SUNDAY’S POLL SO AS TO ELECT THEIR IDEAL DISTRICT BOARD REPRESENTATIVES.
SPEAKING AT A DISTRICT KARAOKE CONTEST, MR WONG SAID DISTRICT BOARDS WERE SET UP TO HELP BUILD UP A HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY FOR RESIDENTS, AND THUS REQUIRED THE ACTIVE SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC.
"THEREFORE, ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS SHOULD CAST THEIR BALLOTS ON SEPTEMBER 18," HE STRESSED.
MEANWHILE, STAFF OF THE KWUN TONG .DISTRICT OFFICE ARE CONDUCTING SCHOOL VISITS IN THE AREA TO CALI, ON SECONDARY STUDENTVOTERS TO SHOW UP AT THE POLLING STATIONS.
THIS MORNING, HUNDREDS OF SECONDARY STUDENTS ALSO TOOK PART IN A PAINTING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE TO PROMOTE THE "PARTICIPATE AND VOTE" MESSAGE.
/ -----o--------
ELECTORS URGED TO VOTE IN DB ELECTIONS
*****
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER TIMOTHY TONG TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY CASTING THEIR BALLOTS IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18.
SPEAKING AT A BUS PARADE FOR PROMOTING THE POLLS, MR TONG POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE THE FIRST TIME THAT ALL DISTRICT BOARD SEATS WOULD BE FILLED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS.
/HE SAID .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
HE SAID DISTRICT BOARDS SERVED THE COMMUNITY AND THEY DESERVED PUBLIC SUPPORT.
MR TONG APPEALED TO EVERY REGISTERED ELECTOR, ESPECIALLY THOSE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21, TO ELECT A RESPONSIBLE DISTRICT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE.
MEANWHILE ANOTHER DECORATED DOUBLE DECKER ALSO TOURED WONG TAI SIN TO DRIVE HOME THE ’’VOTE ON 9.18” MESSAGE TO MORE THAN 180,000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE AREA.
- - 0 - -
SEMINAR FOR YOUNG VOTERS IN WAN CHAI
*****
AN INTER-SCHOOL SEMINAR AIMING TO AROUSE YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN WAN CHAI ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13) .
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 WILL BE VOTING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD POLLS.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE ATTITUDES YOUNGSTERS SHOULD HAVE TOWARDS POLLS.
ALSO SPEAKING IN THE SUBJECT WILL BE A LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, DR JERMAIN LAM.
THE SEMINAR WILL END WITH A FLOOR DISCUSSION, WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE AUDIENCE.
THOSE AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 25 WHO ARE EITHER STUDYING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND TERTIARY INSTITUTES OR WORKING IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION INTER-SCHOOL SEMINAR FOR YOUNG VOTERS AT THE HALL OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, 120 CAUSEWAY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13). IT WILL START AT 4 PM.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
7
BOOKLET TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDE
*****
THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PUBLICITY BOOKLET TO PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE.
ENTITLED "I WILL LIVE ON", THIS FULL-COLOUR PUBLICATION IS AIMED AT INCULCATING IN YOUNG PEOPLE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES THEY SHOULD RESORT TO TERMINATING THEIR LIVES.
"THE BOOKLET IS INTENDED TO HELP ADOLESCENTS TO TAKE A MORE POSITIVE LOOK AT LIFE AND DEATH BY ADDRESSING TO THEIR FEELINGS AND COGNITIONS WHEN THEY CONTEMPLATE SUICIDE," SAID THE SENIOR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR YAU DICK-WAH, TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IT IS MEANT TO BE A SELF-HELP RESOURCE BOOKLET WHICH WILL ENABLE ADOLESCENTS TO HAVE SECOND THOUGHT ABOUT THEIR PROBLEMS AND HOW THEY APPROACH TO SOLVE THEM.
"HOPEFULLY, THEY WOULD CHOOSE TO LIVE ON INSTEAD OF TAKING THEIR LIVES AFTER REEVALUATING THEIR OPTIONS," MR YAU ADDED.
THE BACK COVER OF THE BOOKLET CONTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE CAN SEEK COUNSELLING SERVICE IF THEY COME ACROSS ANY PERSONAL OR EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS.
COPIES OF THE BOOKLET, PRINTED IN CHINESE, ARE NOW OBTAINABLE AT ALL YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
------0-------
FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS MUST BE INSURED ♦ * * * t
EMPLOYERS OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS SHOULD COMPLY WITH THEIR STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR DOMESTIC HELPERS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE (ECO), THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
AN EMPLOYER OF A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER WAS RECENTLY FINED $3,000 BY A SHA TIN MAGISTRATE FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER HIS FULL LIABILITIES UNDER THE ECO AND COMMON LAW.
"THE CASE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER REPORTED WORK INJURY TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR,” LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MRS GRACE SHEK SAID.
"FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THAT THE EMPLOYER OF THE FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER DID NOT TAKE OUT INSURANCE FOR THE DOMESTIC HELPER," SHE SAID.
MRS SHEK POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE ECO, ALL EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES TO COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND UNDER COMMON LAW.
/"THIS STATUTORY .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1994
8
’’THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO EMPLOYERS OF BOTH FULLTIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES," SHE SAID.
"EMPLOYERS OF DOMESTIC SERVANTS ARE OF NO EXCEPTIONS," SHE ADDED.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS LEGAL REQUIREMENT WILL RENDER THE OFFENDER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE DEMOLITION SITE SAFETY SUPPORTED.. 1
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES ACTION....................... 1
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY LAUNCHES MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN........................................ 3
HK STRICTLY CONTROLS BEAR PARTS TRADE....................... 4
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES STRENGTHENED................ 5
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994 RELEASED............ 6
NEW GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS............. 15
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY WORKING GROUP HOLDS PUBLIC BRIEFING IN SHA TIN................................................. 17
POLL STATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO HANDICAPPED.................... 18
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 19
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE DEMOLITION SITE SAFETY SUPPORTED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AND THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, TODAY (MONDAY) HEID A SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE BUILDING SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WAYS TO IMPROVE DEMOLITION SITE SAFETY.
THERE WAS FULL AGREEMENT AT THE MEETING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE TWO COMMITTEES WHICH REPRESENT THE INDUSTRY THAT EARLY AND ENERGETIC STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON DEMOLITION SITES BOTH ON SITE AND OFF SITE.
THE REPRESENTATIVES FIRMLY SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTION PLAN THAT THERE SHOULD BE A REVIEW OF THE SITE SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS WITH RESPECT TO AUTHORISED PERSONS, REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS AND REGISTERED CONTRACTORS.
IN THE INTERIM, ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL OF DEMOLITION WORK. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN URGENT REVIEW OF LEGISLATION COVERING THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWER TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS FOR DEMOLITION WORK.
THE ADEQUACY OF THE PROVISIONS FOR OFFENCES AND PENALTIES WILL ALSO BE REVIEWED.
THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS WILL BE TIGHTENED.
THE MEETING FELT THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS WORKING BUT RECOGNISED THE NEED TO CONSIDER HOW IT CAN BE IMPROVED BOTH IN ITS FORM AND ITS OPERATION.
MEMBERS ACCEPTED THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE ROLE AND CAPACITY OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TO MONITOR THE INDUSTRY’S PERFORMANCE.
- - 0 - -
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT CONTINUES ACTION
*****
FOLLOWING THE BLITZ ACTION OVER THE WEEKEND, BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT SURVEYORS AND ENGINEERS ARE REVISITING THE 12 DEMOLITION SITES WITH UNSATISFACTORY FEATURES, SUCH AS:
* EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS;
* OBSTRUCTION TO COVERED WALKWAYS FOR PEDESTRIANS;
* NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT TO PROTECTIVE SCREENS;
» NEED FOR ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY SUPPORT TO BUILDINGS UNDER DEMOLITION; AND
* UNAUTHORISED USE OF HEAVY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT.
/THE BUILDINGS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
2 -
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL BE CHECKING TO ENSURE THAT ALL UNSATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS ARE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS MRS HELEN YU SAID: "WE WILL BE TAKING LEGAL ACTION WHERE APPROPRIATE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
"IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION," SHE ADDED, "TO SET UP IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A PERMANENT CAPABILITY TO MONITOR DEMOLITION SITES IN THE LONG RANGE.
"MEANWHILE, I WILL REDEPLOY STAFF TO MEET IMMEDIATE REQUIREMENTS PENDING PERMANENT PROVISION.
"THE GOVERNOR AND THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR A PERMANENT MONITORING CAPABILITY IN THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS A MATTER OF PRIORITY."
HAVING TAKEN LEGAL ADVICE, THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW ABLE TO RELEASE THE ADDRESSES OF THE 12 SITES. THEY ARE:
* 513-521 SHUN NING ROAD
* 5-7A HILLWOOD ROAD
» 15-19 LUK HOP STREET, SAN PO KONG
* 29 TAI YAU STREET, SAN PO KONG
* 111-113 HOW MING STREET, KWUN TONG
* KCR SHEUNG SHUI STATION
* 97-103 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL
« 7-9 WATER STREET
* 41-45A BISNEY ROAD
* 375-377 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST
» 5-9A MORRISON HILL ROAD
t A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE ROAD
--------0-----------
/3........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12,
1994
3
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
LAUNCHES MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) LAUNCHES TODAY (MONDAY) THE MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN, PUBLISHING FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A REGULAR BASIS COMPREHENSIVE DATA ON HONG KONG'S MONETARY AND BANKING ACTIVITIES.
INCLUDED IN THIS FIRST ISSUE ARE STATISTICAL REPORTS SUMMARISING THE BORROWING AND LENDING ACTIVITIES UNDER THE LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY AND THE AMOUNT OF WITHDRAWAL AND INJECTION BY THE EXCHANGE FUND IN THE INTERBANK MARKET.
THE BULLETIN ALSO DEVOTES A SECTION TO EXCHANGE FUND BILLS AND NOTES, PROVIDING DETAILED INFORMATION ON THEIR TOTAL OUTSTANDING, AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER AND YIELDS.
ON MONEY MARKET, THE BULLETIN REVEALS THAT IN JUNE THIS YEAR THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTERBANK MARKET AMOUNTED TO $113.8 BILLION, MARKING THE FIRST TIME SUCH DATA HAS BEEN RELEASED ON A REGULAR BASIS.
IN ADDITION, THE PUBLICATION PROVIDES A BREAKDOWN OF THE FOREIGN CURRENCY SPOT AND FORWARD POSITIONS OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS BY U.S. DOLLAR, JAPANESE YEN, DEUTSCHE MARK AND OTHER FOREIGN CURRENCIES.
PRIOR TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE BULLETIN, THE HKMA RELEASED HONG KONG’S MONETARY AND BANKING STATISTICS MOSTLY THROUGH PRESS RELEASES AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.
THE BULLETIN REPRESENTS HKMA’S MAJOR ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE NEW AND MORE DETAILED FINANCIAL DATA TO THE PUBLIC IN A MORE SYSTEMATIC AND TIMELY MANNER.
’’THE DEBUT OF THE MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN UNDERSCORES HKMA’S CONTINUED EFFORTS TO PROVIDE AUTHORITATIVE AND TIMELY FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC AND ITS COMMITMENT TO AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT POLICY,” A SPOKESMAN FOR HKMA SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE BULLETIN WILL BE A USEFUL REFERENCE TOOL FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MONETARY AND BANKING MATTERS IN HONG KONG.”
THE BULLETIN IS PUBLISHED IN THE SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH. THE PUBLICATION, WHICH IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, CAN ALSO BE ORDERED FROM THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HKMA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FREE COPIES OF THE BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PRESS AT HKMA’S RECEPTION ON THE 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD.
------0----------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
4
HK STRICTLY CONTROLS BEAR PARTS TRADE
*****
HONG KONG IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) AND HAS ADOPTED MUCH STRICTER MEASURES TO CONTROL TRADE IN BEAR PARTS THAN ARE REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION.
A SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD), MR RICHARD CHAN PING-KWONG, MADE THIS POINT TO A CONGREGATION OF GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND CONSERVATIONISTS AT AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE TRADE OF BEAR PARTS FOR MEDICINAL USE HELD IN SEATTLE, USA, FROM SEPTEMBER 9 TO 11.
MR CHAN SAID IN AN ATTEMPT TO CONTROL THE USE OF BEAR PARTS FOR MEDICINAL USE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IMPOSED STRICT DOMESTIC MEASURES OVER POSSESSION OF BEAR PARTS, INCLUDING GALL BLADDER AND BILE.
"THEY ARE STRICTER THAN THE REQUIREMENT OF CITES WHICH ONLY REQUESTS MEMBER COUNTRIES TO IMPOSE CONTROL OVER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES," HE SAID.
IN EXERCISING CONTROL OVER POSSESSION, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REQUIRES ANY PERSON HOLDING AN OLD STOCK OF BEAR PARTS TO APPLY FOR A POSSESSION LICENCE FROM THE AFD.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALSO TAKES STEPS TO REGISTER THE OLD STOCK HELD BY TRADERS AND MONITOR THE MOVEMENT OF THE SPECIMENS.
"BY SO DOING, SMUGGLING INTO HONG KONG OF NEW ITEMS CAN BE DETERRED AND PREVENTED."
AS BEAR GALL BLADDER AND BILE ARE NOT READILY RECOGNISABLE BY PHYSICAL INSPECTION, THE EXISTING STOCK IS SUBJECT TO CHEMICAL TEST TO CONFIRM THEIR AUTHENTICITY, MR CHAN SAID.
THE CHECKING AND TAGGING SYSTEMS DEVISED BY THE AFD ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO FOUL PLAY BY THE TRADERS.
AFTER RECEIVING AN APPLICATION FOR A POSSESSION LICENCE, AN INSPECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL CHECK THE STOCK AND TAKE SAMPLES OF THE SPECIMENS OF THE DECLARED BEAR PARTS.
THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIES ARE PERFORMED ON THE SAMPLES BY AN ACCREDITED LABORATORY TO TEST THE PRESENCE OF THREE TYPES OF BILE SALTS - TAUROCHOLIC ACID, TAUROCHENO-DEOXYCHOLIC ACID AND TAUROURSO-DEOXYCHOL1C AC ID.
IF THE TEST RESULTS ARE POSITIVE, THE GALL BLADDERS WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY TAGGED.
ALSO, UNDER THE LICENCE CONDITIONS, THE LICENCE-HOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO KEEP THE BEAR PARTS UNDER LOCK AND KEY. A REGISTER OF THE SALE TRANSACTIONS IS ALSO REQUIRED TO BE KEPT TO FACILITATE FURTHER MONITORING BY THE AFD.
/ON THE........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
5
ON THE IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL OF BEAR PARTS AND OTHER ENDANGERED SPECIES, MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG FOLLOWED CLOSELY THE SPIRIT OF CITES.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR IMPORT LICENCE HAVE TO BE SUPPORTED BY CITES PERMIT FROM THE EXPORTING COUNTRY.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE AMENDMENT OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, ALL BEAR SPECIES INCLUDING THEIR PARTS, GALL BLADDERS, BILE AND BILE POWDER WERE SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
THOROUGH INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT WHEN THESE PRODUCTS ARE IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG. THE TYPE, NUMBER AND WEIGHT OF THE BEAR PARTS ARE CHECKED AGAINST THE LICENSED QUANTITY. GALL BLADDERS WILL ALSO BE TAGGED INDIVIDUALLY BY AFD STAFF.
ON THE ENFORCEMENT SIDE, SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR, AFD INSPECTORS HAVE INSPECTED 1,756 SHOPS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CHINESE MEDICINAL SHOPS IN HONG KONG. THEY HAVE SEIZED 38 ITEMS THAT WERE CLAIMED TO BE BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND 0.25 KILOGRAMS OF POWDER THAT WAS REPORTED TO B) BEAR POWDER. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PROSECUTIONS ARE IN PROGRESS.
UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, AN OFFENDER IS SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND UP TO $50,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF GOODS UPON CONVICTION.
MR CHAN REVEALED THAT CONSIDERATION WAS BEING MADE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE PENALTIES.
- - 0 - -
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES STRENGTHENED
*****
THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENCY COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANT FIRM TODAY (MONDAY) TO ENHANCE ITS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES PROVIDED TO GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES, MR JOHN MACRAE, SIGNED A 12-MONTH CONTRACT WITH THE SENIOR PARTNER OF PRICE WATERHOUSE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, MR PATRICK B PAUL.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE CONSULTANTS WILL DEPLOY ONE FULL-TIME CONSULTANT AND ONE PART-TIME CONSULTANT TO HELP THE AGENCY CONDUCT MANAGEMENT STUDIES IN CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS.
"THE AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR PROGRAMMES, THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR SERVICES AND THE LEVELS OF SERVICES PROVIDED," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGENCY SAID.
THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO IDENTIFY AREAS FOR CHANGES IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH RESPECT TO POLICY AND OBJECTIVES, ORGAN ISATIONAL STRUCTURE, RESOURCE AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES.
/SPECIFIC CONSULTANCY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
6
SPECIFIC CONSULTANCY SUPPORT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE AGENCY WHERE SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ARE REQUIRED.
SET UP IN SEPTEMBER 1993, THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENCY PROVIDES SUPPORTING SERVICE TO THE EFFICIENCY UNIT IN IMPLEMENTING NEW INITIATIVES UNDER THE PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM PROGRAMME.
THE AGENCY ALSO RENDERS CONSULTANCY SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS TO HELP IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE.
WITNESSING THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY WERE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES, MR SIMON YAN AND THE CONSULTANT FIRM’S MANAGING CONSULTANT, MR AJIT RANGNEKAR.
--------0 - - - -
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994 RELEASED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERR1TORY AND COMMODITY FOR JULY THIS YEAR.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN JULY 1994, AT $84.0 BILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.9% OVER JULY 1993.
COMPARING JULY 1994 WITH JULY 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES (+18%), JAPAN (+15%), SINGAPORE (+11%), CHINA (+9.1%) AND THE NETHERLANDS (+4.0%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO OTHER MAIN DESTINATIONS: FRANCE (-4.5%), TAIWAN (-3.2%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-2.3%), GERMANY (-1.6%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (-0.6%).
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 SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WAS $512.3 BILLION, 13% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+23%), THE UNITED STATES (+16%), (’HINA (+16%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+15%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+12%), SINGAPORE (+11%), THE NETHERLANDS (+11%), GERMANY (+4.7%) AND FRANCE (+1.0%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED MILDLY BY 1.5%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF MOST PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
/MORE NOTABLE........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
7
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $14.2 BILLION OR 38%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $6.4 BILLION OR 17%); TEXTILES (BY $5.4 BILLION OR 13%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $5.1 BILLION OR 9.0%); FOOTWEAR (BY $4.0 BILLION OR 15%); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $3.9 BILLION OR 26%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $1.0 BILLION OR 5.1%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JULY 1994, AT $20.4 BILLION, DECREASED BY 4.4% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY (-18%), CANADA (-12%), CHINA (-8.3%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-5.3%) AND JAPAN (-1.2%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MALAYSIA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 32%. THAT TO THE NETHERLANDS, SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED STATES INCREASED BY 5.3%, 5.0% AND 1.9% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
OOMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-14%), GERMANY (-13%), CHINA (-7.3%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-6.9%), TAIWAN (-2.8%), JAPAN (-1.2%) AND THE UNITED STATES (-0.3%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND THE NETHERLANDS INCREASED BY 5.4%, 4.7% AND 0.9% RESPECTIVELY.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994, AT $119.2 BILLION, DECREASED BY 4.3% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS REFLECTED PARTLY THE CONTINUED STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY THE WEAK DEMAND IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1991 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOK TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1.3 BILLION OR 17%); TEXTILES (BY $1.2 BILLION OR 13%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $734 MILLION OR 8.0%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $639 MILLION OR 6.4%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $593 MILLION OR 5.3%); AND CLOTHING (BY $466 MILLION OR 1.2%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A MODERATE INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $927 MILLION OR 7.3%).
/THE VALUE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
8
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN JULY 1994, AT $109.3 BILLION, INCREASED BY 11% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JULY 1994 WITH JULY 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: SINGAPORE (+41%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+21%), ITALY (+18%), THE UNITED STATES (+15%), MALAYSIA (+14%), CHINA (+11%), TAIWAN (+3.8%), JAPAN (+3.3%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+2.2%) AND GERMANY (+0.8%).
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN -1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: SINGAPORE (+28%), ITALY (+28%), MALAYSIA (+24%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+17%), CHINA (+15%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+14%), TAIWAN (+9.8%), THE UNITED STATES (+8.6%), GERMANY (+5.7%) AND JAPAN (+3.2%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994, AT $682.7 BILLION, INCREASED BY 13% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE.
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS .OF MOST PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
MORE NOTABLE INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $15.8 BILLION OR 33%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $10.2 BILLION OR 16%); TEXTILES (BY $9.6 BILLION OR 17%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $4.8 BILLION OR 24%); FOOTWEAR (BY $3.6 BILLION OR 15%); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $3.4 BILLION OR 7.7%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $5.9 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 JULY 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY OCTOBER.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE JULY 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES OF THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN JULY WILL BE ON SALE AT $86 A COPY AROUND SEPTEMBER 22.
/THE REPORT .....
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
9
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL 842 8802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 582 4915) .
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 27,945 i 9.1 179,217 • f 15.6
UNITED STATES 20,855 + 17.7 110,959 i 15.8
JAPAN 4,582 + 14.7 27,945 f 23.0
GERMANY 3,630 - 1.6 22,995 i 4.7 «
UNITED KINGDOM 2,305 - 2.3 14,534 f 15.5
TAIWAN 1,810 - 3.2 , 12,52? - 1.5
SINGAPOKE 1,725 + 11.5 10,724 f 11.1
REPUBLIC OK KOREA 1,434 - 0.6 9.628 • i 11.9
I* RANCE ’1,195 - 4.5 7,517 f 1.0
NETHERLANDS 1 ,205 + 4.0 7, 185 ♦ 10.9
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
10
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 . (X CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93 (X CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES. TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 11.791 + 6.9 61,616 + 9.0
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND recording AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ft,701 ♦ 32.7 51,586 • + 38.0
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,119 + 4.4 49,896 ♦ 4.1
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICIES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6.965 • + 8.1 45,201 + 13.5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARIS THEREOF 6.859 ♦ 9.3 43,222 + 17.3
FOOTWEAR 5,317 i 14.8 30,818 + 15.0
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,346 - 1.1 21,903 f 10.2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA
PROCESSING MACHINES 3,097 + 21.1 19,238 ♦ 25.6
ROAD VEHICLES 2,391 - 24.7 18,901 - 5.1
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR
CONTAINERS 2,825 + 11.6 17,292 + 14.4
/TABLE 3 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
11
TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
DESTINATION * JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 5.406 - 8.3 33.892 - 7.3
UNITED STATES 5.868 f 1.9 31.201 - 0.3
GERMANY 1,402 - 17.6 7,020 - 12.6
SINGAPORE 990 + 5.0 6.743 ♦ 5.4
JAPAN 862 - 1.2 5,559 - 1.2
UNITED KINGDOM 994 1 - 5.3 • 5.482 • - 6.9
TAIWAN 457 ♦ 3.239 • - 2.8
NETHERLANDS 555 + 5.3 2,662 ♦ 0.9
CANADA 476 - 12.5 2,275 - 14.3
MALAYSIA 246 + 32.2 1,631 ♦ 4.7
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.05%
/TABLE 4 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
- 12 -
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 . (X CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93
(X CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 7,998 + 0.9 37,015 - 1.2
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AM) APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,069 + 7.5 13,696 + 7.3
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS' WARES) * 1,612 - *14.9 « 10;691 - 5.3
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,480 * + 13.1 9,359 - 6.4
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL G(X)DS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 ,256 - 13.3 8,420 - 8.0
TEXTILE YARN, FAHR ICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,202 - 17.3 8,375 % - 12.7
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 996 - 20.1 6,616 - 16.9
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 419 - 3.6 2,603 - 1.8
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 290 - 3.1 2,106 + 2.5
MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR
PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 280 - 22.1 1 ,885 - 10.6
/TABLE 5 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
13 -
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93
(X 1 CHANGE)
CHINA 41,647 10.9 250,792 . + 15.0
JAPAN 17,536 + 3.3 108,186 + 3.2
TAIWAN 8,924 + 3.8 . 58,873 + 9.8
UNITED STATES 7,621 + 14.8 49,548 + 8.6
SINGAPORE 5,709 + 41.1 33,803 + 28.4
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,030 ’ + 20.6 * 32,901 i 16.7
GERMANY 2,447 f 0.8 15,502 • + 5.7
UNITED KINGDOM 2,000 + 2.2 13,575 13.9
ITALY . 2,031 + 18.4 12,306 ♦ 27.7
MALAYSIA 1 ,683 + 14.1 11,144 24.4
/TABLE 6 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
14 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JUL 94 OVER JUL 93 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 94 OVER JAN-JUL 93 (% CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS HIEREOF 11,867 + 8.8 73,474 + 16.0
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP
ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 9,589 + 9.3 67,381 + 16.6
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,520 + 22.5 64,107 + 32.7
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,136 + 7.2 51,331 + 6.5
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 8,365 + 0.4 16,980 + 1.1
PHOTOGRAPH I (' APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AM) CLOCKS 4.305 - 3.2 29,599 ♦ 8.3
ROAD VEHICLES 4,802 - 3.7 28,348 - 17.3
FOOTWEAR 4,404 + 11.2 26,994 + 15.4
OFFICE MACHINESAND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESS ING MACHINES
4.181 + 31.4 24,990 + 24.0
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND
EQUIPMENT. AND MACHINE PARTS 3.549 ♦ 20.5 22,’895 + 12.8
- - 0 - -
/15........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
- 15 -
NEW GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE 180 GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS IN PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID A NEW GRADUATE GRADE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL MASTER/MISTRESS (PSM) HAD BEEN CREATED IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING PRIMARY' SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND THE PRIMARY SECTION OF COMBINED-LEVEL SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
"THE MOVE IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO UPGRADE 35 PER CENT OF THE TEACHING POSTS IN PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO GRADUATE LEVEL OVER THE NEXT 15 YEARS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BEGINNING IN THE 1994/95 SCHOOL YEAR, WE SHALL UPGRADE 180 POSTS. THE NEW GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS WILL ENHANCE THE INSTRUCTIONAL AND MANAGERIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE SCHOOLS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN GENERAL, PRIMARY SCHOOL MASTER/MISTRESS GRADE STAFF WOULD PERFORM DUTIES SIMILAR TO THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CORRESPONDING RANKS OF THE CERTIFICATED MASTER/MISTRESS GRADE.
IN ADDITION, PSM GRADE TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED, BECAUSE OF THEIR ENHANCED TRAINING AND SKILLS, TO PLAY AN ACTIVE AND LEADING ROLE IN PROMOTING THE FOLLOWING INITIATIVES:
* SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME;
» ACTIVITY APPROACH;
* TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM;
* SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM; AND
* WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE.
THE GRADE STRUCTURE AND SALARY SCALES OF THE NEW PSM GRADE ARE:
/RANK .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
- 16 -
rank point on monthly
MASTER PAY SCALE SALARY
HEADMASTER/HEADMISTRESS 1 38-41 $42,860-48,790
HEADMASTER/HEADMISTRESS II 34-39 $35,735-44,840
PRIMARY SCHOOL MASTER/MISTRESS 30-33 $30,225-34,690
ASSISTANT PRIMARY SCHOOL 17-29 $16,475-28,875
MASTER/MISTRESS
IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE NEW PSM GRADE, A CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS:
♦ A HONG KONG OR BRITISH DEGREE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION, OR
EQUIVALENT; OR
» A HONG KONG OR BRITISH DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, OR
EQUIVALENT; OR
* A HONG KONG OR BRITISH DEGREE IN A SUBJECT RELEVANT TO THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM, OR EQUIVALENT.
SUPERVISORS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING INVITED TO NOMINATE ELIGIBLE SERVING TEACHERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE NEW GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS. HEADMASTERS AND TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE NEW POSTS SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH THEIR SCHOOL SUPERVISORS.
• j' ■
AS TO CANDIDATES IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE NEW POSTS, THEY SHOULD APPLY DIRECT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S APPOINTMENTS REGISTRY.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS OR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 30.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FULL DETAILS OF THE NEW TEACHING POSTS AND NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES WERE CONTAINED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CIRCULARS WHICH HAD- BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS.
ENQUIRIES FROM AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS/SENIOR INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION). THOSE FROM GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPOINTMENTS REGISTRY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON 892 6176.
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/17........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
17
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY WORKING GROUP HOLDS PUBLIC BRIEFING IN SHA TIN *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDS THE PUBLIC THAT THE WORKING GROUP WILL HOLD A PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSION ON ITS REPORT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL, SHATIN TOWN HALL, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
"THROUGH SUCH PUBLIC SESSION, WE INTEND TO EXPLAIN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THE CONTENT OF OUR REPORT, AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS," SAID MRS CHEUNG.
"THE SESSION IS PART OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION WHICH WILL END ON OCTOBER 15. INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE WELCOME TO SEND US THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING BEFORE THE DEADLINE."
APART FROM MRS CHEUNG, THREE WORKING GROUP MEMBERS WILL JOIN TOMORROW’S SESSION. THEY ARE:
* PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION;
* MR CHO YU-FUN, WHO IS AN ENGINEER AND CHAIRMAN OF A PARENTTEACHER ASSOCIATION; AND
* MISS SO YAN-LAP, PRINCIPAL OF POOI TO MIDDLE SCHOOL.
THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE THREE MORE PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSIONS THIS MONTH:
DATE/TIME VENUE
SEPTEMBER 16 (FRI)
7.30 - 9.30 PM
SEPTEMBER 23 (FRI) 7.30 - 9.30 PM
SEPTEMBER 28 (WED) 7.30 - 9.30 PM
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL, 3 TUEN HI RD, TUEN MUN
THEATRE, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, 145 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN
SCHOOL HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152 SAI YEE ST, MONG KOK
COPIES OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT AND A LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE CONTENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT
NINTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 810 3031. THE FAX LINE IS 537 4591.
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/18 ......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
- 18 -
POLL STATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO HANDICAPPED
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT EVERY EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE TO HELP THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS VOTE IN THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ABOUT 170 POLLING STATIONS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO THESE ELECTORS ON POLLING DAY.
"WHERE THERE ARE ONE OR TWO STEPS LEADING TO A POLLING STATION, A RAMP OR WOODEN PLANK WOULD BE PROVIDED TO HELP ACCESS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, 22 SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS WOULD BE OPENED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS.
HE REMINDED THOSE ELECTORS WHO WISHED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS TO APPLY TO THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER. THE LAST DAY FOR APPLICATIONS IS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
UPON APPROVAL, THEY SHALL ONLY BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE SPECIFIED POLLING STATION ALLOCATED TO THEM, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-----0------------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT- 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 97.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 570.646 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 463.621 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 79.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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/19 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1994
- 19 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,408 0930 + 869
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,138 1000 + 869
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 869
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 870 1200 + 870
LAF TODAY -140 1500 + 870
1600 + 870
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.8 *-0.1* 12.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.13 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.21 5.81
1 MONTH 4.20 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.97 6.26
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.80 6.64
6 MONTHS 4.68 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.76 6.78
12 MONTHS 5.29 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.33 6.93
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,912 MN
CLOSED 12 SEPTEMBER 1994
------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NEW CHAIRMAN HEADS SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION...... 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF SFC CHAIRMAN 2
DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY APPOINTED.................. 2
EMB STATEMENT ON STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION............. 3
SAFETY FIRST ON DEMOLITION SITES............................. 5
EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF WALL COLLAPSE................ 5
JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO MEET NEXT WEEK.....:.................. 6
POLITICAL ADVISER TO VISIT SHENZHEN.......................... 6
DEFINITIVE ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS. 7
HKPC TO CONDUCT TECHNICAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME................. 8
/GOLF TO
CONTENTS
PAGE NO-
GOLF TO BECOME POPULAR SPORT.............................. 9
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST............................ 10
FLORIDA CONFERENCE DISCUSSES TRADE CONTROL OF SAIGA AND SWIFTLET................................................. 12
HUNG MUI KUK ROAD BUS LANE IN FORCE...................... 13
NO POSTAL SERVICES ON SEPT 21............................ 14
FIRE OFFICERS COMMENDED FOR SKILFUL RESCUE............... 14
SALT WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN AND MONG KOK.................. 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS.............. 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ...
16
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 1 -
NEW CHAIRMAN HEADS SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ******
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ANTHONY NEOH, QC, AS THE NEXT CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC), THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR NEOH IS A BARRISTER IN HONG KONG AND IS WELL-RESPECTED BOTH IN LEGAL CIRCLES AND IN THE SECURITIES FIELD. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG COUNCIL AND HAS CHAIRED ITS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE. HE IS ALSO A FORMER ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT THE INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN OF THE SFC, NR ROBERT NOTTLE, HAD NOTIFIED THE GOVERNMENT THAT HE DID NOT WISH TO SEEK A RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WHEN HIS APPOINTMENT EXPIRES AT THE END OF DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
IN THE LIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POST, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY APPOINTED A SELECTION PANEL CHAIRED BY SIR Q W LEE TO IDENTIFY A SUITABLE SUCCESSOR TO MR NOTTLE. THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PANEL WERE THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SFC.
"TO SECURE THE BEST POSSIBLE CANDIDATE FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT, THE PANEL DECIDED THAT THE NET SHOULD BE CAST AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE.
"IT APPOINTED AN EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A GLOBAL SEARCH OF POTENTIAL CANDIDATES AND TO HANDLE THE LOGISTICS OF THE SELECTION PROCESS.
"APART FROM THE EXECUTIVE SEARCH, ADVERTISEMENTS WERE PLACED IN A NUMBER OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PUBLICATIONS, IN RESPONSE TO WHICH 66 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED," MR CARTLAND SAID.
THE PANEL UNANIMOUSLY DECIDED TO RECOMMEND THAT MR NEOH SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE IMPENDING VACANCY. HAVING ACCEPTED THE PANEL’S RECOMMENDATION, THE GOVERNOR APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 5(1) AND 5(2) OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ORDINANCE.
"THE ORIGINAL INTENTION WAS TO APPOINT MR NEOH ON A TWO AND A HALF YEAR TERM STARTING FROM JANUARY 1, 1995, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF MR NOTTLE.
"OWING TO HIS OTHER COMMITMENTS, HOWEVER, MR NEOH WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO JOIN THE SFC ON FEBRUARY 1, 1995," MR CARTLAND SAID.
"THAT WILL NOT AFFECT THE TERMINATION DATE OF MR NEOH'S CONTRACT, WHICH IS OPEN TO SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL OR EXTENSION BY AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
/2 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 2 -
FINANCIAL SECRETARY WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF SFC CHAIRMAN * » « » «
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HE WELCOMED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ANTHONY NEOH, QC, AS THE NEXT CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION.
"MR NEOH IS HIGHLY REGARDED BOTH IN THE LEGAL CIRCLES AND IN THE SECURITIES FIELD. HE HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STOCK MARKET IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT HE WILL BRING IN INVALUABLE EXPERTISE AND GIVE NEW IMPETUS TO THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION IN THE YEARS AHEAD,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
"I AM GRATEFUL TO SIR Q W LEE AND MEMBERS OF THE SELECTION PANEL FOR THE TIME AND EFFORTS THEY HAVE DEVOTED TO THE SELECTION EXERCISE. THE PANEL HAS IDENTIFIED A MOST SUITABLE SUCCESSOR TO MR ROBERT NOTTLE, WHO WILL BE LEAVING THE POST WHEN HIS APPOINTMENT EXPIRES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR," HE ADDED.
"I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK MR NOTTLE FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1989," SIR HAMISH SAID.
---------0-----------
DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY APPOINTED » » » » »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT, FOLLOWING AN OPEN RECRUITMENT EXERCISE, A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE TO APPOINT MR STEPHEN SELBY AS DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
MR SELBY, WHO IS AT PRESENT SERVING AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, WILL ASSUME DUTY AS DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LATER IN THE YEAR.
THE PREVIOUS DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, MS ALICE TAI, WAS APPOINTED TO THE POST OF JUDICIARY ADMINISTRATOR IN THE JUDICIARY EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT, AND FOR ADVISING ON MATTERS RELATING TO TRADE MARKS, PATENTS, COPYRIGHT AND OTHER AREAS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION.
A BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON MR SELBY IS AS FOLLOWS:
MR STEPHEN RICHARD SELBY
MR SELBY, AGED 43, JOINED THE CIVIL SF.RIVCE AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ON DECEMBER 6, 1978 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B ON JANUARY 1, 1993.
/DURING HIS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
3
DURING HIS 15 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE. MR SELBY SERVED IN A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND BRANCHES, INCLUDING DISTRICT OFFICES IN TSUEN WAN, WONG TAI SIN AND TUEN MUN, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND FINANCE BRANCH, WHERE HE IS NOW SERVING AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY.
HE HOLDS A MASTER OF ARTS (HONOURS) DEGREE IN CHINESE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH.
MR SELBY IS MARRIED, AND HAS TWO SONS AND ONE DAUGHTER.
------0--------
EMB STATEMENT ON STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION *****
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONCERNING A PROPOSAL TO CHANGE THE COURSE STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG’S TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY):
"THE SUBJECT IS ALREADY A MATTER OF SETTLED PUBLIC POLICY. GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO CONSIDER FURTHER REVISION TO THE TERTIARY EDUCATION STRUCTURE.
IN JANUARY 1989, ON THE BASIS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NUMBER 3, GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED THAT THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOULD BE REVISED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING MAIN DECISIONS -
* AT ALL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC), THE OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE FOR ALL STUDENTS TO BE ACCEPTED FOR FIRST-DEGREE PROGRAMMES AFTER SECONDARY 7, FOLLOWING A TWO-YEAR SIXTH FORM COURSE LEADING TO THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION;
* THE LENGTH OF NEW AND EXISTING FIRST-YEAR DEGREE COURSES SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES WHEREBY COURSE PROPOSALS ARE CONSIDERED AND ASSESSED BY THE UPGC;
* THE LENGTH OF FIRST-DEGREE COURSES AT ALL UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS SHOULD IN PRINCIPLE BE THE SAME FOR ANY GIVEN SUBJECT; AND
* CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE INTRODUCTION OF JOINT ADMISSION PROCEDURES AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE TO GIVE INSTITUTIONS, IN PARTICULAR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SUFFICIENT TIME TO EFFECT THE TRANSITION TO THE REVISED STRUCTURE BY THE END OF THE THEN 1994/97 TRIENNIUM.
THE REVISED STRUCTURE HAS SINCE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES. THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE UPGC AND THE INSTITUTIONS, THE TRANSITION WAS FULLY ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR, TWO YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
/THE REVISED .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
THE REVISED STRUCTURE WAS FORMULATED AFTER A COMPREHENSIVE AND INTENSIVE CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED DY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION BACK IN 1988.
THIS CONSULTATION INCLUDED IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS WITH INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS AND AMPLE TIME - FOUR MONTHS - HAD ALSO BEEN ALLOWED FOR PUBLIC DEBATE ON THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS, SUBSEQUENTLY ACCEPTED BY GOVERNMENT, ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY’S BROAD CONSENSUS ON THIS SUBJECT, HAVING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMUNITY’S DESIRE TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF TERTIARY PLACES AND TO HAVE A UNIFIED POINT OF ENTRY TO FIRST-DEGREE COURSES, THE INTEREST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND THE WISH OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN DETERMINING THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THEIR OWN COURSES.
HAVING JUST ACCOMPLISHED THE REVISION TO THE TERTIARY EDUCATION STRUCTURE, GOVERNMENT DOES NOT SEE THE NEED FOR A FURTHER REVISION AT THIS STAGE, NOR HAS GOVERNMENT DETECTED ANY BROAD COMMUNITY DESIRE TO DO SO.
IT IS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT FOR HONG KONG THAT THE AMBITIOUS TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE 14,500 FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES TO ENABLE NO LESS THAN 18 PER CENT OF THOSE IN THE 17 TO 20 AGE GROUP TO HAVE ACCESS TO DEGREE PLACES BY 1994/95, HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO SMOOTHLY.
GREAT CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN TO THE INSTITUTIONS AND TO THE UPGC. BUT THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF IMPORTANT WORK TO DO.
HAVING ACHIEVED THE NUMBER TARGET, INSTITUTIONS NEED TO CONSIDER HOW THE QUALITY OF OUR GRADUATES, INCLUDING THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS, MAY BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
THE UPGC IS ALSO IN DIALOGUE WITH THE INSTITUTIONS AND WITH THE PUBLIC, THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OF THEIR INTERIM REPORT, ON HOW THE LONGER TERM DIRECTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION MAY BE SET.
OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS SUCH AS POSTGRADUATE TRAINING, CONTINUING EDUCATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INSTITUTIONS ALSO NEED TO BE CAREFULLY ADDRESSED.
TO ENGAGE IN ANOTHER ROUND OF DEBATE ON THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, SO SOON AFTER THE RECENT RESTRUCTURING EXERCISE, AND IN THE FACE OF SO MANY OTHER PRIORITIES, IS CLEARLY UNTIMELY AND UNDESIRABLE.
WE MUST ALSO BEAR IN MIND THE FACT THAT THE INTEREST OF A LARGE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY YET ANOTHER ROUND OF PROPOSED CHANGES WHICH COULD CREATE CONFUSION AND UNCERTAINTY IN THEIR EXPECTATIONS.
THE INTEREST OF OUR TERTIARY STUDENTS MUST NOT BE CONSIDERED IN ISOLATION FROM THAT OF THE MUCH LARGER NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE ENTIRE EDUCATION SYSTEM. THE SUBJECT MUST BE HANDLED WITH GREAT PRUDENCE AND WITH THE BEST INTEREST OF THE ENTIRE LOCAL STUDENT POPULATION IN MIND."
------0-----------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 5 -
* SAFETY FIRST ON DEMOLITION SITES
*****
UNTIL ALL REMEDIAL WORK HAS BEEN SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED, NO FURTHER DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE ALLOWED ON FIVE SITES WHERE DEMOLITION WORK WAS REPORTED TO BE UNSATISFACTORY.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT’S PROFESSIONAL STAFF TODAY (TUESDAY) REVISITED THE 12 UNSATISFACTORY SITES AND FOUND THAT ON SEVEN SITES, REMEDIAL WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
SUCH WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED ON THE OTHER FIVE SITES BY THE END OF THE WEEK.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR CLIVE VINEY, SAID PUBLIC SAFETY CONSIDERATION WOULD TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.
"OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF HAVE BEEN IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE AUTHORISED PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL 12 SITES. IN ONE CASE, A NEW METHOD STATEMENT AND SEQUENCE OF DEMOLITION WILL HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY."
HE ALSO SAID THE MORE EXTENSIVE REMEDIAL WORK INVOLVED THE REMOVAL OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF ACCUMULATED DEBRIS AND HEAVY PLANT FROM UPPER FLOORS.
"THESE OPERATIONS MAY HAVE THE APPEARANCE OF FURTHER DEMOLITION WORK BUT ARE IN FACT NECESSARY MEASURES TO MAKE THE SITES ENTIRELY SAFE AND SATISFACTORY," MR VINEY ADDED.
---------0-----------
EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF WALL COLLAPSE
*****
AN IMMEDIATE CASH RELIEF OF $5,000 HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO EACH FAMILY OF THOSE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE NATHAN ROAD WALL COLLAPSE LAST FRIDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE CASH ASSISTANCE WAS MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE GENERAL CHINESE CHARITIES FUND WHICH WAS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BART IRELAND, SAID HIS STAFF HAD KEPT IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THE BEREAVED FAMILIES OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS.
"THEY CAN REST ASSURED THAT THEY CAN APPROACH US ANYTIME IF THEY REQUIRE FURTHER HELP," HE ADDED.
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/6........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 6 -
JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO MEET NEXT WEEK *****
THE THIRTIETH MEETING OF THE SINO BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE IN PEKING FROM 20-22 SEPTEMBER.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, MR HUGH DAVIES.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE MR ALAN PAUL (COUNSELLOR, OFFICE OF THE BRITISH SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP), MR NICHOLAS NG (SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT), MR ROBERT PEIRCE (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG) AND MR SHERARD COWPER-COLES (HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE).
---------0-----------
POLITICAL ADVISER TO VISIT SHENZHEN
*****
THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBERT PEIRCE, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO SHENZHEN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION WILL INCLUDE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS MR CANICE MAK; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT MR JOHN TELFORD; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY MR JIM MORRIS; ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER MR EDMOND LAU; AND AN INTERPRETER MS PATRICIA LEE.
THE DELEGATION WILL BE MEETING THE VICE-MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHANG HONGYI, AND A NUMBER OF SHENZHEN OFFICIALS FOR DISCUSSIONS ON CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION AND MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG IN THE EVENING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE RETURN OF THE DELEGATION ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TERMINAL PASS INFORMATION OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, DEPARTURE HALL, CHINA FERRY TERMINAL, HONG KONG CHINA CITY, 33 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON NO LATER THAN 5.15 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO FACILITATE REGISTRATION FOR ENTERING THE RESTRICTED AREA.
- - 0----------
/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
7 -
DEFINITIVE ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES ON 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS
♦ t » » »
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) COUNCIL HAD DECIDED TO IMPOSE DEFINITIVE ANTIDUMPING DUTIES ON 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS ORIGINATING IN HONG KONG.
THE INDIVIDUAL RATES RANGE FROM G.7 PER CENT TO 13.3 PER CENT FOR THREE PARTICIPATING COMPANIES, WHILE A RESIDUAL RATE FOR ALL OTHER COMPANIES INCLUDING NEWCOMERS IS SET AT 27.4 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THE DECISION, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MISS EMMA LAU SAID: "THERE ARE REDUCTION OF DUTY RATES, BUT ANY OUTCOME OTHER THAN THE TERMINATION OF THE CASE IS NOT THE BEST SOLUTION WE HAVE HOPED FOR.
"WE ARE IN FACT DISAPPOINTED IN THE PRESENT CASE WHERE ECONOMIC INDICATORS DID NOT PROVIDE CONVINCING EVIDENCE OF MATERIAL INJURY FOR THE COMMUNITY INDUSTRY CONCERNED," SHE ADDED.
ON THE WAY FORWARD, MISS LAU INDICATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP ALL OPTIONS OPEN INCLUDING THAT OF PURSUING THE MATTER MULTILATERALLY, IF DEEMED APPROPRIATE.
"WE WOULD STUDY THE RELEVANT COUNCIL REGULATION CAREFULLY AND CONSULT THE COMPANIES CONCERNED BEFORE FIRMING UP OUR NEXT STEPS. THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SAFEGUARD HONG KONG'S INTEREST," SHE SAID.
PROVISIONAL ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES, INCLUDING A HIGH RESIDUAL RATE OF 35.7 PER CENT, WERE IMPOSED ON MARCH 12, 1994.
COMPARED WITH THE PROVISIONAL DUTIES, THE DEFINITIVE DUTIES COMPRISE A LOWER RESIDUAL RATE OF 27.4 PER CENT. IN ADDITION, THE INDIVIDUAL RATE OF ONE COMPANY HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 20.1 PER CENT TO 13.3 PER CENT.
EXPORT OF UNRECORDED MAGNETIC DISCS, INCLUDING 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS, TO THE EU AMOUNTED TO $124 MILLION IN 1992, $263 MILLION IN 1993, AND $42 MILLION IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WHICH REPRESENTS A DECLINE OF SOME 70 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE IN 1993.
APART FROM HONG KONG, ANTI-DUMPING DUTIES HAVE ALSO BEEN IMPOSED BY THE EU ON 3.5-INCH MAGNETIC DISCS ORIGINATING IN CHINA, JAPAN, KOREA AND TAIWAN.
NEW ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS WERE ALSO INITIATED BY THE EU ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1994 AGAINST IMPORTS FROM MALAYSIA, MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 8 -
HKPC TO CONDUCT TECHNICAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME *****
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) TO CARRY OUT A TECHNICAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIES IN THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND IN UPGRADING THEIR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES.
SPEAKING AT A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY HELD TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW, SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS THE FIRST PROACTIVE PROJECT THE DEPARTMENT HAD EVER LAUNCHED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
COMMISSIONED AS THE FIRST PART OF AN ACTION PACKAGE TO PROVIDE SUCH SUPPORT, THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES A SERIES OF INDUSTRY SEMINARS, FACTORY VISITS, ANALYSES OF EFFLUENT SAMPLES, AND THE PRODUCTION OF DESIGN MANUALS AND AN ECO-AUDIT MANUAL.
"AS INDUSTRY UPGRADES ITS PRODUCTION PROCESSES IN ITS EFFORTS TO COMPLY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, THERE IS A NEED TO IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF INFORMATION; ON THE NATURE AND DETAILS OF CONTROLS; ON THE STEPS THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS; AND TO LET INDUSTRIALISTS KNOW WHERE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE OBTAINED," MR LAW SAID.
"THE PROJECT THAT WE ARE NOW COMMISSIONING IS AIMED PRECISELY AT MEETING THIS NEED," HE ADDED.
THE SEMINARS OR WORKSHOPS OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATION ARE PROPOSED TO BE ORGANISED IN COOPERATION WITH INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS AND WILL FOCUS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AFFECTING INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
ON-SITE VISITS TO FACTORIES IN THE TARGET INDUSTRY SECTORS WILL BE CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE, TO TAKE EFFLUENT SAMPLES AND TO FORMULATE PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS ON HOW EACH FACTORY SHOULD TAKE ACTION TO IMPROVE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE.
DESIGN MANUALS, AND AN ECO-AUDIT MANUAL WITH SUPPORT VIDEO, WILL BE COMPILED TO ASSIST MANUFACTURING FIRMS TO INTRODUCE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES INTO THEIR OPERATIONS.
HKPC IS SCHEDULED TO LAUNCH THE FIRST INDUSTRY SEMINAR IN EARLY OCTOBER.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WAS THE MANAGER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF HKPC, MR C M LIN. HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN PROVIDING ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TO HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIES FOR 15 YEARS.
"BY UNDERTAKING THIS PROJECT, WE WILL BE HELPING INDUSTRY TO GAIN A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS AND THE APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES IN A COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER," HE SAID.
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/9 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 9 -
GOLF TO BECOME POPULAR SPORT *****
GOLF WILL BE ANOTHER ELITE SPORT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE UP EASILY AND AT AFFORDABLE CHARGES FROM NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR SO SAID EFFORTS TO BRING SPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY DID NOT STOP AT BUILDING MORE FACILITIES AND ENCOURAGING MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE.
IT ALSO MEANT DIVERSIFICATION, HE ADDED, "EXPOSING THE COMMUNITY TO THOSE SPORTS WHICH FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER MAY NOT BE WITHIN EASY REACH".
IN A SPEECH TO THE LIONS CLUB OF SOUTH KOWLOON, HONG KONG, MR SO SAID A PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE WAS BEING PLANNED ON KAU SAI CHAU IN SAI KUNG, WHICH WAS A GOVERNMENT PROJECT BUT FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AT ABOUT $500 MILLION.
THE GOLF CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF TWO FULL-SIZE 18-HOLE COURSES, WITH ONE OF THEM BEING OF CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARD.
MR SO SAID CONSTRUCTION OF GOLF COURSES HAD TENDED TO ATTRACT CRITICISMS FROM ENVIRONMENTALISTS.
"THIS IS UNDERSTANDABLE GIVEN THE AREA OF LAND THAT IS REQUIRED FOR SUCH FACILITIES AND THE USE OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS FOR TURF MANAGEMENT.
"BOTH THE JOCKEY CLUB AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE VERY CONSCIOUS ABOUT THESE COMMENTS.
"WE HAVE THEREFORE MADE IT A POINT TO BE PARTICULARLY CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE KAU SAI CHAU GOLF CENTRE RIGHT FROM THE START," MR SO SAID.
THE SITE FOR THE CENTRE HAD BEEN CAREFULLY CHOSEN, HE SAID.
KAU SAI CHAU IS SPARSELY INHABITED AND NOT FREQUENTED BY VISITORS.
IT WAS USED AS A FIRING RANGE FOR MANY YEARS AND CONSIDERABLE EROSION HAD TAKEN PLACE AS A RESULT.
MR SO SAID: "WE BELIEVE THAT BY TURNING THE SITE INTO A PUBLIC GOLF CENTRE, WE WOULD NOT ONLY PRESERVE THAT PART OF THE AREA FOR USE FOR RECREATION, BUT ALSO IMPROVE THE LANDSCAPE ON THE ISLAND SIGNIFICANTLY."
MR SO ADDED THAT NO EFFORTS WERE BEING SPARED IN ATTENDING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INVOLVED AND THE "WHOLE PROJECT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY LED".
APART FROM THE "ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND TRANSPORT STUDIES WERE. ALSO CONDUCTED AND NO ADVERSE IMPLICATIONS WERE ENVISAGED, HE SAID.
/PREPARATORY AND .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 10 -
PREPARATORY AND SITE INVESTIGATION WORK WAS PROCEEDING WHILE EARTH WORKS WOULD START IN THE DRY MONTHS, MR SO ADDED.
MR SO SAID: "WE HOPE TO OPEN THE GOLF CENTRE TO THE PUBLIC BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR."
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION WAS THREE-PRONGED, HE SAID.
THEY ARE:
* TO ENSURE THAT SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION ARE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE AND AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ON AN EQUAL FOOTING;
« TO LIFT THE PROFILE OF SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION IN THE COMMUNITY; AND
* TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF ATHLETES.
MR SO SAID OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES, SWIMMING, TENNIS AND SQUASH HAD BECOME POPULARISED.
------0-------
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR AUGUST
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) 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, WHICH REPRESENT THREE IMPORTANT LAND-USE TYPES 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 EXERCISES ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AS AND WHERE THE NEED ARISES.
THE REPORTED AIR POLLUTANTS INCLUDE SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2), NITROGEN DIOXIDE (NO2), TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (TSP) WHICH COMPRISE ALL SIZES OF DUST PARTICLES, AND RESPIRABLE SUSPENDED PARTICULATES (RSP) WHICH ARE THE RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF THE DUST.
ALL THESE POLLUTANTS CAN AFFECT ' RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATION.
/AIR QUALITY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
11
AIR QUALITY IN AUGUST WAS AFFECTED BY A VARIETY OF NATURAL AND MAN-MADE FACTORS.
HIGHER CONCENTRATIONS OF ALL POLLUTANTS WERE RECORDED AT THE THREE LOCATIONS ON AUGUST 3 BECAUSE LOW WIND SPEEDS ON THAT DAY PREVENTED THE DISPERSION OF LOCALLY EMITTED POLLUTANTS. WHAT LITTLE WIND THERE WAS, WIND FROM THE NORTH BROUGHT WITH IT CONTINENTAL AIR.
AT MONG KOK, TSP LEVELS EXCEEDED THE 24-HOUR AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVE VALUE OF 260 MICROGRAMMES PER CUBIC METRE.
HEAVY RAIN OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS KEPT MOST POLLUTANT LEVELS, ESPECIALLY SULPHUR DIOXIDE, LOW.
BETWEEN AUGUST 17 AND 23, AIR QUALITY WAS AFFECTED BY TROPICAL CYCLONE FRED WHICH MOVED NORTHWESTWARDS FROM THE EAST OF THE PHILIPPINES, ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, AND INTO CHINA.
THE DESCENDING AIR FROM FRED MADE ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS OVER HONG KONG VERY STABLE. THIS LIMITED THE UPWARD MOVEMENT OF POLLUTANTS WHILE LOW SURFACE WIND SPEEDS AGAIN PREVENTED HORIZONTAL DISPERSION.
LOCALLY EMITTED AIR POLLUTANTS WERE THEREFORE TRAPPED AND HIGH CONCENTRATIONS WERE OBSERVED FOR THAT PERIOD.
THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN BETWEEN AUGUST 26 AND 29. MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM AUGUST 27 TO 29, TOGETHER WITH THE POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS, ALSO REDUCED HUMAN ACTIVITY.
THESE FACTORS HELPED TO KEEP DOWN AIR POLLUTION LEVELS DURING THOSE FEW DAYS.
THE GASES AND PARTICLES DESCRIBED ORIGINATE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. SO2 IS MOSTLY PRODUCED WHEN FUELS THAT CONTAIN SULPHUR ARE BURNED. NO2 IS FORMED DURING COMBUSTION BY THE COMBINATION OF NITROGEN AND OXYGEN.
HOWEVER THE MAJORITY OF IT IS FORMED IN THE ATMOSPHERE BY THE OXIDATION OF NITRIC OXIDE (NO), ALSO A PRODUCT OF COMBUSTION.
VEHICLE EXHAUST IS AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF NO AND NO2 IN TERMS OF IMPACT ON LOCAL AIR QUALITY. IT IS ALSO A MAJOR SOURCE OF AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER, ESPECIALLY THE SMALLER RESPIRABLE PARTICLES.
DIESEL-ENGINED VEHICLES SUCH AS TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, PASSENGER COACHES, FRANCHISED BUSES AND LIGHT AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES ARE THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTORS.
OTHER SOURCES OF PARTICLES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND THE SOIL.
/IT IS .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
12
IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT WHILE 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 THE 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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FLORIDA CONFERENCE DISCUSSES TRADE CONTROL OF SAIGA AND SWIFTLET *****
THE CONTROL OVER IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SAIGA AND SWIFTLET WILL BE DISCUSSED AT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE LATER THIS YEAR, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LAU SIN-PANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES LIONS CLUB DINNER RECEPTION, MR LAU SAID THE NINTH CONFERENCE OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) WOULD BE CONVENED IN FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.
AMONG AGENDA ITEMS IS THE CONTROL OVER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF SAIGA AND SWIFTLET, HE SAID.
"THE TRADING OF THESE TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES WILL BE BROUGHT UNDER INTERNATIONAL CONTROL IF THE PROPOSAL IS ENDORSED BY THE CITES CONFERENCE, THEREBY HELPING TO MAINTAIN THEIR NUMBERS IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT," MR LAU SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CITES GUIDELINES HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT IN 1976 OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
HE STRESSED THAT THROUGH THE ORDINANCE HONG KONG HAD ADOPTED STRICTER MEASURES THAN REQUIRED UNDER CITES, INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT OF APPLICATION FOR IMPORT PERMIT AND POSSESSION PERMIT FOR CITES APPENDIX II SPECIES.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 5,800 IMPORT AND POSSESSION PERMITS HAD BEEN ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ABOUT 3,000 INSPECTIONS OF SHOPS AND GOODS WERE CONDUCTED, RESULTING IN 340 CASES OF INVESTIGATIONS OR PROSECUTIONS.
HE SAID AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP WAS SET UP IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONTROLS OF TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES.
/CONVENED BY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 13 -
CONVENED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE GROUP IS ALSO REPRESENTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, POLICE AND THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH.
TO TIE IN WITH THE INTERNATIONAL MEASURE TO PROTECT TIGERS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD, SINCE JANUARY 28 THIS YEAR, PROHIBITED THE IMPORT OF MEDICINE CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS. THE BAN ON THE SALE OF THESE MEDICINE HAD ALSO BECOME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 28.
DURING THE DEPARTMENT’S 680 INSPECTIONS OF MEDICINAL SHOPS BETWEEN MAY AND AUGUST THIS YEAR, 11 OF THEM WERE FOUND TO HAVE PUT ON SALE MEDICINE CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS. OWNERS OF THESE SHOPS WILL BE PROSECUTED AFTER INVESTIGATIONS ARE COMPLETED.
MR LAU REITERATED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS CONSIDERING INCREASING THE PENALTIES TO STAMP OUT THESE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES.
COMMENTING ON CITES, HE SAID IT WAS INSTALLED IN WASHINGTON DC, USA, IN 1973. ITS MEMBERSHIP HAS GROWN FROM THE INITIAL 80 TO THE CURRENT 120, INCLUDING BRITAIN AND CHINA. HONG KONG IS A PARTY TO THE CONVENTION THROUGH BRITAIN’S RECTIFICATION.
ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, MR LAU SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD DONE A LOT TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES. IT HAD PRODUCED POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND TEACHING KITS, ISSUED PRESS RELEASES AND ORGANISED EXHIBITIONS. THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO STEPPED UP PUBLICITY ON VARIOUS FRONTS THIS YEAR.
"IT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT WILD ANIMALS AND PLANTS THROUGH REASONABLE UTILISATION BUT NOT INDISCRIMINATE EXPLOITATION. BY DOING SO, WE HOPE OUR OFFSPRINGS CAN ENJOY THE SAME NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE FUTURE AS WE DO NOW," MR LAU ADDED.
HUNG MUI KUK ROAD BUS LANE IN FORCE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDS MOTORISTS THAT THE BUS LANE ON HUNG MUI KUK ROAD IS STILL IN FORCE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF BUS PASSENGERS.
GENERAL MOTORISTS, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, ARE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE BUS LANE.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION WAS OBSERVED ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND HUNG MUI KUK ROAD KOWLOON-BOUND DURING THE MORNING PEAK HOURS IN THE PAST FEW DAYS.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO AVOID THE CONGESTION ON HUNG MUI KUK ROAD, MOTORISTS FROM TAI PO ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD ARE NOW PERMITTED TO TRAVEL VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND DIRECT TO LION ROCK TUNNEL.
/NEW TRAFFIC ......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
14
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WERE IMPLEMENTED LAST THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 8) TO FACILITATE THE STAGE II WORKS OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
THESE INCLUDED THE SUSPENSION OF THE BUS LANE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SO THAT TWO TRAFFIC LANES COULD BE MAINTAINED ON THE ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
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NO POSTAL SERVICES ON SEPT 21
* * * » *
THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MISS NANCY LAW, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON SEPTEMBER 21, THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY.
------0--------
FIRE OFFICERS COMMENDED FOR SKILFUL RESCUE
*****
FOUR FIREMEN WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) AWARDED THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION AFTER THEY HAD SUCCESSFULLY RESCUED TWO TEENAGE GIRLS WHO THREATENED TO JUMP FROM A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING IN NGAU TAU KOK.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN KOWLOON BAY FIRE STATION, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR HSU KING-PING, PRAISED THE FOUR OFFICERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE OPERATION.
"THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED HIGH STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL EFFICIENCY, SKILL, COURAGE AND TEAM WORK," HE SAID.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT ABOUT 2 PM ON AUGUST 31 IN NING WAH HOUSE, LOK WAH ESTATE.
THE GIRLS WERE FOUND SITTING ON A LEDGE ON THE 24TH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING AND THREATENED TO JUMP.
THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE RESCUE OPERATION, SENIOR STATION OFFICER MR CHUNG WING-KWONG, ORDERED TO SET UP THE RESCUE CUSHION WHILE HE STARTED THE PERSUASION.
ONE GIRL WAS CONVINCED. A SNATCH RESCUE WAS CARRIED OUT BY A TEAM OF FIREMEN WHO BROUGHT THE OTHER GIRL TO SAFETY AFTER THREE HOURS OF PERSUASION.
RECIPIENTS OF THE CFO’S COMMENDATION WERE SENIOR STATION OFFICER MR CHUNG WING-KWONG, PRINCIPAL FIREMAN MR LAM CHI-PANG, AND FIREMEN MR LI CHI-HUNG AND MR LAI KAM-MING.
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/15........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 15 -
SALT WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN AND MONG KOK * * * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM ON THURSDAY (SPTEMBER 15) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE HIN KENG ESTATE, LUNG HANG ESTATE, SUN CHUI ESTATE, SUN TIN WAI ESTATE, CHUN SHEK ESTATE, CARADO GARDEN, GOLDEN LION GARDEN PHASES I AND II, GREEN VIEW GARDEN, WORLDWIDE GARDEN, JULIMOUNT GARDEN, HAPPY DRAGON RECREATION PARK, TIN SUM TSUEN, KAK TIN TSUEN, SAN TIN TSUEN AND LEI UK TSUEN.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT MAPLE STREET, WILLOW STREET, WALNUT STREET, BEDFORD ROAD, LIME STREET, TUNG CHAU STREET, TONG MI ROAD, BUTE STREET, CANTON ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 13 SEPT 94 13 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q437 H473
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD5,250 MN HKD3,230 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKDl,500 MN HKD800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.37 PCT 4.70 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.40 PCT 4.71 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 3 PCT ABOUT 69 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.42 PCT 4.72 PCT ■ '• ■
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 19 SEPT 1994 -
TENDER DATE 20 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER
ISSUE DATE
MATURITY DATE
TENOR
Q438
22 SEPT 94
21 DEC 94
90 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER
HKDl,500 * 300 MN
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,138 0930 + 140
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,654 1000 + 140
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 146
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 146 1200 + 146
LAF TODAY + 370 1500 + 146
1600 + 146
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.8 »+0.0* 13.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1994
- 17 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.10 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.13 5.87
1 MONTH 4.20 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.94 6.28
3 MONTHS 4.37 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.74 6.68
6 MONTHS 4.69 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.72 6.80
12 MONTHS 5.31 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.31 6.94
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,674 MN
CLOSED 13 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................. 1
CLEAN GOVERNMENT AND PLAIN DEALING CONTRIBUTE TO HK’S SUCCESS..................................................... 4
GOVERNOR DESCRIBES TSING MA BRIDGE AS “SYMBOL OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMISM”............................................ 5
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL GOVT CONTRACTS.................. 6
EXCO ENDORSES SAHR RECOMMENDATIONS.......................... 7
BEC ISSUES PUBLIC CENSURE.................................. 13
NEW CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH APPOINTED........................................... 14
SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANT SETTLEMENT..................... 15
ANTI-SMUGGLING ROLE BRINGS COMMENDATION FOR SOLDIER..... 15
“CLEAN HOME ENVIRONMENT KEEP PEST AWAY”.................... 16
PUBLIC IMAGE IN FOCUS...................................... 17
LAI CHI KOK LOT TO LET..................................... 18
LEAFLET ON LAND INHERITANCE AVAILABLE...................... 18
DB ELECTION EXHIBITION IN KWUN TONG........................ 18
MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY REMINDER.............................. 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 20
1
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON MR CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER VISITING TSING MA BRIDGE THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON. I LAST CAME TO VISIT THIS FANTASTIC PROJECT IN AUGUST 1992 WHEN VERY LITTLE COULD BE SEEN THOUGH WORK HAD JUST COMMENCED. IT’S SPECTACULAR TO COME BACK TODAY, JUST OVER TWO YEARS LATER, AND TO SEE HOW MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN SUCH A VERY SHORT TIME. AND I’D LIKE, ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, TO THANK THE DESIGN TEAM AND THE CONSTRUCTION TEAM FOR THE REALLY SUPERB JOB WHICH THEY’VE DONE. I THINK IT’S A REMINDER, IF WE NEEDED ONE, OF HOW MUCH WE CAN DO HERE IN HONG KONG, GIVEN THE FREEDOM TO GET ON WITH THE JOB. I THINK THIS BRIDGE WILL BE REGARDED AS A SYMBOL OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMISM. IT WILL BE AS WELL KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD AS THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO. AND I THINK IT WILL REMIND PEOPLE OF JUST WHAT A SUPERB PLACE HONG KONG IS.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY THAT BELIEVES IN PROGRESS. WE’RE A COMMUNITY THAT BELIEVES IN GETTING THINGS DONE AND THIS BRIDGE JUST SHOWS WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WHEN WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY. SO, ONCE AGAIN, I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE GREAT SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT - ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING OF ALL THE AIRPORT CORE PROJECTS. I WOULD JUST ADD ONE OTHER FOOTNOTE. I WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO BE BRIEFED ABOUT THE EFFORTS WHICH MANAGEMENT AND THE WORKFORCE ARE MAKING TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS ON THE SITE. WE ALL KNOW THAT BY AND LARGE IN HONG KONG WE HAVE A PRETTY DEPLORABLE RECORD ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND PARTICULARLY SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. AND I WAS THEREFORE PLEASED TO LEARN ALL THE TEAMS HERE ARE DOING TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INJURIES AND THE NUMBER OF FATALITIES, THOUGH THEY ARE NOT REMOTELY COMPLACENT ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE MANAGED TO DO SO FAR, BUT THEY ARE BUILDING ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS THEY HAVE MADE SO FAR AND HOPING THEY CAN KEEP THE RECORD AS GOOD AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: SO, ON THE COMING 26TH IS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOINT DECLARATION SIGNATURES. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE TWO FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING CAN GIVE US SPECIAL MEANING TO THIS?
/GOVERNOR........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
2
GOVERNOR: IT’S INTERESTING IF YOU LOOK BACK OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS AT WHAT HONG KONG HAS ACHIEVED WHEREVER IT’S BEEN ABLE TO GET ON WITH THE JOB, WORKING WITH THE MAXIMUM ELBOW ROOM. WE’VE MOVED IN THAT 10 YEARS FROM BEING THE 15TH LARGEST TRADING COMMUNITY IN THE WORLD TO BEING THE EIGHTH LARGEST. WE’VE HAD GREAT ECONOMIC SUCCESS, INCREASING OUR GDP PER HEAD BY ALMOST 80 PER CENT. AND THAT ECONOMIC SUCCESS HAS BEEN MATCHED BY SUCCESS IN SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AS WELL. FOR EXAMPLE, 10 YEARS AGO, ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF THE AGED GROUP WENT INTO UNIVERSITIES, HIGHER EDUCATION. NOW THE FIGURE IS ABOUT 18 PER CENT. THOSE ARE ALL EXAMPLES OF WHAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO WHEN IT HASN’T BEEN HELD BACK WHEN WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO CO-OPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WITH OTHER PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS MIRACLE IN HONG KONG. I WISHED THAT WE HAD AS MUCH SUCCESS WITH THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, WHERE, ALAS FOR UNDERSTANDABLE REASONS, WE HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO GET ON WITH THINGS ON OUR OWN. I THINK THAT WHAT I HOPE THE FOREIGN SECRETARY WILL SAY TO VICE PREMIER QIAN Q1CHEN IS, MAYBE FOR THE NEXT THOUSAND DAYS UNTIL THE TRANSITION TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY IN JULY 1997, WE SHOULD TAKE SOME INSPIRATION FROM WHAT HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG HAVE MANAGED TO DO FOR THEMSELVES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS AND TRY TO DO AS MUCH IN DEALING WITH THE VERY LARGE BACKLOG OF ISSUES ON THE JLG AGENDA. IF WE DON’T SUCCEED IN COPING WITH THOSE ISSUES, IT WILL BE THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND THE PRC WHICH SUFFER. SO I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT EVEN THOUGH SOME THINGS HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE JLG LIKE THE RECENT AGREEMENT ON DEFENCE LANDS, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE CAN SET OURSELVES FAR MORE AMBITIOUS TARGETS. AND AS I’VE SAID BEFORE, TAKING AN ANALOGY FROM THE WORLD CUP, INSTEAD OF GETTING INVOLVED IN ONE SCORELESS DRAW AFTER ANOTHER, 1 THINK PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD LIKE US TO SCORE A FEW GOALS.
