DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
EXCO APPROVES STAR FERRY FARE INCREASE.................... 1
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM TO VISIT BEIJING...................... 2
VIETNAMESE SCREENING VIRTUALLY COMPLETED.................. 2
GOVT COMMITTED TO ENSURING HK'S AVIATION STATUS........... 3
NUMBERING CHANGES FROM NEXT YEAR.......................... 4
SCHOLARS AND TEACHERS JOIN SUBJECT GROUPS ON TOC.......... 5
TRADE DEPARTMENT STAFF GIVEN BEST SERVICE AWARDS.......... 6
NEW MEMBER JOINS TWO SALARIES STANDING COMMITTEES......... 6
DESIGNER FINED FOR INCORRECT TAX RETURNS.................. 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............... 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
EXCO APPROVES STAR FERRY FARE INCREASE
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A FARE INCREASE FOR THE STAR FERRY BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 13.7 PER CENT ON ACCOUNT OF HIGHER OPERATING COST AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENT.
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION WHICH SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW FARES ON DECEMBER 18 WILL BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH .
UNDER THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE, ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF STAR FERRY PASSENGERS WILL PAY 20 CENTS MORE PER TRIP.
CHILD FARE WILL BE SET AT A FLAT RATE OF $1 FOR BOTH THE LOWER AND UPPER DECKS OF THE COMPANY’S THREE HARBOUR-CROSSING ROUTES .
AS A RESULT, THE CHILD FARE FOR THE LOWER DECK OF CENTRAL-TSIM SHA TSUI SERVICE WILL BE 20 CENTS CHEAPER AND FOR THE LOWER DECK OF THE CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM SERVICE 50 CENTS CHEAPER.
SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 65 OR ABOVE WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY FREE RIDE ON THE COMPANY’S HARBOUR-CROSSING ROUTES.
THE PRESENT AND NEW ADULT FARES ARE:
EXISTING FARES PROPOSED FARES
CENTRAL - TSIM SHA TSUI
UPPER DECK $1.50 $1.70
LOWER DECK $1.20 $1.40
CENTRAL - HUNG HOM
UPPER DECK $1.80 $2.00
LOWER DECK $1.50 $1.70
WAN CHAI - TSIM SHA TSUI $1.50 $1.70
THE PRICE OF A MONTHLY TICKET WILL GO UP BY $10 FROM $75 TO
$85.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE APPROVED RATE OF INCREASE WAS BELOW THE 15 PER CENT ESTIMATED INFLATION RATE BETWEEN THE LAST FARE REVISION IN FEBRUARY 1993 AND THE NEXT FARE INCREASE IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
HE SAID EVEN WITH THE FARE INCREASE, STAR FERRY WOULD REMAIN THE CHEAPEST CROSS HARBOUR TRANSPORT MODE.
THE STAR FERRY HAS INCREASED THE FREQUENCY OF THE WAN CHAI-TSIM SHA TSUI ROUTE SINCE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND IS NOW UNDERTAKING A PROGRAMME TO AIR-CONDITION ONE UPPER-DECK CABIN OF EACH VESSEL. FEEDBACK FROM THE PASSENGERS INDICATES THAT STAR FERRY PROVIDES A QUALITY SERVICE.
------0--------
/2........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
2
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM TO VISIT BEIJING *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A TEAM OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WOULD BE LEAVING FOR BEIJING ON NOVEMBER 9 TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR STRENGTHENING CO-OPERATION ON CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE.
AS THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED IN THE POLICY ADDRESS, THE CHINESE SIDE HAS MADE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE ARRANGEMENTS ALREADY IN PLACE FOR CO-OPERATION ON CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES.
THE TEAM WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE THIS FORWARD.
THE TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR TONY EASON, SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS. OTHER MEMBERS ARE MR JOHN TELFORD, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR JOHN ASHTON, DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, STEPHEN LAM, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, AND MISS MARGARET FONG, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONS!IlLI1ONAL AFFAIRS.
------0-------
VIETNAMESE SCREENING VIRTUALLY COMPLETED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT REFUGEE STATUS DETERMINATION PROCEDURES, OR SCREENING, OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN HONG KONG HAD NOW VIRTUALLY BEEN COMPLETED. THERE ARE NOW ONLY A VERY FEW OUTSTANDING CASES.
THE SCREENING PROCEDURES, WHICH WERE INTRODUCED IN 1988, WERE DESIGNED IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES. THE SCREENING PRINCIPLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ENSHRINED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION.
THE SCREENING PROCESS WAS CONDUCTED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS. A MIGRANT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL AGAINST A NEGATIVE DECISION TO THE REFUGEE STATUS REVIEW BOARD.
SINCE JUNE 1988, 71,700 VIETNAMESE HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG. OF THEM, 59,000 HAVE BEEN SCREENED; THE REMAINDER VOLUNTEERED TO RETURN TO VIETNAM BEFORE SCREENING; 6,700 WERE DETERMINED TO BE REFUGEES BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND 2,800 BY THE REFUGEE STATUS REVIEW BOARD. SCREENING HAS COST ABOUT $600 MILLION.
’’WITH THE COMPLETION OF SCREENING, AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER OF THE BOAT PEOPLE SAGA HAS BEEN CLOSED,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
”OUR STATUS DETERMINATION PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN THOROUGH AND FAIR. THE PROCESS HAS INVOLVED HUNDREDS OF PERSONS AT THE INITIAL AND REVIEW STAGES, AND THEY HAVE DONE THEIR JOB CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND THOROUGHLY.
/"THE SCREENING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
- 3 -
"THE SCREENING SYSTEM HAS WITHSTOOD CHALLENGES AND BEEN ACCEPTED AS FAIR BY THE COURTS IN AN IMPORTANT DECISION GIVEN RECENTLY BY THE COURT OF APPEAL," HE SAID.
"THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER REVIEW BY THE GOVERNMENT OF DECISIONS MADE. THE 24,000 SCREENED-OUT MIGRANTS IN OUR CAMPS HAVE THUS NOTHING TO GAIN BY REMAINING IN HONG KONG. THEY HAVE NO HOPE OF OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT. THEIR ONLY FUTURE LIES IN RETURN TO VIETNAM," THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED.
--------0-----------
GOVT COMMITTED TO ENSURING HK’S AVIATION STATUS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO REALISING HONG KONG’S POTENTIAL AS THE PREMIER AVIATION HUB OF ASIA.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE UNVEILING OF CATHAY PACIFIC’S NEW CORPORATE IDENTITY AND THE DELIVERY OF THE AIRBUS 340.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE AVERAGE GROWTH RATES IN PASSENGER AND AIR CARGO TRAFFIC IN ASIA WAS PREDICTED TO REACH SOME 7.5 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT PER ANNUM RESPECTIVELY, BETWEEN NOW AND 2010.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT MEANT ENSURING THE BEST POSSIBLE AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, BACKED UP BY HIGH QUALITY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, SOUND REGULATORY PRACTICES, AS WELL AS A LEGAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH TO DEVELOP HONG KONG’S AVIATION RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.
ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT, MRS CHAN SAID: "WE ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED THAT RECENT DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE HAVE INDICATED THAT WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO AGREEING TO THE OVERALL FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE AIRPORT.
"WE HOPE, BEFORE TOO LONG, TO BE IN A POSITION TO PUT A BILL TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH THE PERMANENT BODY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE FUTURE AIRPORT," SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT CONSULTATIONS WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE AIRPORT BILL AND ON THE AWARD OF MAJOR FRANCHISES AT THE NEW AIRPORT WERE UNDERWAY, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RECRUIT AND TRAIN SOME 80 ADDITIONAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMANDS OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO SET UP A NEW UNIT NEXT YEAR TO DRAW UP OPERATING AND SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.
/THE GOVERNMENT.......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO TAKING FORWARD THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
MEANWHILE, IT IS ESTABLISHING ITS OWN NETWORK OF BILATERAL AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS.
SHE SAID HONG KONG HAD SIGNED 10 AIR SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH AVIATION PARTNERS, TO DATE, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER PARTNERS WERE AT AN ADVANCED STAGE.
- - 0 - -
NUMBERING CHANGES FROM NEXT YEAR * * * * »
THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) REMINDS THE COMMUNITY TODAY (TUESDAY) OF THE TELEPHONE NUMBERING CHANGES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1995, ALL EXISTING SEVEN-DIGIT RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN HONG KONG WILL BE CHANGED TO EIGHT DIGITS BY ADDING THE PREFIX "2" IN FRONT.
"IF YOU HAVE A TELEPHONE, FACSIMILE MACHINE OR OFFICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH MEMORY DIALLING, IDENTIFICATION OR DIALLING CHECKING FUNCTIONS, MAKE SURE THAT IT IS RE-PROGRAMMED FOR THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON JANUARY 1, 1995. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER," A SPOKESMAN FOR OFTA SAID.
"YOU SHOULD ALSO INFORM YOUR BUSINESS AND TRADING PARTNERS AND YOUR OVERSEAS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER."
"YOU SHOULD ALSO MAKE PLANS AHEAD TO CHANGE STATIONERY SUCH AS LETTERHEADS AND NAME CARDS TO SHOW THE NEW AND CORRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER," CONTINUED THE SPOKESMAN.
COMMON SHORT-CODE NUMBERS SUCH AS "999" FOR EMERGENCY, "001" AND "002" FOR INTERNATIONAL CALLING, "1081" AND "1083" FOR DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES, "109" FOR TELEPHONE REPAIR SERVICE AND "1881 - 1887" FOR TELEBET SERVICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
ALL MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AS THEY ARE ALREADY USING EIGHT DIGITS.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR PAGING SERVICES WILL ALSO REMAIN UNCHANGED UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 1995. YOUR PAGING OPERATORS WILL INFORM YOU OF THE NUMBERING CHANGES FOR THEIR SERVICES.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE NEW NUMBERING PLAN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM OFTA BY CALLING 961 6333.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
- 5 -
SCHOLARS AND TEACHERS JOIN SUBJECT GROUPS ON TOC
*****
TEACHERS WITH EXPERIENCE IN PRACTISING TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM (TOC) HAVE BEEN INVITED TO JOIN THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE AND THE SUBJECT GROUPS TO EVALUATE THE ASSESSMENT MECHANISM OF TOC, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID: "THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE AND THE SUBJECT GROUPS WERE ORIGINALLY FORMED AS PART OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON TOC TO FURTHER SOLICIT VIEWS OF ASSESSMENT EXPERTS AND FRONTLINE WORKERS ON HOW THE ASSESSMENT MECHANISM CONTAINED IN THE PROGRAMMES OF STUDY OF THE THREE SUBJECTS COULD BE FURTHER 'ENHANCED.
"AS SUCH, THESE GROUPS ARE RESEARCH GROUPS WITH TERMS OF REFERENCE CONFINED TO THE ASSESSMENT MECHANISM ONLY.
"MEMBERS OF THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE INCLUDE TWO PROFESSORS FROM TWO UNIVERSITIES, THREE SCHOLARS FROM TERTIARY INSTITUTES, ONE HEADMISTRESS AND THREE TEACHERS AS WELL AS SIX OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EACH OF THE THREE SCHOLARS IN THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE WOULD TAKE CHARGE OF A SUBJECT SPECIFIC PROJECT GROUP, WITH MEMBERS CONSISTING OF ONE HEAD TEACHER AND TWO TEACHERS OF THE RELEVANT SUBJECT PLUS SIX OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
"ALL THE HEADMASTERS AND HEADMISTRESSES AS WELL AS THE TEACHERS IN THE SUBJECT GROUPS AND THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE HAVE EXPERIENCE IN PRACTISING TOC," HE ADDED.
"IN ANY CASE, AS HAS BEEN THE PRACTICE IN THE PAST, RELEVANT SCHOOLS WILL BE CONSULTED ON ANY ENHANCEMENT MEASURES WHICH WILL ALSO BE TRIED OUT BEFORE BEING IMPLEMENTED," HE CONTINUED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MONITORING COMMITTEE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC TO BE SET UP UNDER THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING AND MONITORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC AND TO ADVISE ON WHAT CHANGES SHOULD BE INITIATED IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS.
"THIS COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE MEMBERS REPRESENTING DIFFERENT PARTIES INTERESTED IN TOC. ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE COVERS ALL ASPECTS OF TOC OF WHICH ASSESSMENT IS ONE," HE SAID.
--------0 - -
/6 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
- 6 -
TRADE DEPARTMENT STAFF GIVEN BEST SERVICE AWARDS *****
FIVE FRONTLINE STAFF MEMBERS AND TWO DIVISIONS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN VOTED WINNERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S BEST SERVICE AWARDS BY THEIR CUSTOMERS.
THEY WILL BE PRESENTED TROPHIES AND PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF. THE DEPARTMENT’S CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP, MR VICTOR CHA, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG TEXTILE COUNCIL.
SPONSORED BY THE TEXTILE COUNCIL, THE BEST SERVICE AWARDS COMPETITION AIMS AT ENCOURAGING THE STAFF TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE AS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES FOR ITS PERFORMANCE PLEDGE.
THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN PICKED DURING TWO MONTHS OF VOTING. FOR THEIR HIGHEST SCORES IN FOUR CATEGORIES - EFFICIENCY, KNOWLEDGE, EAGERNESS TO HELP AND POLITENESS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S BEST SERVICE AWARDS COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON Bl FLOOR, TRADE DEPARTMENT TOWER, 700 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON (NEXT TO THE MONG KOK MTR STATION).
COVERAGE IS INVITED. WINNERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
------0----------
NEW MEMBER JOINS TWO SALARIES STANDING COMMITTEES
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR LEE HON-CHIU A MEMBER OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM TODAY.
MR LEE IS THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HYSAN DEVELOPMENT CO LTD AND THE DIRECTORS OF A NUMBER OF COMPANIES INCLUDING CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD AND HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/HE HAS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
HE HAS SERVED ON A NUMBER OF PUBLIC BODIES INCLUDING SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, COUNCIL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, COUNCIL OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1963, AND ADVISES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE (EXCEPT THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES), AS WELL AS SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR DIRECTORATE OFFICERS.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987, AND ADVISES ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE JUDICIARY, AND THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ON EACH RANK OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS.
- - 0 - -
DESIGNER FINED FOR INCORRECT TAX RETURNS
*****
A DESIGNER WAS FINED $18,750 TODAY (TUESDAY) IN THE WESTERN MAGISTRACY FOR MAKING INCORRECT STATEMENTS IN HIS SALARIES TAX RETURNS WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE.
THE DEFENDANT, LAW CHIU-NING, 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 MAY 27, 1990, THE DEFENDANT STILL PUT DOWN HIS FATHER’S NAME ON HIS TAX RETURNS AND CLAIMED FOR THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE. HE PLEADED GUILTY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT 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 $25,000 ON EACH CHARGE, IN ADDITION TO A FURTHER FINE EQUIVALENT TO THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF TAX UNDERCHARGED.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 1 NOV 94 1 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q444 Y495
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,370 MN HK$3,350 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$1,500 MN HK$500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 4.99 PCT 5.00 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 5.02 PCT 5.92 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 6 PCT ABOUT 50 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 5.03 PCT 6.00 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 7 NOV 1994-
TENDER DATE 8 NOV 94 8 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q445 H477
ISSUE DATE 9 NOV 94 9 NOV 94
MATURITY DATE 8 FEB 95 10 MAY 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$ 1,500 + 300 MN
HKS800 + 160 MN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1994
9 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS t » * * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,699 0930 +1,303
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,798 1000 +1,303
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,273
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,274 1200 +1,274
LAF TODAY -1,175 1500 +1,274
1600 +1,274
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 120.6 »-0.2» 1.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.06 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 . 99.94 6.49
1 MONTH 4.41 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.29 6.89
3 MONTHS 4.98 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.87 7.22
6 MONTHS 5.32 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.68 7.51
12 MONTHS 5.89 59 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.68 8.19
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 23,282 MN
CLOSED 1 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PROPOSALS ON LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ENDORSED.................................................. 1
STATEMENT ON STAR FERRY FARE INCREASE..................... 1
STUDY ON RIVER TRADE CARGO MOVEMENTS AND PORT FACILITY REQUIREMENTS.............................................. 2
PACIFIC BASIN CENTRAL BANK CONFERENCE HELD IN HK.......... 3
SES CALLS ON JAPAN TRANSPORT MINISTER..................... 3
USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON NLCDP......................... 4
APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN "TASK OF THE CENTURY".............. 5
SHA TIN LOT TO LET........................................ 6
BEST SERVICE AWARD WINNERS OF TRADE DEPARTMENT............ 7
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS... 8
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
PROPOSALS ON LEGCO GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES ENDORSED * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE INDEPENDENT BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION’S (BEC) RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY (GC) BOUNDARIES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 1995 ELECTIONS.
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL’S DECISION, JN THE FORM OF AN ORDER (SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION), WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 4). THE ORDER WILL BE TABLED IN LEGCO ON NOVEMBER 9.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BEC HAD ONCE AGAIN DONE A THOROUGH AND EXCELLENT JOB. ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, AS ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IN THEIR ENTIRETY, WERE WELL-BALANCED AND WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE STATUTORY CRITERIA.
"IN MAKING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, THE BEC HAD FOLLOWED THE STATUTORY CRITERIA FOR DEMARCATING CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES SUCH AS ADHERENCE TO THE POPULATION QUOTA AS FAR AS POSSIBLE AND HAVING REGARD TO PHYSICAL FEATURE, COMMUNITY IDENTITIES AND LOCAL TIES.
"IT HAD ALSO TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE REPRESENTATIONS IT RECEIVED. FOR THE 1995 LEGCO GC ELECTIONS, THERE WILL BE 20 SINGLE SEAT CONSTITUENCIES.
"THE POPULATION QUOTA FOR EACH OF THE LEGCO GC IS 299,650 AND THE COMMISSION HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE POPULATION IN EACH PROPOSED CONSTITUENCY DOES NOT EXCEED OR FALL SHORT OF THE POPULATION QUOTA BY MORE THAN 25 PER CENT,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO SEE THE ORDER PASSED ITS LEGISLATIVE PROCESS BY EARLY DECEMBER 1994. THIS WILL THEN PROVIDE THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WITH A LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO MAKE EARLY PREPARATION (AS FROM JANUARY 1995) FOR THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE RELATING TO THE LEGCO ELECTIONS," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
STATEMENT ON STAR FERRY FARE INCREASE
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE 13.7 PER CENT FARE INCREASE APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THE STAR FERRY WAS MODERATE AND REASONABLE.
OVER 90 PER CENT OF PASSENGERS WOULD PAY ONLY 20 (’ENTS MORE PER TRIP.
HE BELIEVES THIS SMALL INCREASE WHICH IS BELOW INFLATION IS GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
AFTER THE FARE INCREASE, THE STAR FERRY IS FORECAST TO EARN A RETURN ON TURNOVER OF ONLY 11.1 PER CENT IN 1995 AND 8.8 PER CENT IN 1996.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 2 -
IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO USE THE AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS AS A BASIS TO CALCULATE THE COMPANY’S RETURN BECAUSE STAR FERRY EARNS A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF ITS PROFIT FROM OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS PIER RENTAL AND ADVERTISING WHICH HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS FIXED ASSETS. ALSO STAR FERRY HAS A VERY SMALL FIXED ASSET 'BASE.
THE FARE INCREASE IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE STAR FERRY TO MAINTAIN ITS HIGH QUALITY SERVICE ENJOYED BY THE PUBLIC AND TOURISTS.
AS WITH ANY OTHER FARE INCREASE APPLICATION, STAR FERRY’S FUTURE APPLICATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO DETAILED SCRUTINY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ALL RELEVANT FACTORS INCLUDING THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL POSITION WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION. THEREFORE, IT IS PREMATURE TO JUDGE WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE ANY FARE INCREASE FOR THE STAR FERRY BEFORE 1997 .
AS REGARDS SERVICE IMPROVEMENT, STAR FERRY IS IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING AIR-CONDITIONING IN’ONE UPPER-DECK CABIN OF EACH OF ITS VESSELS.
ALSO THE PEAK-HOUR FREQUENCY OF THE WAN CHAI - TSIM SHA TSUI SERVICE HAS BEEN INCREASED TO MEET GROWING PASSENGER DEMAND.
- - - - 0------
STUDY ON RIVER TRADE CARGO MOVEMENTS AND PORT FACILITY REQUIREMENTS *****
THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN, HAS SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH GHK (HONG KONG) LIMITED TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON RIVER TRADE CARGO MOVEMENTS AND PORT FACILITY REQUIREMENTS.
’’THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ARE TO ASSESS THE CURRENT EXTENT, TYPE AND MOVEMENT OF RIVER TRADE CARGOES AND TO ESTIMATE THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR ADDITIONAL PORT FACILITIES IN HONG KONG SO AS TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR THE REQUIRED FACILITIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE STUDY IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR AND ITS FINDINGS WILL PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING ADDITIONAL PORT FACILITIES IN HONG KONG TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0----------
/3 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
3
PACIFIC BASIN CENTRAL BANK CONFERENCE HELD IN HK ♦ ♦ * * »
PARTICIPANTS FROM 15 CENTRAL BANKS AND MONETARY AUTHORITIES AROUND THE PACIFIC BASIN MET IN HONG KONG FROM OCTOBER 31 TO NOVEMBER 2 TO DISCUSS ’’MONETARY AND EXCHANGE RATE MANAGEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MOBILITY”.
THE ECONOMIES REPRESENTED ARE AUSTRALIA, CANADA, CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, THAILAND AND THE USA.
MOST OF THESE ECONOMIES HAVE EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL INFLOWS IN RECENT YEARS.
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, MR JOSEPH YAM, POINTED OUT THAT OF AROUND 180 NONORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD, THE 10 REPRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE ATTRACTED MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE US$100 BILLION IN NET CAPITAL FLOW FROM THE OECD COUNTRIES IN 1993.
THE GENERAL VIEW OF THE CONFERENCE WAS THAT CAPITAL FLOWS ARE BASICALLY DESIRABLE IN ALLOWING A BETTER GLOBAL ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES. HOWEVER, SHORT-TERM FLOWS COULD QUICKLY BE REVERSED AND HENCE BE POTENTIALLY DESTABILISING.
CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS DISCUSSED THEIR OWN COUNTRY’S EXPERIENCE WITH AND POLICY RESPONSES TO STRONG CAPITAL FLOWS THAT HAVE POSED NEW CHALLENGES TO MONETARY AND EXCHANGE RATE MANAGEMENT.
PROFESSOR MICHAEL DOOLEY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ, PRESENTED THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AND PROFESSOR PETER GARBER OF BROWN UNIVERSITY WAS THE RESOURCE PERSON AND RAPPORTEUR.
THE PACIFIC BASIN CENTRAL BANK CONFERENCE IS HELD ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS. THE PREVIOUS CONFERENCE TOOK PLACE IN BEIJING IN 1992.
------0-------
SES CALLS ON JAPAN TRANSPORT MINISTER *****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, WHO IS VISITING JAPAN, PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT OF JAPAN, THE HON SHIZUKA KAMEI, YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).
MR SIU WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR DAVID LAN, PRINCIPAL HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVE (TOKYO).
MR SIU AND MINISTER KAMEI HAD A FRUITFUL AND FRANK EXCHANGE ON ISSUES OF COMMON CONCERN. ON THE ONGOING TALKS ON AIR SERVICES, MR SIU AND MINISTER KAMEI REITERATED THEIR DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE FURTHER IMPETUS TO THE NEGOTIATION PROCESS.
/MR SIU ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
4
MR SIU NOTED THAT ENCOURAGING PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE LAST ROUNDS OF AIR SERVICES CONSULTATIONS.
’’THE DISCUSSION WITH MINISTER KAMEI WAS USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE. BOTH HONG KONG AND JAPAN SHARED THE COMMON BELIEF THAT IT WOULD BE IN THE INTERESTS OF BOTH PARTIES TO SEE THE SUCCESSFUL AND EARLY CONCLUSION OF THE CURRENT DISCUSSIONS ON AIR SERVICES,” HE SAID.
HE ALSO BRIEFED MINISTER KAMEI ON THE GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HONG KONG’S NEW AIRPORT PROJECT.
APART FROM A CALL ON THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, MR SIU ALSO CALLED ON THE HON MASAHIKO KOMURA, MINISTER OF STATE AND DIRECTOR-GENERAL FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING AGENCY. MR SIU TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRIEF MR KOMURA ON RECENT ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
HE WILL ALSO ATTEND THE WORLD CONFERENCE OF TOURISM MINISTERS TO BE HELD IN OSAKA TODAY.
------0--------
USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON NLCDP
* » ♦ ♦ *
THE COMMITTEE ON NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (NLCDP) MET THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS A RANGE OF ISSUES INCLUDING THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND NLCDP TO MARK III TO VI PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S FIVE-YEAR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, HAD AN INITIAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THIS PROPOSAL IN A POSITIVE AND AMICABLE MANNER.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MISS DORIS CHEUNG, WHO CHAIRED THE MEETING, STRESSED THAT NLCDP SERVICE WOULD CONTINUE SO LONG AS THERE WERE DEPRIVED AND TRANSIENT COMMUNITIES TO BE SERVED WITHIN EXISTING POLICY.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION TO TERMINATE NLCDP SERVICE IF THERE WERE SUCH TARGET GROUPS TO BE SERVED.
NLCDP WAS INTRODUCED IN THE 1970S TO DEPRIVED AND TRANSIENT COMMUNITIES INCLUDING SQUATTERS, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES UNDER HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S FIVE-YEAR REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHERE THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES WAS INADEQUATE AND NON-EXISTENT.
MISS CHEUNG REITERATED THAT DIALOGUE WITH RESIDENTS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE FUTURE OF NLCDP WOULD CONTINUE.
/SENIOR OFFICIALS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 5 -
SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, HAD MET VARIOUS GROUPS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF RESIDENTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS ON THIS SUBJECT.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS WILL BE MEETING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE SHORTLY TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON NLCDP.
APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN "TASK OF THE CENTURY” » « » » *
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, DR JULIAN LEUNG, HAS CALLED HONG KONG’S MOVE TO IMPLEMENT TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM (TOC) "THE TASK OF THE CENTURY”.
SPEAKING AT A TOC TRAINING SEMINAR ATTENDED BY SOME 300 KEY PRIMARY SCHOOL PERSONNEL, DR LEUNG SAID TOC WAS AN IMPORTANT MEASURE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND ENSURE EFFECTIVE LEARNING.
HE SAID HONG KONG WITH ITS WELL DEVELOPED PRIMARY SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS WELL PLACED TO JOIN THE WORLDWIDE TREND IN RAISING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
DR LEUNG SAID DELIBERATIONS AND PILOTING OF TOC SO FAR HAD BROUGHT OUT A NUMBER OF CLEAR MESSAGES.
"IT IS CLEAR THAT THE CONCEPT OF TOC HAS SECURED WIDE SUPPORT AND THAT STUDENTS REALLY BENEFIT FROM THE SWITCH TO TOC," HE SAID.
"ULTIMATELY, WE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE 500,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HONG KONG.
"MOREOVER, THE TRYOUT SCHEME AND VIEWS EXPRESSED HAVE REVEALED THE KEY FACTORS FOR SUCCESS, INCLUDING THE NEED FOR TEACHER TRAINING AND SUPPORT MEASURES. THESE WILL BE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION."
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CONFIDENT THAT TOC WILL BE EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED. THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE SUPPORT MEASURES AND SET UP A MONITORING MECHANISM FOR TOC.
DR LEUNG APPEALED TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS TO WORK WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO MAKE "THE TASK OF THE CENTURY" A SUCCESS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT TOC WAS A LEARNER-CENTRED APPROACH TO EDUCATION IN WHICH SPECIFIC TARGETS WERE SET FOR INDIVIDUAL PUPILS, WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL ABILITY AND PROGRESS.
THE CURRICULUM IS ARRANGED IN A MORE SYSTEMATIC AND EFFECTIVE WAY.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 6 -
IT IS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND REDUCE DIFFERENCE AMONG PUPILS.
TODAY’S IS ONE OF EIGHT SEMINARS CONDUCTED ON A REGIONAL BASIS FOR SCHOOL HEADS, TOC CO-ORDINATORS AND PANEL CHAIRMEN OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS. IT IS PART OF A FOUR-DAY TRAINING COURSE ON TOC.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A THREE-DAY COURSE FOR SCHOOL HEADS AND TOC CO-ORDINATORS, AND A THREE-DAY COURSE FOR PANEL CHAIRMEN.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A FOUR-DAY SCHOOL-BASED PREPARATORY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TEACHERS OF THE 70 SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING TOC IN SEPTEMBER 1995, AND THREE-DAY FOLLOW-UP IN-SERVICE TRAINING CALLED "SCHOOL-BASED DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMME".
SUPPORT MEASURES BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A WEALTH OF TEACHING AND REFERENCE MATERIALS, SETTING UP OF TOC RESOURCE CENTRES, ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS AND AN INTENSIVE PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
------0--------
SHA TIN LOT TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF GOVERNMENT LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF ON LAI STREET AND ON MING STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN.
COVERING AN AREA OF 2,350 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS TO BE USED AS A CAR PARK FOR THE TENANT’S MOTOR VEHICLES (EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRAILERS, TRACTORS AND CHASSIS) AND MINOR REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES, OR AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS AT NOON ON NOVEMBER 18.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.
- - 0---------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
7 -
BEST SERVICE AWARD WINNERS OF TRADE DEPARTMENT
*****
FIVE FRONT-LINE STAFF MEMBERS AND TWO DIVISIONS IN THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GIVEN A PAT ON THE SHOULDER FOR THEIR HIGHEST SCORES IN A PUBLIC POLL FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S BEST SERVICE AWARDS.
VOTED THE WINNERS BY THE CUSTOMERS THEY SERVED, THE OFFICERS WERE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES AND PRIZES AT A CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, AND TWO OTHER GUESTS.
"I AM VERY PLEASED THAT THEIR EFFORTS AND GOOD SERVICES HAVE GAINED PUBLIC RECOGNITION,” MR MILLER SAID AT THE CEREMONY.
HE DESCRIBED AS ENCOURAGING THE NUMBER OF VOTES, TOTALLING 1,450, RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE TWO MONTHS OF VOTING IN JULY AND AUGUST.
“THE BEST SERVICE AWARD COMPETITION IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE ACTIVITIES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE STAFF TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICE,” HE ADDED.
IN THE COMPETITION SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TEXTILE COUNCIL, STAFF MEMBERS WERE VOTED FOR THEIR EFFICIENCY, KNOWLEDGE, EAGERNESS TO HELP AND POLITENESS.
THE WINNERS OF INDIVIDUAL BEST SERVICE AWARDS ARE MR TSE WAI-SING AND MS HO HO-KI OF THE NORTH AMERICA DIVISION; MR LIN SHUN-WAI AND MS YUNN NIM-CHI OF THE SYSTEMS DIVISION; AND MR TAM CHUNG-CHING OF THE OTHER REGIONS DIVISION.
THE NORTH AMERICA AND SYSTEMS DIVISIONS HAVE WON THE DIVISIONAL BEST SERVICE AWARDS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TEXTILE COUNCIL, MR KENNETH PANG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP, MR VICTOR CHA.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
t ♦ ♦ * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE
($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY LAF TODAY 2,798 3,043 + 1 , 170 -925 0930 1000 1100 1200 1500 1600 +1,176 +1,176 +1,185 +1,186 +1,136 + 1,170
LAF RATE 3.00 B1D/5.00 OFFER TWI 120.4 *-0.2* 2. 11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.55 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.92 6.51
1 MONTH 4.29 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.25 6.91
3 MONTHS 5.00 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.78 7.27
6 MONTHS 5.33 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.52 7.57
12 MONTHS 5.99 59 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.43- 8.26
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 48,192 MN
CLOSED 2 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION DEBATE ON HEALTH CARE POLICY: SHW.................... 1
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1994................................................... 4
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL.................. 5
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HK (AMENDMENT) BILL..................... 6
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO....................................................... 7
REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES............. 8
LOCKERS TO BE PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS .......................... 9
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIRPORT................................ 10
IMPORT OF MANAGERS FROM CHINA.............................. 12
MEDIA COVERAGE OF DB ELECTIONS............................. 14
LONG-TERM POLICY FOR SINGLE PARENT FAMILY......'........... 15
XI YANG CASE............................................. 17
/RECRUITMENT OF...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO,
RECRUITMENT OF STAFF IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE.... 18
LANGUAGE FUND ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT AT YEAR END.............. 19
HK MADE MORE COMPETITIVE...................................... 21
ADMISSION TO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION........................... 21
DEBT SECURITISATION ISSUES.................................... 23
TRAINING OF CHINA WORKERS..................................... 24
SPEECH EXPENDITURE WELL-SPENT................................. 25
LOCATION OF POLLING STATIONS.................................. 27
INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOLS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS................ 28
LANGUAGE SKILLS OF STUDENTS..............‘.................... 29
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON TUEN MUN ROAD............................ 30
MEASURES TO ENHANCE FREIGHT TRANSPORT TRADE................... 31
MOTION ON HEALTH CARE POLICY PASSED........................... 32
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
MOTION DEBATE ON HEALTH CARE POLICY: SHW
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN MOTION DEBATE ON HEALTH CARE POLICY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM GRATEFUL TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR LIVELY INTEREST IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT AREA. 1 STRESSED LAST WEEK IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS THAT PREVENTION OF DISEASE WAS A PRIORITY ITEM ON THE HEALTH AGENDA. I POINTED OUT ALSO THAT THIS IS A CENTRAL THEME IN MY POLICY COMMITMENTS AND I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT VARIOUS MEMBERS AGREE WITH ME. THE HONOURABLE FUNG KIN-KEF. MENTIONED THIS IN HIS ADDRESS. MISS CHRISTINE LOH ALSO MENTIONED THIS IN HER DEBATE AND VARIOUS OTHER MEMBERS ALSO EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION OF DISEASE AS A PRIORITY ITEM ALSO ON THEIR HEALTH AGENDA. VARIOUS OTHER MEMBERS ALSO REFERRED TO THE DEFINITION OF IDEAL HEALTH PROVIDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION. HERE MY AIM AND THEIRS ARE THE SAME: THAT IS WE WORK TOWARDS "A STATE OF COMPLETE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING, NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE OR INFIRMITY". VARIOUS MEMBERS REFER TO OUR PAST HISTORY OF PREVENTION AND DISEASE AND DISEASE PREVENTION AND VARIOUS MEMBERS SUCH AS THE HONOURABLE SAMUEL WONG, THE HONOURABLE TANG SIU-TONG, ALSO AGREED THAT IN THE PAST WE HAVE MADE VERY REMARKABLE PROGRESS AND OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE ALL THE BASIC DETERMINING FACTORS FOR HEALTH, NAMELY THINGS SUCH AS ADEQUATE SHELTER, NUTRITIOUS FOOD, EDUCATION, WIDESPREAD ACCESS TO HEALTH PROGRAMMES INCLUDING IMMUNISATION AND FAMILY PLANNING.
GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING AND IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY IS ENSHRINED IN ITS EXISTING COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE POLICY WHICH PLACES INCREASING EMPHASIS ON HEALTH PROMOTION, PREVENTION OF DISEASE AND DISABILITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AS THE EFFECTIVE MEANS TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS FOR HEALTH.
MEMBERS MAY REMEMBER THAT IN 1989, WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND THE SUBSEQUENT ENDORSEMENT OF ITS 102 RECOMMENDATIONS, THIS REFLECTED QUITE CLEARLY THE ADMINISTRATION’S EFFORTS IN IMPLEMENTING ITS HEALTH CARE POLICY DIRECTIVES TOWARDS THESE GOALS.
/IN MORE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
2
IN MORE SPECIFIC TERMS, 1 WOULD LIKE TO REFER MEMBERS TO THE RECURRENT SPENDING ON HEALTH CARE IN RECENT YEARS. FOR INSTANCE OUR RECURRENT SPENDING ON HEALTH CARE HAS INCREASED BY NEARLY SEVEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1994/95 COMPARED WITH 1993/94. IT WILL INCREASE BY A FURTHER SEVEN PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1995/96. OUR ROLE NOW IS INCREASINGLY TO ENCOURAGE AND ENABLE PEOPLE TO HELP THEMSELVES TO AVOID DISEASE AND DISABILITY, AND DEVELOP LIFESTYLES THAT ARE CONDUCIVE TO POSITIVE HEALTH. AND I AM PLEASED TO KNOW ALSO THAT VARIOUS MEMBERS INCLUDING THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL HO, MOSES CHENG, THE HONOURABLE K C LAM ALSO AGREE WITH ME. WE SHALL CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS AN APPROACH WHICH FOCUSES MORE ON THE INDIVIDUAL PERSON RATHER THAN ON DISEASE. WE SHALL ENABLE PEOPLE TO GET A HEALTHY START TO LIFE, TO LIVE THAT LIFE PRODUCTIVELY, AND TO DIE WITH DIGNITY.
VARIOUS MEMBERS ALSO REFERRED TO THE ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. THESE ARE, BUT SOME OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE DETERMINATION AND DEDICATION OF OUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTORS TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES.
I WOULD LIKE NOW TO FOCUS ON DISEASE PREVENTION. VARIOUS MEMBERS HAVE ALSO MENTIONED THIS VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN THROUGH IMMUNISATION AGAINST THE NINE COMMON CHILDHOOD INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THROUGH OTHER SERVICES IN OUR MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES.
THE HONOURABLE K C LAM ALSO REFERRED TO THE NEW STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE AND I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN 1995. THIS WILL AIM AT PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM PRIMARY ONE TO SECONDARY SEVEN. EARLY DETECTION OF OUR HEALTH PROBLEMS WILL ENSURE TIMELY INTERVENTION. WHEN THIS SCHEME IS FULLY IMPLEMENTED, IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL THE NEARLY 900,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG AND I AM SURE THIS WILL MAKE A MAJOR DIFFERENCE.
VARIOUS MEMBERS INCLUDING THE HONOURABLE HUANG CHEN-YA REFERRED TO SERVICES INCLUDING WOMAN AND ELDERLY HEALTH CENTRES. THESE HAVE STARTED AS PILOT PROJECTS, BUT WILL ULTIMATELY BE INTEGRATED WITH OTHER PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO PROVIDE A CONTINUITY OF CARE. THEY WILL DELIVER HEALTH PROMOTION, HEALTH SCREENING AND HEALTH MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES.
WE WILL INCREASE AND ENHANCE HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE TOP THREE KILLER DISEASES IN HONG KONG, AND VARIOUS MEMBERS MENTIONED OUR THREE MAIN KILLER DISEASES SUCH AS CANCER, HEART DISEASE AND STROKE.
OUR STUDIES SHOW THAT THESE THREE DISEASES ARE LINKED TO CERTAIN LIFESTYLES, AND THAT THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THEM IS THE PROMOTION AND THE ADOPTION OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
/A HEALTHY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 3 -
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS NOT AN ABSTRACT AND UNATTAINABLE OBJECT. IT IS CENTRED AROUND THE THEMES OF NO SMOKING, HEALTHY EATING HABITS, WEIGHT CONTROL, REGULAR EXERCISE AND ALCOHOL MODERATION. THESE HABITS AND MEASURES LOOK SIMPLE, BUT TOGETHER, THEY FORM A MOST EFFECTIVE AGENDA AGAINST THE THREE KILLER DISEASES. TO THIS END, WE WILL PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP FOR DEVELOPING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE WILL MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CO-OPERATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND WILL DESIGN INTEGRATED PROGRAMMES ON OUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES.
ON ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES, VARIOUS MEMBERS SPOKE ABOUT THIS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE WILL AIM AT IMPLEMENTING FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE AND PROMOTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS. COUPLED WITH THE PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORTS OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH, OUR MEASURES WILL REDUCE SMOKING-RELATED ILLNESSES AND DEATH.
THE HONOURABLE FUNG KIN-KEE MENTIONED THE WORK OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. HERE I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT EMPHASIS HAS ALSO BEEN PLACED ON PREVENTION ESPECIALLY IN EARLY INTERVENTION TO PREVENT AND MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF DISEASE AND DISABILITY. THE AUTHORITY COLLABORATES WITH OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND PATIENT AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TO ACHIEVE THIS. PATIENT RESOURCES CENTRES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN MAJOR HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUPPORT FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL. COLLABORATIVE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PREVENTIVE PROGRAMMES HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS. WE WILL ENCOURAGE MORE SUCH ACTIVITIES IN THE CENTRE.
THE HONOURABLE CONRAD LAM, THE HONOURABLE C H LEONG AND OTHER MEMBERS REFERRED TO THE IMPORTANT SUBJECT OF AIDS. HERE OUR POLICY IS CLEAR. IT ENTAILS FOUR BASIC COMPONENTS :
FIRST : PREVENTION OF HIV INFECTION AND TRANSMISSION
SECOND : CARE OF PEOPLE WITH HIV OR AIDS
THIRD .‘SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL
FOURTH ’.PARTNERSHIP IN HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND CARE
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS DEADLY DISEASE, HEALTH EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION ARE ESSENTIAL. WE SHALL CONTINUE VIGOROUSLY TO PROMOTE AIDS AWARENESS AND TO COMBAT PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION. THE NEW INITIATIVES CALL FOR GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE BATTLE AGAINST AIDS. IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR, THE LIONS INTERNATIONAL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL LAUNCH A COMMUNITY CHARTER ON AIDS. BY SIGNING THE CHARTER, COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS WILL PLEDGE THEMSELVES PUBLICLY TO SUPPORT OUR GOALS. THE GOVERNMENT, AS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER, WILL TAKE THE LEAD BY BEING THE FIRST TO SIGN THE CHARTER.
I WOULD NOW LIKE TO TURN TO TARGET SETTING WHICH WAS REFERRED TO BY THE HONOURABLE C H LEONG AND MISS CHRISTINE LOH. TO HELP FORMULATE STRATEGIES AND SET TARGETS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING OUR HEALTH CARE POLICY, A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION IS NEEDED: FOR POPULATION SURVEILLANCE AS WELL AS FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES.
/IN THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
4
IN THIS RESPECT, MR PRESIDENT, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A ’'PUBLIC HEALTH REPORT”. THIS NEW INITIATIVE AIMS TO ANALYSE THE MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS AFFECTING OUR COMMUNITY WHICH ARE PREVENTABLE. IT ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE SOME POINTERS TO THE DIRECTION IN WHICH WE SHOULD NOW MOVE, TO ENSURE THAT OUR FUTURE ASSESSMENTS OF THE TERRITORY’S STATE OF HEALTH ARE RELEVANT, THAT IT IS ACCURATE, THAT IT IS INTERPRETATIVE AND THAT IT IS DISSEMINATED IN A WAY WHICH WILL MAXIMISE THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH POLICY. IT EMPHASISES THE NEED FOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY: IN HEALTH PROMOTION, IN HEALTH RESEARCH, INFORMATION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AND IN DATA COLLECTION.
THE FIRST ISSUE OF THIS REPORT DEALS WITH TWO VERY IMPORTANT DISEASES IN HONG KONG, HEART DISEASE AND LUNG CANCER. I HOPE THAT THIS WILL AROUSE GREATER AWARENESS OF THESE HEALTH PROBLEMS, GENERATE FEEDBACK, STRENGTHEN OUR PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR PRIORITY AREAS, AND STIMULATE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION BY PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
I LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING THE PUBLIC HEALTH REPORT WITH MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH PANEL AND GETTING THEIR FEEDBACK ON OUR APPROACH.
IN CONCLUSION, ’’PUBLIC HEALTH IS THE SCIENCE AND ART OF PREVENTING DISEASE, PROLONGING LIFE AND PROMOTING HEALTH THROUGH THE ORGANISED EFFORTS OF SOCIETY”. IT CANNOT BE ISOLATED TO A SINGLE BRANCH OF POLICY MAKERS. HEALTH IMPACTS ACROSS MANY POLICY AREAS AND SECTORS OF SOCIETY. THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE REQUIRES THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL PARTIES. THERE IS AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY IN THIS ASPECT. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US CAN MAKE A LONG TERM DIFFERENCE TO OUR HEALTH THROUGH SIMPLE ACTIONS. LET US WORK TOGETHER TO HELP MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
------0-------
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1994 * ♦ x * »
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1994.
/THE AMENDMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
5 -
THE AMENDMENT SEEKS TO PLUG A LOOPHOLE IN THE PRESENT
LEGISLATION WHICH IS IMPEDING EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL HAWKING ACTIVITIES INVOLVING THE USE OF VEHICLES. AT PRESENT, THE SEIZURE AND SUBSEQUENT FORFEITURE OF HAWKING EQUIPMENT UPON CONVICTION OF A HAWKING OFFENCE IS AN IMPORTANT DETERRENT IN COMBATING ILLEGAL HAWKING. HOWEVER, A RECENT HIGH COURT RULING HAS EXPOSED A LEGAL LOOPHOLE IN THAT A LORRY SEIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL HAWKING HAD TO BE RETURNED TO A HAWKER AND THE ORIGINAL FORFEITURE ORDER SET ASIDE, ON THE GROUNDS THAT ONLY VANS BUT LORRIES ARE MENTIONED IN THE RELEVANT PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE GOVERNING THE FORFEITURE OF HAWKER EQUIPMENT. THIS ADDS TO THE ALREADY DIFFICULT TASK OF EFFECTIVE HAWKER CONTROL BECAUSE OF THE OBVIOUS DIMINUTION OF THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF SEIZURE OF VEHICLES.
THE AMENDMENT WILL ENSURE THAT ANY VEHICLE USED IN CONNECTION WITH HAWKING WILL BE LIABLE TO SEIZURE AND FORFEITURE UPON CONVICTION OF A HAWKING OFFENCE.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL BE READ A SECOND TIME.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE CHANGE OF THE TITLE OF THE INSTITUTION TO READ "HONG KONG BAPTIST UNIVERSITY" AND THAT OF THE EXECUTIVE HEAD TO READ "PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR". THE GOVERNOR WILL REMAIN AS THE TITULAR HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION BY ASSUMING THE NEW "CHANCELLOR" POST.
REGARDING THE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE INSTITUTION, THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE REPEAL OF THE EXISTING "BOARD OF GOVERNORS" AND ESTABLISHES A "COURT" AS THE SUPREME ADVISORY BODY OF THE UNIVERSITY. THE SENATE WILL REPLACE THE ACADEMIC BOARD AS THE SUPREME ACADEMIC BODY OF THE INSTITUTION. THE "COUNCIL" WILL BE RECONSTITUTED INTO THE HIGHEST EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS NEW COMPOSITION WILL INCLUDE AMONG OTHERS THE DEANS, SENATE NOMINEES, SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS, STAFF REPRESENTATIVES AND A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE.
THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE EMPOWERED TO MAKE "STATUTES" FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
/THE HONG .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
6
THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE WAS FOUNDED IN 1956. IT IS CURRENTLY OFFERING OVER 3,600 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES. IT HAS OVER THE YEARS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE AS A LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR OF HONG KONG. IT WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS UNIQUE ROLE IN THE PUBLICLY FUNDED PROVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
THANK YOU, NR PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HK (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL.
THE BILL SEEKS TO GIVE LEGAL EFFECTS TO THE PROPOSED CHANGES OF THE TITLE AND INTERNAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG TO BETTER REFLECT THE SELF ACCREDITING STATUS AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE INSTITUTION.
IN 1991, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAVE NOTIFIED THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) OF THEIR INTENTION TO APPLY FOR UNIVERSITY TITLE AND STATUS. IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY AGREED BETWEEN THE UPGC AND THE INSTITUTIONS THAT THE GRANTING OF UNIVERSITY TITLE SHOULD ONLY FOLLOW THE ACCEPTANCE BY THE INSTITUTIONS OF THE PRINCIPLE AND TERMS OF A DIFFERENTIATION OF ROLES AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SELF-ACCREDITATION STATUS.
THE FIRST PRECONDITION WAS SATISFIED IN 1992 WHEN THE UPGC PROMULGATED A POLICY STATEMENT WHICH DESCRIBED THE AGREED ROLES AND MISSIONS OF ALL THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE. THE SECOND PRECONDITION WAS SATISFIED IN JULY 1993 WHEN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THAT THE THREE INSTITUTIONS SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCREDITING THEIR OWN DEGREE COURSES, SUBJECT TO PERIODIC EXTERNAL REVIEWS OF THEIR QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROCESSES BY THE UPGC.
TODAY, THREE AMENDMENT BILLS ARE PRESENTED TO THIS COUNCIL TO GIVE LEGAL EFFECT TO THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE TITLES AND INTERNAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES OF THE THREE INSTITUTIONS. THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL PROVIDES FOR THE CHANGE OF THE TITLE OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC TO READ "CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG" AND THAT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO READ "VICE-CHANCELLOR". THE GOVERNOR WILL REMAIN THE TITULAR HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION BY ASSUMING THE NEW "CHANCELLOR" POST. THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A "COURT" AS THE SUPREME ADVISORY BODY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ACADEMIC BOARD BY THE "SENATE" AS THE SUPREME ACADEMIC BODY.
/THE COUNCIL ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
THE COUNCIL WILL REMAIN THE HIGHEST EXECUTIVE BODY OF THE RETITLED INSTITUTION BUT ITS COMPOSITION WILL BE RECONSTITUTED TO INCLUDE AMONG OTHERS THE DEANS, A SENATE NOMINEE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONVOCATION AND STAFF AND STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES. THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE EMPOWERED TO MAKE "STATUTES" FOR THE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WAS FOUNDED IN 1984. IT IS CURRENTLY OFFERING OVER 11,000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES. IT HAS OVER THE YEARS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR OF HONG KONG, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON PROFESSIONAL ORIENTED STUDIES. IT WILL CONTINUE TO PERFORM ITS UNIQUE ROLE IN THE PUBLICLY FUNDED PROVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
- - - - 0------
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO * t t » *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACflNG SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL BE READ
A SECOND TIME.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE CHANGE OF THE INSTITUTIONAL TITLE TO READ "THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY" AND THAT OF THE EXECUTIVE HEAD TO READ "PRESIDENT". THE GOVERNOR WILL REMAIN AS THE TITULAR HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION BY ASSUMING THE NEW "CHANCELLOR" POST.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE "ACADEMIC BOARD" BY THE SENATE. THE "COUNCIL" WILL REMAIN THE SUPREME GOVERNING BODY OF THE INSTITUTION BUT THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE CHANGE OF ITS COMPOSITION. THE NEW MEMBERSHIP WILL INCLUDE AMONG OTHERS MORE LAY MEMBERS, LESS PUBLIC OFFICERS, A STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE, AN ALUMNI AND TWO DEANS. THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE GIVEN THE POWER TO MAKE STATUES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WAS FOUNDED IN 1972. IT IS CURRENTLY OFFERING 12,000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES. IT HAS OVER THE YEARS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR OF HONG KONG, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON PROFESSIONAL ORIENTED STUDIES. IT WILL CONTINUE TO PERFORM ITS UNIQUE ROLE IN THE PUBLICLY FUNDED PROVISION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
/8 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES » » » « »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE ADMINISTRATION INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF NEW OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES THAT HAVE BEEN REGISTERED OR SUBMITTED FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE;
(B) OF THE RATIO BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF NEW OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES REFERRED TO IN (A) AND THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF EXISTING SCHEMES; AND
(C) WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO AVOID AN OVERWHELMING RUSH TO REGISTER JUST BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF OCTOBER 1995?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) AS AT 1 NOVEMBER 1994, THERE WERE 300 NEWLY ESTABLISHED OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES WHICH HAD BEEN REGISTERED OR HAD APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES ORDINANCE.
(B) OF THE 1017 APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR EXEMPTION OF NEW AND EXISTING OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES RECEIVED SO FAR, 30% ARE FOR NEWLY ESTABLISHED SCHEMES AND 70% FOR EXISTING SCHEMES. IT IS UNLIKELY HOWEVER THAT SUCH A RATIO WILL BE MAINTAINED AS WE PROGRESS TOWARDS THE FULL REGISTRATION OF THE 20,000 TO 25,000 PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEMES ALREADY IN OPERATION IN HONG KONG.
(C) TO AVOID AN OVERWHELMING RUSH TO REGISTER RETIREMENT SCHEMES JUST BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF OCTOBER 1995, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN :-
I) THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES HAVE MAINTAINED CLOSE LIAISON WITH MAJOR OPERATORS OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES, INCLUDING AUTHORIZED INSURERS, SCHEME ADMINISTRATORS, TRUST COMPANIES AND FUND MANAGERS, URGING THEM TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND ASSISTING THEM IN MAKING APPLICATIONS AS NECESSARY;
/II) A PUBLICITY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
9
II) A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN (BY WAY OF SEMINARS, POSTERS, PAMPHLETS AND ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION) HAS BEEN CONDUCTED OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE OBJECTIVES OF WHICH INCLUDE ENCOURAGING EMPLOYERS AND SCHEME ADMINISTRATORS TO REGISTER THEIR SCHEMES EARLY;
III) WITH THE HELP OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL BUSINESS ENTITIES IN HONG KONG DRAWING THEIR ATTENTION, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO THE TIME LIMIT FOR THE REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES. LETTERS WILL BE SENT ONCE AGAIN TO ALL THE SCHEMES APPROVED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN THE COURSE OF THIS MONTH TO URGE THEM TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION EARLY;
IV) GUIDANCE NOTES EXPLAINING THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURE, TOGETHER WITH SAMPLES OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYERS AND SCHEME OPERATORS TO ASSIST THEM IN MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION; AND
V) FINALLY, STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO AMEND S.21 AND S.27 OF THE ORDINANCE TO GIVE SCHEME ADMINISTRATORS MORE FLEXIBILITY IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF ASSETS OF SCHEMES PARTICIPATING IN POOLING AGREEMENTS AND TO ENABLE FUND MANAGERS TO HAVE DISCRETION IN INVESTING SCHEME ASSETS, SUBJECT TO A LIMIT OF 15%, IN THE EMERGING STOCK MARKETS.
--------0-----------
LOCKERS TO BE PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY PARENTS AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION ABOUT THE HARMFUL EFFECT ON THE SPINES OF STUDENTS CAUSED BY CARRYING HEAVY SCHOOL BAGS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER :
(A) MORE RESOURCES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LOCKERS IN SCHOOLS FOR THE STORAGE OF STUDENTS’ TEXTBOOKS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS; AND
/(B) GUIDELINES WILL ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 10 -
(B) GUIDELINES WILL BE ISSUED TO PUBLISHERS SUGGESTING THE USE OF THE LIGHTER PAPER IN PRINTING TEXTBOOKS AND THE PUBLICATION OF TEXTBOOKS BY VOLUMES SO AS TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD OF SCHOOL BAGS CARRIED BY STUDENTS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AIMS TO PROVIDE LOCKERS TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND IS CALLING FOR RETURNS FROM ALL THESE SCHOOLS ON THEIR REQUIREMENTS. TENDERS HAVE BEEN INVITED FOR AN
INITIAL ORDER OF 36,000 LOCKERS, CATERING FOR 345 SCHOOLS. DELIVERY IS EXPECTED TO BE IN EARLY 1995. THE DEPARTMENT WILL PROGRESSIVELY INCREASE THE SUPPLY BASED ON THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE. NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS COMPLETED AFTER SEPTEMBER 1995 WILL ALL BE SUPPLIED WITH LOCKERS AS PART OF THEIR STANDARD EQUIPMENT.
(B) THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY MADE SUGGESTIONS TO TEXTBOOK PUBLISHERS ON HOW TO REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF TEXTBOOKS, INCLUDING USING LIGHTER WEIGHT PAPER, ELIMINATING BLANK PAGES OR EXCESSIVE MARGINS, DIVIDING TEXTBOOKS INTO DIFFERENT VOLUMES ETC. PUBLISHERS’ REACTION TO THESE PROPOSALS HAS BEEN POSITIVE. THE DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR IMPROVEMENTS.
--------0----------
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIRPORT
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FAILURE UP TO JHE PRESENT MOMENT TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE FINANCING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, AND HAVING REGARD TO THE FACT THAT THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF THE LATTER PROJECT HAVE ALREADY BEEN DELAYED FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR BECAUSE OF THE SINO-BRITISH ROW, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) IT WILL PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY;
(B) JUDGING FROM THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS STILL POSSIBLE FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY TO BE COMPLETED AND BECOME OPERATIONAL IN PARALLEL WITH THE NEW AIRPORT; AND
/(C) THE GOVERNMNET .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
-ll-
fC) THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY PLANS TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTES BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS OVER THE AIRPORT FINANCING PLAN?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE OVERALL AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NEVER WAVERED FROM ITS DETERMINATION TO BUILD THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. IT WILL BE BUILT AND 1 CONFIRM THAT IT REMAINS OUR INTENTION TO COMPLETE IT TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE BY MID-1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
AS MEMBERS ARE AWARE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH, WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED ON THE CROSSHARBOUR IMMERSED TUBE SECTION AND IN RECLAIMING LAND NEEDED FOR CENTRAL STATION. IN ADDITION, ADVANCE WORKS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT ACP CONTRACTS TO PROTECT THE RAILWAY ALIGNMENT. DESIGN WORK HAS ALSO BEEN WELL ADVANCED AND THE MTRC STANDS READY TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENTIRE RAILWAY.
(B) GIVEN THE STEP BY STEP APPROACH WE HAVE SO FAR ADOPTED, WE EXPECT THAT THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON TO CHEK LAP KOK SECTION SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
(C) WE HAVE ALREADY REACHED A COMMON VIEW WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE MAIN ELEMENTS CONTAINED IN OUR FOURTH FINANCING PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. WE HAVE BEEN TACKLING THIS SUBJECT AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY AND ARE NOW EXTREMELY CLOSE TO FINALISING THE OVERALL DEAL.
------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
12
IMPORT OF MANAGERS FROM CHINA * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE RESPONSE TO THE SCHEME OF IMPORTING GRADUATE PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGERS FROM CHINA HAS BEEN ENTHUSIASTIC AND THE NUMBERS OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES ARE EIGHT AND NINE TIMES THOSE OF THE QUOTA RESPECTIVELY. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE RESPECTIVE BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES BY PROFESSION AND POST;
(B) WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE EXISTING QUOTA OF 1,000 WHEN THE SCHEME IS REVIEWED IN THE FUTURE; AND
(C) WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER CHANGING THE EXISTING BALLOTING SYSTEM USED IN THE ALLOCATION OF QUOTA SO THAT SEPARATE QUOTA CAN BE SET FOR INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONS TO MEET ACTUAL MARKET DEMAND?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE RESPECTIVE BREAKDOWN OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES BY PROFESSION AND POST ARE AT ANNEX 1 AND 2;
(B) THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE THE ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING QUOTA OF 1,000 WHEN THE SCHEME IS REVIEWED;
AND
(C) AS PART OF THE REVIEW, THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF THE EXISTING BALLOTING SYSTEM USED IN THE ALLOCATION OF QUOTA.
/ANNEX 1 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 13 -
ANNEX 1
APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY OF PRC PROFESSIONAL
BREAKDOWN BY INDUSTRY OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
(FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES)
NO. OF APPLICATIONS
INDUSTRY
TRADING 686
CONSTRUCTION 404
FINANCE 319
ELECTRONICS 297
MANUFACTURE 260
TRANSPORT 142
OTHERS 129
PROPERTY 115
GARMENT 91
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 88
LEGAL 68
CATERING 43
FOOD 12
EDUCATION 1 1
TOURISM 10
HOTEL 8
TOTAL
2683
/ANNEX 2 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 14 -
ANNEX 2
APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY OF PRC PROFESSIONAL
BREAKDOWN BY POST OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
(FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES)
NO. OF APPLICATIONS
POST
ENGINEER 735
GENERAL/OPERATIONS MANAGER 716
MARKETING/SALES MANAGER 301
ACCOUNTANT 168
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 165
PROJECT MANAGER 113
CONSULTANT 108
PROGRAMMER 105
OTHERS 80
ANALYST 66
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY 47
DESIGNER 37
PURCHASER 31
JOURNALIST 8
LECTURER 3
TOTAL
2683
- - 0 - -
MEDIA COVERAGE OF DB ELECTIONS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IS THE GOVERNMENT AWARE OF ANY UNFAIRNESS RESULTING FROM OBVIOUS PARTIALITY SHOWN BY SOME NEWSPAPERS FOR CERTAIN CANDIDATES IN THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS? IF SO, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) HOW THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED WILL HANDLE SUCH CASES; AND
/(B) HOW IT ..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 15 -
(B) HOW IT CAN PREVENT SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM RECURRING IN FUTURE ELECTIONS?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS. PRIOR TO THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS THE BEC HAD ISSUED DETAILED GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES. MEDIA REPORTING WAS COVERED BY THE GUIDELINES. THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE IN THESE GUIDELINES IS THAT EQUAL, FAIR AND CONSISTENT TREATMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL CANDIDATES TO ENSURE THAT ELECTIONS ARE HELD IN AN OPEN AND HONEST MANNER ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY. THE BEC ALSO APPEALED TO THE MASS MEDIA TO PROVIDE EQUAL AND FAIR TREATMENT TO ALL CANDIDATES WHEN REPORTING THEIR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES. ANY PUBLISHER WHO TREATS SOME CANDIDATES FAVOURABLY OVER OTHERS MAY BE PUBLICLY DENOUNCED OR CENSURED BY THE BEC. CASES INVOLVING ILLEGAL AND CORRUPT ACTIVITIES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY FOR FURTHER ACTION.
DURING THE RECENT DB ELECTIONS, THE BEC INVESTIGATED TWO COMPLAINTS ON ALLEGED PARTIALITY SHOWN BY ONE NEWSPAPER TO SOME CANDIDATES. UPON REQUEST, THE NEWSPAPER PROVIDED INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION TO FACILITATE THE BEC’S INVESTIGATION.
AFTER A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED TO IT, THE BEC FOUND THAT NO ILLEGAL OR CORRUPT PRACTICES WERE INVOLVED. THE BEC ALSO DID NOT FIND SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SUBSTANTIATE THE COMPLAINTS THAT THE NEWSPAPER HAD DELIBERATELY FAVOURED ANY CANDIDATES. THE COMPLAINANTS WERE ACCORDINGLY INFORMED.
FOR THE ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN 1995, THE BEC WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLAIN ITS ELECTION GUIDELINES TO ALL CONCERNED AND WILL AGAIN REMIND THE MASS MEDIA OF THE IMPORTANCE OF EQUAL TREATMENT WHEN REPORTING ON CANDIDATES’ ACTIVITIES.
--------0-----------
LONG-TERM POLICY FOR SINGLE PARENT FAMILY
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FRED LI AND A REPLY BY THE
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 5,000 OF THE 35,000 SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES IN THE TERRITORY WHO ARE IN RECEIPT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE AND THAT THE NUMBER OF SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES HAS BEEN INCREASING AS A RESULT OF A RISING DIVORCE RATE IN RECENT YEARS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
/(A) WHAT SPECIFIC ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 16 -
(A) WHAT SPECIFIC LONG-TERM POLICY HAS THE GOVERNMENT PUT
IN PLACE TO ASSIST SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES IN
OVERCOMING FINANCIAL AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES
ENCOUNTERED IN THEIR DAILY LIVES;
(B) REGARDING THE STATEMENT IN THE GOVERNOR’S 1994 POLICY
ADDRESS THAT EACH SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF $200 IN 1995-96, WHAT CRITERIA HAVE BEEN ADOPTED IN DETERMINING THE AMOUNT OF THE SUPPLEMENT; AND
(C) WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE DOWNWARD TREND IN THE PROPORTION OF THE SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCE TO THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX ALLOWANCES SINCE 1992-93 (THE PROPORTION IN 1992-93 WAS 50% WHILE THE FIGURES FOR 1993-94 AND 1994-95 WERE 48% AND 44% RESPECTIVELY), AND WHAT CRITERIA ARE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN CALCULATING THE SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE FAMILY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF SOCIETY. THE GOVERNMENT HAS A WELL-DEFINED FAMILY WELFARE POLICY TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY. THIS POLICY AIMS TO ASSIST FAMILIES TO COPE WITH THEIR PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
TO ALLEVIATE THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WHICH MAY BE FACED BY SOME SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES CASH ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) SCHEME. THE DEPARTMENT ALSO COORDINATES A RANGE OF SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO HELP SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES TO OVERCOME OTHER DIFFICULTIES WHICH THEY MAY ENCOUNTER IN THEIR DAILY LIVES. FOR EXAMPLE, FAMILIES IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HOUSING ASSISTANCE CAN BE REHOUSED UNDER THIS COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. FURTHERMORE, TO HELP SINGLE PARENTS TO ACHIEVE SELF RELIANCE, THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD OFFERS' SPECIFIC RETRAINING PROGRAMMES TO THOSE WHO WISH TO EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH SOME SKILLS FOR TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT. IN VIEW OF THEIR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES ARE ALSO ACCORDED PRIORITY FOR DAY NURSERY AND DAY CRECHE SERVICES.
AS REGARDS THE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FOR SINGLE PARENTS TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT APRIL, THE $200 MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT IS ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF THE CSSA STANDARD RATE TO WHICH THESE SINGLE PARENTS ARE NOW ENTITLED. THIS IS ON TOP OF THE STANDARD RATE AND THE SPECIAL GRANTS WHICH THEY CURRENTLY RECEIVE. THE AMOUNT WAS DETERMINED HAVING REGARD TO ITS PURPOSE WHICH IS TO HELP THESE SINGLE PARENTS JOIN SUPPORT GROUPS AND ESTABLISH MORE SOCIAL CONTACTS WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
/SINGLE PARENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 17 -
SINGLE PARENT TAXPAYERS ARE ENTITLED TO THE BASIC ALLOWANCE AND IN ADDITION, A SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCE WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TAX RELIEF TO TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE THE SOLE OR PREDOMINANT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN. IN RECOGNITION OF THE EXTRA FINANCIAL BURDEN THEY BEAR IN RAISING A FAMILY ON THEIR OWN, WE HAVE SET THE ALLOWANCE AT A LEVEL WHICH WOULD PROVIDE SOME APPRECIABLE RELIEF TO THIS PARTICULAR CATEGORY OF TAXPAYERS.
TAX ALLOWANCES ARE REVIEWED EACH YEAR IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BUDGET'S ADJUSTMENTS ARE MADE HAVING REGARD TO THE NEED TO MAINTAIN THE REAL VALUE OF THE ALLOWANCE AND GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL POSITION. IT IS NOT OUR POLICY TO MAINTAIN A RELATIVITY BETWEEN THE BASIC ALLOWANCE AND THE SINGLE PARENT ALLOWANCE.
- - 0--------
XI YANG CASE * » t
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE IMPRISONMENT OF MR XI YANG - THE MING PAO DAILY NEWS REPORTER - IN CHINA, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS RESPECTIVELY TO SEEK HIS EARLY RELEASE?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS CONVEYED TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THE WIDESPREAD CONCERN IN HONG KONG, BOTH IN MEDIA CIRCLES AND MORE WIDELY, ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF MR XI YANG AND THE NEED FOR CLEARER GUIDELINES FOR JOURNALISTS WORKING IN CHINA. SIMILAR ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING WITH THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND BY THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE WITH THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR IN LONDON. MORE RECENTLY, MR XI’S CASE WAS ALSO RAISED BY THE MINISTER WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HONG KONG, MR GOODLAD, DURING HIS VISIT TO CHINA IN JULY AND BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE DURING HIS MEETING WITH THE VICE PREMIER QIAN QICHEN IN NEW YORK IN SEPTEMBER.
- - 0 - -
/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
18
RECRUITMENT OF STAFF IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN HIS REPLY TO THE QUESTION ON OPEN RECRUITMENT OF POSTS IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE ON 2 MARCH 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER INDICATED THAT THE NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL POSTS IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE TO BE FILLED BY OPEN RECRUITMENT WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 44 IN 1994/95. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF :
(A) THE PRESENT PROGRESS OF SUCH RECRUITMENT AND THE NUMBER OF STAFF RECRUITED BY PROFESSION SO FAR; AND
(B) THE YEARLY RECRUITMENT TARGETS FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) SINCE MY REPLY OF 2 MARCH 1994, THREE ADDITIONAL CIVIL SERVICE POSTS IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE HAVE BEEN CONVERTED TO NON-CIVIL SERVICE STATUS, INCREASING THE NUMBER OF NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSTS FROM 44 TO 47.
OF THE 47 NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSTS, 29 ARE FILLED. RECRUITMENT FOR THE 18 VACANT POSTS IS IN PROGRESS. 13 SUITABLE CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN SELECTED - 12 AS
SUBJECT SPECIALISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING THE CURRICULUM OF SPECIFIC SUBJECTS AND THE REMAINING ONE FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL AIDS. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP APPOINTMENT IN EARLY 1995. THE REMAINING VACANCIES WILL BE RE-ADVERTISED IN NOVEMBER 1994.
(B) IT IS NOT PRACTICABLE TO SET PRECISE RECRUITMENT TARGETS FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS. BASED ON THE TREND IN RECENT YEARS, HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTS TO HAVE TO RECRUIT 6 TO 8 CONTRACT STAFF IN THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE IN EACH OF THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
- - 0 -
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 19 - e
LANGUAGE FUND ALLOCATION RESULTS OUT AT YEAR END
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE GOVERNOR’S 1993 POLICY ADDRESS THAT A LANGUAGE FUND WOULD BE SET UP WITH AN INITIAL ALLOCATION OF $300 MILLION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) WHAT IS THE BREAKDOWN BY ’THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS MADE’ AND 'THE AMOUNT APPLIED FOR’ IN RESPECT OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING GROUPS OF APPLICATIONS: EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SUBSIDISED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, SCHOOLS, EDUCATIONAL BODIES, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, AND OTHER APPLICATIONS;
(B) HOW ARE THE APPLICATIONS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ASSESSED BY THE ADMINISTRATION; WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THOSE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHO ARE IN NEED OF SUCH FUNDING NOT SEEKING THE REQUIRED FUNDS THROUGH INTERNAL REDEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT; AND WHETHER SUCH APPLICATIONS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL GIVE THE IMPRESSION OF THE GOVERNMENT COMPETING WITH THE PUBLIC FOR RESOURCES;
(C) WHEN IS IT EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE PROCESSING OF THE FIRST BATCH OF APPLICATIONS; WHEN WILL THE SECOND ALLOCATION COMMENCE AND WHAT WILL BE THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF ALLOCATION; AND
(D) WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR FUNDING ALLOCATION ADOPTED BY THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE LANGUAGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE (THE COMMITTEE) HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 177 APPLICATIONS, BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS -
NO. OF TOTAL AMOUNT
APPLICANT’S GROUP APPLICATIONS APPLIED FOR
($M)
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 21 273
OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS 6 10
/SUBSIDISED TERTIARY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 20 -
SUBSIDISED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS 36 166
SCHOOLS 32 15
EDUCATIONAL BODIES 21 83
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS 3 64
OTHER APPLICANTS 58 72
— —
TOTAL 177 683
(B) THE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED THAT ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE TREATED ON AN EQUAL FOOTING AND ASSESSED SOLELY ON THEIR MERITS AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN IMPROVING PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE (INCLUDING PUTONGHUA) AND ENGLISH. AS STATED IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE PAPER FCR(93-94)14 ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUND, ONE IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE IS TO ENHANCE EXISTING EFFORTS IN THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR AND MEET TEMPORARY SHORTFALLS IN RESOURCES. THUS, THE EDUCATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ APPLICATIONS COME WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE FUND.
(C) IT IS EXPECTED THAT RESULTS OF THE FIRST BATCH OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE END OF 1994. SINCE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS IS STILL IN PROGRESS, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT TO BE ALLOCATED AT THIS STAGE. THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SECOND APPLICATION EXERCISE IS 31 MARCH 1995.
(D) THE CRITERIA FOR FUNDING ALLOCATION ADOPTED BY COMMITTEE INCLUDE THOSE SET OUT IN PARA 7 OF THE SAID FINANCE COMMITTEE PAPER AND THE FOLLOWING -
1. THE PROJECT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE (INCLUDING PUTONGHUA) AND ENGLISH;
2. ITS RESULTANT BENEFITS MUST ACCRUE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, AND NOT JUST TO A SINGLE ORGANISATION OR INSTITUTION;
3. IT SHOULD BE NON-PROFIT MAKING IN NATURE; AND
4. IT SHOULD BE COST-EFFECTIVE.
---------0-----------
/21 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
HK MADE MORE COMPETITIVE * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DAVID LI KWOK-PO AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN AN ATTEMPT TO MICRO-MANAGE THE ECONOMY OF THE TERRITORY,
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ESTABLISHED A GOVERNOR’S BUSINESS COUNCIL AND WIDENED THE SCOPE OF WORK OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT SPECIFIC ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS FROM A MACRO-ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE?
REPLY :
I BELIEVE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WISHES TO KNOW ABOUT THE MACROECONOMIC MEASURES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS. THE GOVERNOR AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAVE BOTH SPOKEN RECENTLY AND CLEARLY ON THIS VERY BROAD SUBJECT AND THEIR SUMMARIES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN THIS REGARD ARE SET OUT IN PARAGRAPHS 12 TO 21 OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 1994/95 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 5 OCTOBER 1994 AND IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH DURING THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 26 OCTOBER 1994. I HAVE NOTHING TO ADD TO THESE RECENT STATEMENTS.
_ _ 0 - -
ADMISSION TO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION « » * « *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WITH REGARD TO THE ENROLMENT CRITERIA AND ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING -
(A) WHAT IS THE GRADE POINT AVERAGE OBTAINED IN ONE EXAMINATION BY THE STUDENTS ADMITTED THIS ACADEMIC YEAR; HOW MANY OF THEM MET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND HAVE BEEN ADMITTED ON THE BASIS OF THE RESULTS OF ONE EXAMINATION (INSTEAD OF THE COMBINED RESULTS OF TWO EXAMINATIONS);
/(B) WILL THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
(B)
(C)
(D)
- 22 -
WILL THE INSTITUTE ADOPT THIS YEAR’S PRACTICE TO EXEMPT STUDENTS WITH BETTER RESULTS FROM INTERVIEWS AS ITS ADMISSION POLICY IN FUTURE; IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN THE RATIONALE AND MERITS OF THIS POLICY AND STATE WHETHER THERE IS A FIXED RATIO BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ADMITTED DIRECTLY WITHOUT INTERVIEWS AND THE NUMBER ADMITTED AFTER INTERVIEWS;
WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF YEAR; HOW MANY OF THEM HAVE INTERVIEWS, AND OF THESE, HOW PLACES; AND
STUDENTS ADMITTED THIS
BEEN ADMITTED WITHOUT
MANY HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR
HOW MANY CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN GRANTED INTERVIEWS THIS YEAR; HOW MANY HAVE BEEN ADMITTED AFTER INTERVIEWS; HOW MANY HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE WAITING LIST, AND OF THESE, HOW MANY HAVE EVENTUALLY BEEN ADMITTED AND HOW MANY OF THOSE ADMITTED HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR PLACES?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE GRADE POINT AVERAGE FOR THIS ACADEMIC YEAR, DEFINED AS THE MEAN VALUE OF THE BEST 6 GRADES OBTAINED BY THE 1170 STUDENTS CURRENTLY REGISTERED FOR THE FULL-TIME PRE-SERVICE COURSES IN ONE EXAMINATION SITTING IS 14.50, WITH GRADES A TO E IN THE HKCE EXAMINATION CONVERTED TO THE NUMERIC VALUE OF 5 TO 1.
OF THESE 1170 STUDENTS, 1153 MET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ON THE BASIS OF THE RESULTS OF ONE EXAMINATION SITTING, 12 ON THE BASIS OF TWO SITTINGS, AND 5 ON THE BASIS OF OTHER EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS.
(B) THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION WILL SOON REVIEW AND CONSIDER ITS ADMISSION POLICY, IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THIS YEAR’S EXERCISE. THE QUESTION ABOUT ADMISSION INTERVIEWS WILL BE GIVEN FULL CONSIDERATION.
(C) TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ACCEPTED OFFER 1372
OF ADMISSION
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON REGISTER AS AT 1170
28.10.94
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS OFFERED ADMISSION 1592
WITHOUT INTERVIEW
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ACCEPTED OFFER 1212
OF ADMISSION WITHOUT INTERVIEW
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS GIVEN OFFER WITHOUT 380
INTERVIEWS BUT DID NOT ACCEPT THEM
/(D) TOTAL NUMBERS ..
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 23 -
(D) TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS GRANTED INTERVIEWS 1580
THIS YEAR
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS OFFERED ADMISSION 204
AFTER INTERVIEW
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS ACCEPTED OFFER OF 160
ADMISSION AFTER INTERVIEW
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS GIVEN OFFER AFTER 44
INTERVIEWS BUT DID NOT ACCEPT THEM
THERE WAS NO WAITING LIST AFTER THE INTERVIEWS. ALL INTERVIEWED CANDIDATES WERE PRIORITISED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS. 204 CANDIDATES ON THE PRIORITY LIST WERE CONTACTED TO ASCERTAIN THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF AN OFFER OF ADMISSION. 160 OF THEM RESPONDED POSITIVELY AND REGISTERED IN THE WEEK BEFORE THE NEW TERM BEGAN.
- - 0---------
DEBT SECURITISATION ISSUES
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE CURRENT VOLUME OF DEBT SECURITISATION IN HONG KONG AND ITS PROJECTED GROWTH; AND
(B) WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THF LEVEL OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH INSTRUMENT OF DEBT SECURITISATION WILL BE PROPERLY DOCUMENTED AND MADE AVAILABLE TO INVESTORS?
REPLY:
(A) WE ARE AWARE OF THREE DEBT SECURITISATION ISSUES TOTALLING $2.04 BILLION IN 1994 SO FAR.
/IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, .1994
- 24 -
IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROJECT THE GROWTH OF DEBT SECURITISATIONS AS IT IS DEPENDENT ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, NOT LEAST THE INTERNAL PLANS OF THE COMPANIES THAT ORIGINATE SUCH ISSUES AND THE DEMAND OF INVESTORS.
(B) THE MAIN TAKERS OF SUCH INSTRUMENTS ARE PROFESSIONAL MARKET PARTICIPANTS RATHER THAN RETAIL INVESTORS; THE ISSUES IN 1994 WERE ALL PRIVATELY PLACED. THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH ISSUES FROM AN INVESTOR’S POINT OF VIEW ARE SET OUT IN THE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM OR PROSPECTUS THAT IS SENT TO INVESTORS INTERESTED IN ACQUIRING THE PAPER. ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY ISSUES TO DATE THAT HAVE BEEN TARGETTED AT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN HONG KONG, SUCH ISSUES WOULD ALSO HAVE TO COMPLY WITH PROVISIONS IN THE PROTECTION OF INVESTORS ORDINANCE PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF ADVERTISEMENTS AND ISSUE OF DOCUMENTS RELATING TO SUCH INVESTMENTS.
TRAINING OF CHINA WORKERS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IT IS REPORTED THAT QUITE A NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS HAVE BEEN IMPORTING WORKERS FROM MAINLAND CHINA UNDER THE PRETENCE OF STAFF TRAINING. APART FROM RECEIVING PRACTICAL TRAINING, THESE TRAINEES ARE ALSO ASSIGNED TO PERFORM GENERAL DUTIES IN RESTAURANTS. THE WAGES THEY RECEIVE ARE EVEN LOWER THAN THOSE OF IMPORTED WORKERS, CONVERTING THEM TO BECOME CHEAP LABOUR AND THUS AFFECTING THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OF LOCAL WORKERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED RETRAINING UNDER THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME. IS THE GOVERNMENT AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND IF SO, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER :
(A) SUCH A TREND IS SPREADING AND HOW DO THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED MONITOR SUCH ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY BE IN BREACH OF THE LAW;
(B) ANY EMPLOYER HAS BEEN WARNED OR PROSECUTED AS A RESULT OF SUCH ACTIVITIES; AND
/(C) THE GOVERNMENT ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 25 -
(C) THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING SPECIFIC MEASURES TO STOP SUCH ACTIVITIES?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT THE EXISTING POLICY ON THE ADMISSION OF WORKERS FROM CHINA FOR TRAINING PURPOSE IS BEING ABUSED. THE ANSWERS TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ARE -
(A) UNDER THE EXISTING POLICY, A PERSON MAY BE ALLOWED TO ENTER AND STAY IN HONG KONG FOR UP TO 12 MONTHS TO ACQUIRE SPECIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE NOT AVAILABLE AT HIS PLACE OF DOMICILE. THIS OFTEN INVOLVES ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AT PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT. TO PREVENT ABUSE, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, IN VETTING APPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING VISAS, REQUIRES THE SPONSORING COMPANIES TO PROVIDE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND JUSTIFICATIONS FOR SUCH TRAINING IN HONG KONG AND ITS DURATION. IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT EXAMINES THE BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANIES TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE INDEED ABLE AND COMPETENT TO PROVIDE SUCH TRAINING. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF THE POLICY BEING
ABUSED BY EMPLOYERS.
(B) GOVERNMENT IS NOT AWARE ANY SUCH ABUSES, SO THERE IS NO QUESTION OF WARNING OR PROSECUTION.
(C) WHERE SPONSORING COMPANIES ARE FOUND TO HAVE ABUSED THE POLICY, THEIR FUTURE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ASSESSED IN THE LIGHT OF THESE RECORDS.