QUESTION: SIR, AS FAR AS YOU KNOW, THAT THE EXCO MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STANDARD OF SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS. WILL YOU REGARD CONCESSION, FOR EXAMPLE, IN JLG TALK, OR CONCESSION TOWARDS THE OFFICIAL CONTACT BETWEEN PWC AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AS A KIND OF WAY TO IMPROVE SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE WAY TO IMPROVE RELATIONS AND TO ACHIEVE BETTER CO-OPERATION IS FOR BOTH SIDES TO SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE TO BE EQUALLY COMMITTED TO THE WELL-BEING, THE PROSPERITY, THE STABILITY, THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. AND I THINK THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS COMMITMENT AS HAVE OUR TEAM IN THE JLG OVER THE YEARS. SO I HOPE WE GET THAT COMMITMENT ALL ROUND. WE WILL DO ANYTHING, WE WILL MAKE ANY MOVE WHICH WE BELIEVE IS IN THE SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. AND 1 HOPE THAT GOES FOR OTHERS AS WELL.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, ON THE CT9 ISSUE, CHINESE CRITICISED YOU AS DEALING WITH JARDINE. THEY SAY YOU’RE DEALING WITH JARDINE. WILL YOU COMMENT ON THAT?
/GOVERNOR .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNOR: YES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MADE A FULL STATEMENT THIS MORNING AND ANSWERED QUESTIONS ON IT. I DON'T WANT TO ADD ANYTHING LENGTHY TO WHAT HE SAID. BUT I WILL JUST ADD THIS. I THINK IT'S DEMEANING AND UNDIGNIFIED TO GET INVOLVED IN THE SORT OF EXCHANGES OF LANGUAGE WHICH WE HEARD YESTERDAY. I THINK THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DON’T THINK MUCH OF THAT. I THINK THEY PREFER IT IF WE GET ON WITH THE JOB OF BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR HONG KONG. AND AS WE’VE SEEN HERE, THIS IS WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE WHEN WE HAVE THE CHANCE. THERE ARE TWO THINGS WHICH I THINK WE ALL NEED TO REMEMBER AND BE EXTREMELY CLEAR ABOUT. THE FIRST IS THAT HONG KONG HAS ACHIEVED WHAT IT HAS DONE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS PARTLY ON THE BASIS OF A REPUTATION FOR CLEAN GOVERNMENT AND FOR PLAIN DEALING. SECONDLY, IF YOU ONCE ALLOW ECONOMIC DECISIONS - DECISIONS MADE BY GOVERNMENT, DECISIONS ABOUT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS OR FRANCHISES - TO BE POLITICISED, TO BE DISTORTED BY POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS, IF YOU ONCE ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN, YOU SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE YOUR FUTURE PROSPERITY. YOU SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ECONOMY AND YOUR WAY OF DOING THINGS. SO I THINK PEOPLE WHO MADE THOSE SORTS OF STATEMENT NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL THAT THEY DON’T DO VERY SERIOUS DAMAGE TO OUR REPUTATION IN HONG KONG AND TO OUR PROSPECTS. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO SPEND A GOOD DEAL OF THE NEXT THREE YEARS, I AM SURE OTHER OFFICIALS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO THE SAME, GIVING PEOPLE REASSURANCES ABOUT THE FUTURE, REASSURING THEM THAT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WILL BE SPECTACULAR, THAT WE’LL CONTINUE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL, PROSPEROUS, OPEN, FREE, PLURALISTIC SOCIETY HERE IN HONG KONG. I HOPE THAT SOME OF OUR COLLEAGUES, OFFICIALS IN THE PRC, RECOGNISE THAT THEY HAVE TO GIVE REASSURANCE AS WELL. AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO SAY THE RIGHT THINGS; IT’S IMPORTANT TO ACT IN THE RIGHT WAY AS WELL BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. ONE MORE QUESTION.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, IN PRACTICAL TERMS, WHAT CAN THE FOREIGN SECRETARY ACTUALLY OFFER TO THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WHEN THEY MEET?
GOVERNOR: HE CAN OFFER THAT WE’LL CONTINUE TO BE POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE AND THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO ATTEMPT TO CO-OPERATE AT EVERY LEVEL WHENEVER THAT’S IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG. WE WANT A CO-OPERATIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO WORK FOR THAT OBJECTIVE. EVERY DAY, EVERY WEEK, THERE ARE A HUGE NUMBER OF EXCHANGES, OF CONTACTS BETWEEN HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THEIR OPPOSITE NUMBERS IN THE PRC AND MOST OF THOSE CONTACTS, MOST OF THAT WORK GOES FORWARD EXTREMELY SUCCESSFULLY. I AM SORRY THAT IT’S THE CASE THAT SOME ISSUES HAVE BEEN POLITICISED BY OTHERS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. IT DOESN’T, I REPEAT, IT DOESN’T HURT ANYBODY EXCEPT THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND THE PRC. SO I HOPE THAT’S MORE GENERALLY RECOGNISED. LAST ONE.
/QUESTION.......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
4
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU SAY YOU’LL DO ANYTHING FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. BUT SURELY YOU’RE WRONG HERE TO BECOME A PROBLEM IN THAT CHINA, IN A SENSE, HAS MADE PERSONAL ATTACKS ... IS THERE ANY WAY YOU CAN HELP TO RESOLVE THAT ISSUE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE PROBLEM THAT SOME CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE, APPEARS TO BE WITH THE POLICY RATHER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. THE POLICY IS QUITE SIMPLY THAT TO STAND UP FOR THE JOINT DECLARATION, TO STAND UP FOR THE CONCEPT OF "HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG”, AND THAT "HONG KONG HAVING A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY”. WEi ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO STAND FOUR-SQUARE BY THE JOINT DECLARATION UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 AS SOVEREIGN AND FOR 50 YEARS THEREAFTER AS A PARTY;TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHICH IS AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY. SO NOBODY SHOULD EXPECT US TO GIVE UP OUR DETERMINATION TO SEE THAT HONG KONG REMAINS AS PROSPEROUS, AS STABLE, AS SECURE, AS OPEN, AND AS FREE IN THE FUTURE AS IT IS TODAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
---------0 - -
CLEAN GOVERNMENT AND PLAIN DEALING CONTRIBUTE TO HK’S SUCCESS *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON SAID HONG KONG HAD ACHIEVED WHAT IT HAD DONE IN THE LAST FEW YEARS PARTLY ON THE BASIS OF A REPUTATION FOR CLEAN GOVERNMENT AND FOR PLAIN DEALING.
RESPONDING TO PRESS QUESTIONS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE TSING MA BRIDGE WORK SITE ABOUT CRITICISM THAT THE GOVERNMENT DEALT WITH JARDINES ON THE CT9 ISSUE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IF YOU ONCE ALLOW ECONOMIC DECISIONS - DECISIONS MADE BY GOVERNMENT, DECISIONS ABOUT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS AND FRANCHISES - TO BE POLITICISED OR TO BE DISTORTED BY POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS, YOU SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE YOUR FUTURE PROSPERITY.
’’YOU SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ECONOMY AND YOUR WAY OF DOING THINGS.”
SUPPORTING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT THIS MORNING, MR PATTEN SAID: ”1 THINK PEOPLE WHO MADE THOSE SORTS OF STATEMENT NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL THAT THEY DON’T DO VERY SERIOUS DAMAGE TO OUR REPUTATION IN HONG KONG AND TO OUR PROSPECTS.”
HE SAID HE AND OTHER OFFICIALS WERE GOING TO SPEND A GOOD DEAL OF THE NEXT THREE YEARS GIVING PEOPLE REASSURANCES ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE CONTINUED SUCCESSFUL, PROSPEROUS, OPEN, FREE, PLURALISTIC SOCIETY HERE IN HONG KONG.
”1 HOPE THAT SOME OF OUR COLLEAGUES, OFFICIALS IN THE PRC, RECOGNISE THAT THEY HAVE TO GIVE REASSURANCE AS WELL,” MR PATTEN SAID.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO SAY THE RIGHT THINGS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACT IN THE RIGHT WAY AS WELL BECAUSE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS."
- - 0----------
/5........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
5
GOVERNOR DESCRIBES TSING MA BRIDGE AS "SYMBOL OF HONG KONG'S DYNAMISM" » t » » t
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED THE TSING MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE AS A "SYMBOL OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMISM", WHICH WOULD BECOME AS WELL KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD AS THE FAMOUS GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO.
MR PATTEN TOURED THE CONSTRUCTION SITES ON BOTH THE TSING YI AND MA WAN SIDES OF THE BRIDGE TODAY, AND WATCHED THE AERIAL SPINNING OF 2,200-METRE-LONG SUSPENSION CABLES WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE 1,377-METRE-LONG CENTRAL SPAN.
"THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE WORLD TODAY - AND ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL," MR PATTEN SAID.
"IT WILL BECOME A SYMBOL OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMISM, AND WILL BE AS WELL KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD AS THE FAMOUS GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IN SAN FRANCISCO.
"THE STRUCTURE IS SPECTACULAR AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM ARE MOST IMPRESSIVE.
"IN JUST OVER TWO YEARS SINCE WORK STARTED ON SITE, THE CONTRACTORS HAVE BUILT THE TWO ELEGANT TWIN TOWERS, AS WELL AS MASSIVE ANCHORAGES FOR THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM.
"THEY ARE NOW SPINNING THE LARGE CABLES WHICH WILL SUPPORT WHAT WILL BE THE WORLD’S LONGEST SUSPENSION SPAN CARRYING A RAILWAY AS WELL AS A ROAD.
"THE CONTRACTORS HAVE MADE RAPID PROGRESS SINCE WORK BEGAN IN MAY 1992 AND THEY ARE WELL IN LINE FOR COMPLETION ON SCHEDULE IN MAY 1997.
"BY ANY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS THE PROGRESS IS A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AND I CONGRATULATE ALL CONCERNED - THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, THE DESIGNERS, MOTT MACDONALD, AND THE CONTRACTORS, A JOINT VENTURE OF TRAFALGAR HOUSE, COSTAIN AND MITSUI."
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE TSING MA BRIDGE FORMED PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH ITS INFRASTRUCTURAL BASE FOR THE NEXT CENTURY WITH A NEW AIRPORT, RAILWAY, HIGHWAYS, AND A NEW TOWN, AS WELL AS WIDE EXPANSES OF NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND.
"OUR TALKS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FINANCING FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY ARE CONTINUING, AND I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT AGREEMENT WILL BE REACHED VERY SOON. WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO MAKE THAT POSSIBLE.
"IN THE MEANTIME WE HAVE HERE A MAJOR SUCCESS STORY ON THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME," SAID MR PATTEN.
"WORK IS UNDER WAY ON ALL THE 10 CORE PROJECTS, STRETCHING FROM CENTRAL TO CHEK LAP KOK, AND WE HAVE CONTRACTORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WORKING ROUND THE CLOCK TO BRING THIS IMAGINATIVE PROGRAMME TO FRUITION."
/A GOVERNMENT
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
6
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $51 BILLION WERE UNDER WAY ON THE ACP.
IN ADDITION TO THE TSING MA BRIDGE, THEY COVERED THE LAND FORMATION FOR THE AIRPORT WHICH WAS OVER 65 PER CENT COMPLETE, MORE LAND RECLAMATION AT WEST KOWLOON AND CENTRAL, AND 34 KILOMETRES OF HIGHWAYS STRETCHING BETWEEN THE AIRPORT SITE AND HONG KONG ISLAND INCLUDING HONG KONG’S THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR ROAD TUNNEL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE, WHICH WOULD FORM PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING, HAD REACHED ITS MOST IMPRESSIVE STAGE WITH THE AERIAL SPINNING OF 2.2-KILOMETRE-LONG MAIN SUSPENSION CABLES OVER THE BRIDGE’S TWIN 206-METRE-HIGH TOWERS ON TSING YI AND MA WAN.
THE SPINNING BEGAN IN JULY, JUST TWO YEARS AFTER CONSTRUCTION STARTED ON THE BRIDGE.
WORK ON THE $7.2 BILLION FIVE-YEAR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WAS NOW 60 PER CENT COMPLETE.
------0--------
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL GOVT CONTRACTS t t ♦ » »
RESPONDING TO PRESS REPORTS ABOUT THE TYPE OF COMPANY WHICH SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF CT9, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GRANTING OF CONTRACTS FOR THIS PROJECT WAS NOT BASED ON POLITICAL FACTORS.
’’THE GOVERNMENT OPERATES A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL ITS CONTRACTS, INCLUDING CT9,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
”1 AND MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SPENT OUR CAREERS ENSURING THAT SUCH DECISIONS ARE TAKEN PURELY ON THEIR MERITS, WITHOUT REGARD TO POLITICS OR THE NATIONALITY OF BIDDERS. WE HAVE NOT AND WILL NOT ALTER THIS ’LEVEL PLAYING FIELD’ POLICY.
’’TO SUGGEST OTHERWISE IS UTTERLY GROUNDLESS, AND MOST DAMAGING TO HONG KONG - OUR OBJECTIVITY IN SUCH MATTERS HAS BEEN A KEY FACTOR IN ATTRACTING BIDS. DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES RUN COUNTER TO ALL THAT THE GATT (GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE) AND ITS SUCCESSOR, THE WTO (WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION), IS TRYING TO ACHIEVE.”
RECALLING THE HISTORY OF THIS PROJECT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST WERE INVITED IN EARLY 1992, WHICH RESULTED IN FIVE SUBMISSIONS.
ONE WAS REJECTED BECAUSE OF LACK OF PROVEN CONTAINER TERMINAL EXPERTISE. THREE OF THE OTHER SUBMISSIONS INVOLVED THE TWO MAJOR EXISTING TERMINAL OPERATORS, MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED (MTL) AND HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS (HIT), IN VARYING COMBINATIONS.
THE OTHER BIDDER - TSING YI CONTAINER TERMINAL CONSORTIUM -PRIMARILY INVOLVED JARDINES, SEALAND, SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES AND NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT. THE CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATING EXPERTISE WAS PROVIDED BY SEALAND.
/IN ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
7
IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE COMPETITION, CT9 WAS SPLIT INTO TWO BERTHS FOR HIT AND MTL, AND TWO BERTHS FOR THE TSING YI CONSORTIUM.
THE GRANT OF LAND FOR CT9 WAS INCLUDED IN THE 1992/93 LAND SALES PROGRAMME, APPROVED BY THE LAND COMMISSION IN MARCH 1992.
SUBSEQUENTLY, LATER IN 1992, THE CHINESE SIDE HELD UP THE PROJECT.ON THE BASIS THAT IT WAS A FRANCHISE REQUIRING CONSULTATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT NEGOTIATIONS WOULD PROCEED WITH THE CONSORTIA CONCERNED WAS MADE IN NOVEMBER 1992.
"IN CONSIDERING WHO SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE CT9, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF THE COMPANIES’ FINANCIAL VIABILITY, THEIR EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING CONTAINER TERMINALS AND THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THEIR PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPING AND MANAGING THE NEW TERMINAL.
"THE CONSORTIA OF COMPANIES CHOSEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE THE FOUR BERTHS AT CT9 FULLY SATISFY THESE CRITERIA,” HE EMPHASISED.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE CONSORTIA HAD VAST EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTAINER BUSINESS.
"SEALAND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST CONTAINER OPERATORS IN THE WORLD. JARDINES ALSO HAS EXTENSIVE CONTAINER HANDLING EXPERIENCE, ALTHOUGH ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF CT9 WILL RELATE MAINLY TO ADMINISTRATION AND MARKETING," HE ADDED.
SIR HAMISH SAID IT WAS NOW VITAL FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY THAT THE CHINESE SIDE SHOULD CONSIDER THE PROJECT ON ITS MERITS AND ENDORSE IT SO THAT WORK COULD GET UNDER WAY WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY. THE PROJECT WAS ALREADY ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEHIND SCHEDULE, HE ADDED.
------0--------
EXCO ENDORSES SAHR RECOMMENDATIONS
» » « « «
THE 22 RECOMMENDATIONS DRAWN UP BY THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION (SAHR) HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE MRS SHELLEY LAU ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR TO ASSESS VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND AFTER EXAMINING THE PRACTICE IN SEVERAL OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, MRS LAU STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON SAHR WAS VALUE-NEUTRAL AND WOULD DEFER TO COMMUNITY VIEWS.
"WE WILL SEEK TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH SAHR COULD BE SAFELY PRACTISED SO THAT THE RIGHTS OF BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN BORN OF SAHR PROCEDURE COULD BE PROTECTED," SHE SAID.
/MRS LAU ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
8
MRS LAU THANKED DR LEONG CHE-HUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FORMER COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION AND MEMBERS FOR THEIR THOROUGH CONSIDERATION OF THIS COMPLEX ISSUE AND FOR MAKING SOUND RECOMMENDATIONS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN FORMULATING POLICIES ON SAHR, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT DICTATE THE COMMUNITY’S VALUES OR REPRESENT ANY PARTICULAR SECTORIAL INTEREST, BUT WOULD INSTEAD SEEK MULTIDISCIPLINARY ADVICE.
"THIS IS IN KEEPING WITH MOST PRACTICES OVERSEAS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE UK AND AUSTRALIA," SHE ADDED.
"PENDING THE SETTING UP OF A STATUTORY BODY, WE PROPOSE TO APPOINT A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROVISIONAL SAHR BOARD BY EARLY 1995 TO ADVISE ON THE DRAWING UP OF A CODE OF PRACTICE AND ON WHAT MATTERS SHOULD BE COVERED BY LEGISLATION LATER ON.
"WITHIN THE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK, INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE LEFT TO DECIDE ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE WHETHER OR NOT TO MAKE USE OF SAHR PRACTICE," SHE SAID.
OUTLINING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION IN RESPECT OF THE COMMITTEE’S 22 SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS, MRS LAU GAVE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:
(I) STATUTORY CONTROLLING BODY
THE GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THERE IS A NEED:
» TO LICENSE MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS TO CARRY OUT SAHR
PROCEDURES;
* TO PROMULGATE A CODE OF PRACTICE TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE
OF SAHR;
» TO PROVIDE FOR A CENTRAL REGISTRY OF SEMEN DONORS AND A REGISTER OF SAHR PROCEDURES PERFORMED;
« TO SEEK MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ADVICE WHEN FORMULATING POLICY ON SAHR.
THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE STATUTORY BODY SHOULD HAVE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS:
» DETERMINING THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH EACH TYPE OF SAHR PROCEDURE AND EMBRYO RESEARCH SHOULD BE ALLOWED;
» EXAMINING THE SOCIAL, MORAL, ETHICAL AND OTHER NON-MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS OF SAHR, TAKING ADVICE ON THESE FROM AN ETHICS COMMITTEE SET UP UNDER THE STATUTORY BODY;
» CONSULTING THE COMMUNITY ON NEW SAHR TECHNIQUES AND
PROPOSALS FOR REGULATION;
» PROMULGATING A CODE OF PRACTICE ON SAHR AND EMBRYO
RESEARCH;
/* CONSIDERING .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
9
» CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FOR LICENSING OF MEDICAL
INSTITUTIONS TO CARRY OUT SAHR AND TO CONDUCT EMBRYO RESEARCH;
* CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS OF PREMISES;
» LICENSING PREMISES FOR THE PRACTICE OF SAHR AND EMBRYO
RESEARCH;
* SPECIFYING THE PARTICULAR SAHR PROCEDURE AND EMBRYO
RESEARCH WHICH THE LICENSEE MAY PERFORM, SUBJECT TO ANY CONDITIONS IMPOSED, OR RECOMMENDATIONS MADE, BY THE STATUTORY BODY;
* SPECIFYING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTITUTIONS CARRYING OUT SAHR AND/OR EMBRYO RESEARCH TO ESTABLISH AND TAKE ADVICE FROM THEIR OWN MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS COMMITTEE;
* HEARING APPEALS FROM APPLICANTS; AND
* MAINTAINING REGISTERS, RECORDS AND STATISTICS.
THE STATUTORY BODY AND ITS ETHICS COMMITTEE WOULD BE SERVICED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, AS IS THE CASE WITH THE OTHER EXISTING MEDICAL/PARAMEDICAL/SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL BOARDS AND COUNCILS.
(II) LEGAL STATUS OF CHILDREN BORN BY DONOR INSEMINATION PROCEDURES
THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT THE LEGITIMACY OF CHILDREN BORN BY DONOR INSEMINATION SHOULD BE PROTECTED BY LAW. SECTIONS 9-11 OF THE PARENT AND CHILD ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS ENACTED IN MARCH 1993, HAVE ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THIS.
(Ill) ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
THE GOVERNMENT NOTED THAT GIVEN ITS EXCLUSION OF ANY THIRD PARTY TO THE MARRIAGE, ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY HUSBAND (AIH) ATTRACTED THE FEWEST RESERVATIONS FROM RESPONDENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT ENDORSES THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION THAT AIH SHOULD BE ALLOWED AND PROPOSE THAT NO CONTROL IS NECESSARY, OTHER THAN THAT AIH BE ADMINISTERED BY A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AND THEREFORE SUBJECT TO PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND CONDUCT.
SINCE THE PARENT AND CHILD ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT A MAN WHOSE SEMEN IS USED AFTER HIS DEATH SHALL NOT BE REGARDED AS THE FATHER OF THE CHILD, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE LAW SHOULD PRESCRIBE THAT A HUSBAND’S STORED SEMEN SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PERISH AFTER HIS DEATH, UNLESS THE COUPLE HAS AFTER BEING BRIEFED ON THE CONSEQUENCES INDICATED TO THE CONTRARY.
AS REGARDS DONOR INSEMINATION (DI), THE GOVERNMENT SHARES THE CONCERN BY MANY PEOPLE THAT THIS INTRODUCES A THIRD PARTY INTO THE MARRIAGE.
/HOWEVER, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
10
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT ITS USE SHOULD BE A MATTER OF PERSONAL CONSCIENCE AND SHOULD NOT BE DENIED TO COUPLES WHO FIND IT ACCEPTABLE. WHAT IS NEEDED IS PROPER SAFEGUARDS FOR ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.
IN AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT DI SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT INSTITUTIONS LICENSED FOR THE PURPOSE AND SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY CONDITIONS :
* ONLY BANKED SEMEN MEDICALLY TESTED AS SUITABLE FOR THE
PURPOSE SHOULD BE USED. THE SEMEN DONOR MUST ALSO HAVE
CONSENTED IN WRITING;
« THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE’S MEDICAL PRACTITIONER IS '
SATISFIED THAT DI IS CLINICALLY THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEANS OF TREATMENT;
* THE COUPLE MUST BE MARRIED. THEY MUST BOTH HAVE CONSENTED
IN WRITING TO THE PROCEDURE AND TO THE USE OF THE DONOR SELECTED BY THE MEDICAL PRACTITIONER; AND
» WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO HIS ANONYMITY, THE MEDICAL
PRACTITIONER HAS SELECTED AND SCREENED THE DONOR AND MADE
KNOWN SOME BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT HIM TO THE COUPLE.
THE GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT, TO REDUCE THE DANGER OF ACCIDENTAL INCEST, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN FATHERED BY ANY SEMEN DONOR SHOULD NOT EXCEED THREE.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THE LAW AND CODE OF PRACTICE REQUIRE SAHR INSTITUTIONS TO MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE AND THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF SEMEN DONORS TO REPORT EACH SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY AND BIRTH RESULTING FROM DI.
(IV) INFORMATION ON CHILDREN BORN OF DI PROCEDURE
WHILE IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF A CHILD BORN OF DI TO KNOW HIS GENETIC ORIGINS, THERE IS ALSO A NEED TO MAINTAIN THE FAMILY’S PRIVACY AND RESPECT THE DONOR’S ANONYMITY.
ON BALANCE, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT THE SEMEN DONOR’S IDENTITY SHOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL FROM THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE AND THE CHILD, AND VICE-VERSA.
EXPANDING ON THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THE LAW SHOULD PROVIDE THE RIGHT FOR ALL PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 18 TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THEY WERE BORN FOLLOWING DI, AND IF SO, TO HAVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN NON-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE DONOR.
THE CENTRAL REGISTRY SHOULD BE UNDER A LEGAL DUTY TO COLLECT AND HOLD SUCH INFORMATION IN CONFIDENCE.
AS THE FOREGOING CONSIDERATIONS ON DI ARE EQUALLY APPLICABLE TO OTHER SAHR PROCEDURES INVOLVING EGG OR EMBRYO DONATION, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY MUTATIS MUTANDIS TO ALL SAHR PROCEDURES.
(V) SURROGACY .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
11
(V) SURROGACY
GENETIC IN-VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF) SURROGACY INVOLVES FERTILISATION OF SEMEN AND OVUM FROM THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE OUTSIDE THE BODY, FOLLOWED BY PLACEMENT OF THE EMBRYO INTO A SURROGATE MOTHER FOR GESTATION AND DELIVERY.
THE GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THE STRONG PUBLIC VIEWS AGAINST SURROGACY, PARTICULARLY IF IT INVOLVES COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OR IS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF A WOMAN WHO DESIRES A CHILD BUT DOES NOT WANT TO BE ENCUMBERED BY PREGNANCY.
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT SURROGACY SHOULD BE
ACTIVELY DISCOURAGED AND ONLY PERMITTED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE ACCEPTS THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION THAT COMMERCIAL SURROGACY, AND ITS ARRANGEMENT OR ADVERTISING, SHOULD BE A CRIMINAL OFFENCE. ’ '
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSES THAT, IN THE PARAMOUNT INTEREST OF THE CHILD, THE LAW SHOULD STATE THAT ANY SURROGACY AGREEMENT WILL BE LEGALLY UNENFORCEABLE.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A NEW COURT PROCEDURE IN LIEU OF ADOPTION FOR SURROGACY CASES, SECTION 12 OF THE PARENT AND CHILD ORDINANCE ACCEPTS A SURROGACY SITUATION WHERE ONE OF THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE IS INFERTILE AND A SEMEN OR OVUM DONOR IS USED.
HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT ONLY GENETIC IVF SURROGACY BE ALLOWED -- THAT IS, BOTH OF THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE MUST CONTRIBUTE THE GENETIC MATERIAL, WITH NO SEMEN OR OVUM DONOR INVOLVED.
THE GOVERNMENT FINDS THIS MORE ACCEPTABLE, SINCE IT KEEPS TO A MINIMUM THE NUMBER OF THIRD PARTIES INTRODUCED INTO THE MARRIAGE.
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE RECOMMENDATION THAT GENETIC IVF SURROGACY SHOULD BE ALLOWED ONLY FOR AN INFERTILE HUSBAND AND WIFE, ON THE BASIS OF CLINICAL JUDGMENT BY A PHYSICIAN THAT NO ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT IS POSSIBLE.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THE CODE OF PRACTICE SHOULD ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IN GREATER DETAIL.
RECOGNISING THAT BEING A SURROGATE MOTHER, CARRYING AND DELIVERING A BABY AND THEN GIVING HIM OR HER UP TO THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE, HAS PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WOMAN, THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE AGREES WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR BOTH THE COMMISSIONING COUPLE AND THE SURROGATE MOTHER (PLUS HER HUSBAND, IF ANY).
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THIS COUNSELLING SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE INSTITUTION OFFERING THE SAHR PROCEDURE AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL INVITE THE PROPOSED MULTI-DISCIPLINARY STATUTORY BODY TO CONSIDER HOW THIS SHOULD BE DONE.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
12
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ACCEPTS THAT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE SURROGATE MOTHER AND HER HUSBAND (IF ANY) SHOULD BE REQUIRED, ALTHOUGH THIS WILL NOT CREATE A CONTRACT FORCING THEM TO SURRENDER THE CHILD AFTER BIRTH.
WHILE ACCEPTING THE COMMITTEE’S VIEW THAT IT IS UNDESIRABLE FOR WOMAN WHO HAS NEVER BEEN MARRIED AND WHO HAS NEVER HAD A CHILD OF HER OWN TO BE A SURROGATE MOTHER, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO LEGISLATE THIS REQUIREMENT.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE PROPOSES THAT THIS MIGHT BE BETTER INCLUDED IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE AS A FACTOR TO BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED WHEN COUNSELLORS AND PHYSICIANS ADVISE A COUPLE ON THE CHOICE OF AN APPROPRIATE SURROGATE MOTHER.
(VI) EMBRYO RESEARCH
NOTING THAT MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE AN UNDERSTANDABLY EMOTIONAL AVERSION TO EMBRYO RESEARCH, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE LAW IN THIS AREA SHOULD SET A MINIMUM STANDARD OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR WHICH SOCIETY FINDS ACCEPTABLE.
ACCORDINGLY, EACH MEDICAL INSTITUTION’S EMBRYO RESEARCH SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ETHICAL MONITORING.
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED BY THE COMMITTEE SERVE AS A PRAGMATIC REFERENCE POINT FOR FUTURE LEGISLATION.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES THAT THE LAW SHOULD PRESCRIBE THAT:
t NO EMBRYO SHOULD BE CREATED DELIBERATELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCH;
t CROSS-SPECIES FERTILISATION AND CLONING OF EMBRYOS SHOULD
BE PROHIBITED;
» EMBRYO RESEARCH SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR MEDICAL AND
THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE STATUTORY BODY. IN NO CASE WOULD EMBRYO RESEARCH BE ALLOWED AFTER THE 14TH DAY AFTER FERTILISATION, WHICH IS WHEN RUDIMENTARY NERVOUS TISSUE BEGINS TO APPEAR; AND
» PERMISSIBLE AREAS OF RESEARCH SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE ISSUED BY THE STATUTORY BODY;
» APPLICATIONS TO CONDUCT EMBRYO RESEARCH SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE STATUTORY BODY AND ANY CONDITIONS THAT IT MAY IMPOSE;
* EACH MEDICAL INSTITUTION LICENSED TO CONDUCT EMBRYO RESEARCH SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODE OF PRACTICE PROMULGATED BY THE STATUTORY BODY; AND
/* STORAGE AND .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
13
* STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF EMBRYOS AND RESEARCH THEREON SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONSENT BY THEIR DONORS.
(VII) PROVISIONAL SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION BOARD
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO APPOINT A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROVISIONAL SAHR BOARD AND ETHICS COMMITTEE.
THE BOARD WOULD BE CHAIRED BY A PERSON WHO IS NOT A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AND WOULD HAVE AN EQUAL NUMBER OF MALE AND FEMALE MEMBERS.
APART FROM DOCTORS INVOLVED IN PRACTICE AND IN TEACHING, OTHER MEMBERS WOULD INCLUDE LAWYERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, NURSES, THEOLOGIANS, SOCIOLOGISTS, AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES.
THE ETHICS COMMITTEE WOULD BE A SMALLER WORKING COMMITTEE DRAWN FROM THE BOARD AND WHICH COULD ALSO CO-OPT MEMBERS.
THE BOARD WILL ADVISE ON THE DRAWING UP OF A CODE OF PRACTICE AND ON PREPARATION OF LEGISLATION.
MRS LAU SAID THE DRAFT LEGISLATION WOULD BE SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE, PROBABLY LATE IN THE 1994/95 LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING SESSION OR EARLY IN 1995/96.
"PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION AND THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE, THE BOARD WILL LIAISE WITH SAHR INSTITUTIONS TO SET VOLUNTARY STANDARDS," SHE SAID.
------0-------
BEC ISSUES PUBLIC CENSURE
*****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ISSUED A PUBLIC CENSURE ON UNFAIR TREATMENT OF CANDIDATES BY AN OWNERS’ COMMITTEE IN SHA TIN.
THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THE CONDUCT OF THE OWNERS’ COMMITTEE WAS CONTRARY TO A FAIR AND OPEN ELECTION.
"THE BEC DENOUNCES THE COURSE OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE SAID OWNERS’ COMMITTEE TO GIVE DIFFERENT, UNFAIR AND UNEQUAL TREATMENT TO THE TWO CANDIDATES INVOLVED," HE SAID.
THE BEC RECEIVED A COMPLAINT OF UNFAIR TREATMENT BY THE OWNERS’ COMMITTEE OF HOLFORD GARDEN, TAI WAI, SHA TIN, WITHIN THE MEI TIN CONSTITUENCY EARLIER THIS WEEK.
TWO CANDIDATES ARE CONTESTING IN THIS CONSTITUENCY AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18. THEY ARE MR CHU MOON-SHING AND MR HO HAU-CHEUNG.
ON JULY 27, THE COMMITTEE GRANTED A WRITTEN CONSENT TO MR HO TO DISPLAY ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS AND CONDUCT ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IN HOLFORD GARDEN.
/SINCE THE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
14
SINCE THE END OF JULY, MR HO HAD BEEN CARRYING OUT HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO RESIDENTS OF HOLFORD GARDEN AND HIS ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS HAVE BEEN ON DISPLAY THERE.
THE COMMITTEE, ON THE OTHER HAND, REJECTED MR CHU’S APPLICATION FOR HOUSEHOLD VISITS, DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLETS AND DISPLAY OF ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS IN HOLFORD GARDEN.
"THIS COURSE OF ACTION TAKEN BY THE SAID OWNERS’ COMMITTEE IGNORES THE NEED TO ACCORD FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT TO ALL CANDIDATES AND IS IN BLATANT DISREGARD OF THE BEC GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN RESPECT OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS PUBLISHED ON JULY 15," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
HE SAID DESPITE THE REMINDER FROM THE SHA TIN RETURNING OFFICER TO THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MR LAU KUN-HUNG OF THE BEC GUIDELINES, IT WOULD NOT DESIST FROM THE COURSE OF ACTION TAKEN.
MR HO HAU-CHEUNG ALSO INFORMED THE BEC THAT HE KNEW OF THE DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE TO DISALLOW MR CHU FROM ELECTIONEERING THERE. BUT HE TREATED THAT AS AN INTERNAL DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE AND HE MADE NO COMMENT ON IT.
"THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO JUSTIFIABLE REASON WHY MR CHU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONDUCT ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IN HOLFORD GARDEN WHEREAS MR HO WAS ALLOWED TO DO SO."
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID IT ALSO APPEARED TO THE BEC THAT THE DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE MADE THROUGH ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WITHOUT PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH THE OWNERS OR RESIDENTS OF THE ESTATE.
"AS SUCH, IT DEPRIVES THE OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF THEIR BASIC RIGHTS TO BE FULLY INFORMED."
THE BEC HAS DIRECTED THAT A COPY OF THE PUBLIC CENSURE TO BE SENT TO THE RESIDENTS IN HOLFORD GARDEN TO INFORM THEM OF THE SITUATION.
------0--------
NEW CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH APPOINTED * » » * »
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED PROFESSOR S H LEE AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (COSH) FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM OCTOBER 1, 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PROFESSOR LEE WILL REPLACE DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG, WHO HAS BEEN THE CHAIRMAN OF COSH SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1987.
MRS FOK THANKED DR LEUNG FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO COSH, WHICH HAS BEEN THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND MANY ANTI-SMOKING INITIATIVES IN HONG KONG.
PROFESSOR LEE IS FORMER DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND CURRENT
PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE.
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/15........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
15
SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANT SETTLEMENT * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES ON SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANT SETTLEMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID INFORMATION ABOUT A PROPOSED "NO LIABILITY" GLOBAL SETTLEMENT WHICH COULD AFFECT HONG KONG WOMEN HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE NORTHERN DISTRICT COURT OF ALABAMA, USA.
THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN DISSEMINATED TO THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION THROUGH PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
DOW CORNING AND OTHER IMPLANT COMPANIES HAVE CREATED A US$4.2 BILLION COMPENSATION FUND FOR WOMEN SEEKING DAMAGES ALLEGEDLY RESULTING FROM IMPLANTS DONE BEFORE JUNE 1, 1993.
THE SETTLEMENT ENTITLES PATIENTS TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR CERTAIN DEFINED DISEASES THAT THEY MAY ALREADY HAVE OR MAY DEVELOP FOR UP TO 30 YEARS.
PATIENTS WHO WISH TO PURSUE FINANCIAL CLAIMS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR ATTENDING DOCTORS. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CONSIDER THE USA PROPOSAL.
WOMEN WHO HAVE DECIDED TO OPT IN ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE ALABAMA COURT BY DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR,
A NON-US CLAIMANT WHO DOES NOT REGISTER BY THIS DATE WILL BE BARRED FROM PURSUING A CLAIM RELATING TO BREAST IMPLANTS IN ANY COURT IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT WILL BE PERMITTED TO PURSUE SUCH CLAIMS IN THE COURTS OR ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE GLOBAL SETTLEMENT IS AVAILABLE BY TELEPHONE (TO THE USA) ON 1 312 609 8680, OR IN WRITING TO MDL 926, POST OFFICE BOX 11683, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35202-1683, USA.
------0-------
ANTI-SMUGGLING ROLE BRINGS COMMENDATION FOR SOLDIER » » » » *
THE CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE ANTI-SMUGGLING TASK FORCE (ASTF) WILL BE RECOGNISED AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) WHEN CAPTAIN RICKY DINSMORE WILL BE AWARDED A COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES COMMENDATION BY MAJOR GENERAL BRYAN DUTTON.
THE BLACK WATCH OFFICER HAS SERVED AS THE MILITARY LIAISON OFFICER TO THE ASTF FOR THE PAST 20 MONTHS.
HIS JOB HAS BEEN TO LIAISE PERSONALLY, BRIEF AND ADVISE OFFICERS OF THE POLICE, ROYAL NAVY, ARMY, RAF AND GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE (GFS).
HE IS INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING OF ARMY TROOPS AND PRODUCING TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND EXERCISES FOR ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN ASTF TASKS.
/CAPTAIN DINSMORE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
16
CAPTAIN DINSMORE HAS BEEN THE INSTIGATOR OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, CO-ORDINATED AND SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS INVOLVING ROYAL NAVY SHIPS AND PURSUIT CRAFT, POLICE LAUNCHES AND SPEEDBOATS, ARMY LAND OBSERVATION POSTS, POLICE LAND TEAMS, RAF HELICOPTERS AND GFS FIXED WING AIRCRAFT, WORKING EXTREMELY LONG HOURS.
THROUGH HIS EFFORTS AND THOSE OF HIS POLICE COLLEAGUES ON THE ANTI-SMUGGLING TASK FORCE, 1994 HAS WITNESSED A DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN SMUGGLING ACTIVITY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE PRESENTATION BY MAJOR GENERAL DUTTON AT 7.30 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD ARRIVE AT SECOND FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD NO LATER THAN 7.15 PM.
------0-------
"CLEAN HOME ENVIRONMENT KEEP PEST AWAY”
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS NOW LAUNCHING A TERRITORY-WIDE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING A CLEAN HOME ENVIRONMENT TO PREVENT HOME PESTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE CAMPAIGN, BEARING THE THEME "CLEAN HOME ENVIRONMENT KEEPS PEST AWAY", WAS ORGANISED WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL.
"HOME PESTS LIKE COCKROACHES, FLEAS, MITES AND ANTS NOT ONLY CAUSE ANNOYANCE AND NUISANCE, THEY CAN BE VECTORS FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF DISEASES," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE EFFECT OF INSECTICIDES IS TEMPORARY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. THE BEST WAY OF PREVENTING HOME PESTS WAS TO MAINTAIN A CLEAN HOUSEHOLD.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, PRINTED EDUCATIONAL HANDOUTS SUCH AS POSTERS, ADVISORY LETTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT OFFICES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND HOUSING ESTATES.
THE PRINTED MATERIALS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN SCHOOLS, THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
A 24-HOUR HOTLINE 723 0013 WILL ALSO BE IN OPERATION TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC A PRE-RECORDED MESSAGE IN CANTONESE ON HOME PESTS.
/MEMBERS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
17 -
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO CONTACT THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON TEL 787 1229 OR 787 1230 FOR ADVICE. EXHIBITION BOARDS WILL BE ON DISPLAY ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, MONG KOK.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE HEED OF THE FOLLOWING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICES TO PREVENT HOME PESTS:
♦ KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN AND DRY. STORE ALL FOOD PROPERLY AND PUT ALL FOOD REMNANTS INTO A COVERED REFUSE BIN.
* FILL UP ALL CREVICES OR HIDING PLACES. USE ANTI-MOULDY PAINTS FOR MOULDY WALL OR COVER THE WALL SURFACE WITH NEW WALL PAPER.
* CARPETS, BLANKETS AND PETS’ BLANKETS SHOULD BE DUSTED AND CLEANED FREQUENTLY. KEEP YOUR PETS CLEAN.
* OBSERVE PERSONAL HYGIENE. THOSE PERSONS WITH ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS SHOULD CHANGE CLOTHES AND CLEAN THEIR BLANKETS FREQUENTLY.
------0--------
PUBLIC IMAGE IN FOCUS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROJECTING A GOOD PUBLIC IMAGE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THROUGH BUILDING A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MEDIA.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD MEDIA TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR WONG SAID: "IN THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS, I HAVE OFTEN STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING AN OPEN AND RESPONSIVE ATTITUDE, BUILDING A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDIA, AND MAINTAINING A GOOD PUBLIC IMAGE OF OUR DEPARTMENT.
"IN THIS DAY AND AGE OF OPEN GOVERNMENT AND TRANSPARENCY, WE MUST REACH OUT TO THE PUBLIC. WE CANNOT AVOID THE MEDIA. WE MUST WORK WITH THEM.
"INDEED, OUR EFFECTIVENESS IN GETTING THE JOB DONE IS MEASURED TO SOME EXTENT BY THE DEGREE IN WHICH WE CAN SUCCESSFULLY WORK WITH THE MEDIA."
THE WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARTICIPATING OFFICERS BY HELPING THEM DEVELOP THE SKILLS NEEDED TO HANDLE THE MEDIA PROPERLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
MR WONG HOPED THAT STAFF MEMBERS WOULD LEARN HOW TO TURN THE MEDIA "THREAT" INTO A VALUABLE "OPPORTUNITY" TO EXPLAIN EDUCATION POLICIES, PRACTICES AND DEVELOPMENTS.
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
18
LAI CHI KOK LOT TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE RECLAMATION AREA IN LAI CHI KOK.
THE 7,560-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON SEPTEMBER 30.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES 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 CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
------0-------
LEAFLET ON LAND INHERITANCE AVAILABLE
*****
A LEAFLET WHICH PROVIDES SOME GENERAL INFORMATION ON LAND INHERITANCE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LAND (EXEMPTION) ORDINANCE ON JUNE 24 THIS YEAR IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
COPIES ARE ALSO READY FOR COLLECTION AT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME/ PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ESTATE OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICES BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE) AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES PUBLIC COUNTER (GROUND FLOOR, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL).
-----0-------
DB ELECTION EXHIBITION IN KWUN TONG
*****
WITH ONLY FOUR DAYS TO GO BEFORE THE "9.18" DISTRICT BOARD POLLS, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL LAUNCH AN EXHIBITION TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS THIS SUNDAY.
STARTING FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TELFORD GARDENS COMMERCIAL COMPLEX FOR TWO DAYS.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION ON THE FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND A MAP SHOWING THE ELECTORAL CONSTITUENCIES IN KWUN TONG WILL ALSO BE FEATURED.
/ALSO PROMOTING .......
I
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
19
ALSO PROMOTING THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS, STAFF OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE BEEN VISITING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE AREA WHILE SOME "STUDENT AMBASSADORS" HAVE BEEN CALLING ON ELDERLY CENTRES OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT GROUND FLOOR, TELFORD GARDENS COMMERICAL COMPLEX FROM 10.30 AM TO 7.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 16).
------0--------
MID-AUTUMN HOLIDAY REMINDER t » » * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT NEXT WEDNESDAY, (SEPTEMBER 21) THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR WAGE LEVELS ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A FULL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TEL 717 1771.
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/20........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ » * * ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,654 0930 -373
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,920 1000 -381
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ! 1100 -371
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -369 1200 -369
LAF TODAY -365 1500 -369
1600 -369
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.7 »-0.1» 14.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.07 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.22 5.80
1 MONTH 4.16 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.98 6.25
3 MONTHS 4.38 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.80 6.65
6 MONTHS 4.67 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.77 6.78
12 MONTHS 5.27 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.36 6.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,198 MN
CLOSED 14 SEPTEMBER 1994 -----------------------------------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY..................... 1
DB ELECTIONS A MILESTONE IN DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT................................................. 3
RECOMMENDATIONS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES NOT ACCEPTED... 4
HK OFFICER WORKS IN CUSTOMS COUNCIL ON ORIGIN RULES..... 4
HK POPULATION REACHES 6M................................... 5
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY............................. 6
SECOND PUBLIC BRIEFING ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY............. 9
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT: A CLEAN AIR ZONE.................... 10
20 VMS RETURN HOME........................................ 11
CLOSURE OF SHAM SHUI PO ILLEGAL STRUCTURE............... 11
PUBLIC URGED TO VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18...................... 11
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL................... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 12
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
1
STATEMENT BY BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, IN HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY):
GOVERNOR: I’D LIKE TO WELCOME THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, DOUGLAS HURD, TO HONG KONG AGAIN. HE’S ALWAYS AN EXTREMELY WELCOME VISITOR AND WE’RE ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL FOR HIS UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS. IT’S AN IMPORTANT VISIT AND MR HURD IS GIVING A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW, BUT I THINK HE’D LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS NOW.
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: GOOD AFTERNOON. IT’S ALWAYS TO ME VERY EXCITING AND STIMULATING TO COME TO HONG KONG AGAIN. IT’S 40 YEARS SINCE I WAS FIRST HERE AND I’VE NOTICED A CHANGE OR TWO ALONG THE WAY.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS VISIT IS VERY SIMPLE. IT’S ONE YEAR, MORE THAN ONE YEAR, FIFTEEN MONTHS, SINCE I WAS LAST HERE AND THAT WAS A VERY SHORT VISIT. SO MY AIM TODAY AND TOMORROW IS TO BRING MYSELF UP TO DATE. WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO TALK TO THE GOVERNOR AND HIS ADVISERS, TO EXCO, TO LEGCO, TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT VERY MUCH. THERE’S A CROWDED AGENDA AND IT’S PART OF MY JOB, AN IMPORTANT PART OF MY JOB IN LONDON TO HELP THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DO ITS BEST TO STEER HONG KONG THROUGH THE NEXT FEW YEARS. WE CAN ONLY DO THAT IF WE HAVE VERY CLOSE PERSONAL CONTACT AT ALL LEVELS AND THAT’S THE REASON FOR MY VISIT.
AS THE GOVERNOR SAID, I’M GIVING A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW BUT IF ANYBODY HAS ANY QUESTIONS WHICH CAN’T WAIT, NOW’S THE TIME TO PUT THEM. ANY QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: THE LEGISLATORS ARE COMPLAINING THAT YOU’VE ONLY GIVEN THEM 45 MINUTES FOR A MEETING, YET SOME OF THEM ARE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES WHO DESERVE LONGER. HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO THAT CRITICISM?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: I WOULD GET THE SAME CRITICISM IF I GAVE THEM ONE HOUR AND 45 MINUTES.
GOVERNOR: BUT YOU’RE ACTUALLY GIVING THEM AN HOUR NOW.
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: I AM NOW GIVING THEM ONE HOUR, YES I’VE RESPONDED IN THAT WAY.
QUESTION: MR HURD, WHAT CAN YOU GIVE OVER TO MR QIAN IN PRACTICAL
TERMS TO RESTORE THE SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: THE QUESTION IS WHAT CAN I OFFER TO MR QIAN QICHEN WHEN 1 SEE HIM IN NEW YORK THE WEEK AFTER NEXT? WELL, IT’S NOT A MATTER OF OFFERING HIM SOMETHING, IT’S A MATTER OF WHAT IS THE SHARED INTEREST OF BRITAIN AND HONG KONG AND CHINA AND AS I SEE IT THE SHARED INTEREST OF ALL THREE IS THAT HONG KONG SHOULD MOVE AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN THE MIDDLE OF 1997. NOW IF I FIND THAT THAT IS A SHARED INTEREST TO CHINA TOO, THEN THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF THINGS WHICH FOLLOW FROM THAT WHICH I WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER. I’VE ALWAYS HAD GOOD TALKS WITH HIM. I’VE NEVER HAD ANY DIFFICULTY IN MY DISCUSSIONS WITH HIM, THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP I THINK IS A GOOD ONE AND I HOPE WE CAN USE THAT FACT FOR GOOD AGAIN LATER THIS MONTH.
/QUESTION: .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
- 2 -
QUESTION: MR HURD, CAN YOU EXPECT ANY SUBSTANTIAL OUTCOME FROM YOUR MEETING WITH MR QIAN, JUST LIKE THE MEETING ... THE AIRPORT, CT9 AND JLG’S ONE ?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: I DON’T KNOW, I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. WE WILL TRY BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SHARED INTEREST THAT I MENTIONED AND IF THAT CONVICTION THAT IT IS A SHARED INTEREST IS COMMON TO BOTH OF US, THEN OF COURSE WE CAN MAKE SOME PROGRESS ON THE MATTERS WHICH ARE OUTSTANDING. I HOPE THAT WILL BE SO, BUT 1 CAN'T SAY TODAY WHETHER IT WILL OR NOT.
QUESTION: MR HURD, THE BRITISH BUSINESS SECTOR IS SO ANXIOUS TO SEE THE RESTORATION OF THE TWO COUNTRIES. WILL YOU DO THAT AT ANY PRICE?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY RESTORATION? WE HAVE A FLOURISHING TRADE BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA. THE FIGURES ARE SATISFACTORY.
QUESTION: MR HURD, ARE YOU GOING TO MEET THE IRISH PRIME MINISTER LATER ON TODAY AND BRING UP ANY IRISH ISSUES?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: NO, THERE IS CONSTANT CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND IRISH GOVERNMENTS AND I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANY PARTICULAR OCCASION FOR THE PRIME MINISTER AND MYSELF TO MEET. I HAD A LONG TALK INSTEAD WITH FOREIGN MINISTER DICK SPRING ON IRISH MATTERS LAST SATURDAY NIGHT IN GERMANY. SO 1 DON’T THINK THAT SUCH A MEETING IS ON HIS TIMETABLE OR MINE.
QUESTION: ...... CHINESE SIDE .......
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: THE QUESTION IS WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET THE CHINESE SIDE TO REALISE THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AGENDA SHOULD GO FASTER? WELL, I THINK IT’S CLEAR THAT IT SHOULD GO FASTER. THERE IS A BIG VOLUME OF WORK. A LOT OF IT IS NOT CONTROVERSIAL, IT IS NOT POLITICAL, IT IS TECHNICAL AND LEGAL, BUT IT’S A BIG AGENDA AND WE NEED TO GET ON WITH IT. IT COMES BACK TO WHAT I WAS SAYING ABOUT A SHARED INTEREST AND THAT IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE POINTS THAT WE ARE MAKING TO THE CHINESE ON EVERY POSSIBLE OCCASION, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY MEETING WITH QIAN QICHEN.
QUESTION: ?
MR DOUGLAS HURD, FOREIGN SECRETARY: WELL, I HAD GOOD TALKS WITH THE AUTHORITIES IN HANOI, I’VE JUST COME FROM HANOI, AND WE DISCUSSED THAT AND SO FAR AS THEY’RE CONCERNED THE PROGRAMME CONTINUES. THERE’S BEEN GOOD PROGRESS, YOU KNOW ALL ABOUT THAT. THE REMAINDER OF THE TASK, YOU KNOW THE SIZE OF THAT, WE’RE ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH. IT’S GONE WELL, THERE'S BEEN GOOD CO-OPERATION WITH THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES AND I HOPE THAT WILL CONTINUE AND FOLLOWING MY TALKS IN HANOI I THINK IT WILL.
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/3 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
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DB ELECTIONS A MILESTONE IN DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT *****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON ALL VOTERS TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS "A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG".
SPEAKING AT A PO LEUNG KUK CHAIRMEN’S LUNCHEON, MR NG SAID THE ELECTIONS, TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 18), WERE MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN ANY OF THE PREVIOUS FOUR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THAT HAD BEEN HELD SINCE 1982. DISREGARDING THE 50 SEATS THAT HAVE BEEN RETURNED UNCONTESTED, THIS TIME A RECORD 707 CANDIDATES WILL BE VYING FOR 296 SEATS ON ELECTION DAY.
MR NG SAID THE COMPOSITION OF THE NEW-TERM DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BE MORE REPRESENTATIVE WITH 346 SEATS RETURNED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS, COMPARED WITH 274 SEATS IN 1991.
"THE NUMBER OF VOTERS HAS ALSO INCREASED FROM 1.9 MILLION TO 2.5 MILLION. AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, SOME 100,000 PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 HAVE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS," HE SAID.
MR NG SAID ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS THAT THOSE ELECTED WOULD FORM AN ELECTION COMMITTEE, WHO WOULD ELECT 10 PEOPLE FROM OPEN CANDIDATURE TO BECOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS IN 1995.
"THERE SHOULD ALSO BE IMPROVEMENTS IN ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS THIS TIME WITH THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE JOB," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE COMMISSION HAD ISSUED A SET OF GUIDELINES ON ELECTION ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE FAIRNESS AND HAD TO DATE HANDLED MORE THAN 800 COMPLAINTS FROM CANDIDATES.
"THE NEW-TERM DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH WILL RECEIVE MORE FUNDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, WILL ALSO PERFORM IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS SUCH AS TAKING FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES, DISTRICT PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES," MR NG SAID.
"THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL ALSO MANAGE THE COMMUNITY HALLS AND BE AUTHORISED TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO DISTRICT BODIES INCLUDING SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEES AND COMMITTEES ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION."
NOTING THAT THERE HAS BEEN CONCERN ABOUT THE CONTINUITY OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM, MR NG SAID IT WAS EVERYBODY’S HOPE THAT THE MATTER COULD FINALLY BE RESOLVED SATISFACTORILY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WISH OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
HE SAID RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE ELECTIONS WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON FUTURE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
"WE SHOULD FIRST BUILD A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM WHILE ADOPTING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
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/4 .....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
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RECOMMENDATIONS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES NOT ACCEPTED *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY):
"WE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT THE APPROACH AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF DR MACPHERSON’S REPORT ON PHILOSOPHICAL, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL GROUNDS. WE SPELT OUT OUR REASONS IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL AND HAVE TODAY PROVIDED FURTHER DETAILS TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO WELFARE PANEL IN SUPPORT OF OUR CASE.
"IN OUR VIEW, DR MACPHERSON’S ’BUDGET STANDARD APPROACH’ IN DETERMINING 'A MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF LIVING’ BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF 'RELATIVE POVERTY’ IS A RADICAL DEPARTURE FROM THE PHILOSOPHY AND ESTABLISHED POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF WELFARE IN HONG KONG. WE DO NOT ACCEPT HIS APPROACH."
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE BASIC NEEDS OF THE VULNERABLE AND DISADVANTAGED WHO WERE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL OR MATERIAL ASSISTANCE.
"WE DO SO THROUGH THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) SCHEME WHICH COMPRISES TWO IMPORTANT ELEMENTS: THE STANDARD RATE PLUS A RANGE OF SPECIAL GRANTS," HE SAID.
"THESE COVER SUCH EXPENSES AS RENT, SPECIAL DIETS, MEDICAL, DENTAL AND OPTICAL EXPENSES, TELEPHONE AND WATER CHARGES, OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS AND A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, INCLUDING SCHOOL FEES, UNIFORMS, BOOKS AND MEALS.
"THIS IS OF COURSE IN ADDITION TO THE FULL RANGE COMMUNITY FACILITIES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE TO THOSE COVERED BY CSSA," HE ADDED.
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HK OFFICER WORKS IN CUSTOMS COUNCIL ON ORIGIN RULES *****
A SENIOR OFFICER FROM THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON BE SECONDED TO A PROJECT TEAM OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL IN BRUSSELS TO WORK ON HARMONISATION OF RULES OF ORIGIN FOR GOODS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE PROJECT WAS THE RESULT OF ONE OF THE AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE HARMONISATION PROGRAMME OF ORIGIN RULES OTHER THAN THOSE RELATING TO THE GRANTING OF TARIFF PREFERENCES WOULD BE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT RULES OF ORIGIN SHOULD BE OBJECTIVE, UNDERSTANDABLE AND PREDICTABLE.
/THE WORK .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
- 5 -
THE WORK WOULD START SOON AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO).
A TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON RULES OF ORIGIN UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL, WITH ITS EXPERT INPUT, WOULD PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT FOR THE HARMONISATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT BY A WTO COMMITTEE ON RULES OF ORIGIN. THE WORK PROGRAMME WAS TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT THREE AND A HALF YEARS.
THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE CANDIDATE NOMINATED BY HONG KONG AS A TECHNICAL ATTACHE TO THE SIX-MEMBER PROJECT TEAM WHICH STARTED PREPARATORY WORK AT THE COUNCIL’S HEADQUARTERS IN BRUSSELS THIS MONTH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CUSTOMS OFFICER TO BE SECONDED WAS MR DAVID TAI YAU-NIM, ACTING PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER WITH 26 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, ALL OF WHICH HAD BEEN RELATED TO TRADE CONTROLS AND COMMERCIAL FRAUD DUTIES.
HE WOULD REPORT TO THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 20.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT IT WAS IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HARMONISATION EXERCISE AND, THROUGH THE PROCESS, ENSURE THAT THE EXERCISE ACHIEVED THE OBJECTIVES OF NEUTRALITY, CONSISTENCY AND TRANSPARENCY.
FURTHERMORE, GIVEN THAT HONG KONG HAD STRONGLY ARGUED FOR THE HARMONISATION OF ORIGIN RULES IN THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS, IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG TO SHOW CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE EXERCISE BY THE SECONDMENT OF AN EXPERIENCED CUSTOMS OFFICER WHO WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE HONG KONG RULES OF ORIGIN SYSTEM TO SERVE AS ATTACHE ON THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE.
IT WOULD ALSO BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG’S IMAGE IN THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE AND WTO.
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HK POPULATION REACHES 6M
*****
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF JUNE WAS 6,061,400, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 142,400 PERSONS OR 2.4 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH MID-1993 WHEN THE ESTIMATED POPULATION WAS 5,919,000.
BETWEEN MID-1993 AND MID-1994, THERE WERE 72,000 BIRTHS AND 29,600 DEATHS IN HONG KONG. THE BALANCE OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS THU§ AMOUNTED TO 42,400 AND ACCOUNTED FOR 30 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET INFLOW OF SOME 100,000 PERSONS.
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/6 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
6 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY
*****
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 WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR SHORTER IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
* GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED RISK OF MINOR ILLNESS TO SWIMMERS IS UNDETECTABLE.
* GRADE "2" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS FAIR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 180 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 10 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
%
* GRADE "3" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS NO MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
/* GRADE "4"
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
* GRADE ”4“ INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE "4” OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES: ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS. THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA FOR 1993.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X" IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACH
PREVIOUS GRADING
PRESENT
GRADING
(AS AT 1.9.94)
(AS AT 15.9.94 )
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY TO TEI WAN*
3 2
2 3
2 2
3 2
2 2
4 X
2
2
2 1
2
2
2
2
3 X
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLE PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 4
X 4
3
X 4
X 3
3
/SAI KUNG
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
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SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS 1
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH 3
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH 3
HAP MUN BAY 2
KIU TSUI 2
PAK SHA CHAU 1
SILVERSTRAND 2
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) 2
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER 1
CHEUNG SHA LOWER 3
DISCOVERY BAY* 2
HUNG SHING YEH 2
KWUN YAM WAN 3
TONG FUK 2
LO SO SHING 1
PUI O 2
SILVERMINE BAY 3
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU 3
TUNG 0* 2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH 4
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 3
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X 3
3 3
3 2
4
2
NOTE : "X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACH.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
CHUNG HOM KOK, MIDDLE BAY, SOUTH BAY, TO TEI WAN AND KIU TSUI "2" TO "1"; HAIRPIN, SHEK 0, CHEUNG SHA LOWER, KWUN YAM WAN, SILVERMINE BAY, CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH, CLEAR WATER BA\ 2ND BEACH AND LIDO FROM "3" TO "2"; STANLEY MAIN, APPROACH AND KADOORIE FROM "4" TO "3".
THE WATER QUALITY AT MANY BEACHES HAS IMPROVED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. THIRTY BEACHES FALL WITHIN GRADES 1 OR 2 ON THIS OCCASION, COMPARED WITH ONLY 22 LAST TIME.
/THIS IS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
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THIS IS BECAUSE OF AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER SINCE THE END OF AUGUST, WITH LESS RAINFALL MEANING LESS POLLUTANTS BEING WASHED OUT FROM THE BEACH HINTERLANDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER DR M J BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
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SECOND PUBLIC BRIEFING ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) INVITES PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND THE WORKING GROUP’S SECOND PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSION ON ITS REPORT.
THE SESSION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL, TUEN MUN TOWN HALL, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
THE FIRST SESSION WAS HELD ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13) IN SHA TIN.
"THE SHA TIN SESSION WAS STIMULATING AND USEFUL," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"THOSE PRESENT SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN OUR PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY. SEVERAL PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT CLARIFICATION ON THE RATIONALES BEHIND THE PROPOSAL TO START TEACHING ENGLISH FORMALLY AT PRIMARY 4, AND HOW IT WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.
"BUT AS A WHOLE, THEY WERE GENERALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATION, WHICH AIMS TO IMPROVE OUR STUDENTS’ PROFICIENCY IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE."
MRS CHEUNG SAID: "WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THE PROBLEMS THE WORKING GROUP HAD TRIED TO TACKLE, AND THE PROPOSALS MADE IN OUR REPORT. WE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE PROPOSAL TO START TEACHING ENGLISH AT PRIMARY 4, THE REPORT CONTAINED MANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WE BELIEVE CAN IMPROVE THE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR CHILDREN."
"WE HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL COME TOMORROW, AND GIVE US THEIR VIEWS ON THE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT. THEY ARE OF COURSE WELCOME TO SEND US THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING BEFORE THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON OCTOBER 15."
THREE OTHER WORKING GROUP MEMBERS WILL JOIN MRS CHEUNG AT TOMORROW’S SESSION. THEY ARE:
* PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION;
A MR CHO ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
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* MR CHO YU-FUN, WHO IS AN ENGINEER AND CHAIRMAN OF A PARENTTEACHER ASSOCIATION; AND
* MR CHEUNG CHI-HUNG, PRINCIPAL OF CHOI WAN ST JOSEPH PRIMARY SCHOOL:
THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE TWO MORE PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSIONS THIS MONTH:
DATE/TIME VENUE
SEPTEMBER 23 (FRIDAY) THEATRE, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
7.30 - 9.30 PM 145 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN
SEPTEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) SCHOOL HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL 7.30 - 9.30 PM 152 SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK
COPIES OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT AND A LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE CONTENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT ON THE NINTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 810 3031. THE FAX LINE IS 537 4591.
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BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT: A CLEAN AIR ZONE
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) BECAME THE FIRST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT TO DECLARE ITS PREMISES A CLEAN AIR ZONE.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, OFFICIATED AT THE DECLARATION.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, SAID: "THIS MOVE IS THE RESULT OF THE CORPORATE CONSENSUS AMONGST ALL STAFF AFTER DUE CONSULTATION AND A SURVEY ON THE NUMBER OF SMOKERS IN THE DEPARTMENT. WE ALL FEEL THAT COLLEAGUES WHO DO NOT SMOKE SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED TO PASSIVE OR SECONDARY SMOKING.
"OUR EFFORT ARE IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL POLICY TO PROMOTE A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT AND CLEAR AIR IN WORK PLACES."
AMONG THOSE ALSO PRESENT ON THE OCCASION WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, DR RONALD LEUNG DING-BONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE LEGCO PANEL ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, MR PETER WONG HONG-YUEN; FELLOW PANEL MEMBERS MRS PEGGY LAM AND MR SAMUEL WONG; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR STAFF RELATIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, MR VICTOR YUNG.
/MR EASON .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
- 11 -
MR EASON DESCRIBED THE DECLARATION AS "AN EXCELLENT STEP FORWARD IN ADVANCING THE GOVERNMENT’S GREEN CAUSE AND HEALTH CAUSE.”
MR PETER WONG AND DR RONALD LEUNG BOTH HOPED THAT THIS WOULD CATCH ON IN ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
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20 VMS RETURN HOME *****
A GROUP OF 20 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (THURSDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM ON A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT.
COMPRISING 11 MEN, THREE WOMEN, FIVE BOYS AND ONE GIRL, THEY WERE THE 215TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,189 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,802 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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CLOSURE OF SHAM SHUI PO ILLEGAL STRUCTURE
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IS LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING AT 126-130 PEI HO STREET AND 18B AND 18C UN CHAU STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
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PUBLIC URGED TO VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 18
*****
YAU TSIM AND MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER MR BART IRELAND TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND CAST THEIR BALLOTS ON SUNDAY.
ATTENDING A BUS PARADE TO ENCOURAGE VOTER PARTICIPATION ON POLLING DAY, MR IRELAND SAID THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TERRITORY’S THREE-TIER POLITICAL STRUCTURE.
/HE SAID: ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
12
HE SAID: "THEY ARE EFFECTIVE CONSULTATIVE BODIES AND PROVIDE A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC."
NOTING THAT A TOTAL OF 46 CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTESTING 14 SEATS IN YAU TSIM MONG DISTRICT, MR IRELAND SAID THIS CLEARLY SHOWED THE COMMUNITY’S FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM.
MEANWHILE, A BUS WILL TOUR VARIOUS CONSTITUENCIES IN THE YAU TSIM MONG DISTRICT TODAY TO URGE VOTERS TO PARTICIPATE IN SUNDAY’S POLLS.
------0--------
CLINICS TO CLOSE ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
*****
EVENING GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED
ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 20), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THERE WILL BE NO HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE THE NEXT DAY (SEPTEMBER 21).
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,920 0930 + 361
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,060 1000 + 338
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 334
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 335 1200 + 335
LAF TODAY -195 1500 + 335
1600 + 335
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.9 ♦+0.2* 15.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
- 13 -
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.03 18 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.27 5.77
1 MONTH 4.15 24 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.01 6.24
3 MONTHS 4.35 30 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.85 6.63
6 MONTHS 4.65 33 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.78 6.77
12 I MONTHS 5.26 36 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.38 6.91
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 13,100 MN
CLOSED 15 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE KO.
TRANSFER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HIGH ISLAND........ 1
ADDITIONAL SCHEDULED AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HK AND CHINA.. 2
TRANSCRIPT OF FOREIGN SECRETARY’S PRESS CONFERENCE...... 3
TRANSCRIPT OF BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION. 9
LAND REGISTRY RELEASES FIGURES FOR AUGUST.............. 10
SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME....................... 11
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAY TO
JULY................................................... 12
HIGH COURT JUDGE APPOINTED............................. 13
MR TONY YEN TO ACT AS LAW DRAFTSMAN.................... 13
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ROUTE 16 TO START................ 14
MR HURD VISITS SHA TIN................................. 14
CONSULTANCY TO STUDY ECONOMIC MECHANISMS FOR SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT............................................. I5
/CHANNEL TO...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO,
CHANNEL TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING............................. 16
UNFAIR TREATMENT OF DB CANDIDATES BY OWNERS’ COMMITTEE, HOLFORD GARDEN............................................ 16
NEW ON TING POST OFFICE................................... 17
WORKS AREA DEFINED FOR LAYING OF STORMWATER OUTFALL PIPE 17
VICTORIA ROAD IMPROVEMENT STAGE II PROPOSED............... 18
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON “BEATING RETREAT”.................................................. 18
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED.............. 19
MINI-CONCERT TO PROMOTE DISTRICT BOARD POLLS............ 20
MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL................... 21
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL YEAR.................. 21
TWO BRAVE WOMEN COMMENDED BY FIRE SERVICES................ 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
22
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
TRANSFER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HIGH ISLAND *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 81 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WOULD BE TRANSFERRED FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR RETURN HOME UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. ANOTHER PERSON WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE.
THEY WILL BE MOVED TO VICTORIA PRISON FOR DOCUMENTATION, MEDICAL CHECKS AND OTHER PROCEDURES TO BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MIGRANTS WHO WERE SUBJECT TO REPATRIATION HAD BEEN GIVEN PLENTY OF ADVANCE NOTICE.
"THEY WERE TOLD ON AUGUST 22 THAT THEY WOULD BE RETURNED HOME IN UPCOMING REPATRIATION EXERCISES IF THEY DID NOT VOLUNTEER BEFORE SEPTEMBER 2," HE POINTED OUT.
"THE 82 WHO WILL BE TRANSFERRED NEXT WEEK WERE INFORMED TODAY OF THE MOVE, AND OF THEIR DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HELP OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WAS SOUGHT TO ADD TO THE COUNSELLING THAT THE MIGRANTS HAD ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO DATE.
"STAFF OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE SPOKEN TO EACH OF THE 82 PEOPLE AND ASKED THEM TO BE PREPARED TO LEAVE.
"IT IS OUR FERVENT HOPE THAT THEY WILL DO SO VOLUNTARILY," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRANSFER WOULD BE MONITORED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF CHRISTIAN ACTION AND OXFAM AND NON-OFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
THE APPOINTMENT OF MONITORS IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE REPORT ON THE WHITEHEAD INCIDENT ON APRIL 7.
"WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE TWO NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) AND THE NON-OFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR AGREEING TO TAKE UP THIS MONITORING ROLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE ARE HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER NGOS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN THE DETENTION CENTRES AND ARE HOPEFUL THAT MORE WILL PARTICIPATE IN FUTURE EXERCISES."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ROLE OF THE MONITORS WAS TO OBSERVE THE TRANSFER AND DEPARTURE EXERCISES AND TO REPORT ON THEM.
"THE MONITORS WILL BE FULLY BRIEFED BEFORE EACH OPERATION. THEY WILL BE FREE TO MOVE WITHIN THE CAMP AND DEPARTURE AREAS, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE DECISIONS OF THE FIELD COMMANDERS WITH REGARD TO THEIR SAFETY. THEY WILL ACT AS OBSERVERS AND NOT INTERMEDIARIES, AND WILL NOT INTERVENE IN THE OPERATIONS," HE EXPLAINED.
/THE MONITORS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 2 -
THE MONITORS WILL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THEIR OBSERVATIONS TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER EACH OPERATION.
THE REPORTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
’.1. ‘
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER EACH OF THE THREE OPERATIONS.. THERE WILL BE A FIXED PRESS POSITION AT HIGH ISLAND FROM WHERE THE OPERATION AND DEPARTURE FROM THE CAMP CAN BE OBSERVED, AND WHERE STATEMENTS TO THE PRESS WILL BE MADE.
PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING TELEPHOTO LENS FOR THE BEST COVERAGE.
PRESS COACHES WILL BE PROVIDED, LEAVING FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE BY 7.30 AM ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19).
ANYONE WISHING TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT WILL HAVE TO STOP AT THE ROAD BARRIER AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE RESERVOIR AREA AND TO TRANSFER TO THE PRESS COACHES, WHICH WILL ARRIVE AT ABOUT 8.30 AM.
ACCESS TO THE AREA AND THE PRESS POSITION WILL BE BY PRESS COACH ONLY.