--------0--------. -
SPEECH EXPENDITURE WELL-SPENT t * » » *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MRS ANSON CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHAT IS THE RESPECTIVE AVERAGE COST OF THE SPEECHES MADE BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT PUBLIC FORUMS IN THE TERRITORY AND AT OVERSEAS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES DURING 1993/94, AND WHAT IS THE RESPECTIVE TOTAL ANNUAL COST OF SUCH SPEECHES; AND
/(B) WHETHER SUCH
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 199-4
26
(B) WHETHER SUCH EXPENDITURE ARE CONSIDERED TO BE WORTHWHILE; AND WHETHER THERE ARE ANY MEASURES TO ACHIEVE SAVINGS IN THIS RESPECT?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) MANY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OF DIFFERENT RANKS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE SPEECHES AT A WIDE VARIETY OF PUBLIC FORUMS AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS. FOR EXAMPLE, OVER 30 SUCH SPEECHES WERE MADE BY DIRECTORATE OFFICERS IN THE LAST MONTH OF 1993/94 (MARCH 1994) ALONE. THE COST OF MAKING THESE SPEECHES VARIES FROM ONE OCCASION TO ANOTHER, AS IT DEPENDS ON A WIDE RANGE OF FACTORS, SUCH AS THE PURPOSE OF THE FUNCTION AND THE LENGTH AND NATURE OF THE SPEECH. I REGRET THAT TO CALCULATE THE COST OF MAKING ALL THESE SPEECHES WOULD INVOLVE A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF TIME AND EFFORT - AND COST. VERY EXTENSIVE RESEARCH WOULD HAVE TO BE CARRIED OUT, COVERING ALL THE DIFFERENT RANKS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN MAKING SUCH SPEECHES, AND THEIR SUPPORTING STAFF.
(B) MAKING SPEECHES, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, IS PART OF THE NORMAL WORK THAT WE EXPECT OF OUR SENIOR OFFICIALS. AS AN ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT, WE SHOULD BE, AND ARE, ACTIVE IN EXPLAINING OUR POLICIES TO VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND ANSWERING THEIR QUESTIONS. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT FOR OFFICIALS TO MAKE SPEECHES OVERSEAS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG. THE MORE THAT OTHERS KNOW OF OUR SUCCESS, AND THE MORE WE CAN DO TO COUNTER THE OFTEN NEGATIVE IMPRESSION THAT PEOPLE WHO DO NOT KNOW HONG KONG HAVE, THE MORE WE CAN SAFEGUARD OUR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL POSITION AND OUR CONTINUING PROSPERITY. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE EFFORT AND EXPENDITURE INCURRED IN MAKING THESE SPEECHES IS WELL SPENT.
---------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 27 -
LOCATION OF POLLING STATIONS * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS MADE BY SOME VOTERS THAT CERTAIN POLLING STATIONS WERE LOCATED AT TOO FAR A DISTANCE FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO VOTERS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF POLLING STATIONS WHOSE LOCATIONS WERE NOT CLOSE TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS RESULTING IN VOTERS HAVING TO WALK MORE THAN HALF-A-KILOMETRE IN ORDER TO GET THERE; AND
(B) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO OPENING UP MORE POLLING STATIONS TO FACILITATE VOTING AND THEREBY BOOSTING THE TURN-OUT RATE OF VOTERS?
REPLY :
IT IS NOT PRACTICABLE TO LOCATE AND DESIGNATE A POLLING STATION WITHIN A RIGID DISTANCE FROM THE MAIN POCKETS OF POPULATION IN THE CONSTITUENCY. THE MAIN CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A POLLING STATION ARE WHETHER IT IS CENTRALLY LOCATED IN A CONSTITUENCY, EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND WELL KNOWN TO THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. POLLING STATIONS ARE LOCATED IN OR AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE MAIN RESIDENTIAL AREAS WITHIN THE CONSTITUENCY. FURTHERMORE, DEPENDING ON THE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF POPULATION, SOME CONSTITUENCIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE RURAL AREAS, HAVE MORE THAN ONE POLLING STATION TO FACILITATE VOTING.
IN THIS RESPECT, FOR THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, A TOTAL OF 442 POLLING STATIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR THE 346 DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES. DESPITE THESE ARRANGEMENTS, IT IS UNAVOIDABLE THAT ELECTORS WHO LIVE AWAY FROM THE POLLING STATION MAY HAVE TO TRAVEL A SLIGHTLY LONGER DISTANCE THAN THE MAJORITY OF ELECTORS WHO SHOULD BE RELATIVELY CLOSE TO THE POLLING STATION CHOSEN FOR THE CONSTITUENCY.
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LAST DB ELECTIONS. THE REVIEW WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE FEEDBACK FROM THE PARTIES CONCERNED. DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW, ADDITIONAL OR REPLACEMENT POLLING STATIONS MAY BE DESIGNATED TO FURTHER FACILITATE ELECTORS TO TURN UP TO VOTE.
------0-----------
/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 28 -
INFORMATION ABOUT SCHOOLS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS PARENTS LACK SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO SELECT SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN PROGRESSING TO HIGHER CLASSES, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING :
(A) WHETHER THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ENCOURAGED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO COMPILE INFORMATION PAMPHLETS OR LEAFLETS INTRODUCING THEIR OBJECTIVES, POLICIES, SIZE AND DEMANDS ON STUDENTS AND SO ON, SO THAT PARENTS MAY UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THESE SCHOOLS IN GENERAL AND REFER TO SUCH INFORMATION WHEN DECIDING WHICH SCHOOL IS SUITABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN; AND
(B) WHETHER, IN THE DESIGN OF THE SCHOOL SELECTION FORM FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO SETTING ASIDE SOME SPACE IN THE FORM FOR SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE BRIEF INTRODUCTIONS ABOUT THEIR POLICIES AND TEACHING METHODS SO THAT PARENTS MAY HAVE SOME BASIS ON WHICH TO SELECT SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN WHEN FILLING OUT THE FORM?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DOES ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO PRODUCE SUITABLE PUBLICITY MATERIALS PUBLICISING THEIR SCHOOL OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION. FOR SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE JOINED THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE AN ANNUAL SCHOOL PROFILE CONTAINING A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL, ITS MISSION AND GOALS, STUDENTS’ APTITUDE AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, STAFF PROFILE, EXTRA-CURRIRULAR AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. SOME SCHOOLS HAVE ALSO PRODUCED VIDEO TAPES FOR THIS PURPOSE.
(B) TO INCLUDE SUCH DETAILED INFORMATION IN THE SELECTION FORMS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL MAKE THE FORMS TOO BULKY. MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOLS IS ALREADY PROVIDED IN THE SCHOOL LISTS OR PARENTS’ GUIDEBOOKS DISTRIBUTED WITH THE SELECTION FORMS TO STUDENTS. IN ADDITION, PARENTS CAN ACCESS THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT OFFICES TO INFORMATION ABOUT ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
---------0-------------
/29 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 29 -
LANGUAGE SKILLS OF STUDENTS ♦ » » ♦ *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DAVID LI KWOK-PO AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IS THE GOVERNMENT AWARE THAT DESPITE THE GREATER EMPHASIS GIVEN BY MANY SCHOOLS IN THE TERRITORY TO THE LEARNING OF ENGLISH AT THE EXPENSE OF LEARNING CHINESE, MANY STUDENTS STILL FAIL TO LEARN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE WELL? IF SO, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION HAS CONSIDERED FORMULATING A LANGUAGE POLICY WHICH REFLECTED THE FINE BALANCE BETWEEN HONG KONG AS A PREDOMINANTLY CHINESE SOCIETY AS WELL AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE WHERE THE USE OF ENGLISH IS CRUCIAL TO ITS SUCCESS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE CONCERN ON THE PROFICIENCY OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AMONG OUR STUDENTS. DESPITE THE PERCEPTION THAT THEIR LANGUAGE STANDARDS ARE FALLING, THERE IS NO OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE THAT THIS IS THE CASE. BASED ON THE RESULTS OF "TEST MONITORING THE STANDARDS OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION REFERENCE GROUP", THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY HAS OBSERVED THAT "THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS TO SUGGEST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE OVERALL STANDARD IN THESE TWO LANGUAGES IN RECENT YEARS". THE PERCEPTION MAY THEREFORE BE DUE TO HIGHER EXPECTATION IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET, ESPECIALLY THE SERVICE SECTOR, RATHER THAN LOWERING IN ABSOLUTE STANDARDS.
NEVERTHELESS, GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO TRAIN MORE PEOPLE PROFICIENT IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH. IN OUR 1993 STATEMENT OF AIMS FOR SCHOOL EDUCATION, SCHOOLS ARE ASKED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS FOR COMPETENCE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN DEVELOPING THE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF THEIR STUDENTS.
FOR MORE EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING, IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO ADOPT CHINESE AS THE TEACHING MEDIUM. HOWEVER, THOSE SCHOOLS WHOSE STUDENTS HAVE THE PROVEN ABILITY TO LEARN EFFECTIVELY IN ENGLISH MAY USE ENGLISH AS THE TEACHING MEDIUM. IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO USE CHINESE AS THE TEACHING MEDIUM, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME ENSURING THAT STUDENTS CAN ATTAIN A REASONABLE STANDARD OF COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH, A SERIES OF POSITIVE DISCRIMINATION MEASURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED SINCE 1987. THESE INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND LEARNING FACILITIES, AND MORE INTENSIVE ENGLISH LEARNING PROGRAMMES.
/AS AN ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
AS AN EXTRA EFFORT TO RAISE THE STANDARDS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH, AND TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVE USE OF BOTH LANGUAGES NOT ONLY IN SCHOOLS BUT ALSO AT WORK, A LANGUAGE FUND WITH AN INJECTION OF $300M FROM GENERAL REVENUE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO FUND NEW INITIATIVES.
THE TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM WILL ALSO SET OUT CLEAR TEACHING AND LEARNING TARGETS AND WILL, IN TIME, ENABLE STUDENTS TO ATTAIN HIGHER STANDARDS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
TO ENSURE THAT GOVERNMENT’S LANGUAGE POLICY WILL CONTINUE TO CATER FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S NEEDS, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S WORKING GROUP ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY HAS UNDERTAKEN A REVIEW OF THE POLICY AND HAS PUBLISHED A REPORT FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN JULY THIS YEAR. THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS EXPECTED TO MAKE ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT IN EARLY 1995.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON TUEN MUN ROAD * * » ♦ *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS SOME OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED FREQUENTLY
ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WERE CAUSED BY HEAVY CONTAINER TRUCKS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CONTAINER TRUCKS THAT OCCURRED ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH ACCIDENTS DUE TO OVERLOADING; AND
(B) WHAT IS THE PRESENT PROGRESS REGARDING THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PLAN TO SET UP THE TERRITORY’S SECOND WEIGH-STATION ON TUEN MUN HIGHWAY TO STOP AND INSPECT OVERLOADED GOODS VEHICLES?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT
(A) THERE WERE 40 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN 1992 INVOLVING CONTAINER VEHICLES ON TUEN MUN ROAD, 13 IN 1993 AND 13 IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. THE POLICE HAVE ADVISED THAT NONE OF THESE ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY "OVERLOADING”.
/(B) THE CONTRACT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
31
(B) THE CONTRACT FOR BUILDING A WEIGH-STATION AT TAI LAM CHUNG COMMENCED ON 19 AUGUST 1994. THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WEIGH-STATION, AN OFFICE AND AREAS FOR TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND SPACE FOR THE TEMPORARY STORAGE OF GOODS WHICH HAVE TO BE UNLOADED FROM THOSE VEHICLES WHICH ARE FOUND TO HAVE AN EXCESSIVE LOAD. IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1995. WORK IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE.
------0--------
MEASURES TO ENHANCE FREIGHT TRANSPORT TRADE *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 10 WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL LATE 1997 OR EARLY 1998, WHICH WILL BE SOMETIME AFTER THE PLANNED COMPLETION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 9 IN MID-1995, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN IN THE MEANTIME TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS IN THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT TRADE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT
AS I INDICATED IN THIS COUNCIL ON 12 OCTOBER THE NOW INEVITABLE DELAY IN COMPLETION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. (CT9) HAS DEALT A SEVERE BLOW TO OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT CONTAINER PORTS. FOR MANY YEARS IT HAS BEEN OUR POLICY TO MATCH THE SUPPLY OF ADDITIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES WITH FORECAST DEMAND FOR THEIR USE. WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED THIS POLICY, ENTIRELY THROUGH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BY A JUDICIOUS COMBINATION OF PUBLIC TENDERS AND PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS.
IN THE ABSENCE OF CT9, THE FIRST BERTH OF WHICH WILL BE NEEDED BY MID 1995, THIS WILL NO LONGER BE THE CASE. WE WILL ALSO LOSE A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE COMPETITION IN THE CONTAINER HANDLING BUSINESS BY BRINGING IN A NEW PLAYER.
IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE CONSEQUENT DAMAGE TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WE WILL DO ALL WE CAN TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF EXISTING PORT OPERATORS TO MOVE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF BUSINESS THROUGH EXISTING FACILITIES.
FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE COMING YEAR :
- WE SHALL BE PROVIDING OVER 20 HECTARES OF NEW LAND TO SUPPORT CONTAINER OPERATIONS;
- WE SHALL BE ENSURING THAT ALL SUITABLE WATERFRONT SITES CAN BE UTILISED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT FOR CARGO HANDLING PURPOSES;
/- WE SHALL ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1994
- 32 -
- WE SHALL BE STARTING ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RIVER TRADE TERMINAL AT TUEN MUN. THE TERMINAL WILL CONSOLIDATE CARGOES BOUND FOR THE CONTAINER TERMINALS WITH THE AIM OF A SMOOTHER TRANSFER OF CARGO BETWEEN PORTS IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AND KWAI CHUNG;
- WE SHALL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE ALL PORT OPERATORS TO REVIEW THEIR OPERATIONS WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT.
AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE PUTTING IN PLACE MORE STREAMLINED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIRST PHASES OF THE LANTAU PORT. THE AIM WILL BE TO DRIVE FORWARD PLANNING AND ENGINEERING WORK SO AS TO ACHIEVE THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPENING OF THE GREATEST NUMBER OF BERTHS ON LANTAU ISLAND.
---------0-----------
MOTION ON HEALTH CARE POLICY PASSED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION MOVED BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA ON HEALTH CARE POLICY.
THE MOTION URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE A HEALTH CARE POLICY ORIENTED TO THE PREVENTION OF DISEASES, TO SET TARGETS AND TO STEP UP THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES AT LOW CHARGES.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE MOTION.
TWO OTHER MOTIONS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, SEEKING APPROVAL FOR AMENDING TWO ORDERS UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE AND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE RESPECTIVELY WERE ALSO CARRIED.
DURING THE SITTING, FOUR BILLS - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1994, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 - WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
A TOTAL OF 10 SESSIONAL PAPERS WERE ALSO PRESENTED AT THE SITTING, INCLUDING THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT 1993-94 BY THE HON PETER WONG AND THE REPORT OF THE SECURITY PANEL ON THE ENQUIRY INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF MR ALEX TSUI, FORMER SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW.
AT THE SITTING, COUNCILLORS ASKED A TOTAL OF 19 QUESTIONS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 4................... 1
GOVT RESPONSE TO SIGNING OF AGREED MINUTE ON AIRPORT AND 1 AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING..............................
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL........... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY'S MEDIA SESSION...... 16
TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S PRESS SESSION.. 16
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS HONG KONG....................... 17
PRINCE OF WALES TAKES SALUTE AT LAST RECRUIT PARADE.... 19
BD CONFIRMS NO IMMINENT DANGER......................... 20
REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION ON WATER SUPPLIES... 21
ART COMPETITION FOR THE "HONG KONG-USA’94"............. 21
LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION OF DISABLED IN THE MAKING... 22
WORK TOGETHER WITH DISABLED EMPLOYEES.................. 23
CORALS - HONG KONG "FLOWER" ANIMALS.................... 24
FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY ON SUNDAY...................... 25
APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SFC........... 26
EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS REPATRIATED........... 26
ONE CANDIDATE FOR REGCO BY-ELECTION.................... 27
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR IN STANLEY........... 27
FRESH WATER CUTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE PEAK............ 27
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
28
1
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON NOVEMBER 4 *****
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES AND PROVISIONS SET OUT IN THE "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT IN HONG KONG AND RELATED QUESTIONS", THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES AGREE TO HOLD AN AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING IN HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 4, 1994 TO SIGN AN AGREED MINUTE CONCERNING THE OVERALL
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
------0-------
GOVT RESPONSE TO SIGNING OF AGREED MINUTE ON AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING
******
IN ANSWER TO MEDIA QUESTIONS ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) AIRPORT COMMITTEE MEETING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE IS TO MEET TOMORROW MORNING TO SIGN THE AGREED MINUTE ON FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS. THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO MOVE AHEAD URGENTLY WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS FOR THE TWO PROJECTS SO THAT THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION CAN GO OUT AND BORROW IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR."
-----0-------
STATEMENT BY GOVERNOR TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON
CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON:
MR PRESIDENT,
I MADE A SHORT BUT WORTHWHILE VISIT TO LONDON LAST WEEK. I HAD USEFUL MEETINGS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER - CIRCUMNAVIGATING THE DUCKS IN ST JAMES’ PARK - WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, WITH MR GOODLAD AND WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS. WE DISCUSSED WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN IMPROVE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. WE LOOKED AHEAD TO THE NEXT JLG MEETING AND WE NOTED THE FORMIDABLE AMOUNT OF WORK THAT REMAINS ON THE JLG’S AGENDA. WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE MORE RAPID PROGRESS IN THE FUTURE. CERTAINLY THAT WILL BE OUR AIM.
I ALSO HAD A GOOD AND WELL ATTENDED MEETING WITH THE BRITISH-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, WHO CONTINUE TO TAKE A CLOSE AND SUPPORTIVE INTEREST IN OUR AFFAIRS.
/I MADE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
2
I MADE TWO SPEECHES - THE FIRST TO THE ANNUAL TDC DINNER, WHICH GROWS IN IMPORTANCE AS AN OCCASION EVERY YEAR, AND WHICH WAS SO WELL ATTENDED THIS YEAR THAT IT TOOK PLACE IN AN EVEN LARGER VENUE. I ALSO GAVE THE ANNUAL SWISS BANK LECTURE AT THE SWISS BANK CORPORATION - A SPEECH LARGELY DEVOTED TO PROMOTING THE CASE, THE HONG KONG CASE, FOR FREE TRADE.
WHILE I WAS IN LONDON, THIS COUNCIL OF COURSE FINISHED DEBATING MY ADDRESS LAST MONTH. THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND HER COLLEAGUES GAVE THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESPONSE IN SPEECHES WHICH I ENTHUSIASTICALLY ENDORSE. I AM ALWAYS IN FAVOUR OF VIGOROUS DEBATE; I AM SURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS RIGHT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO PUT ITS CASE AS VIGOROUSLY AS HONOURABLE MEMBERS DO. I NOW LOOK FORWARD TO HONOURABLE MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS.
MR MARTIN BARROW: GOVERNOR, COULD YOU BRIEF US ON THE DISCUSSIONS YOU HAD IN LONDON REGARDING STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN HOME, AND IN PARTICULAR ON WHAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WILL DO TO HELP? AND SECONDLY, WILL THE UNITED KINGDOM RESTART ITS SCHEME TO TAKE REFUGEES TO SET AN EXAMPLE TO OTHER POTENTIAL RECIPIENTS? THANK YOU.
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, THE QUESTION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IS ON THE AGENDA, PERHAPS I SHOULD ADD ALAS, ON EACH OF MY VISITS BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE NOT ACHIEVED THE SUCCESSFUL REPATRIATION WHICH I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY WANTS TO SEE. THE VOLUNTARY RETURN OF MIGRANTS WHICH WAS GOING AT A REASONABLY EXPEDITIOUS PACE LAST YEAR AND IN THE LATTER STAGES OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR, HAS RECENTLY UNFORTUNATELY SLOWED AND WE NEED TO, AS WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO, TO INCREASE OUR EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE MIGRANTS TO RETURN HOME TO A COMMUNITY, TO A COUNTRY WHICH THE REST OF THE WORLD RECOGNISES AS BEING ON THE PATH TO EXPONENTIAL GROWTH. I THINK SOME OF THOSE WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO LOOKING AFTER OR HELPING MIGRANTS IN OUR CAMPS WHO HAVE DONE SO IN OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD DO WONDER AT WHY IT IS THAT MIGRANTS INSIST ON STAYING IN HONG KONG RATHER THAN RETURNING. BECAUSE THE CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM IN COMPARISON WITH CONDITIONS FROM WHICH OTHERS HAVE FLED AROUND THE WORLD ARE OBVIOUSLY MUCH BETTER. WE’LL CONTINUE BOTH THROUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THROUGH OTHER WAYS TO ENCOURAGE RETURN, AND I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER LIKE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME AS PART OF OUR OVERALL STRATEGY.
ON THE UNITED KINGDOM’S OBLIGATIONS TO TAKE THEIR OWN SHARE OF REFUGEES, I AM SURE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS AS FAMILIAR AS I AM WITH THE NUMBER TAKEN INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE PAST, AND ALSO FAMILIAR WITH RECENT HOME OFFICE STATEMENTS ON THE POSITION. WE HAVE MADE OUR VIEWS CLEAR TO HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO, BECAUSE THE WHOLE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THOSE REFUGEES WHICH WE WANT TO SEE IT DISCHARGED.
• /DR DAVID.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
DR DAVID Ll: GOVERNOR, THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF TRANSPORTATION COSTS THIS YEAR IS AROUND 12.65 PER CENT WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE GENERAL INFLATION RATE BY 4 PERCENTAGE POINTS. ON THE ONE HAND, THE GOVERNMENT INVITES PRIVATE COMPANIES NOT TO ADJUST THEIR ANNUAL WAGE INCREASES BEYOND THE INFLATION RATE. ON THE OTHER HAND, IT ALLOWS THE COST OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO EXCEED THE INFLATION RATE. A 12.65 PER CENT JUMP IN THE COST OF TRANSPORTATION ALONE CONTRIBUTED TO ABOUT 1 PERCENTAGE POINT TO INFLATION. IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, SIR, YOU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TRY TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIVING OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE. BASED ON THAT, WILL YOU INFORM THIS COUNCIL, WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC RATIONALE IN ALLOWING THE TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO RAISE THEIR FARES BEYOND THE INFLATION RATE? IN ADDITION, WILL YOU, SIR, ALSO INFORM THIS COUNCIL HOW THE QUALITY OF LIVING OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN BE IMPROVED IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES?
GOVERNOR: I AM NOT SURE WHETHER THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS COMPARING LIKE WITH LIKE, AND WHETHER HE IS TAKING IDENTICAL CALENDAR PERIODS IN THE COMPARISON THAT HE IS MAKING BUT I WILL ASSUME THAT HE IS DOING SO BECAUSE HE IS A BANKER AND BANKERS ARE INVARIABLY - I DON’T SAY ALWAYS - INVARIABLY RIGHT ABOUT THE FIGURES.
I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WOULD HIMSELF DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF FARES FOR TRAINS AND THE LEVEL OF FARES FOR BUSES. I BELIEVE I AM CORRECT IN SAYING THAT THE FARES SET BY THE MTRC AND BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAVE, OVER THE YEARS, LAGGED BEHIND THE ANNUAL RATE OF INFLATION. IN ONE CASE I THINK THAT HAS BEEN SO FOR SIX YEARS, IN THE OTHER CASE I THINK IT HAS BEEN SO FOR WELL OVER TEN YEARS, AND THAT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE OF BOTH THOSE ORGANISATIONS. IT IS A TRIBUTE TO THEIR INVESTMENT. IT IS A TRIBUTE TO THE PRODUCTIVITY ACHIEVED BY THEIR WORKFORCE AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THAT INVESTMENT.
WITH OUR BUSES, THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT STORY, PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF OPERATING COSTS TAKEN BY SALARIES, AND PARTICULARLY THE SALARIES OF DRIVERS. I DON’T CRITICISE DRIVERS BECAUSE THEY NEED TO MAKE A LIVING JUST LIKE THE REST OF US. BUT I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT THEIR PAY, AS A PROPORTION OF OVERALL COSTS, HAS BEEN ONE OF THE FACTORS - AND DOUBTLESS, FUEL HAS BEEN ANOTHER ONE -IN MEANING THAT BUS COSTS ARE VERY OFTEN BEING RATHER HIGHER THAN TRAIN COSTS. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN THE REQUIREMENT TO INVEST, IN MANY CASES, IN NEW FLEET AND PARTICULARLY IN NEW AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLES IN ORDER TO PRESERVE, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE TO PASSENGERS.
I DON’T THINK THAT OVERALL IT IS RIGHT TO THINK THAT TRANSPORT COSTS ARE A MAJOR FACTOR IN OUR INFLATION IN HONG KONG. BUT OBVIOUSLY THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE COST OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS IN THE OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE, AND THEY ARE ALSO IMPORTANT AND RELEVANT FACTORS IN DISCUSSING WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT MANAGING TRAFFIC RATHER BETTER IN THE FUTURE - THAT IS A SUBJECT WHICH WE WILL BE OFFERING VIEWS TO THE COUNCIL ABOUT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND I AM SURE THAT THERE WILL BE A COMPLETE CONSENSUS IN THE COUNCIL ON THE SORT OF MEASURES THAT WILL REQUIRE TO BE TAKEN.
THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS RIGHT TO REMIND US OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FARES IN PEOPLE’S COST OF LIVING BUT I DON’T THINK THE SITUATION IS QUITE ONE OF COST-PUSH TN THE WAY THAT HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUGGESTING.
/MR PANG .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
4
MR PANG CHUN-HOI: MR PRESIDENT, IN THE OCTOBER LEGCO QUESTION TIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTEND TO EXPAND THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, NEVERTHELESS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, RECENTLY IN BEIJING TALKED TO THE FOREIGN MINISTRY’S HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE, SAYING THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING RELAXING THE IMPORTATION OF MAINLAND PROFESSIONALS AND EXPANDING THE LIST OF KEY MAINLAND UNIVERSITIES AND ALSO FURTHER IMPORTING NON-SKILLED WORKERS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT. CAN THE GOVERNOR INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL DISREGARD THE STRONG OPPOSITION OF THE LABOUR SECTOR IN FURTHER RELAXING THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR, AND SECONDLY, WHY IS IT THAT THERE ARE INCONSISTENCIES WITHIN THE MONTH, IN WHAT THE SENIOR HONG KONG OFFICIALS SAID AND WHAT THE GOVERNOR SAID. WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THAT, I HOPE THAT THE GOVERNOR CAN ANSWER THIS.
GOVERNOR: THE HONOURABLE MEMBER WILL KNOW THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS UNDER PRESSURE FROM EMPLOYERS, AND EMPLOYERS ORGANISATIONS BY AND LARGE TO OPERATE MORE LIBERAL, MORE OPEN POLICIES IN RELATION TO THE WORKFORCE AND ALLOWING MORE PEOPLE TO WORK HERE IN HONG KONG, JUST AS WE ARE UNDER PRESSURE FROM LABOUR ORGANISATIONS TO BE MORE RESTRICTIVE IN THOSE THAT WE ALLOW TO COME AND WORK HERE IN HONG KONG. WE DO HAVE A VERY TIGHT LABOUR MARKET ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOW LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT HERE IN HONG KONG, ABOUT 2.3% IN COMPARISON WITH THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES IN OUR ECONOMY, BY AND LARGE, THE NUMBER OF THOSE UNEMPLOYED HAS RUN AT NOT MUCH MORE THAN 50% OF THE PUBLISHED VACANCIES, SO THERE IS A REAL I THINK, SUPPLY CONSTRAINT THERE OR HAS SOMETIMES BEEN IN THE PAST. I WOULD ADD THAT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WE HAVE BEEN FINDING WAYS OF COPING WITH THAT IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO WITHOUT AS A CONSEQUENCE DOING WHAT MANY REPRESENTATIVES OF LABOUR ORGANISATIONS FEAR, EITHER ON THE ONE HAND DRIVING DOWN WAGES, OR ON THE OTHER HAND DRIVING PEOPLE OUT OF WORK. IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR THE TOTAL LABOUR SUPPLY IN OUR ECONOMY GREW BY ABOUT THREE AND A HALF PER CENT, LAST YEAR IT GREW BY I THINK 2.9%, AND AT THE SAME TIME WE RETAINED LOW UNEMPLOYEMENT AND I THINK SAW A STEADY GROWTH IN NET DISPOSABLE INCOME, SO I THINK THAT WE HAVE ACTUALLY MANAGED TO COPE WITH PRESSURES, BETTER THAN PERHAPS BOTH EMPLOYERS AND LABOUR ORGANISATIONS HAVE SUGGESTED.
/MATTERS WHICH .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
5
LET ME COME SPECIFICALLY TO TWO RELATED MATTERS WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERRED TO, FIRST OF ALL THE OVERALL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME, WHICH I THINK WORKS TOLERABLY WELL, THOUGH WE WILL WANT TO LOOK ONCE AGAIN AT QUOTA ALLOCATIONS WITHIN THE SCHEME, WHERE THERE ARE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS OF LABOUR SHORTAGE BECAUSE OF SOME MAJOR PROJECT, I THINK WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THOSE THROUGH THE IMPORTATION OF ADDITIONAL LABOUR TO MEET A SPECIFIC DEMAND, BUT 1 THINK THAT IS A WELL-ESTABLISHED FEATURE OF OUR LABOUR MARKET POLICY IN THE COMMUNITY. THE PARTICULAR AND RELATED MATTER TO WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERS, IS THE SCHEME WE HAVE INTRODUCED TO ALLOW A THOUSAND GRADUATES OF SPECIFIED CHINESE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS TO COME AND WORK AND RECEIVE A TRAINING WITH EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG. WE'VE HAD TWO ALLOCATIONS OF JOBS UNDER THAT SCHEME, ALLOCATIONS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, AND THE SECOND ONE FOR EXAMPLE WAS HEAVILY OVERSUBSCRIBED, TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED PEOPLE APPLIED FOR THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE WHICH WERE ABOUT A TENTH OF THAT SIZE. I THINK THAT IS WHY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER SAID IN PEKING THAT WE WOULD BE REVIEWING THE SCHEME NEXT YEAR, I DON’T THINK THAT IS A NEW COMMITMENT ON OUR PART, I BELIEVE WE’VE ALWAYS MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE WOULD WANT TO REVIEW THE SCHEME. THE SUGGESTION THAT WE SHOULD EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS WAS MADE BY PRC OFFICIALS AND IS SOMETHING THAT WE’D WANT TO BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THAT OVERALL REVIEW, SO I DON’T THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SHOULD REGARD THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AS REPRESENTING A NEW INITIATIVE BY THE ADMINISTRATION, NOR SHOULD HE REGARD THE SCHEME, I DON’T BELIEVE, AS IN SOME WAY DRIVING A COACH AND HORSES THROUGH OUR EXISTING LABOUR MARKET POLICY. I THINK IT SHOWS A SENSIBLE FLEXIBILITY IN A POLICY WHICH I RECOGNISE IS INEVITABLY CONTROVERSIAL, BUT WHICH I THINK BY AND LARGE MEETS THE LABOUR REQUIREMENTS OF A COMMUNITY LIKE THIS GROWING AS FAST AS THIS, AS WELL AS WE PROBABLY COULD DO, WITHOUT PROVOKING CRITICISMS FROM LABOUR CONSTITUENCY THAT WE WERE SEEKING TO RETURN HONG KONG TO A SWEAT SHOP ECONOMY.
MR PANG CHUN-HOI (FOLLOW UP): MR GOVERNOR, OKAY REVIEW IS NECESSARY, BUT MY QUESTION IS, LAST MONTH YOU SAID HERE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT EXPAND THE IMPORTATION SCHEME, CONCERNING THE GENERAL SCHEME THE QUOTAS WOULD NOT BE EXPANDED, BUT NOW YOU SAY THAT A REVIEW IS UNDER WAY TO LOOK AT THE LABOUR MARKET, IN OTHER WORDS YOU ARE GOING BACK ON WHAT YOU SAID LAST MONTH. SO, ANY COMMENTS?
GOVERNOR: LET ME DISTINGUISH ONCE AGAIN BETWEEN THE OVERALL SCHEME, THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME WHICH COVERS TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND JOBS WHICH WE ARE NOT UNDERTAKING A REVIEW OF, AND THE IMPORTATION OF GRADUATES FROM CHINA SCHEME WHICH COVERS A THOUSAND JOBS WHICH WE ARE GOING TO REVIEW NEXT YEAR. I CAN MAKE THAT DISTINCTION WHICH I HOPE MEETS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S POINT. I DON’T BELIEVE I’VE EVER SAID THAT WE WERE GOING TO REVIEW THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME AS A WHOLE, BUT WE ARE REVIEWING THE SCHEME DEALING WITH GRADUATES FROM THE PRC. I HOPE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER CAN BE SATISFIED WITH THAT EXPLANATION.
/MR HA ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
6
MR HA WING-HO: THANK YOU MR PRESIDENT, MR GOVERNOR, I HAVE A QUESTION, IT IS ABOUT LEGISLATION STRADDLING 1997. AS WE KNOW, A LEGISLATURE WILL BE ELECTED IN 1995 AND BY 1997 ITS TERM WILL END. NOW IN LONDON YOU HAD DISCUSSIONS, I WONDER IF YOU HAVE TALKED ABOUT THE LEGISLATION SITUATION FOR THE TRANSITION. SO DID YOU DISCUSS THE BRITISH ATTITUDE BACK IN LONDON, AND IN YOUR DISCUSSIONS DID YOU TALK ABOUT THINGS LIKE THE PROVISIONAL LEGISLATURE?
GOVERNOR: WE DIDN’T HAVE A SUBSTANTIVE DISCUSSION ABOUT PROPOSALS WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MADE BY AN ADVISORY GROUP TO THE NPC ABOUT THE FUTURE, THE FUTURE LEGISLATURE IN HONG KONG, WE DIDN’T HAVE THOSE DISCUSSIONS BECAUSE WE BELIVE THAT THE LEGISLATURE WHICH WILL BE ELECTED IN 1995, WHICH WILL BE OPENLY ELECTED, AND WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL BE FAIRLY ELECTED AND WHICH WE BELIEVE IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THAT LEGISLATURE IS IN OUR JUDGMENT ENTIRELY IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WITH THE BASIC LAW. AND IF THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD BE DISRUPTED IN SOME WAY IN 1997, THEN IT’S FOR THEM TO EXPLAIN WHY, AND IT’S FOR THEM TO JUSTIFY THAT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IT’S NOT OBVIOUSLY MY RESPONSIBILITY. I HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WHAT IS DONE BEFORE 1997 IS IN LINE WITH THE AGREEMENTS MADE BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, THAT IT ACCORDS WITH THE SPIRIT AND THE LETTER OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THAT IT MEETS IN DOING THOSE THINGS THE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR A DECENT AND OPEN SOCIETY, AND THAT I THINK WE ARE DOING.
THERE ARE QUESTIONS WHICH ARE RAISED FROM TIME TO TIME ABOUT LEGISLATION WHICH WE WANT TO PASS THROUGH THE TRANSITION IN 1997, AND THERE ARE TWO PARTICULAR ASPECTS TO THAT QUESTION WHICH NEED TO BE CONSIDERED, ONE IS LOCALISATION OF LAWS, THE OTHER IS ADAPTATION OF LAWS. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT WHICH ISN’T ALWAYS DONE TO MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THOSE TWO. ON LOCALISATION OF LAWS, WE ARE MAKING PRETTY GOOD PROGRESS ABOUT THREE HUNDRED OF THE LAWS WHICH MIGHT NEED TO BE LOCALISED, IN FACT WE CAN PROBABLY PUT ON ONE SIDE, WE PROBABLY DON’T NEED TO DEAL WITH THOSE, IT LEAVES A NUMBER THAT DO HAVE TO BE LOCALISED. WE’RE INTENDING DOING THAT IN ABOUT THIRTY-TWO DIFFERENT PIECES OF LEGISLATION, AND SOME OF THOSE HAVE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH THIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, I THINK ABOUT EIGHT, TWO ARE AT PRESENT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEING DISCUSSED, I THINK THREE WILL SHORTLY BE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVING BEEN BROADLY AGREED IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP. THERE ARE OTHERS IN FRONT OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AT THE MOMENT, ABOUT FOURTEEN, AND ONE OR TWO OTHERS WHICH WILL NEED TO BE DEALT WITH IN DUE COURSE. THAT PROGRAMME OF LOCALISATION IS GOING FORWARD PRETTY WELL. ADAPTATION HAS CREATED OTHER DIFFICULTIES, AND THEY ARE DIFFICULTIES I HOPE WE CAN RESOLVE WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS. IT WAS AGREED IN 1990 IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT ADAPTATION SHOULD BE DISCUSSED THERE, AND I HOPE THAT WE CAN MAKE A SUCCESS OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS. SO I HOPE, AS I KNOW THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HOPES THAT WE CAN AVOID ANY LEGAL HOLES COME 1997 BECAUSE THAT WOULDN’T BE GOOD FOR THE STABILITY OR PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
/MR JIMMY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
7
MR JIMMY MCGREGOR: GOVERNOR, I ASSUME THAT THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WITH THE PWC WAS MENTIONED DURING YOUR DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON AND I SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO KNOW WHETHER YOU CONSIDER THAT YOURSELF AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO CONSTRUCTIVELY CONSIDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PWC TO SEE WHETHER THIS CAN BE FURTHER IMPROVED; AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO INVOLVE LEGCO IN THIS PROCESS?
GOVERNOR: WELL, WE ARE ALWAYS DELIGHTED TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE ADVICE FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THIS MATTER AS ON OTHERS. THE IMPRESSION THAT I GOT FROM THE DEBATE WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD ON MY SPEECH TO THIS BODY AT THE BEGINNING OF LAST MONTH, WAS THAT SOME PEOPLE WANTED US TO DO MORE AND SOME PEOPLE WANTED US TO DO LESS IN RELATION TO THE PWC. I THINK THAT THE GUIDELINES SET OUT BY MY HONOURABLE FRIEND THE CHIEF SECRETARY ARE EXTREMELY SENSIBLE AND ENABLE US TO PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE PWC WITH ANY HELP, WITH ANY BRIEFING, THAT THEY MAY REQUIRE TO DO THEIR JOB BETTER.
I WAS VERY PLEASED THE OTHER DAY THAT WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF TAKING PART IN A SEMINAR ON THE LINK BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE US DOLLAR, AT WHICH A SENIOR HONG KONG PUBLIC SERVANT WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR WHAT OUR POSITION WAS ON THE LINK. I WAS DELIGHTED THAT A SENIOR PRC OFFICIAL MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE PRC TOTALLY SHARE OUR VIEW ON THAT IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF MACRO-ECONOMIC POLICY, THOUGH I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT NOT EVERY MEMBER OF THE PWC TAKES THAT VIEW. BUT IT WAS VERY HELPFUL, I THINK, TO HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY OF MAKING IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR THAT THERE WASN’T A PIECE OF TISSUE PAPER BETWEEN THE VIEWS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE VIEWS OF PRC OFFICIALS ON THAT PARTICULAR ISSUE. I THINK IT WILL HAVE HELPED TO CLEAR UP SOME PERHAPS UNFORTUNATE CONFUSION. SO THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE THAT WHICH I THINK WE SHOULD TAKE AS CONSTRUCTIVELY AND POSITIVELY AS POSSIBLE.
I STILL BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITION OF THE PWC AND THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE. I THINK THAT IS WELL-RECOGNISED. BUT WE REMAIN, I REPEAT, READY TO OFFER ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO THE PWC WHENEVER THEY ASK FOR IT.
DURING YOUR DEBATE ON MY SPEECH, ONE HONOURABLE MEMBER, IN A COLOURFUL METAPHOR, SAID THAT WE’D COOKED SOME PRETTY GOOD MEALS OURSELVES HERE IN HONG KONG AND WE SHOULD OFFER TO SHOW OTHERS THE RECIPES. I THINK WE ARE ALL VERY HAPPY TO PASS OVER BOOKS FULL OF RECIPES BUT I THINK NOBODY SHOULD NECESSARILY EXPECT US TO QUEUE UP TO COOK AT A SECOND STOVE. WE HAVE A VERY GOOD FIRST STOVE OF OUR OWN, BUT WE ARE DELIGHTED TO TELL THE PWC AND OTHERS EVERYTHING THEY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. WE ARE PREPARED TO BE AS HELPFUL AS POSSIBLE TO PWC MEMBERS - GENUINELY AS HELPFUL AS POSSIBLE TO PWC MEMBERS - AS WE HAVE BEEN TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT, AND I HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO BE VERY POSITIVE RIGHT ACROSS THE BOARD IN A COMPREHENSIVE AND OPEN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE.
/MR JIMMY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
8
MR JIMMY MCGREGOR (FOLLOW UP): SIR, COULD I HAVE JUST ONE CLARIFICATION? DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS TAKING A PROACTIVE POSITION WITH REGARD TO THE PWC IN THE OFFERING OF INFORMATION? ARE YOU INVITING, IN OTHER WORDS, THE PWC TO SEEK INFORMATION WHICH YOU WILL TRY TO PROVIDE? OR ARE YOU TAKING A REACTIVE POSITION WHERE YOU WAIT FOR THE PWC? BECAUSE THERE IS A MATTER OF, IF YOU LIKE, A CERTAIN DEGREE OF 'FACE’ INVOLVED HERE AND IN ORDER TO GET DIALOGUE GOING, IF DIALOGUE IS NECESSARY, THEN PERHAPS IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT - WHICH AFTER ALL IS HOLDING THE INFORMATION REQUIRED AND THE EXPERIENCE WHICH CAN BE PROVIDED - IF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WERE TO TAKE A MORE PROACTIVE POSITION,
GOVERNOR: I’VE LEARNT MORE AND MORE ABOUT 'FACE’ THE LONGER I HAVE BEEN GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THOUGH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS THAT IT IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH PARTICULARLY BOTHERS ME, NOT LEAST GIVEN MY BACKGROUND. WE ARE AS PROACTIVE IN RELATION TO THIS AS WE ARE TO ANYTHING OR TO EVERYTHING ELSE. I SAY ONCE AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON THAT IF PWC MEMBERS WANT TO BE THOROUGHLY BRIEFED ON THE AIRPORT OR OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, WE’D BE HAPPY TO BRIEF THEM. IF THEY WISH TO BE BRIEFED ON THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OR RELATED CAPITAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG, WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO BRIEF THEM. IF THEY WISH TO BE BRIEFED ABOUT THE LOCALISATION AND ADAPTATION OF LAWS, IF THEY WISHED TO BE BRIEFED ABOUT OUR BUDGET, THE WAY WE MANAGE HONG KONG’S FINANCES, WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO BRIEF THEM. WE HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO HIDE AND A GREAT DEAL TO BE PROUD ABOUT IN THE WAY THAT WE HAVE MANAGED HONG KONG’S AFFAIRS, SO WE WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HAND OVER THOSE RECIPES.
BUT 1 DON’T THINK, TO REPEAT WHAT I HAVE SAID BEFORE, THAT IT WOULD BE RIGHT FOR US TO SEND CIVIL SERVANTS OFF TO MEETINGS IN PEKING OR WHATEVER, FORMAL MEETINGS OF THE PWC, AS THOUGH THE PWC WAS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP OR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO WHICH THE EXECUTIVE IN HONG KONG IS ACCOUNTABLE TODAY AND WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE UNDER THE BASIC LAW.
CHEUNG MAN-KWONG: MR GOVERNOR, YESTERDAY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SUBMITTED THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BILL TO THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION FOR CONSULTATION. I’VE LEARNT THAT FROM THE PRESS. BUT THE LEGISLATURE IN HONG KONG, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMULATING LAWS AND ALSO THE HONG KONG PUBLIC ARE STILL KEPT IN THE DARK AND WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE CFA BILL. MR GOVERNOR, IF THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL PAPER WHY IS THAT THE TWO LAW BODIES CAN KNOW THAT BEFORE HAND? IF THIS IS A CONSULTATION PAPER, WHY SHOULD THAT LEGCO WHICH REPRESENTS THE PUBLIC IS NOT CONSULTED? WHY IS THAT YOU HAVE DIFFERENTIAL TREATMENT? IS IT AN OPEN APPROACH, IS IT THE APPROACH OF A GOVERNMENT WHO SAYS THERE IS NO HIDDEN AGENDA?
GOVERNOR: IF THE DEBATE AND THE DISCUSSION ABOUT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IS TAKING PLACE IN THE DARK, IT’S THE SORT OF DARK THEY HAVE AT MIDNIGHT IN LAPLAND. 1 DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY GREAT SECRET AND CERTAINLY NO HIDDEN AGENDA IN WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING OR WHAT’S BEEN DISCUSSED. IN HONG KONG, WE HAVE QUITE ENOUGH ON OUR OPEN AGENDA WITHOUT HAVING HIDDEN ONES AS WELL. BUT WE’VE BEEN PROCEEDING NOT SECRETIVELY AND I REPEAT THAT IF THIS IS A SECRET, A HELL OF A LOT OF PEOPLE SEEM TO KNOW ABOUT IT, BUT WE HAVE BEEN PROCEEDING IN THE WAY THAT WE REGULARLY PROCEED.
/WHEN WE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
9
WHEN WE CONSULT PARTICULAR INTERESTS OR PARTICULAR PROFESSIONS ABOUT A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL BEFORE FRAMING LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS TO PUT FOR OPEN AND FULL DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL. WHAT 1 DON’T WANT TO DO IS TO DELAY THE PROCESS BY HAVING ANOTHER LONG CONSULTATION WHICH MIGHT JEOPARDISE OUR ABILITY TO GET THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL UP AND RUNNING BEFORE THE MIDDLE OF 1996 WHICH IS NECESSARY IF WE ARE NOT TO HAVE A GAP. AND I THINK IT WOULD BE A GAP IF WE DIDN’T HAVE THE HIGHEST COURT FOR APPEAL AND WHEN THE PRIVY COUNCIL, JUDICIAL COMMITTEE CEASES TO BE ABLE TO DISCHARGE THAT FUNCTION. THE MATTER HAS BEEN DEBATED EXTENSIVELY IN THIS COUNCIL. IT’S BEEN DEBATED EXTENSIVELY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION. IT’S BEEN DEBATED EXTENSIVELY IN THE MEDIA AND IN THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND THE DECISION DOESN'T TURN OUT AT THIS STAGE TO BE ANY DIFFERENT TO THE DECISION WHICH PEOPLE CONSIDER TWO OR THREE YEARS BACK. WE HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER WE WANT TO SET UP A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BEFORE 1997 OR NOT. IF THIS COUNCIL CONCLUDES AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT IT DOESN’T WANT TO SET UP A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BEFORE 1997 THEN I THINK IT WILL HAVE TO EXPLAIN THE REASONS WHY VERY CLEARLY TO BUSINESS AND TO THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY.
I DON’T DISPUTE AT ALL THAT THIS COURT OF FINAL APPEAL THAT WE ARE GOING TO PROPOSE IS NOT AS SUPERB AN INSTITUTION AS SOME MEMBERS WOULD LIKE. MUCH OF LIFE IS ABOUT CHOOSING WHETHER OR NOT TO SETTLE FOR THE GOOD AS OPPOSED TO THE BEST IN ORDER TO AVOID THE WORST. AND I THINK THIS IS ONE SUCH OCCASION. I KNOW HOW STRONGLY SOME MEMBERS, PARTICULARLY PERHAPS THOSE WITH A DISTINGUISH LEGAL BACKGROUND, I KNOW HOW STRONGLY SOME FEEL THAT THE COURT SHOULD BE EVEN MORE BROADLY BASED. BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED, AN AGREEMENT BEFORE I BECAME GOVERNOR, BUT ONE WHICH I SUPPORT, AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED IN 1991. I THINK IT IS A GOOD AGREEMENT EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT THE BEST POSSIBLE AGREEMENT, AND I THINK WE SHOULD GET ON AND LEGISLATE FOR IT. SO I DON'T ACCEPT THAT THERE ARE ANY SECRETS. I DON'T ACCEPT THERE IS A HIDDEN AGENDA. I DO THINK THAT WE SHOULD GET ON AND SORT THIS OUT AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE. I SAY SORT IT OUT ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. I HOPE IT’S SORTED OUT IN THE WAY THAT I’VE SUGGESTED.
CHEUNG MAN-KWONG: FOLLOW UP. MR GOVERNOR, AS YOU SAID EARLY NEXT YEAR, WHEN THE CFA BILL COMES TO LEGCO SOME MEMBERS WITH LEGAL BACKGROUND MAY COME UP WITH AMENDMENTS SO THAT THE PROPORTION OF OVERSEAS JUDGES CAN BE MORE FLEXIBLE. MR GOVERNOR, WHAT I WANT TO ASK IS THIS: IF THE AMENDMENTS ARE PASSED, WILL YOU ENDORSE THE BILL AS AMENDED BECAUSE THE AMENDMENTS WILL BE IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION? SO CAN YOU TELL US IN TERMS OF THE BINDING FORCE OF THE LAW, IS THE JOINT DECLARATION SUPERIOR OR IS THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT SUPERIOR?
/GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
10
GOVERNOR: CAN I JUST SAY ONE THING ABOUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S PREMISE. IT’S NOT I AM SURE JUST PEOPLE WITH LEGAL BACKGROUNDS WHO FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT RULE OF LAW ISSUES. THERE ARE QUITE A LOT OF US WITHOUT LEGAL BACKGROUNDS, ALTHOUGH WE MAY IN SOME CASES BEEN MARRIED TO LAWYERS, WHO FEEL EXTREMELY STRONGLY ABOUT RULE OF LAW ISSUES. I THINK THAT JUST AS THE HEALTH SERVICE WITH GREAT DEFERENCE TO DISTINGUISH PRACTITIONERS SHOULDN’T JUST BE DEBATED BY DOCTORS AND NURSES SO THE LAW SHOULDN’T JUST BE DEBATED BY LAWYERS, THAT THE LAW IS WHAT GUARANTEES ALL OUR FREEDOMS AND ALL OUR PROSPERITY AND WE SHOULD ALL TAKE A LIVELY INTEREST IN IT. AND I AM GLAD THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS DOING SO. SECONDLY, ONE OF THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS AUGUST INSTITUTION IS THAT IT ALWAYS WANTS MY JOB MORE DIFFICULT. AND IT IS ENOUGH OF A PROBLEM ANSWERING REAL PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS AND WITHOUT ANSWERING HYPOTHETICAL ONES. THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SAYS WHAT WOULD I DO IF. WELL, FIRST OF ALL LET’S HAVE THE IF. WE WILL BE ARGUING OUR OWN CASE, WE WILL BE ARGUING FOR OUR OWN BILL AND THE FIRST QUESTION I HAVE TO ADDRESS IS HOW WE GET THAT BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IF HONOURABLE MEMBERS WERE TO AMEND IT, THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF THAT ACTION. BUT I HAVE A PROFOUND AND I THINK DEFENSIBLE AVERSION TO ANSWERING HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS WHEN THE REAL QUESTIONS ARE DIFFICULT ENOUGH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
MR LAU CHIN-SHEK: THE LABOUR SECTOR THINKS THAT IMPORTED WORKERS HAVE IMPACT ON THE WAGE LEVEL OF LOCAL WORKERS. OTHER THAN THAT, WE HAVE ILLEGAL WORKERS IN THE LABOUR FORCE. THE CONFEDERATION OF UNIONS FOUND THAT WE HAVE ILLEGAL WORKERS FROM INDIA AND PAKISTAN; THEY WAIT AT SHAM SHUI PO, WAITING FOR EMPLOYERS; THEY GET $150 PER FOUR-HOUR PERIOD. AND THERE ARE ALSO A LOT OF DOMESTIC WORKERS WORKING IN FACTORIES, MARKETS AND RESTAURANTS. AND YET ON CONSTRUCTION SITES WE ALSO HAVE ILLEGAL WORKERS. TWO YEARS BACK IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, SIR, YOU SAID THAT WORKERS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHOW ID CARDS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, BUT WE HEARD SUBSEQUENTLY NO MORE ABOUT THAT. ON THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL WORKERS IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS TO BE TURNING A BLIND EYE TO THE ISSUE FOR SOME OF THE TIME. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE SQUARELY. ON THE MATTER OF ILLEGAL WORKERS IN HONG KONG, WHAT CONCRETE EFFECTIVE MEASURES ARE THERE TO COMBAT THIS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT THE EMPLOYMENT, INDEED THE EXISTENCE OF ILLEGAL WORKERS, HAS TWO CONSEQUENCES, BOTH OF WHICH ARE THOROUGHLY UNDESIRABLE IN A MODERN FIRST-WORLD ECONOMY LIKE OURS. AND WE ARE NOT’ OF COURSE JUST TALKING ABOUT ILLEGAL WORKERS FROM THE SOUTH-ASIAN SUB-CONTINENT, WE ARE ALSO TALKING ABOUT ILLEGAL WORKERS FROM THE MAINLAND - FROM THE PRC, AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ILLEGAL WORKERS FROM ELSEWHERE TOO.
THE FIRST CONSEQUENCE OF LARGE NUMBERS OF ILLEGAL WORKERS IN THE COMMUNITY IS EXPLOITATION OF THOSE WORKERS IN OFTEN DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS WITH ALL THE POSSIBILITIES OF CRIME, BOTH PETTY AND ORGANISED, THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT. AND IT IS NOT LEAST IN THE INTERESTS OF ILLEGAL WORKERS THEMSELVES THAT WE SHOULD TAKE A VERY FIRM LINE ON ILLEGAL WORKING.
/THOUGH THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
- 11 -
SECONDLY, I’VE GOT NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT EVEN THOUGH THE MACRO-ECONOMIC EFFECT MAY NOT BE VERY SUBSTANTIAL, THERE MUST BE SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY WHERE THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL WORKERS DOES IN PARTICULAR AREAS DRIVE DOWN WAGE LEVELS. AND I’M SURE THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER HAS AS CLEAR AN IDEA AS I DO OF THE SORT OF SECTORS THAT ONE IS TALKING ABOUT.
BOTH THOSE ARE VERY POWERFUL ARGUMENTS FOR DOING MORE TO STOP PEOPLE BEING BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG TO WORK ILLEGALLY - TO STOP PEOPLE THEMSELVES COMING INTO HONG KONG. WE’VE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH THE POLICE AND WE’VE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH SOME SECTORS OF INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, TO TRY TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL WORKING. I THINK THAT ILLEGAL WORKING IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAS BEEN AN ADDITIONAL REASON FOR THE LACK OF SAFETY IN SOME PARTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
I CAN LET THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOW IN TERMS AND IN DETAIL, PRECISELY WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, BUT I JUST WANT TO UNDERLINE TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT WE DO REGARD IT AS A PRIORITY, THAT THE POLICE REGARD IT AS A PRIORITY, THAT WE HAVE, AS THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS, BEEN PROPOSING HEAVIER FINES FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO TAKE ON ILLEGAL WORKERS, BUT MORE DETAILED MEASURES I WILL COME BACK TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBER ABOUT BY LETTER, IF HE WILL ALLOW ME TO DO SO.
MR LEE WING-TAT: MR GOVERNOR, A QUESTION ON LAND AND HOUSING SUPPLY. IN SUMMER THIS YEAR, IN ORDER TO CURB THE SPIRALLING PROPERTY PRICES, A REPORT WAS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ONE MAJOR RECOMMENDATION IS THAT THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL 15 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES. BUT THEN, THE LAND COMMISSION WILL HAVE TO GIVE APPROVAL BEFORE THIS 15 HECTARES OF LAND CAN BE USED THAT WAY. NOW, THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE IN JUNE, BUT UP TO THE PRESENT MOMENT THE LAND COMMISSION DID NOT HOLD ANY ADDITIONAL MEETINGS. IN TWO TO THREE MONTHS TIME, IF THE LAND COMMISSION STILL DOES NOT HOLD ITS MEETING, YOUR PROMISE WOULD THEN NOT BE HONOURED. 15 HECTARES OF LAND WILL MEAN AN ADDITIONAL 12,000 FLATS - RATHER IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG.
NOW, MR GOVERNOR, 1 WONDER IF YOU OR YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE CONSIDERED THAT. NOW, WE NEED APPROVAL IF WE WANT TO HAVE LAND FOR PRIVATE HOUSING, BUT FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WE NEED NOT HAVE APPROVAL FROM THE LAND COMMISSION. IF THE LAND COMMISSION IS NOT TO HOLD A MEETING ON THIS 15 HECTARES OF I.AND, WOULD YOU CONSIDER TURNING THIS 15’HECTARES OF LAND TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING SO THAT THOSE ON THE WAITING LIST WILL HAVE A FLAT AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME?
ONE MORE QUESTION NOW: IN YOUR POLICY ADDRESS, YOU DID NOT GIVE A .TIMETABLE. FOR THE 150,000 PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST, THEY MAY BE LIVING IN CAGED APARTMENTS OR PARTITIONED HOUSES AND SO ON - WHY DID YOU NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS?
/GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
12
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, ON THE REQUIREMENT FOR ADDITIONAL LAND SUPPLY IN ORDER TO MEET THE TARGETS THAT WE ANNOUNCED EARLIER IN THE SUMMER, WE WILL NEED TO GO TO THE LAND COMMISSION. I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT WE WON’T REQUIRE TO GO TO THEM ABOUT 15 HECTARES - I THINK THERE ARE A COUPLE OF HECTARES WHICH ARE ACTUALLY COVERED ALREADY - I THINK IT IS ABOUT 13 THAT WE NEED TO GO TO THEM ABOUT BUT I’LL TELL THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IF 1 AM NOT ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE ON THAT. BUT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS RIGHT THAT WE WILL NEED TO GO TO THE LAND COMMISSION. I DON’T WISH TO BE PRESUMPTUOUS BUT I HAVE NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THE LAND COMMISSION WOULD WISH TO OBJECT TO PROPOSALS WHICH ARE CLEARLY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND WHICH ARE CLEARLY DIRECTED TOWARDS THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
IF WE WERE UNABLE TO SATISFY THAT REQUIREMENT-, THEN THEORETICALLY, THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS ENTIRELY RIGHT TO MENTION THE OTHER OPTION. BUT WE DO WANT, AS FAR AS WE CAN, TO PROVIDE A BALANCED RESPONSE TO HOUSING DEMAND IN THE COMMUNITY AND WE THINK WE’VE GOT IT JUST ABOUT RIGHT BETWEEN HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION AND PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION AND PUBLICLY-ASSISTED HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES.
ON THE SIZE OF THE WAITING LIST, PERHAPS I CAN SAY TWO THINGS. I DON’T WANT TO GET INTO A THEORETICAL ARGUMENT WITH THE HONOURABLE GENTLEMAN ABOUT THE 150,000 FIGURE, BUT I THINK HE KNOWS, AS I DO, THAT THERE IS A GOOD DEAL OF SKEPTICISM ABOUT THAT FIGURE, THAT MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT IT INCLUDES DOUBLE COUNTING AND THAT IT INCLUDES PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY MET THEIR HOUSING DEMANDS ELSEWHERE, BUT WHO HAVEN’T TAKEN THEMSELVES OFF THE LIST. THERE ARE SOME WHO WOULD PUT THE REAL FIGURE OF DEMAND WAITING FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION AT JUST OVER HALF THE 150,000, AT ABOUT 80,000 - I DON’T WANT TO BECOME TOO PRECISE ABOUT IT, IT’S NOT A PRECISE SCIENCE - BUT EVEN IF 80,000 IS THE FIGURE IT IS STILL AN AWFUL LOT OF PEOPLE WAITING IN NEED, FOR DECENT LIVING ACCOMMODATION.
SECONDLY, WE HAVE ACTUALLY ADDRESSED THE NEED OF PARTICULAR GROUPS WITHIN THAT OVERALL LIST. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE GIVEN COMMITMENTS TO THOSE LIVING IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE GIVEN COMMITMENTS ABOUT THE SINGLE ELDERLY AND THE ELDERLY LIVING IN FAMILIES. BOTH THOSE ARE IMPORTANT GROUPS AND IN BOTH CASES WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE FAIRLY SPECIFIC ABOUT WHEN OFFERS OF HOUSING MAY BE MADE AND ABOUT REDUCTIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME THEY MAY HAVE TO SPEND ON THE LIST. FOR THE OVERALL LIST, THE BEST WAY WE CAN MEET IT IS BY ENSURING THAT WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHICH CATERS FOR A COMMUNITY WHICH IS NOT ONLY GROWING AS HONG KONG IS GROWING, BUT WHERE HOUSING DEMAND IS BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED AND THEREFORE NEEDS TO BE MET WITH MORE TARGETED SUPPLY MEASURES.
MR LEE WING-TAT (FOLLOW UP): A SHORT FOLLOW UP. YES, 1 AGREE THAT FOR THE 150,000 THERE IS SOME DOUBLE COUNTING - BUT AT LEAST THERE ARE 80,000 TO 90,000 PEOPLE WAITING. SO IN YOUR MIND, DO WE HAVE ANY TARGETS? THAT IS, WHEN THESE PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST CAN GET AFFORDABLE PUBLIC HOUSING? CONCERNING MANY GOVERNMENT SERVICES THERE ARE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES, BUT CONCERNING THE WAITING LIST IN HOUSING, THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PERFORMANCE PLEDGE - LIKE I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A FEW YEARS, WILL I GET THE HOUSING? SO HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THIS ASPECT?
/GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY-, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
13
GOVERNOR: ... PROGRAMME WHICH TAKES US UP TO 2001 - AND I GUESS THAT THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO ARE AT PRESENT ON THE LIST SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK TO BEING REHOUSED WITHIN THE TIMESCALE OF AN EXISTING PROGRAMME. THE DIFFICULTY THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER AND I, I AM SURE, BOTH RECOGNISE IS THIS: FIRST OF ALL, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY THEMSELVES ARE LOOKING, AS THE ADMINISTRATION IS LOOKING, AT THE REAL *SCALE OF DEMAND, AND I WOULD HOPE THAT WE COULD COME TO SOME AGREEMENT ABOUT THAT. BUT THE 80,000, IF 80,000 IT IS, ISN’T A STATIC NUMBER BECAUSE SECONDLY, THERE ARE GOING TO BE NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, NOT LEAST - AND THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OR EXTRA WORKERS COMING IN - NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THERE WILL BE MORE PEOPLE COMING IN TO HONG KONG - FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER 1997. SO I DON’T THINK IT IS EASY TO GIVE A PRECISE PLEDGE BUT I WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AT THAT AND SEE HOW MUCH MORE PRECISE WE CAN BECOME.
IF I MAY ADD ONE RATHER CONTROVERSIAL POINT. I THINK I AM RIGHT IN SAYING THAT AT THE MOMENT ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THOSE LIVING IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION HAVE HOUSEHOLD INCOMES WHICH ARE MORE THAN TWICE THE LEVEL WHICH WE WOULD APPLY IF WE WERE LOOKING AT THEM NEWLY APPLYING - THE INCOME LEVEL THAT IS - NEWLY APPLYING FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION. I THINK THAT THAT IS UNDOUBTEDLY A REASON WHY WE ARE NOT ABLE TO DEAL WITH HOUSING NEED AS FLEXIBLY AS MIGHT OTHERWISE BE THE CASE. IT IS IN THE HONOURABLE MEMBER’S EXPERIENCE, AS IT IS MINE, THAT THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE LIVING IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION WHO OWN PROPERTY OUTSIDE.
MR JAMES TO: MR PRESIDENT, JUST NOW THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, HE TALKED ABOUT CONCEPTS OF THE BEST OPTION OR THE GOOD OPTION ETC., SO HIS CONCLUSION WAS THAT IF LEGCO AMENDS THE BILL OR MAKES A DECISION, THE LEGCO MEMBERS HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY. BUT HE WILL LOOK THE ISSUE FROM ANOTHER ANGLE. NOW THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS STIPULATIONS ABOUT THE TRANSITION, AND OUR LIFESTYLE WILL BE KEPT UNCHANGED. NOW WE ARE GOING TO DISRUPT THIS JOINT DECLARATION NOW SO THAT THE PUBLIC LOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE FOUNDATION, SO THAT THEY DON’T HAVE ANY SAFEGUARDS, OR ARE WE SAYING THAT WE ONLY DISRUPT IT ONCE HERE, AND THERE WON’T BE ANY FURTHER DISRUPTIONS SO THAT IT WILL STILL BE SAFEGUARDED. SO CONCERNING THESE TWO CONCEPTS, MR GOVERNOR, WHICH KIND OF DAMAGE IN TERMS OF CONFIDENCE AND SMOOTH TRANSITION IS MORE SERIOUS? HAS THE GOVERNOR THOUGHT OF THIS? IF WE SET UP CFA ACCORDING TO THE JD, WITH FLEXIBILITY THEN BY ’97 IF CHINA GIVING EFFECT TO THE SOVEREIGNTY WANTS TO DAMAGE OUR SYSTEM LIKE THE CFA, SHOULDN’T CHINA AT THAT TIME BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE WORLD? IS THAT HONG KONG WILL STILL BE PROSPEROUS AND STABLE? SO IT WON’T BE FOR LEGCO, OR FOR THE PRESENT SOVEREIGN POWER OF HONG KONG TO DAMAGE THE JOINT DECLARATION NOW, TO DISRUPT HONG KONG PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE NOW.
GOVERNOR: HONORABLE MEMBER’S QUESTION ASSUMES THAT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL THAT WE PROPOSE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE A CFA WHICH IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND I DON’T ACCEPT FOR ONE MOMENT THAT ASSUMPTION. I DO ACCEPT THAT WE MAY PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS WHICH THE HONORABLE MEMBER AND SOME OF HIS HONORABLE FRIENDS DON’T REGARD AS IDEAL, BUT THAT IS A DIFFERENT POINT, AND ONE WHICH IN DUE COURSE WE’LL HAVE TO DEBATE. BUT I DON’T ACCEPT THAT WE WILL PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS THAT ARE OUT OF LINE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/MRS ELSIE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
- 14
MRS ELSIE TU: MR PRESIDENT, I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW ON WHAT MR LEE WING-TAT SAID. I AGREE WITH WHAT HE SAID. BUT BESIDES THOSE EIGHTY THOUSAND WE HAVE AN UNKNOWN NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO FALL BETWEEN THE RENTED HOUSING INCOME LIMITS AND THE POINT AT WHICH THEY CAN BUY OWNERSHIP OR GO INTO THE SANDWICH CLASS. THAT IS A HUGE AND UNKNOWN NUMBER OF PEOPLE. I’M TIRED OF DRAWING ATTENTION TO THEM WHAT IS BEING DONE FOR THEM?
GOVERNOR: I AGREE WITH THE HONORABLE MEMBER THAT THERE ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO DON’T QUALIFY FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION, AND WHO DO FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN ACCOMMODATION. IT’S ALSO WORTH NOTING, THEY WILL IF THEY’RE IN PRIVATELY RENTED ACCOMMODATION BE PAYING A FAR HIGHER PROPORTION OF THEIR INCOME THAN THEY WOULD BE IF THEY WERE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ACCOMMODATION. I THINK I’M RIGHT IN SAYING THAT AS A PROPORTION OF HOUSEHOLD INCOME THOSE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY FLATS WOULD BE PAYING ABOUT SEVEN-AND-A-HALF PERCENT, WHEREAS ON AVERAGE THOUGH THEIR FLATS MAY BE A BIT LARGER, THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE PAYING ABOUT TWENTY-EIGHT PERCENT OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME. ONE MAY NOT BE COMPARING IDENTICAL INCOME GROUPS, BUT THOSE ARE BROADLY SPEAKING THE FIGURES ACROSS THE SECTOR. IT IS PRECISELY FOR THAT REASON THAT WE HAVE A RANGE OF PROGRAMMES TO SUBSIDISE THE PURCHASE OF ACCOMMODATION BY THOSE WHO DON’T QUALIFY FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY HOMES. WE HAVE PUBLIC SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES, WE HAVE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND SO ON, AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO PUT PUBLIC SUPPORT INTO THOSE SCHEMES SO THAT WE CAN HELP THE GROUP WHICH THE HONORABLE MEMBER REFERS TO, WHICH ISN’T I HAVE TO SAY UNIQUE TO HONG KONG, BUT IS A FEATURE OF LIFE IN MOST ADVANCED ECONOMIES.
MRS ELSIE TU: MR GOVERNOR, IF YOU WOULD CHECK UP ON THAT BECAUSE I THINK HE IS WRONG IN SAYING THAT THEY ARE LIVING IN BETTER ACCOMMODATION AND PAYING HIGHER RENT. THAT IS TRUE THAT THEY ARE PAYING HIGHER RENT, UP TO 50% OF THEIR SALARY IS GOING IN RENT, AND THEY ARE LIVING IN WORSE ACCOMMODATION THAN PUBLIC HOUSING.
GOVERNOR: I DIDN’T, IF I SAID BETTER IT WAS INADVERTENT, THE FLOOR SPACE COMPARISON SUGGESTS THAT THE FLATS ARE USUALLY, WELL I’M JUST GIVING THE AVERAGES, OF COURSE THE HONORABLE MEMBER IS RIGHT TO SAY THAT THERE WILL BE MANY EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE LIVING IN VERY BAD PRIVATE SECTOR ACCOMMODATION, AND PAYING MORE THAN THE AVERAGE FIGURE THAT I GAVE. BUT I WAS GIVING THE AVERAGES AND THEY PERHAPS DISTORT IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
MR CHIM PUI-CHUNG: SIR, RECENTLY YOU VISITED LONDON - AND IN HONG KONG SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT VIOLATES YOUR PRINCIPLES. YOU HAVE BEEN IN SUPPORT OF OPEN OPERATIONS BUT RECENTLY, THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, HE HAS BEEN DOING SOMETHING NOT IN THE OPEN. I AM REFERRING TO STOCK FUTURES. FOR THE STOCKBROKERS IN HONG KONG, THEY WERE KEPT IN THE DARK; THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE REALLY WAS. SO, MR GOVERNOR, WITH REGARD TO STOCK FUTURES, DO YOU ALLOW YOUR POLICY SECRETARIES TO COME TO SUCH DECISIONS IN YOUR ABSENCE?
/OF EXPERIENCE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
15
AND SECONDLY - NOW, YOU MAY NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF EXPERIENCE - NOW WHAT DO WE MEAN BY FUTURES? WHAT ARE FUTURES FOR? ARE WE TRYING TO TURN THE SPOT MARKET INTO FUTURES MARKET? ARE WE TRYING TO ALLOW INTERNATIONAL BROKERS TO DO WHAT THEY LIKE IN HONG KONG? I KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN THIS MATTER, SO PLEASE ELABORATE ON THE SUBJECT IN YOUR REPLY.
GOVERNOR; I WOULD HESITATE TO GIVE A LECTURE ON STOCK MARKET OPERATIONS, ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STOCK OPTIONS AND FUTURES OR WHATEVER, TO SUCH A GREAT EXPERT IN THESE MATTERS. IT WOULD BE LIKE ME, EVEN THOUGH I CAN ONLY PICK OUT A FEW NOTES ON THE PIANO, GIVING A LECTURE TO PADEREWSKI ON BEETHOVEN, I MEAN I SIMPLY WOULDN’T BE QUALIFIED TO DO IT. BUT I THINK THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUTURE AND SOME OF THE STOCKS IN WHICH HE HAS DOUBTLESS IN HIS TIME DEALT WITH CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS FOR HIS CLIENTS.
I THINK WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN THIS CASE IS THE REPUTATION OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MARKET AND THE BREADTH AND COMPETITIVENESS OF THAT MARKET. I THINK THAT THE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT FUTURES, ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF DERIVATIVES, TO WHICH THE HONOURABLE MEMBER REFERS, WERE NECESSARILY TAKING PLACE IN CONFIDENCE BECAUSE THOSE WHO WERE DISCUSSING THOSE QUESTIONS DIDN’T WANT OTHER MARKETS TO KNOW TOO CLEARLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING. BUT I THINK THAT THE FURTHER EXTENSION OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHICH THIS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTS IS WELCOME. IT COMES UNDER, OF COURSE, THE REGULATORY UMBRELLA OF THE VERY WIDELY RESPECTED SFC. AND I HAVE TO TELL THE HONOURABLE MEMBER - WHICH I HOPE DOES NOT CONFIRM ALL HIS WORST PREJUDICES ABOUT ME - THAT THE DECISION WAS TAKEN WHILE I WAS IN HONG KONG. INDEED, WAS DISCUSSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL JUST BEFORE I WENT TO LONDON.
I HOPE THAT ANY DISAGREEMENT, ANY MISUNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR FUTURES MARKET AND THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STOCK EXCHANGE, CAN BE IRONED OUT AND OVERCOME AND I’M SURE THAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE THE BEST POSSIBLE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THOSE TWO IMPORTANT CAMPS.
MR CHIM PUI-CHUNG (FOLLOW UP): MR GOVERNOR, YOU KNOW THE INS AND OUTS OF THE MATTER, SO CAN I MAKE A REQUEST HERE? WITH REGARD TO THE EXECUTION TIMETABLE OF STOCK FUTURES, CAN YOU DELAY IT BY A FEW MONTHS SO THAT PARTICIPANTS AND THE PUBLIC WILL KNOW THE INTENTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT? CAN YOU DELAY THAT FOR A FEW MONTHS?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IF THAT DECISION WAS TO BE DELAYED FOR A FEW MONTHS WE’D FIND THAT THE BUSINESS HAD GONE ELSEWHERE AND I THINK THAT THE HONOURABLE MEMBER IS PROBABLY A WILY ENOUGH PRACTITIONER IN THESE MATTERS TO RECOGNISE THAT HIMSELF. 1 THINK THE BUSINESS WOULD PROBABLY GO OFF TO ANOTHER FINANCIAL CENTRE. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS TO ENSURE THAT ANY TRADING IN OUR FINANCIAL MARKET IS PROPERLY REGULATED, THAT IT TAKES PLACE WITHIN PARAMETERS WHICH ARE REGARDED AS FINANCIALLY PRUDENT BY THE COMMUNITY, AND I CERTAINLY THINK THAT IS TRUE IN THIS CASE. BUT I WON’T GO INTO THE ARCANA OF THE FUTURES MARKET BECAUSE I AM SURE THE HONOURABLE MEMBER KNOWS MUCH MORE ABOUT IT THAN I DO.
/16 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3,
1994
16
TRANSCRIPT OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE SOUVENIRPRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
QUESTION: THE ANNOUNCEMENTS HAS COME OUT. WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL AND IS IT GOOD FOR HONG KONG ?
CS: OF COURSE, IT IS GOOD THAT WE SHOULD NOW BE AT LONG LAST
SIGNING THE AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE. BUT THAT ISN’T THE END OF IT BECAUSE AS WE HAVE BEEN STRESSING ALL ALONG, WE DO NEED TO GET ON VERY QUICKLY TO DISCUSS WITH THE CHINESE THE TWO FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS FOR THE MTRC AND THE PAA. WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT STRAIGHT AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT, WE CAN GET ON WITH THESE DISCUSSIONS. AND WE LOOK FOR AN EARLY AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS ONLY ON THE BASIS OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES THAT THE TWO CORPORATIONS CAN GO OUT AND RAISE DEBT IN THE MARKET.
QUESTION: THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS NOW ASKING THAT THE STONECUTTERS ISSUE BE DISCUSSED AT THE JLG ...
CS: FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY SPECIFIC REQUEST
FROM THE CHINESE. SO IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN EXACTLY WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THEY WOULD LIKE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE. IF THEY WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL TENDERING PROCEDURES, THEN OF COURSE WE ARE VERY VERY GLAD TO CLARIFY ANY ASPECTS THAT WE WISH TO SEEK CLARIFICATION ON. OK ?
------0-------
TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PRESS SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY SIR HAMISH MACLEOD’S PRESS SESSION AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY (THURSDAY):
FS: GOOD EVENING, I JUST WANTED TO COMMENT ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT THIS AFTERNOON. OF COURSE WE ARE VERY PLEASED THAT AT LAST ONE HAS TO SAY IT IS NOW CLEAR AND CONFIRMED THAT WE WOULD BE MEETING TOMORROW TO SIGN THE AGREED MINUTE. THAT IS A VERY USEFUL STEP FORWARD AFTER MANY MONTHS OF HARD WORK BY BOTH SIDES. WE NOW, OF COURSE, WANT THEN TO GET ON AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WITH THE FINANCING AGREEMENTS TO THE FSAs. THAT’S ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP WHICH IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE BORROWING CAN TAKE PLACE. SO WE WILL, OF COURSE, BE FILLING IN FOR YOU TOMORROW - IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW THE DETAIL OF THE AGREED MINUTE AND THE NEXT STEPS FORWARD. BUT I JUST THOUGHT I WILL COVER IT AT THIS STAGE.
QUESTION: WILL IT HELP TO SOLVE OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS CT9 PROBLEM?
/FS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
17
FS: I DON’T KNOW, I REALLY DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT.
ON THE FACE OF IT, IT DOESN’T REALLY HAVE ANY RELATIONSHIP TO CT9 SO I WOULDN’T EXPECT MUCH IMPACT ON THAT. BUT AS FAR AS OUR ECONOMY IS CONCERNED, CLEARLY THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION THAT FACES THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECT THAT WE HAVE IS THE AIRPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED WORKS. SO IT IS VITAL THAT WE GET ON WITH IT AND THIS IS A GREAT HELP IN THAT DIRECTION.
QUESTION: WILL IT HELP IMPROVE THE SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP?
FS: WELL, I HOPE SO BUT WE’LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.
QUESTION: THE NCNA DIRECTOR, ZHOU NAN HAS SAID THAT THE
AGREEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REACHED WELL BEFORE BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE BRITISH NON-COOPERATION THAT UNTIL NOW WE COULD NOT REACH AGREEMENT. WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THAT?
FS: WELL, I AM NOT GOING TO JOIN IN SORT OF TRYING TO
CHARACTERISE WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST MONTHS. I THINK EVERYONE KNOWS THAT WE’VE BEEN WORKING VERY HARD AND SPENT HOURS AND HOURS ON THIS SUBJECT AND I AM GLAD THAT THOSE EFFORTS HAVE FINALLY BEEN REWARDED BY SUCCESS. I DON’T WANT TO LOOK BACKWARDS, I WANT TO LOOK FORWARDS AND I AM SURE IF WE CAN REACH THAT AGREEMENT, SIGN IT TOMORROW, THEN THE PROSPECTS FOR GETTING ON AND SIGNING THE FSAs QUITE QUICKLY MUST BE VERY GOOD. SO THAT’S ENCOURAGING TOO.
QUESTION: ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT THE OTHER AIRPORT ISSUES WILL BE
SOLVED IN A FEW DAYS?
FS: WELL, AS I WAS SAYING, IT DOES GIVE ME SOME OPTIMISM ON
THE FSAs. I THINK CERTAINLY THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEIR INTENTION IS TO GET ON WITH THOSE AND TRY AND REACH AGREEMENT PRETTY QUICKLY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0--------
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS HONG KONG * * * » *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE PRINCE OF WALES, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5) EVENING FOR A FIVE-DAY TRIP TO THE TERRITORY.
HE WILL BE RECEIVED ON ARRIVAL BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN.
DURING HIS STAY IN HONG KONG , HE WILL UNDERTAKE A NUMBER OF OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS AND MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 7), THE PRINCE WILL OPEN THE WORLD CONGRESS ON URBAN GROWTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE. HE WILL VISIT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN SHA TIN AND OPEN A NEW CANCER CENTRE THERE.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL FLY TO CHEK LAP KOK ON TUESDAY MORNING TO VIEW THE WORK SITE OF THE NEW AIRPORT FROM THE AIR BEFORE LANDING AT MA WAN TO VISIT THE TSING MA BRIDGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. HE WILL ADDRESS A BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON AT ISLAND SHANGRI-LA HOTEL.
/IN THE ........
18
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
IN THE EVENING, THE PRINCE WILL INSPECT A GURKHA RECRUIT PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE MALAYA LINES IN SEK KONG.
ON THE LAST DAY (WEDNESDAY) OF HIS VISIT, THE PRINCE WILL VISIT WAH KWAI ESTATE, A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN ABERDEEN WHERE HE WILL TOUR AN ELDERLY CENTRE AND A HANDICAPPED WORKSHOP AND WILL CALL ON TWO FAMILIES.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL VISIT KADOORIE FARM IN THE AFTERNOON BEFORE DEPARTING FOR LONDON IN THE EVENING.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL BE ARRIVING ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5) ON FLIGHT CX881 FROM LOS ANGELES AT 8.20 PM. A PHOTO FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 7 PM FOR REGISTRATION. THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR PRESS IDENTITY CARDS.
THE FOLLOWING GIVES THE TIMES AND VENUES OF THE PRINCE’S PUBLIC FUNCTIONS WHICH ARE OPEN TO MEDIA COVERAGE.
MEDIA ASSEMBLY PLACE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 10.15 AM WORLD CONGRESS ON URBAN GROWTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT AT HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE 2.50 PM VISIT TO PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL - OPENING OF CANCER CENTRE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 11.10 AM VISIT TO TSING MA BRIDGE 12.30 PM ADDRESS TO BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON, ISLAND SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, QUEENSWAY 5.50 PM GURKHA RECRUIT PASSING-OUT PARADE, MALAYA LINES, SEK KONG AND TIME ELECTRONIC MEDIA (BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9 AM FOR SET-UP) PRINT MEDIA (AT 9 AM) CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BY 12.45 PM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED WAN CHAI LANDING PIER (OPPOSITE NEW WORLD HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL, CONVENTION AVENUE, WAN CHAI) BY 8.45 AM HUA SHAN ROOM, ISLAND SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, BY 11.15 AM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD BY 3.30 PM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED /WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
19
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
10.10 AM VISIT TO WAH KWAI ESTATE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
ABERDEEN OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT
ROAD BY 8.15 AM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED
2.45 PM VISIT TO KADOORIE FARM, TAI PO *POOL COVERAGE ONLY
10.30 PM DEPARTURE FOR LONDON, BA28 AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT
9 PM
DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER EACH OF THE ABOVE FUNCTIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SEPARATELY.
------0-------
PRINCE OF WALES TAKES SALUTE AT LAST RECRUIT PARADE * * » * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES, COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF THE LAST GURKHA RECRUITS TO BE TRAINED IN HONG KONG.