DETAILS OF THE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23 WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
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ADDITIONAL SCHEDULED AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HK AND CHINA
*****
AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED ON ADDITIONAL SCHEDULED AIRLINE FLIGHTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND POINTS IN CHINA FOLLOWING THREE DAYS OF BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS IN BEIJING ON ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE UK -CHINA AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, WHO ATTENDED THE DISCUSSIONS AS A MEMBER OF THE UK TEAM.
THE CAPACITIES OF FLIGHTS ON HONG KONG - CHINA ROUTES WERE LAST REVIEWED AND ADJUSTED IN 1991.
"TO MEET A GROWTH IN DEMAND, ADDITIONAL CHARTER FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN OPERATED ON A REGULAR BASIS BY BOTH CHINESE AIRLINES AND DRAGONAIR SINCE THEN.
"THE AGREEMENT FORMALISES THESE FLIGHTS, THEREBY INCORPORATING THE ADDITIONAL CAPACITIES AS PART OF THE SCHEDULED SERVICES OPERATING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA," SHE EXPLAINED.
MRS BOSHER SAID THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY AS IT WOULD PUT DRAGONAIR IN A BETTER POSITION TO PLAN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS SERVICES.
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/3......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 3 -
TRANSCRIPT OF FOREIGN SECRETARY’S PRESS CONFERENCE
* * * « »
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WE’RE DELIGHTED THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS BEEN ABLE TO VISIT HONG KONG ONCE AGAIN AT A PARTICULARLY USEFUL MOMENT, JUST BEFORE NEXT WEEK’S JLG, AND BEFORE HIS MEETING WITH QIAN QICHEN AT THE END OF THE MONTH AND I’D LIKE TO INVITE HIM TO SAY A FEW WORDS TO US.
FOREIGN SECRETARY: ONE OF THE TRUTHS ABOUT HONG KONG IS THAT IT DOESN’T STAND STILL AND THEREFORE THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY WAY INVOLVED IN ITS AFFAIRS HAVE TO COME HERE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO SEE HOW IT HAS MOVED FORWARD. IT’S A YEAR SINCE I WAS HERE AND THAT WAS VERY SHORT. TODAY HAS BEEN A DAY OF SEEING FOR MYSELF HOW THINGS HAVE MOVED FORWARD. I’VE HAD LONG TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND HIS SENIOR OFFICIALS. THIS MORNING I MET MEMBERS OF EXCO AND LEGCO. I HAD A MEETING WITH SOME OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY LAST NIGHT. I HAVE VISITED THE NEW AIRPORT TODAY.
IN THE WORLD OUTSIDE HONG KONG, AMONG IGNORANT PEOPLE, THERE MAY STILL BE AN IDEA THAT SOMEHOW WE’RE HANGING ABOUT, HONG KONG IS HANGING ABOUT AND WAITING. BUT IN FACT THE NEW AIRPORT, THE BIGGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT NOW IN THE WORLD, IS GOING AHEAD AMAZINGLY FAST. AND ANYONE WHO VISITS IT, AS I DID THIS MORNING, CAN’T FAIL TO BE DEEPLY IMPRESSED BY WHAT IS GOING ON THERE. ITS PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE AND ITS SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE, AS FAR AS HONG KONG IS CONCERNED, ARE HUGE. I WENT TO SHA TIN, WHICH AGAIN I REMEMBER STANDING ON A HILLSIDE OUTSIDE SHA TIN AND BEING TOLD HERE WOULD BE THE RACE COURSE, HERE WOULD BE THE NEW TOWN AND THINKING, WELL, THAT’S FINE, THESE WERE GOOD PLANS. THERE IT IS NOW, AN AMAZING CITY. HIGH STANDARDS OF HOUSING AND AS FAR AS I COULD JUDGE, HIGH ENTHUSIASM FOR THE ELECTIONS TAKING PLACE FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD. WE MET THE CANDIDATES AND THEY AND THEIR MANIFESTOES WERE QUITE REMINISCENT OF THESE PROCESSES ELSEWHERE AND THAT IN ITSELF WAS ACTUALLY EXCITING.
AND THEN NOW JUST IN THESE LAST FEW MINUTES MET BOTH SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAMS. IT WASN’T AN OPERATIONAL MEETING BUT IT ENABLED ME, I HOPE, TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO PERSEVERE IN A JOB WHICH MOVES, BUT IN OUR VIEW MOVES TOO SLOWLY.
I’VE BEEN STRUCK DURING THESE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BY TWO THINGS. FIRST, AS I HAVE BEEN OFTEN BEFORE, BY THE CONFIDENCE WHICH PEOPLE HERE HAVE IN THEIR ECONOMY, IN THEIR SOCIETY AND IN ITS FUTURE PROSPECTS. THE FOUNDATIONS ARE STRONG. SECONDLY, THE EMPHASIS WHICH EVERYONE PUTS, WITH DIFFERING ACCENTS, ON THE NEED FOR COOPERATION WITH CHINA AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY AND I ENTIRELY AGREE WITH THAT. THAT MUST BE THE BASIS ON WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT APPROACH EVERY DISCUSSION WITH PEKING. AND I URGED BOTH SIDES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THIS AFTERNOON, URGED ON THEM THE NEED FOR MORE RAPID PROGRESS. THERE IS A FORMIDABLE BACKLOG OF WORK TO TACKLE, SUCCESS OVER DEFENCE LANDS SHOWS THAT PROGRESS CAN BE MADE, DECISIONS CAN BE REACHED EVEN ON VERY SENSITIVE MATTERS AND THEY MUST CLEARLY PRESS AHEAD WITH THAT.
/I SHALL .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
I SHALL BE SEEING, AS THE GOVERNOR SAID, .MY CHINESE COUNTERPART, MR QIAN QICHEN, IN NEW YORK THE WEEK AFTER NEXT. AND I SEE THAT MEETING AS LINKED, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, A PRELUDE TO THE IMPORTANT SPEECH WHICH THE GOVERNOR WILL MAKE ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG’S PROGRAMME HERE ON OCTOBER 5. I WILL PUT TO MR QIAN QICHEN AGAIN OUR CONVICTION AND OUR COMMITMENT. WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING PROGRESS IN COOPERATION WITH CHINA FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG. WE ARE SERIOUS PARTLY BECAUSE THERE IS A COMMITMENT, A LEGAL COMMITMENT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND PARTLY BECAUSE THERE IS A SHARED INTEREST, BRITAIN'S INTEREST, CHINA’S INTEREST, HONG KONG’S INTEREST, THAT THIS CO-OPERATION SHOULD SUCCEED. IN ORDER TO SUCCEED IT NEEDS BOTH TO DEEPEN AND TO WIDEN. IT NEEDS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND GO DEEPER IN THE AREAS WHICH ARE ALREADY BEING DISCUSSED, TO CONCLUDE AN AIRPORT AGREEMENT FOR EXAMPLE, TO CONCLUDE AN AIRPORT AGREEMENT. BUT IT NEEDS TO GO WIDER INTO AREAS WHERE THERE IS NOT AT THE MOMENT. COOPERATION NEEDS TO DEEPEN AND WIDEN AS FORESEEN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. AND I AND MY COLLEAGUES, ALASTAIR GOODLAD, THE PRIME MINISTER, WE WILL WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR DURING THIS PERIOD, DURING THE REMAINING PERIOD OF BRITISH RULE.
OF COURSE THERE ARE UNCERTAINTIES AND DIFFICULTIES, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WHO ON EARTH, WHO ON EARTH IN HONG KONG EVER SUPPOSED THAT THIS JOB WOULD BE CARRIED THROUGH WITHOUT UNCERTAINTIES AND DIFFICULTIES. TWO SYSTEMS IN ONE COUNTRY IS AN AMAZINGLY DIFFICULT OBJECTIVE TO REALISE BUT ALSO AN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ONE. BUT WHAT HAS CHANGED IN HONG KONG IN THE PERIOD I’VE BEEN FOREIGN SECRETARY HAS BEEN THAT THE UNCERTAINTIES WHICH REMAIN, OF COURSE THEY DO, THE DOUBTS WHICH EXIST, NO LONGER DOMINATE THE LIFE OF HONG KONG. THERE IS A MUCH GREATER STABILITY OF OPINION AND THERE IS MUCH MUCH LESS FEVERISHNESS THAN THERE USED TO BE WHEN I FIRST CAME HERE. THIS IS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME, I MAY SAY, IT IS SIMPLY THE CONFIDENCE WHICH PEOPLE HERE HAVE IN THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG AND INDEED IN THE CONTRIBUTION WHICH HONG KONG IS ALREADY MAKING DAY BY DAY TO THE LIFE OF CHINA AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE SOUTHERN PART. THE SPECIAL AUTONOMOUS REGION WILL COMPRISE 23% ON PRESENT FIGURES, 23% OF THE GNP OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
SO THAT IS WHAT I MEAN BY A SHARED INTEREST. IT IS IN CHINA’S INTEREST, BRITAIN’S INTEREST, IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST THAT THIS WORK SHOULD SUCCEED. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE ARE NEEDED, BOTH OF THEM. PATIENCE IS NOT ENOUGH IF YOU ARE INACTIVE. PERSEVERANCE IS NOT ENOUGH IS YOU ARE SIMPLY HOPING FOR IMMEDIATE RESULTS TOMORROW. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE ON ALL SIDES WILL SEE US, I BELIEVE, TO A SUCCESSFUL END OF THIS WORK. SO I GO AWAY NOT DEPRESSED OR DISCOURAGED BUT REINFORCED IN THE BELIEF THAT WE IN LONDON, LIKE YOU IN HONG KONG, HAVE TO ACCELERATE OUR COMMITMENT TO THIS TASK AND GET IT TO ITS SUCCESS.
GOVERNOR: QUESTIONS? CAN YOU GIVE YOUR NAME AND THE MEDIA ORGANISATION THAT YOU COME FROM AND WE’LL GET IN AS MANY QUESTIONS AS WE CAN.
QUESTION (EASTERN EXPRESS): HOW USEFUL DO YOU THINK THE MEETING YOU JUST HAD WITH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP? DID YOU PUT ANY ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM?
/FOREIGN SECRETARY: ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
5
FOREIGN SECRETARY: IT WAS NOT AN OPERATIONAL MEETING. IT WAS A MEETING WHICH I INITIATED BECAUSE IT SEEMED TO ME A USEFUL OCCASION SIMPLY TO EMPHASISE DIRECT FROM LONDON THE IMPORTANCE WHICH WE ATTACH TO THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. JOINT LIAISON GROUP WORK IS NOT A LUXURY, IT’S NOT AN ADD-ON, IT’S NOT AN OPTION. IT’S ESSENTIAL. IF HONG KONG IS TO PROCEED UNDER THE CHINESE FLAG FULLY EQUIPPED WITH THE LEGAL AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS, IF HONG KONG IS NOT FULLY EQUIPPED AS IT MOVES INTO ITS NEW STATUS, THEN ITS PROSPECTS OF SUCCESS WILL TO SOME EXTENT BE FRAYED AT THE EDGES. SO THAT IS A SHARED INTEREST. I WANTED TO IMPART THAT TO AMBASSADOR GOU. WE DID NOT DISCUSS PARTICULAR ITEMS. HE EXPRESSED THE VIEW, HE SHARED THE VIEW THAT THE JLG SHOULD NOT ONLY CONTINUE BUT SHOULD INTENSIFY ITS WORK.
QUESTION (SCMP): I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE WORK OF THE JLG. AT THIS STAGE YOU SIMPLY HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE ALL THE OUTSTANDING PROGRAMMES BEFORE 1997, THAT YOU NEED TO INTRODUCE SOME MEASURES UNILATERALLY TO IMPLEMENT THOSE NECESSARY FOR THE CHANGE-OVER?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: NO, WE’VE NOT YET REACHED THAT STAGE AND I’VE DISCUSSED THIS POINT WITH THE GOVERNOR SO I KNOW HIS VIEW. NO, WE’VE NOT REACHED THAT STAGE. WE NEED TO BE IMAGINATIVE IN THE WORK OF THE JLG IF PRESENT PROCEDURES NEED ADAPTATION. IF WORK CAN BE DONE IN A DIFFERENT WAY IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE IT, IN ORDER THAT PURELY TECHNICAL MATTERS CAN BE DEALT WITH WITHOUT A POLITICAL OVERTONE, WELL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE TWO SIDES CAN DISCUSS. WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF BEING IMAGINATIVE IN THIS FIELD. BUT WE DO NEED THE JLG BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY INFORMALITY IS NOT ENOUGH. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ACTUAL AGREEMENTS AND PROCEDURES WHICH HONG KONG WILL NEED. IT WILL NEED TO BE PUBLIC. THE COURTS WILL NEED TO INTERPRET, AS SERVICES AGREEMENT, LOCALISATION OF LAWS, THESE THINGS NEED TO BE OUT THERE IN THE OPEN, DEFINED, AND THAT IS DONE, THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE JLG AND IT REMAINS ESSENTIAL.
QUESTION (ASIA BUSINESS NEWS): MARTIN LEE SAID THIS MORNING THAT THE TIME WILL SOON COME WHEN ESSENTIALLY BRITAIN WILL HAVE TO REALISE THAT THE SITUATION IS HOPELESS REGARDING GETTING AGREEMENTS WITH CHINA AND BASICALLY REACH ITS OWN AGREEMENTS AND CARRY ON AND DO WHATEVER’S NECESSARY. WHAT’S YOUR REPLY TO MARTIN LEE?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: WELL, I DON’T THINK THE RECORDS SHOW THAT. THESE THINGS TAKE LONG, THEY TAKE LONGER THAN YOU’D EXPECT. YOU RUN INTO DIFFICULTIES, YOU PERSEVERE. THINK OF DEFENCE LANDS. ANYONE SITTING DOWN FIVE OR SIX YEARS AGO AND SAYING "WELL, WHICH IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUE?" MIGHT WELL HAVE DECIDED THAT DEFENCE LANDS WOULD BE THE MOST DIFFICULT, AND YET IT’S BEEN SOLVED. SO I DON’T. I UNDERSTAND MARTIN LEE’S SENSE OF FRUSTRATION BUT HE’S WRONG TO DESPAIR BECAUSE THE BEST WAY IS THROUGH CO-OPERATION AND AGREEMENT.
QUESTION (DAILY TELEGRAPH): I NOTE THAT YOU SAID THAT YOU HAD COME HERE TO ENCOURAGE CO-OPERATION. I’M AFRAID THAT ONE OR TWO OF US WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THESE EVENTS RATHER CLOSELY OVER RECENT YEARS WILL REMEMBER THE MESSAGE IN THAT VEIN THAT YOU TOOK TO PEKING IN APRIL 1991 ON THE AIRPORT. AND LAST YEAR AT PEKING ON THE MATTER OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR POLITICAL ARRANGEMENTS HERE AND WE HAVE NOT PROCEEDED VERY FAR IN EITHER AREA. SO, IS IT NOT THE CASE THAT BRITISH POLICY TOWARDS HONG KONG IS AN UNACCEPTABLE ONE, WITH A VIEW TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION AT THE MOMENT, AND ONE INDEED THAT’S NOT IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST OF BRITAIN WITH REGARD TO COMMERCIAL INTEREST IN THE UK? IS IT NOT IN OTHER WORDS, TIME TO CHANGE TACK?
/FOREIGN SECRETARY: ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 6 -
FOREIGN SECRETARY: I’M NOT QUITE SURE IN WHICH DIRECTION YOU’RE PROPOSING WE SHOULD CHANGE TACK, BUT THEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.
NO, I DON’T AGREE WITH THAT. THE AIRPORT IS BEING BUILT. A FEW YEARS AGO IT WAS A DREAM AND THEN A BLUEPRINT. THE ELECTIONS ARE BEING HELD. OF COURSE, NOT BY AGREEMENT AND WE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE CHINESE, WHAT EXACT ACTION THEY WILL TAKE AFTER ’97. BUT THERE YOU HAVE FIVE CANDIDATES IN SHA TIN AND OBVIOUSLY AN UNPRECEDENTED DEGREE OF DEMOCRATIC INTEREST. THIS IS GOOD. OTHER MATTERS HAVE BEEN SETTLED BY AGREEMENT AND I’VE JUST GIVEN YOU A RATHER IMPORTANT EXAMPLE. I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD SEEK AGREEMENT AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO SO. I DON’T SEE A SATISFACTORY ALTERNATIVE. THERE ARE CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF HONG KONG WHICH NEED TO BE PRESERVED. AN OBJECTIVE CIVIL SERVICE USING ITS PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TO PROVIDE A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF ADMINISTRATION, IS ONE SUCH ASSET, PART OF THE CHARACTER OF HONG KONG WHICH NEEDS TO BE PRESERVED. I USE THAT AS AN EXAMPLE BECAUSE I THINK IT’S AN IMPORTANT ONE. WE DO NEED TO SEEK AGREEMENT WITH CHINA ON THE FUTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. THIS IS PARTLY A MATTER OF INDIVIDUAL CAREERS AND PARTLY A MATTER OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES. THAT IS AN EXAMPLE, I THINK A GOOD EXAMPLE, WHERE IT MUST BE RIGHT TO SEEK SUCH AGREEMENT. WHERE TO DESPAIR OF AGREEMENT IS TO OPT FOR SOMETHING WHICH IS VERY MUCH AN INFERIOR CHOICE.
QUESTION: THE CHINESE SIDE SAYS THAT THEY ALWAYS WANT THE BRITISH SIDE TO FULLY COOPERATE WITH THEM AND I UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT THEY MEAN IS THAT THEY WANT THE BRITISH SIDE TO DISCUSS ALL THE IMPORTANT ISSUES OF HONG KONG WITH THEM, INCLUDING MAYBE SOME MAJOR CHANGES OF THE LAW, AMENDMENTS OF THE LAW AND THAT WOULD MEAN THAT IT WOULD SOMEWHAT INTERFERE WITH HONG KONG’S INTERNAL AFFAIRS. THE SECOND THING THEY WANT, WHAT THEY MEAN IS THAT THEY WANT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO HAVE FORMAL CONTACTS WITH THE PWC TO ASSIST IN THE TRANSITIONAL MATTERS. SO DOES THE BRITISH SIDE WANT TO CO-OPERATE WITH THIS?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: WELL, I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING WHICH I’D BETTER LEAVE TO THE GOVERNOR TO COMMENT ON AND HE MAY NOT WANT TO DO SO TODAY BUT ON A LATER OCCASION. THERE IS NO BAR OF COURSE FROM HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS DISCUSSING MATTERS WITH INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PWC, MANY MANY OF WHOM HAVE IMPORTANT POSTS OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS IN HONG KONG. SO THERE’S NO DIFFICULTY ABOUT THAT. ACROSS THE RANGE OF POLICY MATTERS THERE IS A VERY WIDE DEGREE OF CO-OPERATION ALREADY. MORE SO THAN IS GENERALLY REALISED, EXEMPLIFIED, I THINK, BY THE VERY RECENT AGREEMENTS COVERING COOPERATION WITH SHENZHEN AND THE 24 HOUR OPENING OF THE FRONTIER. THESE SHOW THAT WHEN YOU MOVE AWAY FROM THE POLITICAL SPHERE, AND DON’T ALLOW POLITICAL DIFFICULTIES TO DOMINATE A DISCUSSION, WHEN YOU ACTUALLY IDENTIFY THE SHARED INTEREST AND ACT ON IT, THEN IT’S POSSIBLE TO REACH AGREEMENT REALLY WITHOUT TOO MUCH DIFFICULTY. THAT’S THE KIND OF EXAMPLE WE NEED TO FOLLOW.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
QUESTION: FOREIGN SECRETARY, I’D LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE VIETNAMESE IN THE CAMPS HERE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REGARDED AS REFUGEES NOW, BUT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF VIETNAMESE WHO SAY THEY’RE NOT GOING TO GO VOLUNTARILY AT ALL. NOW I WANT TO KNOW IS THERE A KIND OF AN UNDERSTANDING WITH CHINA OF SOME KIND ABOUT THE VIETNAMESE BEING SENT BACK BEFORE 1997? AND IF THERE ISN’T, WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO RUN THE RISK OF ANOTHER WHITEHEAD? WHY CAN’T THE VIETNAMESE IN THE CAMPS EITHER BE OFFERED A CHANCE TO GO, AS IT WERE QUIETLY AND NICELY, OR BE TOLD THAT THE CHINESE WILL REMOVE THEM IN THEIR OWN WAY AFTER 1997? WHY DO THE BRITISH HAVE TO TAKE SUCH FORCIBLE METHODS WITH THESE PEOPLE IF THEY REALLY DON’T WANT TO GO? IN THREE YEARS IT WILL BE SOMEBODY ELSE WHO HAVE TO DO THAT, WHY CAN’T THEY BE OFFERED THE CHOICE?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: NO, THERE’S NO UNDERSTANDING WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC ON THIS ISSUE. WHAT THERE IS IS A BRITISH COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG DATING A LONG TIME BACK THAT WE WOULD SEEK TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. WHEN 1 BECAME FOREIGN SECRETARY IT WAS JUST ABOUT THE MOST DIFFICULT PROBLEM ON MY LAP. AND WE BEGAN THE PROGRAMME OF VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION AND ORDERLY REPATRIATION WITH SOME DIFFICULTY BUT IT HAS WORKED. IT’S NOT COMPLETE, IT’S HALF WAY, AS YOU CLEARLY KNOW. I DISCUSSED IT IN HANOI YESTERDAY WITH THE VIETNAMESE AND THEY ARE WILLING TO CONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE AND THE ORP FLIGHTS WILL, I THINK, RESUME PRETTY SOON FROM WHAT I HEAR. SO I THINK WE HAVE TO PERSEVERE WITH THIS. OF COURSE WE’RE NOT THROUGH ALL THE DIFFICULTIES BUT I THINK WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO HONG KONG. PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE VERY RELUCTANT TO SEE THE BOAT PEOPLE COME IN THE FIRST PLACE AND I THINK IF WE WERE TO ABANDON THE PROGRAMME HALFWAY THROUGH THE RESENTMENT HERE WOULD BE UNDERSTANDABLE AND STRONG.
QUESTION: THERE ARE GOING TO BE PENALTIES FOR THIS ON ALL SIDES. IT MAY BE VERY, VERY UNPLEASANT IN THE NEXT MOVES.
FOREIGN SECRETARY: THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DIFFICULTIES WITH THE ORP BUT THEY HAVE BEEN OVERCOME IN THE PAST AND WE NEED TO PERSEVERE. OTHERWISE, ONE IS SIMPLY GIVING UP AND CEASING TO TRY TO TACKLE A PROBLEM WHICH LOOMED LARGE AND COULD LOOM LARGE AGAIN. YOU HAVE TO TRY AND CONTINUE TO TACKLE IT. WE’VE FOUND A WAY OF DOING SO, WE HAVE TO CONTINUE.
QUESTION (ORIENTAL DAILY): IN WHAT WAY WILL YOU PUT FORWARD A PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG CONCEPT TO MR QIAN QICHEN WHEN YOU TWO MEET OR THE FORMATION OF THE SAR GOVERNMENT?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: IN WHAT WAY WILL WE ....
QUESTION (ORIENTAL DAILY): IN WHAT WAY WILL YOU PUT FORWARD THE CONCEPT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG AND THE FORMATION OF THE SAR GOVERNMENT, TO MR QIAN?
/FOREIGN SECRETARY: .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 8 -
FOREIGN SECRETARY: WELL, WHAT I WILL BE DOING WITH MR QIAN IS NOT PUTTING FORWARD ADDITIONAL OR DIFFERENT BLUEPRINTS FOR THE FUTURE BUT SIMPLY REHEARSING, THOUGH IN GREATER DETAIL AND IN A CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATION, BASIC POINTS THAT I’VE BEEN MAKING HERE AND THAT PEOPLE HAVE MADE TO ME HERE, THAT WE NEED TO GET ON WITH THE WORK DEFINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. NOT DODGE AWAY FROM THE JOINT DECLARATION BUT HONOUR IT. AND THE COMPULSION BEHIND THAT IS NOT JUST THE SIGNATURES ON THE DECLARATION, NOT JUST THE LEGAL OBLIGATION, BUT THE SHARED INTEREST. IT IS NOT A CHINESE INTEREST THAT THIS WORK SHOULD BE INCOMPLETE. IT NEEDS TO BE AS COMPLETE AND AS OF HIGH QUALITY AS POSSIBLE. IT’S OBVIOUSLY NOT A BRITISH INTEREST AND ABOVE ALL IT’S NOT A HONG KONG INTEREST. SO IF ONE GOES THROUGH THE DIFFERENT SECTORS AND ANALYSES THE SHARED INTEREST SECTOR BY SECTOR, THE RESULT AT ANY RATE SEEMS TO ME TO BE CLEAR. MR QIAN QICHEN WILL EXPLAIN HIS POINT OF VIEW. OUR MEETINGS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN, THEY’VE ALWAYS BEEN OF A WORKMAN-LIKE KIND. WE’VE NEVER SHOUTED AT EACH OTHER. WE HAVEN’T ALWAYS AGREED, OBVIOUSLY, BUT I’VE ALWAYS FELT AT THE END OF THE MEETING THAT IT WAS WORTHWHILE HAVING ONE, WHICH IS NOT MY EXPERIENCE AFTER ALL MEETINGS THAT I ATTEND. BUT WITH MR QIAN QICHEN THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FEELING AND I BELIEVE IT WILL BE SO AGAIN.
GOVERNOR: A COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS, UNLESS THERE’S ONLY ONE?
QUESTION (UNITED DAILY): AS .... AROUND THOSE DAYS THE CHINESE SIDE STILL ATTACK JARDINE’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE CT9. SO HOW COULD YOU ASK, TELL MR QIAN AND ENSURE THE FUTURE CO-OPERATION IN HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE, SOMETIMES INVOLVING BRITISH BUSINESSMEN CAN GO THROUGH SMOOTHLY, JUST LIKE CT9 WITH SOME DIFFICULTY?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: YES, BUT ON CT9 I DON’T WANT TO ADD TO WHAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID. I THINK WHAT HE SAID SUMMARISED THE POSITION VERY CLEARLY. THE QUALITY AND HIGH STANDARDS OF ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG ARE ONE OF ITS MAIN ASSETS AND THAT’S NOT AN ASSET WHICH SHOULD BE DISSIPATED OR UNDERMINED.
QUESTION (TVB): FOREIGN SECRETARY, SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE YOU’VE USED THIS NEW CATCH PHRASE, SHARED INTEREST, BUT YOU’VE ALSO SAID THAT THE BRITISH HAVE NOTHING NEW TO OFFER THE CHINESE TO BREAK THE STALEMATE. WHY DO YOU THINK THE CHINESE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO BREAK THIS DEADLOCK JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE A NEW CATCH PHRASE, SHARED INTEREST? SURELY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MUST OFFER SOMETHING NEW?
FOREIGN SECRETARY: THIS IS NOT A QUESTION OF WHERE WE MAKE CONCESSIONS OR INDEED THE CHINESE MAKE CONCESSIONS. IT’S NOT THAT KIND OF PROBLEM. IT’S NOT A CATCH PHRASE, IT’S A REALITY. IF EITHER SIDE SITS BACK AND SAYS, WELL THIS IS ALL TOO DIFFICULT, THEN THE SHARED INTEREST WILL SUFFER. IT WON’T BE ONE SIDE SUCCESSFULLY INSULTS OR HUMILIATES THE OTHER, THAT’S NOT AN OPTION. THE SHARED INTEREST WILL SUFFER. HONG KONG WILL SUFFER AND IT’S A SHARED INTEREST THAT HONG KONG SHOULD SUCCEED.
/NOW, PM .........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 9 -
NOW, I’M NOT GOING TO SAY THAT ONE MEETING IN NEW YORK OR ONE MEETING OF THE JLG OR TWO MEETINGS OF THE JLG, ALL THAT SITUATION IS GOING TO BE TRANSFORMED AND ALL THE POLITICAL DIFFICULTIES WHICH HAVE OBSCURED THE SHARED INTEREST WILL DISAPPEAR. IT MAY TAKE LONGER THAN THAT WHICH IS WHY I TALKED OF PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE. BUT SHARED INTEREST IS NOT A CATCH PHRASE, IT’S A REALITY. IT LAY AT THE HEART OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WE NEED TO RETURN TO THAT SENSE OF SHARED REALITY BECAUSE ALL THE OTHER OPTIONS ARE DAMAGING TO EVERYBODY, NOT JUST TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER BUT TO EVERYBODY.
GOVERNOR: THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
FOREIGN SECRETARY: THANKS A LOT.-
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TRANSCRIPT OF BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION
» « » » »
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION GIVEN BY THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY, THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING FOLLOWING HIS MEETING WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS IN HONG KONG:
MR DOUGLAS HURD: CAN I JUST SAY A QUICK WORD ABOUT THE MEETING WITH LEGCO, I’VE GOT A FULL PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON BUT IT MIGHT BE USEFUL JUST TO HAVE A VERY QUICK WORD.
THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, THEY GROUPED THEIR QUESTIONS. I THINK MOST OF THE ISSUES ARE FAMILIAR TO YOU. THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS, ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. I SAID THAT NOBODY CAN BE AMBIVALENT ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. THE QUESTION IS HOW THEY ARE BEST ENTRENCHED AND FORTIFIED AND WE HAD A DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT.
NATIONALITY ISSUES - AGAIN IT’S A FAIRLY FAMILIAR SUBJECT AND I UNDERSTAND ITS SENSITIVITY HERE. I BELIEVE THAT THE MEASURES TAKEN BY PARLIAMENT IN 1990 REMAIN THE BEST AVAILABLE FOR THE PURPOSE. THEY’VE BEEN FAIRLY WIDELY WELCOMED HERE, THOUGH OF COURSE PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO GO FURTHER. AS REGARDS THE WAR WIDOWS, THEN YOU KNOW THE POSITION THAT EACH OF THESE LADIES HAS RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE HOME SECRETARY AND THAT I THINK DEALS WITH THOSE PARTICULAR CASES.
THERE WAS A GOOD DEAL OF DISCUSSION ABOUT THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. ABOUT CONTACTS BETWEEN CIVIL SERVANTS HERE IN HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND I EMPHASISED OUR DESIRE TO UNBLOCK THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. TO TAKE POLITICS OUT OF SOME OF THESE VERY PRACTICAL, EVEN TECHNICAL AND LEGAL DISCUSSIONS SO THAT THE WORK OF THE JLG CAN PROCEED, SO THAT WHEN THE TIME FOR THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY COMES THERE WILL BE NO WEAKNESSES, NO GAPS -IN THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK WITH WHICH HONG KONG WILL MOVE INTO ITS NEW STATUS.
THOSE WERE THE MAIN ISSUES. THERE WERE ONE OR TWO OTHERS. ANY QUICK QUESTIONS?
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 10 -
QUESTION: CAN YOU TELL US YOUR REACTION TO PRESIDENT CLINTON’S PLANS ON HAITI?
MR DOUGLAS HURD: YES, WELL WE SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTION, THE SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION UNDER WHICH PRESIDENT CLINTON IS ACTING. WE’VE MADE THAT CLEAR, WE BELIEVE IT’S JUSTIFIED AND THAT THE REGIME IN HAITI IS ILLEGAL. IT’S BEEN GIVEN PLENTY OF TIME TO CORRECT THE POSITION, IT’S NOT DONE SO.
QUESTION: ...EXPECT BREAKTHROUGH AT JLG MEETING...?
MR DOUGLAS HURD: NO, I DON’T EXPECT A BREAKTHROUGH AT THIS MEETING. IT JUST SEEMED TO ME SENSIBLE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET BOTH SIDES OF THE JLG. FOR THE REASON I’VE GIVEN, THE JLG, JOINT LIAISON GROUP, IS AN IMPORTANT BODY, IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MACHINERY SET UP BY THE JOINT DECLARATION. IT’S RUN INTO SOME DIFFICULTIES, IT’S DONE SOME VERY USEFUL WORK, FOR EXAMPLE ON DEFENCE LANDS, BUT IT HAS PROBLEMS AHEAD OF IT AND I WOULD LIKE JUST TO MEET BOTH SIDES OF THE JLG AND ENCOURAGE THEM IN THEIR WORK.
QUESTION: ....SPEED UP THE PROGRESS OF JLG....?
MR DOUGLAS HURD: IT’S A SHARED INTEREST OF CHINA AND HONG KONG AND BRITAIN THAT HONG KONG SHOULD MOVE INTO IT’S NEW STATUS IN 1997, FULLY EQUIPPED. BY THAT I MEAN THAT IT HAS IN PLACE THE FRAMEWORK OF LAWS WHICH ENABLE HONG KONG TO SUCCEED. THAT IS THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, SO WE ARE NOT ASKING FAVOURS OF CHINA. WE’RE SIMPLY SAYING, PLEASE CONSIDER THE WORK OF THIS GROUP, WHAT IT HAS TO DO AND THE SHARED INTEREST IN ITS SUCCESS. ANY MORE, ONE MORE?
QUESTION: ....ATMOSPHERE OF MEETING IN LEGCO....?
MR DOUGLAS HURD: THERE WAS A LITTLE RHETORIC FROM TIME TO TIME BUT LESS THAN ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS. RHETORIC IS NOT HELPFUL IN DEALING WITH THE KIND OF ISSUES WE DISCUSSED. WE ARE DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES IN GOOD FAITH, I THINK THAT THAT IS RECOGNISED. WHERE THERE ARE DIFFERENCES OF OPINION, THAT’S INEVITABLE IN A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS KIND BUT WE HAD A GOOD AND I WOULD SAY A WORKMAN-LIKE DISCUSSION.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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LAND REGISTRY RELEASES FIGURES FOR AUGUST *****
THE NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTTAL BUILDING UNITS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE LAND REGISTRY LAST MONTH WAS 6,355, REPRESENTING DECREASES OF 8.3 PER CENT AND 56.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH JULY 1994 AND AUGUST 1993.
THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF THE AGREEMENTS AMOUNTS TO $20.6 BILLION, DOWN 17.3 PER CENT AND 45.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FROM THE FIGURES FOR JULY 1994 AND AUGUST 1993.
/THE FIGURES .......
FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
THE FIGURES ARE CONTAINED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRY ON DEEDS RELATING TO PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION TN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES LAST MONTH.
RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR JULY 1994 AND AUGUST 1993 WERE PROVIDED FOR COMPARISON. FIGURES ON SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS RECEIVED FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF CHANGE WERE ALSO RELEASED.
THESE STATISTICS GENERALLY RELATE TO LAND TRANSACTIONS EXECUTED UP TO FOUR WEEKS PRIOR TO THEIR SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION, AS THERE IS USUALLY A TIME LAG BETWEEN THE EXECUTION OF DEEDS AND THEIR LODGMENT FOR REGISTRATION.
0
SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME ♦ * » * »
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT AN ARTICLE IN AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER TODAY (FRIDAY). A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID:
"THE MONTHLY PAYMENT OF $5,600 RECEIVED BY THE FAMILY AS REPORTED IN THE ARTICLE REFERS ONLY TO THE STANDARD RATES UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) SCHEME."
"IN ADDITION TO THE STANDARD RATES, A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIAL GRANTS ARE PAID TO RECIPIENT FAMILIES, ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES."
"THE SPECIAL GRANTS ARE FOR THE FAMILIES TO MEET EXPENSES SUCH AS RENT, WATER CHARGE; SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND FEES, NURSERY FEES, TEXTBOOKS, STATIONERY, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME; OPTICAL AND MEDICAL FEES, TELEPHONE BILLS AND TRANSPORTATION TO SCHOOLS AND CLINICS."
"FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE MADE UP OF ONE ABLE-BODIED APPLICANT AND FOUR CHILDREN, THE MONTHLY STANDARD RATE WILL AMOUNT TO $5,685 PLUS AN AVERAGE AMOUNT OF SPECIAL GRANTS WHICH MAY COME UP TO AROUND $2,300 TO $3,300 A MONTH."
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/12........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 12 -
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT
STATISTICS FOR MAY TO JULY
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR MAY TO JULY THIS YEAR WAS 1.9 PER CENT, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.2 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE PERIOD OF JUNE TO AUGUST 1994 WAS 2.1 PER CENT, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.1 PER CENT.
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF MAY TO JULY 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOBSEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 57,800, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 35,900.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR MAY TO JULY 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,300 HOUSEHOLDS OR 42,500 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER AT $24 A COPY.
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/13 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
13
HIGH COURT JUDGE APPOINTED * * * * *
THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MR JAMES KERR FINDLAY, QC, WILL BE APPOINTED A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 23, 1994.
MR FINDLAY WAS BORN IN 1936 IN SCOTLAND. HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR IN 1963. HE WAS APPOINTED QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1986 AND AWARDED THE HONOUR OF OFFICER OF HER MAJESTY’S MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE) IN 1991 FOR SERVICES TO THE CROWN.
MR FINDLAY SERVED AS A MAGISTRATE IN RHODESIA FROM 1961 TO 1964.
HE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN RHODESIA BETWEEN 1964 AND 1977 BEFORE BEING APPOINTED AS PROCURATOR FISCAL IN SCOTLAND.
IN 1978 HE WAS APPOINTED PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL IN THE LORD ADVOCATE’S CHAMBERS IN LONDON WHERE HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRAFTING OF SCOTTISH LEGISLATION, ADAPTING UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION TO SCOTLAND, AND ADVISING THE LORD ADVOCATE AND SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND.
IN 1981, MR FINDLAY CAME TO HONG KONG AS A DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL AND WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY LAW DRAFTSMAN WITHIN A YEAR.
MR FINDLAY BECAME SOLICITOR GENERAL IN 1984 AND THEN DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS IN 1986. IN 1990, HE ASSUMED DUTIES AS LAW DRAFTSMAN.
MR FINDLAY SAT AS A DEPUTY JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT FROM MAY 1989 TO APRIL 1990.
MR FINDLAY IS MARRIED WITH THREE DAUGHTERS.
------0--------
MR TONY YEN TO ACT AS LAW DRAFTSMAN
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FOLLOWING THE APPOINTMENT OF MR JAMES FINDLAY AS A HIGH COURT JUDGE, DEPUTY LAW DRAFTSMAN MR TONY YEN WILL ACT AS LAW DRAFTSMAN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
A PROMOTION EXERCISE TO FILL THE POST OF LAW DRAFTSMAN WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN DUE COURSE, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD TRY TO FILL THE VACANCY WITH A LOCAL OFFICER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/14........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
14 FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ROUTE 16 TO START * * * * *
THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ROUTE 16 BETWEEN WEST KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WILL START THIS MONTH UPON THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE REGIONAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER/NEW TERRITORIES OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR YEUNG YU-CHEONG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF MOUCHEL ASIA LIMITED, WHO ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE STUDY IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID "THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY - UPDATE" HAD INDICATED THE NEED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 16 BETWEEN WEST KOWLOON AND SHA TIN.
ROUTE 16 WILL DISTRIBUTE TRAFFIC EFFECTIVELY FROM SHA TIN AND THE AREAS TO ITS NORTH, TO LAI CHI KOK, KWAI CHUNG AND THE FUTURE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, OR TO MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND THEN HONG KONG ISLAND WEST THROUGH THE FUTURE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
MOREOVER, IT WILL ALLEVIATE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEM AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD.
THE PROJECT IS TO CONSTRUCT AN EXPRESSWAY CONNECTING WEST KOWLOON AT LAI CHI KOK AND SHA TIN AT TAI WAI.
IT MAINLY COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 6.2-KILOMETRE LONG EXPRESSWAY, A 2.2-KILOMETRE SECTION OF WHICH IS IN TUNNEL, CONNECTING ROAD T3 (UPGRADED TAI PO ROAD AT TAI WAI) AND THE FUTURE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AT LAI WAN INTERCHANGE.
THE OPTIONS OF A DUAL TWO-LANE OR DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE INVESTIGATED IN THIS FEASIBILITY STUDY.
THE TENTATIVE PROGRAMME OF THE PROJECT IS TO COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION IN MAY 1997 FOR COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER 2000.
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MR HURD VISITS SHA TIN *****
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN ' AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED SHA TIN FOR A FIRSTHAND LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN; THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN; AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID BROWNING, MR HURD FIRST TOURED THE HENG ON ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX IN MA ON SHAN TO SEE THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S "GET OUT TO VOTE PUBLICITY EFFORTS" FOR THIS SUNDAY’S DISTRICT BOARD POLLS.
/AN ELECTION .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 15 -
AN ELECTION MASCOT "MR VOTE" AND A PUBLICITY BUS WAS ON HAND TO PROMOTE THE "9.18 VOTE" MESSAGE.
AFTER VISITING A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION, MR HURD INSPECTED A POLLING STATION AT HENG ON COMMUNITY CENTRE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE STATION.
BEFORE ENDING HIS VISIT, MR HURD MET WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES FOR THE HENG ON CONSTITUENCY.
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CONSULTANCY TO STUDY ECONOMIC MECHANISMS FOR SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT *****
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, MR ALEXANDER ARENA, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A CONTRACT WORTH $2.5 MILLION HAD BEEN AWARDED TO DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, HONG KONG FOR A CONSULTANCY ON THE INTRODUCTION OF ECONOMIC MECHANISMS TO SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, THE FIRM IS TO CARRY OUT THE STUDY IN COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH ASSOCIATES.
"THE RADIO SPECTRUM IS THE COMPLETE RANGE OF FREQUENCIES FOR THE SUPPORT OF ALL FORMS OF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS.
"IT IS A LIMITED AND VALUABLE PUBLIC RESOURCE, BUT IS PRESENTLY ALLOCATED AND ASSIGNED TO USERS BASED ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM WHICH DOES NOT NECESSARILY TAKE THE FULL VALUE OF THE SPECTRUM INTO ACCOUNT," MR ARENA SAID.
"THE EXISTING SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM MAY NOT LEAD TO THE MOST EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF THE RADIO SPECTRUM.
"THE CONSULTANTS WILL REVIEW THE CURRENT SYSTEM AND STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING ECONOMIC MECHANISMS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT FOR THE ULTIMATE BENEFITS OF THE SPECTRUM USERS."
THE CONSULTANCY WILL START ON SEPTEMBER 26 AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JANUARY 1995.
TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE INDUSTRY ARE FULLY CONSIDERED, THE CONSULTANTS WILL INTERVIEW USERS OF THE RADIO SPECTRUM TO COLLECT THEIR VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS.
THE CONSULTANTS WILL PRESENT THEIR PRELIMINARY FINDINGS IN ‘A PUBLIC FORUM PRIOR TO PREPARING THEIR REPORT, AND CIRCULATE THEIR DRAFT REPORT FOR DISCUSSION AT A PUBLIC WORKSHOP BEFORE SUBMITTING THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS.
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/16 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 16 -
CHANNEL TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING
*****
TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN KAM TIN AREA, THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A CONCRETE DRAINAGE CHANNEL WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.7 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT THE UPSTREAM OF KAM TIN RIVER.
THE WORK WILL START IN MID-1996 AND BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1998.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDINGS, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, 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 NOVEMBER 16. IT SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
UNFAIR TREATMENT OF DB CANDIDATES BY OWNERS’ COMMITTEE, HOLFORD GARDEN *****
MR HO HAU-CHEUNG MET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON REGARDING THE PUBLIC CENSURE ON THE UNFAIR TREATMENT OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES BY THE OWNERS’ COMMITTEE OF HOLFORD GARDEN, MEI TIN CONSTITUENCY IN SHA TIN.
AT THE MEETING, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT HE ONLY STARTED PUTTING UP BANNERS IN HOLFORD GARDEN ON AUGUST 5, 1994 AFTER HE HAD MADE A DECLARATION REGARDING THE SAME TO THE RETURNING OFFICER.
THEREFORE, IN THIS REGARD, HE HAD NOT ACTED AGAINST SECTION 77 OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (ELECTORAL PROCEDURE) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) REGULATION.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 17 -
NEW ON TING POST OFFICE
*****
A NEW ON TING POST OFFICE IN TUEN MUN WILL OPEN AT 9.30 AM ON SEPTEMBER 26 (MONDAY), THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW POST OFFICE WILL BE LOCATED AT SHOP NO. 128-130, GROUND FLOOR, TING LUNG HOUSE, ON TING ESTATE, TUEN MUN.
IT WILL REPLACE THE POST OFFICE AT CARPARKING/MARKET BLOCK, ON TING ESTATE, WHICH WILL CLOSE FOR BUSINESS AT 1 PM ON SEPTEMBER 24 (SATURDAY).
THE BUSINESS HOURS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE OF THE EXISTING ONE.
A SPECIAL HANDBACK SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ON TING POST OFFICE WHEN IT OPENS ON SEPTEMBER 26.
UNREGISTERED FULLY POSTAGE PREPAID COVERS PREPARED PRIVATELY, AND BEARING THE SUPERSCRIPTION "FIRST DAY COVER" AND A LOCAL ADDRESS, WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATESTAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.
------0-------
WORKS AREA DEFINED FOR LAYING OF STORMWATER OUTFALL PIPE *****
TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF A STORMWATER OUTFALL PIPE, ABOUT 150 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT YAU KOM TAU, TSUEN WAN, WILL BE USED AS WORKS AREA.
THE WORK WILL START AROUND NOVEMBER THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174 - 208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT 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 NOVEMBER 16. IT MUST DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
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/18 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 18 -
VICTORIA ROAD IMPROVEMENT STAGE II PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO CARRY OUT STAGE II, PHASE I WORKS TO IMPROVE VICTORIA ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
DETAILS OF THE WORKS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE WORKS WAS TO IMPROVE THE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON THE SECTION OF VICTORIA ROAD BETWEEN MOUNT DAVIES ROAD AND SANDY BAY ROAD BY BRINGING THE ROAD UP TO LATEST STANDARDS.
SECTIONS OF VICTORIA ROAD WILL BE WIDENED AND REALIGNED. NEW FOOTPATHS AND BUS BAYS WILL BE BUILT. TWO NEW VIADUCTS WILL ENABLE TWO SECTIONS OF THE EXISTING ROAD TO BE RETAINED FOR AN AMENITY AREA AND ONE OF THE PROPOSED BUS BAYS.
THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER 1995 AND BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1997.
THE PLANS AND SCHEME OF THE WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 20TH FLOOR, SOUTHERN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; AND
* SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 15 THIS YEAR.
------0----------
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON "BEATING RETREAT" *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A BAND DISPLAY AND EXHIBITION AT THE GARDEN PLAZA OF HONG KONG PARK ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) TO PROMOTE A "BEATING RETREAT" PERFORMANCE TO -BE STAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SCOUTS NEXT MONTH.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, THE "BEATING RETREAT" WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON OCTOBER 19 AND 20.
/THE MAIN .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
19
THE MAIN PERFORMERS WILL BE A GROUP OF TRAINING CENTRE INMATES OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALWAYS ENCOURAGED YOUNG INMATES TO TAKE PART IN SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.
"THE INMATES CAN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, CULTIVATE SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND APPRECIATE THE MEANING OF DISCIPLINE AND TEAM WORK THROUGH THE SCOUTING MOVEMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE LINED UP TO PUBLICISE THE EVENT. FROM SEPTEMBER 18 TO OCTOBER 9, BAND DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS. THE SCHEDULE IS:
DATE PLACE TIME
SEPTEMBER 18 (SUNDAY) GARDEN PLAZA OF HONG KONG PARK 2 PM - 5 PM
SEPTEMBER 24 (SATURDAY) STAR FERRY PIER (HONG KONG ISLAND) 10 AM - 3 PM
SEPTEMBER 25 (SUNDAY) TAI CHI GARDEN OF QUARRY BAY PARK 10 AM - 1 PM
OCTOBER 9 (SUNDAY) BAND STAND OF VICTORIA PARK 3 PM - 6 PM
THE EXHIBITIONS OUTLINE THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF "BEATING RETREAT" THE HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, AND VARIOUS SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SCOUTS.
"BEATING RETREAT" IS A FUND-RAISING ACTIVITY FOR <HARITY. ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE EVENT, AT $20 EACH, WILL BE ON SALE AT URBTIX OUTLETS FROM NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19).
------0--------
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED » * « * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION FROM FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) IN SHA TIN TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED.
ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD), THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED AND CLARIFY PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS TOWARDS THEM, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT) MRS JENNIE CHOR SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THERE WILL BE VIDEO SHOWS AND THE DISPLAY OF 18 EXHIBITION BOARDS INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS DISABILITIES, JOBS DISABLED EMPLOYEES ARE DOING, THE FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED AND FREE RECRUITMENT SERVICE OFFERED TO EMPLOYERS.
/AN ENQUIRY .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 20 -
AN ENQUIRY COUNTER WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE SPD.
’’DURING THE EXHIBITION, EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO RECRUIT DISABLED WORKERS CAN GIVE DETAILS OF THEIR VACANCIES TO OUR STAFF ON-THE-SPOT," MRS CHOR SAID.
"MEANWHILE, DISABLED JOB-SEEKERS CAN REGISTER AT THE COUNTER AND OUR STAFF WILL ARRANGE INTERVIEWS FOR BOTH PARTIES AFTERWARDS," SHE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD AT THE ATRIUM GALLERY ON THE GROUND FLOOR, PHASE III OF THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM FROM SEPTEMBER 23 TO 25.
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MINI-CONCERT TO PROMOTE DISTRICT BOARD POLLS
*****
A FINAL PROMOTION DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE MORE WAN CHAI RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN THIS SUNDAY’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE LAUNCHED AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT TIMES SQUARE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, A ONE-HOUR MINI-CONCERT WILL BE STAGED TO MARK THE CLIMAX OF THE "GET OUT AND VOTE" CAMPAIGN.
POP SINGERS MISS LAU YUK-TSUI, MISS LAU MAN-KUEN AND MR CHENG KING-KEI WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES. TELEVISION ARTISTES MS YU MAN-SZE AND MR MAK CHUN-KONG WILL COMPERE THE SHOW.
THE GUEST PERFORMERS WILL ALSO TOUR THE DISTRICT TO APPEAL FOR A GREATER VOTER TURN-OUT.
ALL ARE WELCOME.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION FINAL PUBLICITY ACTIVITY AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT TIMES SQUARE, 1 MATHESON STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY.
- - 0----------
/21 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
21
MOVEMENT OF MOON IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL *****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED THE PUBLIC ON THE TIMES ON MOONRISE, TRANSIT AND MOONSET DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PERIOD.
ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 5.53 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 69 DEGREES) AT 00.04 AM AND MOONSET AT 6.19 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON THE DAY OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL (TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 6.29 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DJRR^TI0R DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 74 DEGREES) AT 00.48 AM, AND MOONSET AT 7.10 AM THE NEXT DAY.
ON SEPTEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY), MOONRISE WILL BE AT 7.06 PM, TRANSIT (MERIDIAN PASSAGE - DIRECTION DUE SOUTH, ELEVATION 78 DEGREES) AT 1.32 AM, AND MOONSET AT 8.01 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
---------0-----------
EDUCATION SUNDAY TO MARK NEW SCHOOL
*****
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES TO MARK THE START YEAR WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18 WHICH HAD BEEN SUNDAY.
YEAR
OF THE NEW SCHOOL DESIGNATED EDUCATION
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING CHURCHES:
♦ CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
16 CAINE ROAD, HONG KONG.
» ST TERESA’S CHURCH ENGLISH SERVICE 11 AM
258 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.
* ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ENGLISH SERVICE 11.30 AM
GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
* HOLY TRINITY CHURCH CHINESE SERVICE 11 AM
135 MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
ATTENDING THE SERVICE WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG (CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL); THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SERVICES AND INSTITUTES), MR LUCAS CHAN (ST TERESA’S CHURCH); ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FURTHER), MR DAVID PUN (ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL), XND PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER, MR H F LEE (HOLY TRINITY CHURCH).
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/22........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 22 -
TWO BRAVE WOMEN COMMENDED BY FIRE SERVICES ♦ » * ♦ ♦
THE BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRIT SHOWN BY TWO WOMEN IN RESCUING ANOTHER WOMAN IN A RECENT SHEUNG SHUI FIRE WAS PUBLICLY RECOGNISED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
AT A CEREMONY IN SHEUNG SHUI FIRE STATION, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR CLEMENT WONG MAN-CHIU, PRESENTED THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATIONS TO THEM.
MR WONG PRAISED MRS TSANG TONG LAI-PING AND MRS CHOI KWOK LAI-FONG FOR "THEIR ALTRUISM, COURAGE, PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION AND CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY."
THE NO.3 ALARM FIRE BROKE OUT SHORTLY BEFORE 11 AM ON AUGUST 24 FOLLOWING AN EXPLOSION IN A DOMESTIC UNIT ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF BLOCK 6, TSUI LAI GARDEN.
SOON AFTER THE BLAST, THERE WAS HEAVY SMOKE, HEAT AND FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE UNIT.
"WHILE ALL OTHER TENANTS WERE FLEEING TO SAFETY, MRS TSANG AND MRS CHOI CRAWLED INTO THE BLAZING UNIT TO RESCUE THEIR NEIGHBOUR AFTER HEARING HER SCREAM FOR HELP," MR WONG SAID.
"THEIR ACTION WAS BOTH COMMENDABLE AND EXEMPLARY," HE ADDED.
THE INJURED WOMAN, WHO SUSTAINED SEVERE BODILY BURNS, WAS SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED TO A SAFE PLACE BY THE PAIR BEFORE FIREMEN ARRIVED.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * » » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,060 0930 + 238
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,160 1000 + 238
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 220
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 220 1200 + 220
LAF TODAY -120 1500 + 220
1600 + 220
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.9 *+0.0t 16.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1994
- 23 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.05 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.35 5.71
1 MONTH 4 . 18 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.15 6.15
3 MONTHS 4.34 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 96.04 6.53
6 MONTHS 4.60 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.96 6.69
12 MONTHS 5.24 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.52 6.86
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 7,347 MN
CLOSED 16 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
CONTENTS EAGEJ1Q.
ELECTORS REMINDED TO VOTE TOMORROW.......................... 1
CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SETS PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR AIRPORT.................................................... 2
TOLO HARBOUR RECLAMATION ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE..... 3
SHOW TO HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE............................. 4
CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON GENERAL HOLIDAY...... 5
MAXIMUM FINE IMPOSED FOR UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK....... 6
AUGUST CLOUDY AND WET....................................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER................................. 10
FRESH WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT..................... 11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 11
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
ELECTORS REMINDED TO VOTE TOMORROW
*****
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE (REO) TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED MORE THAN TWO MILLION REGISTERED ELECTORS THAT THE POLLING HOURS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WILL START FROM 7.30 AM AND LAST UNTIL 10.30 PM.
A REO SPOKESMAN SAID AN ELECTOR WAS ONLY REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG HIS IDENTITY CARD TO THE POLLING STATION. BUT IT WOULD FACILITATE THE POLLING PROCEEDING IF HE COULD ALSO BRING ALONG THE POLL CARD, ISSUED TO HIM AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE POLLING DAY.
A TOTAL OF 372 POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPENED ON THE POLLING DAY.
’’THE BALLOT IS SECRET. NO ONE CAN FORCE A PERSON TO VOTE OR NOT TO VOTE FOR ANY PARTICULAR CANDIDATE; AND NO ONE IS REQUIRED TO TELL WHICH CANDIDATE HE HAS VOTED FOR OR IS GOING TO VOTE FOR,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED ELECTORS THAT THEY SHOULD MARK A "TICK’’ SIGN IN THE CIRCLE SPACE OPPOSITE THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE FOR WHOM HE WISHED TO VOTE.
HE SHOULD THEN FOLD THE BALLOT PAPER TO CONCEAL THE MARK AND COME OUT OF THE POLLING BOOTH.
THE FOLDED BALLOT PAPER SHOULD THEN BE PUT INTO A SEALED BALLOT BOX IN THE PRESENCE OF A POLLING STAFF MEMBER, AFTER WHICH THE ELECTOR SHOULD LEAVE THE POLLING STATION WITHOUT UNDUE DELAY.
TO REGULATE CANVASSING ACTIVITIES TO MAINTAIN FREE AND SAFE PASSAGE FOR ELECTORS, A RESTRICTED CANVASSING AREA MAY BE SET UP OUTSIDE A POLLING STATION.
"SUCH AN AREA COULD ALSO ENSURE THAT ELECTORS ARE NOT UNDULY HARASSED ON THEIR WAY TO A POLLING STATION, WHILE ALLOWING EACH CANDIDATE A FAIR CHANCE OF PROMOTING HIMSELF," HE SAID.
FOR THE FIRST TIME, 22 SPECIFIED POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPENED FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS WHO ARE IN NEED OF AN ACCESSIBLE POLLING STATION TO VOTE. THESE STATIONS ARE PART OF THE 171 POLLING STATIONS ACCESSIBLE TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ELECTORS.
A TOTAL OF 707 CANDIDATES WILL VIE FOR 296 CONSTITUENCIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. FIFTY CANDIDATES WHO WERE UNCONTESTED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES WERE AUTOMATICALLY ELECTED.
TOMORROW, THE THREE MEMBERS OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL SEPARATELY VISIT POLLING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO SEE HOW THE ELECTIONS GO.
"IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED OPENLY, HONESTLY AND FAIRLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
/2
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
2
CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SETS PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR AIRPORT * * * t *
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE IN AN EFFORT TO CONSTANTLY STRIVING TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC USING THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
ALSO ANNOUNCED WERE PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR TANGIBLE SERVICES MONITORED BY IT AT THE AIRPORT.
ON THE WHOLE, THE DEPARTMENT PLEDGED TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC A SECURE, SAFE AND EFFICIENT AIRPORT, PROVIDING AN EXPEDITIOUS, COMFORTABLE AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS.
AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ENLIST REGULAR AIR TRAVELLERS TO JOIN ITS CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP. THE GROUP WILL MEET REGULARLY TO RECEIVE COMMENTS AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ABOUT AIRPORT SERVICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PLEDGE WOULD COVER THE FOLLOWING AREAS AND STANDARDS WERE BEING SET SO THAT THE DEPARTMENT
COULD MONITOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY
» AIRPORT SECURITY HAND BAGGAGE CHECK
» i -j
» BAGGAGE RECLAIM WAITING TIME
♦ AIRCRAFT/TERMINAL PASSENGER TRANSFER
* PASSENGER CHECK-IN
» NO SMOKING AREAS
OTHER AIRPORT PARTIES:
90 PER CENT OF PASSENGERS CHECKED WITHIN THREE MINUTES; 100 PER CENT WITHIN?FIVE MINUTES.
n TV
ON 90 PER CENT OF OCCASIONS, THE FIRST BAG WILL BE DELIVERED AT THE BAGGAGE RECLAIM WITHIN 25 MINL'TES OF AIRCRAFT PASSENGER DOORS OPENING. ON 90 PER CENT OF OCCASIONS, THE LAST BAG WILL BE DELIVERED WITHIN 43 MINUTES.
ALL TRANSFER BUSES WILL BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED.
ADEQUATE CHECK-IN DESKS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR AIRLINES AND THEIR HANDLING AGENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE QUEUING AND CHECK-IN SERVICE TIME THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE DOES NOT EXCEED 30 MINUTES ON 95 PER CENT OF OCCASIONS.
TO EXTEND THE NO-SMOKING POLICY TO AS MANY AREAS AS POSSIBLE WITHIN THE TERMINAL. THE TARGET IS TO PROVIDE A "NO-SMOKING" PASSENGER TERMINAL. CURRENTLY, ALL RESTAURANTS ARE DESIGNATED "NO-SMOKING" AND SEPARATE SPECIFIC AREAS ONLY, CONSTITUTING NO MORE THAN 25 PER CENT OF THE SEATING AREA PROVIDED, ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR SMOKING.
/* PASSENGER TERMINAL .........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
- 3 -
♦ PASSENGER TERMINAL TO ENSURE PASSENGER COMFORT, THE
PASSENGER TERMINAL WILL BE MAINTAINED AT A TEMPERATURE OF BETWEEN 21 DEGREES CELSIUS AND 25 DEGREES CELSIUS.
» PORTER SERVICE A FREE PORTER SERVICE IS
PROVIDED.
* PROVISION OF SELF-HELP TROLLEYS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF BAGGAGE TROLLEYS IS AVAILABLE AT THE ARRIVALS RECLAIM HALL AND DEPARTURES CURBSIDE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID FOR THOSE SERVICES PROVIDED BY AIRLINES AND ORGANISATIONS THAT SUPPORTED THEM, GUIDANCE WAS ALSO GIVEN IN ITS RECENTLY PUBLISHED PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PAMPHLET TO DIRECT ANY ENQUIRIES TO THE MOST APPROPRIATE ORGANISATION.
IF AIRPORT USERS FEEL THAT AN ENQUIRY OR A COMPLAINT MADE TO ANY AIRPORT SERVICE PROVIDER HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY DEALT WITH, THEY ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION TO LODGE AN APPEAL.
IN SETTING UP A CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO OFFER A FORUM OF OPINION EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE PASSENGERS AND KEY REPRESENTATIVES FROM AIRLINES, AND THOSE THAT SUPPLY SERVICES INCLUDING CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION, THE TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENTS. THE GROUP MEMBERS WILL MEET FACE TO FACE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
TO INVOLVE THE BROADEST POSSIBLE CROSS-SECTION OF THOSE WHO REGULARLY FLY FROM THE AIRPORT AND TO LEARN FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE, THE DEPARTMENT WISHES TO INVITE A WIDE RANGE OF PASSENGERS TO SIT IN THE GROUP.
APPLICATION FORMS TO JOIN THE GROUP ARE ATTACHED TO PAMPHLETS WHICH ALSO EXPLAIN HOW THE GROUP SHOULD WORK. THIS PAMPHLET AND THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PAMPHLET ARE NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE AIRPORT.
---------0-----------
TOLO HARBOUR RECLAMATION ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE *****
RECLAMATION IN TOLO HARBOUR NEAR PAK SHEK KOK FOR PROVIDING A SITE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS INERT CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS WILL BE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WITH SUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THIS IS CONFIRMED BY THE FINDINGS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY," HE SAID.
/A REPORT .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
4 -
A REPORT OF THE STUDY IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $445 A COPY.
TENDERS FOR THE RECLAMATION PROJECT WILL BE INVITED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR SO THAT THE WORK CAN START EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT SEVEN TO EIGHT YEARS.
---------0-----------
SHOW TO HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE *****
A NUMBER OF ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITIES WILL JOIN LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN AN EXTRAVAGANZA NEXT SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25) TO PROMOTE THE INTEGRATION OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY INTO THE COMMUNITY.
TO BE HELD AT THE LYRIC THEATRE OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE "REHABILITATION SPECIAL" IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO ENHANCE AWARENESS OF THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY.
"THIS EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS AIMED AT NOT ONLY FIGHTING PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY, BUT ALSO PROMOTING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND FULL PARTICIPATION FOR THIS VULNERABLE GROUP," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"IT IS THEREFORE ONLY APPROPRIATE FOR THE 'REHABILITATION SPECIAL’ TO CARRY THE THEME OF ’EQUALITY THROUGH PARTICIPATION, WITH EMPHASIS ON OPEN EMPLOYMENT'," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
"WE HOPE THAT THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF THE BIG NAMES IN THIS SHOW, THE PUBLIC WILL REALISE BOTH THE ABLE-BODIED AND THE DISABLED CAN LIVE AND WORK IN HARMONY," HE SAID.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, MRS PATTEN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 'REHABILITATION SPECIAL’.
THE SHOW WILL FEATURE A CAST OF CELEBRITIES, INCLUDING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MRS SELINA CHOW, MR MOSES CHENG, MR MICHAEL HO AND MR ERIC LI, DEPUTY SECRETARIES FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE MRS SHELLEY LAU AND MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS AS WELL AS DR SUSAN CHAN AND DR KATHLEEN SO OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND DR GRACE TANG. THEY WILL FORM A CHOIR TO SING "THAT DOGGIE IN THE WINDOW".
SOME SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT DISABILITIES FROM FIVE SCHOOLS WILL PERFORM AN OPENING SONG, "GREATEST LOVE OF ALL", WITH FIVE POP SINGERS.
HAPPY LUTHERAN BAND, A JAZZ BAND COMPRISING BLIND PERSONS, WILL PERFORM WITH A SINGER-SONG-WRITER, ERIC MOO.
/MR CHARLES .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
5
MR CHARLES LEUNG, A WHEELCHAIR-BOUND MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WILL LEAD A TEAM OF SEVEN OTHER SOCIAL WORKERS TO SING A CANTONESE SONG.
WHILE MS ELIZA CHAN IS SINGING, A BLIND SECRETARY WILL TYPE THE LYRICS OF THE SONG, WHICH WILL BE SCREENED SIMULTANEOUSLY.
DR DAVID FANG AND DR POON YEUK-FOO WILL EACH PERFORM A VOCAL SOLO.
SUPERSTARS PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOW INCLUDE LEON LAI, SHIRLEY KWAN, KEVIN CHENG, KAREN TONG, WARREN MOK AND BERLIN CHENG, WHILE IDY CHAN AND LAM KAR-WAH WILL BE MASTERS OF CEREMONY.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND RTHK, "REHABILITATION SPECIAL" WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE FROM 10 PM TO 11 PM ON OCTOBER 2 (SUNDAY).
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE "REHABILITATION SPECIAL".
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO APPROACH THE RECEPTION DESK AT THE LOBBY OF THE LYRIC THEATRE, ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, WAN CHAI, FOR ADMISSION TICKETS BEFORE 7.45 PM ON SEPTEMBER 25 (SUNDAY). OWING TO LIMITED QUANTITY, EACH MEDIA ORGANISATION WILL BE ENTITLED TO ONLY ONE ADMISSION TICKET. ADMISSION WITHOUT TICKET IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
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CARGO WORKING AREAS REMAIN OPEN ON GENERAL HOLIDAY
* * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ALL PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WOULD STAY OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DURING THE GENERAL HOLIDAY ON SEPTEMBER 21.
THE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI, CHAI WAN, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, CHA KWO LING, TSUEN WAN AND RAMBLER CHANNEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE TUEN MUN PUBLIC WATERFRONT WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM ON THAT DAY."
MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WILL REMAIN OPEN 24 HOURS WHILE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL BETWEEN 6 AM AND 10 PM ON THE DAY.
THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE AND THE MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE WILL REMAIN OPEN CONTINUOUSLY.
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/6.........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
- 6 -
MAXIMUM FINE IMPOSED FOR UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK
& •
FACTORY OWNERS AND EMPLOYERS MUST COMPLY WITH LABOUR LAW AND STOP ENGAGING WOMEN IN WORK OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL PERMITTED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR OVERTIME WORK FOR WOMEN WORKERS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IF THEY WISH TO ENGAGE WOMEN TO WORK OVERTIME.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWS RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH THREE DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS WERE GIVEN THE MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 AT THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY FOR ENGAGING WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
THE THREE CASES WERE DETECTED WHEN LABOUR INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED THEIR ROUTINE INSPECTIONS.
IN THE FIRST CASE, KIJIMA MUSEN (HONG KONG) LIMITED IN KWAI CHUNG WAS FOUND TO HAVE ENGAGED 16 WOMEN IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK.
IN ANOTHER INSPECTION, TACK FAT SWIMWEAR MANUFACTURING LIMITED IN KWAI CHUNG WAS FOUND TO HAVE ENGAGED 20 WOMEN TO WORK OVERTIME WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE THIRD CASE CAME TO LIGHT WHEN LABOUR INSPECTORS FOUND THAT 32 WOMEN WERE ENGAGED IN UNREPORTED OVERTIME WORK DURING THEIR INSPECTION TO THE JEAN MACHINE LIMITED IN TSUEN WAN.
LABOUR OFFICER (PROSECUTIONS) MISS RITA MA POINTED OUT 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 NOTICE SETTING OUT THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT, INTERVALS FOR MEALS OR REST, AND REST DAYS FOR WOMEN WORKERS," MISS MA SAID.
"EMPLOYERS SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK SET OUT IN THE NOTICE," SHE ADDED.
FOR YOUNG PERSONS, MISS MA NOTED THAT 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.
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/7........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
AUGUST CLOUDY AND WET
* » » « »
LAST MONTH WAS CLOUDY AND WET, AND CHARACTERISED BY FREQUENT ENHANCEMENT OF THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON AND HEAVY RAINFALL BECAUSE OF THE INDIRECT INFLUENCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES, A ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT OF 78 PER CENT WAS THE FIFTH HIGHEST FOR AUGUST.
THE TOTAL DURATION OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE WAS 138.8 HOURS, THE
FIFTH LOWEST AUGUST RECORD.
THE MONTHLY RAINFALL OF 597.6 MILLIMETRES WAS 53 PER CENT ABOVE THE AUGUST AVERAGE.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS 2,301.7 MILLIMETRES, 35 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 1,707.4 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD AND HAS ALREADY EXCEEDED THE MEAN ANNUAL RAINFALL OF 2,214.3 MILLIMETRES.
THE MONTH COMMENCED WITH HOT AND FINE WEATHER APART FROM BRIEF SHOWERS ON AUGUST 1 AND 2 AS A BROAD RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE DOMINATED THE COASTAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG.
ON THE RETREAT OF THIS RIDGE, THE WEATHER BECAME SHOWERY WITH ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ON AUGUST 3.
TROPICAL STORM CAITLIN MADE LANDFALL NEAR XIAMEN ON AUGUST 4 AND BROUGHT UNSETTLED WEATHER TO THE COAST OF GUANGDONG.
THUNDERY SHOWERS AND FRESH GUSTY SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS AFFECTED HONG KONG THAT NIGHT AND ON AUGUST 5 WHILE CAITLIN WEAKENED RAPIDLY INTO AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTHEAST CHINA.
MOIST AND UNSTABLE SOUTHWEST MONSOON BROUGHT DISTURBED WEATHER TO HONG KONG FROM AUGUST 6 TO 10 WITH OCCASIONAL THUNDERSTORMS AND PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN.
MORE THAN 300 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED IN THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES ON AUGUST 6.
FIVE PEOPLE WERE INJURED AND 33 FLOOD REPORTS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE RAINSTORM.
A LANDSLIDE OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 7 WHEN A SECTION OF THE HILLSIDE IN TSING LUNG TAU COLLAPSED ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
A PASSING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WAS FORCED OFF THE ROAD AND PLUNGED DOWN A SLOPE. ONE MAN WAS KILLED AND 17 OTHERS WERE INJURED IN THE INCIDENT.
THE WEATHER BECAME FINE ON AUGUST 11. WITH PERIODS ■■OF SUNSHINE, THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 32.6 DEGREES WAS REACHED IN THE AFTERNOON OF AUGUST 12.
/UNSETTLED WEATHER .......
SATURD/'V, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
- 8 -
UNSETTLED WEATHER RETURNED ON AUGUST 15 AND RAIN WAS PARTICULARLY HEAVY ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 16 WITH MORE THAN 100 MILLIMETRES FALLING IN THE URBAN AREAS.
SEVENTY-SIX CASES OF FLOODING AND 20 LANDSLIPS WERE REPORTED. TEMPERATURES DROPPED TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 23.5 DEGREES THAT AFTERNOON DURING A HEAVY DOWNPOUR.
RAIN GRADUALLY DIED DOWN ON AUGUST 17 AND APART FROM A SHOWERY DAY ON AUGUST 20, A GENERALLY FINE SPELL LASTED UNTIL AUGUST 25.