THE PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 8) AT MALAYA LINES, HEADQUARTERS OF THE TRAINING DEPOT BRIGADE OF GURKHAS.
PRINCE CHARLES WILL COMMISSION NEW QUEEN’S GURKHA OFFICERS AND AWARD LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDALS AS WELL AS PRESENTING AWARDS TO THE TOP RECRUITS IN THIS YEAR’S INTAKE.
THE TRAINING DEPOT BRIGADE OF GURKHAS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRAINING ACTIVITIES, FROM NEW RECRUITS TO OFFICERS. THE DEPOT MOVED FROM MALAYA TO HONG KONG IN 1972. SINCE THEN SOME 9,000 NEW RECRUITS HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN THE TERRITORY.
WITH THE DRAWDOWN OF THE BRIGADE OF GURKHAS, IN RECENT YEARS THE ANNUAL INTAKE OF NEW RECRUITS HAS BEEN 153 PER ANNUM AND RECRUITS UNDERGO 40 WEEKS OF TRAINING BEFORE THEY ARE POSTED TO THEIR NEW UNITS.
NEW RECRUIT TRAINING COVERS BASIC INFANTRY SKILLS, LANGUAGE AND PHYSICAL FITNESS BUT THE TRAINING DEPOT ALSO RUNS A WIDE VARIETY OF COURSES FOR NON-COMMISSION OFFICERS AND POTENTIAL OFFICERS INCLUDING A COMMISSIONING COURSE FOR QUEEN’S GURKHA OFFICERS, A PLATOON SERGEANTS’ BATTLE COURSE, SECTION COMMANDERS’ BATTLE COURSE AND NUCLEAR, CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE TRAINING.
THE DEPOT ALSO ADMINISTERS THE KADOORIE FARM RESETTLEMENT COURSE FOR GURKHAS ABOUT TO LEAVE THE ARMY.
THE PRESENT DEPOT WILL CLOSE AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND RECRUIT TRAINING IN FUTURE WILL BE CONDUCTED AT CHURCH CROOKHAM IN ENGLAND.
/ATTENTION NEWS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
20
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE TWO OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MEDIA TO RECORD THIS EVENT. THE FIRST WILL BE A FULL DRESS REHEARSAL AT MALAYA LINES ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 6). PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL HAVE FULL ACCESS TO TfiE PARADE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE DRESS REHEARSAL SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE GUARDROOM, TRAINING DEPOT BRIGADE OF GURKHAS, MALAYA LINES, SEK KONG AIRFIELD ROAD NO LATER THAN 5.15 PM. JSPRS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
ACCREDITATION OF MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AND TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE PARADE ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 8), AT WHICH THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL TAKE THE SALUTE, WILL BE ARRANGED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WHO WILL ISSUE DETAILS IN DUE COURSE.
------0--------
BD CONFIRMS NO IMMINENT DANGER * t * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED AN INITIAL INSPECTION OF THE 73 BUILDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LATE MR HENRY IP AND COMFORT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. THEY WERE THE AUTHORISED ARCHITECT AND REGISTERED CONTRACTOR RESPECTIVELY FOR ALBERT HOUSE WHERE A CANOPY COLLAPSED ON AUGUST 1, 1994 IN ABERDEEN.
COMMENTING ON THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, SAID: "OUR INITIAL INSPECTION HAS REVEALED NO INDICATION OF ANY IMMEDIATE OR IMMINENT DANGER OR CAUSE FOR MAJOR CONCERN."
AMONG THE INSPECTED BUILDINGS, 67 WERE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE LATE ARCHITECT MR HENRY IP AND SIX BY COMFORT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
THE INITIAL INSPECTION SHOWED THAT AMONG THE BUILDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LATE ARCHITECT, 27 HAVE CANOPIES, AND TWO OF THE BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED BY THE COMFORT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HAVE A CANOPY.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WOULD, HOWEVER, TAKE ACTION TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE CANOPIES FOUND ON THOSE BUILDINGS.
"WE HAVE TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS OF THE BUILDINGS AND THE PUBLIC. WE WISH TO ASSURE THEM AND OURSELVES THAT THE CANOPIES ARE STRUCTURALLY SAFE," MRS YU EMPHASISED.
"THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WILL FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE CANOPIES OR ISSUE STATUTORY ORDERS TO THE PERSONS CONCERNED REQUIRING THEM TO HIRE AUTHORISED PERSONS TO DO SO. IF THE ORDERS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR THE WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN DEFAULT AND CHARGE THE COST TO THE PERSONS CONCERNED," MRS YU NOTED.
• ' J j . <2 ■ h > <• •' • •
------o--------
/21 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
21
REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION ON WATER SUPPLIES *****
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR HU MAN-SHIU, WILL LEAD A 20-MEMBER DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL WATER SUPPLY ASSOCIATION - ASIA PACIFIC (1WSA-ASPAC) REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES, BETWEEN NOVEMBER 6 AND 10.
THE REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION IS A MAJOR BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL EVENT. THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE THE 10TH EVENT "WATER HONG KONG ’96" IN NOVEMBER 1996.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ESTABLISH A BOOTH IN THE EXHIBITION AT MANILA TO PROMOTE THE "WATER HONG KONG ’96".
THE EXHIBITS WILL INCLUDE DISPLAYS AND VIDEO SHOWS TO GIVE VISITORS A GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE, MAJOR WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS UNDER WAY IN HONG KONG AND AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORK OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
MR HU, WHO IS CURRENTLY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN 01 THE ASPAC BOARD, WILL BECOME THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE CONFERENCE.
------0-------
ART COMPETITION FOR THE "HONG KONG - USA ’94"
*****
A TOTAL OF 93 PIECES OF HONG KONG STUDENTS’ ARTWORK SELECTED IN THE HONG KONG-USA ’94 ART COMPETITION HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED IN NEW YORK AND ATLANTA IN AUGUST AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THIS IS PART OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PROMOTION CAMPAIGN TO PROJECT A DYNAMIC AND POSITIVE IMAGE OF HONG KONG OVERSEAS.
THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE U.S. COMMUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE LIFE IN HONG KONG, SUCH AS FESTIVALS, TRADITIONS, ARCHITECTURE AND EVERYDAY LIFE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THERE WAS WIDE SUPPORT FOR THIS COMPETITION AS THE DEPARTMENT HAD COLLECTED MORE THAN 2,000 ENTRIES FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS.
HE SAID THE WINNERS WOULD BE AWARDED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF MERITS IN A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5).
WINNERS OF THE BEST 10 PIECES OF ARTWORK FROM EACH OF THE KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GROUP WOULD BE PRESENTED WITH CASH PRIZES AS WELL: $500 EACH FOR THE KINDERGARTEN GROUP; $1,000 EACH FOR THE PRIMARY GROUP AND $1,500 EACH FOR THE SECONDARY GROUP.
/ATTENTION NEWS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
- 22 -
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZEPRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE "HONG KONG-USA ’94” ART COMPETITION ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5) AT 11 AM AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL, YMCA OF HONG KONG, 41 SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR HO CHE-LEUNG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES (OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS), MR GEORGE YUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
------0--------
LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION OF DISABLED IN THE MAKING
* * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS. ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DRAFTING LEGISLATION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION OF THE DISABLED TO HELP THEM INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY.
ADDRESSING AN OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES’ AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID THE LEGISLATION, COVERING SUCH AREAS AS EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, HOUSING, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND ACCESS TO FACILITIES, WILL PROVIDE A LEGAL BASIS FOR EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF THE DISABLED.
"IT HAS OFTEN BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE TO IMPROVE OPEN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
"AS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER OF THE TERRITORY : THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY SET AN EXAMPLE BY ACTIVELY PURSUING AN ENLIGHTENED POLICY OF EMPLOYMENT, SO AS TO ENABLE THE DISABLED TO BE APPROPRIATELY PLACED IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHERE THEY CAN PROVE THEIR ABILITY," SHE SAID.
IN FEBRUARY, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, CHAIRED THE FIRST MEETING TO EXPLORE THE ISSUE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED, TO WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, ORGANISATIONS FOR THE DISABLED AND OTHER RELATED AGENCIES WERE INVITED.
IN ADDITION, THE EMPLOYEES’ RETRAINING BOARD HAS BEEN OFFERING SPECIAL RETRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE DISABLED.
HOWEVER, SHE EMPHASISED THAT TO PROMOTE AN OPEN EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED, SUPPORT OF THEIR FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES, THE EMPLOYERS AND THE COMMUNITY WAS CRUCIAL.
MRS CHAN PRESENTED THE OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARDS TO 14 EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY WORK PERFORMANCE AND GAVE SOUVENIRS TO THEIR EMPLOYERS.
------0-------
/23 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
23
WORK TOGETHER WITH DISABLED EMPLOYEES *****
TEN EMPLOYERS WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR OPEN-MINDEDNESS IN HIRING DISABLED PEOPLE WHILE 14 DISABLED EMPLOYEES WERE RECOGNISED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING WORK PERFORMANCE.
THEY WERE GIVEN SOUVENIRS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT AN OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARDS CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION (SPD) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
IN THE WELCOMING REMARKS AT THE CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID THE EMPLOYERS HAD BEEN SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 600 EMPLOYING ESTABLISHMENTS.
’’THEY WERE SELECTED BECAUSE THEY HAVE ADOPTED AN ENLIGHTENED ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED, THUS ENABLING THEM TO FULLY DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS,” HE SAID.
MR YIU CONGRATULATED THE AWARD WINNERS WHOSE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AT WORK HAD DEMONSTRATED THEIR WORKING ABILITIES.
”1 HOPE THAT OTHER DISABLED PERSONS CAN FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLES AND IN JOINT EFFORT WITH THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS, WILL ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE GOAL ’TOGETHER WE WORK, TOGETHER WF CONTRIBUTE’,” HE ADDED.
FOLLOWING THE SUMMIT .MEETING CHAIRED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, IN EARLY FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, SPD HAS BEEN ACTIVELY PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED.
’’THESE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMMES,” MR YIU SAID.
“FURTHERMORE, TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND DISABLED EMPLOYEES, WE HAVE PREPARED A SERIES OF GUIDE BOOKS ON PEER GROUP ACCEPTANCE.
"TO HELP JOB-SEEKERS UNDERSTAND THE NECESSARY PREPARATORY WORK FOR JOB INTERVIEWS, WE HAVE ALSO PREPARED A PAMPHLET ON SUCCESSFUL JOB INTERVIEW,” HE SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABLED COULD BE HEIGHTENED THROUGH THESE PROMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES,” HE ADDED.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, PRESENTED THE OUTSTANDING DISABLED EMPLOYEES AWARDS TO 14 EMPLOYEES AND GAVE SOUVENIRS TO EMPLOYERS WHO NOMINATED THEM.
/THE AWARD .......
24
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
THE AWARD WINNERS WERE:
MR CHOW KIN-ON OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT;
MISS HO WAI-MEI, DOROTHY OF HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD;
MR JONG FAI-CHUEN OF CARITAS LOK YI SCHOOL;
MR KWAN CHI-WAI OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT;
MR LEUNG CHI-LAM OF CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT;
MR LEUNG SAI-CHEONG OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT;
MR LEUNG YUN-SANG OF THE CONRAD HOTEL HONG KONG;
MR LI CHUN-FUNG OF CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE;
MR LIU HON-WAI OF ASIA PRODUCTION;
MR NIP MAN-TIK OF TAI-KOO SUGAR LTD;
MISS SZETO SIU-LAN OF OCEAN PARK CORPORATION;
MR WONG HO-MING OF HUTCHISON PAGING LTD;
MR YIK CHI-SANG OF PIN TAI PLASTIC HK CO LTD; AND
MR YUEN KIN-MING OF HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD.
MEANWHILE, 10 EMPLOYERS RECEIVED PLAQUES FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR EMPLOYING DISABLED WORKERS THROUGH THE SPD SERVICE BETWEEN JULY 1993 AND JUNE THIS YEAR.
SOME OF THEM HAVE EMPLOYED PERSONS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES SUCH AS TOTALLY BLIND, HEARING IMPAIRED, WHEEL-CHAIR BOUND, THE SPASTICS AND THE EX-MENTALLY ILL.
SOME EMPLOYERS ALSO MADE SPECIAL EFFORTS IN ACCOMMODATING DISABLED EMPLOYEES INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AIDS, ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, JOB RESTRUCTURING, STAFF REDEPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT.
THESE EMPLOYERS WERE:
CHI LIN NUNNERY;
HING YU METAL WORKS LTD;
INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT;
KIN SHING JEWELLERY LTD;
LIVELY COURIER SERVICE CO;
MCDONALD’S RESTAURANT - CAMERON ROAD BRANCH;
PIZZA HUT;
SUNPEACE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD;
SWIRE BOTTLERS LTD; AND
TYCOM (HK) LTD.
- - 0 - -
CORALS
HONG KONG "FLOWER" ANIMALS *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG (WWF HK) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCHING OF TWO FIRST-DAY COVERS AND FOUR POSTCARDS DEPICTING SOME OF HONG KONG’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CORALS.
SENIOR MARINE PARKS OFFICER OF THE \FD, MR CHEUNG MAN-KWONG SAID THE PRODUCTION OF THESE ITEMS WERE TIMED TO TIE IN WITH THE NEW SPECIAL STAMPS ON HONG KONG ('ORALS TO BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON NOVEMBER 17.
"IT IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE BEAUTIFUL CORALS TN HONG KONG WATERS AND TO GAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THESE VALUABLE MARINE LIFE AND THEIR HABITATS."
/MR CHEUNG
25
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
MR CHEUNG THANKED THE WWE HE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THESE ITEMS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT, STRESSING THAT ’’MARINE CONSERVATION NEEDS SUPPORT FROM THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY”.
WWF HK SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MS JO RUXTON, SAID: 'ALL TOO OFTEN PEOPLE SEF THE HARBOUR AND THINK THAT THE SEA AROUND HONG KONG IS COMPLETELY DEAD. DESPITE PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION AND DREDGING, AND THE RECENT NATURAL DIE BACK OF CORALS IN MIRS BAY, HONG KONG STILL HAS A REMARKABLE VARIETY OF MARINE LIFE."
’’HONG KONG HAS SOME 60 SPECIES OF CORALS, AS MANY AS IN THE CARIBBEAN. WE ARE PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES.”
SHE POINTED OUT THAT WWF HK HAD BEEN WORKING WITH THE AFD TO ESTABLISH HONG KONG’S FIRST MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES. TWO MARINE PARKS AT HOI HA WAN AND YAN CHAU TONG, AND A MARINE RESERVE AT CAPE D’AGUILAR ARE PLANNED TO BE ESTABLISHED IN 1995.
THE POSTCARD SETS AND THE FIRST-DAY COVERS WILL GO ON SALE FROM NOVEMBER 5 AND 9 RESPECTIVELY AT THE WWF HK SPECIAL COUNTER SET UP AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AND THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO EITHER MISS PAULINE CHEUNG OF WWF HK ON §26 1011 OR AFD’S MR CHEUNG ON 733 2356.
------0-------
FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY ON SUNDAY *****
THE ’’FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY’’, A HIGHLIGHT OF THE 1994 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY (IYF), WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 6) FOR FAMILIES TO TAKE PART IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ’’FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY”.
THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE IYF CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK AT 2 PM.
IN RESPONSE TO THE UNITED NATIONS’ PROCLAMATION OF 1994 AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE HAVE JOINTLY SET UP THE IYF CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO PLAN STRATEGIES AND ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE IYF.
’’SINCE THE TERRITORY-WIDE KICK-OFF CEREMONY IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, HUNDREDS OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY VARIOUS SECTORS TO PROMOTE - FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: UNITY, HARMONY AND DEVELOPMENT - WHICH HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE MAIN THEME OF THE IYF,” CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE IYF CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MRS PATRICIA CHU, SAID.
"WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO TAKE THE FAMILY SERIOUSLY AND TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS," MRS CHU SAID.
THE "FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY” ALSO AIMS AT REINFORCING THE MESSAGES OF THE IYF.
/"IT IS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
26
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH OUR SUSTAINED EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR, CONCERN ON THE FAMILY WILL PERPETUATE BEYOND THE IYF AND THE MESSAGES OF THE IYF CAN BE EXTENDED TO EVERY FAMILY IN THE TERRITORY," MRS CHU ADDED.
THE EVENT WILL CONSIST OF A FAMILY TELEMATCH, AN EXHIBITION AS WELL AS MORE THAN 10 SIDE PROGRAMMES. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN; THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR HUI YIN-FAT; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS MARIA WAN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY" TO BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AT 2 PM.
INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
------0-------
APPOINTMENT OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SFC
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY FROM THE GOVERNOR, HAD RE-APPOINTED PROFESSOR EDWARD CHEN A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM NOVEMBER 15, 1994.
UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT NOT FEWER THAN EIGHT DIRECTORS OF THE COMMISSION, HALF OF WHOM SHALL BE NON-EXECUTIVE. AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSION IS SERVED BY FIVE NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.
"PROFESSOR CHEN HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE COMMISSION OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. I AM SURE HE AND THE OTHER NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BRING AN INDEPENDENT VIEW TO THE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE COMMISSION," MR CARTLAND SAID.
------0-------
EX-CHINA VIET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS REPATRIATED
*****
A TOTAL OF 30 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVIIS), COMPRISING 11 MEN, 10 WOMEN, SIX BOYS AND THREE GIRLS, WERE RETURNED TO GUANGDONG, CHINA, VIA SHA TAU KOK THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
DISCUSSIONS ARE CONTINUING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON THE REPATRIATION OF THE 480 ECVIIS STILL REMAINING IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
/27........
1
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
27
ONE CANDIDATE FOR REGCO BY-ELECTION *****
ONE CANDIDATE WAS NOMINATED BY-ELECTION IN RESPECT OF THE KWAI CHUNG TWO-WEEK NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES TODAY
FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL EAST CONSTITUENCY AFTER THE (THURSDAY).
HE IS MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG. TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 481 7482.
39, A SOCIAL WORKER.
HIS
---------0-----------
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AUTUMN FAIR IN STANLEY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT A BARGAIN SALE WILL BE HELD BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5) AT THE STANLEY FOOTBALL FIELD NEAR STANLEY PRISON. ADMISSION IS FREE.
A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING ARTS AND HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS, STUFFED TOYS, AND RATTAN AND WOODEN FURNITURE, WILL BE ON SALE AT THE FAIR.
THE PRODUCTS ARE MADE BY INMATES AT THEIR LEISURE TIME DURING THEIR DETENTION IN VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS.
’’THE PURPOSE OF THE FAIR IS TO MOTIVATE THE INMATES TO ADOPT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THEIR FUTURE AND TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY,” A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE FAIR LAST YEAR AND MORE THAN $1.15 MILLION WAS RAISED.
THE FAIR WILL BE HELD FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM. MRS V J MCCOSH WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
AS PARKING SPACES ARE LIMITED, VISITORS ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THEY CAN TAKE BUS NO. 6 OR NO. 260 (FROM CENTRAL), NO. 73 (FROM WAH FU ESTATE), NO. 63 (FROM NORTH POINT) OR NO. 14 (FROM SAI WAN HO).
------0----- -
FRESH WATER CUTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE PEAK
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 5) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE LAI KING HILL ROAD, YUET LAI COURT, LAI KING ESTATE, LAI KING MTR STATION, YIN LAI COURT, KWAI FONG COURT, KWAI CHUNG POLICE QUARTERS, KWAI HING MTR STATION, SUN KWAI HING GARDEN AND KWAI CHUNG POLICE STATION.
/IN ADDITION .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1994
28
IN ADDITION, FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE PEAK WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT 3-5 AND 4-28 MOUNT AUSTIN ROAD AS WELL AS 25-27 AND 26A-D LUGARD ROAD.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » t » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,043 0930 + 820
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,083 1000 + 820
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 665
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +665 1200 +665
LAF TODAY -625 1500 + 665
1600 + 665
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 120.8 »+0.4» 3.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.60 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.92 6.51
1 MONTH 4.30 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.26 6.91
3 MONTHS 4.99 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.81 7.25
6 MONTHS 5.33 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.51 7.57
12 MONTHS 5.98 59 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.42 8.26
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 28,880 MN
CLOSED 3 NOVEMBER 1994 ----------------------------------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION.................. 1
FC APPROVAL TO BE SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY EQUITY FUNDING..................................................... 3
CIVIL SERVANTS’ LOYALTY - HK’S INHERENT STRENGTH............ 5
GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES LAND TITLES BILL............... 6
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 GAZETTED.................................................... 8
BILL ON MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS GAZETTED.......... 9
YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS HELPS NW NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT................................................ 10
BEC ISSUES TWO MORE CENSURE.............................. 11
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLING CRUCIAL FOR HK TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.............................................. 12
RECLAMATION WORK FOR SHAM TSENG............................ 13
WORKS PROPOSED FOR WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.................... 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF RADIO SYSTEM..................................................... 14
EFFLUENT DISCHARGE PIPE WORK PROPOSED FOR TSING LUNG TAU... 14
KWUN TONG (SOUTH) OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED.............. 15
/OUTLINE ZONING....
CONTENTS
PAGE NO,
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.... 16
RECREATION GROUND FOR WONG TAI SIN.......................... 16
HK PROJECT WINS YOUTH SERVICE AWARD......................... 17
SIXTH FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE TO OPEN TOMORROW............... 18
SECONDARY STUDENTS LEARN WORK OF MARINE DEPARTMENT........ 19
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVES YAU MA TEI......................... 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
20
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE SECOND CONGREGATION OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: NATURALLY, I’M PLEASED, AS I AM SURE EVERYONE IN HONG KONG IS, BY THE SIGNING OF THE MINUTE ON THE AIRPORT THIS MORNING. PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY PATIENT AS THE TALKS HAVE GONE ON AND ON AND ON, BUT I’M SURE EVERYBODY IS PLEASED THAT WE HAVE MADE THIS IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD. AND NOW WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TO MAKE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE THE AGREEMENTS ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR BOTH THE MTRC AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY. I WOULD LIKE ON THIS PARTICULAR OCCASION TO PAY A TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO, WHILE THE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN WINDING ON, HAVE ROLLED UP THEIR SLEEVE AND GOT WITH THE JOB OF BUILDING THE AIRPORT, BECAUSE WHILE IT’S TRUE THAT WE HAVEN’T HAD AN OVERALL AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT, WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING IT VERY RAPIDLY. THERE ARE 11,000 PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY, MEN AND WOMEN WHO EVERY. DAY GO TO WORK TO GET THIS AIRPORT AND ALL THE PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH IT FINISHED. ALTOGETHER THEY ARE WORKING ON ABOUT 70 PROJECTS AT A COST OF 50 BILLION HONG KONG DOLLARS WHICH AMOUNTS TO THE BIGGEST CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT IN THE WORLD. THEY HAVE BEEN DOING A TERRIFIC JOB OVER THE LAST YEARS WHILE THE TALKING HAS GONE ON, AND I HOPE WE CAN ALL NOW ENSURE THAT THEY GET THE SUPPORT THAT THEY REQUIRE TO FINISH THE JOB AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. SO IT’S AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD. IT’S NOT THE END OF THE JOURNEY, BUT I HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE THE END OF THAT JOURNEY BEFORE TOO LONG.
QUESTION: MR GOVERNOR .............. DO WE HAVE AN AIRPORT BY THE MID 1997, IF NOT WHAT IS THE KEY FACTOR ?
GOVERNOR: WELL WE’LL BUILD AN AIRPORT AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN. I THINK THAT WHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED ALREADY. THANKS TO THE WORK OF 11,000 PEOPLE HERE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND THANKS TO THE FACT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAVE GONE ON VOTING THE FUNDS. I THINK WHEN PEOPLE SEE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY, THEY RECOGNISE THAT NOBODY COULD HAVE DONE IT ANY FASTER. WE’LL FINISH THE AIRPORT AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN, BUT I DON’T THINK THAT WE SHOULD CUT ANY CORNERS. I THINK WE SHOULD GET THE JOB DONE AS WELL AS POSSIBLE, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. NOBODY DOUBTS THAT HONG KONG NEEDS THIS AIRPORT, NEEDS THE RAILWAY, AND ONE OF THE IMPORTANT FEATURES OF TODAY’S AGREEMENT IS THAT WE CAN NOW GET ON WITH THE BUILDING OF THE RAILWAY, WHICH I THINK IS NOT ONLY IMPORTANT IN RELATION TO THE AIRPORT, BUT ALSO IMPORTANT IN RELATION TO EASING TRAFFIC AROUND THE CITY.
QUESTION: THE CHINESE SIDE HAS BEEN ASKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW NAVAL BASE ............ ABOUT THE TENDERING PROCEDURES, AND WILL THE GOVERNMENT BE COOPERATIVE ENOUGH TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION.
/GOVERNOR: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
GOVERNOR: WELL, AS OF 2.45 WHEN I LEFT THE OFFICE I DON’T THINK WE HAD RECEIVED ANY REQUESTS, ANY SPECIFIC REQUESTS, THOUGH I AM SURE WE WOULD WANT TO RESPOND TO THEM. THE POSITION IS THIS, WHEN WE WERE NEGOTIATING THE DEFENCE LANDS’ AGREEMENT, WE MADE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR IN THE TALKS WHAT OUR RE-PROVISIONING PROCEDURES WOULD BE. WE EXPLAINED WHAT OUT TENDERING PROCEDURES WERE. BUT IT CHINESE OFFICIALS WOULD LIKE US TO SET OUT THOSE ONCE AGAIN, WE WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO DO SO. AS WE’VE SEEN WITH THE AIRPORT AND AS WE’VE SEEN WITH OTHER INFASTRUCTURE PROJECT AROUND THE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE A VERY GOOD AND TRIED AND FAIR WAY OF ALLOCATING PROJECTS, AND GRANTS AND FRANCHISES IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE TAXPAYERS OF HONG KONG.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE LEGAL PROFESSION URGED YOU TO OPEN' UP CONSULTATION ON THE PART OF ...................SO ARE YOU GOING TO DISAPPOINT THEM, OR ARE YOU GOING TO HANDLE IT DIFFERENTLY.
GOVERNOR: I’M GOING TO REPEAT WHAT I SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY.
QUESTION: NOW THE FINANCIAL PAPERS HAVE BEEN SIGNED, DOES IT MEAN THAT WE WILL SEE A BETTER SINO-BRITISH RELATIONSHIP IN THE COMING YEAR?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I SPELT OUT IN MY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OUR DETERMINATION TO BE AS POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE AND CO-OPERATIVE AS POSSIBLE. THAT’S ALWAYS BEEN OUR POSITION. I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT WE’LL SEE SOME RESPONSE FROM CHINESE OFFICIALS SO THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. IT’S NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG FOR US TO BE CONSTANTLY ARGUING. IT’S NOT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO DEAFEN THEM WITH MEGAPHONE DIPLOMACY. WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS WORK CALMLY AND QUIETLY TOGETHER. WE’VE GOT A VERY BIG JOB TO DO. IT’S A DIFFICULT JOB. BUT WE WANT TO BRING IT OFF AS SUCCESSFULLY AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, DID YOU HAVE OTHER ENGAGEMENTS THIS MORNING AT THE TIME OF SIGNING THE AGREEMENT?
GOVERNOR: I’LL TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT I WAS DOING. I WAS HAVING A MEETING WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS - THAT IS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND ALL OTHER SECRETARIES - WHILE THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TEAMS. BUT I THINK THAT WE DON’T WANT TO PRETEND THAT WITH THIS AGREEMENT ALL OUR PROBLEMS ARE AT AN END. WE’VE STILL GOT DIFFICULT DECISIONS TO MAKE. WE’VE STILL GOT PROBLEMS WHICH REQUIRE CO-OPERATION IF WE’RE TO TACKLE THEM SUCCESSFULLY.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, WAS THE SIGNING HELD UP, DO YOU THINK, SEVERAL TIMES ... ?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T KNOW. YOU’LL HAVE TO ASK THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT IN THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN PEKING. I CAN’T IMAGINE THAT ANYBODY WOULD MAKE DECISIONS WHICH ARE SO FUNDAMENTAL TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, ON GROUNDS AS SLIM AS THAT. I WOULD, THOUGH, LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR GUO AND TO WISH HIM A LONG AND VERY HAPPY RETIREMENT. AFTER THE HARD WORK HE HAS DONE, I’M SURE HE DESERVES IT. THANKS VERY MUCH INDEED.
/3........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 3 -
FC APPROVAL TO BE SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY EQUITY FUNDING *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) WELCOMED THE SIGNING OF THE AGREED MINUTE ON FINANCING FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAM LEADERS OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE.
HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO ASK THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LATER THIS MONTH TO APPROVE THE BALANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S $23.7 BILLION EQUITY INJECTION INTO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
SIR HAMISH SAID: "THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR HONG KONG. THE SIGNING OF THE AGREED MINUTE CONSTITUTES AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD ON THE FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOTH THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"IT CONTAINS FINANCING FIGURES FOR THE TWO PROJECTS - $60.3 BILLION OF GOVERNMENT EQUITY AND $23 BILLION OF PRIVATE SECTOR DEBT -AND IT ALSO COVERS OTHER ISSUES THAT WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE.
"THE $60.3 BILLION EQUITY WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN $36.6 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT AND $23.7 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHILE THE $23 BILLION DEBT WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN $11.6 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT AND $11.4 BILLION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"BY CONFIRMING THE LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT EQUITY, THE AGREED MINUTE CLEARS THE WAY FOR US TO ASK FINANCE COMMITTEE TO APPROVE AN INJECTION OF $23 BILLION EQUITY FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. THIS IS THE BALANCE OF THE PROJECT'S $23.7 BILLION TOTAL GOVERNMENT EQUITY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT $715 MILLION VOTED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL.
"THE EQUITY INJECTION WILL FACILITATE THE START OF MAJOR WORKS, ENABLING THE MTRC TO TAKE UP OPTION LETTERS THAT IT HAS SIGNED ON KEY CONTRACTS.
"WE NOW NEED TO MOVE AHEAD URGENTLY WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE TWO PROJECTS’ FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS (FSAS), WHICH FORM AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE OVERALL FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS.
"THE MINUTE RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FSAS FOR THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. IT SAYS THAT THEY WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE BODIES CAN GO OUT AND BORROW IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
ON LAND ISSUES, SIR HAMISH SAID A COMMON VIEW HAD BEEN REACHED ON THE PRINCIPLES FOR THE USE OF LAND FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"THE SPECIFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN FINALISED BY THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION AT A MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE SOON.
/"WF. ALSO...........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
"WE ALSO NEED TO MOVE AHEAD QUICKLY WITH THE AIRPORT BILL AND THE FRANCHISES FOR THE AIRPORT. THE FASTER *E CAN RESOLVE ALL THESE ISSUES, THE FASTER WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE PROGRESS ON THESE IMPORTANT PROJECTS.
"THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY ARE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) WHICH WILL HELP TO PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH THE STRONG INFRASTRUCTURAL BASE IT NEEDS FOR ECONOMIC SUCCESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD;" HE SAID. *
OVERALL, A TOTAL OF 73 MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS WORTH NEARLY $53 BILLION HAVE BEEN AWARDED ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE PAA, MTRC AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING FRANCHISEE.
THESE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN AWARDED WITHIN BUDGET ESTIMATES, AND THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE PROGRESSING EXTREMELY WELL - INVOLVING A VERY LARGE WORKFORCE OF SOME 11,000 PEOPLE.
"THE GOVERNMENT ’’’ILL CONTINUE WITH ITS AIM OF COMPLETING THE PROJECTS SPEEDILY AND EFFICIENTLY, IN LINE WITH THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING," SAID SIR HAMISH.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PAA HAD ALREADY RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL ADVANCE FUNDING TOTALLING $31.4 BILLION, AND IT WOULD NOT REQUIRE • FURTHER FUNDING TILL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HOWEVER WAS IN URGENT NEED OF FUNDS SO THAT IT COULD IMMEDIATELY AWARD CONTRACTS FOR WHICH IT WAS HOLDING OPTION LETTERS, AND GO AHEAD WITH TENDERING AND EVALUATION OF FURTHER CONTRACTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AGREEMENT RECOGNISED THE CONTINUING NEED FOR COSTS TO BE MONITORED AND CONTROLLED CAREFULLY AND FOR CONTRACTUAL CLAIMS TO BE MINIMISED.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS EXTREMELY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR COST CONTROL AND MONITORING. WE HAVE SET UP VERY EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS ON THE AIRPORT CORF PROGRAMME TO CARRY OUT THIS WORK, AND WE HAVE ALSO SET UP SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CLAIMS," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE BRIEFINGS ON PROGRESS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, AND THERE WILL BE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRESS REVIEW IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1996. THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION ON PROJECT PROGRESS, FINANCING AND COSTS TO THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, AND LISTEN TO MEMBERS’ REASONABLE VIEWS AND PROPOSALS."
REGARDING THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED ACP PROJECTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT HAD ALSO BEEN AGREED IN THE MINUTE THAT SUFFICIENT FUNDING WOULD BE BUDGETED BY THE GOVERNMENT, SHOULD ANY ONE OF THESE PROJECTS NOT BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 1997. THESE PROJECTS WERE HOWEVER PROCEEDING WELL, BOTH IN TERMS OF TIMING AND COST, AND THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT ENVISAGE ANY SUCH PROBLEMS.
/FOLLOWING ts .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 5 -
FOLLOWING IS THE DEBT/EQUITY STRUCTURE FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY:
EQUITY * DEBT *
AIRPORT .$36.6 BILLION $11.6 BILLION
AIRPORT RAILWAY $23.7 BILLION $11.4 BILLION
TOTAL $60.3 BILLION $23 BILLION
(» ALL FIGURES IN MONEY OF THE DAY)
------0--------
CIVIL SERVANTS’ LOYALTY - UK’S INHERENT STRENGTH * * t * t
THE QUALITY AND LOYALTY OF CIVIL SERVANTS IS ONE OF THE INHERENT STRENGTHS OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY WAS SPEAKING AFTER BEING CONFERRED AN HONORARY DEGREE BY THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
"LOYALTY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE MEANS NOT ONLY LOYALTY TO OUR COLLEAGUES BUT JUST AS IMPORTANTLY, TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHOM WE SERVE AND ALSO, TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF WHICH WE ARE A PART.
"IT EXTENDS TO COLLEAGUES SENIOR AND JUNIOR WHO ARE BOUND BY THE COMMON PURPOSE OF DOING THEIR BEST FOR THE COMMUNITY.
"IT IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE COHESION OF THE GOVERNMENT. LACK OF IT WOULD LEAD TO FACTIONALISM, UNCERTAINTY, AND ULTIMATELY A BREAKDOWN IN THE ADMINISTRATION AS A WHOLE," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT LOYALTY CANNOT BE TRIMMED TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE MOMENT, HE SAID: "IT SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED."
IT IS THE GLUE WHICH HOLDS TOGETHER A WORKING TEAM, A FAMILY AND INDEED ANY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP, SIR DAVID SAID.
HAVING BEEN AWAY FROM HONG KONG FOR NEARLY A YEAR, SIR DAVID IS INTENSELY AWARE HOW MUCH HONG KONG’S QUALITIES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF ITS SUCCESS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALL THAT WAS GREAT ABOUT HONG KONG.
"A TREMENDOUS WILL TO GET THINGS DONE, A BELIEF IN THE VALUE OF EXCELLENCE, THE COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC-SPIRITED PEOPLE IN BUSINESS AND THE PROFESSIONS, TO MAKE A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG;
/"AND ABOVE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
6
"AND ABOVE ALL A REFLECTION OF THE ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE IN WANTING TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR TALENTS,” HE ADDED.
”1 BELIEVE WE SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN AND COMFORT FROM THOSE FUNDAMENTAL STRENGTHS AND, IN OUR SUCCESS TOO.”
"IT MIGHT DO US NO HARM AS A COMMUNITY TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS FROM TIME TO TIME RATHER THAN TO FOCUS SO MUCH ON OUR POLITICAL FUTURE,” HE SAID.
--------0-----------
GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES LAND TITLES BILL
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY! PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE A BILL THAT SEEKS TO INTRODUCE A NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY OF TITLE FOR REGISTERED PROPERTY OWNERS AND MORE PROTECTION FOR PROPERTY BUYERS.
THE LAND TITLES BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 16.
OUTLINING THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE BILL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE I HIS AFTERNOON, THE LAND REGISTRAR, MR KENNETH PANG, SAID: "THE OBJECT OF THE BILL IS TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF REGISTERING LAND DEEDS WITH A NEW SYSTEM OF REGISTERING THE TITLE TO LAND AND INTERESTS IN LAND SO AS TO PROVIDE PROPERTY OWNERS AND PURCHASERS WITH GREATER CERTAINTY OF TITLE TO LAND.”
MR PANG POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT LAND DOCUMENT REGISTRATION SYSTEM DID NOT CONFER ON A REGISTERED DEED ANY VALIDITY IT DID NOT OTHERWISE HAVE.
AS A RESULT, EVEN IF A PERSON IS REGISTERED IN THE LAND REGISTER AS THE OWNER OF A PROPERTY, HE MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE REAL LEGAL OWNER, OR THERE MAY BE SOME UNCERTAINTY IN HIS TITLE, OR HIS TITLE MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE CLAIM OF SOME OTHER PERSONS WHICH DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE LAND REGISTER.
THIS UNCERTAINTY OF TITLE WAS UNSATISFACTORY FOR PROPERTY OWNERS AND ALSO PLACED PURCHASERS AT RISK.
THE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE THE LAND TITLES BILL SEEKS TO MAKE IS -IO ESTABLISH THE LAND REGISTER AS CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE IN LAW AS TO THE TITLE OF THE PROPERTY REGISTERED.
THIS WILL PROVIDE CERTAINTY OF TITLE FOR EXISTING REGISTERED OWNERS AND A MUCH HIGHER DEGREE OF PROTECTION FOR PURCHASERS THAN THAT UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
MR PANG SAID THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM WERE:
/* REGISTRATION OF ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
* REGISTRATION OF A PERSON IN THE LAND REGISTER AS OWNER WOULD CONFER FULL AND ABSOLUTE TITLE TO THE PROPERTY ON HIM;
* THE LAND REGISTER WOULD BE CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE IN RESPECT OF TITLE OF A PROPERTY;
* ANY RIGHT IN OR CLAIM AGAINST THE PROPERTY THAT WAS NOT PROTECTED BY AN ENTRY IN THE LAND REGISTER WOULD BE VOID AS AGAINST A PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY;
* CONVEYANCING PROCEDURES AND PROTECTION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS WOULD BE SIMPLIFIED AS SOLICITORS WOULD NOT HAVE TO LOOK BEHIND THE LAND REGISTER OR FORM AN OPINION BASED ON A READING OF OLD TITLE DEEDS; AND
* THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE INDEMNITY UP TO A LIMIT FOR PEOPLE WHO SUFFERED LOSS AS A RESULT OF PROPERTY FRAUD.
THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD SIMPLIFY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LEGAL TITLE TO LAND AND CONVEYANCING PROCEDURES AS TITLE TO LAND WOULD BE ASCERTAINED BY REFERENCE TO A REGISTER ESTABLISHED UNDER STATUTORY LAW INSTEAD OF, AS AT PRESENT, BY REFERENCE TO OLD TITLE DEEDS AND JUDICIAL DECISIONS.
MR PANG EXPECTED THAT THE LAND TITLES BILL WOULD BE ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR.
IF ENACTED, THE LAND TITLES ORDINANCE WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS BY NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.
THIS WOULD GIVE TIME FOR THE LAND REGISTRY TO PREPARE ITS STAFF AND COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR THE NEW PROCEDURES, AND FOR CONVEYANCING SOLICITORS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE OPERATIONAL FEATURES OF THE NEW SYSTEM.
MR PANG ESTIMATED THAT A LEAD-IN PERIOD OF ABOUT 12 MONTHS AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WOULD BE REQUIRED.
THE LEAD-IN PERIOD WOULD ALSO GIVE PEOPLE, WHO MIGHT HAVE UNREGISTERED PROPERTY RIGHTS OR CLAIMS, TIME TO REGISTER THEIR RIGHTS OR CLAIMS.
MR PANG STRESSED THAT THOSE WHO HAD AN INTEREST IN OR RIGHT OVER PROPERTY REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF ANOTHER PERSON SHOULD CONSULT THEIR SOLICITOR AND TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHT AND INTEREST.
HE SAID FAILURE TO DO SO WOULD INVOLVE THE RISK OF FORFEITING SUCH RIGHT OR CLAIM AGAINST THE PROPERTY IF THE EXISTING REGISTERED OWNER SOLD THE PROPERTY.
HIS ADVICE TO EXISTING REGISTERED OWNERS OF PROPERTIES WAS THAT THEIR TITLE WOULD BE GUARANTEED BY THE GOVERNMENT ONCE THE NEW SYSTEM CAME INTO OPERATION.
THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR THEM TO TAKE ANY ACTION UNLESS THEY HAD REASONS TO SUSPECT THAT THEY HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY REGISTERED AS OWNERS OF THEIR PROPERTIES.
/MR PANG .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
MR PANG SAID THE BILL WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ONE FOR ABOUT 1.6 MILLION EXISTING PROPERTY OWNERS AND ALSO FOR PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PROPERTY.
AN INFORMATION LEAFLET ABOUT THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT ALL LAND REGISTRY OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 GAZETTED » t ♦ ♦ t
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 WHICH SEEKS TO EXTEND THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE (CIPO) TO RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOR AN ELECTION EXPENSES ORDER ON RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS TO BE MADE LATER, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE EXTENSION OF THE ORDINANCE To COVER THE I LECTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES IS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT Ol- ENSURING FAIR’ AND OPEN ELECTIONS.
"THIS IS DESIRABLE BECAUSE OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL LINKS BETWEEN THE RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS AND THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE," HE SAID.
UNDER THE BILL, THE GENERAL OFFENCE PROVISIONS OF BRIBERY, PERSONATION, TREATING, ELECTION PUBLI (’ I IY AND ( I FENCES IN RELATION TO NOMINATION AND BALLOT PAPER UNDER CIPO WILL BE EXTENDED TO RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.
SOME ELECTION FEATURES UNDER CIPO THAT DO NOT EXIST UNDER THE RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS AT PRESENT WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED .
"ONE OF THESE FEATURES IS THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ELECTION EXPENSES CEILING OF $10,000 TO RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS - A LIMIT WHICH IS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE HEUNG YEF KUK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FURTHERMORE, CANDIDATES OF A RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTION WILL BE ALLOWED TO APPOINT AUTHORISED PERSONS TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES ON THEIR BEHALF AFTER THEY SUBMIT A REQUIRED NOTIFICATION ON THE APPOINTMENT TO THE RETURNING OFFICER.
THEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO FILE A RETURN ON ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS TO THE RETURNING OFFICER WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE RELEVANT ELECTION.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A FEW PROVISIONS RELATING TO
THE MECHANISM OF ELECTION PETITION UNDER (’IPO WOULD NOT BF EXTENDED TO RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS FOR THE TIME BEING.
/THE MECHANISM, .
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 9
THE MECHANISM, WHICH IS A JUDICIAL PROCESS DESIGNED FOK PUBLIC ELECTIONS, CANNOT BE ADOPTED WITHOUT A COMPLEX PROCESS OF ADAPTATION WHICH TAKES TIME TO COMPLETE, HE SAID.
’’THE ADMINISTRATION IS SATISFIED THAT THE ABSENCE OF SUCH A MECHANISM FOR THE TIME BEING SHOULD NOT COMPROMISE THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIR AND OPEN RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.
"A SEPARATE ELECTION PETITION MECHANISM SUITABLE TO THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL BE DEVISED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THOSE BODIES,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS URGENCY IN HAVING THE BILL PASSED IN TIME BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR TO COVER THE 25 RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE CURRENT EXERCISE HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 16 THIS YEAR.
------0-------
BILL ON MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS GAZETTED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT BILL TO UPDATE VARIOUS PROVISIONS IN SIX ORDINANCES GOVERNING THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID WITH THE CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, NURSES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE AND PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE WOULD NEED TO BE AMENDED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SINCE 1992, A UNIVERSAL LICENSING EXAMINATION HAD BEEN INTRODUCED BY STAGES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE THE PRACTITIONER RECEIVED HIS OR HER TRAINING IN DENTISTRY.
THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONAL (REGISTRATION) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY SEEKS TO AMEND THE DENTIST REGISTRATION ORDINANCE TO REFLECT THE CHANGE IN LICENSING POLICY.
BY AMENDING THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE BILL SEEKS TO STANDARDISE THE FEES CHARGED FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS, IN RESPECT OF REGISTRATION AND THE ISSUANCE OF PRACTISING CERTIFICATES.
THE BILL PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE A SYSTEM STIPULATING THAT REGISTERED/ENROLLED NURSES MUST OBTAIN A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE FROM THE NURSING BOARD BEFORE THEY CAN PRACTISE NURSING IN HONG KONG.
/"AT PRESENT.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
10 -
"AT PRESENT, REGISTERED/ENROLLED NURSES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO POSSESS A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AMENDMENT IS TO KEEP AN UP-TO-DATE RECORD OF PRACTISING NURSES IN HONG KONG. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE OF OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS DOCTORS, DENTISTS AND PHARMACISTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO REMOVE AN OUTDATED PRACTICE IN WHICH A $3 STAMP DUTY IS CHARGED FOR STATUTORY DECLARATIONS USED IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE MEDICAL, DENTAL AND NURSING PROFESSIONS.
--------0-----------
YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS HELPS NW NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT * * * * *
THE COMPLETION OF THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE \ND SUPPORTS THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR YEUNG KIM-CHOY, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 3.5-KILOMETRF HIGHWAY, MR YEUNG SAID IT EXTENDED THE YUEN LONG HIGHWAY AT THE WEST TO LINK UP THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR POK 01 HOSPITAL AT THE EAST.
"THE NEW HIGHWAY WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO BYPASS THE YUEN LONG TOWN AND REDUCES THE AVERAGE JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN THE TONG YAN SAN TSUEN INTERCHANGE AND THE AU TAU ROUNDABOUT FROM 10 TO THREE MINUTES. THE DIVERSION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC WILL ALSO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION INSIDE THE YUEN LONG TOWN CENTRE,"- HE SAID.
JOINTLY OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR LAU WONG-FAT; THE CHAIRMAN OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI KUEN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG.
THE $396 MILLION PROJECT HAS BEEN JMPLEMENTED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AND IS ONE OF SEVERAL MAJOR HIGHWAYS PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SOUTHERN BYPASS COMPRISES A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY. THE 2.3-KILOMETRE LONG SECTION ON THE WEST IS BUILT TO EXPRESSWAY STANDARD WHILE THE REMAINING 1.2-KILOMETRE LONG SECTION ON THE EAST CONSISTS OF TWO DISTRIBUTOR ROADS.
THE MAIN WORKS OF THE SOUTHERN BYPASS HAVE TAKEN 34 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THE MAJORITY OF THE ROAD RESTS ON EARTHFILL EMBANKMENTS CONSTRUCTED FROM I.5 MILLION CUB IC METRES OE MATERIALS. TWO MAJOR INTERCHANGES, FIVE HIGHWAY BRIDGES, 15 UNDERPASSES I <>R PEDESTRIAN OR COMBINED PEDESTR1AN/VEHICULAR USES HAVE BEEN BUILT.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SPF< I \L ATIENT1OU HAD DEI '. GIVEN TO IMPROVEMENT OF DRAINAGE FACILITIES AND MEI,1'ING I HE ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS.
/LOOKING AHEAD.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
LOOKING AHEAD, MR YEUNG SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE ADDITIONAL CLIMBING LANES ON THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY HAD BEGAN. CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROUTE 3 COUNTRY PARK SECTION CONNECTING TSING YI TO YUEN LONG IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1998.
"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAS PLANS TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING KAM TIN ROAD," HE ADDED.
"THESE PROJECTS WILL SERVE THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," HE SAID.
THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
- - 0 - -
BEC ISSUES TWO MORE CENSURE *****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED TWO PUBLIC CENSURE, ONE AGAINST THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF AN INCORPORATED OWNERS AND THE OTHER AGAINST A CANDIDATE, MR YIM CHUN-MING, FOR IMPROPER CONDUCT DURING THE SEPTEMBER DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION.
THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THE CONDUCT OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE INCORPORATED OWNERS OF YEE CHING COURT AND MR YIM CHUN-MING, CANDIDATE FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN CONSTITUENCY, VIOLATED THE PRINCIPLE OF A FAIR AND OPEN ELECTION.
THERE WERE TWO CANDIDATES IN THE CHEUNG SHA WAN CONSTITUENCY. THEY WERE MR YIM AND MR LAM KA-FAI.
THE CHAIRMAN SAID THE COMMITTEE ACTED UNFAIRLY TO MR LAM, DESPITE AN EXPRESS STATEMENT TO THE COMMISSION THAT IT HAD COMPLIED WITH THE SPIRIT OF FAIR ELECTION AND HAD TREATED ALL CANDIDATES FAIRLY.
"ACCORDING UNFAIR AND UNEQUAL•TREATMENT TO CANDIDATES AND AT THE SAME TIME KEPT ON BRAGGING ON GIVING FAIR TREATMENT TO ALL IS HYPOCRITICAL AND AN AFFRONT TO THE SENSE OF FAIRNESS," HE SAID.
THE COMMISSION CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS UNREASONABLE THAT THE COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE ALLOWED MR LAM TO DISPLAY TWO POSTERS IN EACH OF THE THREE BUILDINGS OF THE COURT WHILE MR YIM COULD DISPLAY SIX EACH.
MR LAM WAS ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS ON SEPTEMBER 16, 17 AND 18 WHILE MR YIM COULD DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS AND SHAKE HANDS WITH ELECTORS ON THOSE DAYS, AND TO SET UP PROMOTIONAL CARTON BOXES INSIDE YEE CHING COURT ON THE ELECTION DAYS.
THE COMMISSION HAS DIRECTED THAT A COPY OF THE PUBLIC CENSURE TO BE SENT TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE COURT TO INFORM THEM OF THE SITUATION.
/THE CHAIRMAN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 12 -
THE CHAIRMAN ALSO CENSURED MR YIM FOR ATTENDING A MEETING HELD BY MR FUNG KIN-KEE IN LAI KOK ESTATE WITH THE INTENT TO PROMOTE HIS CANDIDACY WHEN MR YIM HIMSELF FAILED TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO HOLD AN ELECTION MEETING AT THE SAME VENUE.
THE HOLDING OF THE MEETING WAS CONSIDERED UNFAIR TO MR LAM.
MR FUNG’S MEETING WAS PURPORTED TO BE FOR REPORTING HIS PERFORMANCE AS LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND ON HIS WORK IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT.
AS IT TURNED OUT, A LARGE BACKDROP BANNER SHOWING MR YIM’S NAME IN LARGE CHARACTERS AND HIS CANDIDATE NUMBER WAS DISPLAYED AT THE MEETING.
"MR YIM SHOULD HAVE APPRECIATED THAT BY ATTENDING THE MEETING WITH THAT INTENT AND PUTTING UP THE BANNER, HE WOULD HAVE AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER MR LAM."
THE CHAIRMAN SAID: "MR FUNG SHOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED MR YIM TO PUT UP THE BANNER TO PROMOTE MR YIM’S CANDIDACY. MR FUNG ACTED IMPROPERLY TO ASSIST MR YIM IN OBTAINING AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER MR LAM IN ELECTIONEERING."
--------0-----------
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLING CRUCIAL FOR HK TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE
*****
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLING IS SIGNIFICANT FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL.
"APART FROM CONSTANTLY UPGRADING OUR INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES SUCH AS OUR PORT, AIRPORT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, THE GOVERNMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE A DIVERSITY OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMES REQUIRED BY THE EVER GROWING EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG AND THE MANY RETURNED EMIGRANTS," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY COMMISSIONED A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PROVISION OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PLACES TO ENSURE THAT SUPPLY WILL NOT LAG BEHIND FUTURE DEMAND.
BESIDES, THE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL CONSULATES, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND THE EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY WILL WORK CLOSELY FOR BETTER PLANS TO MEET THE INCREASING EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FOR THE LOCAL NON-CHINESE AND EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY.
------0-----------
/13 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 13 -
RECLAMATION WORK FOR SHAM TSENG
* * * * »
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A SEAWALL AND CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WORKS AT SHAM TSENG TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, AN OPEN SPACE, AN ELECTRIC SUBSTATION AND A WATERFRONT PROMENADE, AS WELL AS FOR ROAD WIDENING AND REALIGNMENT OF THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 9.14 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT SHAM TSENG.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN IN EARLY 1996 FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1997.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN. THE PLAN CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 4, 1995.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHALL DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHCIH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
------0-------
WORKS PROPOSED FOR WAN CHAI RECLAMATION ♦ » ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROAD WORKS FOR PHASE I OF THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
THE WORKS CONSIST OF:
* CONSTRUCTION OF A GREEN MINIBUS STAND, A TAXI STAND, A BUS STOP AND COACH PARKING BAYS ALONG THE EASTERN EDGE OF THE RECLAMATION;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED WALKWAY;
♦ CONSTRUCTION OF TWO LINK BRIDGES; AND
» CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, STREET FURNITURE, LANDSCAPING AND ANCILLARY ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
/DETAILS OF .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 14 -
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE NOTICE CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARD POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 2 O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 19TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS MAY SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 3, 1995.
------0--------
TENDERS INVITED FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF RADIO SYSTEM *****
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A NEW RADIO SYSTEM FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE NEW SYSTEM, WHICH WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE, WOULD PROVIDE FULL COVERAGE OF THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING ROADS, TUNNELS, WATERS, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AREAS.
IT WOULD PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT DATA AND VOICE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AND SOME 1,200 MOBILE AND PORTABLE TRANSCEIVERS OF FIRE AND AMBULANCE OFFICERS.
A NOTICE OF THE TENDER INVITATION WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAS BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACT SECTION, ROOM 811, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON JANUARY 6, 1995.
------0--------
EFFLUENT DISCHARGE PIPE WORK PROPOSED FOR TSI NG LUNG TAU *****
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO PERMIT A CONTRACTOR TO CARRY OUT LAYING OF EFFLUENT DISCHARGE PIPE WORK AT TSING LUNG TAU IN TSUEN WAN.
THE WORKS WILL INVOLVE DREDGING THE SEABED AND LAYING OF AN EFFLUENT DISCHARGE DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 94.5 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE WORKS WILL COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY AFTER AUTHORISATION IS GIVEN AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
/THE EXTENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 15 -
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND - MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND AT THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE.
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 JANUARY 4, 1995.
------0--------
KWUN TONG (SOUTH) OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED
* * ♦ * »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT KWUN TONG (SOUTH) OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/K14S/2).
THE AMENDMENT IS TO REZONE A SITE ABUTTING HONG NING ROAD AND WAN HON STREET FROM ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ AND ’ROAD’ TO ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AND SMALL HOUSEHOLDS.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/K14S/3) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL NOVEMBER 25 FROM:
♦ PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
» KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE,
77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG; AND ’• '• L'. r • *
♦ KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
GROUND FLOOR,
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING,
TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, BEFORE NOVEMBER 25.
COPIES OF tHE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
--------0----------
/16........
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1994
16
OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ♦ * * ♦ »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSZ WAN SHAN/DIAMOND HILL/SAN PO KONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/Kll/6).
THE AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF AN AREA ADJACENT TO A SITE AT HAMMER HILL ROAD FROM 'ROAD’ AND ‘GREEN BELT’ TO ‘RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ (R(A)) FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, AND A SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG POON STREET AND FUNG TAK ROAD FROM ‘GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY* (GIC) TO ’R(A)’ FOR SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/Kll/7) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL NOVEMBER 25 FROM:
♦ PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ KOWLOON DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE,
11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE,
77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
t WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE,
GROUND FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, BEFORE NOVEMBER 25.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
RECREATION GROUND FOR WONG TAI SIN ♦ » t » *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATION GROUND WITH AN AREA OF 29,800 SQUARE METRES IN MA CHAI HANG, WONG TAI SIN.
THE RECREATION GROUND WILL HAVE A SOCCER-CUM-RUGBY PITCH, TENNIS COURTS, JOGGING TRACKS, BIRD CAGES, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, FOOTPATHS, PLANTERS, ARBOURS, PAVILIONS, FITNESS EXERCISE AREA AND SERVICE BUILDINGS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY FOR COMPLETION BY MARCH 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 2.
------0--------
/17......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 17 -
HK PROJECT WINS YOUTH SERVICE AWARD *****
A HONG KONG PROJECT ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THE ’’GREEN EXPRESS”, HAS WON THIS YEAR’S COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARD.
IT WAS RUN BY 14 YOUNG VOLUNTEERS AND 20 DELINQUENTS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16 FROM BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME.
THE ’’GREEN EXPRESS” HAS ENABLED THESE BOYS, WHO HAVE ONCE GONE ASTRAY, TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES.
THE THEME OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS PARTICULARLY STIMULATING FOR IT HAS ENGAGED THE BOYS IN THE ACTIVE PURSUIT OF A BETTER WORLD AND PEACEFUL INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.
THE PROJECT COVERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DELINQUENT BOYS, TALKS ON POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BEACH-CLEANING, TREE-PLANTING AS WELL AS THE PRODUCTION OF A HUGE MURAL PAINTING MEASURING 390 SQUARE METRES IN NAM SHAN CHUEN.
SPEAKING AT THE AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, SAID THE PROJECT HAD SUCCESSFULLY CONVEYED THE MESSAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
"IT HAS ALSO PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THESE YOUNG OFFENDERS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, WHICH IN TURN HAS HELPED THEM ESTABLISH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE," HE ADDED.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE AWARDS ARE PRESENTED TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE OUTSTANDING TEAMWORK HAS SET A MODEL OR INSPIRATION TO OTHER LOCALITIES, BOTH NATIONALLY AND COMMONWEALTH-WIDE.
THE "GREEN EXPRESS" WAS SELECTED FROM A TOTAL OF 19 ENTRIES FROM NINE COUNTRIES.
THE GROUP HAS WON A CASH GRANT OF 1,000 POUNDS STERLING, A CERTIFICATE AND MEDALLIONS.
--------0-----------
/18........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
18
SIXTH FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE TO OPEN TOMORROW * ♦ » * »
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE AT THE REGENT HOTEL BALLROOM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE BIENNIAL EVENT AIMS TO FOSTER COMMUNITY INTEREST IN FIGHTING CRIME AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (FCC) AND THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES (DFCC) TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY SOME 400 FCC AND DFCC MEMBERS. TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE CHIEF SECRETARY, ATTORNEY GENERAL, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL ALSO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF SIX PRECONFERENCE DISCUSSION SESSIONS FOCUSING ON ’’GREATER PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT", "SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE CRIMES", "PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CORRUPTION", "MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH TO TACKLE CRIME", "WITNESS REASSURANCE" AND "ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES".
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING SPEECH. INTERESTED REPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE REGENT HOTEL BALLROOM BY 8.30 AM AND ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENS. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
AFTER THE OPENING SESSION, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE VENUE AS THE CONFERENCE WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PRESS.
AT 1 PM IN THE REGENT HOTEL BALLROOM, THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN, MRS MIRIAM LAU, TOGETHER WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JEREMY MATHEWS; THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY; AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR EDDIE HUT KI-ON, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON SUBJECTS DISCUSSED DURING THE CONFERENCE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
-------0------------
/19........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
19
SECONDARY STUDENTS LEARN WORK OF MARINE DEPARTMENT ♦ » * * *
A GROUP OF SECONDARY STUDENTS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF WORK AND THE WORKING CONDITION IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT DURING A VISIT THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF THE ’’VISITS TO WORK PLACES” PROGRAMME ORGANISED FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TO BETTER PLAN THEIR FUTURE CAREERS.
DURING THE VISIT, 31 FORMS FIVE TO SEVEN STUDENTS FROM CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE CHENG WING GEE COLLEGE WERE BRIEFED ON THE WORK AND ORGANISATION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDED THEM WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATURE OF WORK, QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED, AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF MARINE INSPECTORS.
THE STUDENTS WERE THEN TAKEN ON GUIDED TOURS TO YAU MA TEI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE AT MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
AT YAU MA TEI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA, THE STUDENTS SAW FOR THEMSELVES HOW CARGOES WERE LOADED AND UNLOADED AND HOW MARINE INSPECTORS MANAGED THE CARGO WORKING AREA.
THE GROUP LATER VISITED THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE WHICH MONITORS AND REGULATES VESSEL MOVEMENTS, AND GIVES INFORMATION AND OFFER ADVICE TO MARINERS THROUGH A VERY HIGH FREQUENCY NETWORK ON PREVAILING NAVIGATIONAL CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG WATERS.
------0--------
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVES YAU MA TEI *****
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS PLYING BETWEN MAN WUI STREET AND NEW WORLD CENTRE WILL START OPERATION FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ROUTE NO.43 WILL TRAVEL VIA MAN WUI STREET, FERRY STREET, SAIGON STREET, WAI CHING STREET, JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KANSU STREET, CANTON ROAD, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, SALISBURY ROAD, KOWLOON PARK DRIVE, MAN CHEONG STREET AND MAN SING STREET.
IT WILL RUN FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM DAILY FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS AT INTERVALS OF 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
NO SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE FARE FOR EACH TRIP IS $3.50.
------0------------
/20........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1994
- 20 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET * ♦ * OPERATIONS * *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,083 0930 + 574
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,961 1000 + 459
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 419
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 419 1200 + 419
LAF TODAY -1,541 1500 + 419
1600 + 419
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 120.9 *+0.1* 4.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.80 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.87 6.54
1 MONTH 4.36 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.21 6.94
3 MONTHS 5.01 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.70 7.31
6 MONTHS 5.35 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.40 7.62
12 MONTHS 5.99 59 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.30 8.29
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,935 MN
CLOSED 4 NOVEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK: A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE IN................................. 1
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION.................. 2
GOVERNOR'S COMMENT ON FANLING LODGE SECURITY................ 4
JOURNALISTS ENTERING GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE................... 5
POLICE FORCE TO BE STRENGTHENED: CS......................... 5
FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE STIMULATING AND INFORMATIVE....... 6
FS APPOINTS MS HELEN LEE AS SFC INSPECTOR................... 7
IMPACT OF AIRPORT PROJECTS OF INFLATION..................... 8
REZONING OF GOVERNMENT QUARTERS SITE APPROVED BY TPB..... 8
FIRST ISSUE OF "COMAC NEWS" PUBLISHED....................... 9
BALLOTING OF TAXI LICENCES TENDERS.......................... 9
UNAUTHORISED WORKS TO BE REMOVED........................... 10
AUTUMN FAIR BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES....................... 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 11
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
1
HK: A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE IN *****
COMPARED WITH OTHER CITIES IN THE REGION AND THE WORLD, HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE SAFEST IN WHICH TO LIVE, YET THERE ARE PARTICULAR AREAS THAT REQUIRE MORE FOCUS, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE, THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, HONG KONG’S OVERALL CRIME RATE HAD BEEN CONSISTENTLY BELOW THAT OF MOST OTHER COMPARABLE CITIES.
LAST YEAR, THE LEVEL OF ROBBERY AND THEFTS IN THE TERRITORY WAS ONLY HALF THE LEVEL IN SINGAPORE, AND ONE-THIRD THAT IN TOKYO.
’’THIS IS A RECORD IN WHICH THE POLICE FORCE, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES AND THE COMMUNITY CAN TAKE REASONABLE PRIDE. BUT LIKE ALL RECORDS, IT IS SIMPLY A MARK. WE MUST AIM TO DO BETTER,” MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR CITED JUVENILE CRIMES, DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME AND FRAUD AND WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES AS SOME OF THE PROBLEM AREAS.
TURNING TO THE JUVENILE CRIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE POLICE HAD ALREADY SET UP SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAMS TO ASSIST SCHOOLS, PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS AND YOUTH GROUPS TO FIGHT TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
ON THE PROBLEM OF RISING DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ”WE CANNOT TAKE ANY COMFORT FROM THE RATES OF DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE WELL BELOW THOSE IN MOST OTHER CITIES.
’’EVEN A SINGLE CASE REPRESENTS A WASTED LIFE AND TEMPTATION TO COMMIT CRIME TO PAY FOR THE HABIT.”
”IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WE WILL BE FORMULATING NEW IDEAS TO APPROACH THIS COMPLEX PROBLEM MORE EFFECTIVELY,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE HEALTH AND REPUTATION OF OUR BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE CAMPAIGNS AGAINST ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIME AND AGAINST FRAUD AND OTHER WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES MUST AND WOULD BE PURSUED VIGOROUSLY WITH NEW LEGISLATION.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO PRAISED THE PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION OF THE POLICE FORCE.
"THE POLICE FORCE MANAGEMENT HAS SHOWN LEADERSHIP IN THE EFFICIENCY WITH WHICH THEY HAVE ENSURED THAT WELL TRAINED OFFICERS HAVE BEEN PUT ONTO THE BEAT AND ONTO THE BORDER, BUT THEY HAVE ALSO SHOWN LEADERSHIP IN THE MUCH MORE COMPLICATED TASK OF REVIEWING A LARGE ORGANISATION AND ITS OBJECTIVES, REDEPLOYING RESOURCES TO MEET NEW AND CHANGING NEEDS, AND RESPONDING TO PUBLIC ANXIETIES,” HE SAID.
/LAST YEAR, .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994.
- 2 -
LAST YEAR, THE POLICE FORCE UNDERTOOK TO PUT 800 ADDITIONAL OFFICERS ONTO THE BEAT, AND RECRUITED AN ADDITIONAL 600 OFFICERS.
MAJOR EXERCISES TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY AND TO MAKE GREATER USE OF TECHNOLOGY AND CIVILIAN SUPPORT STAFF. TO RELEASE TRAINED OFFICERS FOR FRONT LINE ANTI-CRIME WORK ARE CONTINUING.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE OVERALL CRIME RATES WERE DOWN FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING.
VIOLENT CRIME DECREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, AND ARMED ROBBERIES WERE DOWN 37 PER CENT.
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER OPENING THE FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE TODAY (SATURDAY):
■ . ' t ' • • i
GOVERNOR: I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADDRESS THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE THIS MORNING AND TO SEE THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES. THE FIGURES FOR CRIME IN HONG KONG ARE, AS WE ALL KNOW, BETTER THAN IN MOST COMPARABLE COMMUNITIES; BUT ANY CRIME IS TOO MUCH CRIME AND THERE ARE ONE OR TWO WORRYING TRENDS WHICH, I THINK, ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO THE LOCAL DISTRICT COMMITTEES AND WHICH WE’VE GOT TO RESPOND TO. FIRST OF ALL, THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT JUVENILE CRIME AND SECOND AND RELATED TO THAT, THERE ARE CONCERNS WHICH I TOTALLY SHARE ABOUT THE INCREASING INCIDENTS OF DRUG ABUSE WHICH IS, OF COURSE, SOMETIMES CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH JUVENILE CRIME. I THINK THOSE’RE BOTH PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE TO GIVE HIGHER PRIORITY TO AND IN GOVERNMENT, WE’LL BE CONSIDERING OUR RESPONSE TO THE SORT OF REQUESTS THAT I’VE BEEN HEARING FROM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES CHAIRMEN AND CHAIRWOMEN THIS MORNING. SO, L THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT HOW WE CAN DEVELOP A MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH IN GOVERNMENT TO BOTH THOSE ISSUES. BUT, I DO WANT TO PAY A TRIBUTE ONCE AGAIN TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE BECAUSE I THINK THEY HAVE DONE AN EXTREMELY GOOD JOB IN MOBILISING COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE POLICE IN THEIR ACTIVITIES TO STAMP OUT CRIME IN OUR COMMUNITY AND TO KEEP OUR STREETS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: WHAT SORT OF ROLE OF SCHOOLS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE PLAYED TO FIGHT DRUG ABUSE AND JUVENILE CRIME?
GOVERNOR: THERE IS, OBVIOUSLY, AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS AS THERE IS FOR PARENTS AND FAMILY STRUCTURE. I KNOW THAT MANY SCHOOLS ALREADY PLAY A VERY ACTIVE ROLE IN EDUCATING THEIR YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING WITH THE POLICE AND ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF AVOIDING THOSE SORTS OF ENVIRONMENTS WHERE CRIME IS LIKELY TO THRIVE. I KNOW THAT MANY SCHOOLS ALSO TAKE A VERY ACTIVE ROLE IN DETERRING TRIAD ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE. AS I SAID THIS" MORNING, ONE OF THE REASONS FOR MAKING SURE THAT OUR TEACHING' PROFESSION HAS THE STATUS WHICH IT DESERVES IS BECAUSE IF WE WANT A SAFER AND MORE CIVILISED COMMUNITY, THE EDUCATION THAT WE GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY IS A CRUCIAL INGREDIENT IN THAT.
/QUESTION: .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
3
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THIS AIRPORT AGREEMENT, WHY THERE ISN’T ANY SPECIFIC WORDINGS TO SHOW THAT CHINA ACTUALLY GUARANTEES THE FINANCING, THAT THE FINANCIAL MARKET HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS, NO SPECIFIC WORDINGS AS I SAW?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT IT IS NOT THAT WHICH IS LACKING AT THE MOMENT. IT’S AN AGREEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS WHICH WE HOPE WILL COME RAPIDLY NOW THAT THE OVERALL MINUTE ON AIRPORT FINANCING HAS BEEN SIGNED. THERE’S STILL SOME OUTSTANDING BUSINESS TO BE DONE WHICH IS WHY, I THINK, SOME PEOPLE HAVE QUITE PROPERLY BEEN, WHILE ENTHUSIASTIC RESTRAINT IN THEIR RESPONSE TO THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT. WE’VE GOT TO GET AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT CORPORATION BILL AND WE’VE GOT TO GET AGREEMENT ON THE FSAS AND I THINK WHEN WE’VE DONE THAT, WE WOULD HAVE PUT ALL THE OUTSTANDING MATTERS INTO THE DRAWERS AS IT WERE AND WHAT, I HOPE, WILL SATISFY BANKERS AS WELL. IT’S THE FSAS WHICH ARE REALLY CRUCIAL WHEN THE MTRC AND THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY GO TO THE BANKS FOR ANY BORROWING THAT THEY REQUIRE. BUT THOSE FSAS SHOULD FOLLOW AUTOMATICALLY NOW THAT THE OVERALL MINUTE HAS BEEN SIGNED. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY AGAIN THAT I THINK WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP BUT THERE ARE MORE STEPS WE HAVE TO TAKE BEFORE WE GET TO THE END OF THE ROAD. I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT I THINK THERE IS MORE RECOGNITION IN THE COMMUNITY OF THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE OVER THE MONTHS AND YEARS EVEN WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT TO BUILD THE AIRPORT. THERE ARE 11,000 PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE INVOLVED IN BUILDING THE AIRPORT. THEY’VE BEEN DOING A SPECTACULAR JOB AND I HOPE THEY WILL NOW GET ALL THE SUPPORT FROM THIS AGREEMENT AND FROM FUTURE AGREEMENTS ON THE AIRPORT WHICH THEY DESERVE. ONE MORE.
QUESTION: DO YOU CONSIDER IT FAIR FOR THE TAXPAYERS THAT BRITAIN AND CHINA AGREED HOW TO SPEND OUR MONEY WITHOUT EVER ASKING US?
GOVERNOR: I THINK THAT AS YOU KNOW, ANY EXPENDITURE, ANY INVESTMENT IN THE AIRPORT OF PUBLIC FUNDS HAS TO BE VOTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH REPRESENTS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WHICH REPRESENTS THE TAXPAYERS OF HONG KONG. SO, THEY WILL HAVE VERY MUCH A SAY IN WHAT HAPPENS. I THINK THE BALANCE BETWEEN INVESTMENT OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY AND BORROWING IS A REASONABLE ONE. AT THE OUTSET, WE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD MAKE SENSE TO BORROW MORE MONEY AND TO HAVE A LOWER EQUITY INVESTMENT AFTER YEARS OF NEGOTIATION, WE ARE NOW PROPOSING AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF HAVING MUCH LARGER RESERVES, INCREASE THE EQUITY INVESTMENT AND TO REDUCE THE BORROWING. WELL, YOU CAN ARGUE THE SITUATION BOTH WAYS. WHAT I THINK MOST PEOPLE ARE RELIEVED TO DISCOVER IS THAT AT LAST WE’VE GOT AN AGREEMENT AND WE WON’T HAVE TO HAVE MORE PRESS CONFERENCES LIKE THIS, TALKING ABOUT THE AIRPORT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, INDEED.
/4.........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
4
GOVERNOR’S COMMENT ON FANLING LODGE SECURITY
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AFTER RECEIVING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES AT THE AIRPORT THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING*.
GOVERNOR: HOW ARE YOU ? AS 1 THINK MANY OF YOU KNOW, FANLING LODGE DOESN’T HAVE VERY MUCH SECURITY BECAUSE THAT’S HOW WE CHOOSE TO LEAD OUR LIVES, AND THAT WILL REMAIN THE SITUATION. SO WHEN ANYONE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IS GOING TO STAY THERE AS THIS WEEKEND, A FEW HOURS BEFORE, WE PUT IN AS MUCH SECURITY AS IS NECESSARY, IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, A PLATOON OF THE TACTICAL UNIT WHO SECURE THE PROPERTY AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS SECURE. THIS MORNING, SOME HOURS BEFORE THE POLC1E TACTICAL UNJT WENT INTO FANLING, A COUPLE OF PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED TO BE JOURNALISTS BROKE INTO THE GROUNDS AND BROKE INTO THE HOUSE. THE HOUSEKEEPERS, WHO’RE NATURALLY VERY WORRIED, ALERTED THE POLICE AND THE TWO GENTLEMEN WERE ARRESTED. IT ISN’T, AS YOU KNOW, THE FIRST TIME THAT PEOPLE HAD BROKEN INTO THE GROUNDS AT FANLING. IT’S HAPPENED BEFORE, THERE’VE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHS, IT’S A PLANK AND NO BIG DEAL BUT IT DOES CAUSE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF AGGRAVATION TO THE POLICE. POLICE SIDE INVESTIGATIONS ARE NOW GOING ON, AND ANY ENQUIRIES ABOUT WHAT’S LIKELY TO HAPPEN TO THE TWO ALLEGED JOURNALISTS YOU HAVE TO PUT TO THE POLICE.
BUT I’D JUST WANT TO MAKE TWO OR THREE POINTS. FIRST OF ALL, ANY SUGGESTION THAT THIS PLANK WAS JUSTIFIED BY CONCERNS ABOUT THE PRINCE OF WALES’ SECURITY ARE, OF COURSE, WHOLLY SPURIOUS BECAUSE THE SECURITY WASN’T APPLIED UNTIL SOME HOURS AFTER THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. SECONDLY, IT IS AN INCIDENT WHICH HAS INEVITABLY CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF EXTRA WORK FOR THE POLICE, AND THIS HAS BEEN FIGHT CRIME DAY. 1 JUST HOPE THAT THOSE WHO GAVE THE THUMBS TO THIS ENTERPRISE WILL BE ABLE TO JUSTIFY THE EXTRA COSTS THA’I IT HAS INVOLVED TO THE HONG KONG TAXPAYERS, AND THE AMOUNT OF ADDITIONAL POLICE TIME WHICH HAS BEEN INVOLVED, TAKING POLICE AWAY FROM OTHER RATHER MORE RESPONSIBLE DUTIES. THIRDLY, OF COURSE, IF THESE JOURNALISTS HAVE TRIED THIS ON, IF THEY' ARE JOURNALISTS, WHEN THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT WERE THERE, IT COULD HAVE LED TO AN EXTREMELY UNPLEASANT INCIDENT INDEED, AND THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT. FINALLY, THIS AFTERNOON i WAS SHOPPING IN KOWLOON BAY, MONG KOK AND PEDDER BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL. AND I WAS SHOPPING WITH ONE POLICEMAN AND MY FAMILY. AND WHILE I WAS GOING AROUND PEDDER BUILDINGS, SOMEBODY CAME UP TO ME AND SAID: ”IT’S VERY NICE TO SEE THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO AROUND WITH A LOT OF BODYGUARDS.” 1 SUPPOSE THAT’S ONE OF THE PLEASURES OF LIVING IN HONG KONG. WELL, IT IS. J DON’T INTEND TO SPEND MY LIFE SURROUNDED BY BARBED WIRE, OR SURROUNDED BY UNNECESSARY SECURITY. THE POLICE HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO IN WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST LAW-ABIDING AND SAFE COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD. YOU KNOW, AS WELL AS I DO, BUT IF YOU’VE ASKED BY YOUR EDITORS TO SEE IF YOU COULD HAVE GOT INTO FANLING, YOU COULD HAVE PROBABLY DONE WITH NO TROUBLE AT ALL. IT DOESN’T SEEM TO ME THAT IT’S A RESPONSIBLE THING FOR ANYBODY TO DO. 1 BELIEVE VERY STRONGLY IN FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE PRESS SHOULD BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY. AND I DON’T THINK THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL THINK THAT THEY’LL HAVE DONE SO ON THIS OCCASION, IF THAT IS THE GENTLEMEN IN QUESTION ARE FROM YOUR PROFESSION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
/5 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER' 5, 1994
5
JOURNALISTS ENTERING GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY): ’’TWO MEN THIS MORNING ENTERED THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE AT FANLING LODGE. AFTER WALKING INTO THE GROUNDS, THEY SWAM IN THE SWIMMING POOL AND THEN WENT INTO THE HOUSE.
"WHEN CHALLENGED BY A MEMBER OF STAFF, THEY CLAIMED TO BE HOUSE GUESTS. STAFF IMMEDIATELY ALERTED THE POLICE AND THE TWO MEN WERE SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN TO SHEUNG SHUI POLICE STATION FOR QUESTIONING. THE TWO MEN WERE LATER FOUND BY POLICE OFFICERS TO BE CARRYING DOCUMENTS CLAIMING TO IDENTIFY THEM AS JOURNALISTS.
"ROUTINE SECURITY WAS IN FORCE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. FULL SECURITY APPROPRIATE FOR THE VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES WAS IMPLEMENTED AS SCHEDULED LATER IN THE DAY, WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE ROYAL PARTY’S ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG.
"THE GOVERNOR AND MRS PATTEN HAVE MADE IT ( LEAR IHA'!' THEY INTEND TO LIVE AS OPEN A LIFE AS POSSIBLE. THIS INCIDENT IN NO WAY CHANGES THEIR DESIRE AND INTENTION TO DO SO.
"THE GOVERNOR AND THE GOVERNMENT ARE COMMITTED TO UPHOLDING THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT JOURNALISTS ARE ABOVE THE LAW. THE MATTER IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF THE POLICE."
------0--------
POLICE FORCE TO BE STRENGTHENED: CS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO THE POLICE FORCE TO STRENGTHEN ITS CRIME FIGHTING CAPABILITY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
ADDRESSING THE 1994 FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE AS (’HAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS CHAN SAID SHE WAS PLEASED THAT CRIME SITUATION IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN CONTAINED AND THAT HONG KONG REMAINED ONE OF THE SAFEST CITIES IN THE WORLD.
ON THE STRENGTH OF THE POLICE FORCE, SHE SAID THE NUMBER OF BEAT PATROL POLICE CONSTABLES WOULD BE INCREASED BY 400.
"FORTY-FIVE ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE RECENTLY RE-ORGANISED CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU AND ORGANISED CRIME AND TRIAD BUREAU."
THE NARCOTICS BUREAU WILL BE PROVIDED WITH 38 ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS TO STRENGTHEN ITS SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITY.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID SHE WAS GLAD THAT THE RECENTLY ENACTED ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES BILL WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES.
/THE POLICE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
6 -
THE POLICE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ARE GIVEN SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE POWERS AND THE COURTS ARE NOW EMPOWERED TO CONFISCATE PROCEEDS OF ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THE POLICE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A CENTRAL WITNESS PROTECTION UNIT TO IMPLEMENT WITNESS PROTECTION MEASURES AND A FULL WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAMME.
NOTING THAT EXAMINATION OF THE SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES BILL BY THE LEGCO BILLS COMMITTEE WAS ALREADY AT A VERY ADVANCED STAGE, MRS CHAN EXPECTED THAT WITH THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE BETTER ABLE TO REGULATE THE SOPHISTICATED AND FAST-DEVELOPING SECURITY INDUSTRY.
MRS CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DISTRICT FIGHT URINE COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO HAD ORGANISED NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES TO GATHER PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST CRIME.
--------0-----------
FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE STIMULATING AND INFORMATIVE ♦ ♦ t K t
DISCUSSIONS AND REPORTS PRESENTED AT THE 1994 FIGHT CRIME CONFERENCE TODAY (SATURDAY) HAVE BEEN MOST STIMULATING AND INFORMATIVE, ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE, MRS MIRIAM LAU.
THE BIENNIAL GATHERING, THE SIXTH OF ITS KIND, WAS AIMED TO PROMOTE LAW AND ORDER AND TO FOSTER HIE COMMUNITY’S INTEREST IN THE FIGHT AGAINST (’RIME.
IT SERVED AS A FORUM H»R ALL MEMBERS OF THE FIGH’l CRIME COMMITTEE (FCC) AND THE 19 DISTRICT FIGHT (JR I Ml- COMMITTEES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON WAYS TO COMBAT CRIME.
MRS LAU SAID DURING THE SESSION, THE PARTICIPANTS HAD FOCUSED THEIR DISCUSS IONS ON THE FI NDINGS OF THE VARIOUS GROUP I) ISCUSSIONS WHICH HAD TAKEN PLACE PRIOR TO THE CONFERENCE ON \ RANGE OF LAW AND ORDER RELATED SUBJECTS.
THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED INCLUDED GREATER PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT; SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE (’RIMES; PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR CORRUPTION; MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH TO TACKLE (RIME; WITNESS REASSURANCE; AND ORGANISED AND SERIOUS CRIMES.