MEANWHILE, TROPICAL STORM HARRY DEVELOPED OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND MOVED TOWARDS THE COAST OF WESTERN GUANGDONG.
LOCAL WEATHER STARTED TO DETERIORATE ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 26 AS OUTER RAINBANDS OF HARRY AFFECTED THE TERRITORY.
WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG DURING THE AFTERNOON.
SQUALLY SHOWERS CONTINUED TO AFFECT HONG KONG ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 27 BUT EASED OFF IN THE AFTERNOON AS WINDS SUBSIDED.
THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY WITH SOME RAIN ON AUGUST 28.
WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE SUBTROPICAL RIDGE FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, LOCAL WEATHER IMPROVED ON AUGUST 29 AND STAYED FINE UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THERE WERE ALTOGETHER 10 TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST.
DURING THE MONTH, 22 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERI NG OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL OF AUGUST ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN AUGUST 1994
WARNINGS / SIGNALS EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS
NAME OF T.C. SIGNAL NO.
HARRY 1 AUG 25 10.50 PM - AUG 26 4.15 PM
3 AUG 26 4.15 PM - AUG 27 11.45 A.M
/LANDSLIP WARNINGS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
- 9 -
LANDSLIP WARNINGS AUG AUG 6 16 7 9.45 PM -AM - AUG 7 AUG 17 7 10 AM PM
FLOOD WARNINGS AUG 5 11 PM - AUG 6 7.10 AM
AUG 6 3.45 PM - AUG 7 6.15 AM
AUG 7 10.50 AM - AUG 7 3.30 PM
AUG 10 3.50 AM - AUG 10 9.45 AM
AUG 15 11.05 AM - AUG 15 2 PM
AUG 16 6 AM - AUG 16 4.15 PM
AUG 17 12.15 PM - AUG 17 2 PM
AUG 26 9.55 AM - AUG 26 11.35 AM
AUG 27 2 AM - AUG 27 7 AM
AUG 27 10.20 AM - AUG 27 12.50 PM
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS AUG 3 5 PM - AUG 3 10 PM
AUG 4 6.30 AM — AUG 4 11.30 AM
AUG 4 1.35 PM — AUG 4 4.35 PM
AUG 4 6 PM — AUG 5 6 AM
AUG 5 9 AM — AUG 5 11 AM
AUG 5 1.15 PM — AUG 5 3.15 PM
AUG 5 8.15 PM — AUG 6 10.15 AM
AUG 6 1 PM — AUG 7 7.15 AM
AUG 7 8.20 AM — AUG 7 2 PM
AUG 8 6 AM — AUG 8 8 AM
AUG 8 12.15 PM — AUG 8 4.15 PM
AUG 8 4.50 PM — AUG 9 6 AM
AUG 9 7.15 AM — AUG 9 2 PM
AUG 9 2.40 PM — AUG 9 4.40 PM
AUG 9 6.45 PM — AUG 10 NOON
AUG 10 11.45 PM — AUG 11 6.45 AM
AUG 13 2.35 AM — AUG 13 7 AM
•AUG 13 10.10 PM — AUG 14 6 AM
AUG 15 9.25 AM — AUG 15 2.30 PM
AUG 16 6.20 AM — AUG 16 4.15 PM
AUG 16 11 PM — AUG 17 2 PM
AUG 17 2.40 PM — AUG 17 4.40 PM
AUG 18 12.10 PM — AUG 18 1.10 PM
AUG 19 3.05 PM — AUG 19 5 PM
AUG 19 10.15 PM — AUG 20 12.15 AM
AUG 20 3.35 PM — AUG 20 6.35 PM
AUG 21 1.35 PM — AUG 21 7 PM
AUG 26 8.15 AM — AUG 26 NOON
AUG 27 10.05 AM — AUG 27 2 PM
AUG 27 4.45 PM — AUG 27 6.45 PM
AUG 28 9.40 AM — AUG 28 4 PM
AUG 28 7.30 PM — AUG 29 6 AM
AUG 31 4.10 PM — AUG 31 6.10 PM
/TABLE 1.2 .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
- 10 -
r
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - AUGUST 1994
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
138.8 HOURS; 68.2 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
12.63 MJ/SQM;
4.98 MJ/SQM BELOW NORMAL
597.6 MM; 206.2 MM ABOVE NORMAL
78 PER CENT; 12 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL
84 PER CENT; 3 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL
30.4 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
27.9 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
25.7 DEGREES CELSIUS;
0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
24.8 DEGREES CELSIUS; NORMAL
105.5 MM; 51.4 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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FIRING PRACTICE IN OCTOBER
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE 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
OCTOBER 17 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 18 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 31 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
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/Il........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1994
11
FRESH WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE 1-25 AND 4-16 HILL ROAD, 282-428 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST; 357-453 AND 450-496 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST; 11-21 AND 10-24 WHITTY STREET; HING LUNG LANE WEST; HING LUNG LANE EAST; SAI ON LANE; ON HING LANE; 1C-1K AND 2-2C WATER STREET; LAI ON LANE; SAI HING LANE; SIU CHEUNG FONG AS WELL AS 1-5 AND 21-24 CHIU KWONG STREET.
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,160 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,624 1000 NIL
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 NIL
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY NIL 1130 NIL
LAF TODAY -536 1500
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.7 *-0.2» 17.9.94
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
CONTENTS PA(JL_N(),
DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS:
GOVERNOR EXPECTS BETTER VOTER TURNOUT THAN LAST ELECTIONS............................................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION.................. 2
GOVERNOR URGES PUBLIC TO CAST THEIR VOTES............... 3
GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO POLL STATION..................... 3
PEOPLE BELIEVE IN FAIR AND OPEN ELECTIONS............... 5
CHIEF SECRETARY SPEAKS AT ELECTION PRESS CENTRE......... 6
BEC CLOSELY MONITORS ELECTION ACTIVITIES ............... 7
DB ELECTIONS: IMPORTANT STEP IN EVOLUTION OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.................................. 7
FS ENCOURAGES ELECTORS TO VOTE.............................. 8
AG CALLS ON VOTERS TO TAKE PART IN DB ELECTIONS......... 8
SCA URGES ELECTORS TO VOTE.................................. 9
VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS VOLUNTEER FOR TRANSFER................... 10
METHADONE BENEFITS SOCIETY................................... 10
PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR SHENZHEN RIVER WORKS..................................................... 11
NEW RESOURCE BOOK ON GUIDANCE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS......... 12
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE.................... 13
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
GOVERNOR EXPECTS BETTER VOTER TURNOUT THAN LAST ELECTIONS *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE VOTER TURNOUT OF 412 495 AT 5.30 PM TODAY WHICH WAS 150 000 MORE OR 60 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND ALMOST AS MANY PEOPLE WHO HAD TURNED OUT TO VOTE AS IN THE ENTIRE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE AT CITY HALL, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "IN A SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY LIKE HONG KONG, IT SHOULDN’T BE SURPRISING TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE TURNING OUT TO PUT THEIR OWN STAMP ON THE WAY THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD CONDUCTS ITS AFFAIRS. AND THAT’S INDEED WHAT WE’RE SEEING.”
MR PATTEN SAID HE HOPED TO SEE A FAR BIGGER POLL THAN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
"I THINK THAT WILL DEMONSTRATE THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT BOARDS AND I THINK IT WILL BE A GOOD SIGN FOR NEXT YEAR, FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS,” HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION AS TO WHY HE WAS FOCUSING ON TOTAL NUMBER, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE TEST OF WHETHER IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION WAS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO TURNED OUT TO VOTE.
" WE WERE VERY SUCCESSFUL THIS YEAR IN OUR VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE SO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERED TO VOTE, JUST LIKE THE CANDIDATES, IS FAR HIGHER,” MR PATTEN SAID.
’’THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO GET ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE TURNOUT, YOU NEED TO GET A FAR LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE VOTING AND THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING.
’’YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. SOME OF YOU HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING THE LAST FEW WEEKS THAT THE REGISTRATION FIGURES WERE THEMSELVES INFLATED BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BE ON THE LIST WERE ON THE LIST.
"IN THAT CASE, IT MAKES THE FIGURES THAT WE ARE SEEING TODAY EVEN MORE REMARKABLE."
- = - - 0 --------;
/2 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
- 2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * * * * »
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION PRESS CENTRE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: I THINK WHAT STRIKES ME MOST ABOUT TODAY IS HOW NORMAL AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD IT ALL IS. A SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY LIKE HONG KONG, IT SHOULDN’T BE SURPRISING TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE TURNING OUT TO PUT THEIR OWN STAMP ON THE WAY THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD CONDUCTS ITS AFFAIRS. AND THAT’S INDEED WHAT WE’RE SEEING. BY 5.30 PM, ALMOST AS MANY PEOPLE HAD TURNED OUT TO VOTE AS IN THE ENTIRE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS LAST TIME. AT 5.30 PM, THE FIGURE OF TURNOUT WAS ABOUT 60 PERCENT HIGHER, PERHAPS IT WAS MORE THAN 60 PERCENT HIGHER THAN IN ABSOLUTE TERMS LAST TIME. SO, I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL SEE A FAR BIGGER POLL THAN WE DID LAST TIME. AND I THINK THAT WILL DEMONSTRATE THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT BOARDS AND I THINK IT WILL BE A GOOD SIGN FOR NEXT YEAR, FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
QUESTION: SIR, IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A GOOD TURNOUT RATE, CAN YOU JUSTIFY THAT CHINA SHOULDN’T DISMANTLE THE THREE-TIER COUNCILS AFTER 1997?
GOVERNOR: THAT IS A MATTER FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS TO EXPLAIN AWAY. I WANT TO CONCENTRATE TODAY ON THE GOOD NEWS OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG VERY CALMLY TURNING OUT. SO FAR, 150 000 MORE THAN THE SIMILAR TIME IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO DETERMINE THEIR LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WHY’RE YOU PLAYING WITH FIGURES. YOU FOCUS ON THE TOTAL NUMBER ..................?
GOVERNOR: THE TEST OF WHETHER IT WAS A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO TURN OUT TO VOTE. WE WERE VERY SUCCESSFUL THIS YEAR IN OUR VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE SO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERED TO VOTE, JUST LIKE THE CANDIDATES, IS FAR HIGHER. THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO GET ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE TURNOUT, YOU NEED TO GET A FAR LARGER NUMBER OF PEOPLE VOTING AND THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING. YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. SOME OF YOU WHO’VE BEEN COMPLAINING THE LAST FEW WEEKS THAT THE REGISTRATION FIGURES WERE THEMSELVES INFLATED BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BE ON THE LIST WERE ON THE LIST. WELL, IN THAT CASE, IT MAKES THE FIGURES THAT WE ARE SEEING TODAY EVEN MORE REMARKABLE. OF COURSE, ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN DEMOCRACY, WHO BELIEVES IN PEOPLE BEING INVOLVED IN DETERMINING THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES WANT TO SEE AS MANY PEOPLE VOTE AS POSSIBLE. BUT IF YOU ASKED ME THIS MORNING, WHETHER I’D BE HAPPY BUT THIS TIME 150,000 MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED, I’D HAVE SAID YES, THANK YOU.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNOR URGES PUBLIC TO CAST THEIR VOTES
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING SAID HE HOPED THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WOULD CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TODAY TO PUT THEIR STAMP ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS..
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING A TAI PO POLLING STATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF POLLING BEING CARRIED OUT IN SUCH AN EFFICIENT MANNER AND THE VOTER TURNOUT SO FAR THIS MORNING.
"THE FIGURES THAT WE’VE GOT SO FAR SUGGEST THAT ABOUT 56 000 MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED BY 11.30 AM THAN WAS THE CASE LAST TIME AND IS ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE," MR PATTEN SAID.
"SINCE THE REGISTER IS SO MUCH LARGER, A LOT MORE PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY GONE OUT TO VOTE."
MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS NOT SURPRISING IN THE COMMUNITY AS SUCCESSFUL AND PROSPEROUS AND STABLE AS HONG KONG, PEOPLE WANTED TO HAVE A SHARE IN DECIDING HOW THE COMMUNITY WAS RUN.
HE URGED REGISTERED VOTERS TO COME OUT TO VOTE TO GIVE THEIR SUPPORT TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE GRASS-ROOT LEVEL IN HONG KONG.
"THERE IS STILL A LONG TIME UNTIL 10.30 THIS EVENING AND I HOPE THAT THOSE WHO HAVEN’T YET GONE OUT AND VOTED, WILL DO SO IN THE HOURS THAT REMAIN."
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• GOVERNOR VISITS TAI PO POLL STATION *****
.THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING A TAI PO POLLING STATION THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING:
GOVERNOR: I AM PLEASED TO SEE THE ADMINISTRATION OF POLLING BEING CARRIED OUT IN SUCH AN EFFICIENT MANNER AND THAT’S THE REPORT THAT WE ARE GETTING FROM RIGHT ACROSS THE TERRITORY. I HOPE THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ADMINISTRATION AT THE GRASS-ROOT LEVEL IN HONG KONG. I KNOW THAT THERE’S BEEN AN ACTIVE CAMPAIGN AND I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL TAKE THE CHANCE THEY’VE GOT TODAY OF PUTTING THEIR STAMP ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. THE FIGURES THAT WE’VE GOT SO FAR SUGGEST THAT ABOUT 56 000 MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED BY 11.30 AM THAN WAS THE CASE LAST TIME AND IS ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE. BUT SINCE THE REGISTER IS SO MUCH LARGER, A LOT MORE PEOPLE HAVE ACTUALLY GONE OUT TO VOTE. BUT THERE IS STILL A LONG TIME TO GO UNTIL 10.30 THIS EVENING AND I HOPE THAT THOSE WHO HAVEN’T YET GONE OUT AND VOTED, WILL DO SO IN THE HOURS THAT REMAIN. SO, SO FAR AS I SAID, 56 000 MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED THAN LAST TIME AND I HOPE THAT CONTINUES TO BE THE CASE THROUGH OUT THE DAY.
/QUESTION: .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
4 -
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DOES THE POLL GIVE A VERY SATISFYING DAY FOR YOU?
GOVERNOR: I HOPE IT’S A VERY SATISFYING DAY FOR HONG KONG. I THINK THAT IT’S THE MARK OF THE CIVILISED COMMUNITY LIKE THIS TO SEE HUSBANDS AND WIVES COMING IN WITH THEIR CHILDREN TO CAST THEIR VOTES. IT IS NOT SURPRISING IN THE COMMUNITY AS SUCCESSFUL AND PROSPEROUS AND STABLE AS HONG KONG, PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE A SHARE IN DECIDING HOW THE COMMUNITY IS RUN. AND WE ARE SAYING THAT IN PROCESS, IN PROCESS TODAY. IT IS A SIGHT WHICH, 1 THINK, SHOULD BRING GREAT PLEASURE TO EVERYBODY AROUND THE WORLD WHEREVER IT TAKES PLACE. THE MARK GIVEN OPEN, SELFCONFIDENT, PLURAL SOCIETY.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, YOU YOURSELF VOTED IN ELECTIONS IN BATH.... WHAT IS THE TRICK?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE TRICK IS TO GO ON TRYING TO TELL THE PEOPLE THE TRUTH AS YOU SEE IT, NOT TO PULL THE WOOL OVER THEIR EYES. BUT I MUSTN’T ALLOW MY EXPERIENCES TO SHAKE THE WAY I REACT TO DEMOCRATIC EVENTS IN HONG KONG. THE TRUTH TO TELL’S, I THINK, THAT VOTERS LIKE TO MEET THEIR CANDIDATES. SO, I THINK THEY LIKE TO HAVE SOMEBODY KNOCKING ON THE DOORS, INTRODUCING THEMSELVES. WHAT I’VE OBSERVED IS THAT NOT SURPRISINGLY, PEOPLE ARE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL THE NORMAL SERVICES WHICH MAKE AN IMPACT ON THEIR DAILY QUALITY OF LIFE. THEY ARE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORT. THEY ARE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT PARKING. THEY ARE ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEALTH SERVICE AND EDUCATION, AND WELFARE PROVISION. ALL THOSE SORT OF ISSUES WERE, I THINK, PEOPLE WANT TO FEEL INVOLVED IN THE DECISIONS THAT WERE TAKEN ON THEIR BEHALF AND INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAMMES THAT ARE RUN WITH THEIR MONEY AS TAXPAYERS.
QUESTION: IS YOUR POLICY ADDRESS GOING TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE TWO FOREIGN SECRETARIES’ MEETING?
GOVERNOR: I AM SURE THAT MR HURD WILL WANT TO CONVEY TO VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN THE MAIN THEMES IN MY ADDRESS WHICH WILL BE, OF COURSE, DELIVERED A FEW DAYS LATER. AND THAT’S WHAT WE’VE DONE IN THE PAST WHEN WE’VE BEEN ABLE, AT ONE OF THESE MEETINGS, TO FORE-SHADOW WHAT I AM GOING TO SAY IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADDRESS AND THAT WOULD BE THE CIVILISED AND COURTEOUS AND CO-OPERATIVE THING TO DO AGAIN THIS YEAR. AND I HOPE THAT VICE PREMIER QIAN WILL RECOGNISE WHAT WE ARE KEEN TO DO IS TO CONTINUE TO BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY AND THAT WE ARE CONTINUING TO SHOW IN A POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE WAY OUR DETERMINATION SO FAR AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
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PEOPLE BELIEVE IN FAIR AND OPEN ELECTIONS
* t * * *
THE VERY SATISFACTORY VOTER TURNOUT RATE SO FAR THIS MORNING EVIDENTLY DEMONSTRATES THAT THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS ARE WHAT THEY WANT AND THAT THEY ARE FAIR AND OPEN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN,SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE PRESS CENTRE FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MRS CHAN SAID SHE WAS PLEASED WITH THE GOOD TURNOUT AND HOPED THAT THE GOOD TURNOUT RATE WOULD PERSIST FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
"THE COMMUNITY ALSO OBVIOUSLY ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN ADVANCING THEIR INTEREST AND LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT, LOOKING AFTER SOCIAL SERVICES, MEDICAL SERVICES AND HEALTH SERVICE, MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE CALLED ON THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET VOTED TO TURN UP AT THEIR RESPECTIVE POLLING STATIONS.
"I BELIEVE IT IS EVERYBODY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO VOTE FOR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DISTRICT BOARD.' THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPARED NO EFFORT AND NO EXPENSE THIS YEAR IN HELPING TO ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WOULD BE A SUCCESS.
"WE’VE ALREADY INCURRED AN EXPENDITURE OF $9 MILLION. TODAY WE HAVE ABOUT 6,000 OF OUR CIVIL SERVANT COLLEAGUES TURNING UP TO MAN POLLING STATIONS AND COUNTING STATIONS.
"WE’VE MADE PARTICULAR EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT POLLING STATIONS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO HANDICAPPED AND DISABLED PEOPLE," SHE ADDED.
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/6 .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
6
CHIEF SECRETARY SPEAKS AT ELECTION PRESS CENTRE *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AT THE PRESS CENTRE ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 18) .
MRS CHAN : GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. I AM VERY HAPPY TO SEE YOU ALL AFTER AN ABSENCE OF TWO AND A HALF WEEKS. AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE CUT SHORT MY LEAVE SPECIALLY TO COME BACK TO PARTICIPATE IN TODAY’S VOTING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS. OBVIOUSLY, A LOT OF OTHER HONG KONG PEOPLE SHARE MY VIEW AND HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE VOTING SO FAR. IN ABSOLUTE NUMBERS, I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED AT THIS TIME OF THE DAY THAN FOR THE ELECTIONS IN 1991. SO OBVIOUSLY WE’RE VERY PLEASED. I HOPE THE SAME GOOD TURNOUT RATE WILL PERSIST FOR THE REST OF TODAY. BUT THERE'RE STILL MANY HOURS TO GO BEFORE POLLING CLOSES AT 10.30PM. AND I WOULD URGE EVERYBODY WHO HAS NOT YET VOTED TO PLEASE TURN UP AT THEIR RESPECTIVE POLLING STATIONS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPARED NO EFFORT AND NO EXPENSE THIS YEAR IN HELPING TO ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WOULD BE A SUCCESS. WE’VE ALREADY INCURRED AN EXPENDITURE OF $9 MILLION. TODAY WE HAVE ABOUT 6,000 OF OUR CIVIL SERVANT COLLEAGUES TURNING UP TO MAN POLLING STATIONS AND COUNTING STATIONS. WE’VE MADE PARTICULAR EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT POLLING STATIONS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO THE HANDICAPPED AND DISABLED PEOPLE. AND THERE ARE, FOR EXAMPLE, 22 POLLING STATIONS WHERE PEOPLE CAN VOTE OUTSIDE OF THEIR CONSTITUENCIES FOR THEIR CONVENIENCE. SO I REPEAT AGAIN, THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET VOTED PLEASE DO TURN OUT AND VOTE BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY TO VOTE FOR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DISTRICT BOARD. THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE ELECTED AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO RETURN 10 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
QUESTION : MRS CHAN, WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE TO THE INCREASD TURNOUT SO FAR TODAY ?
MRS CHAN : OF COURSE, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS AND THE BASE IS LARGER THAN FOR THE PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I THINK IT IS EVIDENT OF THE COMMUNITY’S BELIEF IN FAIR AND OPEN ELECTIONS. THE COMMUNITY ALSO OBVIOUSLY ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN ADVANCING THEIR INTEREST AND LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT, LOOKING AFTER SOCIAL SERVICES, MEDICAL SERVICES, HEALTH SERVICES. AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT THE VOTER TURNOUT THIS YEAR WILL BE A SATISFACTORY ONE.
QUESTION : MRS CHAN, DO YOU THINK THAT PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE TODAY AS OFFICALS OF BEIJING WOULD WANT TO KEEP THE EXISTING STRUCTURES ?
MRS CHAN : I THINK THE VOTER TURNOUT, THE VERY SATISFACTORY VOTER TURNOUT RATE SO FAR, EVIDENTLY DEMONSTRATES THAT THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS ARE WHAT THEY WANT, THAT THEY ARE FAIR AND OPEN AND THEY WANT TO HAVE A SAY IN WHO REPRESENTS THEM AT THE DISTRICT BOARD LEVEL. AND I AM SURE THIS IS ALSO A GOOD SIGNAL FOR THE 1995 ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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/7........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
7
BEC CLOSELY MONITORS ELECTION ACTIVITIES
* * « « »
THE THREE-MEMBER BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (SUNDAY) TOURED A NUMBER OF POLLING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED OPENLY, FAIRLY AND HONESTLY.
ON THREE DIFFERENT ROUTES, THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, AND MEMBERS PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND MR NORMAN LEUNG, SAW HOW DIFFERENT ELECTION ACTIVITIES WERE LAUNCHED IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE POLLING STATION FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST CONSTITUENCY, MR JUSTICE WOO URGED ELECTORS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT AND VOTE.
"I HOPE THAT MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL COME OUT SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR.”
HE ALSO TOURED AROUND POLLING STATIONS IN KOWLOON CITY AND SHA TIN. PROFESSOR LEUNG VISITED STATIONS IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND WAN CHAI WHILE MR LEUNG VISITED EASTERN, KWUN TONG, SAI KUNG AND TAI PO DISTRICTS.
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DB ELECTIONS: IMPORTANT STEP IN EVOLUTION OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT « « « » t
THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, BARONESS DUNN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE ELECTED BY DIRECT ELECTIONS.
"THEY HAVE AN IMPORTANT TASK, NOT JUST IN IMPROVING AND RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, IMPROVING HONG KONG’S QUALITY OF LIFE, THEY WILL ALSO GO ON TO VOTE 10 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," SHE ADDED.
BARONESS DUNN SAID SHE WAS PLEASED WITH THE VOTER TURNOUT THIS MORNING AND TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO URGE ALL ELECTORS TO TAKE ACTIVE PART IN TODAY’S ELECTIONS AND CAST THEIR VOTES.
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/8 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
- 8 -
FS ENCOURAGES ELECTORS TO VOTE
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (SUNDAY) ENCOURAGES ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS TO COME OUT TO VOTE, TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CASTING HIS BALLOT, SIR HAMISH SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ELECTORS TO CHOOSE THOSE WHOM THEY BELIEVE WOULD SERVE THE DISTRICT WELL.
WHEN ASKED TO PREDICT THE FINAL TURNOUT RATE IN THE ELECTIONS, SIR HAMISH SAID: "WE HAVE A RECORD NUMBER OF CANDIDATES, WE HAVE A RECORD NUMBER OF VOTERS, CERTAINLY WE WILL EXPECT TO GET A RECORD NUMBER OF TURNOUT.”
CASTING HIS VOTE EARLY THIS MORNING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, ALSO REMINDED ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS, ESPECIALLY THOSE BETWEEN 18 AND 21 WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT AND CAST THEIR VOTES.
"DISTRICT BOARDS ARE VERY IMPORTANT, PEOPLE SHOULD ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE WHO COULD REPRESENT THEM AT DISTRICT LEVEL, TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR LIVELIHOOD,” HE ADDED.
BOTH SECRETARIES CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE POLLING STATION PUT UP AT ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL.
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AG CALLS ON VOTERS TO TAKE PART IN DB ELECTIONS *****
ELECTION IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE A SAY IN THE WAY THEY WANT THEIR COMMUNITY RUN, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CASTING HIS VOTE AT THE GERMAN SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MR MATHEWS CALLED ON ELECTORS TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
’’THE ELECTIONS THIS YEAR TAKES ON A GREATER SIGNIFICANCE AS ALL SEATS ARE DIRECTLY ELECTED, THE VOTING AGE HAS BEEN LOWERED, SO IT HAS EXPANDED THE WHOLE POOL OF ELECTORATE FAIRLY CONSIDERABLY.
’’AND OF COURSE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL FORM THEIR OWN COLLEGE TO ELECT 10 TO LEGCO," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED TO PREDICT THE TURNOUT RATE, MR MATHEWS SAID THE FIGURES SEEMED TO BE VERY ENCOURAGING AND HE HOPED THE TREND WOULD CARRY ON THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
- 9 -
SCA URGES ELECTORS TO VOTE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, TODAY (SUNDAY) URGES ALL VOTERS TO CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER CASTING HIS BALLOT, MR NG SAID DISTRICT BOARDS ARE VERY IMPORTANT AND PEOPLE SHOULD SUPPORT THEM.
"DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IS A MILESTONE IN OUR REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALL THE SEATS ARE TO BE ELECTED.
"WE ALSO HAVE LOWERED THE VOTING AGE TO 18 AND WE HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS AND I ENCOURAGE THEM ALL TO COME OUT TO VOTE TODAY," MR NG SAID.
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/10........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS VOLUNTEER FOR TRANSFER
*****
IN ANSWER TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT 40 OF THE GROUP OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR VIETNAM ON SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23 UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED VOLUNTARILY TO VICTORIA PRISON.
THEY COMPRISE 39 PEOPLE FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE AND ONE RETURNEE WHO WAS AT CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 16 THAT 82 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO VICTORIA PRISON TOMORROW FOR DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER PROCEDURES TO BE CARRIED OUT IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR RETURN HOME THIS WEEK.
"WE ARE OBVIOUSLY PLEASED THAT HALF OF THE RETURNEES HAVE ALREADY VOLUNTEERED TO BE MOVED AHEAD OF THE TRANSFER EXERCISE," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WAS ALWAYS OUR HOPE THAT THE TRANSFER WOULD TAKE PLACE IN A PEACEFUL MANNER AND THIS DEVELOPMENT BODES WELL FOR THE REPATRIATION EXERCISE AS A WHOLE," HE ADDED.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAST FRIDAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE DATES FOR THE EXERCISE, ADDITIONAL COUNSELLING WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
"COUNSELLING OF THE RETURNEES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THEIR RETURN HOME TO VIETNAM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE OTHER RETURNEES AT HIGH ISLAND COULD STILL VOLUNTEER TO MOVE TO VICTORIA PRISON TODAY," HE ADDED.
TOMORROW’S EXERCISE WILL INVOLVE THE TRANSFER OF REMAINING MIGRANTS AT HIGH ISLAND, AND THE WHOLE GROUP AT VICTORIA PRISON WILL THEN LEAVE HONG KONG ON SEPARATE FLIGHTS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
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METHADONE BENEFITS SOCIETY
*****
METHADONE PATIENTS ARE USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY AND CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SOME SERVICE THAT BENEFITS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, TOLD THE CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB’S 26TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TODAY (SUNDAY). ■’
"METHADONE PATIENTS DESERVE TO BE VALUED AND RESPECTED AS MUCH AS ANY HUMAN BEINGS.
"HOWEVER, SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE A NEGATIVE IMAGE OF
THEM AND THIS IS UNJUSTIFIED," THE COMMISSIONER SAID
/•'METHADONE PROGRAMME
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
- 11 -
"METHADONE PROGRAMME BENEFITS THE WIDER SOCIETY, BUT NOT ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC RECOGNISE THAT,
"SOMETIMES, THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH ILLICIT DRUG USE IS DIRECTED AGAINST THE RESPONSE TO THAT PROBLEM - THE PROVISION OF METHADONE TREATMENT," MR SINCLAIR REMARKED.
"METHADONE PROVIDES STABILITY IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO DEPEND ON NARCOTIC DRUGS, AND SAVES THEM FROM THE DANGERS OF CRIME AND DISEASE,” HE ADDED.
HE APPEALED TO THE CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB TO HELP IMPROVE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND REACH OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO STAY OFF DRUGS.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO THANKED THE CLUB FOR SUPPORTING AND PROVIDING A RANGE OF SERVICES FROM WHICH A LARGE NUMBER OF EX-DRUG ABUSERS HAD BENEFITED.
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PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS INVITED FOR SHENZHEN RIVER WORKS *****
GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS ON THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT STAGE I, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT WAS NOW AT THE STAGE OF INVITING TENDERS IN ORDER THAT CONSTRUCTION WORKS MAY START EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT STAGE I OF THE PROJECT WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN ONE SINGLE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW RIVER CHANNELS AT LIU POK AND LOK MA CHAU WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 3.3 KILOMETRES AND RIVER BED EROSION PROTECTION WORKS IN THE VICINITY OF LO WU STATION.
THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION OFFICE OF THE SHENZHEN MUNICIPALITY, WHICH REPRESENTS THE HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AS THE CONTRACT EMPLOYER FOR THE STAGE I WORKS, IS INVITING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS FROM SUITABLE CONTRACTORS FOR THE WORKS CONTRACT.
AS THE SHENZHEN RIVER IS A BOUNDARY RIVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORKS AREA OF THE CONTRACT WOULD INEVITABLY STRADDLE THE EXISTING BORDER.
THE REGULATION OFFICE WILL SEND INVITATIONS THIS WEEK TO SUITABLE CONTRACTORS IN CHINA AND THOSE HONG KONG CONTRACTORS ON THE PORT WORKS AND ROADS AND DRAINAGE DIVISION OF LIST I, GROUP C OR OF LIST II OF WORKS BRANCH APPROVED CONTRACTORS LISTS, FOR APPLICATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION.
/"ONLY CONTRACTORS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
12
"ONLY CONTRACTORS WHOSE MAIN PRESENCE AND HEAD OFFICE ARE EITHER IN HONG KONG OR CHINA ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT OF THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PRE-QUALIFICATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION OFFICE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, HONGTAO BUILDING, 2 BAOAN ROAD, SHENZHEN, AND THE LAND DRAINAGE DIVISION OF THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 11TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
THE APPLICATIONS TOGETHER WITH SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION OFFICE BEFORE 11.30 AM (BEIJING TIME) ON OCTOBER 18.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS WILL BE INVITED TO TENDER FOR THE CONTRACT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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NEW RESOURCE BOOK ON GUIDANCE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS *****
A NEW RESOURCE BOOK JUST PUBLISHED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADVOCATES A WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE WORK FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS.
UNDER THE APPROACH, HEADTEACHERS, DISCIPLINE TEACHERS, GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND CLASS TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WORK IN A CONCERTED WAY TO HELP PUPILS RESOLVE THEIR DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS.
THE RESOURCE BOOK IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS ALONG WITH PAMPHLETS ON STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE AND POSTERS TO PROMOTE THE WHOLE-SCHOOL APPROACH TO GUIDANCE.
IT PROVIDES TEACHERS WITH SUGGESTIONS ON GUIDANCE SKILLS ON COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS; TECHNIQUES IN MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOUR; PRACTICAL TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND STUDENTS’ GENERAL ABILITIES AND LEARNING STYLES; THE PREPARATION OF ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES TO HELP NEW STUDENTS INTEGRATE INTO SCHOOL AND TECHNIQUES IN HANDLING THEIR FAILURE TO HAND IN HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH REFERENCE TO SUGGESTIONS IN THE RESOURCE BOOK, STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS/TEACHERS AND DISCIPLINE TEACHERS WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO SHARE WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES PROPER WAYS TO HANDLE STUDENT BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS. THUS CONCERTED EFFORTS COULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE OPTIMAL EFFECTIVENESS IN STUDENT GUIDANCE."
THE RESOURCE BOOK IS IN LOOSE-LEAF FORMAT TO ENABLE INSERTION OF ADDITIONAL PAGES WHICH WILL BE PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO SCHOOLS FROM TIME TO TIME TO HELP STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS/TEACHERS AND DISCIPLINE TEACHERS BUILD UP A WEALTH OF READILY APPLICABLE PROGRAMMES AND GUIDANCE TECHNIQUES FOR DAY-TO-DAY REFERENCE.
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», < /13.........................................................
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1994
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MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL FIRE SAFETY ADVICE
* * » * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY PERIOD.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR EDMOND LAM, TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID: ’’VISITORS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM RELEASING ANY HUNG MING LANTERN AND BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH BARBECUE FIRE AND HAND-HELD CANDLE-LIT LANTERNS.”
ACCORDING TO MR LAM, THE ANNUAL MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK PERIODS. HE CALLED ON VISITORS TO BE ALERT TO THE FIRE RISK WHEN THEY VISITED COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
MR LAM SAID IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE FORESTS AND COUNTRYSIDE ORDINANCE AND THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE TO LIGHT FIRE ILLEGALLY OR TO RELEASE A HUNG MING LANTERN IN A COUNTRY PARK OR AREA OF OPEN COUNTRYSIDE.
’’ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRE INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT,” HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE SIX PROSECUTIONS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRE IN COUNTRY PARKS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND OFFENDERS WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $4,500.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NQ.
DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS: GOOD ELECTIONS MARK HONG KONG’S MATURITY..................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
DB ELECTIONS A SUCCESS: SHA................................ 4
BEC CHAIRMAN SATISFIED WITH COUNTING PROCESS............... 5
VOTER TURNOUT REACHES NEW HIGH............................. 5
BEC CHAIRMAN SATISFIED WITH VOTER TURNOUT.................. 6
ELECTORAL SYSTEM GETS CONFIDENCE BOOST: SHA................ 6
BD’S DEMOLITION SITES SAFETY PLAN ENDORSED................... 7
HKMA TO LAUNCH FIRST ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES........................................................ 7
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JULY 1994......... 9
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR OPERATING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES APPROACHING................................................. 10
PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED........... 11
1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REPORT ON SALE....... 11
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNIVAL....................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS...... 13
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
GOOD ELECTIONS MARK HONG KONG’S MATURITY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, EARLY THIS (MONDAY) MORNING SAID YESTERDAY WAS A GOOD DAY FOR HONG KONG AND THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS ANOTHER MARK OF HONG KONG’S MATURITY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT COUNTING STATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT ABOUT 270 000 MORE PEOPLE HAD VOTED IN THESE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THAN IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
A TOTAL OF 693 223 OR 33.1 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS HAD VOTED IN YESTERDAY’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, COMPARED WITH THE VOTER TURNOUT OF 424 023 OR 32.5 PER CENT IN THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
MR PATTEN SAID THE FIGURE WHICH WAS OVER 60 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, WAS QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT.
"IT SHOULDN’T SURPRISE US THAT HONG KONG CAN CARRY THIS OFF WITH MATURITY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE," HE SAID.
"THIS IS A VERY SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY AND IT DOESN'T SURPRISE YOU THAT MORE PEOPLE WANT TO PUT A STAMP ON THE WAY IN WHICH THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS ARE RUN."
THE GOVERNOR THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO, HIS COLLEAGUES AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE ELECTIONS FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
"THEY HAVE DONE A FIRST-RATE JOB AND I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM, ALL OF THE STAFF WHO’VE MANNED THE POLLING STATIONS, ALL THOSE WHO ARE UNDERTAKING THE COUNT THIS EVENING AND THE POLICE WHO’VE HELPED AS WELL," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
* * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE EASTERN COUNTING STATION THIS (MONDAY) MORNING:-
GOVERNOR: THIS’S BEEN A GOOD DAY FOR HONG KONG AND I’D LIKE TO BEGIN BY THANKING MR JUSTICE 'WOO, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION AND ALL THOSE WHO ORGANISE THE ELECTIONS. THEY HAVE DONE A FIRST-RATE JOB AND I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM, ALL OF THE STAFF WHO’VE MANNED THE POLLING STATIONS, ALL THOSE WHO ARE UNDERTAKING THE COUNT THIS EVENING AND, OF COURSE, THE POLICE WHO’VE HELPED AS WELL. BUT, ABOVE ALL, WE ARE ALL GRATEFUL, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS GRATEFUL TO MR JUSTICE WOO AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON THE COMMISSION.
/I AM ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 2 -
I AM VERY PLEASED THAT ABOUT 270 000 MORE PEOPLE HAVE VOTED IN THESE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THAN IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. THE FIGURE FOR THOSE VOTING ISN’T FAR SHORT OF THE FIGURE FOR THE LAST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WHICH IS, I THINK, QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT AND THE FIGURE ALL TOGETHER IS OVER 60 PERCENT HIGHER THAN IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. WHAT I THINK STRIKES MANY OF US, LOOKING AT WHAT’S HAPPENED TODAY, IS HOW NORMAL IT’S ALL BEEN. IT SHOULDN’T SURPRISE US THAT HONG KONG CAN CARRY THIS OFF WITH MATURITY AND SELF-CONFIDENCE. THIS IS A VERY SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY AND IT DOESN’T SURPRISE YOU THAT MORE PEOPLE WANT TO PUT A STAMP ON THE WAY IN WHICH THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS ARE RUN. NOR IS IT SURPRISING, I DON’T THINK, THAT DURING THE LAST WEEKS, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT BREAD AND BUTTER, LIVELIHOOD ISSUES, THE SORT OF ISSUES THAT MATTER SO MUCH OF THE GRASS ROOTS. THEY’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT TRANSPORT, EDUCATION AND PARKING AND HOUSING , AND ALL THE MATTERS WHICH AFFECT PEOPLE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE. SO, I REPEAT, A GOOD DAY FOR HONG KONG AND ANOTHER MARK OF HONG KONG’S MATURITY.
QUESTION: WAS IT WORTH IT TO SPEND SO MUCH MONEY IN........... YET THE PERCENTAGE OF THE VOTER TURNOUT RATE WAS THE SAME AS THE 1991 ELECTIONS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VOTE. YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS. YOU CAN’T CONCENTRATE ON TURNOUT WHEN IT SUITS, AND ON PERCENTAGE WHEN IT SUITS. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT WE WERE RIGHT TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER. THERE ARE, I THINK, ABOUT 800 000 MORE REGISTERED THAN THERE WERE LAST TIME AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. SO, THE FACT THAT THE PERCENTAGE TURNOUT IS STILL HIGHER IS AN INDICATION OF THE FACT THAT VERY MANY MORF PEOPLE HAVE TURNED OUT TO VOTE AND 1 THINK THAT IS AN EXCELLENT THING. EVERYBODY, 1 THINK, WHO LOOKS AT LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS ANYWHERE, WISHES THAT THE TURNOUT WAS HIGHER STILL BUT I HAVE TO SAY THAT THE TURNOUT IN THE ELECTIONS HERE TODAY IS HIGHER THAN THE LAST LOCAL ELECTIONS THROUGH WHICH I HAD A RESPONSIBILITY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT YOUR CRITERIA OF ASSESSING A SUCCESSFUL ELECTION IS TOO SOPHISTICATED BY JUST COUNTING THE NUMBER OF TURNOUT RATE?
GOVERNOR: NO, I THINK THAT WHAT MATTERS IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN EACH CONSTITUENCY, IN EACH DISTRICT BOARD WHO GET OUT AND VOTE. AND IF YOU ADD THOSE FIGURES TOGETHER, YOU’LL SEE, AS I SAID EARLIER, THAT THE NUMBER OF THOSE VOTED IN THESE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IS OVER 60 PERCENT HIGHER THAN THE NUMBER OF THOSE VOTED IN THE LAST ONES.
QUESTION: REGARDING THE TURNOUT RATE WHICH...'..., WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT TO CONVEY TO THE CHINESE SIDE WHO WANTS TO DISMANTLE IT AFTER 1997?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT ANY MESSAGES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, AS 1 SAID EARLIER, THAT THIS HAS BEEN A NORMAL DAY IN HONG KONG AND PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF INDICATING THE SORT OF GRASS-ROOT ADMINISTRATION THAT THEY WANT OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, NOT A THREAT TO ANYBODY, THE SORT OF THINGS THAT YOU’D EXPECT TO HAPPEN TN ANY COMMUNITY AS SOPHISTICATED AS HONG KONG.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
3 -
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, TWO-THIRDS OF THE VOTERS HAVE NOT TURNED OUT TO VOTE. THAT SUGGESTS THAT HONG KONG IS FAR OFF FROM THE POLITICAL CENTRE....?
GOVERNOR: I’VE NEVER USED THAT EXPRESSION THOUGH OTHERS ACTUALLY HAVE BUT I AM SURE HOW YOU WOULD HAVE APPLIED THAT CRITERION IN UNITED KINGDOM FROM WHICH WE’VE BOTH COME. THE LAST LOCAL ELECTIONS, AS I SAID EARLIER, OVER WHICH I PRESIDED IN UNITED KINGDOM, HAD A LOWER TURNOUT RATE THAN THE TURNOUT RATE WE SAW TODAY. SO, I SUPPOSE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS THAT UNITED KINGDOM ISN’T A POLITICAL COMMUNITY.
QUESTION: ARE YOU REFERRING TO THE GENERAL ELECTIONS IN 1992 ?
GOVERNOR: NO, I AM REFERRING TO THE DISTRICT ELECTIONS IN 1992.
QUESTION: HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU THAT CHINA HAS APPOINTED DISTRICT AFFAIRS ADVISERS........?
GOVERNOR: I THINK WHAT WE’VE SEEN IN HONG KONG IN THE LAST MONTHS AND YEARS IS THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTANDABLY ATTACH PARTICULAR CREDIBILITY TO THOSE THAT THEY’VE ELECTED AND I THINK THAT WILL BE THE CASE WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS IT IS WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
QUESTION: SEVERAL WINNERS ARE INDEPENDENTS. DO YOU THINK THAT THE PARTY INFLUENCE MAY NOT BE SO STRONG FOR THE PEOPLE?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT SURE. I THINK WE’VE ONLY HAD A COUPLE OF RESULTS AND I’M JUST ABOUT EXPERIENCED ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT ONE SHOULDN’T PERHAPS GENERALISE AFTER TWO RESULTS WHEN THERE ARE MANY MORE TO BE EXPECTED THIS EVENING. BUT, I THINK IT IS PROBABLY THli CASE THAT IN VERY LOCAL ELECTIONS, INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES ARE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF BEING ELECTED BECAUSE YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SMALLER ELECTORATES AND BY DEFINITION, IT IS LIKELY THAT PEOPLE WILL BE BETTER KNOWN IN THEIR OWN NEIGHBOURHOODS. SO, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A SUBSTANTIAL TRADITION OF INDEPENDENTS WINNING SEATS IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND I THINK EVERYBODY RECOGNISES THAT MANY OF THE ISSUES THAT DISTRICT BOARDS TALK ABOUT TRANSCEND ANY PARTY POLITICAL MATTERS AND THEREFORE, INDEPENDENTS WHO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS HAVE A PARTICULAR CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE. ONE LAST QUESTION.
QUESTION: WHICH PARTY WERE YOU PREVIOUSLY?
GOVERNOR: I USED TO BE A CONSERVATIVE WHEN I WAS IN UNITED KINGDOM. THEY ARE NOT STANDING IN THESE ELECTIONS. NOWADAYS, OF COURSE, I’VE NOTHING AT ALL.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THE TURNOUT RATE REFLECTS THAT THE PUBLIC SUPPORT YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM PACKAGE?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VOTING TODAY REFLECTS THE FACT THAT HONG KONG IS A GROWN-UP COMMUNITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
t ' W* “ • « * < I
0---------
/4 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
4
DB ELECTIONS A SUCCESS: SHA *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID YESTERDAY’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WAS A SUCCESS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, MR SUEN SAID THE 33.1 PER CENT VOTER TURNOUT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING AS THE POOL OF REGISTERED ELECTORS HAD INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT IN 1991.
HE SAID: "IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THIS MAY REPRESENT ONLY A MARGINAL INCREASE, BUT THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VOTED WAS A STAGGERING 63.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS POLLS."
COMMENTING ON THE PARTICIPATION OF YOUNG VOTERS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21, MR SUEN POINTED OUT THAT A TURNOUT RATE OF 35.09 PER CENT WAS A GOOD START WHICH DEMONSTRATED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WERE PREPARED TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS WHEN GIVEN THE CHANCE.
MR SUEN WAS PLEASED THAT THE ELECTIONS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED SMOOTHLY WITHOUT MAJOR COMPLAINTS.
AMONG THE 457 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, HE ADDED, 431 HAD ALREADY BEEN DEALT WITH.
ANALYSING THE OUTCOME OF THE ELECTIONS, MR SUEN REVEALED THAT THE MAJORITY (77 PER CENT) OF THE WINNING CANDIDATES WERE IN THE 31-50 AGE BRACKET AND A FAIRLY HEALTHY NUMBER (EIGHT PER CENT) WERE IN THE 21-30 AGE GROUP.
AS TO THE BREAKDOWN BY SEX, 10 PER CENT OF THEM ARE FEMALES.
AND OUT OF THE 212 INCUMBENT ELECTED MEMBERS WHO CONTESTED THIS TIME, 165 (77 PER CENT) HAD BEEN RE-FLFCTED.
"ALL OF THE SEVEN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AS WELL AS THE FIVE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS COMPETING IN THE ELECTIONS HAVE WON THEIR SEATS," HF ADDED.
MR SUEN SAID THERE WERE CLEAR EVIDENCE OF THE COMMUNITY’S FAITH IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND REPRESENTATIVE INSTITUTIONS, AND THEIR READINESS TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YESTERDAY'S ELECTIONS, HE SAID, WAS THAT VOTERS WERE ABLE TO CHOOSE THEIR REPRESENTATIVES THROUGH OPEN AND FAIR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
IN THIS REGARD, HE LOOKED FORWARD TO EVEN MORE PUBLIC INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN NEXT YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
IN CONCLUSION, MR SUEN CONGRATULATED ALL SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES AND HOPED THAT THEY WOULD STRIVE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HF ALSO EXTENDED HIS GRATITUDE TO THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSI )N FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND THANKED ALL OTHERS INVOLVED IN MAKING THE EI' JTIONS SUCH A SUCCESS.
------0-------
/5 .....
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 5 -
BEC CHAIRMAN SATISFIED WITH COUNTING PROCESS
*****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING THAT HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE PROCESS AT THE 18 COUNTING STATIONS.
HE NOTED THAT COUNTING STARTED AS SOON AS THE BALLOT BOXES ARRIVED AT THEIR RELEVANT STATIONS AND THE LAST BALLOT BOX REACHED ITS STATION AT 1 AM.
THE EARLIEST RESULT WAS AVAILABLE AT 00.27 AM AND THE FINAL COUNTING WAS COMPLETED SHORTLY AFTER 11 AM.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID VOTES AT ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE CONSTITUENCIES HAD TO BE RECOUNTED BECAUSE THE RESULTS WERE TOO CLOSE.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT 30,992 YOUNG VOTERS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 21 HAD CAST THEIR VOTES WITH A FINAL TURNOUT RATE OF 35.09 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE 33.1 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORATE.
AS TO THE ELECTION-RELATED COMPLAINTS, HE SAID A TOTAL OF 457 COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED, OUT OF WHICH 431 HAD BEEN RESOLVED.
- - 0----------
VOTER TURNOUT REACHES NEW HIGH
*****
CLOSE TO 700,000 PEOPLE HAD CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WHEN THE POLLS CLOSED LAST NIGHT - AN INCREASE OF 270,000 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS ELECTIONS IN 1991.
THE FINAL TURNOUT WAS 33.1 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORATE AND COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THE 32.5 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS POLLS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID HE WAS TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS.
AS TO THE ELECTIONS, MR JUSTICE WOO SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THEY HAD GONE OFF SMOOTHLY WITHOUT ANY MISHAPS.
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/6........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
BEC CHAIRMAN SATISFIED WITH VOTER TURNOUT *****
THE VOTER TURNOUT AT THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TOTALLED 693,283 OR 33.1 PER CENT OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORATE.
THIS COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, WHICH HAD A 32.5 PER CENT VOTER TURNOUT, ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION, MR JUSTICE WOO.
- - 0 - -
ELECTORAL SYSTEM GETS CONFIDENCE BOOST: SHA
*****
THE HIGH VOTER TURNOUT IN THE 1994 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS SHOWS HONG KONG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE TN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID LAST (SUNDAY) NIGHT.
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER A VISIT TO THE COUNTING STATION IN KWUN TONG, MR SUEN ALSO SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM THE ELECTORATE.
SHA TIN COUNTING STATION, THE SECRETARY FOR
AT THE SHA TIN COUNTING STATION, inn auuitniAni CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, ATTRIBUTED THE RECORD TURNOUT TO PEOPLE’S ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE POLLS.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
7
BD’S DEMOLITION SITES SAFETY PLAN ENDORSED * * * » »
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, WELCOMES THE POSITIVE STEPS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS TO REVIEW SAFETY MEASURES AT DEMOLITION SITES AND TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL ON DEMOLITION WORKS.
"THE INSTITUTE’S THREE-POTNT PROPOSAL IS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOVERNMENT’S ACTION PLAN DISCUSSED WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INSTITUTE AND OTHER PARTIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TN AN EMERGENCY MEETING LAST MONDAY," MRS YU SAID.
"WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE INDUSTRY-WIDE SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO ENSURE THAT DEMOLITION WORKS ARE SAFE FOR WORKERS AND FOR THE PUBLIC," MRS YU ADDED.
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HKMA TO LAUNCH FIRST ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES
t t * » »
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE TENDER OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES, WHICH MATURES IN 1999, TO BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 26).
AN AMOUNT OF HK$500 MILLION IN FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE OFFERED. ANOTHER HKS100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE HKMA FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.
THE NOTES, WHICH MATURE ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1999, WILL CARRY INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 7.45% PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ISSUE ARE DESCRIBED FULLY IN THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES, WHICH WILL BE OFFERED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, UNDERSCORES HKMA’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO BROADEN AND DEEPEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT MARKET.
THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES WILL HELP EXTEND THE BENCHMARK YIELD CURVE FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT TO THE FIVE-YEAR AREA, FACILITATING PRICING OF PRIVATE ISSUES.
CURRENTLY, THE BENCHMARK YIELDS FOR DEBT OF SHORTER MATURITIES ARE BEING ESTABLISHED BY THE THREE-YEAR AND TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES.
"THE ISSUANCE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL MARK ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND NOTE PROGRAMME AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT MARKET," ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID.
THE INTRODUCTION OF FIVE-YEAR NOTES WILL ALSO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF TOP QUALITY AND HIGHLY MARKETABLE DEBT INSTRUMENTS.
/BANKS CAN .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 8 -
BANKS CAN ALSO USE THE NOTES FOR DISCOUNTING PURPOSE THROUGH THE LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY OPERATED BY THE HKMA, THUS ENHANCING THE LIQUIDITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM, r f
PREPARATION FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES HAS GEARED UP FOLLOWING THE FAVOURABLE MARKET RECEPTION TO THE LATEST THREE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES ISSUE, THE FIRST WITH A MATURITY STRADDLING JULY 1, 1997.
THAT ISSUE WAS 4.7 TIMES OVER-SUBSCRIBED AND BOTH THE YIELD AT ISSUE AND CURRENT MARKET YIELD DEMONSTRATE THAT THE MARKET HAS NOT DEMANDED ANY ADDITIONAL PREMIUM TO COMPENSATE FOR THE RISK, IF ANY, ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY.
THE CHINESE SIDE HAS EXPRESSED FULL SUPPORT FOR THE ISSUANCE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES, GIVEN ITS IMPORTANCE TO MARKET DEVELOPMENT.
THE EXCHANGE FUND NOTE PROGRAMME WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1993, WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO-YEAR NOTES TO REPLACE THE TWO-YEAR GOVERNMENT BONDS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE ISSUE OF THREE-YEAR NOTES IN OCTOBER 1993.
SO FAR SIX ISSUES OF TWO-YEAR NOTES AND FOUR ISSUES OF THREE-YEAR NOTES, AMOUNTING TO A TOTAL OUTSTANDING OF HK$6 BILLION, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
THE SECONDARY MARKET FOR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES IS LIQUID AND ACTIVE, REFLECTING THEIR POPULARITY.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE AVERAGE DAILY TURNOVER IN THREE-YEAR NOTES WAS 109 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING WHILE THAT FOR TWO-YEAR NOTES WAS 53 PER CENT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE FIRST QUARTERLY FIVE-YEAR NOTES MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TELEPHONE 878 8150.
EACH TENDER MUST BE AN AMOUNT OF HK$50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
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/9 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 9 -
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JULY 1994 ******
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN JULY THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 12% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING JULY 1994 WITH JULY 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+36%), ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+17%) AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+16%).
MODERATE INCREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+11%) AND TEXTILES INDUSTRY (+10%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (-10%) AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY (-9%).
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN JULY 1994 INCREASED BY 2%.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF SOME 300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND REFER TO ORDERS AND PARTS OF ORDERS RECEIVED EARI. I ER BY MANUFACTURERS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION WHICH REMAIN UNFILLED AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ORDERS RECEIVED BY TRADERS NOT ENGAGED IN PRODUCTION ARE INCLUDED IF SUCH ORDERS ARE FURTHER PLACED TO MANUFACTURERS FOR PRODUCTION LOCALLY.
HOWEVER, ORDERS PLACED TO MANUFACTURING FIRMS FOR PRODUCTION IN CHINA AND OTHER PLACES OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES OF ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS.
BEGINNING FROM JANUARY THIS YEAR, A NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS ON MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN VALUE TERMS COMPILED IN THE FORM OF AN INDEX IS PRODUCED, TO REPLACE THE OLD SERIES WHICH WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS TO COMPLETE THE OUTSTANDING ORDERS.
THE NEW STATISTICAL SERIES PROVIDES A MORE DIRECT MEASURE OF THE OVERALL VALUE OF ORDERS IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAT LEAD TO THE GENERATION OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED IN INTERPRETING THE MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FIGURES IN A SINGLE MONTH.
INSTEAD, THE TREND MOVEMENT OF THE SERIES AS DISPLAYED OVER A WIDER SPAN OF TIME POINTS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT, HE SAID.
/THE SURVEY .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 10 -
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JULY, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE 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
JUNE 1994 OVER JUNE 1993 JULY 1994 OVER JULY 1993
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL)
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY + 2 + 12
• WEARING APPAREL -20 -9
• TEXTILES + 5 + 10
• ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 21 + 36
• ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS + 17 + 17
• FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS + 13 + 11
• PLASTIC PRODUCTS + 3 + 16
• PRINTING AND PUBLISHING -9 -10
0 - _ _ _
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR OPERATING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES APPROACHING * * * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDS THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OPERATING THE 21 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE TERRITORY TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 26.
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING A NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
/THE CRITERIA .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 11 -
THE CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICES, HIS FINANCIAL RESOURCES, HIS MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING.
"IF THE APPLICANT IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE NOMINATED DIRECTOR OF ANY COMPANY WHICH HAS SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION SHALL NOT SUBMIT ANOTHER APPLICATION AS AN INDIVIDUAL PERSON," HE ADDED.
------0-------
PROPER LABELLING FOR PRE-PACKAGED FOOD REQUIRED * * * * »
FOOD WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS MUST PROPERLY LABEL OR MARK PREPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THIRD SCHEDULE TO THE FOOD AND DRUGS (COMPOSITION AND LABELLING) REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT OFFENDERS WERE SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS UPON CONVICTION.
THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING SIX COURT CASES IN WHICH FIVE COMPANIES WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $13,000 AFTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY TO SELLING IMPROPERLY LABELLED PRE-PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS.
THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF PREPACKAGED FOOD TO MARK OR LABEL THE FOOD ITEMS 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-------
1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REPORT ON SALE
*****
THE REPORT ON THE 1992 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION HAS RECENTLY BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND IS NOW ON SALE AT $36 A COPY.
IT IS ONE IN A SERIES OF REPORTS PUBLISHED EVERY YEAR ON THE SURVEY.
THE REPORT CONTAINS DETAILED STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURAL AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER SECTORS FOR 1992, BASED ON DATA COLLECTED FROM ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THESE ACTIVITIES.
/EXAMPLES OF .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 12 -
EXAMPLES OF STATISTICAL ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE:
* GROSS OUTPUT;
* SALES OF GOODS, INDUSTRIAL WORK AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES;
♦ OTHER RECEIPTS;
♦ COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES;
* PURCHASES OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES AND INDUSTRIAL WORK/SERVICES;
* OTHER EXPENSES;
* VALUE ADDED (A MEASURE OF CONTRIBUTION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT); AND
* GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS.
APART FROM STATISTICS RELATING TO THE YEAR 1992, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS SOME SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1990 AND 1991 TO SHOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS.
THE STATISTICS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT ARE USEFUL TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR POLICY FORMULATION, DECISIONMAKING, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND MARKET RESEARCH.
COPIES OF THE REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL OR AT CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6441.
------0--------
KOWLOON CITY TO HOLD LANTERN CARNIVAL *****
A LANTERN CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE STAGED AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AT 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 21) .
ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CARNIVAL IS OPEN TO ALL. ADMISSION IS FREE.
APART FROM PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS, THERE WILL BE RIDDLEGUESSING GAMES, PALM-READING AND FORTUNE-TELLING, WESTERN AND ORIENTAL FOLK DANCES, CHINESE MUSIC, CANTONESE OPERA, CHESS COMPETITION, TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS, DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE ART OF TEA-MAKING, MAGIC AS WELL AS GAME STALLS FOR CHILDREN.
/GAME TICKETS........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 13 -
GAME TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE VENUE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 21) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND MA TAU CHUNG ROAD.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 97.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 571.799 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 474.533 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 81 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,624 0930 + 648
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,552 1000 + 648
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 648
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 648 1200 + 648
LAF TODAY + 280 1500 + 648
1600 + 648
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.6 *-0.1* 19.9.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
- 14 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS
EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4. 12 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.31 5.75
1 MONTH 4.19 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.02 6.23
3 MONTHS 4.37 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.90 6.61
6 MONTHS 4.66 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.79 6.77
12 MONTHS 5.30 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.35 6.92
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,130 MN
CLOSED 19 SEPTEMBER 1994
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TAC ENDORSES STAR FERRY’S FARE RISE........................ 1
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN SECOND QUARTER 1994........... 2
VIETNAMESE TRANSFERRED FOR ORDERLY REPATRIATION............ 3
NEW BAUHINIA $1 COIN TO BECOME LEGAL TENDER................ 4
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AT CHEK LAP KOK........................................................ 5
YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS HAVE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL................. 5
INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS AT KOWLOON BAY.............. 7
66 POLLUTION CASES IN AUGUST............................... 7
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS................ 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
10
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
- 1
TAC ENDORSES STAR FERRY’S FARE RISE * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) ENDORSED A FARE INCREASE FOR STAR FERRY BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 13.8 PER CENT ON ACCOUNT OF HIGHER OPERATING COST AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENT.
THE RECOMMENDED RATE OF INCREASE IS LOWER THAN THAT SOUGHT BY STAR FERRY. IT IS ALSO BELOW THE 15 PER CENT ESTIMATED INFLATION RATE BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1993 (DATE OF THE LAST FARE REVISION) AND DECEMBER 1994 (EXPECTED DATE OF THE NEXT FARE RISE).
IF ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, THE PROPOSED NEW FARES WILL MEAN THAT ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF STAR FERRY PASSENGERS WILL PAY 20 CENTS MORE PER TRIP. IT WILL HAVE LITTLE IMPACT ON GENERAL INFLATION.
THE CHILD FARE FOR ALL THREE STAR FERRY HARBOUR CROSSING ROUTES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT A FLAT RATE OF $ 1 .
SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 65 OR ABOVE WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY FREE RIDE.
TAC ENDORSED THAT THE ADULT FARES FOR ALL THREE HARBOURCROSSING SERVICES SHOULD INCREASE BY 20 CENTS.
THE INCREASE IS FROM $1.5 TO $1.70 FOR THE UPPER DECK AND FROM $1.20 TO $1.40 FOR THE LOWER DECK OF THE CENTRAL TO TSIM SHA TSUI SERVICE; FROM $1.80 TO $2 FOR THE UPPER DECK AND FROM $1.50 TO $1.70 FOR THE LOWER DECK OF THE CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM SERVICE AND FROM $1.50 TO $1.70 FOR THE WAN CHAI TO TSIM SHA TSUI SERVICE.
THE PRICE OF A MONTHLY TICKET WILL GO UP FROM $75 TO $85.
EVEN WITH THE FARE INCREASE, STAR FERRY WILL REMAIN THE CHEAPEST TRANSPORT MODE OF CROSSING THE HARBOUR.
STAR FERRY IS UNDERTAKING SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLANS SUCH AS CHI' INSTALLATION OF AIR-CONDITIONING IN ONE UPPER-DECK CABIN OF EACH VESSEL. SERVICE FREQUENCY OF THE WAN CHAI-KOWLOON POINT ROUTE WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED LATER THIS YEAR.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS WERE INFORMED OF STAR FERRY’S FIVE-YEAR FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD OF 1995 TO 1999.
TAC ALSO DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED A PROPOSAL BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW ON DRINK-DRIVING AS \ MEASURE TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
MEMBERS SUPPORTED THAT A LEGAL LIMIT BE SET FOR THE ALCOHOLIC CONTENT OF DRIVERS’ BREATH, BLOOD AND URINE AND THAT THE LAW BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE POLICE OFFICERS WITH THE POWER TO REQUIRE A DRIVER TO TAKE A BREATH TEST AT THE ROADSIDE IF THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT REASON TO SUSPECT THAT HE HAS BEEN DRINKING.
/IF THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
2
IF THE RESULT OF THE TEST INDICATES THAT THE DRIVER HAS EXCEEDED THE LIMIT, HE WILL BE TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION FOR MORE ACCURATE TESTS, THE RESUI,TS OF WHICH MAY BE USED AS EVIDENCE IN COURT.
MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REPORT ON THE DRIVING INSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND MEMBERS AGREED THAT THERE IS STRONG JUSTIFICATION FOR PROMOTING OFF-ROAD DRIVER-TRAINING IN THE INTERESTS OF ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.
---------0-----------
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN SECOND QUARTER 1994 » * » » «
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30 THIS YEAR INCREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT TO 3,557 AS COMPARED WITH 3,292 IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT (59 PER CENT), ENFORCEMENT (19 PER CENT) AND ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS (16 PER CENT).
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT INCREASED BY 5.5 PER CENT, FROM 1,999 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 2,109.
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST CHINA MOTOR BUS (UP 36.8 PER CENT FROM 190 TO 260 CASES), FERRY SERVICES (UP 29.3 PER CENT FROM 41 TO 53 CASES), CITYBUS (UP 13.8 PER CENT FROM 65 TO 74 CASES), GREEN MINI-BUSES (UP 9.9 PER CENT FROM 192 TO 211) AND TAXI MALPRACTICES (UP 3.5 PER CENT FROM 889 TO 920) .
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 388 COMPLAINTS AGAINST KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 8.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 424 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST RAIL TRANSPORT ALSO DROPPED FROM 40 TO 31 THIS QUARTER.
COMPLAINTS AGAINST TRAFFIC REGULATION ENFORCEMENT INCREASED BY 20.3 PER CENT TO 682 CASES FROM 567 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 BEEN REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR ACTION.
THERE WERE 295 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 73.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 170 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
HOWEVER, COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DROPPED FROM 149 TO 97 THIS QUARTER. THERE WERE ALSO FEWER SUGGESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS AND AIDS, DOWN FROM 135 TO 128. ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS HAD BEEN REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES FOR CONSIDERATION.
- - 0 - -
/3 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
- 3 -
VIETNAMESE TRANSFERRED FOR ORDERLY REPATRIATION
*****
THE FOLLOWING ARE STATISTICS REGARDING THE TWO-DAY EXERCISE INVOLVING THE TRANSFER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE TO VICTORIA PRISON FOR THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME FLIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23:
DEPLOYMENT
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD)/POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION WAS ABOUT 700.
THEY INCLUDED 171 CSD OFFICERS, 401 POLICE OFFICERS AND ABOUT 130 HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE STAFF.
ABOUT 30 CSD OFFICERS WERE INVOLVED IN THE REMOVAL OF THE 11 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON THE ROOFTOP.
INJURIES
A TOTAL OF 155 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT. OF THEM, 59 WERE FOUND TO HAVE NO INJURIES. 96 WERE TREATED FOR MINOR INJURIES. ALL OF THEM WERE TREATED AT HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SEVEN (SIX MEN, ONE WOMAN) WHO WERE SENT TO HOSPITAL. SIX WERE TREATED AND DISCHARGED WHILE A MAN WAS ADMITTED.
IN ADDITION, 39 CSD OFFICERS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.
THE ABOVE DOES NOT INCLUDE THAT PART OF THE OPERATION INVOLVING THE 11 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON THE ROOFTOP.
TWO VIETNAMESE MEN WERE INJURED WHEN THEY SLASHED THEIR WRISTS AND THEY WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.
IN ADDITION, SEVEN CSD OFFICERS WERE SLASHED BY THEM.
EIGHT OTHER VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS ON THE ROOF SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.
COMPLAINTS
THERE WERE A TOTAL OF SEVEN COMPLAINTS MADE BY VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS DURING THE OPERATION -- SIX FOR ALLEGED ASSAULTS AND ONE FOR THE LOSS OF A NECKLACE. THESE HAD BEEN OR ARE BEING REFERRED TO THE POLICE.
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/4 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
4
NEW BAUHINIA $1 COIN TO BECOME LEGAL TENDER » * » » *
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A NEW 1994-DATED $1 COIN WOULD BECOME LEGAL TENDER, WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 3.
THE NEW BAUHINIA $1 COIN HAS METAL CONTENT OF 84 PER CENT COPPER AND 16 PER CENT NICKEL, THE SAME COMPOSITION AS THE $5 AND $2 BAUHINIA COINS.
SAMPLES OF THE NEW $1 COIN HAVE BEEN WIDELY TESTED BY THE VENDING MACHINE OPERATORS WHO CONFIRM THAT THEIR MACHINES HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE RECALIBRATED TO ACCEPT THE NEW COIN. ISSUANCE OF THE COIN WILL BEGIN IN LATE OCTOBER.
THE NICKEL-PLATED STEEL $1 COIN MINTED IN 1993 HAS NOT BEEN FAVOURABLY ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC PARTLY BECAUSE OF ITS MAGNETIC PROPERTIES, AND PARTLY BECAUSE OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF ACCEPTANCE BY VENDING MACHINES IN HONG KONG.
THE 1993-DATED $1 COIN, WHICH CONSTITUTES LESS THAN 1.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL $1 COINS IN CIRCULATION, WOULD BE GRADUALLY WITHDRAWN BUT IT IS AND WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER.
SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN AGREED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND ROYAL MINT RELATING TO THE WITHDRAWAL OF 1993-DATED $1 COIN FROM CIRCULATION.
THE ROYAL MINT HAS ALSO INFORMED HKMA THAT BECAUSE OF A CHANGE IN MANUFACTURING PROCESS TO RESPOND TO CURRENT UK WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION, 50-CENT COINS MINTED IN 1994 ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT IN VALIDATION CHARACTERISTICS FROM THOSE MINTED IN 1993.
OTHER THAN VALIDATION CHARACTERISTICS, THE 1994-DATED AND 1993-DATED COINS ARE IDENTICAL IN ALL ASPECTS.
THE 1994-DATED 50-CENT COIN HAS BEEN TESTED BY MAJOR VALIDATING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS WHO CONFIRM THAT THEIR MACHINES WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM ACCEPTING THE COIN.
HKMA IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE VENDING MACHINE OPERATORS TO RECALIBRATE THEIR MACHINES TO ACCEPT BOTH 1994-DATED AND 1993-DATED 50-CENT COINS.
THE NEW COIN WILL BE ISSUED LATER THIS YEAR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE VENDING MACHINES TO MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO THE PUBLIC.
THE 1993-DATED 50-CENT COIN WILL CONTINUE TO BE LEG'AL TENDER AND WILL NOT BE WITHDRAWN.
ISSUANCE OF THE 1994-DATED 10-CENT COIN WILL RESUME NEXT MONTH. VENDING MACHINE OPERATORS HAVE RECALIBRATED THEIR MACHINES TO ACCEPT THE NEW COIN.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
- 5 -
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AT CHEK LAP KOK * * * * *
THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF AN AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A COMPUTERISED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $40.6 MILLION, WILL BE AWARDED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT TO THOMSON-CSF COMPANY OF FRANCE.
THE COMPANY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A SPEECH-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AND PILOTS.
WORK WILL START EARLY OCTOBER AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MAY 1996.
THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME CONTRACTS AWARDED SO FAR TO 63, WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF OVER $51.3 BILLION.
THESE INCLUDE 50 CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $33.6 BILLION AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, 11 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $11.4 BILLION AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY, THE $5.7 BILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED, AND A $0.6 BILLION IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CONTRACT FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AWARDED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
------0-------
YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS HAVE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL
*****
YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL THAN OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE, ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY.
MEMBERS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) WERE TOLD TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS TENDED TO BE POOR PERFORMERS ACADEMICALLY AND INFREQUENT PARTICIPANTS IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
A GREATER PROPORTION OF THEM EXPERIENCE TRUANCY (86.1 PER CENT), STUDY (72.6 PER CENT) AND BEHAVIOURAL (59.2 PER CENT) PROBLEMS.
MANY OF THE YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS QUESTIONED IN THE SURVEY ALSO HAD CONFLICTS WITH THEIR PARENTS (48.2 PER CENT) OR WITH GIRLFRIENDS/BOYFRIENDS (44.7 PER CENT) IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THEY BEGAN TO TAKE DRUGS.
A MAJORITY OF YOUNG HEROIN ABUSERS (53.1 PER CENT) SAID THEY BEGAN BY ABUSING CANNABIS, COUGH MEDICINE OR OTHER PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES BEFORE MOVING ON TO HEROIN.
/WHILE NEARLY .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
6
WHILE NEARLY 95 PER CENT OF THE YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS THOUGHT THAT TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED FOR HEROIN ABUSE, ONLY 61 PER CENT THOUGHT LIKEWISE FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
SIXTY PER CENT BELIEVED THEY COULD CONTROL THEIR DRUG-TAKING HABIT TO AVOID BECOMING ADDICTED TO PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES. ONLY 26 PER CENT HELD THE SAME BELIEF IN RELATION TO HEROIN.
"YOUNG DRUG ABUSER THINK THEY ARE IN CONTROL, THEY WON'T GET ADDICTED AND THEY DON’T NEED TREATMENT - AT LEAST FOR PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES," THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, SAID.
"IN ORDER TO HELP THEM, WE NEED TO IMPROVE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF WHY SOME YOUNG PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS AND OTHERS DON’T.
"THIS SURVEY IDENTIFIES SOME OF THE RISK FACTORS. THEY INCLUDE BROKEN HOMES AND RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS.
"KIDS WHO LACK COPING SKILLS MAY SEEK REFUGE IN DRUGS," THE COMMISSIONER SUGGESTED.
THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SURVEY COVERED 500 DRUG ABUSERS AGED UNDER 21. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A COMPARISON GROUP, 500 CHINESE-SPEAKING SECONDARY STUDENTS WERE ALSO SURVEYED.
SEVENTY PER CENT OF THE YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS HAD TRIAD AFFILIATIONS AND 90 PER CENT HAD CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS.
THE LATEST STATISTICS FROM THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE WERE ALSO DISCUSSED BY ACAN MEMBERS AT THE MEETING.
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE UNDER 21 REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE FIRST TIME WAS 732 IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR (APRIL TO JUNE). THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 28.6 PER CENT COMPARED TO THE 569 RECORDED IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1993.
FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE FIGURE WAS 1,483, AN INCREASE OF 37.2 PER CENT OVER THE 1,081 REPORTED IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.
THE DRUG MOST COMMONLY ABUSED BY NEWLY REPORTED PEOPLE UNDER 21 WAS HEROIN (79.5 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY CANNABIS (16.3 PER CENT) AND COUGH MEDICINE (10.6 PER CENT).
THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED PERSONS OF ALL AGES ROSE FROM 1,999 IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR TO 2,523 IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 26.2 PER CENT.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY ROSE FROM 10,823 IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR TO 11,998 IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 10.9 PER CENT.
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/7........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
7 -
INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS AT KOWLOON BAY » » » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT 34 PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE PARKING SPACES ON CHEUNG YIP STREET OUTSIDE PUBLIC WORKS CENTRAL LABORATORY, KOWLOON BAY TO RATION THE UTILISATION OF THE PARKING SPACES.
THE PARKING METERS WILL START OPERATION FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 22).
THESE 34 METRES ARE ONE-HOUR METER FOR THE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES. THEY WILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM TO MID-NIGHT DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE PARKING CHARGE FOR THE METRES IS $1 FOR EVERY 30 MINUTES.
------0--------
66 POLLUTION CASES IN AUGUST * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 66 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 31 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 18 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), 11 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), THREE UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975 (DASO), TWO UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE AND ONE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO).
THE FINES RANGED FROM $2,500 TO $200,000. FANTA (CFC) CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED WAS FINED $200,000 FOR DUMPING DREDGED MARINE SUBSTANCE OFFSHORE TAI LAM CHUNG WITHOUT A LICENCE. IT WAS THE NINTH TIME THE COMPANY WAS CONVICTED UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT.
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/8 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
- 8 -
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS * * * * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION 100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION 1 MARKS WILL BE
AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM . THEY ARE:
GB1218 BC6338 GB963 GB172
ET223 GB330 BC715 GB417
*FY94 »CW16 ♦ EV22 ♦ GB 2
GA3888 EH306 GC108 GC823
GC1989 GB339 AA369 GB6608
AL105 GA6001 GC221 CT195
GB312 ED218 GC448 GB9388
*1969 ♦XX456 ♦ AL38 ♦DN131
GB7228 DD3108 BC3222 GB3033
GB9929 CC3353 GB7891 GB2280
GB2868 EL512 ♦GC3993 GB823
GB8600 GB1068 EX2032 »FY6886
GB1275 GA9548
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION, WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER
50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.
THEY ARE:
GC812 GB778 GB360 GC715
GC718 GB1332 CT517 GB162
♦EY300 ♦ EZ86 *AW18 *GB 9
BB7242 GC91 1 FA668 GC870
AA905 FY238 HK521 GC3878
CH3222 GA1888 AA883 FL369
GC9388 GC321 GC633 GC5301
*DL36 *CT393 «GC 1 *CC456
GC1033 EE3353 GC2228 BL8660
GB8382 GB2601 GB1965 GB1823
GB7229 CM551 *AL8822 GC8210
GB719 GB5648 CP8368 ♦CN8181
GC5737 GC3731
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF BODY CORPORATE.
/PROCEEDS OF .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
9 -
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 240TH AND 24 1ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS * * * » «
TENDER DATE 20 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER EF BILLS Q438
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,660 MN AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$1,500 MN AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.32 PCT HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 4.34 PCT PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 37 PCT AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 4.37 PCT HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 26 SEPT 1994 -
TENDER DATE 26 SEPT 94 27 SEPT 94 27 SEPT 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF NOTES EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 5909 H474 Q439
ISSUE DATE 27 SEPT 94 28 SEPT 94 28 SEPT 94
MATURITY DATE 27 SEPT 99 29 MAR 95 28 DEC 94
TENOR 5 YEARS 182 DAYS 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$800 + 160 MN HK$1,500 + 300 MN
COUPON 7.45 PCT
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/10 .......
♦
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,522 0930 -280
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2, 163 1000 -280
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -270
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -270 1200 -270
LAF TODAY -1 19 1500 -270
1600 -270
LAF RATE 3.00 B1D/5.00 OFFER TW1 121.7 * + 0. 1* 20.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4. 14 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.31 5.7 5
1 MONTH 4.20 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 100.10 6. 18
3 MONTHS 4.36 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.97 6.58
6 MONTHS 4.65 31 MONTHS 3 704 6.15 98.88 6.73
12 MONTHS 5.28 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.46 6.88
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,909 MN
CLOSED 20 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE DECK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS............... 1
66 VIETNAMESE TO GO ON TWO FLIGHTS......................... 2
SFS VISITS CHINA........................................... 2
SOCIAL SECURITY PACKAGE FOR NEEDY.......................... 3
KENNEDY TOWN LOT TO LET.................................... 4
TRAINING COURSES FOR SAFE USE OF GONDOLAS.................. 4
SALT WATER CUT ON TSING YI................................. 5
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE DECK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
CONSTRUCTION OF THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE, PART OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, IS MOVING AHEAD RAPIDLY.
IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS SINCE WORK STARTED ON SITE IN DECEMBER 1992, WORKERS ARE ALREADY BEGINNING TO CONSTRUCT THE 820-METRE-LONG BRIDGE DECK.
PROJECT DIRECTOR OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT'S LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE, MR K C YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT TWO OF THE 20 CONCRETE SEGMENTS WHICH WOULD FORM THE DECK FOR THE SIDE SPANS OF THE BRIDGE HAD ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFULLY POSITIONED.
"THIS REPRESENTS A MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE PROJECT AS IT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF SUPERSTRUCTURE WORK FOR THE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION," HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID ALMOST 30 PER CENT OF THE WORK ON THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE HAD BEEN FINISHED SO FAR AND THE BRIDGE WAS ON SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1997.
"CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO MAIN BRIDGE TOWERS ON LANTAU AND MA WAN HAS BEEN PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY, AND BOTH TOWERS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THEIR FULL HEIGHT OF 150 METRES IN SPRING NEXT YEAR.
"DETAILED DESIGNS OF THE BRIDGE AND THE VIADUCT, WHICH HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT IN PARALLEL WITH PHYSICAL WORKS ON SITE, ARE NOW SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE.
"THE 20 CONCRETE SEGMENTS, ALL PRECAST ON SITE, ARE BEING POSITIONED FROM BOTH MA WAN AND LANTAU ENDS. THEY WILL FORM THE TWO SIDE SPANS OF THE BRIDGE DECK XND TWO SHORT SECTIONS OF THE MAIN SPAN NEAR THE TWIN TOWERS," HE SAID.
THE KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGE, AND A VIADUCT ACROSS THE MA WAN ISLAND, ARE BEING BUILT BY KUMAGAI-MAEDA-YOKOGAWA-HITACHI JOINT VENTURE UNDER A $1.6 BILLION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IN NOVEMBER 1992.
THE CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE, CARRYING BOTH ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC, WILL SPAN THE CHANNEL BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF MA WAN AND LANTAU.
TOGETHER WITH THE 2.2-KILOMETRE-LONG TSI NG MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE, IT WILL FORM PART OF THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING ON THE 34-K1LOMETRE-LONG HIGHWAYS NETWORK OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME LINKING THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE TUNG (’HUNG NEW TOWN TO URBAN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG.
A MAJOR PART OF THE 43O-METRE-LONG MAIN SPAN OF THE KAP SHI I MUN BRIDGE WILL BE FORMED BY PRECASTED SEGMENTS MADE OF STEEL AND CONCRETE.
/"THE STEEL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
- 2 -
"THE STEEL FRAMES OF THESE MAIN SPAN SEGMENTS ARE BEING FABRICATED IN SHEKOU, CHINA, AND THE FIRST BATCH IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
"THEY WILL THEN BE ASSEMBLED AND CONCRETED AT THE WORKS SITE ON LANTAU, BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE KAP SHU1 MUN CHANNEL BY BARGES, LIFTED UP BY SPECIALLY DESIGNED CRANES AND THEN CONNECTED AT BRIDGE DECK LEVEL," MR YEUNG SAID.
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66 VIETNAMESE TO GO ON TWO FLIGHTS *****
IN REPLY TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT 16 OF THE 82 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP) ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY WOULD NOT NOW DO SO.
"WE LEARNED THAT ONE 21-YEAR-OLD FEMALE ON THE LIST HAD OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS IN HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE (HIDC), WHO WERE NOT ON THE ORP FLIGHT. IN ORDER NOT TO SPLIT THE FAMILY, WE TOOK HER OFF THE LIST AND SHE WAS NOT REMOVED FROM HIDC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONE OTHER FEMALE CLAIMED ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 17) AFTERNOON THAT SHE WAS A LEGAL AID CASE. "BECAUSE THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT DOES NOT INFORM US OF THOSE WHOM THEY HAVE ACCEPTED, WE HAD TO CHECK ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19). WHEN WE CONFIRMED THAT SHE WAS A LEGAL AID CASE, SHE TOO WAS NOT REMOVED FROM HIDC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES INFORMED US YESTERDAY THAT TWO FAMILIES, COMPRISING 14 PEOPLE, WHOM THEY HAD ALREADY CLEARED FOR THE ORP FLIGHTS, COULD NOT GO BACK TO VIETNAM. THESE TWO FAMILIES HAD ALREADY LEFT HIDC ON SATURDAY.
"WE SHALL HAVE TO SEEK FURTHER DETAILS OF THIS UNPRECEDENTED, LAST-MINUTE CHANGE BY THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES," HE SAID. "BUT, IN THE MEANTIME, THEY WILL NOT BE ON THE ORP FLIGHTS."
THIS MEANS THAT 66 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WILL LEAVE ON THE TWO ORP FLIGHTS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW AND FRIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SFS VISITS CHINA
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, AND STAFF OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE LEFT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR BEIJING AND SHANGHAI TO VISIT THE FINANCIAL AND SECURITIES INSTITUTIONS THERE.
THE VISIT IS EXPECTED TO ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN OFFICIALS WORKING IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR IN HONG KONG AND CHINA AND TO FOSTER ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL RELATIONS.
THE 10-MEMBER DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG NEXT THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 29).
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/3
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
- 3
SOCIAL security package for needy
*****
SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS MAY APPLY TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR SPECIAL GRANTS ON TOP OF THE MONTHLY STANDARD RATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SPECIAL GRANTS, LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT AND FREE MEDICAL SERVICE WERE OFFERED TO THE RECIPIENT'S IN NEED UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (OSSA) SCHEME.
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS ONE OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS OFFERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES CASH ALLOWANCE TO BRING THE INCOME OF NEEDY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES UP TO A PRESCRIBED LEVEL SO THAT THEIR BASIC AND SPECIAL NEEDS CAN BE MET.
"A GENERAL MISCONCEPIION IS THAT A SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENT ONLY RECEIVES A MONTHLY STANDARD RATE RANGING FROM $965 FOR AN ADULT IN A FAMILY TO $3,400 FOR A SINGLE DISABLED CHILD IN NEED OF CONSTANT ATTENDANCE.
"IN FACT, SPECIAL GRANTS, SUCH AS RENT ALLOWANCE AND SCHOOL RELATED EXPENSES, WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO A SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENT IN NEED OF SUCH ASSISTANCE.
"IN ADDITION, ALL SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS ARE ENTITLED TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICE AT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHILE THE STANDARD RATE COVERS BASIC NEEDS, SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING, AND FUEL AND LIGHT, THE RENT ALLOWANCE IS PAYABLE TO COVER ACTUAL RENT UP TO A PRESCRIBED CEILING, CURRENTLY AT $1,118 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $3,420 FOR A FAMILY OF SIX, HE SAID.
SPECIAL GRANTS ARE GIVEN ON A MONTHLY OR ONE-OFF BASIS TO COVER THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, SUCH AS TRAVELLING TO SCHOOLS OR PLACES GF WORK, SCHOOL-RELATED EXPENSES, TELEPHONE CHARGES, NURSERY FEES, AND EVEN DENTAL FILLINGS.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE CSSA CONTINUOUSLY FOR 12 MONTHS, AN ANNUAL LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT IS GIVEN TO MEET THE EXTRA COSTS INCURRED IN THE REPLACEMENT OF ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. AT PRESENT THE RATES ARE $1,235 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, $2,470 FOR A FAMILY OF TWO TO FOUR, AND $3,705 FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE OR MORE MEMBERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A VIDEO ON VARIOUS SOCIAL SECURITY' BENEFITS WAS BROADCAST REGULARLY AT ALL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS TO GIVE THE PUBLIC BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
FURTHERMORE, A HANDBOOK ON THE RIGHTS OF CSSA CUSTOMERS IS PLACED AT ALL FIELD UNITS FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE. WITH DETAILS OF THE CSSA SCHEME, INCLUDING THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, APPLICATION PROCEDURES, TYPES OF PAYMENT, ASSISTANCE RATES AND ABSENCE RULE, THE HANDBOOK IS A USEFUL GUIDE FOR POTENTIAL AND EXISTING SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS. i-
/THE SPOKESNA .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PEOPLE WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES MIGHT APPLY FOR THE CSSA. APPLICATIONS COULD BE MADE TO A SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT BY PHONE, BY POST, IN PERSON OR THROUGH REFERRAL.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE APPLICANTS MUST HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR AND HAVE TO GO THROUGH A MEANS TEST. ABLE-BODIED ADULTS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE ON THE DEPARTMENTAL HOTLINE 343 2255 OR AT THE LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.
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KENNEDY TOWN LOT TO LET ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT SAI SEE STREET IN KENNEDY TOWN.
THE 7,450-SQUARE-METRE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES ONLY.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE AND A HALF YEARS, RENEWABLE HALF YEARLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 7.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; 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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TRAINING COURSES FOK SAFE USE OF GONDOLAS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF TRAINING COURSES BETWEEN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER ON THE SAFE USE OF SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS GONDOLAS.
THESE COURSES AIM TO ENABLE WORKERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEWLY PASSED GONDOLA SAFETY REGULATION BEFORE IT TAKES EFFECT NEXT YEAR.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORMS) REGULATIONS, WHICH AIMED TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO WORKERS, WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND WOULD COME INTO EFFECT IN JULY 1995.
/•'UNDER THE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1994
- 5 -
’’UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, THE OWNER OF A SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORM IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE GONDOLA IS OF GOOD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND PROPERLY OPERATED," THE SUPERINTENDENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORS (TRAINING), MR MA SHI-HANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE SUSPENDED WORKING PLATFORM MUST BE TESTED AND EXAMINED BY A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER BEFORE USE AND AFTER ANY ALTERATION OR REPAIR, AND INSPECTED WEEKLY BY A COMPETENT PERSON.
"IN ADDITION, SAFETY ROPES FITTED WITH AUTOMATIC FALL-ARRESTING DEVICE MUST BE PROVIDED," HE SAID.
"EVERY WORKER WORKING ON THE GONDOLA MUST WEAR A SAFETY BELT AND KEEP IT ATTACHED TO AN INDEPENDENT LIFELINE," HE ADDED.
MR MA POINTED OUT THAT THE LAW ALSO PROHIBITS THE OPERATION OF A GONDOLA IN BAD WEATHER TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY AND HEALTH.
HE URGED OWNERS OF GONDOLAS AND WORKERS WHO WERE REQUIRED TO WORK WITH GONDOLAS TO ATTEND THE TRAINING COURSES TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 10 AND 12; NOVEMBER 18 AND 24, AND DECEMBER 22 AND 29, TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
THE TRAINING COURSES ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND ENROLMENT IS ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ENROLMENT AND ENQUIRIES ON THE TRAINING COURSES CAN BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE 13TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, OR ON TEL 852 3563.
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SALT WATER CUT ON TSING YJ ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) TO 7 AM ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) OWING TO MAINTENANCE WORK.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
30TH JLG MEETING JOINT COMMUNIQUE.......................... 1
33 VIETNAMESE DEPART ON 1ST ORDERLY REPATRIATION FLIGHT. 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST 1994..................... 2
REGULATION ON PLUGS AND ADAPTORS SAFETY ENDORSED........... 9
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR AUGUST 1994....... 10
HK AND SWITZERLAND SIGN INVESTMENT AGREEMENT.............. 11
SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME FOR TEACHER EDUCATION................ 12
TIN SHUI WAI PLANNING STUDY COMMISSIONED.................. 13
APPOINTMENT OF HIGH COURT JUDGE........................... 14
STAMP TO COMMEMORATE DR JAMES LEGGE....................... 14
406 SUMMONSES AGAINST PROPRIETORS ON MACHINERY SAFETY... 15
THIRD PUBLIC BRIEFING ON LANGUAGE REPORT IN SHEUNG WAN.. 16
MTR SOUVENIR TICKETS FOR COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDS............ 17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
18
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
1
30TH JLG MEETING JOINT COMMUNIQUE *****
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS 30TH MEETING IN PEKING FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO 22, 1994.
THE GROUP HAD A DISCUSSION ABOUT MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS; HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS; THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND PUBLIC ORDER; FRANCHISES AND CONTRACTS EXTENDING BEYOND 1997 AND RELATED MATTERS; HONG KONG’S SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME; INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES; MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CERTAIN COUNTRIES; THE RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES; LOCALISATION OF LAWS; ADAPTATION OF LAWS; THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL; THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997; VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENTS; CIVIL SERVICE MATTERS; AND RETIREMENT PROTECTION AND SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN LONDON AT A TIME TO BE AGREED BY THE TWO SIDES.
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33 VIETNAMESE DEPART ON 1ST ORDERLY REPATRIATION FLIGHT *****
A GROUP OF 33 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS LEFT FOR VIETNAM TODAY (THURSDAY) UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME ON THE FIRST OF TWO FLIGHTS THIS WEEK.
THERE WERE 11 MEN, 11 WOMEN, FOUR BOYS AND SEVEN GIRLS. THE OLDEST IS 44 AND THE YOUNGEST TWO YEARS OF AGE. THE GROUP HAD BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE TO SIX YEARS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THREE CHILDREN WHO WERE BORN IN HONG KONG.
THE GROUP INCLUDED SIX OF THE 11 PEOPLE WHO REMAINED ON THE ROOF OF A DORMITORY AT HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE DURING THE TWO-DAY OPERATION TO TRANSFER THE REMAINING RETURNEES THERE TO VICTORIA PRISON IN PREPARATION FOR THE DEPARTURE FLIGHTS.
THEY WERE FOUR WOMEN AND THE TWO MEN WHO SLASHED THEMSELVES ON THE ROOFTOP. THE MEN WERE TRANSFERRED FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WHERE THEY WERE TREATED FOR THEIR WOUNDS, AND AFTER BEING CERTIFIED BY DOCTORS AS BEING FIT FOR TRAVEL.
THE RETURNEES WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE AIRPORT FOR PRE-DEPARTURE SECURITY CHECKS, WHICH WERE CONDUCTED SMOOTHLY AND COMPLETED AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, BEFORE BOARDING THEIR FLIGHT FOR HANOI.
ABOUT 60 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF AND- 60 POLICE OFFICERS WERE INVOLVED IN TODAY'S OPERATION.
/THE RETURNEES .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
2
THE RETURNEES WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE PLANE BY AN ESCORT OF 53 PEOPLE. THEY COMPRISED 44 OF THE 60 POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION AND NINE OTHERS. THE OTHERS WERE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, INTERPRETERS, COUNSELLORS AND NURSING STAFF.
COMMENTING ON VARYING REPORTS ABOUT THE NUMBER OF INJURIES ARISING FROM THE TWO-DAY OPERATION ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 19 AND 20), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 228 VIETNAMESE AT HIGH ISLAND HAD SOUGHT TREATMENT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE OPERATION, AND 142 OF THEM REQUIRED TREATMENT.
HE ADDED THAT 61 COMPLAINTS OF ASSAULT HAD BEEN MADE TO DATE. THESE CASES HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
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CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR AUGUST 1994 * * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN AUGUST THIS YEAR WAS 9.8% HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED A FURTHER PICK-UP FROM THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 7.5% IN JUNE AND 8.5% IN JULY.
COMMENTING ON THE AUGUST FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT: "THE FURTHER PICK-UP IN INFLATION IN AUGUST WAS MAINLY DUE TO AN UPSURGE IN THE PRICES OF SOME VEGETABLES, AS SUPPLY WAS DISRUPTED FOLLOWING THE RECENT FLOODING TN SOUTH CHINA AND SEVERAL HEAVY RAINSTORMS IN HONG KONG.
"THE PARTIAL IMPACT OF THIS SUPPLY DISRUPTION WAS ALREADY FELT IN JULY. THE FULL IMPACT OCCURRED IN AUGUST."
"EXCLUDING THE VEGETABLES COMPONENT, THE PRICE INCREASES FOR MOST OF THE OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE CPI IN AUGUST WERE BROADLY THE SAME AS THOSE IN JULY. THUS THE UNDERLYING INFLATION SITUATION WAS BASICALLY STABLE," HE NOTED.
"THE PRICES OF VEGETABLES RECORDED AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF 62% IN AUGUST 1994 WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1993. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE FOR JULY 1994, WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1993, WAS 11%. MOST RECENTLY, THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT VEGETABLE PRICES HAVE BEGUN TO SETTLE," HE OBSERVED.
"FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR TAKEN TOGETHER, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 7.9%, WHICH WAS STILL LOWER THAN THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF 8.5% IN 1993 AND THE OFFICIAL FORECAST ALSO OF 8.5% FOR 1994 AS A WHOLE," HE ADDED.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE HIGHER BY 9.5% AND 10.4% RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST 1994 THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN JULY 1994 WERE 8.6% AND 9.9%.
/THE COMPOSITE .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
3
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPI’S, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.8% IN AUGUST 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS ALSO HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.9% IN JULY.
COMPARING AUGUST 1994 WITH AUGUST 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FUEL AND LIGHT (2.7% IN BOTH THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (3.1% IN BOTH THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B)); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (5.0% IN THE CPI(A) AND 5.5% IN THE CPI(B)); MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (5.3% AND 4.6%); MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME (7.4% AND 7.2%); AND TRANSPORT (9.4% AND 9.3%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME) (13.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 12.0% IN THE CPI(B)); MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (11.7% AND 10.5%); HOUSING (11.5% AND 12.0%); AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (10.8% AND 11.6%).
COMPARING AUGUST 1994 WITH JULY 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED BY 1.6% AND 1.2% RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, THIS COMPARISON COULD HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 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 CPI'S. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.0% AND 0.8% RESPECTIVELY A MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1994.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE "CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR AUGUST 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6403. DETAILS OF THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/TABLE 1 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
4
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for August 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Component CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
Index for Aug 94 % change over Aug 93 Index for Aug 94 % change over Aug 93 Index for Aug 94 % change over Aug 93 Index for Aug 94 % change over Aug 93
Food 147.4 +10.4 147.2 +9.1 148.5 +10.2 147.6 +9.9
Meals bought away from home 152.7 +7.4 152.5 +7.2 153.4 +9.9 152.8 +7.8
Food, excluding meals bought away from licme 142.1 +13.9 140.0 +12.0 140.2 +10.9 141.0 +12.7
Housing 166.4 +11.5 168.7 +12.0 175.2 +15.1 170.0 +12.8
Fuel and light 124.7 +2.7 124.0 +2.7 124.4 +3.3 124.4 +2.8
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 186.3 +5.0 177.1 +5.5 172.4 +5.3 181.1 +5.2
Clothing and footwear 139.7 +10.8 141.9 +11.6 142.1 +6.0 141.4 +9.4
IXirable goods 112.6 +3.1 111.6 +3.1 116.8 +3.6 113.5 +3.3
Miscellaneous goods 130.5 +5.3 127.8 +4.6 126.0 +4.0 128.3 +4.7
Transport 149.6 +9.4 . 148.4 +9.3 147.8 +8.6 148.6 +9.1
Miscellaneous services 157.0 +11.7 152.3 +10.5 143.4 +9.3 151.1 +10.5
All items 149.6 +9.8 149.6 +9.5 151.7 +10.4 150.1 +9.8
Monthly consumer price indices are compiled on the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the month. The expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consimer price indices are based on those patterns derived fran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-$9,999 in 1989/90. The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-$17,499 in 1989/90. The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,5OO-$37,499 in 1989/90.
Wliereas the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is compiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the impact of consumer price changes cn different groups of households, the Composite CPI shows the inpact of consumer price changes on the household sector generally.
/TABLE 2 ..........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994 I - 5 - !• :
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - August 1994 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Conposite 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
Ma’rch 132.0 132.2 133.1 132.4
April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9
May 134.5 134.8 136.3 135.1
June 136.0 135.9 137.1 136.3
July 135.8 136.1 136.9 136.2
August 136.3 136.6 137.4 136.7
September 138.4 138.3 139.2 138.6
October 140.0 139.6 140.7 140.0
November 139.4 139.9 142.2 140.3
December 140.4 140.9 143.3 141.3
1994 January 140.0 140.7 143.4 141.1
February 142.7 142.9 144.9 143.3
March 142.5 143.0 145.3 143.4
April 143.8 144.8 ' 147.9 145.2
May 145.0 146.1 150.0 146.7
June 146.2 146.9 151.0 147.7
July 147.3 147.9 150.5 148.3
August 149.6 149.6 151.7 150.1
/TABLE 3
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
6 -
Table 3 Impact of Upsurge in Vegetable Price on the CPI(a)
Contribution to the year-on-year . rate of change in the CPI(A)
■ June .July August
Commodity/service groups 1994 1994 1994
(in terms of percentage points)
Food
Meals bought away *1.7 +1.7 +1.6 .
from home
Vegetables -0.6 *0.3 +1.5
Other food +0.9 +1.0 • +1.1
Housing +2.5 +2.5 +2.6
Miscellaneous services +1.3 +1.3 +1.2
Others +1.7 +1.7 +1.8
Total : . +7.5 +8.5 +9.8
/CHART 1
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
7
Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(A)
Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)
/CHART 3 .......
*Si
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
9
REGULATION ON PLUGS AND ADAPTORS SAFETY ENDORSED
*****
THE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS (SAFETY) REGULATION, WHICH AIMS AT ENSURING THAT PLUGS AND ADAPTORS ON SALE LOCALLY ARE SAFE, WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT ON MARCH 23 NEXT YEAR.
THE REGULATION, TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WAS ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL LAST TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13).
EXPLAINING THE REGULATION AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES (ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY LEGISLATION), MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THERE WOULD BE A SIX-MONTH GRACE PERIOD BEFORE IT WAS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT TO ENABLE THE TRADE TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPLYING WITH THE NEW REGULATION.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT MANY PLUGS AND ADAPTORS ON THE LOCAL MARKET FAILED TO PASS SAFETY TESTS AND IT WAS NOW ESSENTIAL THAT MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
SPEAKING ON THE MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATION, MR CHAN SAID ANY PLUG OR ADAPTOR DESIGNED FOR HOUSEHOLD USE IN HONG KONG MUST COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS PRESCRIBED IN THE REGULATION.
’’ANY ELECTRICAL PRODUCT THAT IS DESIGNED FOR HOUSEHOLD USB IN HONG KONG AND TO BE CONNECTED BY MEANS OF FLEXIBLE CORD AND PLUG TO A SOCKET MUST BE FITTED WITH A PLUG OF CORRECT RATING THAT COMPLIES WITH THE PRESCRIBED STANDARDS,” HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE REQUIREMENTS ONLY APPLIED TO THOSE PRODUCTS FOR SALE OR HIRE IN HONG KONG.
”IN GENERAL, THE USE OF ANY SUCH PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT CONTRAVENE THE REGULATION.
’’HOWEVER, SHOULD THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES CONSIDER THAT A CERTAIN PLUG OR ADAPTOR POSES UNACCEPTABLE RISKS TO THE USER, HE MAY PROHIBIT ITS USE,” HE EMPHASISED.
POINTING OUT THAT THE ELECTRICAL TRADE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES WERE CONSULTED EARLIER THIS YEAR ON THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS, MR CHAN SAID THE REGULATION HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMENTS RECEIVED.
MEANWHILE, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A PAMPHLET TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IDENTIFY SAFE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS.
THE PAMPHLETS, ENTITLED ’’USE SAFE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS”, ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
------0-------
/10........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
10
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR AUGUST 1994
*****
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG GREW MODERATELY FASTER IN AUGUST, ACCORDING TO A LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE 33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT, TO $239.9 BILLION IN AUGUST FROM $238.3 BILLION IN JULY.
THIS COMPARES WITH A GROWTH RATE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN JULY. THE AUGUST GROWTH RATE WAS BELOW THE MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1.1 PER CENT OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS.
"THE GROWTH RATE FOR AUGUST IS IN LINE WITH OUR EXPECTATIONS," ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID. "IT DEMONSTRATES THE MORE HEALTHY TREND IN MORTGAGE LENDING FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S MEASURES TO DAMPEN PROPERTY PRICES."
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS FURTHER DROPPED TO 11.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 15.1 PER CENT IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD TO JULY.
MOREOVER, THE 12-MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LOANS HAS SLOWED TO AN ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF 13.4 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 14.9 PER CENT IN JULY.
NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN INCREASED SLIGHTLY BY $0.1 BILLION, TO $4.1 BILLION IN AUGUST FROM $4.0 BILLION IN JULY.
"JUDGING FROM THESE FIGURES, I EXPECT THAT THE GROWTH IN LENDING WILL REMAIN MODEST IN SEPTEMBER. WE ARE NOT HOWEVER RECOMMENDING ANY RELAXATION IN THE BANKS’ CAUTIOUS LENDING POLICIES," MR CARSE SAID.
TOTAL LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST, TO $4.09 BILLION FROM $4.08 BILLION, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT GROWTH IN JULY. THE AUGUST INCREASE WAS WHOLLY DUE TO LENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN AUGUST DECREASED BOTH IN NUMBER, TO 251 FROM 339, AND IN AMOUNT, TO $104 MILLION FROM $171 MILLION.
NEW LOANS APPROVED IN AUGUST ALSO DROPPED BOTH IN NUMBER, TO 237 FROM 347, AND IN AMOUNT, TO $113 MILLION FROM $181 MILLION.
------0-------
/Il .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
11
HK AND SWITZERLAND SIGN INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
*****
AN AGREEMENT ON THE PROMOTION AND RECIPROCAL PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWITZERLAND WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN HONG KONG BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OF SWITZERLAND, MR FRANZ BLANKART, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SWITZERLAND.
THIS IS THE FIFTH AGREEMENT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED IN THIS IMPORTANT AREA OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION. OTHER AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED WITH THE NETHERLANDS, AUSTRALIA, DENMARK AND SWEDEN.
THESE BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ARE BINDING UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW, AND AIM TO ENCOURAGE AND PROTECT, ON A RECIPROCAL BASIS, INVESTMENTS BY INVESTORS OF ONE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE OTHER’S AREA.
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.
SPEAKING AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID FOREIGN INVESTMENT HAD BEEN A KEY INGREDIENT IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC SUCCESS. INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND PROTECTION AGREEMENTS WOULD PROVIDE ADDED ASSURANCE TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWITZERLAND WOULD FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE EXCELLENT ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES.
MR BLANKART POINTED OUT THE GREAT IMPORTANCE THIS AGREEMENT HAD FOR SWITZERLAND IN ITS AIM TO ESTABLISH STRONG AND FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH THE WHOLE WORLD, A TENDENCY WHICH IS OBVIOUS IN HONG KONG WHERE SWISS INTEREST AND SWISS INVESTMENTS HAVE INCREASED STEADILY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
SWITZERLAND RANKED SIXTH AMONG MAJOR SOURCES OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN 1992, ACCOUNTING FOR (AT ORIGINAL COST) SWISS FRANC 213 MILLION (HK$1,133 MILLION), OR AN 163 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THAT OF 1991.
THE AGREEMENT WILL ENTER INTO FORCE 30 DAYS AFTER SIGNATURE, AND WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF 15 YEARS. THEREAFTER, IT SHALL BE EXTENDED TACITLY FOR PERIODS OF 10 YEARS, UNLESS TERMINATED BY EITHER PARTY GIVING ONE YEAR’S WRITTEN NOTICE.
------0-------
/12........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
12
SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME FOR TEACHER EDUCATION
*****
AN APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE OF POLICIES AND INSTITUTIONS PLUS THE SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND SHARED MISSION OF THOSE WORKING IN THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED) AND IN OTHER SECTORS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ARE TWO ESSENTIAL PRECONDITIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME OF TEACHER EDUCATION.
YHIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE FIRST ASSEMBLY OF THE NEW HKIED, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS AN OCCASION MARKING THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR TEACHER EDUCATION.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT GETTING THE EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHT WAS ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK IS TO FORMULATE POLICIES WHICH HAVE WIDE COMMUNITY SUPPORT, DEVELOP A SUITABLE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK, AND PROVIDE THE RESOURCES WHICH ENABLE EDUCATORS TO GO ABOUT THEIR WORK EFFECTIVELY," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT BY THE TIME THE EDUCATION COMMISSION CAME TO PREPARE REPORT NO. 5, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE OLD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION COULD NO LONGER RESPOND TO RISING EXPECTATIONS.
"AS LONG AS THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION REMAINED PART OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, THEIR ACTIVITIES WERE BOUND BY THE SAME ADMINISTRATIVE CONSTRAINTS THAT APPLY TO ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES.
"AS THE COMMISSION STATED IN ITS REPORT NO. 5, ACADEMIC QUALITY CAN BEST DEVELOP OUTSIDE A CIVIL SERVICE CONTEXT," HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID THE DECISION TO CREATE THE NEW INSTITUTE WAS TAKEN A MERE 19 MONTHS AGO AND THAT SO MUCH HAD BEEN ACCOMPLISHED IN SUCH A SHORT TIME WAS DUE LARGELY TO THE EFFORTS OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL CHAIRED BY MR SIMON IP.
THE COUNCIL WAS APPOINTED IN FEBRUARY 1993, AND THE INSTITUTE WAS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED BY STATUE 14 MONTHS LATER, IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO FURTHER IMPROVE TEACHER EDUCATION, MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS INVESTING SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES IN THE INSTITUTE WITH UNIT COST PER STUDENT INCREASED BY 57 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE COST OF THE FORMER COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
"EIGHT INTERIM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO THE EXISTING COLLEGE PREMISES ARE UNDER WAY, COSTING ABOUT $30 MILLION, AND WE HAVE RESERVED $1,871 MILLION TO CONSTRUCT THE INSTITUTE’S NEW CAMPUS IN TAI PO," HE SAID.
"PROVIDING THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE WAS ONLY HALF THE STORY," SAID MR LEUNG.
HE STRESSED THAT EQUALLY IMPORTANT WAS THE SENSE OF PROFESSIONALISM AND SHARED MISSION BETWEEN THE INSTITUTE AND THE COMMUNITY IT SERVED.
/THE SUCCESS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
13
THE SUCCESS OF ANY EDUCATION SYSTEM DEPENDED TO A LARGE EXTENT ON INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS IN INDIVIDUAL CLASSROOMS.
"IT IS THEIR PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND SENSE OF DEDICATION WHICH LARGELY DETERMINE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION," HE SAID.
TO FULFIL THE GOALS FOR ENHANCING THE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 5, IT WAS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A GREATER SENSE OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND SCHOOLS.
"WE NEED TO MAKE CLEAR TO ALL THOSE INTENDING TO PURSUE A TEACHING CAREER THAT GAINING THE INITIAL QUALIFICATION IS JUST A BEGINNING.
"WE NEED TO EXPLORE INNOVATIVE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE AND ENABLE SERVING TEACHERS TO EXTEND THEIR KNOWLEDGE, UPGRADE THEIR SKILLS, AND SHARE THEIR PROFESSIONAL IDEAS AND CONCERNS WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND WITH EDUCATORS WORKING IN THE SUPPORT SERVICES," MR LEUNG SAID.
ON TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SERVING LECTURERS, MR LEUNG REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN OPEN-MINDED AND SINCERE IN CONSULTING STAFF AND WOULD CONTINUE DIALOGUE WITH THE STAFF DURING THE REST OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
------0-------
TIN SHUI WAI PLANNING STUDY COMMISSIONED
* ♦ X * *
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON TIN SHUI WAI RESERVE ZONE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE STUDY WOULD PROVIDE A COHERENT PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR THE PREPARATION OF DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS TO GUIDE THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
"OWING TO THE RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE TERRITORY IN RECENT YEARS, THERE IS A GROWING DEVELOPMENT PRESSURE IN NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES (NWNT).
"BOTH THE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND THE NWNT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY REVIEWS HAVE IDENTIFIED THE TIN SHUI WAI RESERVE ZONE AS A MAJOR GROWTH AREA IN THE TERRITORY.
"MEANWHILE, THERE IS A NEED TO PRESERVE THE NEARBY WETLAND TO SUSTAIN THE MAI PO NATURE RESERVE. THE STUDY WILL ALSO REVIEW THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONES ONE AND TWO AROUND THE RESERVE ZONE,’1 HE ADDED.
THE STUDY WILL LAST FOR SIX MONTHS FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY APRIL 1995.
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, SIGNED THE AGREEMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT WITH THE SHANKLAND COX LIMITED.
/14........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
14
APPOINTMENT OF HIGH COURT JUDGE
♦ * * * t
THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE PROMOTION OF JUDGE PETER CHEUNG CHAK-YAU FROM DISTRICT JUDGE TO JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT. THE PROMOTION TAKES EFFECT TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
JUDGE CHEUNG WAS BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1952. HE WAS AWARDED AN LLB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1975. HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY LINCOLN’S INN IN ENGLAND IN 1976 AND THE HONG KONG BAR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. IN 1977, HE WAS AWARDED AN LLM BY THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.
HE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE (N HONG KONG BETWEEN 1977 AND 1988.
JUDGE CHEUNG FIRST JOINED THE JUDICIARY AS A DISTRICT JUDGE IN 1991. HE HAS ACTED AS A DEPUTY JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT SINCE FEBRUARY 1994.
HE IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO DAUGHTERS.
------0--------
STAMP TO COMMEMORATE DR JAMES LEGGE *****
A SPECIAL $1 STAMP ON THE THEME OF “DR JAMES LEGGE 1815-1897" WILL BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 5, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE STAMP IS TO COMMEMORATE THE CONTRIBUTION DR LEGGE HAD MADE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM AND IN TRANSLATING THE CHINESE CLASSICS AND EXPLAINING THE LEARNING OF THE EAST TO SCHOLARS AND MISSIONARIES OF THE WEST.
THE STAMP IS DESIGNED BY MR LAI WAI-KWAN, AND PRINTED BY LEIGH-MARDON PTY LTD OF AUSTRALIA.
IT DEPICTS THE PORTRAIT OF DR JAMES LEGGE WITH A BACKGROUND SHOWING DR LEGGE DISCUSSING CHINESE LITERATURE WITH THREE CHINESE STUDENTS.
THE STAMP WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE AS FROM NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 26).
FURTHERMORE, SOME OF DR LEGGE’S PUBLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AT THE SAME TIME.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT $1 EACH WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM NEXT MONDAY.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICED COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM SEPTEMBER 26 TO 30. THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF COVERS PER ORDER IS FIVE.
A RESTRICTION OF TWO SHEETS OF STAMP (100 STAMPS) PER CUSTOMER QUEUING WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE.
/FIRST DAY .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
15
FIRST DAY COVERS AFFIXED WITH THE $1 SPECIAL STAMP AND CANCELLED WITH THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE POSTMARK WILL BE PLACED ON SALE ON OCTOBER 5 AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES AT $4 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
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, TO OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY-MADE COVERS BEARING THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE INDICATION.
------0-------
406 SUMMONSES AGAINST PROPRIETORS ON MACHINERY SAFETY * * * * «
FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ISSUED 406 SUMMONSES AGAINST PROPRIETORS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY PROVISIONS OF THE LAW TO ENSURE WORKERS’ SAFETY DURING A RECENT TWOMONTH MACHINERY SAFETY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY CAMPAIGN CONCLUDED EARLIER THIS MONTH.
"THE CAMPAIGN IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUED EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS ARE WELL PROTECTED," DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR KAN HON-SANG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF MACHINERY HAS BEEN DECLINING IN RECENT YEARS, EMPLOYERS HAVE THE DUTY TO INSTALL AND PROPERLY MAINTAIN GUARDS AS WELL AS PROVIDE INFORMATION OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS, SUPERVISION AND TRAINING TO MACHINE OPERATORS."
MR KAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LEAVE A MACHINE UNGUARDED OR INADEQUATELY GUARDED AS EVEN THE MOST EXPERIENCED OPERATORS COULD MAKE MISTAKES.
"DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY, IF NOT PROPERLY GUARDED, OFTEN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN LOSS OF LIMBS OR EVEN DEATHS," HE SAID.
"SOME MACHINES ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS, SUCH AS POWER PRESSES, GRANULATORS, AND MACHINES USED IN WOODWORK PAPER AND CATERING INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS PRINTING AND PLASTICS FACTORIES.
"PROPER GUARDING OF MACHINERY CAN HELP AVOID INJURIES AT ALL TIMES AND GIVES CONFIDENCE TO OPERATORS," HE ADDED.
MR KAN SAID DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS VISITED MORE THAN 11,022 WORK PLACES TO EXPLAIN TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVELY GUARDING THE DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINES.
/MORE THAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
16
MORE THAN 10,000 COPIES OF PUBLICATIONS ON MACHINE SAFETY AND SUMMER JOB SAFETY WERE DISTRIBUTED.
"AS THE CAMPAIGN ALSO TARGETED AT SUMMER JOB WORKERS WHO ARE MOSTLY YOUNG PERSONS, FACTORY INSPECTORS ALSO CHECKED WORK PLACES TO ENSURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT EMPLOYED TO OPERATE DANGEROUS MACHINE WITHOUT SUPERVISION,” MR KAN SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THEY HAD MADE SOME 2,000 SURPRISE INSPECTIONS TO CONSTRUCTION SITES TO CHECK WHETHER UNTRAINED YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 WAS EMPLOYED IN CONSTRUCTION SITES AS SUMMER JOB WORKER," HE ADDED.
MR KAN EMPHASISED THAT UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1994, WHICH WAS OPERATIVE IN JUNE 22 THIS YEAR, YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 AND WITHOUT RECOGNISED TRAINING WAS PROHIBITED FROM WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
"WE ARE GLAD TO SEE THAT DURING THIS CAMPAIGN, NO EMPLOYER WAS FOUND TO HAVE EMPLOYED UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS TO OPERATE DANGEROUS MACHINES IN FACTORIES OR UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION SITES," HE SAID.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND WILL TAKE OUT PROSECUTION AGAINST THOSE WHO BREACHES THE SAFETY LAWS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING SO THAT YOUNG PERSONS ARE WELL PROTECTED."
MR KAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT EMPLOYING UNTRAINED YOUNG PERSONS TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION SITES WILL RENDER THEM LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND THAT FOR EMPLOYING YOUNG PERSONS TO OPERATE DANGEROUS MACHINES WILL BE $50,000.
HE APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ENSURE MACHINERY SAFETY AND URGED WORKERS TO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN TAKING NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
--------0-----------
THIRD PUBLIC BRIEFING ON LANGUAGE REPORT IN SHEUNG WAN
*****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) INVITES PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND THE WORKING GROUP’S THIRD PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSION ON ITS REPORT, WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE THEATRE AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC HALL, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
TWO SESSIONS WERE HELD IN SHA TIN AND TURN MUN LAST WEEK. "TOMORROW’S SESSION WILL BE OUR FIRST SESSION IN THE URBAN AREA. APART FROM RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG ISLAND, WE ALSO HOPE THAT THOSE WORKING IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY CAN COME AFTER WORK," MRS CHEUNG SAID.
"ALTHOUGH NOT MANY PEOPLE TURNED UP TO OUR PREVIOUS SESSIONS, THE RESPONSE OF THOSE ATTENDING WAS ENCOURAGING. THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LANGUAGE PROBLEMS FACED BY HONG KONG STUDENTS, AND SHOWED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN OUR PROPOSALS TO ADDRESS THESE PROBLEMS.
/"THEY WELCOMED .......
«
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
17 -
"THEY WELCOMED THE EFFORT MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP TO RAISE STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND, GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE WORKING GROUP’S RECOMMENDATIONS, INCLUDING THE PROPOSAL THAT SOME SCHOOLS SHOULD OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE CURRICULUM WHEN ENGLISH WOULD BE TAUGHT FORMALLY FROM P4," SAID MRS CHEUNG.
MRS CHEUNG NOTED THAT ABOUT 40 PEOPLE TURNED UP FOR THE TUEN MUN SESSION, WHERE THE DISCUSSION WAS VERY LIVELY. "WE EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH THE PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING SOME PRIMARY STUDENTS, ON ISSUES WHICH AFFECT STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT."
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SESSION IN SHEUNG WAN," MRS CHEUNG SAID. "THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND CAN SEND US THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING BEFORE THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS ON OCTOBER 15".
TWO OTHER WORKING GROUP MEMBERS WILL JOIN MRS CHEUNG AT TOMORROW’S SESSION. THEY ARE MR CHEUNG CHI-HUNG, PRINCIPAL OF CHOI WAN ST JOSEPH PRIMARY SCHOOL AND DR TSE SHEK-KAM, SENIOR LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE LAST PUBLIC BRIEFING SESSION WILL BE HELD NEXT WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 28) FROM 7.30 PM TO 9.30 PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152 SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.
COPIES OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT AND A LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE CONTENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT AT: EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT, NINTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
FOR ENQUIRY, PLEASE CALL 810 3031 OR FAX 537 4591.
------0--------
MTR SOUVENIR TICKETS FOR COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDS
*****
MRS PATTEN HIGHLY PRAISED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) FOR ITS ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE MTRC 15TH ANNIVERSARY SOUVENIR TICKET TODAY (THURSDAY), MRS PATTEN WAS DELIGHTED THAT MTRC MARKED ITS ANNIVERSARY BY ISSUING A SPECIAL SOUVENIR TICKET TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
"THESE ARE EARLY DAYS IN THE CHEST’S 1994/95 FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN. WE ARE CHASING A DAUNTING TARGET OF $178 MILLION, SO EVERY DOLLAR RAISED FROM THE SOUVENIR TICKETS WILL BE VERY GRATEFULLY RECEIVED," MRS PATTEN SAID.
MRS PATTEN ALSO CALLED FOR EVERYONE IN PARTICULAR THE MTR PASSENGERS TO BUY THE SOUVENIR TICKETS TO SHOW THEIR CARE FOR THE PEOPLE IN NEED. A TOTAL OF 200,000 SOUVENIR TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE.
--------0-----------
/18
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1994
18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,163 0930 + 115
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,028 1000 + 115
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -15
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -15 1200 -15
LAF TODAY -120 1500 -15
1600 -15
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5 .00 OFFER TWI 121.5 »-0.2» 22.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.12 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.19 5.85
1 MONTH 4.23 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.82 6.35
3 MONTHS 4.40 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.65 6.74
6 MONTHS 4.74 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.53 6.89
12 MONTHS 5.40 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.06 7.04
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 18,666 MN
CLOSED 22 SEPTEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
bVaco^
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
DEPARTURE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS CONCLUDES SMOOTHLY. 1
MONITORS’ REPORTS ON ORDERLY REPATRIATION OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS......................................... 2
ROUNDUP OF THE AIR INCIDENT AT HK AIRPORT............... 2
FS VISITS HIGH-TECH ELECTRONICS FACTORY................. 3
FOUR DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED.......................... 4
REAPPOINTMENTS TO HOTELS AND CLUBS APPEAL BOARDS.... 5
USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS IN OECD DISCUSSIONS............ 6
MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS CERTIFICATE OF HK ORIGIN. 7
REVISION OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION FEES.................... 9
TWO LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED................................ 9
ROUTE 3 CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVISED...................... 10
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLANNED FOR FANLING................... 11
ROAD WORKS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PROPOSED........... 11
RECONSTRUCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET.................... 12
REFUSE TRANSFER STATION FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS........... 13
REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS........ 13
FIVE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES RAISE FARES.................. 15
PERFORMANCE PLEDGES STUDY GROUP DEPARTS FOR UK......... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 16
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
- 1 -
DEPARTURE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS CONCLUDES SMOOTHLY » * » » »
A SECOND GROUP OF 33 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS LEFT FOR VIETNAM TODAY (FRIDAY), COMPLETING THE LATEST EXERCISE UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
THE MAKE-UP OF THE GROUP OF RETURNEES IS SIMILAR TO THE 33 WHO LEFT YESTERDAY. THERE WERE 12 MEN, 12 WOMEN, FIVE BOYS AND FOUR GIRLS. THE OLDEST IS 45 AND THE YOUNGEST A 19-MONTH-OLD GIRL, WHO WAS BORN IN HONG KONG. THE RETURNEES HAD BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE TO SIX YEARS.
THE GROUP INCLUDED THE REMAINING THREE MEN AND ONE WOMAN OF THE 11 PEOPLE WHO WERE BROUGHT DOWN FROM THE ROOF OF A DORMITORY AT HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE DURING THE TWO-DAY OPERATION TO TRANSFER THEM FOR THE DEPARTURE FLIGHTS.
ALSO ON THE FLIGHT WAS A MAN FROM CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE WHO WAS AMONG THE THREE-QUARTERS OF THE ORIGINAL LIST OF RETURNEES WHO VOLUNTEERED TO BE MOVED TO VICTORIA PRISON AHEAD OF THE TRANSFER EXERCISE.
THE PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKS AT THE AIRPORT AND THE BOARDING OF THE RETURNEES WERE CONDUCTED SMOOTHLY AND THEIR PLANE DEPARTED FOR HANOI AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
ABOUT 60 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF AND 60 POLICE OFFICERS WERE INVOLVED IN TODAY’S OPERATION.
THE RETURNEES WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE PLANE BY AN ESCORT OF 56 PEOPLE. THEY COMPRISED 47 OF THE 60 POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION AND NINE OTHERS. THE OTHERS WERE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, INTERPRETERS, COUNSELLORS AND NURSING STAFF.
UPDATING FIGURES RELATING TO THE TWO-DAY OPERATION AT HIGH ISLAND ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 19 AND 20), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID 369 VIETNAMESE HAD SOUGHT TREATMENT SINCE THEN, AND 283 OF THEM REQUIRED TREATMENT.
HE ADDED THAT 217 COMPLAINTS OF ASSAULT HAD BEEN MADE TO DATE. THESE CASES HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING REFERRED TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION.
---------0---------
/2 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
2
MONITORS’ REPORTS ON ORDERLY REPATRIATION OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE INDEPENDENT MONITORS WHO OBSERVED THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP) OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 19, 20, 22 AND 23 HAD SUBMITTED THEIR REPORTS TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THREE SEPARATE REPORTS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE THREE PHASES OF THE OPERATION. ONE WAS SUBMITTED BY MR CHAN YING-LUNG, JP, MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, JP, MR JOHN SAYER (OXFAM) AND MR ADAM VOYSEY (CHRISTIAN ACTION), REPORTING ON THE TRANSFER OF THE RETURNEES FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE TO VICTORIA PRISON ON SEPTEMBER 19 AND 20.
A SECOND REPORT WAS PREPARED BY MR DONALD YAP, JP, AND MISS CHAN MAY-LING (OXFAM) ON THE TRANSFER OF 31 RETURNEES FROM VICTORIA PRISON TO THE AIRPORT ON SEPTEMBER 22 (TWO OTHER RETURNEES WERE TRANSFERRED FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL).
THE LAST REPORT WAS COMPILED BY DR ALBERT LI, JP AND MR ADAM VOYSEY (CHRISTIAN ACTION) ON THE TRANSFER OF 33 RETURNEES FROM VICTORIA PRISON TO THE AIRPORT THIS MORNING.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY EXPRESSED HER GRATITUDE TO ALL THE MONITORS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN OBSERVING AND REPORTING ON THE ORP OPERATION WITHIN SUCH A TIGHT SCHEDULE.
’’THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY GRATEFUL TO THE MONITORS FOR DEVOTING THEIR TIME TO THE MONITORING,” SHE SAID. ’’THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO FOR THE MONITORS WHO OBSERVED THE OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 19 AND 20, WHICH LASTED MUCH LONGER THAN EXPECTED.”
THE REPORTS CONCLUDED THAT ALL PARTIES HAD EXERCISED RESTRAINT DURING THE OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 19 AND 20, AND THAT THE OPERATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 22 AND 23 WERE SMOOTH AND EFFICIENT.
IN ALL THREE REPORTS, THE MONITORS MADE SUGGESTIONS ON AREAS WHICH WARRANT FURTHER THOUGHT WHEN PLANNING FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE MONITORS’ COMMENTS AND WILL STUDY THE REPORTS IN DETAIL, WITH A VIEW TO DRAWING LESSONS WHICH CAN BE LEARNED FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS."
- - 0 - -
ROUNDUP OF THE AIR INCIDENT AT HK AIRPORT ♦ * « » »
TWO PERSONS, AGED 34 AND 50, WERE KILLED AND SIX INJURED WHEN A HERCULES TRANSPORT PLANE PLUNGED INTO THE KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER SHORTLY AFTER IT TOOK OFF AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT 7.14 PM YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
AMONG THE INJURED, A 40-YEAR-OLD MAN IS STILL IN POOR CONDITION AND THE OTHER FIVE, AGED BETWEEN 33 AND 53, ARE UNDER OBSERVATION AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
/THE PLANE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
3
THE PLANE WAS CARRYING A CREW OF 12 INDONESIAN MEN WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. IT IS SUBMERGED AND BROKEN INTO SEVERAL PORTIONS IN THE KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER.
AT PRESENT, FOUR CREW MEMBERS ARE STILL MISSING.
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS MOBILISED A TOTAL OF 110 PERSONNEL, INCLUDING 24 DIVERS, IN THE RESCUE. MORE THAN 60 AMBULANCEMEN ALSO TOOK PART IN THE OPERATION.
IN ADDITION, THE MARINE POLICE, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE AND THE ROYAL NAVY HAVE ALSO DEPLOYED STAFF TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RESCUE.
THE AIRPORT RUNWAY WAS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT 7.15 PM AND RE-OPENED AFTER TWO HOURS AT 9.15 PM.
A TOTAL OF 52 OUTWARD BOUND FLIGHTS AND 39 INWARD BOUND FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN DELAYED DURING THE CLOSURE OF THE RUNWAY. ALSO, ONE OUTWARD BOUND AND ONE INWARD BOUND FLIGHTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED.
MEANWHILE, RESCUE OPERATION IS STILL CONTINUING TO LOCATE THE MISSING CREW.
------0-------
FS VISITS HIGH-TECH ELECTRONICS FACTORY
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED ONE OF THE LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG, AND SAW FIRST HAND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY-BASED INDUSTRY.
SIR HAMISH PAID A VISIT TO MOTOROLA SEMI-CONDUCTORS HONG KONG LIMITED’S PLANT IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW.
"THE GROWTH OF THE SERVICE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OBSCURE THE FACT THAT THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY REMAINS AN IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
"WITH A WORKFORCE OF OVER 500,000, MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY MADE A 13 PER CENT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) IN 1992," SIR HAMISH SAID.
"OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN ABLE TO ADJUST AND RENEW ITSELF IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS. IN PARTICULAR, IT HAS GIVEN GREATER EMPHASIS TO THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS, AND IS MOVING SUCCESSFULLY TOWARDS HIGH VALUE-ADDED AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY-BASED PRODUCTION," SIR HAMISH SAID.
"THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, IN PARTICULAR, IS A THRIVING INDUSTRY. THERE IS MUCH SCOPE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE COMPUTER AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELDS," HE ADDED.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE PROMOTION OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
/"WE ARE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
4
"WE ARE HELPING LOCAL INDUSTRIES THROUGH VARIOUS MEASURES, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF $180 MILLION IN 1994/95 TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT; ANOTHER $200 MILLION IN THE FORM OF LOANS OR EQUITY PARTICIPATION FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS; AND A TRAINING GRANT SCHEME TO ASSIST INDUSTRIES IN TRAINING THEIR EMPLOYERS IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
SIR HAMISH WAS BRIEFED BY MOTOROLA’S SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER (ASIA PACIFIC), MR C D TAM, ON THE POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOROLA IN HONG KONG.
HE THEN TOURED ROUND THE 326,OOO-SQUARE-FOOT FACTORY BUILDING WHERE THE DESIGN, ASSEMBLY AND TESTING OF A FULL RANGE OF SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS WERE CONDUCTED.
SIR HAMISH FIRST SAW THE COMPANY’S DESIGN TEAM AT WORK AT THE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) DESIGN CENTRE. HE THEN VISITED THE IC AUTOMATIC ASSEMBLY AREA WHERE HE SAW DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE FRONT END, BACK END AND PLATING PROCESSES.
AFTER TOURING THE IC TEST CENTRE, SIR HAMISH CONCLUDED THE TOUR BY PAYING A VISIT TO THE CUSTOMER RESPONSIVENESS AREA WHERE HE SAW A DEMONSTRATION ON VIDEO CONFERENCING.
------0-------
FOUR DISTRICT JUDGES APPOINTED » » * * *
THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF FOUR DISTRICT JUDGES -- THREE OF THEM PROMOTED FROM WITHIN THE JUDICIARY AND ONE FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. THE APPOINTMENTS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 3.
THE THREE JUDGES APPOINTED FROM WITHIN THE JUDICIARY ARE MR GERARD MUTTRIE, MR FERGAL SWEENEY AND MISS BETTY KWAN KA-CHING. THE APPOINTEE FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS MR MICHAEL ANTHONY MCMAHON.
MR MUTTRIE WAS BORN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1943. HE WAS ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR IN SCOTLAND IN 1966 AND AS A SOLICITOR IN ENGLAND IN 1979. BEFORE JOINING THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1983, HE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN THE UK AND HAD ALSO WORKED WITH THE MALAWI GOVERNMENT AS A MAGISTRATE. IN 1989, HE BECAME PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE. HE WAS APPOINTED CHIEF MAGISTRATE IN 1991.
MR SWEENEY WAS BORN IN IRELAND IN 1950. HE WAS CALLED TO THE IRISH BAR IN 1974, THE ENGLISH BAR IN 1985 AND THE HONG KONG BAR IN 1987. HE JOINED THE HONG KONG JUDICIARY AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1985 AND BECAME PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE IN 1991. HE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE BEFORE JOINING THE JUDICIARY.
MISS KWAN WAS BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1944. SHE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR IN 1981. BETWEEN 1983 AND 1987, SHE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. SHE WAS APPOINTED A MAGISTRATE IN 1987 AND BECAME PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE IN 1993.
/MR MCMAHON .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
5
MR MCMAHON WAS BORN IN AUSTRALIA IN 1948. HE WAS ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR IN NEW SOUTH WALES IN 1977 AND ADMITTED TO THE NEW SOUTH WALES BAR IN 1978. HE CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1981 AS A CROWN COUNSEL WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN 1982. HE JOINED THE COMMERCIAL CRIMES UNIT IN 1984 AS DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL. HE IS NOW DEPUTY CROWN PROSECUTOR IN THE SAME UNIT.
MEANWHILE, TWO NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT, MR JUSTICE FINDLAY AND MR JUSTICE CHEUNG, TOOK THE JUDICIAL OATH BEFORE THE GOVERNOR TODAY.
------0-------
REAPPOINTMENTS TO HOTELS AND CLUBS APPEAL BOARDS *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED 20 PERSONS TO SERVE ON BOTH THE HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE ACCOMMODATION APPEAL BOARD AND THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) APPEAL BOARD.
INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN MR CHUNG PUI-LAM HAS ALSO BEEN REAPPOINTED TO HEAD THE BOARDS FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 15.
A NOTICE ON THE ANNOUNCEMENTS IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS ARE:
MR POON CHO-YIU, RONALD MR YUEN KING-YUK, JASON MR CHEUNG HON-KAU, CARLOS MISS CHIANG LILY MR SHEN EDWARD MR LUI LAI-CHEUNG, FREDERICK MR TAM TAI-ON MR LAM CHUN, DANIEL MR WONG SAN, SAMSON MR MICHAEL R MANN MR LAU CHI-KEUNG MR CHAN WAH-WAI, DAVID MR CHEUNG KWOK-HO, RICHARD MR WONG CHIK-WING, MIKE MR KAN FOOK-YEE
/MR WONG .......
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
7
"AS A FREE TRADER, HONG KONG BELIEVES THAT TRADE LIBERALISATION IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF CONSERVING THE EARTH’S SCARCE RESOURCES. THUS WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE USE OF UNILATERAL TRADE MEASURES AS MEANS OF ENFORCING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS.
."THERE ARE, HOWEVER, INSTANCES WHERE TRADE MEASURES ARE AND WILL BE NEEDED AS PART OF AN INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO PREVENT DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, FOR EXAMPLE RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE OF OR TRADE IN SUBSTANCES THAT HARM THE OZONE LAYER.
"WE NEED TO WORK WITH ENVIRONMENTALISTS NOT SIMPLY TO ENSURE THAT ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES DO NOT HAVE THE EFFECT OF UNNECESSARILY RESTRICTING TRADE, RATHER WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT TRADE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES ARE MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE."
HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE DYNAMIC NON-MEMBER ECONOMIES. OTHERS INCLUDE SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA, TAIWAN, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, BRAZIL, CHILE AND ARGENTINA.
OTHER PARTICIPANTS FROM HONG KONG INCLUDE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS MR TONY COOPER; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY MR MICHAEL WONG.
0------
MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS CERTIFICATE OF HK ORIGIN ♦ * * » »
THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS FINALLY ACCEPTED CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN (CHKO) ISSUED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIVE GOVERNMENT-APPROVED CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS (GACOS) FOR THE PURPOSES OF ITS NEW CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1.
"WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO SEE THE POSITIVE RESPONSE OF THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENTi PARTICULARLY AFTER THE INTENSIVE EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS," DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR THOMAS YIU SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THIS SHOULD REMOVE THE UNCERTAINLY THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO MEXICO SINCE MEXICO FIRST ANNOUNCED CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN MAY."
MR YIU RECALLED THAT THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT FIRST ANNOUNCED A SET OF NEW CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS IN MAY.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED, AT HONG KONG’S REQUEST, BY CONSULTATIONS IN WHICH HONG KONG EXPLAINED ITS DIFFICULTIES WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTED THAT THE CHKO BE ACCEPTED FOR THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT’S PURPOSES.
ON AUGUST 30 THE MEXICANS ANNOUNCED MODIFICATIONS TO THE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
/"WE NOTICED .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
8
”WE NOTICED IMPROVEMENTS IN SOME AREAS OF THE MODIFIED REQUIREMENTS, BUT WERE UNCLEAR ABOUT OTHERS,” HE SAID. "WE THEREFORE WROTE TO THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT TO SEEK CLARIFICATION. THE MEXICAN REPLY WHICH WE RECEIVED YESTERDAY IS VERY USEFUL, AS IT PROVIDES THE CLARIFICATION WE WANTED."
MR YIU EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH MEXICO’S LATEST REQUIREMENTS, AS CLARIFIED IN THEIR LATEST CORRESPONDENCE, STILL ENTAILED CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PAPER WORK FOR EXPORTERS, THEY WERE MUCH MORE ACCEPTABLE IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE ORIGINALLY ANNOUNCED ON MAY 31.
"ESSENTIALLY, EXPORTERS OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS NEED ONLY TO TAKE OUT A CHKO, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN A COMMON REQUIREMENT BY MEXICAN IMPORTERS IN THE PAST,” HE SAID.
"FOR TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES, THE CHKO WILL NEED TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADDITIONAL, SPECIFIED FORM PROVIDING CERTAIN INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT."
"THE FORM NEEDS ONLY BE COMPLETED BY TRADERS THEMSELVES WITHOUT INVOLVING THE DEPARTMENT OR THE GACOS."
MR YIU SAID A NUMBER OF REQUIREMENTS WITH WHICH HONG KONG HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE LATEST MEXICAN ANNOUNCEMENT.
"THESE INCLUDE THE OBLIGATIONS TO COMPLETE DOCUMENTS IN SPANISH OR WITH SPANISH TRANSLATION, OR TO SPECIFY THE MANUFACTURER’S INFORMATION IN THE DOCUMENTS," HE ADDED.
ON MAY 31, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN A GAZETTE NEW CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPORTS OF MERCHANDISE CLASSIFIED IN SUCH TARIFF ITEMS THAT WERE SUBJECT TO MEXICAN ANTIDUMPING OR COUNTERVAILING DUTIES.
ORIGINALLY SET TO COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 15 BUT SUBSEQUENTLY DEFERRED TO SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS APPLY NOT ONLY TO SUCH IMPORTS FROM THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ATTRACTED MEXICAN ANTI-DUMPING OR COUNTERVAILING DUTIES, BUT ALSO SUCH IMPORTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. MODIFICATIONS TO THE ARRANGEMENTS WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ON AUGUST 30.
ON HONG KONG’S REQUEST, MEXICAN GOVERNMENT SENT A DELEGATION TO HONG KONG FOR CONSULTATIONS HELD ON JULY 26 THIS YEAR.
EXCHANGES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES CONTINUED SUBSEQUENT TO THE CONSULTATIONS. TRADE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED ON SEPTEMBER 22 A LETTER FROM THE MEXICAN GOVERNEMNT CONFIRMING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ITS ACCEPTANCES OF CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN.
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS TODAY ISSUED A CIRCULAR ADVISING THE TRADE OF PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW IN ORDER THAT EXPORTS TO MEXICO MEET THE NEW CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS.
--------0 - -
/9.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
9
REVISION OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION FEES * » t » »
FEES FOR EXAMINING PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES AT DESIGNATED PRIVATE TESTING CENTRES ARE BEING INCREASED TO REFLECT THE RISE IN THEIR OPERATING COSTS SINCE LAST FEE REVISION IN 1990.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE 8) ORDER 1993, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), SEEKS TO INCREASE THE INSPECTION FEES FROM $310 TO $485 FOR A PRIVATE CAR AND FROM $370 TO $580 FOR A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE, WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 3, 1994.
THE FEE FOR RE-EXAMINING WITHIN 14 DAYS A PRIVATE CAR WHICH HAS FAILED ITS TEST, WILL RISE FROM $100 TO $150 AND THAT FOR A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE FROM $120 TO $190.
THE FEE REVISION WILL BRING THE CHARGES AT PRIVATE CAR TESTING CENTRES TO THE SAME LEVEL AS FOR GOVERNMENT-OWNED VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES WHICH INCREASED THEIR FEES LAST JUNE.
PEE WILL ALSO BE REVISED FOR
THE FOLLOWING RELATED SERVICES:
ITEM
ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE COPY OF A CERTIFICATE OF ROAD WORTHINESS
A) PRIVATE CAR
B) LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE
FEE PAYABLE BY A CAR TESTING CENTRE FOR SUPPLY OF EACH CERTIFICATE OF ROAD WORTHINESS FORM
A) PRIVATE CAR
B) LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE
------0
CURRENT FEE ($) PROPOSED FEE ($)
100 150
120 190
31 48.5
37 58
TWO LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED » » » » «
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON OCTOBER 20 (THURSDAY), IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 29B, FANLING, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 13,430 SQUARE METRES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 6,447 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
/THE SECOND .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
10
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED IN CHIK FU STREET, * AREA 3, SHA TIN, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 280.4 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE GROUND FLOOR TOGETHER WITH THE COCKLOFT WILL BE USED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, WHILE THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 706 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
SALE PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THE OFFICES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH AND ISLANDS.
------0-------
ROUTE 3 CONSTRUCTION PLAN REVISED
♦ * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT PHASE I OF THE ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED ACCORDING TO A REVISED SCHEME.
THE REVISION SEEKS TO MODIFY THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL GAZETTED IN MARCH BY SHIFTING THE TOLL PLAZA FOR TAI LAM TUNNEL SOUTHWARDS.
THE ASSOCIATED ROAD LAYOUT WILL ALSO BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SLIPS ROADS TO FACILITATE MORE DIRECT VEHICULAR ACCESS BETWEEN THE TOLL PLAZA AND KAM SHEUNG ROAD.
OTHER MODIFICATIONS NEAR THE TOLL PLAZA INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF BUS BAYS AND FOOTPATHS, CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED STRUCTURE, REALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF THE PROPOSED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN KAM SHEUNG ROAD AND THE TOLL PLAZA AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE BOUNDARY OF THF WORKS AREA.
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROJECT WAS CARRIED OUT AND APPROPRIATE MITIGATION MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AS RECOMMENDED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TENDERS FOR THE ’’BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER” FRANCHISE FOR THE COUNTRY PARK SECTION OF ROUTE 3 WERE STILL BEING EVALUATED.
/THE ROUTE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
11
THE ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION WILL PROVIDE A FAST LINK BETWEEN TING KAU AND YUEN LONG. UPON COMPLETION, IT WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION ON TUEN MUN ROAD AND IMPROVE ROAD LINKS BETWEEN THE BORDER AND THE CONTAINER PORT.
PLANS SHOWING THE MODIFIED WORKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE; TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE; YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE; TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
------0-------
SECONDARY SCHOOL PLANNED FOR FANLING
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AREA 49B, FANLING, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT STANDARD DESIGN, THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL, SEPARATE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS AND STAFF QUARTERS.
THE MAIN TEACHING BLOCK WILL CONTAIN 26 CLASSROOMS, A LIBRARY, A COMPUTER ROOM, STAFF ROOMS, ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS.