MRS LAU SAID THE VIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD WOULD BE FURTHER CONSIDERED BY THE FCC AND THE GOVERNMENT \ND THAT FOLLOW-UP ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AS APPROPRIATE.
/THE CONFERENCE.........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
THE CONFERENCE, OFFICIATED BY THl- GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WAS ATTENDED BY SOME 400 FCC MEMBERS AS WELL AS CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TAKING PART IN THE SESSION INCLUDED THE CHIEF SECRETARY, ATTORNEY GENERAL, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
- - 0 - -
FS APPOINTS MS HELEN LEE AS SFC INSPECTOR * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, HAS APPOINTED MS HELEN LEE HO-YAN, A DIRECTOR OF ENFORCEMENT WITH THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC), AS AN INSPECTOR UNDER SECTION 33 OF THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT MS LEE WAS APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON THE OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN SHARES IN PARAGON HOLDINGS LIMITED.
e
SECTION 33 OF THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE PROVIDES, INTER ALIA, THAT WHERE IT APPEARS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THERE IS GOOD REASON 1’0 DO SO, HE MAY APPOINT ONE OR MORE COMPETENT INSPECTORS TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF ANY LISTED COMPANIES.
THE APPOINTMENT OF MS LEE WAS MADE ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
SFC.
IN RECOMMENDING THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY APPOINT AN INSPECTOR, THE SFC SAID IT APPEARED THAT THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF CERTAIN SHARES PURCHASED DURING THE PERIOD MARCH 1 TO MAY 31 1993 MIGHT HAVE GIVEN RISE TO BREACHES OF THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) ORDINANCE AND THE HONG KONG CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
- 8 -
IMPACT OP AIRPORT PROJECTS Ob INEI .AT I ON *****
RESPONDING TO MEDIA REPORTS THAT THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS WOULD FUEL INFLATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID:
’’THERE SHOULD BE NO UNDUE STRAIN ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BECAUSE CAREFUL ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME FOR CONTRACTORS TO IMPORT LABOUR AS NECESSARY. THIS WILL OFFSET THE INFLATIONARY RISKS OF EXCESSIVE DEMAND FOR LOCAL LABOUR ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECTS.
"THERE IS ALSO NO REASON WHY THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY’S COMBINED PRIVATE SECTOR BORROWINGS Ob $23 BILLION SHOULD HAVE ANY INFLATIONARY IMPACT.
"THESE BORROWINGS SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED WI TIIOI I ANY PRESSURE ON CAPITAL MARKETS. BANKERS ARE WELL AWARE Ob THE BORROWING PLANS, AND WILL HAVE MADE THE NECESSARY PROVISIONS IN THEIR ADVANCE PLANNING. THE $23 BILLION COMBINED DEBT IS ALSO A MUCH LOWER FIGURE THAN THEY AND THE CORPORATIONS HAD ORIGINALLY BEEN PLANNING FOR."
------0-------
REZONING OF GOVERNMENT QUARTERS SITE APPROVED BY TPB *****
THE METRO PLANNING COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS AGREED TO AN AMENDMENT TO THE APPROVED MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IN RESPECT OF A SITE AT 75 KENNEDY ROAD WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE METRES AND CURRENTLY USED AS GOVERNMENT QUARTERS (THE HERMITAGE).
THE AMENDMENT INVOLVES REZONING OF THE SITE TO "GOVERNMENT/1NSTITUT1ON/COMMUNITY" USE TO REFLECT ITS EXISTING GOVERNMENT USE AND OWNERSHIP TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY FOR FUTURE GOVERNMENT USES SUCH AS OFFICES.
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ALLOCATE THIS SITE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OFFICE FOR THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
THE SITE IS LOCATED AT THE EASTERN FRINGE OF THE MID-LEVELS AREA QUITE CLOSE TO SOME EXISTING "G/IC" DEVELOPMENTS, INCLUDING SCHOOLS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS ON MACDONNELL ROAD AND KENNEDY ROAD, THE EXISTING HEAD OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC CO. LTD. AND THE COMMERCIAL/GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDINGS ALONG COTTON TREE DRIVE.
WITH THE EXTENSION OF JUSTICE DRIVE TO KENNEDY ROAD, THE SITE WOULD ALSO BE CONVENIENTLY CONNECTED WITH THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ADMIRALTY AREA.
THE PLAN IS EXPECTED TO BE EXHIBITED UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE NEXT WEEK FOR A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS.
------0-------
/9 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
- 9
FIRST ISSUE OF "COMAC NEWS" PUBLISHED *****
FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC) ORDINANCE (ADMENDMENT) BILL 1994 ON JUNE 24, 1994 WHICH, INTER-ALIA, PROVIDES FOR DIRECT ACCESS OF THE PUBLIC TO THE COMAC, THERE WAS A GREAT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
FROM JULY TO OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND WRITTEN COMPLAINTS RECEIVED WAS 951 AND 348 RESPECTIVELY WHEREAS FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER WAS 418 AND 57.
THIS REPRESENTS A TWO-FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND A SIX-FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WRITTEN COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
THE COMAC OFFICE WILL RELEASE A MONTHLY STATISTICAL REPORT ON THE ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED UNDER THE "COMAC NEWS" ON THE FIFTH OF EACH MONTH OR THE FOLLOWING DAY IF IT FELL ON A SUNDAY OR PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THIS IS THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE "COMAC NEWS" SERIES. THE NEXT ISSUE OF "COMAC NEWS" WOULD BE PUBLICISED ON DECEMBER 5.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS) MISS ANNA CHAN ON TEL 805 7015.
--------0 - -
BALLOTING OF TAXI LICENCES TENDERS
* * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN RESPECT OF THE CURRENT TENDERS FOR TAXIS (HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES) AND TAXIS (NEW TERRITORIES), A PUBLIC BALLOT WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 7), AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG, TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING TENDERS:
♦ 11 TENDERS OFFERING AN IDENTICAL PREMIUM OF $1,719,000 FOR
THE ALLOCATION OF NINE TAXI (HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES) LICENCES WHICH REMAIN AVAILABLE AFTER 291 OF THE 300 TAXI (HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES) LICENCES HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO TENDERS OFFERING A PREMIUM IN EXCESS OF $1,719,000; AND
/* 10 TENDERS .........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
10
* 10 TENDERS OFFERING AN IDENTICAL PREMIUM OF $1,095,000 FOR
THE ALLOCATION OF EIGHT TAXI (NEW TERRITORIES) LICENCES WHICH REMAIN AVAILABLE AFTER 92 OF THE 100 TAXI (NEW TERRITORIES) LICENCES HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO TENDERS OFFERING A PREMIUM IN EXCESS OF $1,095,000.
ALL THE TENDERERS INVOLVED HAVE BEEN DULY INFORMED IN WRITING OF THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS AND INVITED TO BE PRESENT AT THIS PUBLIC BALLOT.
------0--------
UNAUTHORISED WORKS TO BE REMOVED
*****
A NUMBER OF NEWSPAPERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THERE ARE ”11 UNAUTHORISED CANOPIES" ON THE 73 BUILDINGS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LATE AUTHORISED ARCHITECT MR. HENRY IP AND COMFORT CONSTRUCTION CO.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT RECENTLY CARRIED OUT INITIAL INSPECTIONS ON THESE BUILDINGS. THESE INSPECTIONS FOUND 29 CANOPIES ON THE BUILDINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT CLARIFIED THAT THE FIGURE "11" REFERRED TO "UNAUTHORISED WORKS" ON 11 OF THESE 29 CANOPIES. THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE FOLLOW-UP ACTION TO REMOVE THOSE UNAUTHORISED WORKS.
------0-------
AUTUMN FAIR BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) HELD ITS 42ND AUTUMN FAIR AT THE STANLEY FOOTBALL FIELD NEAR STANLEY PRISON TODAY (SATURDAY).
A VARIETY OF PRODUCTS INCLUDING ARTS AND HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS, STUFFED TOYS, RATTAN AND WOODEN FURNITURE WERE ON SALE AT SOME 30 STALLS.
THE PRODUCTS WERE MADE BY INMATES AT THEIR LEISURE TIME DURING THEIR DETENTION IN VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT.
WHILE TOURING THE FAIR AND MAKING FRUITFUL PURCHASES, VISITORS ALSO ENJOYED A RICH PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MARCHING DISPLAY BY TAI TAM GIRLS' PIPERS AND MARCHING TEAM; AEROBIC DANCE BY WAI YEE DANCE GROUP; CHINESE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE BY DELIAN’S CHINESE ORCHESTRA; WUSHU PERFORMANCE BY WUSHU TEAM OF HONG KONG WUSHU UNION; CHINESE DANCE BY SKH BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL; DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE CSD’S DOG UNIT; PARACHUTE DISPLAY BY HONG KONG PARACHUTE CLUB AND MARCHING DISPLAY BY CAPE COLLINSON BAND.
MRS V L MCCOSH, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
--------0-----------
/Il .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1994
11
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» t t t t CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION T 1 ME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,961 0930 + 530
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 , 786 1000 + 530
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1 100 + 5 30
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 530 1130 + 530
LAF TODAY -705 1 500
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWl 120.8 ♦ -0.1 * 5.11.94
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S Q AND A SESSION. 1
D-G OF TRADE LEAVES FOR APEC MEETING IN JAKARTA........... 2
GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN SERVICES.... 2
LAND GRANT FOR NEW HOSPITAL............................... 4
ED STAFF RECOGNISED FOR GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE............. 4
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS........................ 6
1 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S Q AND A SESSION * * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AFTER THE OPENING OF THE CARITAS BAZAAR AT FA HUI PLAYGROUND TODAY (SUNDAY):
QUESTION: JUST ONE THING, BOTH THE LIBERAL PARTY AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAVE EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ON WHETHER, YOU KNOW, THE 23 BILLION INJECTION INTO THE AIRPORT RAILWAY SHOULD BE GIVEN IN ONE GO. SO IS THE GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO, YOU KNOW - THE FUNDING IN STAGES?
FS: WELL, I DON’T THINK THERE WILL BE ANY PROBLEM. I THINK IT’S A NATURAL REACTION THAT SOME POLITICIANS WILL ASK WHETHER THE MONEY CAN BE SPLIT UP - AS WE DID FOR THE PAA, OF COURSE. I THINK ONCE WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO THEM HOW QUICKLY THE MONEY IS NEEDED FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY AND HOW MANY CONTRACTS ARE JUST WAITING TO BE SIGNED ONCE THE MONEY IS APPROVED, I THINK THAT THEY WILL AGREE. BUT THEY ARE ENTIRELY RIGHT TO RAISE THE QUESTION AND IT IS FOR US TO PERSUADE THEM THAT WE’VE GOT THE ANSWERS. SO OF COURSE THERE WILL BE BRIEFINGS FOR LEGCO - THERE WILL BE A FULL PAPER FOR LEGCO - BUT WE CERTAINLY HOPE TO GET THE MONEY APPROVED LATER THIS MONTH. WE HAVEN’T DECIDED EXACTLY WHICH FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING BUT CERTAINLY IT SHOULD BE LATER THIS MONTH.
I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR THE RAILWAY, OF COURSE, BECAUSE IT SERVES NOT JUST THE AIRPORT BUT IT SERVES THAT WHOLE COMMUNITY WHICH LIVES ALONG KOWLOON ALL THE WAY TO KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN, SO THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR IT.
QUESTION: BUT HOW MUCH WILL THEY NEED? HOW MUCH MONEY, YOU KNOW?
FS: THE 23 BILLION IS ALL NEEDED WITHIN THE SPACE OF ABOUT TWO OR THREE MONTHS. I DON’T HAVE THE PRECISE AREA BUT IT IS QUITE A SHORT PERIOD. THE CONTRACTS ALREADY OUTSTANDING WILL USE UP THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THAT MONEY, SO I THINK ONCE THE FIGURES ARE PUT TO THEM THERE WILL BE NO PROBLEM.
QUESTION: BUT DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE ANY CONTINGENCY PLAN IF THEY DON’T APPROVE THE MONEY?
FS: NO, WE DON’T HAVE ANY CONTINGENCY PLAN. WE WILL GO AND DISCUSS - LEGCO MEMBERS ARE PERFECTLY RATIONAL AND REASONABLE PEOPLE - I THINK WHEN WE HAVE TALKED TO THEM, I AM VERY HOPEFUL THEY WILL APPROVE. THEY ARE RIGHT TO RAISE THE QUESTION AND IT IS FOR US TO ANSWER IT.
QUESTION: STEVEN POON SAID THERE SHOULD BE WAYS FOR LEGCO TO MONITOR THE RUNNING OF THE MTRC (INAUDIBLE) FOR A LONG TIME (INAUDIBLE).
FS: YES. OF COURSE LEGCO DOES MONITOR AND WILL MONITOR ALL THE PROJECTS FOR WHICH THEY APPROVE FUNDS. AND THE MTRC AND THE PAA PUBLISH THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS; WE GIVE BRIEFINGS - WE ACTUALLY GIVE A QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT TO LEGCO ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME. SO THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN THERE, IT IS ENTIRELY TRANSPARENT AND IF THEY WANT TO KNOW MORE, THEN WE WILL TELL THEM MORE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
--------0-----------
/2 ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
2
D-G OF TRADE LEAVES FOR APEC MEETING IN JAKARTA ♦ * * * *
HONG KONG DELEGATES WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM THE OTHER 17 MEMBER ECONOMIES OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) WAYS TO FURTHER LIBERALISE AND FACILITATE TRADE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, SAID THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) AS HE LEFT FOR THE FOURTH SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING OF THE APEC TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 8 TO 10 IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA.
"WE SHALL BE EXPLORING IN GREATER DEPTH A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC FACILITATION MEASURES, INCLUDING THE NON-BINDING INVESTMENT CODE, THE ELECTRONIC TARIFF DATABASE, WORK ON STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE ISSUES, PROJECTS RELATING TO SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES, AND MANY MORE," HE SAID.
"PRIOR TO THE MEETING OF SENIOR OFFICIALS, EXPERTS WILL MEET TO DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING CUSTOMS PROCEDURES, INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS AND CONFORMANCE AND TARIFF DATABASE.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT. ITS PRINCIPAL TASK IS TO IDENTIFY THE WORK PROGRAMME FOR 1995. "
FOLLOWING THE SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING, MR MILLER WILL ACCOMPANY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, TO THE SIXTH APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 12.
HE WILL THEN ACCOMPANY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TO THE APEC ECONOMIC LEADERS MEETING TO BE HELD IN BOGOR ON NOVEMBER 15.
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION COMPRISE OFFICIALS FROM THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, FINANCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
MEMBER ECONOMIES OF THE APEC ARE AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC Ob 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. CHILE WILL JOIN AS A NEW MEMBER AT THE MINISTERIAL MEETING.
------0-------
GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN SERVICES
*****
THE
GOVERNMENT, TO COMPLEMENT THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR Ob FAMILY (IYF) WILL PUT IN ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO IMPROVE BOTH QUANTITY^ARD QUALITY Of WELFARE SERVICES FOR FAMILY AND CHILDREN.
THE THE
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SHE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DAY" AT VICTORIA PARK THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
MRS ANSON CHAN, WHEN "FAMILY TOGETHERNESS
/"WE WOULD........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
3
"WE WOULD AIM TO ESTABLISH A BETTER NETWORK OF SUCH SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NEEDY FAMILIES,
"OUR PLANS INCLUDE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FAMILY CASE-WORKERS, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, HOME HELPERS AND FAMILY AIDES. MORE PLACES IN FOSTER CARE SERVICE AND SMALL GROUP HOMES, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF FOR CHILDREN AND CHILD CARE CENTRE FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
"THIS YEAR ALONE HAS SEEN THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW RANGE OF SERVICES, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE, AND THE 19 FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRE," MRS CHAN SAID.
APART FROM PUTTING IN MORE RESOURCES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS SENT STAFF, TO ATTEND BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONFERENCES AND COURSES, WHERE EXPERIENCE WAS EXCHANGED AND NEW KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED TO HELP UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
"THE 'FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY- IS A TERRITORY-WIDE EVENT TO MARK THE 1994 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY, THE PURPOSE OF WHICH IS TO REMIND US OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY, AND TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
"SINCE THE UNITED NATIONS PROCLAIMED 1994 AS THE IYF, THERE HAS BEEN STRONG SUPPORT FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
"THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE IYF WAS SET UP IN MAY 1993 TO PLAN AND ORGANISE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE IYF. ’FAMILY AND COMMUNITY: UNITY, HARMONY, DEVELOPMENT’ IS CHOSEN AS THE MAIN THEME OF IYF, AND THE SLOGAN ’LOVE: FAMILY AND ME’ IS USED TO AROUSE PUBLIC CONCERN," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAD ACTIVELY PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE OF IYF TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA AND VARIOUS MEANS OF PUBLICITY.
"ACTIVITIES IN THE FORM OF GAMES, COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS SUCH AS THE 'FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY’ ARE ORGANISED TO ENLIST GREATER PUBLIC SUPPORT.
"I UNDERSTAND THAT THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL PUBLISH A SOUVENIR BROCHURE ON IYF. IT WILL CONTAIN A REPORT OF THE IYF ACTIVITIES. FAMILY PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG WILL ALSO BE EXPLORED IN THE BROCHURE," SHE SAID.
"ALTHOUGH 1994 IS DRAWING TO A CLOSE, THE SPIRIT OF THE IYF SHOULD BE SUSTAINED. IYF DOES NOT MERELY AIM AT AROUSING OUR CONCERN FOR THE FAMILY, IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO HELP DISSEMINATE THE MESSAGE THROUGH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
"I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT HARMONY IN THE FAMILY IS A PREREQUISITE TO STABILITY AND UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. I HOPE YOU WILL ALL START WITH CARING FOR YOUR OWN FAMILY, AS AN EFFORT TO CREATE A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR HONG KONG," SHE ADDED.
/THE "FAMILY .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
4
THE "FAMILY TOGETHERNESS DAY" IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE IYF, THE COMMITTEE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A FAMILY TELEMATCH, AN EXHIBITION AND GAMES STALLS.
ALSO PRESENT WERE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR HUI YIN-FAT, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS MARIA WAN.
------0-------
LAND GRANT FOR NEW HOSPITAL *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AGREED THAT A SITE AT NAM FUNG ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, BE GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE HONG KONG CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION LIMITED (CIHF) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIVATE HOSPITAL AND TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE CENTRE ON CONDITION THAT CIHF HAS FINANCIAL CAPABILITY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT.
CIHF IS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING LIMITED COMPANY INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG IN JUNE 1992.
ITS OBJECTIVES ARE TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG; TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH IN MEDICINE, TREATMENT OF DISEASES AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES; AND TO TRAIN SURGEONS, NURSES, TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS IN EVERY BRANCH OF MEDICINE.
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COMPRISES TWO PHASES. PHASE I WILL BE A 280-BED HOSPITAL BUILT AND ACCREDITED TO NORTH AMERICAN HOSPITAL STANDARDS, AS WELL AS MEETING LOCAL STANDARDS.
IT WILL BE OPERATED AS A TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTRE, WHERE LOCAL DOCTORS CAN REFER THEIR PATIENTS FOR OUT-PATIENT CARE, DAY SURGERY AND IN-PATIENT SURGERY IN ALL MAJOR MEDICAL SPECIALTIES. PHASE I WILL HAVE STAFF OF 682.
PHASE II, COMPRISING A FURTHER 220 BEDS, IS TO BE BUILT SUBJECT TO THE AGREEMENT OF THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO AN ASSESSMENT OF THE GROWTH IN DEMAND FOR TERTIARY CARE WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF PHASE I OPENING.
ON FULL DEVELOPMENT, THE HOSPITAL WILL HANDLE 30,000 IN-PATIENT ADMISSIONS, 5,000 DAY SURGERY CASES AND 150,000 OUT-PATIENT CONSULTATIONS PER YEAR.
------0-------
ED STAFF RECOGNISED FOR GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, RECENTLY PRESENTED STAFF INCENTIVE AWARDS TO THREE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF FOR THEIR EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.
THE THREE WINNERS ARE MR LEE YIK-LOONG, AN ASSISTANT MASTER OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, MISS NG WAI-KOU, A CLERICAL OFFICER OF THE BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL, AND MR TSE YUE-LEUNG, A WORKMAN OF THE ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
/THE AWARDS .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
5
THE AWARDS COMPRISED A MERITORIOUS CERTIFICATE AND A WATCH EMBOSSED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LOGO.
THE STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME WHICH IS WIDELY SUPPORTED THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE 1993.
SUPERVISORS AND THEIR SUB-ORDINATES ARE OF THE OPINION THAT THE SCHEME HELPS TO PROMOTE THE GOVERNOR’S CALL FOR A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND TO BOOST THEIR MORALE.
IN PRESENTING THE AWARDS, MISS (HUNG COMPLIMENTED THE WINNERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND EXTRA EFFORT TO HELP STUDENTS AND PARENTS, SAYING THAT THEY WERE ROLE MODELS OF HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
ALL THREE RECIPIENTS SAID THEIR COLLEAGUES WERE ALSO HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS IN PROVIDING CUSTOMER SERVICE.
MR LEE YIK-LOONG, A TEACHER IN THE RESOURCE HELP SERVICE OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS WILLINGNESS AND EXTRA EFFORT TO HELP THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
MISS NG WAI-KAU HAS BERN WORKING WITH THE BELILIOS PUBLIC-SCHOOL AS A CLERK FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.
SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR HER KNOWLEDGE OF WORK AND EXTRA EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND THE RECEPTION AREA FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS.
SHE WAS COMPLIMENTED FOR HER READINESS TO UPDATE HER KNOWLEDGE OF WORK THROUGH THE OFFICE MANAGEMENT TRAINING ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
KNOWN TO ALL AS UNCLE LEUNG, MR TSE YUE-LEUNG, A WORKMAN OF THE ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS NOMINATED FOR HIS EFFORT IN PROVIDING A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE STUDENTS.
ANOTHER WINNER, MRS CHUNG LO YOK-HO, WAS A FORMER ASSISTANT MASTER OF THE FUK WING STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL. AS MRS CHUNG HAS ALREADY LEFT SERVICE FOR EMIGRATION, SHE COULD NOT ATTEND THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY.
SHE WAS HIGHLY PRAISED BY HER SCHOOL HEAD FOR HER EFFORT IN PROVIDING GUIDANCE TO THE STUDENTS AND MAINTAINING A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PARENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAD A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHOOL POLICIES.
---------0-----------
/6.........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1994
6
TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS
******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) IS INVITING SERVING HEALTH WORKERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED MEDICAL OR NURSING TRAINING OUTSIDE HONG KONG TO APPLY FOR A LOCAL TRAINING COURSE.
THE 11-WEEK TRAINING COURSE, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO START ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR, AIMS AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE OF PERSONNEL IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SWD SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
’’UNDER THE SUBSIDIARY REGULATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES (ELDERLY PERSONS) ORDINANCE WHICH HAS BEEN ENACTED LAST MONTH (OCTOBER), ALL HEALTH WORKERS ARE REQUIRED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO COMPLETE TRAINING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE BEFORE BEING QUALIFIED FOR REGISTRATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRAINING COURSE FOR HEALTH WORKERS IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SWD AND THE COLLEGE OF NURSING, HONG KONG. A TOTAL OF EIGHT TRAINING COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED SINCE 1989.
’’THE COURSE INCLUDES BASIC SKILLS IN RENDERING HEALTH CARE TO THE ELDERLY, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES OF THE ELDERLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF THEIR QUALIFICATION. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ELDERLY HOMES IN WHICH THEY ARE SERVING.
COPIES OF INVITATION LETTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO PRIVATE HOME OPERATORS, INVITING THEM TO RECOMMEND SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR THE COURSE.
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO TAKE UP A JOB IN THESE HOMES MAY ALSO FORWARD THEIR APPLICATIONS TO SWD’S REGISTRATION OFFICE OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
THE COURSE FEE IS $1,600 PER TRAINEE.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 21 (MONDAY). ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 834 7414 OR 892 5195.
_ _ _ _ 0------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
CONTENTS EAGE NO.
COMMUNITY SHOULD NURTURE ITS ENVIRONMENT.................. 1
PRINCE OF WALES OPENS CANCER CENTRE....................... 1
SEWAGE PROGRAMME TO CURTAIL POLLUTION..................... 3
NO CHANGE IN POLICY ON QUALIFYING AGE FOR ELDERLY SERVICE.. 3
SEVENTH ISSUE OF 2-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES............... 4
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994..... 5
UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR LAB ELECTION.............. 9
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT............. 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 9
SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTHWEST KOWLOON...................... 10
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
10
1
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
COMMUNITY SHOULD NURTURE ITS ENVIRONMENT * * * * *
URBAN SOCIETIES MUST PROVIDE ENCOURAGEMENT AND OUTLET TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT IF THEY ARE TO FLOURISH, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID.
IN WELCOMING HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES TO THE WORLD CONGRESS ON URBAN GROWTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT TODAY (MONDAY), MR PATTEN ECHOED THIS IDEA TO WHICH THE PRINCE HAD GIVEN LIFE.
”HIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN THAT MAN NEEDS TO LIVE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL NURTURE HIS WHOLE BEING AND FUNDAMENTAL TO THIS IS THAT MAN SHOULD LIVE IN A WAY THAT NURTURES AND SUSTAINS HIS OWN ENVIRONMENT,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
DESCRIBING HONG KONG AS A STUNNING CITY, MR PATTEN SAID IT WAS A REFLECTION OF WHAT COULD JUSTIFIABLY CLAIM TO BE THE MOST DYNAMIC, ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY ON EARTH.
’’LIKE ALL URBAN ENVIRONMENTS, IT IS NOT WITHOUT PROBLEMS, NOT WITHOUT A NEED FOR NEW IDEAS AND INSPIRATION IF IT IS TO BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE LIFE OF ITS COMMUNITY IN THE YEARS TO COME.
"BUT ANYONE WHO KNOWS HOW FAR WE HAVE TRAVELLED IN RECENT YEARS - FROM REFUGEE TOWN TO TODAY’S SPECTACULAR CITY-SCAPE - MUST HAVE HOPE AND CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE.”
’’THAT WILL, OF COURSE, ALL DEPEND ON THE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE UP OUR SOCIETY,” HE SAID.
MR PATTEN PRAISED THE PRINCE FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A CONSISTENT THEME OF SPEECHES AND WRITINGS.
THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN AS MUCH THOUGHT TO THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND TO THE LIFE OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN THAT ENVIRONMENT THAN THE PRINCE OF WALES, HE SAID.
------0-------
PRINCE OF WALES OPENS CANCER CENTRE
*****
THE CANCER CENTRE IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, WHICH COMPRISES THE SIR YUE-KONG PAO CENTRE FOR CANCER AND THE LADY PAO CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTRE, WILL BE AN OUTSTANDING FACILITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES IN HIS MESSAGE TO CONGRATULATE THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE THIS AFTERNOON, THE PRINCE UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO MARK ITS OFFICIAL OPENING.
/ACCOMPANYING THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
2
ACCOMPANYING THE PRINCE ON THE STAGE WERE THE DONORS, MR AND MRS PETER WOO; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SIR S Y CHUNG; THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, DR E K YEOH; THE DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICINE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR ARTHUR LI; THE DIRECTOR OF THE CANCER CENTRE, PROFESSOR PHILIP JOHNSON; THE ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR AMBROSE KING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SIR Q W LEE.
THE CANCER CENTRE IS ESTABLISHED THROUGH A GENEROUS DONATION OF $120 MILLION TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY FROM MR AND MRS PETER WOO IN MEMORY OF THE LATE SIR YUE-KONG PAO AND IN HONOUR OF LADY PAO.
THE PRINCE EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO MR AND MRS WOO FOR THEIR IMMENSE GENEROSITY, ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROJECT.
"THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE AND HOLISTIC CARE AND SUPPORT TO PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES ALIKE AS WELL AS BEING A MAJOR CENTRE FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. I CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS VENTURE AND WISH IT A PRODUCTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL FUTURE," HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE DONOR OF THE CANCER CENTRE, MR PETER WOO, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, EXPRESSED DEEP APPRECIATION TO THE PRINCE OF WALES FOR OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MR WOO ALSO THANKED ALL PARTIES CONCERNED FOR THIS SUCCESSFUL PROJECT, SAYING THAT THIS WAS A SUCCESSFUL JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
"LET US ALL HOPE THAT THIS PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT JOINT EFFORT WILL FURTHER ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY-WIDE SUPPORT TO CONTINUE OUR LONG AND HARD BATTLE AGAINST CANCER."
IN HIS THANKS TO THE DONORS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SIR S Y CHUNG, SAID THE OPENING OF THE CANCER CENTRE, WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST MODERN CLINICAL TECHNOLOGY, IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE EVENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND HOSPITAL SERVICES.
THE CANCER CENTRE IS THE FIRST TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTRE UNDER •THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, AND SERVICES HAVE COMMENCED IN PHASES FROM LAST MONTH (OCTOBER).
IT IS ACCOMMODATED IN A SEVEN-STOREY BUILDING WITH ABOUT 60 BEDS FOR CANCER PATIENTS, OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, AND DAY PATIENT FACILITIES. THE CHILDREN’S CENTRE ALSO HAS A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT UNIT.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ADVANCED CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND CURATIVE SERVICES, THE CENTRE IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH FACILITIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH, REHABILITATION, COUNSELLING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
/3 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
3
SEWAGE PROGRAMME TO CURTAIL POLLUTION
*****
IN RESPONSE TO RECENT QUERIES ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME (HPP), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW SEWAGE COLLECTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM TO BE PROVIDED UNDER THIS PRIORITY PROGRAMME WOULD REMOVE OVER 95% OF E.COLI (AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED INDICATOR FOR MEASURING BACTERIAL POLLUTION), UP TO 80% OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS, 70% OF TOXIC METALS AND 65% OF BOD (BIOLOGICAI OXYGEN DEMAND, A MEASUREMENT OF ORGANIC POLLUTION).
IN GENERAL TERMS, THEREFORE, THE HPP WOULD CURTAIL HARBOUR POLLUTION BY 70%.
THE HPP CONSISTS OF A SERIES OF SEWERAGE WORKS IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS TO ENSURE THE PROPER COLLECTION OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT AND DOMESTIC SEWAGE AND CONVEY THIS WASTEWATER - SOME 1.5 MILLION CUBIC METRES A DAY - FOR TREATMENT AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND BEFORE DISPOSAL IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS, TO BE ENHANCED BY CHEMICAL SEDIMENTATION, WOULD REDUCE 70% OF THE POLLUTANT LOADS.
THE SPOKESMAN REFERRED TO THE SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, TO THE THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH IF THESE ARE NOT TACKLED, AND TO THE INCREASING LEVELS OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES AND THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK THIS SUMMER.
AT THE RECENT JOINT LIAISON GROUP EXPERTS MEETING HELD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG EXPERTS AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM CHINA, BOTH SIDES RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR AN EARLY SOLUTION TO POLLUTION IN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR AND FURTHER EXCHANGES ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE OVERAIL STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM ANSWERING THE CHINESE EXPERTS’ QUESTIONS.
------0-------
NO CHANGE IN POLICY ON QUALIFYING AGE FOR ELDERLY SERVICE *****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH TODAY (MONDAY) STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT POLICY IN RESPECT OF MINIMUM QUALIFYING AGE FOR SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
IN AN INFORMATION NOTE TO THE LEGCO PANEL ON WELFARE SERVICES, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH POINTED OUT THAT THOUGH THE WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY RECOMMENDED THAT PLANNING RATIO FOR THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE BASED ON THE TARGET POPULATION AGED 65 OR ABOVE, PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 60 AND 65 WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WHERE THERE WAS A PROVEN NEED.
"THE WORKING GROUP ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY SHOULD BE CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE SO THAT MORE REALISTIC PLANNING TARGETS COULD BE DEVISED.
/"PENDING THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
4
’’PENDING THE FORMULATION OF NEW PLANNING RATIOS BASED ON NEED, NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE CURRENT LEVEL OF PROVISION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, THE POPULATION AGED 60 AND OVER WAS USED AS THE TARGET POPULATION FOR THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"THE WORKING GROUP ANALYSED THE AGE PROFILE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE USING RESIDENTIAL CARE AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES AND FOUND THAT THE MAJORITY WERE AGED 65 AND ABOVE.
■ ”IN ORDER TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE NEED OF ELDERLY PEOPLE FOR VARIOUS SERVICES, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT THE PLANNING RATIO SHOULD BE BASED ON THE TARGET POPULATION AGED 65 AND ABOVE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0--------
SEVENTH ISSUE OF 2-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES * * * * ♦
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES THAT THE TENDER FOR THE SEVENTH ISSUE OF TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES WILL BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 14) FOR SETTLEMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15).
SIMILAR TO THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, AN AMOUNT OF $500 MILLION TWO-YEAR NOTES WILL BE ON OFFER.
IN ADDITION TO THAT, ANOTHER $100 MILLION WILL BE HELD AS RESERVE BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY FOR SUPPLY TO MARKET MAKERS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET.
THE NOTES WILL MATURE ON NOVEMBER 15, 1996 AND WILL CARRY
INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6.90 PER CENT PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY DO SO THROUGH ANY OF THE MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (OR TELEPHONE 878 8150) .
EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF.
FOLLOWING IS THE TENDER INFORMATION FOR THE SEVENTH ISSUE OF THE TWO-YEAR EXCHANGE FUND NOTES:
ISSUE NUMBER : 2611
TENDER DATE AND TIME : MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994, 9.30 AM
TO 10.30 AM
ISSUE AND SETTLEMENT DATE : TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
AMOUNT ON OFFER •: $500 MILLION PLUS AN ADDITIONAL
$100 MILLION AS RESERVE STOCK FOR THE MONETARY AUTHORITY
/MATURITY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
5
MATURITY : TWO YEARS
MATURITY DATE : NOVEMBER 15, 1996
INTEREST RATE : 6.90% PER ANNUM PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY IN ARREARS
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES : NAY 15, 1995, NOVEMBER 15, 1995 MAY 15, 1996, NOVEMBER 15, 1996
TENDER AMOUNT • : EACH TENDER MUST BE FOR AN AMOUNT OF $50,000 OR INTEGRAL MULTIPLES THEREOF. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TENDER FOR THE NOTES MAY APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS ON THE PUBLISHED LIST
OTHER DETAILS : PLEASE SEE INFORMATION MEMORANDUM PUBLISHED OR APPROACH MARKET MAKERS OR RECOGNISED DEALERS
---------0------------
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THF SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW BY 5.4% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993, ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
AMONG THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THF GDP ESTIMATES, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GREW BY 5.4% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE (DEFINED IN NATIONAL ACCOUNTS TERMS) INCREASED BY 4.2% IN REAL TERMS.
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION CONTINUED TO GROW SIGNIFICANTLY BY 11.3% LN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
WITHIN THIS COMPONENT, EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 15.1%, MAINLY BECAUSE OF A FURTHER PICK-UP IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY. EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT ALSO RECORDED A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH OF 10.5%.
REGARDING EXTERNAL TRADE IN GOODS, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 11.3% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER. WITHIN THESE, REEXPORTS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE MAIN IMPETUS TO GROWTH, AND REGISTERED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 15.0% TN REAL TERMS.
THE DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO NARROWED TO -2.3% IN REAL TERMS FROM -9.5% IN THE FIRST QUARTER. IMPORTS ROSE BY 15.1% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF' 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
/AS regards .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
6
AS REGARDS EXPORTS OF SERVICES, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS EASED TO 4.8% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, AFFECTED BY A MARKED SLOW-DOWN IN THE GROWTH OF TOURISM CAUSED AT LEAST IN PART BY A REDUCTION IN TAIWANESE VISITORS PASSING THROUGH F NG KONG INTO CHINA. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR IMPORTS OF 3-ERVICES WAS 7.0%.
THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OF GDP, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, ROSE BY 8.0% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993. THIS WAS SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE REVISED (NOVEMBER 94) ESTIMATES, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF GDP IN REAL TERMS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1994 REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 5.7%. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, GDP GREW BY 5.5% IN REAL TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE LATEST GDP FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1992 TO THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 ARE PRESENTED IN TABLES 1 AND 2.
THE LATEST QUARTERLY ESTI-MATES OF GDP FOR THE SAME PERIOD ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED ’’QUARTERLY ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 2ND QUARTER 1994”.
THIS BILINGUAL REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $6.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHA1 TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH (1) OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 5077.
/TABLE J .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
7
Expenditure-based GDP Estimates
I. it st quarter of 1992 to second quarter o£ 1994
Table 1
GDP at Current Market Prices GDP at Constant (1990) Market Prices
Year/quarter HK$ Mu % change over same period of the preceding year IIK$ Mn % change over same period of the preceding year
1992 778,911 16.5 648,737 6.0
1993 887,614 14.0 686,097 5.8
1992 QI 173,871 18.2 149,583 5.8
Q2 186,123 17.2 154,879 6.0
Q3 206,784 16.0 171,085 6.3
Q4 212,133 15.1 173,190 5.8
1993 QI 201,361 15.8 158,838 6.2
• Q2 211,368 13.6 163,295 5.4
Q3 235,162 13.7 181,362 6.0
Q4 239,723 13.0 182,602 5.4
1994 QI 231,969 15.2 167,916 5.7
Q2 240,584 13.8 172,078 5.4
/TABLE 2 .......
Table 2 Expenditure-based GDP Estimates
Quarterly Year-on-year Growth Rates, first quarter of 1993 to second quarter of 1994
Expenditure Components of GDP
% change over same period of the preceding year
At current market prices At constant (1990) market prices
1993 1994 1993 1994
21 Q2 01 04 Annual 01 Q2 01 Q2 Q3 Q4 Annual 21 Q2
Private consumption expenditure 13.4 14.4 11.6 15.4 13.7 17.5 13.3 7.4 8.8 6.1 7.4 7.4 10.5 5.4
Government consumption expenditure 11.5 14.4 12.8 11.5 12.6 14.7 15.4 0.8 3.4 1.6 0.4 1.5 3.6 4.2
1 1 Gross domestic fixed capital formation 10.8 10.5 10.4 6.0 9.3 25.8 20.4 6.1 5.4 4.6 -1.0 3.7 12.7 11.3
1 1 o of which : Construction 9.7 14.0 17.2 9.4 12.4 28.8 21.0 8.1 13.1 11.9 3.3 8.8 22.1 15.1
1 1 Machinery and equipment 21.6 17.4 8.8 3.5 11.9 8.1 12.8 16.2 9.8 3.3 -3.5 5.6 1.8 10.5
1 1 Total exports of goods 18.4 12.4 14.3 8.8 13.1 8.6 11.3 19.1 11.8 14.6 <8 13.5 7.7 11.3
Imports of goods 17.7 11.8 14.7 6.3 12.2 9.8 15.8 19.1 11.4 15.1 7.0 12.7 8.3 15.1
Exports of services 17.0 16.9 17.0 14.7 16.3 16.6 11.6 8.9 8.0 8.5 7.5 8.2 8.2 4.8
Imports of services 6.2 13.2 8.2 7.4 8.7 13.5 12.3 6.1 11.6 7.9 5.6 7.8 9.1 7.0
<0 Gross Domestic Product 15.8 13.6 13.7 13.0 14.0 15.2 13.8 6.2 5.4 6.0 5.4 5.8 5.7 5.4
00
I
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
9
UNIONS REMINDED TO REGISTER FOR LAB ELECTION
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) URGED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS TO REGISTER IMMEDIATELY AS ELECTORS IN ORDER TO VOTE IN THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) ELECTION NEXT MONTH.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS MUST REAGH THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BY NOON ON THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
’’REGISTRATION FORMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THEY ARE POSTED ON OR BEFORE SATURDAY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS NOT HAVING RECEIVED THE REGISTRATION FORM BY NOW SHOULD CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION ON 852 4079,” HE ADDED.
THE LAB ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KOWLOON ON DECEMBER 3.
------0-------
CLOSURE OF KWUN TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE EIGHT UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG SO THAT THEY (’AN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 20 YUET WAH STREET, KOWLOON, SEVEN SINGLE-STOREY UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ARE USED FOR DWELLING AND ONE TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE FOR STORAGE.
NOTICES APPLYING FOR THE CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MARCH 14, 1995 WERE POSTED ON 1HE 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 94 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 551.175 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 513.435 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 87.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
/10........
J
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1994
- 10 -
SALT WATER CUT IN SOUTHWEST KOWLOON ♦ * * * ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SOUTHWEST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN BEACON WANG TAU HOM, KOWLOON TONG AS WELL AS THOSE TO THE EAST OF YIM P FONG STREET IN MONG KOK.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
*****
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
_______ — _ ——————— ———————
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,786 0930 +1,691
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 2,101 1000 1100 +1,691 +1,531
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 1 ,532 1200 +1,532
LAF TODAY -1,217 1500 1600 +1,532 + 1 ,532
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER HONG KONG MONETARY TWI 120.8 »+0.0* AUTHORITY 7.11.94
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.88 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.80 6.59
1 MONTH 4.45 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.14 6.99
3 MONTHS 5.03 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.63 7.34
6 MONTHS 5.39 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.29 7.66
12 MONTHS 6.03 59 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 5909 - 22,424 7.45 MN 97.10 8.35
CLOSED 7 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NQ.