THE BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS WILL HOUSE FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.
THE SCHOOL WILL ALSO HAVE A BASKETBALL COURT, A COVERED PLAY AREA, A CAR PARK AND A PLANTING AREA.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY MARCH 1996.
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 OCTOBER 21.
------0-------
ROAD WORKS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PROPOSED
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED ROAD WORKS FOR THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE WORKS INCLUDE EXTENSION OF ROAD D6, CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS AND AMENITY AREAS.
THE WORKS FOR ROAD D6 ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JULY 1996, TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1997.
OTHER WORKS WILL COMMENCE IN MARCH 1995, TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1996.
/DETAILS OF .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
12
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE 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;
* THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG, AND
* THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 22, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0--------
RECONSTRUCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT CHUN YEUNG STREET IN NORTH POINT.
THE ROAD PAVEMENTS IN CHUN YEUNG STREET HAVE DETERIORATED QUICKLY AND ARE NOW BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIRS.
IT IS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD PAVEMENTS AND TO INCORPORATE SURFACE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS ACCORDING TO CURRENT HIGHWAY STANDARD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:
» THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG EAST, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; AND
* THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 29 TAI ON STREET, GROUND FLOOR, EASTERN LAW COURTS BUILDING, SAI WAN HO, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 22.
------0-------
/13 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
13
REFUSE TRANSFER STATION FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS
* * * * «
THE GOVERNMENT WILL UNDERTAKE A RANGE OF MARINE ENGINEERING WORKS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A PROPOSED REFUSE TRANSFER STATION AT HEI LING CHAU TO SERVE THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
IT WILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTING ABOUT 100 METRES OF SEAWALL, DREDGING AND RECLAIMING ABOUT 2,000 SQUARE METRES OF LAND WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 10,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT THE WESTERN SIDE OF HEI LING CHAU.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL COMMENCE IN JUNE NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
•THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE WORKS MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 23, 1995.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY WHICH HI IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT ANY PARTICULARS HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
------u-------
REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS * * * * *
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE IN HONG KONG HAS COME A LONG WAY IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION, MR STRACHAN SAID APART FROM MEDICAL TREATMENT IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, A RANGE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES HAD BEEN DEVELOPED TO CATER TO THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EXMENTAL PATIENTS.
"THE TREND IS TO MOVE FROM INSTITUTION TOWARDS COMMUNITY CARE AND TO LAY MORE EMPHASIS ON PREVENTION AND PUBLIC EDUCATION," HE SAID.
ON SOCIAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR EX-MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT EX-MENTAL PATIENTS COULD RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY AND LEAD AN INDEPENDENT LIFE.
"TO BE INDEPENDENT, ONE HAS TO MASTER CERTAIN 1.1 I-1 SKILLS, INCLUDING VOCATIONAL SKILLS, AND IT IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT THAI' ONE HAS THE MEANS TO MAINTAIN ONE’S LIFE.
/"LIFE SKILLS .......
FRID I, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
14
’’LIFE SKILLS CAN BE ACQUIRED THROUGH THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION WHICH STARTS IN HOSPITAL, AND CONTINUES IN VARIOUS FACILITIES AT DIFFERENT STAGES.
’’SOME GO TO SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, SOME GO TO ACTIVITY CENTRES, OTHERS GO TO HALF-WAY HOUSES OR LONG-STAY CARE HOMES,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
TURNING TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES, HE SAID A WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN SET UP TO STUDY AND REVIEW THE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
”MY PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS ARE THAT EXISTING FACILITIES LIKE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS SHOULD BE MODIFIED.
’’THESE FACILITIES SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOB TRAINING AND WORK OF A HIGHER ORDER, IN PARTICULAR TO TRAIN PEOPLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN SERVICE INDUSTRIES. THE AIM SHOULD BE TO ENHANCE WORKERS’ EARNING CAPACITY,” HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN NOTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME MECHANISM TO PROVIDE INCENTIVE TO PARENTS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOP STAFF TO MOTIVATE CLIENTS TO MOVE TOWARDS SUPPORTED OR OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
HE HOPED THAT WORKING GROUP MEMBERS WITH EXPERTISE IN MARKETING AS WELL AS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COULD BRING IN MODERN CONCEPTS AND IDEAS IN MAPPING OUT A STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR DISABLED PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE EX-MENTALLY ILL.
ON PUBLIC EDUCATION, THE SOCIAL WELFARE CHIEF SAID ACCEPTANCE WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO ENABLE THE RETURN AND INTEGRATION OF THE EX-MENTALLY ILL IN THE COMMUNITY.
’’REJECTION WILL REVERSE THE EFFECT OF REHABILITATION. HOWEVER, IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT SOME MINORITY GROUPS IN OUR COMMUNITY STILL REJECT THE RETURN OF EX-MENTALLY ILL PERSONS, AT LEAST, NOT IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
’’WHETHER THIS ATTITUDE IS DUE TO IGNORANCE OR VESTED INTERESTS, THIS PREJUDICE MUST BE CHANGED,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE SAID WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION, THERE WOULD BE LEGAL PROTECTION OF DISABLED PEOPLE FROM DISCRIMINATION.
”TO FUNDAMENTALLY ELIMINATE BIAS AND PREJUDICE, PUBLIC EDUCATION MUST CONTINUE TO BE STEPPED UP,” MR STRACHAN ADDED.
------0-------
715 ........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
- 15 -
FIVE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES RAISE FARES *****
FIVE KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL INCREASE FARES FROM SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
ROUTE 23, PLYING BETWEEN WAN HONG STREET IN KWUN TONG AND CHA KWO LING, WILL CHARGE $2.5 PER TRIP.
THE NEW FARE FOR ROUTE 23B WHICH RUNS BETWEEN YAN 01 COURT AND CHA KWO LING WILL ALSO BE $2.5 PER TRIP. AS FOR THE SECTION TRIP BETWEEN YAN 01 COURT AND SIN FAT ROAD OUTSIDE LAM TIN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION; OR BETWEEN THE LATTER AND CHA KWO LING, THE FARE WILL BE $1.7.
FOR ROUA 24M WHICH RUNS BETWEEN LAM TIN SOUTH AND SAM KA TSUEN FERRY PIER, THE NEW FARE WILL BE $2.7 PER TRIP. THE SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE OF THE ROUTE BETWEEN LAM TIN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AND SAM KA TSUEN FERRY PIER WILL CHARGE $2.5 PER TRIP.
ROUTE 54, SERVING BETWEEN SHUN TIN AND LOK FU, WILL ADJUST ITS FARE FROM $4.5 TO $5.5. ITS SECTION FARES WILL GO UP FROM $2 TO $2.5 AND FROM $3 TO $3.7 RESPECTIVELY.
THE FARE OF ROUTE 16 PLYING BETWEEN JAT’S INCLINE (CHOI WAN ESTATE) AND PING SHEK ESTATE WILL RISE FROM $1.6 TO $1.8. ITS SECTION FARE WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM $1.4 TO $1.6 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
------0--------
PERFORMANCE PLEDGES STUDY GROUP DEPARTS FOR UK *****
A STUDY GROUP, FORMED BY THE FIRST SEVEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO MAKE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, WILL DEPART FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE GROUP IS SPONSORED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
AT A RECEPTION TO MARK THE DEPARTURE OF THE GROUP, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, SAID THE VISIT WOULD PROVIDE A VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SEE HOW ORGANISATIONS IN THE UK WERE TACKLING CUSTOMER SERVICES, PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND OTHER PUBLIC SECTOR ISSUES.
"THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT VISIT FOR HONG KONG, BECAUSE THE GROUP IS OUR FIRST OVERSEAS AMBASSADORS FOR THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE PROGRAMME," MR SZE SAID.
"I AM SURE THE GROUP WILL USE THEIR UK EXPERIENCE TO HELP RAISE THE STANDARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE IN HONG KONG ON RETURN," HE ADDED.
MR SZE THANKED THE BRITISH COUNCIL FOR GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP AND AN IMAGINATIVE PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDED VISITS TO A NUMBER OF UK GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MANAGEMENT INSTITUTES AND ORGANISATIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE EIGHT-MEMBER STUDY GROUP INCLUDES MRS SUSAN MAK, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE EFFICIENCY UNIT; MR WARNER CHEUK, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH; MR HENRY HO, CHIEF INSPECTOR OF POLICE, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRADE, TRANSPORT, INLAND REVENUE, FIRE SERVICES AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS.
--------o----------
/16 .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1994
16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
OPERATIONS * *
MONEY MARKET
* *
*
CUMULATIVE
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,028 0930 + 135
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,065 1000 + 135
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 135
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 137 1200 + 137
LAF TODAY -100 1500 + 137
1600 + 137
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.5 t+0.0* 23.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.08 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.17 5.87
1 MONTH 4.21 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.90 6.30
3 MONTHS 4.40 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.82 6.66
6 MONTHS 4.75 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.69 6.82
12 MONTHS 5.39 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.19 6.99
13,477
MN
AND BONDS
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS
CLOSED 23 SEPTEMBER 1994
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
INVESTIGATION OF PLANE ACCIDENT IN PROGRESS............... 1
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS........ 1
GLOBAL RADIOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN HK................ 3
CSD LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON BEATING RETREAT................. 3
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION.......... 4
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 5
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE-NO.
AMUSEMENT RIDES SAFETY LEGISLATION EFFECTIVE IN DECEMBER. 6
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE HANDLES OVER 2.1 M ENQUIRIES....... 7
OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SCHEME TO EXPAND.................... 7
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN PRIMARY ONE APPLICATION FORMS.. 8
EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT MAKE MULTIPLE COMPENSATION CLAIMS .... 9
RADIO SERIES TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION............ 10
PRISON TERM FOR USING FORGED DOCUMENT.................... 11
GUIDED WALKS FOR STUDENTS AND COUNTRY PARK VISITORS...... 11
SCHOOL SPORTS DELEGATION TO LEAVE FOR JAPAN............ 12
FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY-SPIRITED ACT............. 13
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994
INVESTIGATION OF PLANE ACCIDENT IN PROGRESS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, WHO IS ALSO THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF ACCIDENTS HAS APPOINTED CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER MR KWAN HOK-CHUNG AS INSPECTOR OF ACCIDENTS TO LOOK INTO THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAST NIGHT.
THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF ACCIDENTS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT AN INSPECTORS’ INVESTIGATION WAS TAKING PLACE INTO THE CAUSE OF THE MISHAP.
HE INVITES ANY PERSON INTERESTED TO MAKE REPRESENTATION AS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OR CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT TO WRITE TO THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF ACCIDENTS OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 46TH FLOOR OR TELEPHONE 867 4310 WITHIN 14 DAYS.
A SALVAGE COMMITTEE PREPARATORY MEETING WAS HELD THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
OFFICERS FROM CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MARINE DEPARTMENT, ROYAL NAVY, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM HONG KONG AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING COMPANY, FAR EAST AIR SERVICE AND HONG KONG TOWAGE AND SALVAGE COMPANY ATTENDED THE MEETING.
THE MEETING DECIDED TO APPOINT HONG KONG TOWAGE AND SALVAGE COMPANY TO CONDUCT AN UNDERWATER SURVEY' TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT AND TO IDENTIFY THE MAIN COMPONENTS.
MEANWHILE, THE FLIGHT DATA RECORDER HAS NOT BEEN RECOVERED.
------0-------
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS
*****
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF REHABILITATION POLICIES AND SERVICES IS TO MAXIMISE POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED PERSONS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR STRACHAN SAID THIS AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HOME FOR THE AGED BLIND.
"INTEGRATION IS THE MAIN THEME. THIS IS EVIDENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS.
"IN THE PAST, PEOPLE WERE SEGREGATED FROM THE COMMUNITY SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THEIR DISABILITIES.
"AS SUCH, VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS WERE ACCOMMODATED IN FACILITIES AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES AND PEOPLE AT LARGE, WITHOUT DUE CONSIDERATION OF THEIR CAPACITY FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING," HE SAID.
/POINTING OUT........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994
- 2 -
POINTING OUT THAT SOCIAL ATTITUDE HAD CHANGED TODAY, MR STRACHAN SAID VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS WERE NO LONGER ENCOURAGED TO SEEK SHELTER IN SEGREGATED SETTINGS SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THEIR VISUAL PROBLEM.
’’INSTEAD, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO LIVE AS INDEPENDENTLY AS THEIR ABILITIES PERMIT, INDEPENDENT LIVING MEANS ENJOYING FAMILY LIFE AND .RESTORING DIGNITY.
"IN TERMS OF MOBILITY, TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES ARE MADE MORE USER-FRIENDLY AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED PERSONS, INCLUDING VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS.
"IN TERMS OF QUALITY OF LIFE, INDEPENDENT LIVING OPENS UP AVENUES FOR DISABLED PERSONS TO THE MANY FACETS OF COMMUNITY LIFE, WITH A FREEDOM OF CHOICE TO ENGAGE IN PERSONAL PURSUITS OR PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMIC, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AS THEIR ORDINARY COUNTERPARTS,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT INDEPENDENT LIVING WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE PROVISION OF HOSTEL SERVICE, OR THE SEMI-INDEPENDENT HOSTEL WHICH OFFERED SMALL GROUP LIVING WITH SUPPORT FROM SOCIAL WORK STAFF.
"OUR POPULATION IS AGING. THE NEEDS OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS WHO HAVE GROWN OLD ARE OBVIOUS.
"OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES, PARTICULARLY HOMES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED ELDERLY PEOPLE, ARE REQUIRED,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
ON A SUGGESTION TO GROUP RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR AGED VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF ELDERLY SERVICES IN GENERAL, HE SAID APART FROM THE ADVANTAGES OF STREAMLINING MANAGEMENT AND STANDARDS AND MAXIMISING EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES, THE DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN AGED VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS AND OTHER ELDERLY PEOPLE WOULD BE REMOVED.
’’AGED VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS WOULD BE TREATED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORDINARY PEOPLE. THIS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE REALISATION OF THE GOAL OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AS LAID DOWN IN THE GREEN PAPER ON REHABILITATION,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HOME FOR THE AGED BLIND, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL PROVIDE 252 PLACES FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED ELDERLY PEOPLE IN NEED OF RESIDENTIAL CARE.
SATURDAY, SETPEMBER 24, 1994
- 3 -
GLOBAL RADIOLOGY EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN HK
* * * * *
IT IS VERY APPROPRIATE THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS SOUTH EAST ASIA’S PROGRAMME CENTRE FOR GLOBAL CONTINUING EDUCATION IN RADIOLOGY.
THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN INAUGURATING THE NYCOMED INTERCONTINENTAL CONTINUING EDUCATION IN RADIOLOGY (NICER) SOUTH EAST ASIA PROGRAMME.
MRS GOODSTADT NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST NICER PROGRAMME FOR SOUTH EAST ASIA.
"HONG KONG CAN HELP TO MAKE THE PROGRAMME A SUCCESS BECAUSE OF THE OUTSTANDING STANDARDS OF DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED HERE."
SHE SAID THE COVERAGE OF THE NICER PROGRAMME COULD MAKE A DIRECT CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVING HONG KONG’S HEALTH STANDARDS.
THE PROGRAMME, WHICH WILL LAST TILL OCTOBER 1, WILL BE GIVEN BY ABOUT 20 OF THE WORLD’S MOST DISTINGUISHED RADIOLOGISTS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGISTS.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 250 RADIOLOGISTS FROM HONG KONG, NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
---------0-----------
CSD LAUNCHES PUBLICITY ON BEATING RETREAT *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) TODAY (SATURDAY) HELD A BAND DISPLAY AND EXHIBITION AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE (HONG KONG SIDE) TO PROMOTE A "BEATING RETREAT" PERFORMANCE TO BE STAGED BY CSD SCOUTS ON OCTOBER 19 AND 20 AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
THE MAIN PERFORMERS ARE A GROUP OF TRAINING CENTRE INMATES OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP WHO WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSIC TALENT AND MAGNIFICENT MARCHING DISPLAY.
THE EXHIBITION INCLUDED DISPLAY OUTLINING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF "BEATING RETREAT", THE HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP, AND VARIOUS SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SCOUTS.
"BEATING RETREAT" IS A FUND RAISING ACTIVITY FOR CHARITY. ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE EVENT, AT $20 EACH, IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT URBTIX OUTLETS NOW.
/4 ........
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994
4
LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS SALE BY AUCTION
tint*
ONE HUNDRED VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS SATURDAY FOR A TOTAL OF $3,139,000 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 GC1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $550,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK GB9 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $320,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 *EACH FOR GB7891, EX2032, GA9548, CM551, GC8210, GB5648, GC3731, GC5737.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ GB1218 14,000 BC6338 $ 20,000 GB963 $ 17,000 $ GB172 9,000
ET223 28,000 GB330 9,000 BC715 4,000 GB417 WITHDRAWN
*FY94 20,000 *CW16 34,000 ♦ EV22 100,000 *GB 2 WITHDRAWN
GA3888 44,000 EH306 14,000 GC108 43,000 GC823 34,000
GC1989 7,000 GB339 27,000 AA369 132,000 GB6608 8,000
AL105 13,000 GA6001 3,000 GC221 11,000 CT195 2,000
GB312 12,000 ED218 18,000 GC448 16,000 GB9388 14,000
*1969 110,000 *XX456 52,000 ♦ AL38 160,000 *DN131 9,000
GB7228 7,000 DD3108 9,000 BC3222 26,000 GB3033 11,000
GB9929 4,000 CC3353 4,000 GB7891 1,000 GB2280 4,000
GB2868 22,000 EL512 WITHDRAWN *GC3993 16,000 GB823 30,000
GB8600 6,000 GB1068 3,000 EX2032 1,000 *FY6886 11,000
GB1275 4,000 GA9548 FOLLOWING ARE THE 1,000 RESULTS OF TODAY’S AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
GC812 19,000 GB778 22,000 GB360 6,000 GC715 2,000
GC718 5,000 GB1332 6,000 CT517 3,000 GB162 20,000
♦EY300 22,000 ♦ EZ86 26,000 ♦ AW18 205,000 »GB 9 320,000
BB7242 1,000 GC911 45,000 FA668 140,000 GC870 5,000
AA905 28,000 FY238 43,000 HK521 20,000 GC3878 6,000
CH3222 18,000 GAI 888 34,000 AA883 150,000 FL369 35,000
GC9388 13,000 GC321 13,000 GC633 18,000 GC5301 3,000
♦ DL36 20,000 ♦CT393 19,000 *GC 1 550,000 ♦CC456 43,000
GC1033 5,000 EE3353 3,000 GC2228 30,000 BL8660 4,000
GB8382 13,000 GB2601 3,000 GB1965 3,000 GB1823 9,000
GB7229 WITHDRAWN CM551 1,000 ♦AL8822 34,000 GC8210 1,000
GB719 2,000 GB5648 1,000 CP8368 10,000 CN8181 11,000
GC5737 1,000 GC3731 1,000
THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR GB417, GB2, , EL512, GB7229.
GB417, EL512, GB7229 WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE
APPLICANTS.
ORIGINAL
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS .......
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1994
- 5 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
BY CHEQUE
TO
12
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN
TODAY’S SALE, THE 240TH AND 241ST ORGANISED DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT SO FAR TO $346,682,905.
BY OF
THE TRANSPORT
MONEY REALISED
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » ♦ ♦ »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ •MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,065 0930 + 25
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,880 1000 + 25
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 25
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 25 1130 + 25
LAF TODAY -210 1500
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER
TW1 121.5 »+0.0» 24.9.94
---------0-----------
/6 ........
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
6 -
’ AMUSEMENT RIDES SAFETY LEGISLATION EFFECTIVE IN DECEMBER *****
NEW LEGISLATION WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 8 TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN THE USE OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.
THE LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) ORDINANCE 1993, PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OVER THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION, EXAMINATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.
AN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED OWNERS OF AMUSEMENT RIDES, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF "KIDDIE RIDES", THAT UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION ANY PERSON WISHING TO INSTALL OR OPERATE ANY AMUSEMENT RIDES (INCLUDING KIDDIE RIDES) MUST SEEK THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES (DEMS).
THE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A LEAFLET ON THE ’ORDINANCE AND THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) (OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE) REGULATION TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE TRADE UNDERTSTAND THE NEW LEGISLATION.
THE LEAFLET IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT DISTRICT OFFICES, gUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE OFFICES, EMSD HEADQUARTERS AT 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, LICENSING OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY.
THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATION ALSO COVER SMALL AND LOW-POWERED "KIDDIE RIDES".
"UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, AMUSEMENT RIDES OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE DEMS ON THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AMUSEMENT RIDES AS WELL AS ON THE QUALIFICATION OF THE PERSONS IN CHARGE OF THE RIDES," HE SAID.
THE AMUSEMENT RIDES (SAFETY) (OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE) REGULATION GOVERNS THE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND ALTERATION OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.
"OWNERS OF AMUSEMENT RIDES ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THEIR EQUIPMENT IN A SAFE CONDITION AND TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS OR ALTERATIONS SPECIFIED BY DEMS.
"THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO DISPLAY NOTICES SPECIFYING THE PROHIBITED CONDUCTS, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS AND THE WEIGHT PERMITTED FOR EACH RIDE.
"THE OWNERS SHOULD CHECK THEIR RIDE EQUIPMENT DAILY AND KEEP A LOG BOOK FOR INSPECTION BY EMSD," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ANYONE WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT, AS WELL AS A DAILY FINE OF $1,000 FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.
ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW LEGISLATION MAY BE MADE ON TEL 882 8011 OR WRITE TO EMSD, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
--------0-----------
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
- 7 -
PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE HANDLES OVER 2.1 M ENQUIRIES
*****
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HANDLED MORE THAN 2.1 MILLION ENQUIRIES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTS A 16.7 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THAT RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CENTRAL TELEPHONE ENQUIRY CENTRE (CTEC) ALONE ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 68,871 CALLS.
THE CTEC HAS BEEN SET UP IN CNTA’S HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI TO BACK UP THE ENQUIRY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE 20 CENTRES AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
THESE CENTRES, LOCATED CONVENIENTLY THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC SUCH AS ADMINISTERING DECLARATIONS AND OATHS, MAKING REFERRALS UNDER THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME AND RENT OFFICER SCHEME, AND DISTRIBUTING PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, A TOTAL OF 253,254 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS WERE ADMINISTERED, THE MORE POPULAR TOPICS BEING DECLARATIONS OF TRUE COPY OF DOCUMENT, DECLARATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION, AND LOSS OF DOCUMENT.
MEANWHILE, THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S RENT OFFICERS, WHO ATTEND THE 15 DISTRICT OFFICES REGULARLY, RECEIVED 6,151 ENQUIRIES ON RENT AND TENANCY-RELATED MATTERS.
MOREOVER, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES’ STAFF REFERRED 1,744 CASES TO THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY UNDER THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF APPLICATION FORMS AND LEAFLETS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CIVIC BODIES, MORE THAN 5.4 MILLION WERE HANDED OUT.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CENTRES MAY CALL THE CTEC HOTLINE 835 2500 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
------0-------
OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SCHEME TO EXPAND
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE PLACES FROM 225 TO 405 STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) APPEALED TO PARENTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE SERVICE AND TO AVOID LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
/HE SAID .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
HE SAID AT PRESENT A TOTAL OF 75 CHILD CARE CENTRES HAD TAKEN PART IN THE OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE SCHEME, OFFERING 225 PLACES TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX.
FROM OCTOBER 1, THE SCHEME WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER CHILDREN AGED UNDER TWO AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL BE INCREASED TO 135, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 405 PLACES.
’’THE SCHEME IS AIMED AT PROVIDING TEMPORARY CHILD CARE TO FAMILIES WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME.
"TO FURTHER FACILITATE PARENTS TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO EXPAND THE SCHEME IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS," HE ADDED.
"IN ADDITION, A FLEXIBLE MODE OF FEE-CHARGING HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR PARENTS WHO NEED THE SERVICE FOR A SHORTER SPAN OF TIME. THE FEE FOR A TWO-HOUR SESSION IS $13 ONLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SERVICES MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TELEPHONE 836 3114.
"PARENTS HAVING ANY CHILD CARE PROBLEMS CAN ALSO SEEK HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S 31-FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN PRIMARY ONE APPLICATION FORMS
*****
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS TN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR ARE REMINDED TO SEND IN APPLICATION FORMS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND THE END OF THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID PARENTS WHO WISHED TO APPLY FOR SUCH A DISCRETIONARY PLACE SHOULD SEND IN COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO THE SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS IN THE PERIOD.
IF THEY ONLY WISH TO APPLY FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION, THEY SHOULD SEND IN THE COMPLETED FORMS WITH RELEVANT DOCUMENTS DURING OFFICE HOURS IN THE SAME PERIOD TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
* PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT,
LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG;
♦ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE,
ROOM 706, SEVENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON;
* SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHATIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES;
/TAI PO
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
- 9 -
» TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES;
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES;
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES;
* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES;
* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, FANLING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 3 PIK FUNG ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY SHOULD ONLY HAND IN ONE APPLICATION FORM FOR EACH CHILD.
”IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEIR APPLICATIONS WILL BE RENDERED VOID AND ANY ALLOCATION OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE MADE ON THE BASIS OF SUCH APPLICATIONS WILL BE WITHDRAWN,” HE SAID.
---------0 - -
EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT MAKE MULTIPLE COMPENSATION CLAIMS * » ♦ » *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDS EMPLOYEES THAT THEY WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO MULTIPLE COMPENSATION FROM DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS FOR THE SAME INJURY IN A WORK ACCIDENT AND THEY MAY ALSO BE LIABLE TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (COMPENSATION) MRS JENNY CHAN GAVE THE ADVICE IN THE WAKE OF A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH TWO WORKERS WERE SENTENCED TO NINE MONTHS’ AND EIGHT MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT RESPECTIVELY BY A SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRATE FOR OBTAINING PROPERTY BY DECEPTION.
"THE CASES WERE DETECTED BY THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT (ECU), AND SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE TWO WORKERS HAD EACH MADE MULTIPLE CLAIMS AGAINST DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS FOR COMPENSATION INVOLVING OVERLAPPING SICK LEAVES,” MRS CHAN SAID.
’’THE CASES WERE THEN REFERRED TO THE POLICE AND THE WORKERS WERE CHARGED UNDER THE THEFT ORDINANCE AFTER INVESTIGATION,” SHE ADDED.
/MRS CHAN .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
- 10 -
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, NO COMPENSATION WAS PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF ANY INCAPACITY OR DEATH RESULTING FROM AN INJURY IF THE EMPLOYEE HAS AT ANY TIME REPRESENTED TO THE EMPLOYER THAT HE WAS NOT SUFFERING OR HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY SUFFERED FROM THAT OR A SIMILAR INJURY, KNOWING THAT THE REPRESENTATION WAS FALSE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE ECU RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF WORK ACCIDENTS FROM EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, CERTIFICATES WERE ISSUED TO INJURED WORKERS ON THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE BY THE EMPLOYER.
FOLLOWING THE ENHANCEMENT OF ECU’S COMPUTER PROGRAMME IN FEBRUARY 1993, THE UNIT WILL BE ABLE TO DETECT MULTIPLE CLAIMS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
’’WHEN A CASE OF MULTIPLE CLAIM IS DETECTED, THE UNIT WILL INVESTIGATE AND ADVISE EMPLOYERS AND INJURED WORKERS ON THE CALCULATION OF PERIODICAL PAYMENT IN THOSE OVERLAPPING SICK LEAVE PERIODS," MRS CHAN SAID.
"IF THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF FRAUDULENT CLAIM, THE CASE WILL BE REFERRED TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR FURTHER ACTIONS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN URGED EMPLOYERS TO INFORM THE ECU IF THEY HAD KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES MAKING MULTIPLE CLAIMS AGAINST DIFFERENT EMPLOYERS IN RESPECT OF THE SAME INJURY.
THE EMPLOYER MIGHT ALSO CHOOSE TO REPORT HIS CASE TO THE POLICE FOR INVESTIGATION, SHE ADDED.
--------0-----------
RADIO SERIES TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION *****
A NEW SERIES OF RADIO PHOTO-IN PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL BE LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER.
THE HOUR-LONG PROGRAMME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE COMMITTEE ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, WILL BE BROADCAST ON RTHk RADIO 5 THROUGH AM 783 AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 1) FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS.
"THE RADIO SERIES IS ONE OF THE LATEST PUBLICITY EFFORTS OF THE 1993/95 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN,' SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON RADIO PROGRAMME ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, MISS FONG HOK-CHOR.
"THE LATEST SERIES WAS PRODUCED BECAUSE OF ENCOURAGING PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE PREVIOUS SERIES WHICH ENDED IN MAY THIS YEAR," MISS FONG ADDED.
/ENTITLED "TOGETHERNESS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
ENTITLED "TOGETHERNESS OF OLD AND YOUNG GENERATION", THE RADIO PROGRAMME WILL FOCUS ON WAYS TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM OF THE OLDER GENERATION OF FAMILY ISSUES SUCH AS PARENTING, DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS, MARITAL AND IN-LAW RELATIONSHIP AND ADJUSTMENT AFTER RETIREMENT.
LISTENERS ARE WELCOME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS OR SEEK ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCED FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION OFFICERS. THEY CAN EITHER CALL 336 3756 OR WRITE TO THE PROGRAMME.
------0--------
PRISON TERM FOR llSING FORGED DOCUMENT
*****
A 33-YEAR-MAN WHO SUBMITTED FORGED DOCUMENT IN SUPPORT OF HIS APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS AN ELECTRICAL WORKER WAS SENTENCED TO THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENDED FOR 18 MONTHS, TOGETHER WITH A FINE OF $2,000 AT EASTERN MAGISTRACY LAST MONTH.
THE DEFENDANT, WHO SUBMITTED A FORGED EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE LETTER TO SUPPORT HIS APPLICATION, PLEADED GUILTY TO A CHARGE UNDER THE CRIME ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) REITERATED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT EMSD WOULD SCRUTINISE ALL APPLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATIONS.
"PROSECUTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE APPLICANTS WHO KNOWINGLY MAKE A STATEMENT WHICH IS FALSE IN A MATERIAL" PARTICULAR," HE SAID.
UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE, ALL WORKERS ENGAGED IN WORK ON FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH EMSD.
------0-------
GUIDED WALKS FOR STUDENTS AND COUNTRY PARK VISITORS
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATIONAL WALKS FOR STUDENTS AND COUNTRY PARK VISTIORS IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS FROM OCTOBER 1.
ANNOUNCING THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME TODAY (SUNDAY), ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER (COUNTRYSIDE) MR CHAN PING-KWONG SAID: "ITS AIMS ARE TO PROVIDE VISITORS WITH COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION AND TO INCREASE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION."
/MR CHAN
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
- 12 -
MR CHAN SAID THE GUIDED WALKS WERE INTENDED FOR STUDENTS OF PRIMARY FOUR OR ABOVE AND COUNTRY PARK VISITORS.
"EACH WALK WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO HOURS, EITHER FROM 10 AM TO >f NOON OR FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM."
AMONG DESTINATIONS OF THE WALKS ARE MAJOR COUNTRY PARKS IN MA ON SHAN, TAI ON SHAN, PAT SIN LENG, ABERDEEN, SOUTH LANTAU AND SHING MUN. OTHER AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST SUCH AS THE TAI TONG FOREST NURSERY, SHING MUN ABORETUM AND LIONS NATURE EDUCATION CENTRE WILL ALSO BE COVERED.
MR CHAN SAID EACH GUIDED VISIT WOULD HAVE ITS OWN UNIQUE THEME.
"BY VISITING THE CLEAR WATER BAY COUNTRY PARK, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EROSIONAL COASTAL FEATURES AND SEASHORE PLANTS.
"THEY ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO GAIN A MORE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE WOODLAND ECOLOGY AFTER GOING ON AN ITINERARY AT THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE," HE ADDED.
THE GUIDED WALKS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS OR ORGANISED GROUPS OF 30 TO 40 PARTICIPANTS WITH ADVANCE BOOKING.
• Hy •'
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT IN ROOM 321, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SAME ADDRESS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ALLOCATION WILL BE FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT ON 733 2121. ■ '
------0-------
SCHOOL SPORTS DELEGATION TO LEAVE FOR JAPAN
*****
A FLAG-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 27) FOR A SPORTS DELEGATION FROM HONG KONG’S SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEFORE THEIR DEPARTURE FOR A YOUTH SPORTS STUDY TOUR IN JAPAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE YOUTH SPORTS STUDY TOUR WAS ORGANISED BY THE JAPAN .AMATEUR SPORTS ASSOCIATION FROM SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 8.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ENTRUSTED BY THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG TO SEND A DELEGATION.
THE STUDY TOUR IS AIMED AT DEVELOPING AND PROPAGATING YOUTH' SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN ASIA. A TOTAL OF NINE COURTRIES/TERRITORIES INCLUDING HONG KONG HAVE BEEN INVITED.
/STUDENT MEMBERS .......
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1994
- 13 -
STUDENT MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE FOUR BOYS AND FOUR GIRLS WHO ARE SELECTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AMONG 23 BOYS AND 28 GIRLS NOMINATED BY 34 SCHOOLS.
THE DELEGATION MEMBERS ARE CHUNG SING-FOOK (DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL), MOK WING-KWONG (PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL), YAU WAN-PO (SKH BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL). AKIBA TSUMUGI (ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL), IU WING (QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL), TAM FONG-WAI (ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE), TANG SUK-LING (SKH LAM WOO MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL) AND LO KA-MAN (TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL).
AFTER THE FLAG-PRESENTATION, TWO PRIMARY STUDENTS, NGAN WAH-PING AND WOON YUEN-LAM OF TAI PO OLD MARKET PUBLIC SCHOOL, WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE WORLD CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES 1992.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
A FLAG-PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE YOUTH SPORTS STUDY TOUR IN JAPAN 1994 CUM PRIZE-PRESENTATION FOR THE WORLD CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES 1992 WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 27).
THE PRESIDENT OF AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A DE 0 SALES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE ROYAL AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS’ MESS, THIRD FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 4 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, AT 3 PM.
------0-------
FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY-SPIRITED ACT * » * » *
THE VIGILANCE AND BRAVERY OF AN OFF-DUTY FIREMAN IN THE ARREST OF A ROBBERY SUSPECT IN YUEN LONG TWO MONTHS AGO HAS WON HIM A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER’S COMMENDATION.
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN MONG KOK FIRE STATION YESTERDAY (SEPTEMBER 24), THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR JOHN TSANG KWONG-YU, PRAISED FIREMAN MR CHAN KAM-MING FOR HIS ’’PROMPT, BRAVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED” ACTION.
THE ROBBERY OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER 8 PM ON JULY 24 AT HOP YICK ROAD.
FIREMAN CHAN RECALLED THAT WHEN HE WAS WALKING ALONG THE ROAD AT ABOUT 8.20 PM, HE SAW A MAN RUNNING TOWARDS HIM AND THEN HEARD A WOMAN SHOUTING THAT HER HANDBAG HAD BEEN SNATCHED.
THE FIREMAN GAVE CHASE AND FINALLY CAUGHT THE SUSPECT AT TAI TONG ROAD. THE ARRESTED MAN WAS LATER HANDED OVER TO TWO OFF-DUTY POLICEMEN WHO ARRIVED WITHIN SECONDS.
- - 0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR RENEWS COMMITMENT TO JOINT DECLARATION.......... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION................... 3
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOINT
DECLARATION INITIALLING.................................. 5
INAUGURAL ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WELL RECEIVED................................................. 6
REVIEW OF HOME FINANCING SCHEME.......................... 7
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TO BE INCLUDED IN COMMISSION REPORT 6 8
RECOVERY OF PLANE FROM SEA DIFFICULT..................... 9
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JULY 1994
RELEASED................................................ 10
ARTICLE STUDIES LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF MANUFACTURING SECTOR.................................................. 13
SEPTEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES............ 13
CHANGES TO UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION RULES............. 14
HK - MODEL OF CONTROL OVER TIGER BONE TRADE............. 15
INTAKE OF WASTE AT SENT LANDFILL STARTS TODAY........... 17
HK CELEBRATES WORLD MARITIME DAY....................... 17
WATER STORAGE FIGURE.................................... 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............. 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 20
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
1
GOVERNOR RENEWS COMMITMENT TO JOINT DECLARATION *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (MONDAY) RENEWS COMMITMENT TO THE JOINT DECLARATION AND COMMITMENT TO COOPERATION IN IMPLEMENTING THE TREATY.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD PRESIDENTS’ ORGANISATION TODAY WHICH IS ALSO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE GOVERNOR REITERATED THE BRITISH SIDE’S COMMITMENT TO A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE FOR HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL IN THE FIRST DECADE OF ITS LIFE.
MR PATTEN NOTED THAT ONE OF THE AGREEMENT’S CENTRAL AIMS WAS TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY AND IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, THE TERRITORY HAD COME ON IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS.
’’TAKING THOSE YARDSTICKS, AND HONG KONG IS UNDOUBTEDLY MORE PROSPEROUS AND MORE STABLE THAN IT WAS A DECADE AGO.”
HOWEVER, DESPITE ALL THIS SUCCESS AND PROGRESS, THE LAST 10 YEARS HAVE NOT BEEN WITHOUT THEIR TENSIONS, THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
HE SAID THE ARGUMENT OVER PROPOSALS FOR ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994 AND 1995 WAS NOW CLOSED AND OVER AND THAT it WAS TIME TO MOVE ON.
THE MAIN AREA WHERE HONG KONG SIMPLY HAS TO MOVE FASTER IS LN THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP (J LG), HE ADDED.
”WE ARE BEGINNING TO RUN OUT OF TIME, AND THE LAST MEETING REGISTERED VERY LITTLE PROGRESS INDEED.
’’WE'VE GOT TO DO BETTER,” HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID THE ISSUES WERE COMPLICATED BUT NOT POLITICAL, FOR THE MOST PART.
’’THEY ARE, HOWEVER, IMPORTANT, AND CHINA AND THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL SUFFER IF WE DO NOT GET THEM RESOLVED.
"WE STAND READY TO WORK ROUND THE CLOCK TO DO SO, AND LOOK TO OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES TO DO THE SAME. WE NEED TO APPROACH THE WORK WITH IMAGINATION AND PATIENCE,’’ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR CITED THE FREEDOM OF TRAVEL, THE RE-ENACTMENT OF LAWS AND THE BILATERAL TREATY NEGOTIATIONS AS SOME EXAMPLES OF THE KIND OF SUBJECTS THE JLG WAS DEALING WITH.
"AND ABOVE ALL, WE NEED TO MOVE AHEAD RAPIDLY ON THE GREAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SO CRUCIAL FOR OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY, STARTING WITH OUR MUCH-NEEDED NEW AIRPORT.”
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD ALREADY MOVED AHEAD WITH THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "WE COULD MOVE FASTER STILL WITH AN AGREEMENT ON FINANCING."
/MR PATTEN .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 2 -
MR PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT WHEN BRITAIN AND CHINA COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, THEY PLEDGED TO UPHOLD THE CHINESE CONCEPT OF TWO SYSTEMS IN ONE COUNTRY; OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RUNNING HONG KONG AND A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY FOR HONG KONG.
’’THEY PLEDGED TO UPHOLD HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE, AS WELL AS ITS PROSPERITY AND STABILITY,” HE SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY UNDERPINNED ITS WAY OF LIFE, BUT HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE ALSO HELPED CREATE ITS PROSPERITY.
HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT AS HONG KONG HAD GROWN IN PROSPERITY, IT HAI) NOT REPRESENTED A THREAT TO ANYBODY, LEAST OF ALL CHINA.
"IF ANYTHING, THE OPPOSITE IS THE CASE,” HE SAID.
HONG KONG IS MORE VALUABLE TO CHINA NOW THAN IT WAS IN 1984, HE SAID.
"AT 23 PER CENT OF CHINA’S GNP, IT’S A VERY CONSIDERABLE ASSET INDEED.
"AND AS CHINA’S ECONOMIC REVOLUTION CONTINUES, HONG KONG IS PROVIDING THE SKILLS, THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND THE CONTACTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE - AS WELL AS THE LEADING OUTLET FOR CHINA’S EXPORTS," HE SAID.
MR PATTEN SAID: "IN ALL THESE FIELDS, ON THE JLG AND ACROSS THE BORDER, WE ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO RESOLVE THE MANY ISSUES ON WHICH THEY CAN ONLY PROCEED BY AGREEMENT."
THE GOVERNOR BELIEVED THAT NONE OF THESE ISSUES WAS INHERENTLY IMPOSSIBLE.
ALL SHOULD BE EASY TO RESOLVE IF THEY COULD ONLY BE ADDRESSED PURELY ON THEIR MERITS, HE SAID.
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/3 ........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
3
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD PRESIDENTS’ ORGANISATION TODAY (MONDAY):
GOVERNOR: I’VE JUST BEEN DELIVERING A SPEECH TO THE WORLD PRESIDENTS’ ORGANISATION WHICH WE’LL RELEASE SO THAT YOU’LL HAVE A TEXT. MY MESSAGES HAVE BEEN QUITE A SIMPLE ONE. THIS IS THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIALING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, A HISTORIC EVENT IN HONG KONG AND, I THINK, FOR CHINA AND BRITAIN AS WELL. IT IS A TREATY WHICH COVERS HONG KONG FOR 63 YEARS FROM ITS SIGNATURE TO 50 YEARS AFTER 1997 AND I THINK IF WE LOOK BACK ON THE FIRST TEN YEARS WHATEVER THE DIFFICULTIES, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN ENSURING THAT HONG KONG HAS MORE CONFIDENCE, MORE PROSPERITY, MORE STABILITY. OUR ECONOMY IS PRETTY WELL DOUBLE IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. WE'VE SEEN HUGE ADVANCES IN SOCIAL PROVISION AND EDUCATION, AND HOUSING AND SO ON. BUT, THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS. NOBODY SHOULD BE PARTICULARLY SURPRISED BY THAT. WHAT WE’VE GOT TO DO IS TO TRY TO SOLVE THEM IN AS CO-OPERATIVE THE WAY AS POSSIBLE. WE WON’T BE ABLE TO AGREE ALL THE TIME. BUT WE’VE GOT TO AGREE AS MUCH OF THE TIME AS WE CAN. I THINK THAT IS THE MESSAGE WHICH FOREIGN MINISTER, DOUGLAS HURD, WILL BE TAKING TO NEW YORK THIS WEEK. WE ARE VERY MUCH HOPING THAT THE PROGRESS THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND, IN ANOTHER WAY, WE’RE TACKLING SOME OF THE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS THAT HONG KONG HAS TO FACE. THE PROGRESS CAN BE MUCH MORE RAPID. WE DO HAVE SOME DIFFICULTIES TO OVERCOME BUT I AM SURE THAT IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT, WE’LL BE ABLE TO TAKE THEM O.N AND WIN AS HONG KONG AS ONE ON VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER FRONT IN THE LAST DECADE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, DESPITE WHAT YOU SAID AND DESPITE WHAT THE JOINT DECLARATION SAYS, BRITAIN AND CHINA DID GO BACK SEPARATE WAYS, YOU KNOW, BUILDING THEIR STOVES FOR HONG KONG. DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION IS MERELY A DOCUMENT WHICH EXISTS IN NAME ONLY AND WILL YOU INCLUDE SOMETHING IN YOUR POLICY SPEECH TO IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES?
GOVERNOR: I THINK YOU’D BETTER WAIT FOR MY POLICY SPEECH AND I DON’T THINK YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. OBVIOUSLY, I WILL WANT TO TALK ABOUT CO-OPERATION TO SECURE A BETTER FUTURE. I DON’T THINK THAT BRITAIN HAS BEEN BUILDING ANOTHER STOVE HERE IN HONG KONG. HONG KONG’S BEEN BUILDING A STOVE, A VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL ONE ON WHICH WE HAD SOME EXTREMELY GOOD MEALS AND WE’LL GO ON HAVING SOME VERY GOOD MEALS. I RECOGNISE THAT WE WEREN’T ABLE TO REACH AGREEMENT, ALAS, ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1994/95 BUT WE HAD THE FIRST OF OUR ELECTIONS JUST OVER A WEEK AGO, THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. THEY WENT VERY SUCCESSFULLY, AN EXAMPLE OF HOW HONG KONG CAN DO THIS MATTER COMPETENTLY AND DECENTLY AND REASONABLY. BUT, I HOPE WE CAN NOW PUT THE ARGUMENT ABOUT ELECTORAL MATTERS ON ONE SIDE AND GET ON WITH EVERYTHING ELSE BECAUSE THERE’S AWFUL LOT ELSE ON WHICH WE NEED TO COOPERATE. IT’S IN THE INTEREST OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT THAT WE DO SO. THERE IS NO POINT IN MAKING ITS JOB MORE DIFFICULTY. I THINK THAT IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE NEXT THOUSAND DAYS TO ENSURE THAT THE SAR GOVERNMENT CAN GET OFF TO AS GOOD A START AS POSSIBLE WITH SOUND FINANCES, WITH A GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE, WITH ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR CONTINUING ECONOMIC SUCCESS. IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT HONG KONG’S ACHIEVED IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, HOW CAN YOU BELIEVE SOME OF THE PRETTY STRANGE CRITICISMS THAT ARE MADE ABOUT OUR INTENTION FOR THE FUTURE. SO, WE’LL GO ON DOING AS GOOD A JOB AS WE CAN.
/QUESTION: .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
QUESTION: MR GOVERNOR, DO YOU THINK THAT AFTER YOU HAVE BECOME THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THE SINO-BRITISH RELATION OR EVEN THE S1NO-HONG KONG RELATION IS GETTING WORSE?
GOVERNOR: NO. I THINK THAT THERE HAVE BEEN DIFFICULTIES WHICH GO BACK, SOME WOULD SAY TO 1989. SOME WOULD POINT TO OTHER DATES BUT WE HAD DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES WHICH DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS SORT OF PERSONALITY. OUR POLICY IS, WAS, ANDoREMAlNS TO TRY TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. WE’VE OBVIOUSLY BEEN JUDGED, ABOVE ALL, BY THAT.
QUESTION: BUT, HOW WOULD THE BRITISH SIDE DO IN ORDER TO SECURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION?
GOVERNOR: I THINK YOU WANT TO ASK TWO QUESTIONS. FIRST, WHAT WOULD THE CHINESE SIDE DO? SECONDLY, WHAT WOULD THE BRITISH SIDE DO., WE’LL BE SAYING WHAT, WE THINK, SHOULD BE DONE WHEN MR HURD MEETS VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN AND I HOPE VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN WILL BE SAYING FROM HIS PART WHAT CHINA INTENDS TO DO. I’LL SETTING OUT SOME OF OUR THOUGHTS ON THE SUBJECT WHEN 1 ADDRESS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. BUT IT’S A QUESTION, YOU KNOW, IF YOU’RE GOTTA TO BE FAIR FOR BOTH SIDES.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR. WOULD THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT CONSIDER GIVING ANY PROPOSAL TO THE NPC OR THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE IN 1996 WHEN THEY ARE CONSIDERING THE. FUTURE PRO-1997 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS. SINCE THE NPC MEETING.... LAST WEEK, THEY SAID THAT THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE ARE OPEN TO ANYONE AND THEY ARE WILLING TO LISTEN TO ALL SUGGESTIONS TERMS OF THE PRO-1997 ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS, WILL YOU....?
GOVERNOR: I SAID IN AN INTERVIEW AT THE END OF LAST WEEK WHICH,' 4 THINK, WAS SHOWN YESTERDAY. WE INTEND TO CO-OPERATE AS POSITIVELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY AS POSSIBLE WITH THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE SAR. THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD WANT TO DO. THAT’S ENTIRELY NATURAL DEVELOPMENT AND WE OBVIOUSLY WANT TO DISCUSS PRACTICAL WAYS IN WHICH THAT CAN BE TAKEN FORWARD. I AM SURE THAT WILL BE A SUBJECT ON THE AGENDA WHEN MR HURD AND MR QIAN QICHEN MEET LATER -THIS WEEK. ONE LAST QUESTION.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, SINCE THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY HAS MENTIONED THE WORD "SHARED INTEREST", HE HASN’T ELABORATED ON THAT. THERE IS A LOT OF SPECULATION OF WHAT THAT "SHARED INTEREST" IS. FOR THE RECORD, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THAT IS? , ' .
/GOVERNOR: .......
X
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 5 -
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK ANYBODY SHOULD BE SURPRISED BY THE EXPRESSION NOR SHOULD THEY THINK THAT IT IS JUST A HEADLINE. IT HAPPENS TO BE A PRECISE AND ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE SITUATION HERE IN HONG KONG. FIRST OF ALL, BRITAIN AND CHINA HAVE A SHARED INTEREST IN MANAGING A HISTORIC EVENT AS COMPETENTLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD CAN SEE WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF. SECONDLY, WE HAVE A SHARED INTEREST IN KEEPING TO THE WORD AND SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH, I THINK, WOULD BE APPLAUDED NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG BUT AROUND THE WORLD. WE ARE NOTHING LIKE THIS. IT’S EVER BEEN TRIED SUCCESSFUL BEFORE. THIRDLY, WE HAVE A SHARED INTEREST IN HONG KONG CONTINUING TO BE SUCCESSFUL. IT’S IN THE REGION’S INTEREST AS WELL AS IN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG’S INTEREST. IT’S IN CHINA’S INTEREST. IT’S IN THE WORLD’S INTEREST AND IT’S IN BRITAIN’S INTEREST. BRITAIN HAS HUGE FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS HERE IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE HERE WITH THEIR BRITISH PASSPORTS SO BRITAIN MUST WANT HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO SUCCEED. BUT, IF WE DON’T GET THROUGH SOME OF THE BACKLOGS OF- WORK WHICH IS PILED UP IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, IT WILL BE PRINCIPALLY THE SAR GOVERNMENT AND CHINA WHICH WILL, ALAS, SUFFER SO WE HAVE A SHARED INTEREST IN ENSURING THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN AND THE MORE WE CAN TALK ABOUT THAT SHARED INTEREST AND THE MORE WE CAN TRY TO WORK TO SECURE THAT SHARED INTEREST THE BETTER. I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE VERY SENSIBLE IF MEGAPHONES WERE PUT AWAY FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND WE GOT ON WITH THE QUIET, PATIENT, CONSTRUCTIVE WORK OF HELPING TO ENSURE THAT THE SAR GOVERNMENT HAS AS GOOD AN INHERITANCE AS POSSIBLE AND CAN START OFF WITH AS MUCH MOMENTUM AND AS MUCH IMPETUS AS POSSIBLE. NONE OF US HAVE ANY DOUBT AT ALL THAT THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED. NONE OF US HAVE ANY DOUBT AT ALL THAT THAT’S IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. SO, LET’S GET ON AND DO IT.
------0--------
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOINT DECLARATION INITIALLING *****
IF HONG KONG LOOKS BACK ON THE FIRST 10 YEARS SINCE THE INITIALLING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHATEVER THE DIFFICULTIES, IT HAS SUCCEEDED IN ENSURING THAT IT HAS MORE CONFIDENCE, PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
GIVING HIS COMMENTS ON THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIALLING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD PRESIDENTS’ ORGANISATION, MR PATTEN SAID THERE WERE, HOWEVER, DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS.
“WHAT WE’VE GOT TO DO IS TO TRY TO SOLVE THEM IN AS COOPERATIVE THE WAY AS POSSIBLE. WE WON’T BE ABLE TO AGREE ALL THE TIME. BUT WE’VE GOT TO AGREE AS MUCH OF THE TIME AS WE CAN,” HE SAID.
"1 THINK THAT IS THE MESSAGE WHICH FOREIGN MINISTER, MR DOUGLAS HURD, WILL BE TAKING TO NEW YORK THIS WEEK WHEN HE MEETS VICE-PREMIER, MR QIAN QICHEN."
ON SINO-BRITISH CO-OPERATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "OUR POLICY IS, WAS, REMAINS TO TRY TO ENSURE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/"WE INTEND .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994.
6
"WE INTEND TO CO-OPERATE AS POSITIVELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY AS POSSIBLE WITH THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE) OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR ■.
"THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD WANT TO DO. WE OBVIOUSLY WANT TO DISCUSS PRACTICAL WAYS IN WHICH THAT CAN BE TAKEN FORWARD. I AM SURE THAT WILL BE A SUBJECT ON THE AGENDA WHEN MR HURD AND MR QIAN QICHEN MEET LATER THIS WEEK."
MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS IN THE INTEREST OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT THAT THERE WAS BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA.
"I THINK THAT IT’S AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE NEXT THOUSAND DAYS TO ENSURE THAT THE SAR GOVERNMENT CAN GET OFF TO AS GOOD A START AS POSSIBLE WITH SOUND FINANCES, WITH A GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE, WITH ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR CONTINUING ECONOMIC SUCCESS," HE ADDED.
------0-------
INAUGURAL ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WELL RECEIVED
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) SAID THERE WAS A GOOD MARKET RESPONSE TO THE TENDER TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THE FIRST ISSUE OF FIVE-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WHICH MATURES IN 1999.
THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES, WHICH CARRIED A COUPON RATE OF 7.45 PER CENT, WERE 2.12 TIMES OVERSUBSCRIBED.
THE AVERAGE ACCEPTED TENDER PRICE WAS 99.64, PROVIDING AN ANNUALISED YIELD OF 7.68 PER CENT, OR ABOUT 37 BASIS POINTS ABOVE THAT FOR FIVE-YEAR U.S. TREASURY NOTES.
SUCH A NARROW SPREAD DEMONSTRATES THAT THE MARKET HAS LARGELY DISCOUNTED THE RISK, IF ANY, ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY AND THUS NOT DEMANDED ANY SIGNIFICANT PREMIUM.
"THE RESULT OF THIS LANDMARK TENDER IS VERY ENCOURAGING, THE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID.
"THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES HAS ESTABLISHED AN IMPORTANT AND RELIABLE BENCHMARK FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR DEBT IN THE FIVE-YEAR AREA."
AT 7.68 PER CENT, THE YIELD FOR FIVE-YEAR NOTES IS ABOUT 90 BASIS POINTS BELOW THAT FOR CORRESPONDING HONG KONG DOLLAR BONDS ISSUED BY INSTITUTIONS OF TRIPLE A CREDIT RATING.
THIS SPREAD REFLECTS STRONG INVESTOR CONFIDENCE IN, AND SUPPORT FOR, THE EXCHANGE FUND NOTES THAT IS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DEBT INSTRUMENT’S HIGH LEVEL OF LIQUIDITY IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FIVE-YEAR NOTES MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND NOTE PROGRAMME.
THE PROGRAMME WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1993, WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO-YEAR NOTES TO REPLACE THE TWO-YEAR GOVERNMENT BONDS. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE ISSUE OF THREE-YEAR NOTES IN OCTOBER 1993.
------0--------
/7......
MONDAY, SETPEMBER 26, 199*
7 -
REVIEW OF HOME FINANCING SCHEME * * * * *
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL SUBMIT A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY FOR THE REVISION OF THE RATES OF ALLOWANCE UNDER THE HOME FINANCING SCHEME (HFS).
THE PROPOSALS WERE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 13.
"WE ARE PROPOSING TO INCREASE THE RATES OF THE HOME FINANCING ALLOWANCE (HFA) FOR NEW PARTICIPANTS BY 35 PER CENT ON NOVEMBER 1, 1994," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PROPOSES TO INCREASE THE CEILING OF THE DOWN PAYMENT LOAN AVAILABLE UNDER THE SCHEME FROM 20 PER CENT OF THE PROPERTY PRICE OR 18 MONTHS OF AN OFFICER’S SALARY TO 30 PER CENT OF THE PROPERTY PRICE OR 24 MONTHS OF AN OFFICER’S SALARY, WHICHEVER IS THE LESSER," HE SAID.
THE HFS WAS INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 1, 1990 TO ASSIST CIVIL SERVANTS ON OR ABOVE MASTER PAY SCALE POINT 34, THAT IS THOSE CURRENTLY WITH A MONTHLY SALARY OF $35,735 OR MORE, TO ACQUIRE A PERMANENT HOME AND TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM EXPENDITURE ON CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS BY INDUCING ELIGIBLE OFFICERS TO GIVE UP THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO THE MORE EXPENSIVE OPTIONS, THAT IS PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE (PTA) AND NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS (NDQ).
THE HFS IS A 10-YEAR ENTITLEMENT WHEREAS PTA AND NDQ ARE PROVIDED AS LONG AS THE ELIGIBLE OFFICERS REMAIN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"AS AT JULY 1, 1994, OVER 6,700 OFFICERS HAD JOINED THE HFS. THIS WILL RESULT IN A NET SAVING OF $12.8 BILLION (IN NET PRESENT VALUE TERMS) IN 20 YEARS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE HFA RATES HAD NOT BEEN ADJUSTED SINCE 1990 BUT THE PROPERTY PRICES HAD INCREASED ON AVERAGE BY OVER 158 PER CENT.
"THIS, COUPLED WITH THE CAUTIOUS MORTGAGE POLICY COMMONLY ADOPTED BY BANKS, HAS LED TO A RAPID DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS JOINING THE SCHEME.
"BY INCREASING THE HFA RATES AND THE DOWN PAYMENT LOAN, IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE OFFICERS WILL BE INDUCED TO JOIN THE SCHEME, THEREBY ACHIEVING FURTHER SAVINGS FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE ESTIMATED TOTAL NET SAVINGS FROM NEW PARTICIPANTS OVER A 20-YEAR PERIOD WILL BE AROUND $4.5 BILLION IN NET PRESENT VALUE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, THE EXISTING RATES OF $13,000 TO $36,000 ALLOWANCE WILL BE INCREASED TO $17,500 TO $48,600 PER MONTH.
"ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE BASED ON PROPERTY PRICE MOVEMENTS. TO CONTAIN COSTS, THESE ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE CAPPED BY THE RATE OF INFLATION. OFFICERS WILL GET THE PREVAILING RATES AT THE TIME OF JOINING AND WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER REVISIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/EXISTING HFA .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
8
EXISTING HFA RECIPIENTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, WILL NOT GET THE 35 PER CENT INCREASE.
THEY WILL BE GIVEN TWO OPTIONS. THEY MAY APPLY ONCE, UPON A CHANGE OF PROPERTY, FOR A REVISED RATE WHICH WILL BE INCREASED BY 8.5 PER CENT.
ALTERNATIVELY, IF THEY GIVE UP THEIR ELIGIBILITY TO THIS REVISION, THEY WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE EXISTING RULE, WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO PLOUGH BACK, UPON A CHANGE OF PROPERTY, ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE FIRST PROPERTY INTO THE SECOND PROPERTY.
"IN WORKING OUT THESE PROPOSALS, THE GOVENRMENT HAS CONSIDERED THE ADDITIONAL DEMAND ON THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET, AND HAS CONCLUDED THAT GIVEN THE NEW SUPPLY OF FLATS TOGETHER WITH VACANT UNITS IN THE EXISTING STOCK, THE OVERALL STIMULATIVE EFFECT WILL BE INSIGNIFICANT," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
- - 0 - -
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TO BE INCLUDED IN COMMISSION REPORT 6 *****
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS AGREED THAT ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMISSION’S REPORT NO.6 (ECR6).
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER A MEETING TODAY (MONDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG SAID DRAFTING AND PREPARATION FOR THE PUBLICATION OF ECR6 WOULD START AS SOON AS THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY FINISHED IN MID-OCTOBER.
"THE COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER THE ANALYSIS OF THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE WORKING REPORT IN NOVEMBER. IT IS LIKELY THAT ECR6 CANNOT BE FINALISED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE FINAL DRAFT OF REPORT WILL THEREFORE NEED TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE NEW COMMISSION,” PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
THE COMMISSION RECEIVED A SITUATION REPORT ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION WHICH SET OUT THE PRESENT POLICY ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION, IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED SINCE THE COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2 WAS PUBLISHED, AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, MEMBERS AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE MOKE APPROPRIATE FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION’S NEWLY ESTABLISHED ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRE-PRIMARY TO CONSIDER WAYS TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS SECTOR," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
THE MEETING ALSO HAD A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE COMMISSION IN 1995 AND 1996.
MEMBERS AGREED THAT A REVIEW OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION WOULD BE TIMELY AND THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WOULD BE INVITED TO FORMULATE VIEWS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
/•’ONE INTERESTING
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
9
"ONE INTERESTING AREA WHICH WE IDENTIFIED IS POST-COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
"FOLLOWING THE EXPANSION OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE PAST TWO DECADES, IT APPEARS TIMELY FOR THE COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AFTER SECONDARY 3, INCLUDING SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLING, SIXTH FORM EDUCATION, AND TOGETHER WITH UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ON HIGHER EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL STUDIES, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND WORK," SHE SAID.
ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE COMMISSION NOTED THAT SINCE THF BOARD OF EDUCATION HAD SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE ON THIS AREA, A SEPARATE STUDY BY THE COMMISSION MIGHT NOT BE REQUIRED AT THIS POINT.
-----------------0-------- RECOVERY OF PLANE FROM SEA DIFFICULT *****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO THE RECOVERY OF THE PELITA HERCULES WHICH DITCHED INTO THE HARBOUR ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 23), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"THE RECOVERY OF THE LOCKHEED HERCULES AIRCRAFT FROM THE HARBOUR FOLLOWING FRIDAY’S ACCIDENT AT KAI TAK HAS CONTINUED TODAY.
"HOWEVER, THE RECOVERY OPERATION HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE FAR MORE DIFFICULT THAN WAS ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED. THIS IS BECAUSE BOTH THE WINGS AND THE FORWARD FUSELAGE WHICH WERE BELIEVED TO BE LYING SEPARATELY ON THE SEABED HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE STILL STRUCTURALLY LINKED TOGETHER. A FURTHER DIFFICULTY IS THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE FUSELAGE SECTION IS GREATER THAN PREVIOUSLY ASSESSED, MAKING THIS PORTION OF THE WRECKAGE DIFFICULT TO LIFT.
"WE HAVE NOW RAISED THE FORWARD FUSELAGE AND PLACED IT ON A BARGE AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ALSO RAISING THE AIRCRAFT WINGS TO BE PLACED ON THE BARGE. THE BARGE WILL THEN TRANSPORT THESE MAJOR COMPONENTS TO THE AIRPORT WHERE THEY WILL BE PLACED IN THE OPEN STORAGE AREA RESERVED FOR THE WRECKAGE.
"DURING THIS AFTERNOON’S RECOVERY OPERATION, THE DIVERS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEARCH THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE FORWARD FUSELAGE AND TWO BODIES WERE FOUND AND RECOVERED. THIS NOW ACCOUNTS FOR THE REMAINING TWO MISSING MEMBERS OF THE AIRCRAFT’S CREW."
---------o-----------
/10........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 10 -
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES
SURVEY FOR JULY 1994 RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JULY THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $17.2 BILLION, INCREASED BY 9% WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 3% IN VOLUME TERMS IN JULY 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE IN JULY WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO GROWTH IN SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR. SALES OF THESE ITEMS INCREASED BY 19% IN VALUE AND 10% IN VOLUME.
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES (12% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME) AND FUELS (10% IN VALUE AND 4% IN VOLUME).
SALES IN SUPERMARKETS AND SALES OF OTHER FOODSTUFFS BOTH INCREASED BY 9% IN VALUE. IN VOLUME TERMS, THE INCREASES WERE 1% AND 3% RESPECTIVELY. SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES INCREASED BY 8% IN VALUE AND 6% IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES IN DEPARTMENT STORES RECORDED NO CHANGE IN VALUE BUT A DECREASE OF 6% IN VOLUME. SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY 8% IN VALUE AND 11% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH JUNE 1994, BUT BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JULY 1994 INCREASED BY 8% IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 13% IN VALUE AND 8% IN VOLUME.
THE VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES IS DERIVED FROM THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JULY 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
/ENQUIRIES ABOUT .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 11 -
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECT1 STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
BE DIRECTED TO OF THE CENSUS
THE AND
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JUNE 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JULY 1994.
table 2 SHOUS THE VALUE AUD VOLUME INDICES OF BETA!^ALES^IH OUTLET^ i™ AVERACE^ETAIl'saLES FROM OCTOBER 19SB TO SEPTEMBER >990
JUNE
TAKEN AS 100.
ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 : .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 12 -
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for July 1994 (Provisional Figure) ■ HK$17,157.0 million
for June 1994 (Revised Figure) « HK$15,911.3 million
TABLE 2 ; VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1994 AND JULY 1994
(Monthly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 « 100)
Type of Outlet Index of Retai I Sales June 1994 July 1994 July 1994 July 1994 Jan.-Jul compared Jan.-Jul .1994 with .1993
compared June with 1994 compared July 1 with 993
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Revised figures) (Provisional figures) (Points) (X) (Points) (X) (Points) (X)
Value 169.4 182.7 ♦13.3 ♦7.8 ♦ 14.8 ♦8.8 ♦20.5 ♦ 13.4
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET Volume 132.7 143.2 ♦10.5 ♦7.9 ♦4.6 +3.3 ♦9.6 ♦7.5
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 128.3 139.3 ♦11.0 ♦8.6 ♦11.3 ♦8.8 ♦10.0 +8.3
drinks and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volume 98.5 104.5 ♦6.0 ♦6.1 ♦2.5 +2.5 ♦5.3 ♦5.5
Supermarkets 0 Value 158.0 157.7 -0.4 -0.2 ♦12.6 +8.7 +16.4 ♦11.9
Volume 111.9 111.5 -0.4 -0.4 ♦ 1.4 +1.2 ♦5.1 ♦4.8
Fuels Value 164.9 183.5 ♦18.5 ♦11.2 ♦16.1 +9.6 +6.3 ♦4.5
Volume 114.3 126.4 ♦12.1 ♦10.6 ♦4.4 +3.6 ♦0.8 ♦0.8
Clothing, footwear and Value 228.6 250.5 ♦21.9 ♦9.6 ♦39.4 ♦ 18.7 +53.4 +28.0
allied products Volume 157.6 179.1 ♦21.5 ♦ 13.6 ♦ 16.7 ♦ 10.3 +28.6 ♦ 19.1
Consumer durable goods Value 181.1 186.9 ♦5.8 ♦3.2 ♦3.6 +2.0 +11.1 ♦6.4
Volume 151.6 152.0 +0.4 ♦0.2 -5.1 -3.2 ♦3.6 ♦2.4
- Motor vehicles Value 180.2 245.5 ♦65.3 ♦36.2 ♦26.1 ♦ 11.9 ♦7.3 ♦4.0
and parts Volume 132.0 180.0 ♦48.0 ♦36.3 +9.5 ♦5.6 -4.4 -3.0
- Consumer durable Value 181.7 144.5 -37.2 -20.5 -12.7 -8.1 ♦13.7 ♦8.4
goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 165.8 131.8 -34.1 -20.5 -15.6 -10.6 ♦9.3 ♦6.1
Department stores Value 138.5 155.9 ♦ 17.4 ♦ 12.6 -0.2 -0.1 ♦12.1 ♦8.7
Volume 99.4 116.8 ♦ 17.4 ♦17.5 -7.3 -5.9 ♦2.5 ♦2.3
Jewellery, watches Value 164.3 168.9 ♦4.6 ♦2.8 ♦ 12.6 +8.1 +22.0 ♦ 14.7
and clocks, and valuable gifts Volume 155.4 159.6 ♦4.2 ♦2.7 ♦9.4 +6.2 +9.7 +6.3
Other consumer goods Value 193.7 226.4 ♦32.6 ♦ 16.8 ♦33.9 +17.6 ♦32.0 +20.2
not elsewhere classified Volume 152.7 179.6 ♦27.0 ♦17.7 ♦20.6 +12.9 ♦21.1 ♦16.1
NOTE : 0 Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
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/13 .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 13 -
ARTICLE STUDIES LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF MANUFACTURING SECTOR *****
THE JULY 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS AN ARTICLE STUDYING THE TREND IN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BETWEEN 1981 AND 1991 AND FACTORS AFFECTING ITS VARIATIONS.
THE SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE IS ENTITLED "LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN HONG KONG, 1981-1991".
IN THE PERIOD, THE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY INDEX OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR GREW AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE OF 9.9 PER CENT.
THE PACE OF PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE PERIOD, AVERAGING AT 10.3 PER CENT PER ANNUM, WAS SLIGHTLY FASTER THAN THAT IN THE FIRST HALF, WHICH WAS 9.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY INDEX IS COMPILED BY RELATING AN OUTPUT INDEX TO AN INDEX OF LABOUR INPUT.
THE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY INDEX FOR AN INDUSTRY IN A YEAR REFLECTS CHANGE IN OUTPUT OF THE INDUSTRY OVER THE BASE YEAR, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF LABOUR INPUT IN THE TWO PERIODS.
FROM ANOTHER ANGLE, THE INDEX REFLECTS THE CHANGE IN OUTPUT PER UNIT LABOUR INPUT IN THE REFERENCE PERIOD.
THE JULY 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS AVAILABLE AT $48 A COPY.
IT CONTAINS A LARGE VOLUME OF COMMONLY USED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATISTICAL INFORMATION. IT CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAT TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
SEPTEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES » » « » «
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES TO COLLECT DATA ON EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN RESPECT OF SEPTEMBER 1994 .
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN SERVING AS SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE LATEST CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
/THIS ROUND .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
14
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 62,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND VACANCIES AS AT SEPTEMBER 30 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES) ORDER, THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
IF THEY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON TEL 582 5076.
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CHANGES TO UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION RULES
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE REVISION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION RULES WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1.
THE UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION RULES GOVERN THE ENTRY AND STAY OF PEOPLE GOING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
’’THE CHANGES IN RULES ARE LARGELY A REFORMATTING EXERCISE IN WHICH THE RULES ARE PRESENTED IN A NEW FORMAT - ON-ENTRY AND AFTERENTRY PROVISIONS ARE GROUPED TOGETHER,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE NEW RULES INCLUDE CHANGES THAT WILL REMOVE SEXUAL DISTINCTION IN THE EXISTING PROVISIONS.
THERE ARE NOW PROVISIONS TO ALLOW THE HUSBAND OF A FEMALE STUDENT TO QUALIFY AS A DEPENDENT SPOUSE, TO REMOVE THE SPECIAL CONCESSION RELATING TO FULLY DEPENDENT UNMARRIED DAUGHTERS UNDER 21 WHO FORMED PART OF THE FAMILY UNIT OVERSEAS AND TO LIMIT THE ADMISSION OF WIDOWED PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS TO THOSE OF 65 YEARS OF AGE IRRESPECTIVE OF SEX.
THE RULES NOW LIMIT THE ’’PERSONS OF INDEPENDENT MEANS” CATEGORY TO RETIRED PERSONS WHO ARE AT LEAST 60 YEARS OLD AND WHO HAVE AN ANNUAL INCOME OF NOT LESS THAN 25,000 POUNDS.
THE RULES INTRODUCE A NEW CATEGORY OF INVESTOR IN ORDER TO ENABLE THOSE WHO WISH TO INVEST A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ECONOMY TO ENGAGE IN BUSINESS.
/THE MAIN .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 15 -
THE MAIN REQUIREMENTS ARE THAT THE INVESTORS MUST HAVE UNDER THEIR CONTROL AND DISPOSABLE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM A SUM OF NOT LESS THAN ONE MILLION POUNDS AND INTEND TO INVEST NOT LESS THAN 750,000 POUNDS IN UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT BONDS, SHARE CAPITAL OR LOAN CAPITAL IN ACTIVE AND TRADING UNITED KINGDOM REGISTERED COMPANIES.
THEY INTEND TO MAKE THE UNITED KINGDOM THEIR MAIN HOME AND ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN AND ACCOMMODATE THEMSELVES WITHOUT TAKING EMPLOYMENT OR RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS. ENTRY CLEARANCE IS MANDATORY.
THE RULES INTRODUCE ANOTHER NEW CATEGORY FOR PERSONS EXERCISING THEIR RIGHTS OF ACCESS TO A CHILD RESIDENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE PERSON MUST BE EITHER DIVORCED OR LEGALLY SEPARATED FROM THE OTHER PARENT AND HAS BEEN GRANTED ACCESS RIGHTS TO HIS CHILD BY A COURT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. ENTRY CLEARANCE IS MANDATORY.
THE RULES ALSO MAKE CERTAIN EXISTING CATEGORIES OF ENTRY CLEARANCE MANDATORY.
PERSONS SEEKING ENTRY AS PRIVATE SERVANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN DIPLOMATIC HOUSEHOLDS, AIRPORT-BASED OPERATIONAL GROUND STAFF OF OVERSEAS-OWNED AIRLINES ON TRANSFER TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, WORKING HOLIDAY-MAKERS, AND TEACHERS AND LANGUAGE ASSISTANTS UNDER APPROVED EXCHANGE SCHEMES NOW REQUIRE ENTRY CLEARANCE FOR ENTERING INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THIS WILL ESTABLISH THAT THESE PEOPLE, GOING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR A LONGER PERIOD, MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RULES BEFORE SETTING OUT, TO AVOID ANY RISK OF DIFFICULTY ON ARRIVAL.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THE NEW RULES, APPLIED WORLDWIDE, WILL HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON HONG KONG PEOPLE AS THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS OR ENQUIRIES OF THE AFFECTED CATEGORIES HAS BEEN SMALL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111.
---------0-----------
HK - MODEL OF CONTROL OVER TIGER BONE TRADE *****
HONG KONG LEGISLATION AGAINST TRADE AND POSSESSION OF TIGERBONE PRODUCTS SHOULD BE A MODEL FOR CONSIDERATION BY OTHER CONSUMER COUNTRIES.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE SPECIAL REPORT ENTITLED "A REVIEW OF THE WORLDWIDE TRADE IN TIGER BONE" PUBLISHED LAST WEEK BY THE TRAFFIC INTERNATIONAL WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF).
WHILE COMMENDING HONG KONG AND OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES* FOR ENACTING NEW LAWS AND LAUNCHING NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS, THE REPORT ENCOURAGES OTHER COUNTRIES TO FOLLOW HONG KONG’S EFFORT ON IMPROVING DOMESTIC LEGISLATION ON THE CONTROL OF TRADE IN TIGER PARTS AND PRODUCTS.
/"HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 16 -
"HONG KONG MAY SERVE AS AN EXEMPLAR OF COMPREHENSIVE DOMESTIC LEGISLATION WITH APPLICATION TO THE CONTROL OF TIGER-BONE TRADE WITHIN A CONSUMER STATE: NOT ONLY TRADE IN, BUT POSSESSION OF TIGER-BONE PRODUCTS, EVEN IF UNPROVEN AS SUCH, IS AGAINST THE LAW," THE REPORT SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) MR FRANK LAU TODAY (MONDAY) SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT HONG KONG’S EFFORT HAD BEEN RECOGNISED.
MR LAU SAID HONG KONG WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO STAMPING OUT ANY FORM OF ILLEGAL TRADE IN CONNECTION WITH TIGER PRODUCTS.
"IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXTENDED ITS LICENSING CONTROL ON THE IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES TO COVER MEDICINES CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS," HE SAID.
"THE MEASURE TO CONTROL POSSESSION IS STRICTER THAN THE REQUIREMENT OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) WHICH ONLY REQUESTS MEMBER COUNTRIES TO IMPOSE CONTROL OVER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES.”
BETWEEN JANUARY AND AUGUST THIS YEAR, SOME 1,756 SHOPS HAD BEEN INSPECTED BY AFD OFFICERS, WITH SEIZURES OF ALLEGED TIGER BONES AND ALLEGED TIGER-BASED MEDICINE FROM 15 OF THEM.
THE CUSTOMS ALSO INTERCEPTED 109 CASES OF ILLEGAL IMPORTS OF TIGER PRODUCTS.
AS A RESULT OF THESE OPERATIONS, 2.89 KILOGRAMS OF ITEMS CLAIMED TO BE TIGER-BONE, AND 19,012 PACKAGES OF MEDICINES AND 34 BOTTLES OF WINE CLAIMING TO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS WERE SEIZED.
HOWEVER, MR LAU STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.
"CONTINUED LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS WILL BE MADE BY OUR DEPARTMENT TO CURB THE ILLEGAL SALE OF TIGER PARTS AND PRODUCTS AT OUR SHOPS.
"THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP COMPRISING AFD, POLICE AND CUSTOMS REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE ENFORCEMENT OF CONTROLS OF SUCH ILLICIT TRADE."
AT THE CONSUMER END, AFD WOULD CONTINUE TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC THAT ANY USE OF TIGER PRODUCTS WOULD THREATEN TIGERS WITH IMMINENT EXTINCTION IN THE WILD, MR LAU SAID.
IN FACT, THERE WAS A CHANCE THAT MEDICINE CLAIMING JO CONTAIN TIGER INGREDIENTS DID NOT CONTAIN SUCH SUBSTANCES, HE ADDED.
ACCORDING TO TRAFFIC INTERNATIONAL’S REPORT, THERE ARE ONLY 5,000 TO 7,400 TIGERS REMAINING IN THE WILD.
- - 0----------
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
17 -
INTAKE OF WASTE AT SENT LANDFILL STARTS TODAY *****
THE SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES (SENT) LANDFILL, THE SECOND OF THE THREE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS IN HONG KONG, STARTS RECEIVING WASTE TODAY (MONDAY).
SITUATED IN THE REMOTE AREA OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 AND FURTHER AWAY FROM THE RESIDENTIAL AREA THAN THE EXISTING TSEUNG KWAN O LANDFILL AND THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE SENT LANDFILL HAS A CAPACITY OF 39 MILLION CUBIC METRES AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR THE NEXT 13 YEARS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR MIKE STOKOE, SAID: ’’THE SENT LANDFILL WILL PROVIDE A LARGE SCALE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY DISPOSAL FACILITY FOR DISPOSAL OF WASTE ARISING FROM THE URBAN AREAS AND THE SOUTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES.
"THE LANDFILL WILL BE OPERATED TO VERY HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS UNDEE A DESIGN-BUILD-OPERATE CONTRACT WHICH HAS PROVED TO BE A VERY EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT FOR WASTE FACILITIES IN HONG KONG."
STARTING TODAY, DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES CURRENTLY DELIVERED TO THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 LANDFILL WILL GRADUALLY BE DIVERTED TO THE SENT LANDFILL. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN TSEUNG KWAN O AREA WILL BE IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT.
THE REMAINING CAPACITY OF THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 LANDFILL, WHICH WILL BE CLOSED IN EARLY 1995, WILL THEN BE USED MAINLY FOR THE DISPOSAL OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE.
ENQUIRIES ON ARRANGEMENTS RELATING TO THE PHASING-IN OF THE SENT LANDFILL AND THE PHASING-OUT OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O LANDFILL CAN BE MADE TO THE WASTE FACILITIES PLANNING GROUP OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 835 1017 OR ON FAX 591 0542.
------0-------
HK CELEBRATES WORLD MARITIME DAY *****
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) - THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIALISED AGENCY DEALING WITH MARITIME AFFAIRS - IS CELEBRATING THE WORLD MARITIME DAY 1994 DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 26 TO 30.
THE ANNUAL WORLD MARITIME DAY WAS FIRST HELD ON MARCH 17, 1978 TO MARK THE DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE IN 1958 OF THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING THE IMO.
THE IMC, OF WHICH HONG KONG IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER IN ITS OWN RIGHT, USES THE OCCASION EVERY YEAR TO PUBLICISE ITS WORK.
THIS YEAR, THE THEME IS: "BETTER STANDARDS, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION - IMO’S RESPONSE TO HUMAN ERROR".
/IN A........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
18
IN A MESSAGE MARKING THE WORLD MARITIME DAY 1994, THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE IMO, MR WILLIAM O’NEIL, SAID MOST ACCIDENTS AT SEA, SOME SAID UP TO 80 PER CENT, WERE THE RESULT OF MISTAKES MADE BY PEOPLE WHICH COULD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.
"IF WE SINCERELY WANT TO STOP ACCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING, THEN I THINK IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS ON ELIMINATING HUMAN ERROR," HE SAID.
MR O’NEIL POINTED OUT THAT MISTAKES WERE USUALLY MADE NOT BECAUSE OF FAULTY, DEFICIENT OR INADEQUATE REGULATIONS BUT BECAUSE THE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS THAT DID EXIST HAD BEEN IGNORED.
THE IMO IS TAKING STEPS TO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE HUMAN ERROR BY RAISING PERSONNEL STANDARDS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
"BETTER STANDARD, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION ARE NOT SIMPLY THE IMO RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM OF HUMAN ERROR - THEY REPRESENT THE ONLY RESPONSE THAT WILL BE EFFECTIVE," HE SAID.
IMO’S PRIORITY FOR NEXT YEAR IS TO REVISE THE MOST IMPORTANT AND MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL TREATY DEALING WITH CREW STANDARDS - THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS.
THE TREATY HAS BEEN RATIFIED BY' MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES AND HAS HELPED TO RAISE CREW STANDARDS AROUND THE WORLD.
MR O’NEIL SAID: "BUT THE CONVENTION WAS ADOPTED IN 1978 AND IS NOW OUT OF DATE IN MANY RESPECTS. IT IS GENERALLY AGREED THAT IT MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE."
THE IMO IS CARRYING OUT A REVIEW UNDER A SPECIALLY EXPEDITED PROGRAMME THAT SHOULD RESULT IN A COMPLETELY REVISED TREATY BEING ADOPTED IN JULY NEXT YEAR AND MAY ENTER INTO FORCE AT THE BEGINNING OF 1997.
THE ADOPTION OF THE REVISED TRAINING CONVENTION WILL BE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN IMO’S ATTEMPTS TO MAKE SHIPS SAFER AND THE OCEANS CLEANER. BUT IT WILL ONLY BE SUCCESSFUL IF IT IS IMPLEMENTED PROPERLY.
THE IMO IS HELPING IN THIS PROCESS TOO, BY DEVELOPING MODEL COURSES FOR USE IN MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTES, BY PROVIDING PRACTICAL HELP AND GUIDANCE TO GOVERNMENTS AND THROUGH THE WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY, WHICH SINCE 1983 HAS BEEN TRAINING ADMINISTRATORS AND OTHER SENIOR PERSONNEL FROM WELL OVER 100 COUNTRIES.
ALSO, THE IMO HAS CONCENTRATED ON STRENGTHENING THE POWERS OF PORT STATE CONTROL ADMINISTRATIONS, CLARIFIED AND MADE MANDATORY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SHIPPING MANAGEMENT AND IS CURRENTLY DEVOTING ATTENTION TO ELIMINATING THE FLAWS IN THE SYSTEM OF TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.
IT WAS AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME THAT SEAFARERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE TRAINED TO THE SAME HIGH STANDARDS, THAT THE EXAMINATIONS THEY SAT WERE FAIRLY MARKED AND THAT THE CERTIFICATES ISSUED TO THEM WERE COMPLETELY RELIABLE, MR O’NEIL SAID.
/THE DIRECTOR .......
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
19
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY): ’’RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN AWARENESS THAT MOST ACCIDENTS AT SEA WERE CAUSED BY HUMAN ERROR IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER.”
"I WELCOME THIS FOCUS ON HUMAN ELEMENT AS DISTINCT FROM THE SHIP ITSELF.
"WE INTEND TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE NOT ONLY BY MAINTAINING OUR OWN STANDARDS BUT ALSO OBTAINING INPUT FROM OUR LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY SO THAT THIS CAN BE REFLECTED DURING DISCUSSIONS AT THE IMO," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 98.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 574.947 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 500.656 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED 26 SEPT 94 EF NOTES 5909 HK$l,560 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$500 MN
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.64 (7.68 PCT)
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED 99.57 (7.70 PCT)
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 80 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE (YIELD) 99.48 (7.72 PCT)
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/20........
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,880 0930 + 316
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,204 1000 + 316
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 372
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 324 1200 + 374
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 + 324
1600 + 324
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.6 * + 0.1* 26.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.12 17 MONTHS 2602 4.40 98.16 5.88
1 MONTH 4.23 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.82 6.35
3 MONTHS 4.39 28 MONTHS 3701 4.60 95.73 6.71
6 MONTHS 4.75 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.63 6.85
12 MONTHS 5.41 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.13 7.01
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 10,038 MN
CLOSED 26 SEPTEMBER 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW BGCA HEADQUARTERS BUILDING............... 1
PLAGUE CONTROL MEASURES STEPPED UP.......................... 1
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM MADE IN GOVERNMENT.............. 3
SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY FURTHER IMPROVED................... 4
TRAFFIC CONTROL CLOSED CIRCUIT TV SYSTEM FOR KOWLOON TO EXPAND...................................................... 4
HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH............ 5
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE 2ND QUARTER OF 1994 ................................ 7
APRIL - JUNE 1994 QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY AVAILABLE........................................... 10
NEW CURRICULUM PROJECT RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS............... 10
WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY HOLDS ITS LAST PUBLIC BRIEFING IN MONG KOK................................ 11
ASIAN ANTI-DRUG OFFICERS TO GET TRAINING IN HK............. 11
CLOSURE OF SAN PO KONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.................. 12
91 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME.................................. 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27,
1994
1
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW BGCA HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, HIGHLY COMMENDED THE LONG-TERM COMMITMENT OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG (BGCA) TO PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN RESPONSE TO THE EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE REDEVELOPED HEADQUARTERS BUILDING OF BGCA THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, MR PATTEN SAID: "HELPING HONG KONG’S BOYS AND GIRLS, YOUNG MEN AND YOUNG WOMEN, AND HELPING THEIR FAMILIES TO COPE WITH THE TRANSFORMATIONS AND TENSIONS THAT THEY FACE HAS BEEN THE COMMITMENT OF THIS ASSOCIATION SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1936.
"I AM SURE THAT WITH THE RESOURCES THAT THIS SPLENDID NEW HEADQUARTERS PROVIDES, YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN ENERGETIC AND INSPIRING HELP TO HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE FOR AT LEAST AS MANY YEARS TO COME," MR PATTEN SAID.
MR PATTEN ALSO SAID THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BGCA TO SHOW FRIENDSHIP, CARE AND TRUST TOWARDS YOUNG PEOPLE HAD HELPED THEM DEVELOP THEIR OWN CAPACITY; ENRICH THE COMMUNITY AND CONTRIBUTE TO ITS STABILITY.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD SHOWN GREAT RESILIENCE AND CAPACITY FOR THE TREMENDOUS CHANGE IN HONG KONG BY EXTENDING ITS WORK TO NEW AREAS OF NEED, DEVELOPING NEW SERVICES AND UPDATING OLD ONES.
*- • .M -------------------------------o-------
PLAGUE CONTROL MEASURES STEPPED UP *****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS STEPPED UP PLAGUE CONTROL MEASURES SINCE REPORTS OF AN OUTBREAK OF THE DISEASE IN INDIA LAST WEEK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "ALL ALONG, WE HAVE IN PLACE A PLAGUE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH MONITORS THE GLOBAL SITUATION."
THE MEASURES ALREADY ADOPTED INCLUDE:
* THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEAFLET "HEALTH ADVICE ON PLAGUE PREVENTION" TO TRAVELLERS DISEMBARKING FOR INFECTED PORT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF AIRLINES;
» YELLOW CARD "IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG" IS AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE ARRIVALS HALL OF AIRPORT;
* TRAVELLERS ARE ADVISED TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IF THEY DEVELOP SYMPTOMS WITHIN SIX DAYS OF ARRIVAL FROM A PLAGUE-INFECTED AREA; AND
* TRAVELLERS ARRIVING AT HONG KONG WITH SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION ARE SEEN AT PORT HEALTH OFFICE;
/TAKING INTO .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
•. 7 , • V • •
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA, THE DEPARTMENT WILL IMPLEMENT THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL MEASURES:
» PILOTS OF ALL AIRCRAFT COMING FROM INDIA TO DECLARE THE HEALTH STATUS OF PASSENGERS THROUGH AIRLINE COMPANY;
* AIRLINE COMPANIES TO ALERT PORT HEALTH OFFICE IF SICK PERSON ON BOARD IS DECLARED BY THE PILOT;
« PASSENGERS FROM INDIA DISEMBARKING IN HONG KONG TO COMPLETE THE "UNDERTAKING TO SUBMIT TO SURVEILLANCE" FORM AND PASS THEM TO THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE;
* AIRLINE TO PROVIDE THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE WITH A LIST OF PASSENGER EMBARKING AT INDIA AND DISEMBARKING IN HONG KONG;
» PORT HEALTH OFFICER TO INSPECT PASSENGERS AND CABIN CREW OF
EVERY AIRCRAFT ARRIVING FROM INDIA WITH A VIEW TO DETECTING EARLY DISEASE; AND
* TO CHECK ALL CARGO MANIFEST FOR CARGO FLIGHTS COMING FROM INDIA AND TO CONDUCT RODENT AND FLEA CONTROL MEASURES IN STORAGE DEPOT WHERE NECESSARY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PNEUMONIC PLAGUE WAS A HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS CONDITION CAUSED BY BACTERIA. "THE SYMPTOMS ARE FEVER, CHILLS, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND SHOCK.
"THE CONDITION IS TREATABLE AND PEOPLE CAN MAKE FULL RECOVERY WITH PROPER TREATMENT WITH ANTIBIOTICS," HE SAID.
PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS ARE ADVISED TO SEEK EARLY TREATMENT FROM DOCTORS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR LAM PING-YAM, WILL BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE PLAGUE CONTROL MEASURES AT THE PRESS ROOM, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT 5 PM TODAY (TUESDAY).
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
------0-----------
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
3
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM MADE IN GOVERNMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS, OVER THE LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS, MADE CONSIDERABLE ADVANCEMENT IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM AIMED AT GIVING AN INCREASED DEGREE OF DELEGATED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES TO BRANCH SECRETARIES AND TO THEIR HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 1993 ASIAN MANAGEMENT AWARDS AWARDING CEREMONY, MR TSANG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD, FOR MANY YEARS, FOLLOWED THE PRINCIPAL BUDGETARY GUIDELINE THAT GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE SHOULD NOT GROW FASTER THAN THE TREND GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY.
"OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN THAT AIM.
"SINCE WE INTRODUCED THE DISCIPLINE OF THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE 1980’S, THE CUMULATIVE GROWTH IN REAL TERMS IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING HAS ALMOST PRECISELY MATCHED THE GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT MAKES THE OPTIMUM USE OF THE RESOURCES AT ITS DISPOSAL, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENCOURAGED THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO LOOK INCREASINGLY AT THE POSSIBILITIES OF INTRODUCING IMPROVED SERVICES BY THE REDEPLOYMENT OF FUNDS FROM EXISTING ACTIVITIES, MR TSANG NOTED.
"WE HAVE SET UP A FRAMEWORK OF REVIEW MEETINGS WHERE BRANCH SECRETARIES REVIEW THE RESOURCES USED AND THE RESULTS ACHIEVED BY THEIR VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS.
"AND THROUGH THIS PROCESS, WE WILL BE ESTABLISHING TARGETS FOR BOTH SERVICE PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY."
IN ADDITION, MR TSANG SAID, BRANCH SECRETARIES THEMSELVES WERE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PROGRAMMES TO THE STAR CHAMBER, A COMMITTEE COMPRISING THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"WE HAVE ALREADY FOUND THIS A VALUABLE PROCESS. IT HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SYSTEMATICALLY EXAMINE THE MASS OF GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON OUR EXISTING ACTIVITIES ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS.
"IT HAS LED TO AN ENHANCED AWARENESS, THROUGHOUT GOVERNMENT, OF THE NEED FOR THE ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES AND IT HAS ALREADY PRODUCED SOME INTERESTING IDEAS AND INITIATIVES.
"WE DO NOT, OF COURSE, EXPECT OVERNIGHT SUCCESS, BUT WE HAVE TAKEN WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A FURTHER AND VITAL STEP TOWARDS OUR GOAL OF ALLOCATING RESOURCES TO THOSE SERVICES WHICH PROVIDE THE OPTIMUM BENEFIT TO THE ECONOMY AND TO THE COMMUNITY," MR TSANG SAID.
------0-------
/4 ........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
4 SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY FURTHER IMPROVED *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED A WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY TO EXAMINE THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE AND TO REVIEW THE EXISTING POLICIES ON VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THIS IS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WAN SHING MEMORIAL DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHA TIN TODAY (TUESDAY).
NOTING THAT THE WORKING GROUP HAD RECENTLY SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR FOR CONSIDERATION, MR STRACHAN SAID SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED UPON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP.
“THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT SUPPORTIVE SERVICE SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE COMMUNITY SO AS TO ENABLE OUR SENIOR CITIZENS TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE, A WIDE SPECTRUM OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING HOME HELP SERVICE, MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, DAY CARE CENTRE, SOCIAL CENTRE AND RESPITE SERVICE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED IN THE LAST DECADE THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS,” HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THESE SERVICES IN SUPPORTING SENIOR CITIZENS TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO FURTHER DEVELOP THESE SERVICES IN THE COMING YEARS.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE 36 ADDITIONAL HOME HELP TEAMS, 51 SOCIAL CENTRES, 11 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES AND 14 DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,” HE ADDED.
------0--------
TRAFFIC CONTROL CLOSED CIRCUIT TV SYSTEM FOR KOWLOON TO EXPAND *****
THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR KOWLOON IS TO BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR THE WHOLE KOWLOON REGION.
THE EXPANDED SYSTEM, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO COST $35 MILLION, WILL SUPPLEMENT THE COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL SYSTEM OF KOWLOON, WHICH IS BEING UPGRADED.
A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT OPERATES A SMALL CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SYSTEM OF 26 ROADSIDE CAMERAS COVERING THE WEST AND CENTRAL KOWLOON AREA.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
5
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THIS ENABLED CENTRAL MONITORING OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE IN YAU MA TEI AND THE POLICE’S TRAFFIC HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON CITY.
"THE CONSULTANTS WILL DESIGN AND UPGRADE THE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF ABOUT 40 ADDITIONAL ROADSIDE CAMERAS TO COVER THE WHOLE KOWLOON REGION AND TO PROVIDE INCREASED COVERAGE IN THE WEST AND CENTRAL KOWLOON AREA THAN THAT AT PRESENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WITH THE EXPANDED SYSTEM, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE WILL BE ABLE TO CENTRALLY MONITOR THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENT TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS, AND ALSO TAKE ACTIONS TO DEAL WITH TRAFFIC-RELATED INCIDENTS QUICKLY," HE ADDED.
THE CONSULTANCY WILL START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH. THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW ROADSIDE CAMERAS WILL START IN JULY 1995 FOR THE SYSTEM TO BE COMPLETED AND IN OPERATION IN JANUARY 1997.
- ----------------------------o--------■'
HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH *****
A NEW ROUND OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM NEXT MONTH TO SEPTEMBER 1995. THE RESULTS WILL BE USED AS AN IMPORTANT BASIS FOR REBASING THE VARIOUS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) SERIES TO 1994/95.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR FREDERICK W H HO, POINTED OUT THAT TWO KINDS OF WORK WERE REQUIRED IN COMPILING CONSUMER PRICE INDICES.
"FIRST, TO CREATE A BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES ITEMS THAT HOUSEHOLDS PURCHASE AND TO DETERMINE A WEIGHTING SYSTEM WHICH REPRESENTS THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE ITEMS IN THE BASKET."
"SECOND, TO COLLECT DATA CONTINUOUSLY ON THE PRICE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES SO THAT MOVEMENTS OF THE MARKET PRICES CAN BE FULLY REFLECTED IN THE PRICE INDICES."
"INFORMATION ON THE BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES ITEMS AND THE WEIGHTING OF THE ITEMS IS TO BE OBTAINED FROM A HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY," HE SAID.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS THAT A NEW ROUND OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HES) WILL BE CONDUCTED ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS. THIS PRACTICE CONFORMS WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND PRACTICES."
THE LAST HES WAS CONDUCTED FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990. THE CURRENT CPI SERIES USE 1989/90 AS THE BASE YEAR.
/THE CPI .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
6
THE CPI IS A MAIN ECONOMIC INDICATOR TO MEASURE CHANGES IN THE PRICE LEVEL OF THE GOODS AND SERVICES THAT HOUSEHOLDS PURCHASE. IT IS WIDELY USED IN ECONOMIC ANALYSES BY BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AS AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR OF INFLATION FACED BY CONSUMERS. SOME EMPLOYERS ALSO USE IT AS A REFERENCE IN ADJUSTING SALARIES, WAGES AND VARIOUS LIVING ALLOWANCES.
MR HO EXPLAINED: "THREE DIFFERENT CPI SERIES, WHICH REFER TO HOUSEHOLDS IN DIFFERENT EXPENDITURE RANGES, ARE CURRENTLY COMPILED IN HONG KONG."
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B), WHICH REFER TO HOUSEHOLDS IN THE RELATIVELY LOW AND THE MEDIUM EXPENDITURE RANGES, ARE COMPILED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE HANG SENG CPI, WHICH REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS IN THE RELATIVELY HIGH EXPENDITURE RANGE, IS COMPILED BY THE HANG SENG BANK.
BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF ALL THESE HOUSEHOLDS TAKEN TOGETHER, A COMPOSITE CPI IS COMPILED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO REFLECT THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER PRICE CHANGES ON HOUSEHOLDS AS A WHOLE.
"THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE ANALYSED IN LATE 1995 OR EARLY 1996. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW CPI SERIES WILL BE PUBLISHED BY APRIL 1996," HE SAID.
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 9,000 LIVING QUARTERS HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM ALL LIVING QUARTERS IN HONG KONG. HOUSEHOLDS IN THE SELECTED LIVING QUARTERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO KEEP RECORDS OF ALL EXPENSES FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF 14 DAYS.
IN THIS ROUND OF THE HES, MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE CONSUMPTION PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WILL BE COLLECTED FROM SOME HOUSEHOLDS TO FACILITATE MORE IN-DEPTH ANALYSES AND STUDIES OF HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS.
BEFORE EACH SURVEY CYCLE, LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO THE SAMPLED LIVING QUARTERS INFORMING HOUSEHOLDS THEREIN ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THE SURVEY. EACH LETTER WILL CONTAIN THE NAME OF AN INTERVIEWER.
ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER DESPATCH OF THE LETTER, INTERVIEWERS WILL CALL ON THE HOUSEHOLDS AND REQUEST THE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY.
SINCE THE FIRST SURVEY CYCLE WILL START NEXT MONDAY (OCTOBER 3), THE FIRST BATCH OF LETTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN DESPATCHED.
WHEN CALLING ON A HOUSEHOLD, AN INTERVIEWER WILL CARRY WITH HIM AN IDENTITY CARD WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS SHOULD CAREFULLY CHECK THE IDENTITY .OF THE INTERVIEWERS --INCLUDING THE CHECKING OF THEIR PERSONAL HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS IF NECESSARY.
’’THE QUESTIONNAIRE USED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE DESIGNED IN THE FORM OF AN EXPENDITURE DIARY. HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WILL NEED TO SPEND ONLY A FEW MINUTES A DAY TO COMPLETE THE RECORDING OF THEIR DAILY EXPENDITURE AND INTERVIEWERS WILL RENDER ASSISTANCE AS NECESSARY," MR HO SAID.
/THE HANG .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
7
THE HANG SENG BANK HAS BEEN COLLABORATING WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT FOR THE MANY YEARS IN THE PROGRAMME OF MEASURING CHANGES IN PRICES BY COMPILING A HANG SENG CPI TO REFLECT THE IMPACT OF INFLATION ON HOUSEHOLDS IN THE RELATIVELY HIGH EXPENDITURE RANGE.
"IN THIS ROUND OF WORK TO UPDATE THE CPI SERIES, THE HANG SENG BANK HAS AGREED TO COLLABORATE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AGAIN IN CONDUCTING THE HES AND THE SUBSEQUENT COMPILATION OF A NEW HANG SENG CPI SERIES. A NUMBER OF STAFF OF THE BANK WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE DEPARTMENT AND WORK ALONG WITH THE DEPARTMENTAL TEAM DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD," ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HANG SENG BANK, MR ANTHONY K K WONG, SAID.
THE PARTICIPATING HOUSEHOLDS, AFTER PROVIDING ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION, WILL BE PRESENTED WITH AN HONORARIUM OF $100.
MR HO SAID: ’’THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE HES FORMS AN IMPORTANT BASIS FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE CPIS. THE RELIABILITY OF THE CPIS THEREFORE DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE QUALITY OF DATA COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY."
"I THEREFORE APPEAL TO ALL SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS TO CO-OPERATE BY SUPPLYING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION."
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE HES WOULD BE CONDUCTED UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS, THE INFORMATION THAT A HOUSEHOLD PROVIDES WILL BE KEPT IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE AND WILL NOT BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ANY IDENTIFIABLE FORM.
------U--------
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
FOR THE 2ND QUARTER OF 1994
*****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, ESTIMATED AT $12.0 BILLION, INCREASED BY 7% WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1993, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RECEIPTS DECREASED BY 1% IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL PURCHASES OF RESTAURANTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, ESTIMATED AT $4.3 BILLION, WAS 3% ABOVE THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1993.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, BY 20% IN VALUE AND 13% IN VOLUME AS COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS REGISTERED A MODERATE INCREASE OF 9% IN VALUE AND 1% IN VOLUME.
THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS ROSE BY 7% IN VALUE, BUT DECREASED BY 2% IN VOLUME. SIMILARLY, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS WERE DOWN BY 3% IN VOLUME, DESPITE AN INCREASE OF 4% IN VALUE.
/COMPARING THE .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
8
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1993, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS ROSE BY 11% IN VALUE AND 3% IN VOLUME,
COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THE COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS DECREASED BY 8% IN VALUE AND 9% IN VOLUME.
RESTAURANT RECEIPTS IN VOLUME TERMS ARE DERIVED FROM RECEIPTS IN VALUE TERMS AFTER ADJUSTING FOR PRICE CHANGES. THE RELEVANT COMPONENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX ARE USED AS DEFLATORS.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE RESULTS OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 WITH THOSE OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993; COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
9
TABLE 1: TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
1st qtr. 1994 (Revised figures)
2nd qtr. 1994 (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant receipts (in HK$ million) 13 008.3
Total purchases by restaurants (in HK$ million) 4 586.9
11 982.8
4 261.4
TABLE 2: VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 1st QUARTER 1994 AND 2nd QUARTER 1994
(Quarterly average of Oct. 89 - Sept. 90 = 100)
Type of restaurant Index of restaurant receipts 1st quarter 1994 2nd quarter 1994 2nd qtr. 1994 compared with 1st qtr. 1994 2nd qtr. 1994 compared with 2nd qtr. 1993 1st-2nd qtr. 1994 compared with 1st-2nd qtr. 1993
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points X Points X
Chinese restaurants Value 145.2 124.6 -20.6 -14.2 ♦8.2 ♦7.0 +14.6 ♦ 12.1
Volume 96.5 81.5 -15.1 -15.6 -1.4 -1.6 ♦2.6 ♦3.0
Non-Chinese restaurants Value 144.8 149.4 +4.6 ♦3.2 ♦ 11.8 ♦8.6 ♦ 13.6 ♦ 10.2
Volume 98.3 99.6 ♦1.4 +1.4 ♦ 1.2 ♦ 1.2 ♦2.3 ♦2.4
Fast food shops Value 191.5 205.4 +13.9 ♦7.2 ♦7.9 ♦4.0 ♦12.4 +6.7
Volume 137.4 144.6 ♦7.1 ♦5.2 -4.6 -3.1 -0.6 -0.4
Bars Value 240.4 229.2 -11.1 -4.6 ♦38.8 ♦20.3 ♦44.0 ♦23.1
Volume 150.5 144.9 -5.7 -3.8 ♦ 17.1 +13.4 ♦ 14.5 ♦ 10.9
Other eating and drinking places Value Volume 173.7 119.9 180.4 120.3 ♦6.7 ♦0.4 ♦3.9 ♦0.4 -9.7 -17.4 -5.1 -12.6 ♦ 1.9 -8.1 ♦ 1.1 -6.3
All restaurant types Value 151.4 139.4 -11.9 -7.9 ♦9.3 ♦7.1 ♦ 14.6 ♦11.2
Volume 101.9 92.5 -9.4 -9.2 -0.9 -1.0 ♦2.4 ♦2.5
/10........
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
10
APRIL - JUNE 1994 QUARTERLY REPORT ON GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY AVAILABLE * * » * *
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR APRIL TO JUNE 1994 IS NOW AVAILABLE.
IT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS OF WORK PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT AT $24 EACH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.
- - 0 - -
NEW CURRICULUM PROJECT RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S NEW SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT RESOURCE CENTRE IN NORTH POINT WILL OPEN TO TEACHERS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE CENTRE PUTS TOGETHER REFERENCE MATERIALS ON SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND PROVIDES AN ADVISORY SERVICE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECT SCHEME.
IT IS LOCATED AT ROOM 211 OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, PAK FUK ROAD.
IT WOULD FACILITATE SCHOOL TEACHERS TO SHARE TEACHING EXPERIENCE ON SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
TEACHERS VISITING THE CENTRE WILL HAVE AN OPPOTUNITY TO READ AND USE REFERENCE MATERIALS IN THE FORM OF SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS, BOARD DISPLAY AS WELL AS AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS SUCH AS VIDEO PROGRAMMES, SLIDES AND CASSETTE TAPES.
TN ADDITION, TEACHERS WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE COPIES OF SELECTED MATERIALS OF THE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM PROJECTS FOR USE IN THE CLASSROOMS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MONDAY WEDNESDAY SATURDAY
9 AM - 12.30 PM
2 PM - 5 PM
9 AM - NOON
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND PROJECTS SECTION, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 892 5830 AND 892 5838.
- - 0 - -
/Il
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
11
WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY HOLDS ITS LAST PUBLIC BRIEFING IN MONG KOK ♦ * * » *
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY WILL END ON OCTOBER 15, AND THE WORKING GROUP WILL ORGANISE ITS LAST PUBLIC BRIEFING ON ITS REPORT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152 SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
URGING MORE PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND OTHER INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ATTEND THE LAST SESSION, THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MRS ANGELA CHEUNG, SAID: ’’THE LAST THREE SESSIONS HAVE BEEN STIMULATING AND USEFUL. THEY PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO TALK TO THE PARTICIPANTS, FACE TO FACE, ON THE LANGUAGE SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE LANGUAGE PROBLEMS FACED BY OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR PROPOSALS TO TACKLE THEM.
’’THE COMMENTS MADE BY SOME PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WERE VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH THE ANALYSIS OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT. AS A WHOLE, THEY WELCOMED THE EFFORT MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP AND SUPPORTED OUR RECOMMENDATIONS,” MRS CHEUNG SAID.
”1 SINCERELY HOPE THAT INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN JOIN US AT THE LAST SESSION TOMORROW AND SHARE WITH US THEIR VIEWS ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY,” MRS CHEUNG SAID.
’’FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT COME TO ANY OF THESE SESSIONS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO WRITE TO US, GIVING THEIR VIEWS ON THE WORKING GROUP REPORT, BEFORE THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ENDS IN MID-OCTOBER.”
APART FROM MRS CHEUNG, TWO WORKING GROUP MEMBERS WILL JOIN TOMORROW’S SESSION. THEY ARE MR CHO YU-FUN, WHO IS AN ENGINEER AND CHAIRMAN OF A PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION; AND MR CHEUNG CHI-HUNG, PRINCIPAL OF CHOI WAN ST JOSEPH PRIMARY SCHOOL.
COPIES OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT AND A LEAFLET SETTING OUT THE CONTENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT AT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SECRETARIAT, NINTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
FOR ENQUIRY, PLEASE CALL 810 3031 OR FAX 537 4591.
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ASIAN ANTI-DRUG OFFICERS TO GET TRAINING IN HK
♦ t t * »
FOUR ANTI-DRUG PERSONNEL FROM THE NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD OF THAILAND, THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, AND THE KOREAN ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN CENTRE ARE HERE TO ATTEND A ONE-WEEK TRAINING PROGRAMME.
THEY ARE TO OBSERVE THE LOCAL TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES AND HONG KONG’S EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
/AS PART .......
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
12
AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME, THE OFFICERS TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA)’S WOMEN TREATMENT CENTRE IN SHA TIN AND WERE BRIEFED ON THE TREATMENT FACILITIES AVAILABLE WHICH INCLUDED WORK THERAPY, INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELLING, SOCIAL EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION.
ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, THE TRAINING PROGRAMME COVERS VISITS TO HEI LING CHAU DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, VIOLET PEEL METHADONE CLINIC OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOME VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SUCH AS CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB AND ST STEPHEN’S SOCIETY.
"HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE," A NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID.
"VISIT OF THIS KIND IS A GOOD DEMONSTRATION SHOWING HOW HONG KONG SERVES AS A MODEL FOR OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES IN THE FIELD OF DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IN 1993, HONG KONG RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 306 VISITORS FROM 19 COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS WHO CAME TO THE TERRITORY FOR TRAINING ATTACHMENT AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ANTI-DRUG ISSUES,
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CLOSURE OF SAN PO KONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES * » » * «
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE TWO UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN SAN PO KONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE TWO DOUBLE-STOREY STRUCTURES USED FOR STORAGE AND WORKSHOP PURPOSES ARE LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF 218-220 CHOI HUNG ROAD AND 23-25 NG FONG STREET.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 5, 1995 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES YESTERDAY (MONDAY).
DEMOLITION WILL START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
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91 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME * * « » «
A GROUP OF 91 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 51 MEN, 21 WOMEN, 11 BOYS AND EIGHT GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 216TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,284 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 42,897 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
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/13........
* •
‘r< HONG TENDER DATE TUESDAY, • .. •. .*• -J ‘ . ■ - 13 - . >; .. KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS * » » ♦ » 27 SEPT 94 SEPTEMBER 27, 27 SEPT 94 1994
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER EF BILLS Q439 EF BILLS H474 . • s
AMOUNT APPLIED HKD5,540 MN HKD2,960 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED HKDl,500 MN 4.38 PCT 4.39 PCT HKD800 MN 4.77 PCT 4.79 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD ABOUT 56 PCT 4.43 PCT ABOUT 13 PCT 4.81 PCT . ■ ■ * S
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 3 OCT 1994 - TENDER DATE 4 OCT 94 4 OCT 94 . |
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS •. 1
ISSUE NUMBER Q440 Y494
ISSUE DATE 5 OCT 94 5 OCT 94 ft £ 1
MATURITY DATE 4 JAN 95 4 OCT 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 364 DAYS • ’ 1
AMOUNT ON OFFER HKDl,500 + 300 MN HKD500 + 150 MN -
0 /14 ....
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1994
14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * » ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,204 0930 + 2
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,188 1000 + 2
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -18
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -16 1200 -16
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 -16
1600 -16
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.7 *+0.1* 27.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.19 20 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.49 6.12
1 MONTH 4.26 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.85 6.33
3 MONTHS 4.40 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.58 6.87
6 MONTHS 4.76 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.11 7.02
12 MONTHS 5.41 60 MONTHS 5909 7.45 99.53 7.71
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 20,058 MN
CLOSED 27 SEPTEMBER 1994
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
Received by pprj “—3-0 Sep-B84
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THREE CSD OFFICERS TO BE PROSECUTED FOR ASSAULTING VIETNAMESE................................................. 1
NEW TELECOMS BILL BEING DRAFTED............................ 1
TIGHTER CONTROL ON HAND-DUG CAISSON........................ 3
OCR READERS INSTALLED AT FIVE IMMIGRATION POINTS........... 4
PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS REVISE FEES..................... 5
ENVIRONMENT HOTLINE SET UP TO HELP INDUSTRY................ 5
PUBLIC URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON PENSION SCHEME............ 6
HKADC LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION INVITES APPLICATION.......... 6
SOUVENIR COVER TO COMMEMORATE PHILATELIA’94 EXHIBITION.. 7
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS..................... 8
WATER CUT IN POK FU LAM.................................... 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 9
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 1 -
THREE CSD OFFICERS TO BE PROSECUTED FOR ASSAULTING VIETNAMESE *****
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, MR PETER NGUYEN, HAS DECIDED TO PROSECUTE THREE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) OFFICERS FOR A TOTAL OF FIVE COUNTS OF ASSAULT DURING AN OPERATION TO TRANSFER VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE FROM WHITEHEAD DETENTION CENTRE TO HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE ON APRIL 7 THIS YEAR.
TWO OF THE OFFICERS WILL BE CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT OF ASSAULT OCCASIONING ACTUAL BODILY HARM. ONE OF THOSE OFFICERS WILL ALSO BE CHARGED WITH A FURTHER COUNT OF COMMON ASSAULT. A THIRD OFFICER WILL BE CHARGED WITH THREE COUNTS OF COMMON ASSAULT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MR NGUYEN’S DECISION WAS MADE AFTER A CAREFUL AND THOROUGH CONSIDERATION OF THE MATERIAL PROVIDED BY THE INVESTIGATING POLICE TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
"THEY INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE POLICE REPORT ON THE INCIDENT; ALL WITNESS STATEMENTS; THE MEDICAL EVIDENCE AND THE EVIDENCE OF A CONSULTANT FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST RELATING TO IT; AND THE CONTENTS OF 19 VIDEOTAPES RECORDED BY POLICE AND CSD OFFICERS DURING THE INCIDENT," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AFTER A CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THIS EVIDENCE, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE WAS SUFFICIENT RELIABLE AND ADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE TO AFFORD A REASONABLE PROSPECT OF A CONVICTION IN RESPECT OF THE CHARGES REFERRED TO.
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT OF THE 99 DETAINEES WHO MADE ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT, 68 INDICATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THEIR ALLEGED ASSAILANTS, THEREBY LEAVING 31 COMPLAINANTS’ CASES TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE.
OF THESE 31 CASES, IT WAS CONCLUDED IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE TO JUSTIFY A PROSECUTION.
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NEW TELECOMS BILL BEING DRAFTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW DRAFTING A NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS BILL TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN NEW TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND THE EMERGENCE OF NEW SERVICES, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON "TELECOMMUNICATIONS REFORM IN HONG KONG" AT THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH CONFERENCE, MRS BOSHER SAID THE NEW BILL, IN ONE SINGLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION, WAS AIMED AT REPLACING THE EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE AND THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE.
/THE CONTROL .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
2 -
THE CONTROL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN HONG KONG IS AT PRESENT PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ENACTED IN 1963.
THE SUPPLY AND OPERATION OF PUBLIC LOCAL TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATIONS IS REGULATED UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE ENACTED IN 1951 .
AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION HAVE BEEN MADE FROM TIME TO TIME TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY, THE AVAILABILITY OF AN INCREASING RANGE OF NEW PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES, AND THE EMERGENCE OF NEW REGULATORY CONCEPTS.
EVEN SO THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO RATIONALISE AND, WHERE NECESSARY, REVAMP THE LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND FUTURE REGULATORY NEEDS, MRS BOSHER SAID.
"MOREOVER, THE EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY UNDER THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WILL EXPIRE IN 1995 AND WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENCE TO BE ISSUED UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE.
"AS A RESULT, THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WILL NEED TO BE REPEALED AND THE OPPORTUNITY WILL BE TAKEN TO REPLACE THE TWO ORDINANCES WITH A SINGLE PIECE OF LEGISLATION."
MRS BOSHER SAID A NEW FEATURE IN THE NEW BILL WOULD BE A RANGE OF PROVISIONS TO PROHIBIT ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES ENGAGED BY PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC TELECOM SERVICES, ESPECIALLY FIXED NETWORK OPERATORS WHEN LOCAL NETWORK SERVICES ARE OPEN TO COMPETITION NEXT YEAR.
"TO CREATE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WHICH WILL ENABLE THE NEW ENTRANTS TO CHALLENGE AND COMPETE FAIRLY AND EFFECTIVELY WITH THE DOMINANT OPERATOR, A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF COMPETITIVE SAFEGUARDS COVERING THOSE AREAS WHICH ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO ABUSE BY THE DOMINANT OPERATOR WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE NEW ORDINANCE SUCH AS INTERCONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS, PRICING AND NUMBERING."
MRS BOSHER SAID ANOTHER IMPORTANT FEATURE IN THE NEW BILL WAS RELATED TO THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMER INTEREST.
THE NEW BILL WILL REQUIRE THAT THE TARIFFS OF ANY OPERATOR IN A DOMINANT POSITION TO SUPPLY THAT SERVICE BE SUBJECT TO TARIFF CONTROL BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY.
"SUCH CONTROL IS NECESSARY TO DISCOURAGE AND PROHIBIT THE DOMINANT SUPPLIER FROM ABUSING ITS MARKET POSITION AND OVERCHARGING CUSTOMERS.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE A NON-DISCRIMINATION PROVISION IN THE NEW BILL PROHIBITING A DOMINANT OPERATOR FROM DISCRIMINATING IN FAVOUR OR AGAINST ANY OF ITS CUSTOMERS IN THE SUPPLY OF SERVICES."
/ON THE ........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 3
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW ORDINANCE, MRS BOSHER SAID THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH WAS NOW WORKING ON THE SECOND DRAFT OF THE BILL. THE INDUSTRY WILL BE CONSULTED AROUND THE TURN OF THE YEAR.
"OUR AIM IS TO PUT FORWARD THE BILL TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1995.
"WE HOPE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO ENACT THE NEW ORDINANCE BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE A SOUND BASIS FOR THE LAUNCH OF LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICES COMPETITION IN JULY 1995 AND A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTO THE 21ST CENTURY," SHE SAID.
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TIGHTER CONTROL ON HAND-DUG CAISSON
*****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE BETTER SAFETY AND HEALTH PROTECTION TO CAISSON WORKERS ENGAGED IN GROUND INVESTIGATION AND SEWAGE TUNNELLING WORK WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).
THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1994 SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TO REFUSE PROPOSALS FOR HAND-DUG CAISSONS DEEPER THAN THREE METRES EXCEPT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT OTHER ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERING METHODS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IN THE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT A HAND-DUG CAISSON WAS ALLOWED, THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THE WORKERS WOULD BE PROTECTED UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LEGISLATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEED TO STEP UP CONTROL WAS BECAUSE ACCIDENT RATE OF HAND-DUG CAISSON OPERATIONS WAS MUCH HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE ACCIDENT RATE OF ALL INDUSTRIES, AND THERE WERE INHERENT HAZARDS IN THE WET AND CONFINED WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF HAND-DUG CAISSONS.
ACCORDING TO MEDICAL OPINION, CAISSON WORKERS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO PNEUMOCONIOSIS BECAUSE THERE IS NO EFFECTIVE METHOD OF PROVIDING FULL PROTECTION AGAINST DUST INHALATION IN A CAISSON SHAFT.
WORKERS MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEARING IMPAIRMENT CAUSED BY NOISE INSIDE A CAISSON SHAFT.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 12.
THE BUILDING INDUSTRY WILL BE GIVEN A 12-MONTH GRACE PERIOD BEFORE THE LEGISLATION IS ENFORCED UPON ITS PASSAGE.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REQUIRE PLANS FOR GROUND INVESTIGATION WORKS IN THE VICINITY OF SEWAGE TUNNELS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR APPROVAL BEFORE WORKS CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THIS WILL ENSURE THAT SUCH WORKS ARE UNDER CONTROL AND WILL PREVENT THE UNDERGROUND SEWAGE TUNNELS FROM BEING DAMAGED.
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/4 .....
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 4
OCR READERS INSTALLED AT FIVE IMMIGRATION POINTS
* » » t *
THE FIRST LOT OF OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR) READERS HAVE BEEN PUT INTO USE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AT FIVE MAJOR IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS ARE: LO WU TERMINAL, HUNG HOM STATION OFFICE, MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, CHINA FERRY TERMINAL AND THE AIRPORT. MORE READERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT THESE CONTROL POINTS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
”IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE DEPARTMENT'S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PASSENGER TRAFFIC OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. AS ONE OF THE MEASURES TO ABSORB THE ADDITIONAL WORKLOAD, THE DEPARTMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A PROGRAMME TO ENHANCE ITS EXISTING COMPUTER SYSTEM.
’’THROUGH THE USE OF OCR TECHNOLOGY AND FURTHER AUTOMATION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE ITS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IN RESPECT OF IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE."
AN OCR READER IS AN ELECTRONIC DATA-INPUT DEVICE FOR SPEEDING UP THE IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE PROCESS.
WITH THIS DEVICE, IMMIGRATION CONTROL OFFICERS WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO RESORT TO KEYBOARD OPERATION TO ENTER THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THE TRAVELLERS, THUS SHORTENING CLEARANCE TIME BY FOUR SECONDS FOR EACH TRAVELLER.
"THE USE OF OCR READERS AT FIVE MAJOR CONTROL POINTS IS A PRELUDE TO THE NEW CONTROL AUTOMATION SYSTEM WHICH WILL BECOME FULLY OPERATIONAL IN SEPTEMBER 1995,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
”AT PRESENT, THESE READERS ONLY FACILITATE THE CLEARANCE OF THOSE TRAVELLING ON THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD. BY NEXT SEPTEMBER, ALL PERSONS TRAVELLING ON A MACHINE-READABLE TRAVEL DOCUMENT WILL HAVE ALSO BENEFITED.”
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC TO KEEP THEIR IDENTITY CARDS CAREFULLY BECAUSE DEFACEMENT WOULD AFFECT THE ACCURACY OF THE DATA CAPTURED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN EDGE-TRIMMED IDENTITY CARD WAS CONSIDERED A DAMAGED CARD AND SHOULD BE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
”TO FACILITATE OUR INSPECTION,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, ’’THOSE WHO PUT THEIR IDENTITY CARD IN A PLASTIC HOLDER SHOULD HAVE THE HOLDER REMOVED BEFORE PRESENTING THEIR CARD TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER.”
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/5........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 5 - '
PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS REVISE FEES
*****
FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT FROM NOVEMBER 4 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FEES AND CHARGES, COLLECTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, WERE LAST REVISED IN SEPTEMBER 1993.
DETAILS OF THE NEW FEES AND CHARGES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THIS FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).
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ENVIRONMENT HOTLINE SET UP TO HELP INDUSTRY ♦ * * * *
THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED TO SET UP AND OPERATE AN ENVIRONMENTAL HOTLINE, AND TO PRODUCE A POLLUTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION EQUIPMENT DIRECTORY.
SPEAKING AT A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW, SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS THE SECOND PROACTIVE PROJECT THE DEPARTMENT HAD EVER LAUNCHED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
THE DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONED THE FIRST PROACTIVE PROJECT, A SERIES OF TECHNICAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME, EARLIER THIS MONTH.
"FOR MANUFACTURING FIRMS TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN COMPLIANCE AND TAKE REQUIRED ACTION, ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION IS NECESSARY.
"THE HOTLINE WILL ENABLE INFORMATION TO BE DISSEMINATED QUICKLY TO INDUSTRY. THE DIRECTORY WILL SERVE AS A HANDY REFERENCE TO MANUFACTURERS WHO WANT TO INSTALL POLLUTION CONTROL/PREVENTION EQUIPMENT," MR LAW SAID.
THE HOTLINE WILL BE A TELEPHONE ADVISORY SERVICE OVER WHICH INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, STANDARDS, CONTROLS AND CHARGES; POLLUTION CONTROL AND PREVENTION EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS; AND WHERE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE OBTAINED, WILL BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO CALL.
THE DIRECTORY SHALL INCLUDE A LISTING OF FIRMS PROVIDING POLLUTION CONTROL/PREVENTION SERVICES OR MANUFACTURING OR SUPPLYING SUCH EQUIPMENT; TECHNICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS; AND A DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPABILITY AND CURRENT PRICE OF APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS.
/THE CENTRE .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 6 -
THE CENTRE IS SCHEDULED TO OPERATE THE HOTLINE ON OCTOBER 1.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, MR CLINT P MARSHALL AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, MR CRAIG R BRANTING. THE CENTRE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1991 BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
"I AM VERY PLEASED THAT THE CENTRE HAS BEEN AWARDED THIS CONTRACT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CENTRE WORKING CLOSELY WITH BOTH INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT IN HELPING TO ADDRESS OUR MUTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN A PRACTICAL MANNER,” MR BRANTING SAID.
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PUBLIC URGED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON PENSION SCHEME » * » * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME BEFORE THE CONSULTATION PERIOD EXPIRES AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION-LAYING CEREMONY OF THE WAN HO KAN CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED, MISS CHOW SAID THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT OFFERING FINANCIAL SECURITY TO ALL ELIGIBLE CITIZENS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH A FIXED AMOUNT OF MONEY EACH MONTH.
PEOPLE AGED 65 AND OVER WHO HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS CAN ENJOY THIS BENEFIT, SHE ADDED.
AS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION, SHE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD INJECT ALL EXISTING WELFARE BENEFITS FOR THE AGED TO THE SCHEME.
ELABORATING, SHE SAID IN MONEY TERMS THE BENEFITS AMOUNTED TO $3.6 BILLION IN 1994 AND THIS WOULD REACH SOMETHING LIKE $15.4 BILLION IN THE YEAR 2056.
’’ADDITIONALLY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH THE PROPOSED SCHEME WITH A START-UP FUND OF $10 BILLION,’’ SHE ADDED.
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HKADC LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION INVITES APPLICATION t » » * *
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE USED AS THE LOGO OF THE COUNCIL WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE COMPETITION WILL AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS COUNCIL AND ITS OBJECTIVES OF PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING THE ARTS IN HONG KONG.
/THE COMPETITION .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
THE COMPETITION IS A TERRITORY-WIDE FUNCTION AND PARTICIPANTS MAY SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF ENTRIES.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE ARTWORK ON A3 SIZE WHITE CARDS, SUITABLE FOR use on Letterheads, stationery, hoarding, neck-ties, badges, and so ON.
THERE SHOULD BE TWO VERSIONS OF DESIGN IN ALL ENTRIES, ONE IN BLACK-AND-WHITE AND THE OTHER IN COLOUR, MEASURING ABOUT 10 CM BY 10 CM EACH.
THE BLACK-AND-WHITE ENTRY SHOULD ALSO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A REDUCED VERSION OF 2 CM BY 2 CM AND PLACED AT THE RIGHT LOWER CORNER OF THE ENTRY.
THE ENTRY FORM SHOULD BE PLACED IN A SEALED WHITE ENVELOPE ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF THE A3 SIZE WHITE CARD.
WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COUNCIL AND THREE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF DESIGN.
RECEIPT OF ENTRIES WILL BEGIN FROM OCTOBER 1 UNTIL OCTOBER 31.
RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER.
THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE $15,000 AND A CERTIFICATE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE FIVE MERIT PRIZES EACH WITH $3,000 AND A CERTIFICATE AS WELL.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL SECRETARIAT AT ROOM 4004, 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THEY CAN ALSO BE PICKED UP FROM THE VARIOUS URBAN COUNCIL OUTLETS AND OTHER PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, BRITISH COUNCIL AND THE FRINGE CLUB. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 594 5699.
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SOUVENIR COVER TO COMMEMORATE PHILATELIA’94 EXHIBITION * » » » »
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT TO COMMEMORATE HONG HONG POST OFFICE’S PARTICIPATION IN PHILATELIA’94 STAMP EXHIBITION, A SOUVENIR COVER WILL BE ISSUED ON OCTOBER 7.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN COLOGNE, GERMANY FROM OCTOBER 7 TO 9 THIS YEAR.
THE SOUVENIR COVER WILL BE PLACED ON SALE AT $1 EACH AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AS FROM OCTOBER 1.
/ON OCTOBER .......
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 8 -
ON OCTOBER 7, A HAND-BACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT ALL POST OFFICES, EXCEPT THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE, TO OFFICIAL AND PRIVATELY-MADE COVERS BEARING AN INDICATION OF THE EVENT.
A SPECIAL POSTMARK AND A CACHET FOR GENERAL CANCELLATION PURPOSES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED ON OCTOBER 7.
- - 0-----------
CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS
* * » * »
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN A SHOP IN HUNG HOM SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SHOP IS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF 1-7 WU KWONG STREET AND BULKELEY STREET.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON NOVEMBER 10 WERE POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
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WATER CUT IN POK FU LAM
» * * * t
FRESH AMD FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN POK FU LAM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (SEPTMEBR 30) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT 94-98 AND 119-125 POK FU LAM ROAD, SASSOON ROAD, KONG SIN WAN TSUEN, NORTHCOTE CLOSE AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1994
- 9 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * ♦ * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,188 0930 + 3
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,888 1000 + 3
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 NIL
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY NIL 1200 NIL
LAF TODAY -300 1500 NIL
1600 NIL
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.5 *-0.2* 28.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.23 20 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.49 6.12
1 MONTH 4.27 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.79 6.36
3 MONTHS 4.39 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.50 6.91
6 MONTHS 4.77 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 99.99 7.07
12 MONTHS 5.41 60 MONTHS 5909 7.45 99.31 7.76
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 14,418 MN
CLOSED 28 SEPTEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO MEET PUBLIC ON POLICY ADDRESS.................... 1
HK DELEGATION ESTABLISHES CHINA FINANCIAL CONTACTS........... 2
ARMED FORCES MINISTER TO VISIT HONG KONG..................... 3
TASK FORCE TARGETS NEW TERRITORIES BLACK SPOTS............... 4
BEC COMPLETES REPORT ON LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES................................................... 4
BEC REPORT ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES SUBMITTED TO GOVERNOR..................................................... 5
SITE SAFETY TRAINING NEEDS................................... 6
ANNUAL RECRUITMENT FOR FOUR CIVIL SERVICE GRADES............. 6
NINE MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED....................... 8
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST............. 8
LIST OF EIA REPORTS RELEASED............................. 11
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY.............................. 14
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL BY-ELECTION...... 17
FUND-RAISING BODIES FOR OCTOBER............................. 17
CLOSURE OF SHAM SHUI PO ILLEGAL STRUCTURE................... 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS .... 19
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
1
GOVERNOR TO MEET PUBLIC ON POLICY ADDRESS ♦ » ♦ » »
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE BEING INVITED TO PUT QUESTIONS TO THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON HIS THIRD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL POLICY ADDRESS AT A MEETING NEXT MONTH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE MEETING WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE. FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE URBTIX SYSTEM FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THIS PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE STUDIO THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON ON OCTOBER 10.
IT WILL RUN FROM 6 PM TO 7.15 PM. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
URBTIX OUTLETS WHERE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED ARE:
» HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE AUDITORIA BUILDING
♦ HONG KONG COLISEUM
♦ NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE
* QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
* CITY HALL
» SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE
♦ SAI WAN HO CIVIC CENTRE
♦ SHATIN TOWN HALL
♦ TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL
♦ TUEN MUN TOWN HALL
♦ HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS
♦ HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE
♦ NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL
* TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE ,
♦ LUT SAU HALL
♦ TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY BRANCHES IN
•. "i».
- CAMERON LANE, TSIM SHA TSUI,
- KORNHILL PLAZA, QUARRY BAY,
- 521 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY,
- CITY CENTRE BUILDING, 144-149 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI,
/TSUEN WAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
2
- TSUEN WAN TOWN SQUARE, AND
- CITYLINK PLAZA, KCR BUILDING, SHA TIN
A SEPARATE SESSION FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS AND STAFF OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL BE HELD AT LECTURE THEATRE 1, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON, ON OCTOBER 6 (THURSDAY).
THIS SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM AND WILL LAST UNTIL 7.15 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS:
* THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
♦ THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
* THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
♦ THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
* HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
* HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
t SHUE YAN COLLEGE (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
♦ LINGNAN COLLEGE (STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE)
* ALL CAMPUSES OF HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (GENERAL OFFICES)
♦ THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (BOX OFFICE)
♦ THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT)
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HK DELEGATION ESTABLISHES CHINA FINANCIAL CONTACTS
♦ ♦ » * »
THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE HAD HAD VERY USEFUL EXCHANGES OF VIEWS WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS IN CHINA DURING A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO BEIJING AND SHANGHAI.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN, MR CARTLAND SAID THE VISIT HAD ENABLED HIM AND HIS STAFF TO ESTABLISH CONTACTS AND TO LEARN SOMETHING OF THE REFORMS AND THE PROGRESS THAT WERE BEING MADE IN CHINA’S FINANCIAL AND SECURITIES AREAS.
"WHAT WE’VE DONE IS TO ESTABLISH CONTACTS AS A BASIS FOR FUTURE EXCHANGES OF VIEWS IN THESE IMPORTANT AREAS," HE SAID.
/WHILE IN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
3
WHILE IN BEIJING, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION MET OFFICIALS OF THE PEOPLE'S BANK OF CHINA, PEOPLE’S INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE STATE COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON SECURITIES.
IN SHANGHAI, THE DELEGATION VISITED THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRADING SYSTEM AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND SAW THE DEVELOPMENTS IN PUDONG.
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ARMED FORCES MINISTER TO VISIT HONG KONG
*****
MR NICHOLAS SOAMES MP, MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE ARMED FORCES AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM OCTOBER 2 TO 5. DURING HIS STAY, MR SOAMES WILL VISIT ALL THREE SERVICES TO INSPECT THE CAPABILITY OF THE BALANCED GARRISON TO PROVIDE A TANGIBLE DEMONSTRATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S SOVEREIGNTY AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG UNTIL 1997.
IN ADDITION TO BRIEFINGS AT THE HEADQUARTERS BRITISH FORCES, MR SOAMES WILL VISIT THE ROYAL NAVY AT HMS TAMAR AND THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND, ROYAL AIR FORCE (RAF) SEK KONG AND 1ST BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LOGISTIC SUPPORT UNITS AT BLACKDOWN AND OSBORN BARRACKS.
THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PHOTOGRAPH AND MEET THE MINISTER WHEN HE VISITS RAF SEK KONG ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 4).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
\OU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MINISTER’S VISIT TO RAF SEK KONG ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 4).
A LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY HELICOPTER TO TRAVEL FROM THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS IN CENTRAL TO SEK KONG. THESE WILL BE ALLOCATED ON A STRICTLY FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TRAVEL BY HELICOPTER SHOULD TELEPHONE JSPRS ON 588 3313.
THE HELICOPTER WILL DEPART PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS AT 9 AM. THOSE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ALLOCATED A PLACE SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE GUARDROOM NO LATER THAN 8.45 AM. YOU ARE REMINDED THAT SAFETY REGULATIONS REQUIRE PERSONS TRAVELLING IN RAF HELICOPTERS TO HAVE THEIR ARMS AND LEGS COVERED. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO FLY IN SHORTS OR SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRTS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TRAVELLING BY ROAD SHOULD REPORT TO THE GUARDROOM, BORNEO LINES, KAM TIN ROAD, NO LATER THAN 10 AM. MEMBERS OF JSPRS WILL BE ON HAND TO ESCORT.
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/4 ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
4
TASK FORCE TARGETS NEW TERRITORIES BLACK SPOTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET ASIDE $1.9 BILLION AS CONTINGENCY FUND TO FINANCE CLEARANCE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNSUITABLE LAND USES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
DEPUTY HEAD OF THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED TASK FORCE (BLACK SPOTS) OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK AU, SAID THIS WAS THE AMOUNT THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED IF OPERATORS AND OWNERS OF LAND LOTS GAVE THEIR FULL CO-OPERATION IN REDUCING THEIR ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
’’THE FUND WOULD BE USED TO FINANCE CLEARANCE OF OPERATIONS ESTABLISHED ON GOVERNMENT LAND ILLEGALLY, FOLLOWED BY APPROPRIATE REINSTATEMENT WORK AND LANDSCAPING,” MR AU TOLD A SEMINAR ON LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN HONG KONG ORGANISED BY THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION.
TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES, THE TASK FORCE WILL TAKE LEASE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THOSE OPERATIONS THAT HAVE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON SITES NOW BEING USED FOR CONTAINER STORAGE, CAR STRIPPING OPERATIONS OR OTHER ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGING PURPOSES, MR AU SAID.
"THE TASK FORCE WILL BE LIAISING WITH OWNERS AND OPERATORS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THEIR OPERATIONS ON SITE AND REDUCING THEIR ADVERSE EFFECT ON LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
"IF NECESSARY, WE WILL SEEK TERMINATION OF UNAUTHORISED OPERATIONS WHICH CANNOT BE IMPROVED. WE WILL ALSO CONSIDER POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF SOME OPERATIONS TO MORE SUITABLE AREAS WITH LAND USE CONDITIONS.
"AS A LAST RESORT, WE MAY INTRODUCE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMATIC CASES WHICH CANNOT BE EFFECTIVELY DEALT WITH THROUGH THE MEANS NOW AT OUR DISPOSAL," MR AU ADDED.
HE SAID SHEK KONG HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE PILOT ACTION AREA ALTHOUGH PROBLEMS OF BLACK SPOTS BEING USED AS CONTAINER YARDS WERE TERRITORY-WIDE.
"THE TASK FORCE, OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED ONLY LAST MONTH, IS COMMENCING WORK IN SHEK KONG THAT PROVIDES A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF OPEN STORAGE TYPE USE PROBLEM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THIS EXERCISE WOULD BE USED TO TACKLE FURTHER ACTION AREAS IN DUE COURSE," MR AU ADDED.
------0--------
BEC COMPLETES REPORT ON LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES *****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (THURSDAY) SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DELINEATION OF GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES IN RESPECT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE CONTAINED IN A TWO-VOLUME REPORT.
/VOLUME I .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
5
VOLUME I IS THE REPORT PROPER WITH REASONS AND EXPLANATIONS AS TO HOW THE COMMISSION CARRIED OUT ITS DEMARCATION WORK AND HOW IT ARRIVED AT ITS PROVISIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
IT ALSO COMPILES THE REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION HAVING REGARD TO THE PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS.
VOLUME II CONTAINS THE LISTS OF CONSTITUENCY AREAS IN RESPECT OF THE 1995 LEGCO ELECTION AND MAPS WITH RECOMMENDED NAMES FOR THE CONSTITUENCIES AND THE RECOMMENDED DEMARCATION OF LEGCO ELECTORAL BOUNDRIES.
A BEC SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSION RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 24 WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS AND HELD THREE PUBLIC MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS ON ITS PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS.
------0--------
BEC REPORT ON CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES SUBMITTED TO GOVERNOR *****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAS TODAY (THURSDAY) SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES FOR THE 1995 LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD TABLE THE BEC REPORT IN LEGCO ON OCTOBER 12.
"THIS IS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE BEC ORDINANCE AND TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY OF THE BOUNDARY DEMARCATION PROCESS.
"MEMBERS OF LEGCO AND THE COMMUNITY WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE BEC’S ORIGINAL RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION TAKES ANY DECISION ON THEM," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THE BEC’S RECOMMENDATIONS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADMINISTRATION’S COMMENTS ON THEM.
"THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL ON THE LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WILL THEN BE GAZETTED IN THE FORM OF AN ORDER (SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION), WHICH WILL BE SUBJECT TO LEGCO’S SCRUTINY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HOPES TO COMPLETE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS RELATING TO THE LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES BY DECEMBER," HE ADDED.
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/6........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
6
SITE SAFETY TRAINING NEEDS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALWAYS PREPARED TO MAKE A REQUEST TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (OITA) TO ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL TRAINING NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR SECTOR OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHERE APPROPRIATE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SITE SAFETY WAS ALREADY AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN EXISTING TRAINING PROVIDED BY CITA.
REQUEST FOR COURSES FOR DEMOLITION WORKS, FOR SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS, WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE WALL COLLAPSE IN NATHAN ROAD. THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AIMS TO COMPLETE THE INVESTIGATION BY THE END OF OCTOBER.
HOWEVER, PARTIES IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMOLITION WORKS HAVE A DUTY TO PROVIDE TRAINING AND PROPER ON-SITE GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS AND SUPERVISORS.
MEANWHILE, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS PURSUING VIGOROUSLY AN ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE DEMOLITION SITE SAFETY.
FOLLOWING A SPECIAL CHECK ON ALL DEMOLITION SITES, BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT STAFF HAVE KEPT UP THE MOMENTUM BY VISITING ALL DEMOLITION SITES WEEKLY TO MONITOR THEIR OPERATIONS.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO REQUIRED ALL AUTHORISED PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMOLITION WORKS TO PROVIDE REPORTS AND RECORDS ON THEIR SITE SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS IS PREPARING FURTHER AND FIRMER GUIDANCE, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON DEMOLITION SAFETY, FOR ISSUE TO THE PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY.
OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL ON DEMOLITION WORKS ARE ALSO UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION.
IN PARALLEL, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS REVIEWING, AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY, THE BUILDING LEGISLATION, PARTICULARLY ON SITE SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS, THE SYSTEM FOR REGISTRATION OF CONTRACTORS AND THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S POWERS TO IMPOSE CONDITIONS FOR DEMOLITION WORK.
------0-------
ANNUAL RECRUITMENT FOR FOUR CIVIL SERVICE GRADES
*****
GRADUATES INTERESTED TO BECOME AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE OFFICER II, ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICER II OR ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER II IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS ON OCTOBER I AND 8.
"VACANCIES IN THESE FOUR GRADES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN TWO ENGLISH AND TWO CHINESE DAILIES AND A CHINESE EVENING PAPERS, WITH THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION ON OCTOBER 17," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
/ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
7
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES, CO-ORDINATION AND PLANNING OF PUBLIC PROGRAMMES, AND THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF RESOURCES.
THEY ARE GENERALIST MANAGERS OCCUPYING KEY POSTS OF DIFFERENT NATURES IN SECRETARIAT BRANCHES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREER.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS II ARE MAINLY DEPLOYED TO ASSIST IN THE DAY-TO-DAY ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS IN SUPPORT OF DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES, RESOURCE PLANNING AND CONTROL, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS AS WELL AS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FUNCTIONS.
ASSISTANT LABOUR OFFICERS II PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS, PROVIDE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE TO STUDENTS, PROCESS CLAIMS FOR EMPLOYEES, ASSIST IN PROMOTING GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS, AND ENFORCE LABOUR LEGISLATION.
ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICERS II WORK IN EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE OR INDUSTRY TO ASSIST IN RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS, LICENSING AND CONTROL MANAGEMENT, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION.
THEY MAY HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEND OVERSEAS CONFERENCES OR TO ASSIST IN OVERSEAS NEGOTIATIONS.
"IN GENERAL, CANDIDATES WHO POSSESS A DEGREE FROM A HONG KONG OR BRITISH UNIVERSITY, OR EQUIVALENT, WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’UNDERGRADUATES WHO ARE TAKING THEIR FINAL DEGREE EXAMINATIONS IN SUMMER 1995 MAY ALSO APPLY,” HE ADDED.
"DIPLOMA HOLDERS AND MATRICULANTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER II GRADE,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT AN APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO FILL IN ONLY ONE APPLICATION FORM EVEN IF HE APPLIED FOR MORE THAN ONE GRADE.
"A COMMON RECRUITMENT EXAMINATION WILL BE HELD FOR THE FOUR GRADES ON DECEMBER 3," HE SAID.
"STARTED IN 1984, THE EXAMINATION AIMS TO RELIEVE THE BURDEN OF MULTIPLE EXAMINATIONS ON THE CANDIDATES," HE ADDED.
AS IN THE PAST, THIS YEAR’S EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF THREE PAPERS: PAPER 1 (ONE HOUR AND A QUARTER) IN USE OF ENGLISH, PAPER 2 (ONE HOUR AND A QUARTER) IS OBJECTIVE TESTS AND PAPER 3 (TWO AND A HALF HOURS) IS A TASK PAPER. THE EXAMINATION TIME FOR PAPERS 1 AND 3 HAS BEEN SHORTENED THIS YEAR AS A RESULT OF SIMPLIFICATION OF THE PAPERS.
THE WEIGHTINGS FOR THE THREE PAPERS ARE 30 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND 50 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
PAPERS 1 AND 2 ARE SET IN ENGLISH WHILE PAPER 3 IS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH. ANSWERS SHOULD BE GIVEN IN THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.
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/8........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
8
NINE MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED
* * » « «
SEVEN MEN AND TWO WOMEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH (AUGUST), THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV-INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 480.
THREE NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 115 WITH 70 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 480 HIV INFECTED, 181 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 182 THROUGH HETEROSEXUAL SEX, 11 WERE INJECTING DRUG USERS, ONE WAS A MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION AROUND THE TIME OF BIRTH, AND 66 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH CONTAMINATED BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE 1985 WHEN HIV ANTIBODY TEST AND SAFE HEAT TREATED CLOTTING CONCENTRATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
FOR THE REMAINING 39, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTRED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 336,390 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, 1,460,895 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 33 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST *****
BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN AUGUST 1994 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1993.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (COMPRISING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS) INCREASED BY $15.9 BILLION OR 17% TO $108.5 BILLION IN AUGUST 1994.
WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $87.4 BILLION IN AUGUST 1994, WAS $14.5 BILLION OR 20% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED, BY $1.5 BILLION OR 7.5% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $21.1 BILLION IN AUGUST. MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $16.6 BILLION OR 18% TO $109.7 BILLION.
/AS THE ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
9
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1994 WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $1.2 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.1% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $504 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.5% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN AUGUST 1993.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 11% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 14%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 2.7%. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 13%.
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $52.4 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.6% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $29.1 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.2% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT, AFTER A MODERATION IN JULY, RE-EXPORTS REBOUNDED TO SHOW DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN AUGUST. DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO ROSE NOTABLY IN AUGUST.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAINED IMPORTS WERE 17% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER. THIS SUGGESTED THAT DOMESTIC DEMAND SHOULD REMAIN ROBUST, AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS COULD BE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO SHOW MODERATE INCREASE IN THE COMING MONTHS.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MID-OCTOBER 1994.
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
10
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR AUGUST 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports $21 ,102 million
Re-exports $87,355 mi Ilion
Tota 1 Export.s $IU8,457 mi Ilion
Imports $109,665 million
Trade balance -$1,208 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Jun 94 to .Inn 93 to Change
Latest 3 months Aug 94 Aug 93
HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. X
Domestic Exports til ,219 59,506 +1,714 +2.9
(X of Total Exports) (19.6%) (21.6X)
Re-exports 25 1 , 690 216,447 +35,243 + 16.3
Total Exports 312,909 275,953 +36,957 + 13.4
I mport.s 330,239 281,019 +49,220 + 17.5
Trade balance -17,330 -5,067 -12,263
August. August Change
Same month last, year 1994 1993
HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. X
Domestic Exports 21,102 19,627 +1,475 +7.5
(X of Total Exports) (19.5X) (21.2X)
Re-exports 87,355 72,903 +14,452 + 19.8
Total Exports 1 OH,457 92,530 +15,927 + 17.2
1 mport.s 109,665 93,034 +16,631 + 17.9
Trade balance -1,20H -504 -704
August. July Change
Last month 199 1 1994
IIKS Mn. HK$ Mu. HK$ Mn. X
Domest ic Export.s 21,102 20,438 +664 + 3.2
(X of Total Exports) (19.5X) (19.6X)
Re-exports 87,355 84,047 +3,308 +3.9
Total Exports 1OH,457 104,484 +3,972 + 3.8
J mports 109,665 109,329 +336 +0.3
Trade balance -1,20H -4,845 +3,636
Jan-Aug Jan-Aug Change
Calendar year to-date 1994 1993
IIKS Mn. HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. X
Domestic Exports 140,2H3 144,178 -3,896 -2.7
(X of Total Export.s) (19.0X) (21. 5X)
Re-expor l.s 599,676 525,195 +74,482 + 14.2
Total Exports 739,959 669,373 +70,586 + 10.5
1mports 792,357 698,451 +93,906 + 13.4
Trade balance -52,398 -29,078 -23,320
Sep 93 to Sep 92 to Change
Last 12 months Aug 94 Aug 93
IIK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. IIK$ Mn. X
Domestic Exports 219,131 229,147 -10,016 -4.4
(X of Total Export.s) (19.6X) (22.6X)
Re-exports 897,705 785,067 +112,638 + 14.3
Total Exports 1,116,836 1 ,014,214 +102,622 + 10.1
1mports 1,166,504 1,046,763 +119,741 + 11.4
Trade balance -49,667 -32,549 -17,119
29 September 1994 CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT -------0----------
/Il ........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
- 11 -
LIST OF EIA REPORTS RELEASED * * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED A LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORTS OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS COMPLETED IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS.
AMONG THEM IS THE EIA STUDY FOR THE STAGE 1 WORKS OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT.
"THIS IS THE FIRST EIA STUDY COMPLETED JOINTLY BY HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN, AND IS THE FIRST STAGE OF AN EIA STUDY FOR THE STAGE 1 AND 2 WORKS OF THE PROJECT," THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR ELVIS AU, SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE STUDY WAS THE RESULT OF MONTHS OF HARD WORK BY THE TWO SIDES AND A SERIES OF MEETINGS HELD AT BOTH PLACES.
MR AU SAID: "THE EIA STUDY, WHICH WAS ENDORSED BY THE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT, IS A NECESSARY STEP FOR IMPLEMENTING STAGE 1 WORKS OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT.
"WE ARE NOW LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SAME CO-OPERATION WITH THE SHENZHEN SIDE ON THE EIA OF THE STAGE 2 WORKS," HE ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF EIA REPORTS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AS WELL AS THOSE WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE COMING 12 MONTHS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
UNDER GOVERNMENT POLICY, PROPONENT DEPARTMENTS OF MAJOR PROJECTS ARE REQUIRED TO PLACE GOVERNMENT-OWNED EIA REPORTS FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE AT THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICES, URBAN COUNCIL/ REGIONAL COUNCIL PUBLIC REFERENCE LIBRARIES, THE OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LIBRARY AND EPD HEADQUARTERS. PRIVATE SECTOR PROPONENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO THE SAME.
FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF EIA REPORTS COMPLETED IN THE LAST FIVE MONTHS:
* AVIATION FUEL RECEIVING FACILITY IEIA (PRIVISONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY)
* BLACK POINT LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS SUPPLY (ARCO/CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.)
* CHINA RESOURCES PETROLEUM AND CHEMICALS OIL DEPOT RELOCATION/EXTENSION
(CHINA RESOURCES PETROLEUM AND CHEMICALS)
* NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)
* PAK SEK KOK RECLAMATION - PUBLIC DUMP EIA STUDY (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
* RECLAMATION FOR SHIPYARD AT TO KAU WAN, NORTH LANTAU (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
* ROUTE 3 - TING KAU BRIDGE AND APPROACH VIADUCT (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)
/ROUTE 3 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
12
* ROUTE 3 - TAI LAM TUNNEL AND YUEN LONG APPROACH ROAD (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)
» SHA LO TUNG GOLF COURSE
(SHA LO TUNG DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.)
X SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT STAGE J WORKS (DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT/SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION OFFICE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT)
X STONECUTTERS ISLAND SOUTH SHORE NAVAL FACILITIES (ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT)
X TUEN MUN PORT DEVELOPMENT (TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
X COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT ON MA WAN ISLAND (SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD.)
MAJOR EIAS THAT ARE LIKELY TO BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS INCLUDE:
X AVIATION FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM - TSING YI PIPELINE (PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY)
X AVIATION FUEL RECEIVING FACILITY (PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY)
* BACKFILLING OF NORTH OF LANTAU MARINE BORROW AREA (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
X BACKFILLING OF SOUTH TSING Yl MARINE BORROW AREA (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
x CENTRAL RECLAMATION, PHASE II (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
X CENTRAL RECLAMATION, PHASE III (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
X CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITIES (CIF) (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)
X CT 10 AND CT 11 ANCILLARY WORKS (DESIGN) STUDY (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
X CT10 AND CT11 PRELIMINARY DESIGN STUDY (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
X GREEN ISLAND CEMENT MANUFACTURING AND CONCRETE BATCHING AT AREA 17, SOUTHWEST TSING YI (RELOCATION OF THE KENNEDY TOWN) (GREEN ISLAND CEMENT)
X GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION (PART) - PUBLIC DUMP (CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
/* HECS LAMM A ....
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
13
* HEC’S LAMMA POWER STATION JETTY AND NAVIGATION CHANNEL (HONGKONG ELECTRIC)
» HONG KONG CEMENT/CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT AND MATERIAL STORAGE FACILITIES AT NORTHWEST TSING YI ISLAND
(HONG KONG CEMENT/SUN HUNG KAI)
♦ ;LAND BASED BORROW AREAS
(CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
♦ MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNELS FOR YUEN LONG, KAM TIN AND NGAU TAM MEI
(TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
* NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES (NWNT) LANDFILLS RESTORATION (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)
* OUTLYING ISLAND REFUSE TRANSFER FACILITIES (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)
* RECLAMATION BY PUBLIC DUMP FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTE/COMMUNITY, NORTH TSING YI
(CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT)
♦ RESTORATION OF URBAN LANDFILLS - STAGE II
(ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT)
* ROAD 3/2, FLYOVER ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD (TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
* ROUTE 5 - SECTION BETWEEN SHEK WAI KOK AND CHAI WAN KOK (HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)
» SHA LO TUNG RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHA LO TUNG DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.)
» SHAM TSENG LINK
(HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT)
* SHENZHEN RIVER REGULATION PROJECT STAGE 2 WORKS
(DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT/SHENZHEN RIVER
(REGULATION OFFICE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT)
* SHEUNG SHUI SLAUGHTER HOUSE (REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT)
* TUEN MUN AREA 38, SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL AREA
(TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT)
---------0-----------
/14 .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
14
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY *****
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 WATERS WERE USUALLY SAMPLED.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE MOST RECENT E COLI DATA OBTAINED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN ITS ROUTINE MONITORING PROGRAMME.
AS WITH LAST YEAR, THE GRADING ALSO INCLUDES AN ESTIMATE OF THE RISK OF SUFFERING SOME MINOR SKIN OR GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS AS A RESULT OF SWIMMING AT A BEACH WHICH HAS SOME DEGREE OF POLLUTION.
THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON A VERY LARGE BODY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION GATHERED IN HONG KONG IN RECENT BATHING SEASONS.
THE GRADING OF SOME BEACHES MAY VARY DURING THE SUMMER. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF BATHING WATERS IN MOST CASES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE BEACHES.
HOWEVER, THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE WATER QUALITY AT BATHING BEACHES AT THE TIME OF REPORTING AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
BEACHES WITH HIGHLY DEVELOPED HINTERLANDS ARE LIKELY TO BE MORE POLLUTED THAN THE GRADES SUGGEST DURING AND AFTER HEAVY RAIN.
"BATHERS SHOULD AVOID SUCH BEACHES FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS AFTER A STORM, LONGER IF THE WEATHER REMAINS OVERCAST OR SHORTER IF THERE IS STRONG SUNSHINE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOWS:
» GRADE "1" INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD. THE E COLI COUNT IS NO MORE THAN 24 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH 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 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" .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
15
♦ GRADE "4” INDICATES THAT THE WATER QUALITY IS VERY POOR. THE E COLI COUNT IS MORE THAN 610 PER 100 MILLILITRES AT EACH BEACH SO GRADED, AND THE EXPECTED HEALTH RISK IS MORE THAN 15 CASES OF MINOR ILLNESS PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, THE CLOSURE OF A BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCILS IF A GRADE ”4” OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, SO THAT THE AVERAGE HEALTH RISK OVER THE BATHING SEASON EXCEEDED 15 CASES PER 1,000 SWIMMERS.
AT PRESENT, FOUR GAZETTED BEACHES: ANGLERS’, CASTLE PEAK, OLD CAFETERIA AND ROCKY BAY, ARE CLOSED TO SWIMMERS. THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES HAS BEEN MADE BY THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS ON THE BASIS OF BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING DATA FOR 1993.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM AT THESE BEACHES. THEY ARE IDENTIFIED BY AN "X” IN THE FOLLOWING LIST.
THE GRADES OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS
BEACHES IN HONG KONG TODAY ARE LISTED BELOW:
PREVIOUS PRESENT
BEACH GRADING GRADING
(AS AT 15.9.94) (AS AT 29.9.94)
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY 3 3
CHUNG HOM KOK 1 1
DEEP WATER BAY 2 2
HAIRPIN .2 2
MIDDLE BAY 1 1
REPULSE BAY 2 1
SHEK O 2 2
SOUTH BAY 1 1
ST. STEPHEN’S 2 2
TURTLE COVE 2 1
STANLEY MAIN 3 3
ROCKY BAY X X
TO TEI WAN* 1 1
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA NEW CAFETERIA CASTLB PEAK KADOORIE BUTTERFLY
X 4
X 3
3
X 4 X 3
3
/SAI KUNG .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
16
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
1 2
2
1
1 1
2 2
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER CHEUNG SHA LOWER DISCOVERY BAY* HUNG SHING YEH KWUN YAM WAN TONG FUK LO SO SHING PUI 0 SILVERMINE BAY TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU TUNG O»
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
2
2 2
2
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ X
APPROACH 3
CASAM 3
GEMINI 3
HOI MEI WAN 3
LIDO 2
TING KAU 4
TUNG WAN, MA WAN 2
X 3
2 2
3
2 3
2
NOTE : ”X" THE BEACH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SWIMMING.
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES.
THE FOLLOWING BEACHES HAVE CHANGED GRADING ON THIS OCCASION:
REPULSE BAY, TURTLE COVE, HUNG SHING YEH AND HAP MUN BAY "2” TO "1”; TUNG WAN OF CHEUNG CHAU, CASAM AND GEMINI FROM "3” TO ’2 J TING KAU FROM ”4” TO ”3".
GENERALLY, BEACH WATER QUALITY HAS CONTINUED TO IMPROVE IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, WITH 33 BEACHES FALLING WITHIN GRADES "1” OR ON THIS OCCASION.
/THIS IS .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
17
THIS IS BEACUSE OF AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE WEATHER SINCE THE END OF AUGUST, WITH LESS RAINFALL MEANING LESS POLLUTION HAS BEEN WASHED OUT FROM THE BEACH HINTERLANDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER DR M J BROOM ON TEL 835 1234.
------0-------
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR CONDUCT COUNCIL BY-ELECTION * * * « *
NOMINATIONS ARE INVITED FOR A BY-ELECTION OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION IN DECEMBER 1994 TO FILI. A VACANT SEAT FOR THE SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE BY-ELECTION FOLLOWED THE RESIGNATION OF COUNCIL MEMBER MRS PANG CHU WAI-SEE, WHO REPRESENTED THE SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS. MRS PANG RESIGNED WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 31 FOR PERSONAL REASONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COUNCIL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION BY ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND STATUS.
NOMINATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH RELATED DOCUMENTS INCLUDING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COUNCIL, GUIDANCE NOTES ON THE NOMINATION AND INFORMATION SHEET ON THE NOMINEE ARE BEING SENT TO THE RELATED CHAIRMEN OF SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS.
HE SAID COMPLETED NOMINATION FORMS SHOULD BE DELIVERED OR SENT BY REGISTERED MAIL TO REACH EDUCATION OFFICER (COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT) MRS W C LEE AT ROOM 1153, I I TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, NOT LATER THAN NOON ON NOVEMBER 10.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MRS W C LEE ON TEL 892 6302.
------0-------
FUND-RAISING BODIES FOR OCTOBER t * * t ♦
SIXTEEN ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH (OCTOBER), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THEY WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS, TOKENS OR SIMILAR ITEMS, OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBT.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
18
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
’’SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IS MOBILE," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED THEM TO PREPARE GUIDELINES FOR SELLERS, SETTING OUT THE PLACES AND THE TIMES FOR SELLING AND THE COLLECTION POINTS FOR BAGS.
ORGANISERS SHOULD INFORM THE POLICE IN CASE OF LOSS OF PROPERTY, AND SEEK THEIR HELP WHEN FRAUDULENT ACTS, SUCH AS TAMPERING OF COLLECTION BAGS OR MAKING UNAUTHORISED SELLING, ARE FOUND.
PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEXT MONTH:
FLAG DAY
EVENT DATE
OCTOBER 1
OCTOBERS 8
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 22
OCTOBER 29
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
EVENT DATE
OCTOBER 1 TO 31
OCTOBER 1 TO 30
OCTOBER 1, 2, 8 AND 9
OCTOBER 2, 9, 16, 23 AND 30
OCTOBER 2, 9 AND 30
OCTOBER 2 AND 16
ORGANISATION
TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS
PO LEUNG KUK
COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG
BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG
THE CHESHIRE HOME HONG KONG
ORGANISATION
THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG
HEEP HONG SOCIETY
WORLD VISION HONG KONG
JESUS IS LORD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (HK) LTD.
THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC.
LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD.
/OCTOBER 7 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1994
19
OCTOBER 7 TO 10
OCTOBER 9
OCTOBER 17 AND 18
OCTOBER 23
OCTOBER 28
AMETHYST INSTITUTE
HONG KONG PLAYGROUND
ASSOCIATION
CHRISTIAN EXCELLENCE MISSION LTD.
HARMONY HOUSE
GREEN POWER LTD.
CLOSURE OF SHAM SHUI PO ILLEGAL STRUCTURE
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN SHAM SHUI PO SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR DWELLING IS LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR ROOF OF A BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF 85-95 UN CHAU STREET AND 100-102 YEN CHOW STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON DECEMBER 8, 1994 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET t * * OPERATIONS t *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,888 0930 + 306
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,187 1000 + 306
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 296
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 299 1200 + 299
LAF TODAY NIL 1500 + 299
1600 + 299
TWI 121.7 «+0.2» 29.9.94
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER
/HONG KONG........
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.24 20 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100.53 6.09
1 MONTH 4.27 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99.83 6.34
3 MONTHS 4.40 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98.55 6.88
6 MONTHS 4.76 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 100.06 7.04
12 MONTHS 5.40 60 MONTHS 5909 7.45 99.26 7.78
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 9,365 MN
CLOSED 29 SEPTEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO
GOVERNOR ATTENDS CHINESE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION.............. 1
TALKS SERIOUS AND CONSTRUCTIVE............................... 2
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION..................... 2
FS TO ATTEND WORLD BANK/IMF MEETINGS......................... 3
MADRID TRIP AIMS TO AROUSE TRADE INTEREST.................... 4
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS MEDIA.................................. 4
TIMBER STORES BILL GAZETTED.................................. 5
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED............ 5
PARKING METER CHARGES TO BE REVISED.......................... 7
VICTORIA HARBOUR TO BECOME WATER CONTROL ZONE................ 7
INVESTIGATIONS INTO KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE PROGRESSING WELL......................................................... 8
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 1994.......................... 9
RELAXATION OF ONE-BUILDING CONDITION ON FOREIGN BANKS..... 11
/ACP PROJECTS
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACP PROJECTS MOVE AHEAD..................................... 12
HONG KONG - IDEAL LAUNCHING PAD FOR REGIONAL VENTURES..... 12
DRAFT LAW ON REGULATION OF FOREIGN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS . 14
UNIVERSITY OF HK HAS NEW PRO-CHANCELLOR..................... 15
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING........... 15
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR FLOOD MITIGATION WORKS............... 16
REVISION OF FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.................................................... 16
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER.............................. 17
FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG VILLAGE...... 17
CABLE LAYING AT YAM O, LANTAU............................... 18
SURVEY STUDIES SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION......... 19
APPOINTMENTS TO TRAVEL INDUSTRY COMPENSATION FUND MANAGEMENT BOARD............................................ 19
SALT WATER RESERVOIRS FOR POK FU LAM & YAU MA TEI........... 20
CHANGE TO TS1M SHA TSUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN................. 20
TENDERS INVITED FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT.............. 21
RECLAMATION AT TO KAU WAN FOR SHIPYARD...................... 21
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
22
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
GOVERNOR ATTENDS CHINESE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE CHINESE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION TONIGHT (FRIDAY):
DIRECTOR, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
THIS IS A LANDMARK WEEK. TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, \ MOMENTOUS EVENT IN CHINESE HISTORY. EARLIER THIS WEEK WE MARKED THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIALLING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, A MOMENTOUS EVENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY.
THIS ANNIVERSARY WEEK IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE STOCK OF WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. TEN YEARS AGO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND ('HINA DECLARED THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD ADMINISTER HONG RONG UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997 WITH THE OBJECT OF MAINTAINING AND PRESERVING ITS PROSPERITY, ITS STABILITY, AND ITS WAY OF LIFE, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA WOULD GIVE ITS CO-OPERATION IN THIS CONNECTION. TEN YEARS ON, HONG KONG IS MORE PROSPEROUS AND MORE STABLE THAN EVER. IT HAS MOVED UP FROM 13TH
TO EIGHTH ECONOMIES. US$20,000.
PLACE IN THE LEAGUE TABLE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRADING GDP PER HEAD HAS INCREASED FROM US$6,000 TO NEARLY PEOPLE ARE BETTER HOUSED, BETTER EDUCATED, BETTER CARED
FOR THAN EVER BEFORE. CRIME RATES HAVE FALLEN. HONG KONG IS A DECENT, HAPPY, SELF-CONFIDENT COMMUNITY - A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND BRING
UP A FAMILY, A PLACE EXTREMELY WELL-SUITED TO MEET AND OVERCOME THE ( HALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
ACROSS THE BORDER, THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CHINA HAS BECOME ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE MODERN WORLD. HONG KONG PEOPLE AND HONG KONG CAPITAL HAVE PLAYED A VERY LARGE PART IN THAT SUCCESS STORY, AND -EQUALLY - HONG KONG HAS BENEFITED GREATLY FROM IT.
ANNIVERSARIES ARE ALSO A TIME TO LOOK FORWARD. IN FIVE YEARS TIME, PERHAPS IN THIS VERY HALL, OR MAY BE IN THE EXTENSION, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, WHETHER HE OR SHE MAY BE, MAY BE SAYING A FEW WORDS IN THE WEEK OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC AND THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INITIALLING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE VISION THAT I HAVE OF THAT OCCASION IS A BRIGHT ONE. THERE IS EVERY REASON WHY HONG KONG IN 1999 SHOULD BE EVEN HIGHER UP THE WORLD’S ECONOMIC LEAGUE TABLE, ITS PER CAPITA GDP ON A PAR PERHAPS WITH THE UNITED STATES OR MAY BE EVEN BETTER, ITS CONTAINER PORT HANDLING MORE CARGO THAN ANY OTHER, ITS NEW AIRPORT SET TO BECOME THE WORLD’S BUSIEST, ITS STOCK MARKET ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIG FOUR, AND ITS QUALITY OF LIFE ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE AND MOST SECURE IN THE WORLD.
ALL THIS IS ACHIEVABLE, ALL THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED IF THE WORK TO IMPLEMENT THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT IS COMPLETED AS ENVISAGED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, WITH COMPREHENSIVE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE PRESENT AND FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWERS. 1 LOOK FORWARD TO CO-OPERATION TO GET THE AIRPORT BUILT, TO EXTEND THE CONTAINER PORT, AND TO ENSURE THAT THE LEGAL AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS IN PLACE TO UNDERPIN THE FUTURE PROSPERITY, STABILITY AND WAY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG .
/A PROSPEROUS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 2 -
A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE HONG KONG AND A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE CHINA WILL BE MUTUALLY REINFORCING. THERE IS MUCH TO BE DONE IN THE REMAINDER OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD TO GUARANTEE THE SUCCESS OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS". BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IT CAN BE DONE. AND NO DOUBT THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO GIVE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN 1999 PLENTY TO BE SATISFIED ABOUT.
1 SHOULD NOW LIKE TO PROPOSE A TOAST TO THE HEALTH OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. MR PRESIDENT.
------0--------
TALKS SERIOUS AND CONSTRUCTIVE ♦ ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING DESCRIBED YESTERDAY’S TALKS IN NEW YORK BETWEEN THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, AND THE CHINESE VICE-PREMIER, MR QIAN QICHEN, AS SERIOUS AND CONSTRUCTIVE.
ASKED BY THE MEDIA ABOUT HIS REACTION TO THE TALKS AFTER ATTENDING A HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OF PRO-CHANCELLORSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR PATTEN SAID: "CLEARLY, EVERYONE WILL BE LOOKING TO SEE WHAT RESULTS IN THE TALKS, PARTICULARLY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO WANT TO SEE, AS GOAL, BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA WHAT PRESIDENT BUSH ONCE CALLED THE EXTRA MILE IN ORDER TO TRY TO SECURE THE CO-OPERATIVE APPROACH TG THE PROBLEMS OF THE TRANSITION WHICH PEOPLE WANT TO SEE.
"BUT, PLAINLY, WHILE THE MEETING ITSELF WAS A CIVILISED AND SERIOUS EXCHANGE, THE RESULTS WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO SEE IN THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS."
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
THE FOLLOWING IS .A TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OF PRO-CHANCELLORSHIP Al THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY):
QUESTION: THE TALKS LN NEW YORK DID NOT MAKE MUCH PROGRESS....?
GOVERNOR: J THINK THEY WERE SERIOUS AND CONSTRUCTIVE. CLEARLY, EVERYONE WILL BE LOOKING TO SEE WHAT RESULTS IN THE TALKS, PARTICULARLY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO, I THINK, WANT TO SEE AS GOAL BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA WHAT PRESIDENT BUSH ONCE CALLED THE EXTRA MILE IN ORDER TO TRY TO SECURE THE CO-OPERATIVE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE TRANSITION WHICH PEOPLE WANT TO SEE. BUT, PLAINLY, WHILE THE MEETING ITSELF WAS A CIVILISED AND SERIOUS EXCHANGE, THE RESULTS WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO SEE IN THE COMING WEEKS YND MONTHS.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 3 -
QUESTION: WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED THAT THE TALKS DID NOT REACH SOMETHING CONCRETE......?
GOVERNOR: NO, I’VE GIVEN MY REACTIONS TO IT. WE’LL SEE WHAT THE
RESULTS ARE OVER THE COMING WEEKS AND MONTHS.
QUESTION: HOW ABOUT THE MEASURES YOU ARE GOING TO ANNOUNCE IN YOUR
SPEECH, TO IMPROVE SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP.......?
GOVERNOR: THE MEASURES THAT I REFER TO NEXT WEEK WILL ALL HAVE A
SIMPLE OBJECTIVE AND THAT IS TO SERVE THE BEST INTEREST OF HONG KONG
AND I AM SURE YOU LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING THEM.
------0-------
FS TO ATTEND WORLD BANK/IMF MEETINGS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL DEPART HONG KONG FOR MADRID TONIGHT (FRIDAY) TO ATTEND THE 1994 ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE WORLD BANK/INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF).
MORE THAN 10,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 150 MEMBER COUNTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE 1994 ANNUAL MEETINGS TO BE HELD IN MADRID FROM OCTOBER 4-6. THE DELEGATIONS ARE HEADED BY FINANCE MINISTERS OR GOVERNORS OF CENTRAL BANKS.
IN MADRID, SIR HAMISH WILL ATTEND A SERIES OF OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WHERE HE WILL MEET PROMINENT PERSONALITIES OF THE LEADING BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE WORLD.
HE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE SPANISH MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM, MR JOVIER GOMEZ NAVARRO, AND MEET WITH MEMBERS OF THE SPANISH PARLIAMENT.
"I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND KEY BUSINESS PERSONALITIES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES ATTENDING THE WORLD BANK/IMF MEETINGS. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO STRENGTHEN OUR TIES WITH THEM AND TO ESTABLISH NEW CONTACTS,” SIR HAMISH SAID.
"IT IS ALSO A PRIME OBJECTIVE OF MY VISIT TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A MAJOR BUSINESS HUB IN ASIA,” HE ADDED.
ON OCTOBER 6, SIR HAMISH WILL ADDRESS THE MADRID CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON "HONG KONG: THE GATEWAY TO CHINA". THE FORUM WILL BE ATTENDED BY OVER 150 PROMINENT PERSONALITIES FROM THE BUSINESS SECTOR IN MADRID.
A STUDY TEAM, HEADED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA), HAS ARRIVED IN MADRID TO STUDY THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ANNUAL MEETINGS. THE HKMA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING THE 1997 WORLD BANK/IMF MEETINGS IN HONG KONG.
SIR HAMISH WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 9.
- - 0----------
/4.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
4
MADRID TRIP AIMS TO AROUSE TRADE INTEREST *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO AROUSE OVERSEAS INTEREST IN INVESTING IN AND TRADING WITH HONG KONG DURING HIS TRIP TO MADRID.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS ATTENDING THE 1994 ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE WORLD BANK/INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF), SIR HAMISH SAID SPANISH INVESTORS SEEMED TO BE BECOMING AWARE OF THIS PART OF THE WORLD, HONG KONG AND CHINA IN PARTICULAR.
HE SAID THERE WAS ALSO AN AWARENESS AMONG SPANISH INVESTORS THAT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE IN GETTING INTO THIS REGION.
"SO I HOPE TO BUILD ON THAT INTEREST AND AROUSE INTEREST IN PARTICULAR IN INVESTING IN HONG KONG OR TRADING WITH HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE MEETING BETWEEN THE BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY AND THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER IN NEW YORK, SIR HAMISH SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE WORDS THAT HAD BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE THE MEETING.
"WE WANT BUSINESS-LIKE DISCUSSIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED UP OVER A PERIOD, LEAD TO RESULTS," HE SAID.
------0-------
CHIEF SECRETARY MEETS MEDIA *****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE INSTITUTE OF RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY, QUEFN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TODAY.
REPORTER: MRS CHAN, THERE IS A REPORT LN TODAY’S EASTERN EXPRESS NEWSPAPER SAYING THAT CHINA APPARENTLY INTENDS SETTING UP A POWERFUL COMMITTEE OF CADRES TO OVERSEE HONG KONG AFTER 1997, HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT VIEW ON SUCH A DEVELOPMENT?
MRS CHAN: I CAN'T OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, VERIFY THE STORY. I THINK YOU HAVE TO ASK THE CHINESE, BUT 1 AM SURE THE CHINESE WILL BEAR IN MIND THE NEED TO GIVE ASSURANCE TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THE .ID PROVISIONS AS REGARDS -TO A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FAITHFULLY AFTER 1997.
--------0-----------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- • 5 -
TIMBER STORES BILL GAZETTED
* * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT ORDINANCE FOR THE SYSTEMATIC AND COMPREHENSIVE CONTROL OF FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN TIMBER STORES.
UNDER THE TIMBER STORES BILL GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE LICENSING OF TIMBER STORES, PREVIOUSLY COVERED UNDER THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES ORDINANCE, WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE.
’’THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES ORDINANCE PROVIDES A POWER TO LICENSE IN A WIDE RANGE OF UNRELATED AREAS,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"WE HAVE REVIEWED THE SITUATION, AND CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT ORDINANCE FOR THE SYSTEMATIC CONTROL OF FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS IN TIMBER STORES.”
THE PROVISIONS IN THE PROPOSED TIMBER STORES BILL ARE LARGELY SIMILAR TO THOSE LAID DOWN UNDER THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES ORDINANCE FOR THE LICENSING OF TIMBER STORES.
UNDER THIS NEW PROPOSAL, ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY A DECISION OF THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH A TIMBER STORE LICENCE MAY APPEAL TO THE RECENTLY-ESTABLISHED ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD.
THE PROPOSED BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE REVISION OF FEE LEVELS CHARGED FOR TIMBER STORE LICENCES, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1984 .
THE FEES WILL BE REVISED ON THE BASIS OF COST RECOVERY FOR THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE GRANTING, RENEWAL, TRANSFER, AMENDMENT AND DUPLICATION OF A LICENCE.
--------0-----------
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ORDINANCE TO BRING THE LAW OF DIVORCE INTO LINE WITH COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS AND REDUCE THE HARDSHIP, ACRIMONY AND DISTRESS THAT IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 (THE BILL) PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE REFORMS ARE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT ON GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE AND THE TIME RESTRICTION ON PETITIONS FOR DIVORCE WITHIN THREE YEARS OF MARRIAGE, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1992.
/"IN LINE .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
6 - .
"IN LINE WJTH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A REDUCTION IN THE CURRENT MINIMUM SEPARATION PERIODS THAT APPLY TO DIVORCE PETITIONS FROM TWO YEARS TO ONE YEAR WHERE BOTH PARTIES CONSENT TO THE DIVORCE AND FROM FIVE YEARS TO TWO YEARS WHERE ONE PARTY DOES NOT CONSENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS REGARDS THE CURRENT TIME LIMIT DURING WHICH PROCEEDINGS
FOR DIVORCE CANNOT BE ENTERED INTO EXCEPT UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THIS TO BE REDUCED FROM THREE YEARS AFTER MARRIAGE TO ONE YEAR.
"IN ADDITION, A NEW NON-ADVERSARIAL PROCEDURE OF DIVORCE BY MUTUAL CONSENT IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE BILL BASED ON EITHER ONE YEAR’S PRIOR SEPARATION OR A ONE YEAR’S PERIOD OF NOTICE, DURING WHICH THERE WOULD BE NO REQUIREMENT FOR SEPARATION."
UNDER THE PRESENT LAW DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS MAY ONLY BE CONDUCTED ON THE ADVERSARIAL BASIS OF PETITIONERS AND RESPONDENTS.
"ALL THESE PROPOSALS ARE FIRMLY GROUNDED IN THE EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION OF RELEVANT EXPERT GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS AS WELL AS THE FINDINGS OF A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MORE GENERALLY, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF ITS PROPOSALS FOR REFORM OF THE LAW, THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION EMPHASISED THE DESIRABILITY OF GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE AVAILABILITY AND PROMOTION OF MARRIAGE COUNSELLING SERVICES.
IN THIS REGARD, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY EMBARKED ON A PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENTS IN FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES AND MARRIAGES.
IN 1994/95, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN EIGHT NEW FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, WHERE MARRIAGE COUNSELLING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED, BRINGING THE TERRITORY-WIDE TOTAL TO 62.
IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT OPENED IN CHAI WAN HONG KONG’S FIRST FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE.
IN ADDITION, 19FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES HAVE BEEN SET UP IN DIFFERENT LOCALITIES OF THE TERRITORY IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
INCREASED RESOURCES WERE ALSO BEING DEVOTED TO FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND THE PROMOTION OF FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "IN ADDITION TO IMPLEMENTING THE REFORM PROPOSALS OF THE LAV. REFORM COMMISSION, THE OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN TAKEN IN THE BILL TO RECTIFY SEVERAL INSTANCES OF DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT BETWEEN THE SEXES IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE."
THE BILL IS DUE TO HAVE ITS FIRST READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 12.
------0-------
/7........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
7
PARKING METER CHARGES TO BE REVISED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO INCREASE PARKING METER CHARGES IN BUSY DISTRICTS TO A MORE REALISTIC LEVEL.
UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PARKING) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) REGULATION 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE MAXIMUM PARKING METER CHARGE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT FOR THE USE OF PARKING METER IS INCREASED FROM $2 PER 30 MINUTES TO $2 PER 15 MINUTES.
THE AMENDMENT REGULATION IS INTENDED TO TAKE EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 21 THIS YEAR, BUT THE NEW FEES WILL ONLY BE INTRODUCED ON A DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT BASIS AFTER CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "WE PROPOSE THAT THE NEW FEE BE IMPLEMENTED FIRST IN BUSIEST DISTRICTS SUCH AS CAUSEWAY BAY, YAU TSIM, MONG KOK, CENTRAL AND WESTERN WHERE THE AVAILABILITY RATES OF PARKING SPACE ARE NOW CLOSE TO ZERO."
DESPITE THE INCREASE, PARKING METER CHARGES WOULD STILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN CHARGES IN OFF-STREET CAR PARKS, HE SAID.
PARKING CHARGES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1987. SINCE THEN, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) HAS RISEN BY 99 PER CENT AND PARKING CHARGES IN GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS HAVE GONE UP BY MORE THAN 100 PER CENT.
THE PROPOSED FEE INCREASE HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TRANSPORT PANEL HAS BEEN BRIEFED.
------0-------
VICTORIA HARBOUR TO BECOME WATER CONTROL ZONE
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THAT THE TWO ENDS OF THE VICTORIA HARBOUR COVERING THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN KWUN TONG IN THE EAST AND TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG IN THE WEST SHOULD BE DECLARED A WATER CONTROL ZONE (WCZ) WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
THE MOVE IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO CONTROL POLLUTING DISCHARGES AND TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG’S COASTAL WATERS.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WCZ WILL PUT DISCHARGES IN THE ZONE UNDER THE CONTROL OF A LICENSING SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
CONTROLS ON NEW DISCHARGES IN THE DECLARED ZONE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1994. FOR EXISTING DISCHARGES, LICENCE APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1 THIS YEAR AND JULY 1 NEXT YEAR.
/ADDITIONAL RESOURCES .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
8
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE THE LICENSING SCHEME.
THE VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL BE DECLARED A WCZ IN THREE PHASES BY 1996. THIS WILL COMPLETE THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO ESTABLISH 10 WATER CONTROL ZONES IN HONG KONG.
THE NINE OTHER WATER CONTROL ZONES ARE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL, SOUTHERN WATERS, PORT SHELTER, JUNK BAY, DEEP BAY, MIRS BAY, . NORTH WESTERN WATERS, EASTERN BUFFER AND WESTERN BUFFER AREAS.
THE NEED TO DECLARE THE VICTORIA HARBOUR A WCZ IN THREE PHASES STEMS FROM THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DISCHARGES IS LARGER THAN THE NUMBER PUT TOGETHER IN THE NINE ZONES.
------0------------
INVESTIGATIONS INTO KWUN LUNG LAU
LANDSLIDE PROGRESSING WELL * ♦ * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE WERE PROGRESSING WELL.
IN RESPONSE TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES, MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF INVESTIGATIONS, INCLUDING SITE INVESTIGATIONS, LABORATORY TESTS AND THE ANALYSES OF THE TEST RESULTS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN EARLY OCTOBER AS PLANNED.
ALL THE INFORMATION WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN WHO WAS APPOINTED TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT, HE ADDED.
MR BLAKE SAID SUCH INFORMATION WOULD ENABLE PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN TO PROCEED WITH HIS OWN REPORT FOR DELIVERY BY THE END OF NOVEMBER.
WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HOUSE COMMITTEE’S DECISION ON SETTING UP A SELECT COMMITTEE TO INQUIRE INTO THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE, MR BLAKE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THEY RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPLETING THE TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES AND HAVING THE DETAILED EXPERT REPORTS BE MADE AVAILABLE BEFORE ESTABLISHING THE CAUSES AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE QUESTION OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY.
HE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WOULD MAKE ITS DECISION ON WHETHER A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY WAS NECESSARY AFTER RECEIVING THE EXPERT REPORTS, INCLUDING THE ONE TO BE SUBMITTED BY PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN.
"I WOULD SAY THAT WE ARE ROUGHLY RUNNING IN PARALLEL AT THE MOMENT,” MR BLAKE SAID.
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/9.........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
9
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 1994
*****
THE LATEST RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES HAS NOT YET HAD ANY MARKED DAMPENING EFFECT ON CREDIT DEMAND, STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY SHOWS.
MEANWHILE, NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS REBOUNDED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH 1994.
STIMULATED BY THE LATEST ROUND OF INTEREST RATE RISE, HONG KONG TIME DOLLAR DEPOSITS PICKED UP MOMENTUM, RISING BY 2.4% IN AUGUST AFTER A BRIEF EASING IN JULY.
AT THE SAME TIME, SWAP DEPOSITS CONTINUED THEIR STRONG SURGE IN RECENT MONTHS, INCREASING BY 3.5%.
SOME OF THE RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR TIME DEPOSITS CAME FROM SAVINGS DEPOSITS, WHICH FELL BY 1.1% IN AUGUST.
BY CONTRAST, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS REVERSED THEIR DECLINE IN JULY. THE MARKED REBOUND OF 5.3% IN AUGUST REFLECTED IN PART A MODEST REVIVAL IN STOCK MARKET ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
AFTER SUCCESSIVE DECLINES, NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS REGISTERED AN APPRECIABLE GROWTH OF 2.3% IN AUGUST FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH 1994. U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO GROW IN AUGUST, BUT AT A MODERATE PACE OF 1.2%.
THE GROWTH OF TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS PICKED UP SLIGHTLY TO 0.9% IN AUGUST.
THE ANNUAL GROWTH REMAINED STABLE AT 12.3% AT THE END OF AUGUST, SAME AS THAT AT END-JULY.
IT APPEARED THAT THE RISE IN LOCAL LENDING RATES ON AUGUST 22 HAS NOT YET HAD ANY MARKED DAMPENING IMPACT ON CREDIT DEMAND.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE CONTINUED TO MODERATE. THEY
GREW BY 1.4% IN AUGUST COMPARED TO 1.9% IN JULY AND 3.9% IN JUNE.
HOWEVER, THE GROWTH OF OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG HAS BOTTOMED OUT FROM ITS 0.5% RISE IN JULY TO REGISTER A 1.1% GROWTH IN AUGUST.
NOTWITHSTANDING A MARKED INCREASE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS IN AUGUST, THE ANNUAL GROWTH OF HK$M1 WAS TRENDING DOWNWARDS TO REACH A LOW OF 5.4%.
THE RISING INTEREST RATES HAD DAMPENED THE DEMAND FOR NON-INTEREST-BEARING MONEY BALANCES.
WITH STABLE CREDIT EXPANSION BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 RECORDED STEADY INCREASES OF 1.3% AND 1.2% RESPECTIVELY IN AUGUST.
COMPARED WITH THE MONTH-END FIGURES LAST YEAR, THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATES OF HK$M2 AND HK$M3 HAD BEEN FAIRLY STABLE IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, RANGING FROM 20% TO 26%.
FOR FURTHER PRESS ENQUIRES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, ON TEL 878 8261.
/TABLE 1 : .......
FRIDAYSEPTEMBER 30, 1994
10
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - AUGUST 1994
Aug.1994. Earlier months (% change to Aug 1994) (HKSmn)
Jul 1994 May 1994 Aug 1993
Money Supply
Ml - HKS 167.724 162.423 ( 3.3) 164336 ( 31 ) 159.075 ( 5.4)
Foreign currency 18.458 19,669 ( -6.2) 18.671 ( -1.1 ) 19.935 ( -7.4)
Total 186.182 182.092 ( 2.2) 182.907 ( 1.8) 179.010 ( 4.0)
M2 - HKS@ 1.034.733 1,021327 ( 1.3) 992,935 ( 43) 831382 ( 24.4 )
Foreign currency* 866.422 852345 ( 1.7) 829340 ( 4.4) 844359 ( 2.6)
Total 1.901,155 1374.072 ( 1.4) 1322.475 ( 4.3) 1.676,441 ( 13.4 )
M3 - HKS@ 1.051.695 1.038.712 ( 13) 1.009.864 ( 4.1 ) 847.733 ( 24.1 )
Foreign currency* 921377 903348 ( 2.0 ) 874.645 ( 5.3) 877.884 ( 4.9)
Total 1.972.971 1.941.960 ( 1.6) 1384309 ( 4.7) 1,735.617 ( 14.3 )
Notes and coins in circulation 73.924 73.468 ( 0.6 ) 72.444 ( 2.0 ) 68.336 ( 8.2 )
of which held by public 65.029 64.932 ( 0.1) 64360 ( 13) 59,993 ( 8.4)
Total Deposits
• Total Demand deposits 121.152 117,161 ( 3.4; 118347 ( 31) 119,017 ( 1.8)
Total Savings deposits 406,305 411359 ( -1.2) 405,100 ( 0.3) 391,347 ( 3.8 )
Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1371,319 1341.415 ( 2.4) 1302.783 ( 5.7) 1,085.717 ( 17.1 )
Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 34316 33.407 ( 2.4) 28318 ( 18.7 ) 28,019 ( 22.1 )
Total Time deposits with deposit-taking companies 17.497 16,391 ( 6.7) 17,742 ( -1.4) 17319 ( -1.8)
HKS deposits© 960363 944.704 ( 1.7) 922395 ( 4.1) 772.974 ( 24.3 )
USS deposits* 476,785 471,038 ( 1.2) 439.458 ( 8.5) 417314 ( 14.3)
Other foreign currency deposits* 413,140 403391 ( 2.3) 410,937 ( 0.5) 451,732 ( -8.5)
All deposits 1350.489 1319333 ( 1.7) 1,773,090 ( 4.4) 1,641320 ( 12.7 )
Foreign currency swap deposits 99353 95,992 ( 33) 87393 ( 13.0 ) 64,062 ( 55.1 )
Total Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 123455 121313 ( 1.4) 114,973 ( *5) 103.901 ( 18.9 )
To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K.* 12,788 12,099 ( 5.7) 11359 ( 10.6 ) 12,761 ( 0.2 )
Other loans for use in H.K. 1312368 1,199,000 ( 1.1) 1,178,128 ( 39 ) 1340,149 ( 16 J ;
Other Ioans for use outside HJC 1319,723 1306,688 ( 0.7) 1,713364 ( 6.2 ) 1362.054 ( 9.5)
Other loans where the place of use is not known 45.645 45394 ( -03) 45,142 ( 1.1 ) 43639 ( 7.0)
Loans in HKS 1.082318 1,067,694 ( 1.4) 1,051,640 ( 39 ) . 924390 ( 17.1)
Loans in foreign currencies 2,131,660 2,117.800 ( 0.7) 2,011,427 ( 6.0 ) 1337313 ( 10.0 )
Total Ioans and advances 3313,978 3,185,494 ( 0.9 ) 3,063,067 ( 4.9) 2361303 ( 12.3 )
• Adjusted to exclude 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.
@ Adjusted to include 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 : 1. 'Restricted licence banks' and 'deposit-taking companies' were known as licensed deposit-taking companies’ and 'registered deposit-taking companies’ respectively before 1 February 1990.
2 Data may not be added to total due to rounding.
------------0----------------
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
11
RELAXATION OF ONE-BUILDING CONDITION ON FOREIGN BANKS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) A RELAXATION OF THE "ONE BUILDING" CONDITION TO ALLOW A FOREIGN BANK LICENSED IN OR AFTER 1978 TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL OFFICE AND ONE BACK OFFICE IN A BUILDING OR BUILDINGS SEPARATE FROM ITS BRANCH OFFICE IN HONG KONG.
THE RELAXATION IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY AN AMENDMENT TO THE "ONE BUILDING" CONDITION ATTACHED TO THE LICENCE OF FOREIGN BANKS AUTHORISED IN OR AFTER 1978.
THE "ONE BUILDING" CONDITION WAS INTRODUCED IN 1978, AT THE SAME TIME AS THE MORATORIUM ON NEW BANKING LICENCES WAS LIFTED. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE CONDITION IS TO AVOID EXCESSIVE COMPETITION FOR RETAIL DEPOSITS IN THE RETAIL BANKING MARKET.
THE RELAXATION IS DESIGNED TO HELP REDUCE THE OPERATING COSTS OF FOREIGN BANKS IN HONG KONG BY ALLOWING THEM TO SET UP REGIONAL OFFICES AND BACK OFFICES OUTSIDE CENTRAL SO AS TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S ATTRACTION AS A REGIONAL BANK CENTRE.
A GUIDELINE ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TODAY SPECIFIES THAT THE ADDITIONAL REGIONAL AND BACK OFFICES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENGAGE IN BANKING BUSINESS OR TO ARRANGE OR ENTER INTO ANY FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS THAT ARE NORMALLY TRANSACTED BETWEEN A BANK AND ITS CUSTOMERS OR COUNTERPARTIES.
"THE NEW POLICY WILL FACILITATE COST SAVINGS AND ALLOW GREATER ADMINISTRATIVE FLEXIBILITY FOR FOREIGN BANKS OPERATING IN HONG KONG. THIS WILL ENHANCE THE TERRITORY’S ATTRACTION AS A REGIONAL BANKING CENTRE WITHOUT CREATING EXCESSIVE COMPETITION FOR RETAIL DEPOSITS," ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID.
UNDER THE GUIDELINE ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, FOREIGN BANKS INTENDING TO OPEN ADDITIONAL OFFICES IN SEPARATE BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY IN ADVANCE.
THE TYPICAL ACTIVITIES THAT A REGIONAL OFFICE MAY CARRY OUT INCLUDE STRATEGIC PLANNING OF REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND GENERAL LIAISON WITH CORRESPONDENT BANKS AND CORPORATE ENTITIES.
A BACK OFFICE MAY CARRY OUT INTERNAL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE BRANCH OFFICE AND PROCESS OR SETTLE TRANSACTIONS ALREADY ENTERED INTO OR ARRANGED BY THE BRANCH OFFICE.
THE RELAXATION APPLIES WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT TO THE 106 FOREIGN BANKS LICENSED IN OR AFTER 1978 AND FOREIGN BANKS THAT WILL BE AUTHORISED IN THE FUTURE.
IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO APPLY THE REVISED CONDITION TO THOSE RESTRICTED LICENCE BANKS TO WHOM IT IS RELEVANT.
- - 0 - -
/12
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
12
ACP PROJECTS MOVE AHEAD * * * * *
THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS HAVE BEEN PROGRESSING WELL, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION ON THE ACP ORGANISED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO), MR BLAKE SAID A TOTAL OF 64 MAJOR CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $51.3 BILLION HAI) BEEN AWARDED WITH PARTICIPANTS FROM COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.
"TAKING THE LEAD ARE COMPANIES FROM JAPAN, FOLLOWED B4 HONG KONG, THE UK, THE NETHERLANDS, CHINA, FRANCE AND OTHERS LIKE BELGIUM, AUSTRALIA AND THE USA.
"FORMATION OF THE AIRPORT PLATFORM IS ABOUT 70 PER CENT COMPLETE; RECLAMATION WORK FOR THE TUNG (’HUNG DEVELOPMENT PHASE ONE HAS BEEN FULLY COMPLETED AND (’HAT FOR THE WESTERN KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT IS OVER 80 PER CENT COMPLETE; SPINNING OF THE TSING MA BRIDGE’S MAIN SUSPENSION CABLES COMMENCED IN JULY; THE FIRST CROSSHARBOUR TUNNEL UNIT OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS IMMERSED TWO WEEKS AGO," HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION, HELD AT THE CITYPLAZA, TAI KOO SHING, QUARRY BAY, IS THE FOURTH OF THE 10 LOCAL EXHIBITIONS BEING ORGANISED BY NAPCO TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABREAST OF THE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS ON THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
THE CITYPLAZA EXHIBITION IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10.30 AM TO 8.30 PM UNTIL SUNDAY (OCTOBER 2).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE THREE CONVENORS FOR THE ACC’S SUB-COMMITTEES, MR HU FA-KUANG, MR LAU KWONG-WAH AND MR LEUNG CHUN-YING AS WELL AS THE DIRECTOR OF NAPCO, MR BILLY LAM.
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HONG KONG - IDEAL LAUNCHING PAD FOR REGIONAL VENTURES * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, HAS TOLD BELGIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LEADING BELGIAN COMPANIES THAT HONG KONG IS THE IDEAL LAUNCHING PAD FOR REGIONAL VENTURES.
SPEAKING AT A BUSINESS LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE GENERALE BANK, THE PARENT COMPANY OF THE BELGIAN BANK, IN BRUSSELS, MR MILLER SAID: "1 WANT TO TRY TO CONVEY TO YOU SOMETHING OF THE SENSE OF EXCITEMENT AND CONFIDENCE IN ASIA ABOUT THE HUGE SCALE OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REGION AS A WHOLE. THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH BUSINESS THERE FOR EVERYBODY."
"IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO DO BUSINESS IN ASIA, HONG KONG IS THE PLACE TO START MAKING THE CONNECTIONS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO DO BUSINESS WITH CHINA, THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO SET UP BASE CAMP THAN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
/MR MILLER .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 13 -
MR MILLER SAID HONG KONG’S SUCCESSFUL LOW-TAX, FREE-MARKET, FREE-TRADE AND NON-INTERVENTIONIST ECONOMIC POLICIES HAD BEEN VINDICATED BY THIS YEAR’S WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT WHICH PLACED HONG KONG AMONG THE TOP FOUR MOST COMPETITIVE ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD.
"WITHOUT THESE POLICIES, THE ORIGINAL ECONOMIC MIRACLE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WITHOUT THEM THE MORE RECENT RESTRUCTURING OF THE ECONOMY WOULD ALSO HAVE FOUNDERED. THESE POLICIES ARE NOT PAINLESS, BUT THEY DO WORK," HE SAID.
MR MILLER TOLD THE GATHERING THAT CHINA’S RE-OPENING OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT HAD PROVIDED HONG KONG’S BUSINESSES THE SUDDEN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND PRODUCTION BY INVESTING IN CHINA.
"HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES HAVE RETAINED CORE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND THE HIGHER-TECH AND MORE CAPITAL-INTENSIVE PROCESSES IN HONG KONG WHILE MOVING LAND- AND LABOUR-INTENSIVE OPERATIONS ACROSS THE BORDER," HE SAID.
"NOT SURPRISINGLY GIVEN OUR LOCATION, HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS WERE THE FIRST TO INVEST IN CHINA. SOME 70 PER CENT OF TOTAL REALISED FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA COMES FROM HONG KONG. IN THE SOUTHERN PROVINCES IT IS HIGHER, AROUND 80 PER CENT, BUT EVEN AS FAR NORTH AS DALIAN AND TIENTSIN, IT IS STILL IN THE MAJORITY.
"MUCH OF IT, SOME CLAIM THE MAJORITY, IS NOT IN INDUSTRIAL PLANT, BUT IN INFRASTRUCTURE: ROADS, POWER STATIONS, AND PORT FACILITIES AND A VARIETY OF HOTELS, RESORTS AND OTHER PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS.
"HONG KONG COMPANIES NOW EMPLOY OVER THREE MILLION WORKERS IN GUANGDONG ALONE, SIX TIMES THE NUMBER OF HONG KONG’S OWN LABOUR FORCE."
MR MILLER SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT EUROPE’S RESPONSE TO ASIA HAD BEEN INCREASINGLY POSITIVE IN RECENT YEARS.
"THE INVESTMENT PICTURE IS STILL RELATIVELY WEAK: ONLY 10 PER CENT OF EUROPEAN UNION ( EU ) INVESTMENT GOES TO NEWLY INDUSTRIAL ASIAN ECONOMIES WHEREAS 80 PER CENT IS IN ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) ECONOMIES," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, ASIA NOW ACCOUNTS FOR 20 PER CENT OF EUROPE’S EXPORT SALES, TWO PER CENT MORE THAN THE U.S. IN VALUE TERMS. THESE HAVE SHOT UP FROM 15 BILLION ECU IN 1980 TO 93 BILLION LAST YEAR.
"EUROPEAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ARE ACTIVE ALL OVER ASIA AND THE EU HAS OPENED SIX OFFICES IN THE REGION INCLUDING ONE IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS OPENED LAST YEAR. THE EU HAS ALSO PUBLISHED A POLICY PAPER SETTING OUT ITS NEW STRATEGY FOR ASIA.
"A NUMBER OF PROMINENT BELGIAN COMPANIES ARE ACTIVE IN HONG KONG IN BANKING, BUSINESS, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNICATIONS, AND BELGIAN BUSINESSMEN ARE WELL SERVED BY TWO BELGIAN TRADE ATTACHES, BERNARD DE GUCHTENEERE AND GUY BERTRAND."
TURNING TO THE GLOBAL TRADING ENVIRONMENT, MR MILLER SAID MANY OF THE FEARS PREVALENT 25 YEARS AGO HAD NOT MATERIALISED AND THAT EUROPE HAD NOT BEEN BOUGHT OUT BY AMERICAN MULTINATIONALS AS SOME HAD FEARED.
/"NEARLY A .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
14
"NEARLY A QUARTER OF A CENTURY LATER, WE CAN LOOK BACK AND SMILE A LITTLE AT PROPHESIES WHICH DID NOT COME TO PASS. TWO-WAY INVESTMENT CONTINUED TO GROW TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH EUROPE AND AMERICA. BUT PERHAPS WE SHOULD NOT SMILE TOO MUCH, BECAUSE PRIMORDIAL FEARS ABOUT EXTERNAL ECONOMIC THREATS STILL PLAGUE TRADE AND INVESTMENT POLICY DEBATE,” HE SAID.
”THF MAJOR COUNTRIES SEEM MORE PREOCCUPIED WITH THE PERCEIVED THREAT OF DEVELOPING COUNTRY EXPORTS THAN THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY NEWLY WEALTHY MARKETS.
’’THE ASSUMPTION BEHIND THESE FEARS - THAT TRADE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH ARE ZERO SUM GAMES - IS AS FALSE NOW AS IT WAS 25 YEARS AGO. WHAT MATTERS IS NOT THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE SLICES, BUT THAT 1HE ECONOMIC PIE CONTINUES TO GROW.”
IT WAS ESTIMATED, HE ADDED, THAT NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND ASIA WOULD EACH ENJOY A 30 PER CENT SHARE OF THE WORLD’S GDP IN 1995/96 AND ALL WOULD STILL BE GROWING.
REFERRING TO THE RATIFICATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND TRADE AGREEMENT UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GAT'I ) AND THE PLANNED ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO) IN JANUARY 1995, MR MILLER STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS DISPUTE SETTLEMENT ROLE.
"DISPUTES ARE INEVITABLE, BUT LET US RESOLVE, EVEN IN OF FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE URUGUAY ROUND, TO SETTLE THESE AND NOT WITHOUT THE GATT/WTO. FOR IT IS ONLY THROUGH SUCH THAT THE STRENGTH AND THE STATURE OF THE FUTURE WORLD ORGANISATION CAN BE SECURED."
ADVANCE WITHIN, RESOLVE TRADE
---------0-----------
DRAFT LAW ON REGULATION OF FOREIGN EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS *****
LEGISLATION IS BEING DRAFTED TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF NON-LOCAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINI!' S W WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCH OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES GUIDE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION.
HE SAID WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION AS ACADEMIC ADVISER, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ENSURE THAT THE COURSES AND PROGRAMMES OFFERED HERE BY THE NON-LOCAL INSTITUTIONS ARE OF A HIGH STANDARD.
IT WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE COURSES AND PROGRAMMES RUN BY THESE BODIES ARE RECOGNISED BY THEIR OWN INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS AND BY HIE ACCREDITING AUTHORITIES IN THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN.
MR WONG SAID UNDER THE NEW FRAMEWORK, WHICH SHOULD BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR, HONG KONG STUDENTS CAN PURSUE FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS WITH GREATER CONFIDENCE OF THEIR ACCEPTANCE AND VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY.
------0--------
Z15......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 15 -
UNIVERSITY OF HK HAS NEW PRO-CHANCELLOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) ATTENDED A CEREMONY TO MARK SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES’ STEPPING DOWN AS PRO-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THANKING HIM FOR HIS 25 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE UNIVERSITY, MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS A TRULY REMARKABLE HISTORY OF SERVICE TO HONG KONG, THE COMMUNITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERTIARY SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
”HE IS AN EXEMPLAR OF ALL THOSE GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHO HAVE DONE SO MUCH TO NURTURE THE EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY IN WHICH WE LIVE.”
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE CITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY WERE BREATHTAK1NGLY DIFFERENT FROM THE SCENES THAT SIR ALBERT MUST TREASURE IN HIS EARLIEST MEMORIES BUT, IN FAIR PART, THEY REFLECTED HIS GOOD WORKS.
MR PATTEN ALSO WELCOMED SIR TI LIANG YANG TAKING UP SIR ALBERT’S WORK IN THE UNIVERSITY.
------0-------
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FOR LANTAU FIXED CROSSING
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPROVED CONTRACTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PRE-QUALIF1 CAT1 ON EXERCISE FOR CONSTRUCTING AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.
WORKS COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-STOREY ADMINISTRATION BLOCK AND A SINGLE-STOREY WORKSHOP COMPOUND AT THE LANTAU TOLL PLAZA.
THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK WILL COVER THE CENTRAL CONTROL/COMPUTER ROOMS FOR THE TOLL PLAZA, GENERAL OFFICE/TOLL COLLECTION ACCOMMODATION, CANTEEN, UTILITIES’ PLANT ROOMS AND STORES.
■ THE WORKSHOP COMPOUND, WHICH WILL BE SEPARATE FROM TH! MAIN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK, WILL PROVIDE THE BACK-UP FACILITIES FOR VEHICLE SERVICING AND ANCILLARY WORKSHOP.
TENDERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INVITED IN DECEMBER FROM THE PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS SO THAT WORKS CAN COMMENCE IN MARCH FOR COMPLETION IN 16 MONTHS.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS LIST I - GROUP C FOR BUILDING WORKS, OR ON LIST LI FOR BUILDING WORKS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THIS PRE-QUAL1FICATION EXERCISE.
PRE-QUAL1FICATION DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM CHIEF ARCHITECT 4, ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 31ST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWA^, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 21.
------0-------
/16........
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 16 -
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR FLOOD MITIGATION WORKS *****
NINE PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS COVERING 1,427.9 SQUARE METRES OF LAND IN YUEN LONG WILL BE RESUMED FOR BUILDING TWO 1.5-METRE-WIDE COVERED DRAINAGE CHANNELS TO ALLEVIATE THE FLOODING PROBLEM IN THE LOW-LYING AREAS.
THE TWO CHANNELS, MEASURING 270 METRES AND 60 METRES RESPECTIVELY, ARE LOCATED AT HA TSUEN SHI, ACCORDING TO A GOVERNMEN1 GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).
RESUMPTION OF THE LAND IS REQUIRED NOW IN ORDER TO ALLOW WORK TO START IN MARCH 1995. THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH 1996.
------0--------
REVISION OF FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES *****
THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES WILL BE REVISED WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 27.
THE REVISED FEES ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE FEES FOR OFFICIAL SIGNATURES AND MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES NOTICE, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE EXISTING AND REVISED FEES SET OUT LN THE FOLLOWS: NOTICE ARE AS REVISED RATE
EXISTING RATE
(A) SIGNATURES OF THE
* GOVERNOR $235 $260
* CHIEF SECRETARY $200 $220
* FINANCIAL SECRETARY $200 $220
(B) THE ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE OF ANY DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER $125 $14 0
(C) ANY ALTERATION, TRANSFER, ENDORSEMENT OR ADDITION TO A DOCUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER $125 $140
(D) CERTIFICATION OF A TRUE EXTRACT OF ANY DOCUMENT, BOOK, RECORD OR INSTRUMENT BY A PUBLIC OFFICER $125 $140
/IT IS .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 17 -
IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
THE FEES DESCRIBED ABOVE WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1993. TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COSTS SINCE THE LAST REVIEW, THE FEES SHOULD BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT.
------0-------
GOVT LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE SITE IS LOCATED IN SIU SAI WAN NORTH, CHAI WAN. WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 27,530 SQUARE METRES, IT IS DESIGNATED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING.
IT IS STIPULATED THAT THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL FLATS TO BE BUILT SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 2,340 OR MORE THAN 2,370.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 25, 1994.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER DOCUMENTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
--------0------------
FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS PLANNED FOR YUEN LONG VILLAGE *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CARRY OUT WORKS IN AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,875 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED IN SHA PO TSUEN, YUEN LONG AIMING AT PROTECTING THE VILLAGE FROM FLOODING. ’
BUILT.
AN EARTH BUND, A FLOOD POND AND A
DRAINAGE CHANNEL WILL BE
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER ABOUT 12 MONTHS.
NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION
IN
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A NOTICE AND A RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON' THE NOTICE BOARDS POSTED^NEAR THE SITE.
/THE PLAN
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
18
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, 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 BY NOVEMBER 30.
---------0-----------
CABLE LAYING AT YAM O, LANTAU * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PERMIT YIU LIAN DOCKYARDS LTD TO USE ABOUT 6,200 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TSING CHAU TSAI, YAM O, LANTAU ISLAND, AS WORKS AREA IN CONNECTION WITH THE . LAYING OF TWO SUBMARINE ELECTRICITY CABLES.
THE WORK WILL START NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT ONE MONTH TO COMPLETE.
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 AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BY SEPTEMBER 30 NEXT YEAR.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS THAT HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
------0-------
SURVEY STUDIES SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD, ORGAN DONATION, HERITAGE PRESERVATION, EMPLOYEES WORKING SHORT HOURS, STUDENTS TAKING UP SUMMER JOBS AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY.
THE SURVEY HAS BEEN CONDUCTED ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS SINCE AUGUST 1981.
/EACH QUARTER, .......
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
- 19 -
EACH QUARTER, ABOUT 11,800 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY FROM ALL DISTRICTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY.
TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 01 THE POPULATION, THE SURVEY ADOPTS AN OVERLAPPING SAMPLE DESIGN SUCH THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS ENUMERATED IN A GIVEN QUARTER ARE THE SAME AS THOSE ENUMERATED IN THE QUARTER BEFORE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID AN OFFICIAL LETTER, LN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAD BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.
CENSUS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTACT THEM TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
WHEN THEY VISIT HOUSEHOLDS, CENSUS OFFICERS CARRY WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND CERTIFICATES FOR CONDUCTING THE SURVEY.
THEY WILL MAKE SUCH DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY HOUSEHOLDS TO CONFIRM THEIR IDENTITIES.
THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER PART IIIA OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AS NOTIFIED IN UNDER THE GENERA NOTICE NO. 212 IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 19, 1990.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE, DATA RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS COLLECTED WOULD BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND WOULD NOT BE RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC, ANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
------0--------
APPOINTMENTS TO TRAVEL INDUSTRY COMPENSATION FUND MANAGEMENT BOARD *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COMPENSATION FUND MANAGEMENT BOARD.
DR JAMES KUNG ZIANG-MIEN HAS BEEN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM OCTOBER 15, 1994 TO OCTOBER 14, 1995.
ALL THE OTHER EXISTING NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED FOR THE SAME PERIOD. THEY ARE MRS PAMELA CHAN, MR COLIN CHAU, MR FRANK CHEN, MR SIMON HAU SUK-KEI, MR ANTHONY HUNG, MR TAM KAI-ON AND MR PATRICK YEUNG.
"THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD, WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE AND STANDING IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS, HAVE PLAYED A VALUABLE ROLE IN FORMULATING INVESTMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COMPENSATION FUND," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEIR RE-APPOINTMENT WILL PROVIDE CONTINUITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT BOARD TO SEE THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES," HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
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SALT WATER RESERVOIRS FOR POK FU LAM & YAU MA TEI
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THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS IN LUNG FU SHAN, POK FU LAM TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY IN WESTERN, CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI AREAS.
THE TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS HAVE A TOTAL STORAGE CAPACITY OF 16,500 CUBIC METRES. ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID AT POK FU LAM ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE CONVERSION OF YAU MA TEI FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR INTO A SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR TO SUPPLY FLUSHING WATER TO TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI, PART OF MONG KOK AND WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION.
WORKS COMPRISE MODIFICATION OF RESERVOIR WALLS AND PIPE WORKS AT THE EXISTING FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR.
WORKS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY AND DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY FEBRUARY 1997 AND OCTOBER 1995 RESPECTIVELY.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 44TH FLOOR, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 28 AND OCTOBER 21 RESPECTIVELY.
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CHANGE TO TSIM SHA TSUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
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THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT TSIM SHA TSUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/Kl/6).
THE AMENDMENT IS TO REZONE THE GOVERNMENT STAFF QUARTERS SITE AT 1-6 COX’S PATH FROM “GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY” TO ’’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP ID” FOR HIGH-CLASS, MEDIUM-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/Kl/7) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION DURING OFFICE HOURS UNTIL OCTOBER 21 AT:
♦ PLANNING DEPARTMENT 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
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* YAU TSIM/MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE
GROUND FLOOR,
30 LUEN WAN STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY OCTOBER 21. i
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN ARE ON SALE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT
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THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOD CONTROL OFFICE AT MAN KAM TO CHECKPOINT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE FOUNDATION, SITE FORMATION AND SUPERSTRUCTURE WORK FOR A TWO-STOREY FOOD CONTROL CHECKPOINT CONSISTING OF LABORATORY, OFFICE, LOADING/UNLOADING AREA AND SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS.
WORKS FOR THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION BY OCTOBER 1995.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 28.
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RECLAMATION AT TO KAU WAN FOR SHIPYARD
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THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF 5.8 HECTARES OF LAND AT TO KAU WAN, NORTH LANTAU FOR RELOCATING A SHIPYARD.
THE WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE FIRST PHASE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LANTAU PORT, ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER FOR COMPLETION IN A YEAR.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM BINNIE CONSULTANTS LIMITED, 11 TH FLOOR, NEW TOWN TOWER, PAK HOK TING STREET, SHA TIN, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON OCTOBER 21.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1994
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HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ♦ t t * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE
( s MILLION
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,187 0930 + 5
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,113 1000 + 295
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 295
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 261 1200 + 295
LAE TODAY -335 1500 + 295
1600 + 261
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.6 »-0.1* 30.9.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.22 20 MONTHS 2605 6.35 100. 4 0 6.18
1 MONTH 4.26 23 MONTHS 2608 6.15 99. 70 6.42
3 MONTHS 4.42 31 MONTHS 3704 6.15 98. 38 6.96
6 MONTHS 4.78 34 MONTHS 3707 6.95 99. 86 7.12
12 MONTHS 5.41 60 MONTHS 5909 7.45 98. 92 7.86
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,809 MN
CLOSED 30 SEPTEMBER 1994
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