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S MEDIA SESSION........... 1
REPORT OF WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE MEDICINE PUBLISHED.... 4
EQUITY FUNDING SOUGHT FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY................... 6
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION ATTENDS LEGCO PANEL ON HERCULES 7 ACCIDENT.................................................
FUTURE WELFARE PLAN OUTLINED: DSW........................... 8
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON THURSDAY........... 10
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST 1994....................................................... 11
SIX SHA TIN FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ELECTED.......... 17
VACANCIES FOR GOVERNMENT TEACHERS.......................... 17
100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS FOR AUCTION........... 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................ 20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 21
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SIR HAMISH MACLEOD’S MEDIA SESSION AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY (TUESDAY):
FS: GOOD AFTERNOON, WELL, 1 HAVE JUST FINISHED, AS YOU KNOW, THE ANNUAL EXERCISE - WHAT HAS NOW BECOME THE ANNUAL EXERCISE - OF CONSULTING LEGCO MEMBERS ON THE REVENUE ASPECTS OF THE BUDGET; THE EXPENDITURE, OF COURSE, WE DID MUCH EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
WE WILL BE GIVING YOU THE HARD COPIES OF THE SLIDES WHICH I USED FOR THE BRIEFING ON THE BACKGROUND - THE TRENDS OF OUR REVENUE IN THE PAST TEN YEARS AND SO ON - SO YOU CAN LOOK AT THAT.
I THINK ONE THING WHICH EMERGED WHICH I FIND, I MUST SAY, RATHER HELPFUL, IS THAT MEMBERS DO SEEM TO HAVE ACCEPTED THAT LAST YEAR WAS UNUSUALLY GENEROUS IN TERMS OF THE SALARIES TAX CONCESSIONS AND THEY ARE NOT EXPECTING SUCH DRAMATIC CHANGES THIS YEAR. IN FACT, BASICALLY, MOST PEOPLE ARE ASKING FOR INFLATION INCREASES IN THIS SALARIES TAX AND THEN SOME HAVE OTHER IDEAS ABOUT PARTICULAR SECTORS, SAY, AS SINGLE PARENTS AND SO ON, BUT BASICALLY THERE ISN’T A HIGH EXPECTATION WHICH NATURALLY I WELCOME, AND I THINK IT IS QUITE REALISTIC. 1 THINK, IN FACT, ON REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE THE PATH IS NOW FAIRLY CLEAR AHEAD OF US.
THERE IS SOME INTEREST IN HOW ACCURATE WE HAVE BEEN THIS YEAR IN OUR REVENUE ESTIMATES, AS ALWAYS. YOU KNOW, ARE WE GOING TO HAVE A SURPLUS EVEN BIGGER THAN FORECAST AND SO ON? THE TRUTH IS - TWO THINGS. FIRST OF ALL, IT IS PRETTY EARLY FOR ME TO SAY BECAUSE WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR. BUT SECONDLY, AT LEAST ON THE BASIS OF THE FIGURES SO FAR, I DON’T DETECT ANY BIG DEVIATION. AND IN PARTICULAR, FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED, WE DID ALLOW IN OUR REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR STOCK MARKET TURNOVER BEING LESS, THEREFORE STAMP DUTY ON THAT BEING LESS, AND ALSO WE ALLOWED FOR PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS BEING LESS, SO AT THE MOMENT WE ARE LOOKING NOT BAD ON OUR STAMP DUTY FORECAST WHICH IS TRADITIONALLY ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT ONES. WE HAVE ASSUMED THAT PROFITS AND HENCE PROFITS TAX WILL BE BUOYANT, AND THAT IS ACTUALLY A BIT TOO EARLY TO TEST YET. AS YOU KNOW, PROFITS TAX AND SALARIES TAX COME IN RATHER MORE TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. BUT SO FAR, SO GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE MAIN CONCERNS OF LEGISLATORS? I MEAN YOU PROBABLY HAVE A LONG LIST BUT WHAT IS RIGHT AT THE TOP OF THEIR LIST - INFLATION OR ?
/FS ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
2 -
FS: I WOULDN’T SAY - INFLATION OF COURSE IS MENTIONED, CERTAINLY, IT IS A CONCERN OF THEIRS AND OF MINE - BUT I WOULDN’T SAY IT IS TOP OF THE LIST. I THINK VERY MUCH THIS YEAR IT IS MORE A MATTER OF LOOKING HOW TO FINE TUNE THINGS. I MEAN I AM GENERALISING BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO PUT WORDS IN PEOPLE’S MOUTHS. SOME MEMBERS -YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GUESS WHICH - HAVE SLIGHTLY MORE FUNDAMENTAL VIEWS ABOUT THE BALANCE OF TAXATION, WHETHER IT SHOULD FALL MORE ON COMPANIES OR MORE ON INDIVIDUALS, BUT I LEAVE THAT FOR THEM TO SPEAK OUT ON. BUT GENERALISING, I WOULD SAY RATHER REALISTIC; NOT EXPECTING LARGE CONCESSIONS LIKE LAST YEAR; AND REALLY LOOKING AT FINE TUNING AND WHETHER THE PARTICULAR SECTORS NEED A BIT MORE HELP.
QUESTION: COULD ANY OF THE PROPOSALS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOUR DELIBERATIONS? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU COULD PINPOINT THAT YOU THINK, "YES, THEY HAVE MADE A GOOD POINT"?
FS: I’M CERTAINLY NOT GOING TO PINPOINT IT NOW BECAUSE THEN I WOULD BE REVEALING WHAT IS IN THE BUDGET BUT I CAN SAY THIS, THAT WE WILL BE GIVING A LOT OF THOUGHT TO THE SUBMISSIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME. I MUST SAY, BECAUSE WE HAVE NOW BEEN DOING THIS FOR, I THINK, THREE YEARS, IT HAS GOT BETTER AND BETTER ORGANISED EVERY YEAR AND WE NOW TEND TO GET A WRITTEN SUBMISSION FROM THE MAIN PARTIES WHICH HAS BEEN WELL THOUGHT OUT AND WHICH WE CAN THEN GO AWAY AND DISCUSS AND THAT IS WHAT I WILL BE DOING OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
I HAVE SAID TO LEGCO MEMBERS THAT WE ARE STILL OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS UP TO THE 16TH, SO WE HAVE GOT ANOTHER WEEK, BUT I THINK ACTUALLY, MOST OF THEM HAVE ALREADY GIVEN ME THEIR VIEWS.
QUESTION: AFTER THE SIGNATURE OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR? WILL THAT BE BLOOMING?
FS: WELL, I DON’T THINK IT HAS GREAT SIGNIFICANCE IN THE SENSE THAT, OF COURSE, IN THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST WE HAVE ALLOWED FOR THE LEVELS OF EQUITY INJECTION WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN AGREED. I MEAN I MADE THAT CLEAR IN THE LAST BUDGET SPEECH, SO THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY GREAT SURPRISES IN TERMS OF THOSE VERY LARGE SUMS OF MONEY. THEY ARE ALREADY ALLOWED FOR IN THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST AND OF COURSE THAT WILL BE REFLECTED ON INTO THE ESTIMATES.
QUESTION: AND THERE COMES THE ELECTION YEAR - THE ADMINISTRATION IS FACING THE PRESSURE OF THE CALLS FOR TAX REDUCTION?
FS: OF COURSE YOU ARE RIGHT THAT WHEN ELECTIONS ARE IN THE OFFING THERE TENDS TO BE MORE PRESSURE FOR MORE THINGS, WHETHER IT IS EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE CONCESSIONS BUT AS I SAID, I THINK, ACTUALLY, I AM RATHER PLEASED THAT THIS YEAR THAT IS NOT SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF FEEDING INTO MEMBERS WISHES, THEY ARE RATHER REALISTIC AND NOT EXPECTING CHANGES OF THE LEVEL OF LAST YEAR.
QUESTION: YOU SAID THAT YOU EXPECTED THAT PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS WOULD BE FEWER - FEWER TRANSACTIONS - SO TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU THINK THE STAMP DUTY WILL BE SMALLER?
/FS ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
3
FS: WELL, THAT IS THE POINT I WAS MAKING THAT WE HAVE
ALREADY, IN OUR ESTIMATES OF REVENUE, ALLOWED FOR STAMP DUTY BEING LOWER. I DON’T HAVE A FIGURE IN MY HEAD BUT WE HAVE ALLOWED FOR IT TO BE LOWER THIS YEAR.
QUESTION: WHAT PERCENTAGE?
FS: I CAN'T GIVE YOU THE FIGURE. IT IS IN THE ESTIMATES,
ACTUALLY.
QUESTION: SO NOW YOU HAVE FORMALLY SUGGESTED TO LEGCO MAYBE THEY
WILL PUT IN THE $23 BILLION, ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT THAT SUM WILL BE APPROVED IN ONE GO?
FS: NOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE RAILWAY, YES, - THE
AIRPORT RAILWAY. WELL TALKS CONTINUE BUT THERE IS A BRIEFING COMING UP AND THEN OF COURSE THERE WILL BE THE ACTUAL MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LATER THIS MONTH. I THINK OUR ARGUMENTS ARE GOOD AND THINK THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR GETTING ON WITH THE RAILWAY, SO I DIDN’T EXPECT ANY MAJOR PROBLEM. BUT WE WILL KEEP SPEAKING AND PERSUADING LEGCO MEMBERS - THAT IS OUR JOB. ONE LAST ONE!
QUESTION: THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR IN PEKING SAID THAT, ON THE DAY
OF THE SIGNATURE, HE SAID THERE IS STILL A GREAT DEAL OF PRACTICAL WORK TO FOLLOW AFTER THE SIGNATURE, AND THAT INCLUDES THE TWO FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. WELL WHAT WAS THAT?
FS; HE WASN’T THINKING OF ANYTHING THAT WE HAVEN’T ALREADY
SAID. IT IS THE TWO --
QUESTION: IS IT INCLUDING THE FRANCHISES?
FS: -- IT IS THE TWO FSA’S, IT IS THE AIRPORT BILL, IT IS
THE LAND COMMISSION MEETING ON THE LAND. IT IS THE THINGS WHICH WE HAVE SAID QUITE A LOT IN THE LAST WEEK, IT IS JUST THOSE THINGS.
QUESTION: IS IT THE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS - THE FRANCHISES FOR THE
AIRPORT?
FS: FRANCHISES - HE MIGHT ALSO MEAN THE FRANCHISES, YES.
HE HASN’T GOT A DIFFERENT LIST TO OUR LIST, IT IS THE SAME LIST.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
/4 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
4
REPORT OF WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE MEDICINE PUBLISHED
*****
THE WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE MEDICINE PUBLISHED ITS REPORT TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER THE REPORT HAD BEEN ENDORSED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO RELEASE THE REPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RESPECTED THE LONG HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) AND .THE UNIQUE ROLE IT HAD PLAYED IN HONG KONG IN HEALTH MAINTENANCE.
"WE RECOGNISE THE CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF DRAWING ON THE STRENGTH OF TCM AND INVOLVING THE PROFESSION CLOSELY IN ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT,” SHE SAID.
MRS FOK POINTED OUT THAT RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT WERE BASED ON THE SPIRIT OF SELF-REGULATION AND HAD BEEN FORMULATED FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE PROFESSION AND THE PUBLIC.
MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY INCLUDE SETTING UP A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO STEER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS; THE EVENTUAL REGISTRATION OF THE TCM PRACTITIONERS; REGULATING THE SALE OF POTENT HERBS AND TRAINING DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PROFESSION.
MRS FOK POINTED OUT THAT THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE PROPOSED BY THE WORKING PARTY WOULD CONSIST PRINCIPALLY OF MEMBERS OF THE TCM PROFESSION BUT WOULD ALSO INCLUDE LAY MEMBERS. THE SECRETARIAT WOULD BE SERVICED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
"IT WILL ADVISE ON LEGISLATION PROVIDING A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROMOTION, DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION OF TCM IN HONG KONG. THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE WILL BE DISBANDED WHEN THE LEGISLATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATUTORY BODY COMES INTO FORCE," SHE SAID.
DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, THE WORKING PARTY NOTED THAT MANY DIFFERENT VIEWS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ON THE SPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR EVENTUAL REGISTRATION OF TCM PRACTITIONERS. THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE SHOULD ESTABLISH CRITERIA AND PROCEDURE FOR THE EVENTUAL REGISTRATION OF TCM PRACTITIONERS.
"IN OUR VIEW, REGISTRATION WILL HELP ENHANCE THE STATUS OF TCM PRACTITIONERS, REASSURE PATIENTS OF THE STANDARDS OF THE PRACTITIONERS AND INCREASE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE PROFESSION," SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, MRS FOK POINTED OUT THAT GIVEN THE SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PRACTITIONERS AND THEIR DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ADOPT A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH.
ON POTENT HERBS, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PROFESSION, A "POTENT HERBS LIST" SHOULD BE DRAWN UP EARLY FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE.
/IN DUE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
IN DUE COURSE, THE STATUTORY BODY WOULD CONSIDER RESTRICTING THE SALE OF POTENT HERBS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE PRESCRIPTIONS ISSUED BY REGISTERED TCM PRACTITIONERS.
FOR THE PROPER PROTECTION OF PATIENT SAFETY, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT WORKSHOPS AND MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS OF CHINESE MEDICINE SHOULD BE LICENSED.
IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE STATUTORY BODY SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE LICENCES ANNUALLY FOR THE PROCESSING AND MANUFACTURING OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AT REGISTERED PREMISES.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCES, REGULATIONS WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE OBSERVANCE OF SANITARY AND HEALTH STANDARDS IN REGARD TO THE PREMISES AND THE FITTINGS AS WELL AS MACHINERY THEREIN.
PROVISIONS OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WOULD BE CONSIDERED TO HELP PROCESSORS AND MANUFACTURERS TO COPE WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
AS REGARDS RAW HERBAL MEDICINES, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT IMPORTERS SHOULD BE LICENSED AND THEIR IMPORTS OF POTENT OR TOXIC HERBS SHOULD BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATUTORY BODY.
POTENT OR TOXIC HERBS SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE SOLD ON PRESCRIPTIONS BY REGISTERED TCM PRACTITIONERS AND LICENSED IMPORTERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AUTHENTICITY OF THEIR IMPORTS, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED.
ON THE CONTROL OF PROPRIETARY CHINESE MEDICINE, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED TO INTRODUCE GRADUALLY A LICENSING SYSTEM WHICH CAN BUILD UPON CERTIFICATION FROM THE PLACE OF ORIGIN, WHERE SUCH CERTIFICATION IS CONSIDERED BY' THE GOVERNMENT OF THAT PLACE AS EVIDENCE OF SOUND SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTATION, CLINICAL TRIAL AND RELEVANT RESEARCH.
UNDER THE LICENSING SYSTEM, IMPORTERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY, QUALITY AND EFFICACY OF THEIR IMPORTS.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE MERITS OF FORMAL TRAINING IN THE LONG RUN, THE WORKING PARTY FELT THAT DUE RECOGNITION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY EXISTING TRAINING SCHOOLS AND OTHER FORMS OF TRAINING IN TCM, INCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP WITH REPUTED MASTERS.
THE WORKING PARTY IS OF THE VIEW THAT LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF OFFERING TRAINING COURSES AND THE PROPOSED PREPARATORY COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO ADVISE ON THIS FRONT.
IN THE REPORT, THE WORKING PARTY EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT A GROWING SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED DISPENSERS AT RETAIL OUTLETS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND INSUFFICIENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN LEARNING DISPENSING CHINESE MEDICINES.
HOWEVER, IT NOTED THAT THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAS INTRODUCED COURSES IN CHINESE MEDICINE AND THAT CHINESE MEDICINAL MATERIALS RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IS ALSO PLANNING DISPENSING COURSES.
/AS TCM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
6
AS TCM DISPENSERS ARE EMPLOYED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE WORKING PARTY URGED EMPLOYERS TO SYMPATHETICALLY REVIEW THEIR SALARIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS.
THEIR SALARIES SHOULD REFLECT MORE APPROPRIATELY THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES. IMPROVEMENT IN REMUNERATION SHOULD HELP ATTRACT NEW RECRUITS AND EASE THE CURRENT MANPOWER SHORTAGE, THE WORKING PARTY SAID IN THE REPORT.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION TO ENSURE CONSUMER SAFETY IN THE USE OF CHINESE MEDICINE, THE WORKING PARTY SUGGESTED THAT A CONCERTED EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE BY ALL CONCERNED PARTIES --GOVERNMENT, THE PROFESSION AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS -- TO PROMOTE GREATER AWARENESS OF THE PROPER USE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE.
THE WORKING PARTY THEREFORE RECOMMENDED THAT HEALTH EDUCATION IN CHINESE MEDICINE SHOULD BE INCORPORATED AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
- - 0 - -
EQUITY FUNDING SOUGH! FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY (TUESDAY) ISSUED A FORMAL NOTIFICATION TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IT PROPOSES TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’ FOR COMMITTING EQUITY FUNDING TOTALLING $23.7 BILLION (MONEY OF THE DAY) FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
MEMBERS OF THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROPOSED FUNDING REQUEST.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "ON NOVEMBER 4, FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREED MINUTE ON AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY FINANCING, WE ANNOUNCED THAT WE WOULD BE SEEKING APPROVAL FOR THE FULL EQUITY FUNDING TO ENABLE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO PROCEED WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PROJECT.
"THE REQUEST TO FINANCE COMMITTEE COVERS THE GOVERNMENT’S FULL COMMITMENT FOR A $23.7 BILLION EQUITY INJECTION INTO THE MTRC FOR THE PROJ ECT.
"THE $23.7 BILLION COMPRISES $22,985 MILLION, WHICH WILL ALLOW MAJOR CONTRACTS TO GO AHEAD, AND $715 MILLION FOR THE CONVERSION INTO EQUITY OF ADVANCE FUNDING WHICH WAS APPROVED ON JUNE 3 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL UNDER THE HARBOUR.
"FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREED MINUTE, THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES IT IS RIGHT TO SEEK APPROVAL FOR THE FULL EQUITY FIGURE IN ONE GO SO THAT THE MTRC CAN TAKE UP ITS COMMITMENT TO THE COMPLETE $34 BILLION PROJECT AND GO AHEAD IMMEDIATELY WITH THE WORKS INVOLVED.
/"WE THEN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
7
”WE THEN NEED THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT TO BE IN PLACE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, SO THAT THE MTRC CAN COMMENCE ITS DEBT FINANCING FOR THE PROJECT.
’’THE MTRC HAS BEEN MAKING EXCELLENT PROGRESS WITH DESIGN AND PLANNING AND HAS COMPLETED MORE THAN 75 PER CENT OF THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE PROJECT.
"IT HAS OPTION LETTERS SIGNED ON APPROACHING 20 CONTRACTS, WHICH CAN GO AHEAD AS SOON AS THE EQUITY COMMITMENT IS APPROVED.
"THE CONTRACTS COVER A VARIETY OF WORK INCLUDING STATION CONSTRUCTION, TRACK LAYING, AND PROVISION OF ROLLING STOCK.
"THE TENDERS FOR THESE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED ON A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BASIS, AND IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG THAT THE WHOLE PROJECT SHOULD GO AHEAD WITHOUT DELAY. WITHIN WEEKS, FURTHER TENDERS WILL REACH THE SAME STAGE AND BE READY FOR AWARDING.
"THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE CONTRACTS SCHEDULED TO BE LET, TOGETHER WITH RELATED SUPERVISION AND OTHER MANAGEMENT COSTS, IS IN EXCESS OF $23 BILLION."
A DISCUSSION PAPER OUTLINING THE EQUITY FUNDING REQUEST HAS BEEN ISSUED TODAY TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S PLANNING LANDS AND WORKS PANEL, AND TO MEMBERS OF THE ACC.
IT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS OF THE PANEL AND THE ACC ON NOVEMBER 10, PRIOR TO A MEETING OF FINANCE COMMITTEE LATER THIS MONTH.
------0-------
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION ATTENDS LEGCO PANEL ON HERCULES ACCIDENT » » ♦ * t
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK, TODAY (TUESDAY) CONFIRMED THAT THE HERCULES AIRCRAFT USED TO REPATRIATE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM HONG KONG WERE PROPERLY AUTHORISED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS.
HE WAS BRIEFING A MEETING OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ECONOMIC SERVICES PANEL ON THE CRASH AT KAI TAK AIRPORT ON SEPTEMBER 23 THIS YEAR OF A HERCULES L-382 OPERATED BY PELITA AIR SERVICE ON A NON-PASSENGER CARRYING FLIGHT.
MR LOK STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT IN QUESTION WAS AUTHORISED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS BY THE COMPETENT AVIATION AUTHORITIES IN INDONESIA, THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE AIRCRAFT WAS REGISTERED.
THAT AUTHORISATION APPLIED TO INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS DOMESTIC FLIGHTS, AND RELATED TO FOUR SPECIFIC HERCULES AIRCRAFT OF WHICH THE CRASHED AIRCRAFT WAS ONE.
/MR LOK ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
8
MR LOK ADDED THAT THE ISSUE OF AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE DESIGNATING AN AIRCRAFT FOR A SPECIFIC USE DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE USE OF THAT AIRCRAFT FOR OTHER PURPOSES ON CONDITION THAT THE STATE OF REGISTRY IS SATISFIED THAT IT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS SET BY ICAO.
IN THIS CASE, APPROVAL IN WRITING WAS GIVEN BY INDONESIA FOR THE AIRCRAFT TO CARRY PASSENGERS.
THE HERCULES WAS FITTED WITH A NUMBER OF SAFETY FEATURES SUITABLE FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS.
IT HAD SIX EMERGENCY EXITS, TWO SIDE DOORS IN THE REAR FUSELAGE AND A LARGE REAR LOADING RAMP WHICH COULD BE OPENED IN EMERGENCIES.
THE INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES ALSO REQUIRED THE OPERATOR TO EQUIP THE AIRCRAFT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, OXYGEN SUPPLY, LIFEJACKETS AND LIFERAFTS.
COMMENTING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACCIDENT, MR LOK SAID PRELIMINARY FINDINGS INDICATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED TROUBLE WITH ONE OF ITS STARBOARD ENGINES SHORTLY AFTER TAKING OFF.
"THIS CAUSED THE AIRCRAFT TO TURN RIGHT AND LOSE HEIGHT, UNTIL IT HIT THE WATER IN KOWLOON BAY ABOUT 500 METRES OFF THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE RUNWAY."
MR LOK SAID THE DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WAS CONTINUING AND FURTHER INFORMATION WOULD BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE FULL REPORT WAS COMPLETED.
------0--------
FUTURE WELFARE PLAN OUTLINED: DSW
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN, YOUTH, DISABLED AND ANY OTHER DISADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING THIS AT THE BREAKFAST MEETING OF KIWANIS CLUB, MR STRACHAN SAID $6.8 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY THIS YEAR.
"SPECIFICALLY, WE WILL SET UP AN ADDITIONAL FOUR MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES, SIX DAY CARE CENTRES, 14 SOCIAL CENTRES, 16 HOME HELP TEAMS AND 1,150 PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES, INCLUDING 200 PLACES UNDER THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME IN PRIVATE HOMES.
"TO ENSURE THAT OUR ELDERLY POPULATION ARE LIVING UNDER SATISFACTORY CONDITIONS, WE HAVE DRAFTED LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND CARE FOR SOME 17,600 OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY.
/"WE WILL .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
9
"WE WILL TRAIN AN ADDITIONAL 400 HEALTH WORKERS AS WELL AS PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THESE PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY SO THAT THEY CAN SATISFY THE MORE STRINGENT STAFFING AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION," HE SAID
NOTING THAT NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, MR STRACHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SET UP A $200-MILLION ELDERLY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT FUND TO ASSIST THESE ORGANISATIONS IN ESTABLISHING SELF-FINANCING WELFARE PROJECTS FOR THE ELDERLY.
ON SERVICES TO HELP OTHER DISADVANTAGED MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SAID THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD BEEN PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY AND OVER THE YEARS THE SCHEME HAD SEEN IMPRESSIVE IMPROVEMENTS.
"SINCE 1985, SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS HAVE GONE UP SUBSTANTIALLY IN REAL TERMS, BY 62 PER CENT FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND 104 PER CENT FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR.
"TODAY, THE SCHEME PROVIDES AN AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT EQUAL TO 30 PER CENT OF THE MEDIAN WAGE OF A SINGLE PERSON AND 83 PER CENT OF THE MEDIAN WAGE FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR," MR STRACHAN SAID.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE HARDSHIP FACED BY SINGLE PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN, MR STRACHAN SAID AS FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR, A NEW SUPPLEMENT OF $200 A MONTH WOULD BE PAID TO EACH SINGLE-PARENT FAMILY, THE STANDARD RATES FOR CHILDREN WOULD BE INCREASED BY $205 AND THE AGE AT WHICH THE STANDARD RATES FOR’CHILDREN WERE PAID TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS WOULD BE EXTENDED FROM 18 TO 21.
"UNFORTUNATELY, IN SPITE OF OUR CONTINUAL EFFORTS TO UPGRADE OUR SYSTEM, WE ARE STILL RECEIVING CRITICISMS REGARDING OUR PRESENT SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME.
"CRITICS, HOWEVER, RARELY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WHOLE PICTURE. A CONCRETE FACT IS THAT 90 PER CENT OF OUR CLIENTS ARE RECEIVING SPECIAL GRANTS FROM US.
"THERE ARE 24 BROAD CATEGORIES OF SPECIAL GRANTS COVERING ITEMS SUCH AS RENT, SCHOOL-RELATED EXPENSES AND SPECIAL DIETS, WHICH CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR CUSTOMERS," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONDUCT A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE CURRENT SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS TO SEE IF ANY FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE.
TURNING TO THE NEED OF THE DISABLED, MR STRACHAN SAID BESIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, REHABILITATION, TRANSPORT AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES WERE ALSO OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO SOME 286,000 PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY.
"THIS YEAR, WF WILL SPEND $6 BILLION FOR THE DISABLED. FOR ADULTS WITH A DISABILITY, WE WILL PROVIDE EXTRA PLACES IN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES AND RESIDENTIAL UNITS.
/"FOR CHILDREN .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
10
"FOR CHILDREN WITH A DISABILITY, WE WILL ARRANGE ADDITIONAL PLACES IN MAINSTREAM CHILD CARE CENTRES, PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES AND SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES.
"TO CONTINUE SATISFYING THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WE WILL REPROVISION FIVE SPECIAL SCHOOLS AT AN ESTIMATED CAPITAL COST OF $96 MILLION," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TRAINING IN 109 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND DAI ACT IVIT\ <ENTRES, SET UP 737 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN PRE-SCHOOL CENTRES, AND EXPAND PROGRAMMES FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM.
POINTING OUT THAT THE PUBLIC HAD A ROLE TO PLAY IN ACCEPTING THE DISABLED AND OFFERING THEM A WELCOMING HAND TO INTEGRATE INTO THE SOCIETY, MR STRACHAN SAID A MAJOR PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WOULD BE LAUNCHED TO FIGHT PREJUDICE.
ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE CHIEF SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE AN EXTRA 80 FOSTER CARE PLACES, SET UP AN ADDITIONAL 27 SMALL GROUPS TO CATER FOR 296 CHILDREN IN A FAMILY-LIKE SETTING, AND PROVIDE 47 MORE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS.
"LAST BUT NOT LEAST, WE RECOGNISE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY UNIT WHICH REPRESENTS THE CORE BUILDING BLOCK OF OUR SOCIETY. WITHOUT A STABLE NETWORK OF FAMILIES, OUR SOCIETY WILL INEVITABLY COLLAPSE.
"THIS YEAR, WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING 1,700 ADDITIONAL PLACES IN DAY NURSERIES AND DAY CRECHES, AS WELL AS IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF COUNSELLING SERVICES BY RECRUITING 127 EXTRA FAMILY SOCIAL WORKERS AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS.
"IN 1995/96, WE WILL SET UP A THIRD REFUGE, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING HARMONY HOUSE AND THE WAI ON HOUSE FOR WOMEN, TO HELP WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN WITH PROBLEMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS ON THURSDAY *****
MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS WILL HOLD A SPECIAL PLENARY MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO DISCUSS PROPOSED EQUITY INJECTION FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS ARE REQUESTED TO RESERVE A SEAT BY TELEPHONING MR CHAN HO-KEUNG ON 829 6745 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
/AS SEATS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
11
AS SEATS IN THE CONFERENCE HALL ARE LIMITED, BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0-------
VOLUME AND PRICE MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST 1994 * * * * t
IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1994, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 14% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 4.3%, ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 9.8%. 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 0.8% AND 1.3% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1.9%.
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 EIGHT MONTHS OF 1994 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMPARING AUGUST 1994 WITH AUGUST 1993, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 18% AND 5.5% RESPECTIVELY. TAKEN TOGETHER, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15%. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS GREW BY 16%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1.5% AND 1.8% RESPECTIVELY. IMPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 2.6%.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1. .
/COMPARING AUGUST .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
12
COMPARING AUGUST 199.4 WITH AUGUST 1993, THE VOLUME OF REEXPORTS OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES RECORDED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: FOODSTUFFS (+27%), RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+27%), CONSUMER GOODS (+15%), AND CAPITAL GOODS (+13%). THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.6%.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: FOODSTUFFS (+2.4%), CAPITAL GOODS (+2.2%), FUELS (+2.0%), CONSUMER GOODS (+1.4%), AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+0.9%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
COMPARING AUGUST 1994 WITH AUGUST 1993, COMMODITY GROUPS1' WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+71%) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+25%).
' ‘ :4 • t . • ; t • • .41 ?! 1
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF RADIOS OF ALL KINDS"DECREASED MARKEDLY BY 64%. .••’ i . <
COMMODITY GROUPS WHICH RECORDED INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES INCLUDED TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+8.6%); AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+2.7%). z'
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (-5.6%), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-1.7%) AND DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLICANCES (-1.6%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 20% IN AUGUST 1994 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL, VEGETABLE OIL AND LARD; AND WHEAT AND FLOUR. HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RICE.
• ' I X • ,\'ri ■■ : •' ,« •! • H { •
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 13%.
COMMODITY ITEMS WITH CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME INCLUDED MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. A MARKED DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS NOTED OF TOBACCO MANUFACTURES. -
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED BY 18% IN AUGUST 1994 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1993.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED OF RAW COTTON. AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES. HOWEVER, CONSIDERABLE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF IRON AND STEEL; AND WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK.
/IMPORTS OF .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
13
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED MARKEDLY BY 52% IN VOLUME IN AUGUST 1994 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1993.
AS REGARDS CAPITAL GOODS, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 13% IN AUGUST 1994 OVER AUGUST 1993.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES; AND SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT DECLINED.
COMPARING AUGUST 1994 WITH AUGUST 1993, THE IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED: CONSUMER GOODS (+3.4%), RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2.9%), FOODSTUFFS (+1.8%) AND CAPITAL GOODS (+1.5%). THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS, HOWEVER, DECREASED BY 8.8%.
DETAILS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE AUGUST 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SALE FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT $9 PER COPY AT EITHER (I) THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; OR (II) THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG ON TEL 842 8802 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4918.
/TABLE 1 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
14
Table 1 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category
Comparing AUG 1994 with AUG 1993
Comparing JAN-AUG 1994 with JAN-AUG 1993
% changes
% changes
End-use category
Unit
Value Value Volume
Unit
Value Value Volume
Foodstuffs 29.3 2.4 27.4 19.1 1.8 17.4
Consumer goods 17.2 1.4 14.7 12.1 1.0 10.9
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 28.8 0.9 27.1 20.3 -0.3 20.5
Fuels 1.3 2.0 -1.6 9.0 -12.9 22.1
Capital goods 15.6 2.2 13.3 11.1 1.9 10.1
ALL COMMODITIES 19.8 1.5 17.8 14.2 0.8 13.7
/TABLE 2 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
15
Table 2 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group
Comparing AUG 1994 Comparing JAN-AUG 1994 with AUG 1993 with JAN-AUG 1993
% changes % changes
Unit Unit
Commodity group Value Value Volume Value Value Volume
Clothing 8.2 2.4 6.3 0.3 1.7 -0.8
Textile fabrics 10.1 1.5 8.0 -10.6 -2.8 -8.2
Textile yarn and thread 12.2 1.2 11.6 -4.9 0.4 -4.5
Textile made-ups and related articles 89.4 8.6 70.9 7.5 1.8 4.0
Radios of all kinds -68.5 -1.7 -64.3 -59.0 1.1 -58.2
Electronic components 28.8 2.7 25.5 2.5 3.7 -1.4
Footwear -22.6 -5.6 -16.5 -24.6 -3.6 -25.1
Metal manufactures 3.3 1.5 4.6 -0.3 2.1 0.2
Metal ores and scrap 7.8 2.4 2.4 -9.4 -0.8 -10.6
Watches and clocks -2.3 2.1 -4.2 -8.2 1.7 -8.7
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -11.9 0.8 -11.3 -2.5 3.9 -5.9
Domestic electrical appliances 10.8 -1.6 8.1 -15.9 1.7 -20.2
ALL COMMODITIES 7.5 1.8 5.5 -2.6 1.3 -4.3
/TABLE 3 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
16
Table 3 : Changes in imports by end-use category
Comparing AUG 1994 Comparing JAN-AUG 1994 with AUG 1993 with JAN-AUG 1993
End-use category % changes % changes
Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume
Foodstuffs 22.1 1.8 20.1 16.0 0.5 15.8
Consumer goods 15.7 3.4 13.1 10.8 2.4 9.7
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 21.8 2.9 17.7 17.8 2.4 14.5
Fuels 35.3 -8.8 51.6 22.8 -15.6 41.9
Capital goods 14.2 1.5 13.1 10.1 1.9 8.1
ALL COMMODITIES 17.8 2.6 15.5 13.4 1.9 12.0
---------0----------
/17........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
17
SIX SHA TIN FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ELECTED *****
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SIX FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN WERE ELECTED AT A MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
THEY ARE MR WAI KWOK-HUNG OF THE CULTURE, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; MR LI PO-MING OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE; MS TONG PO-CHUN OF THE EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE; MR LAM KWOK-YIN OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE; MR KONG WOOD-CHIU OF THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE; AND MR PANG CHEUNG-WAI OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
MR PANG OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE DEFEATED MR : HING CHEUNG-YING BY 16 TO 13 VOTES WHEREAS THE OTHER CHAIRMEN WERE ELECTED UNCONTESTED.
------0-------
VACANCIES FOR GOVERNMENT TEACHERS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS TO FILL TEACHING POSTS AS CERTIFICATED MASTER/MISTRESS IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID APPLICANTS MEETING THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 22:
» A TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE FROM A HONG KONG COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OR THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHER’S COLLEGE, OBTAINED AFTER A TWO-YEAR OR THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME TRAINING COURSE WITH AN APPROPRIATE ELECTIVE SUBJECT, OR EQUIVALENT;
* CANDIDATES WHO HAVE COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME TEACHER TRAINING COURSE BEFORE 1982 OR A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME TEACHER TRAINING COURSE AND HAVE A CERTIFICATE IN THE ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION;
* FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION MAY ALSO APPLY. IF SELECTED, THEIR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THEIR OBTAINING A TEACHER’S CERTIFICATE FROM THE INSTITUTE; AND
» CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED IN 1994 OR WILL BE AWARDED IN 1995 BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT A CERTIFICATE ACCORDING A QUALIFIED TEACHER STATUS AFTER SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF THE NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT (NGTQA)
SCHEME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CANDIDATES NOT MEETING THE FULL REQUIREMENTS, BUT WITH THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED. IF SELECTED, THEY WILL BE APPOINTED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT TWO POINTS BELOW THE MINIMUM PAY SCALE AT $12,760:
/CANDIDATES WHO .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
18
* CANDIDATES WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE NGTQA EXAMINATION AND WERE AWARDED AN NGTQA CERTIFICATE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT; AND
* CANDIDATES WHO ATTEMPTED THE NGTQA EXAMINATION IN 1993 OR 1994 AND FAILED IN ONE SUBJECT ONLY, AND WILL APPLY TO SET FOR THAT SUBJECT AGAIN IN 1995 NGTQA EXAMINATIONS. THEIR APPOINTMENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THEIR OBTAINING AN NGTQA CERTIFICATE.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO FILL TEACHING POSTS IN PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: ENGLISH, MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART AND DESIGN, CHINESE, MATHEMATICS, SOCIAL STUDIES, SCIENCE, COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, HOME ECONOMICS, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AND TEACHER LIBRARIAN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PAY SCALE WAS BETWEEN $14,220 AND $22,975. THE ENTRY POINT DEPENDS ON QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S APPOINTMENTS REGISTRY, APPOINTMENTS AND PERSONNEL SUB-DIVISION, ROOM 1631, 16TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 892 6102.
------0-------
100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS FOR AUCTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION 100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 12) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
GD1003 GA128 GD3338 GE328
GE625 GD1006 GD1009 GD1012
*AS1001 ♦ XX25 *GC2 *AC89
AY1777 BC1215 GE3336 CP3819
GE2108 GD8362 GE1128 CC6621
GD1017 GD1011 GC9998 FY3278
GE770 GD6218 GDJ014 GE1116
♦ DD66 »AP27 *AL8338 ♦FA1100
GE466 CM9902 GE329 GE115
CS4376 GE8288 AU1933 GE702
GE3992 GE629 *EB5656 FZ7628
GE161 1 GD1016 BB869 *BE5225
GE513 AS129
/IN THE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
19
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION, WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
GE895 GE168 GC3338 GB7351
GD1008 GE348 GD6233 GE208
♦ FF66 *AP600 *GC3 *BB27
GE8907 GE8388 GE3228 GE1113
CF6686 AC812 AS2988 GE2833
GE1800 GA8930 GB2328 HK3339
GE1168 AP6686 GE220 BT885
*CK87 ♦FD2345 ♦AL2882 ♦GE3993
GE827 GE3168 GB1328 GD7888
CD6686 GE356 GD1018 GE28O
GE1892 BS1962 *GD626 EF1011
BB719 GE699 BB5111 *EA9090
GE6629 BN257
* 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 THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 246TH AND 247TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0------------
/20........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 8 NOV 94 8 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER EE BILLS EE BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q445 H4 7 7
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,110 MN HK$3,430 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HKS1,500 MN HKS800 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 5.01 PCT 5.43 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 5.03 PCT 5.46 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 40 PCT ABOUT 3 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 5.05 PCT 5.47 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEG INNING 14 NOV 1994-
TENDER DATE 14 NOV 94 15 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER EE NOTES EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER 2611 Q446
ISSUE DATE 15 NOV 94 16 NOV 94
MATURITY DATE 15 NOV 96 15 FEB 95
TENOR 2 YEARS 91 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$500 + 100 MN HK$1,500 + 130 MN
COUPON 6.90 PCT
--------0-----------
/21 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1994
21
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS » * » * ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,101 0930 + 908
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,558 1000 + 908
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 828
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 807 1200 + 828
LAF TODAY -350 1500 + 828
1600 + 807
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWJ 120.8 ♦+0.0* 8.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.69 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.83 6.57
1 MONTH 4.47 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.13 7.00
3 MONTHS 5.02 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.64 7.34
6 MONTHS 5.40 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.32 7.65
12 MONTHS 6.04 59 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.12 8.34
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 32,540 MN
CLOSED 8 NOVEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
PROPOSALS TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ANNOUNCED............ 1
REPORT ON RATES OF RETURN ACCEPTED.......................... 3
STI TO ATTEND SIXTH APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING................ 5
REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC FLOW SYSTEM BEING DEVELOPED............ 5
1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS NEW REGULATION FOR REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS.................................................... 7
MAXIMUM LIMIT OF ELECTION EXPENSES INCREASED......„......... 9
NEW MEASURES TO STREAMLINE ADMINISTERING OF LOCAL VESSELS 9
FIRE SERVICES TO MEET CHALLENGES AHEAD................... 11
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS WAH KWAI ESTATE..................... 12
NEW RADAR TO GET MORE ACCURATE WEATHER DATA................ 13
PLEASURABLE AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING......................... 14
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP................ 14
1994 KHUD RACE............................................. 15
JOINT EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY TIES.................... 16
TWO LOTS TO LET............................................ 16
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
17
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
1
PROPOSALS TO TACKLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ANNOUNCED « » « » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO TACKLE THE WORSENING TRAFFIC CONGESTION WITH A' THREE-PRONGED APPROACH THAT WOULD COVER MEASURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN THE SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERMS.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THESE PROPOSALS FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION UNTIL THE END OF JANUARY.
IN THE SHORT TERM, IT IS PROPOSED THAT FISCAL MEASURES BE USED TO CONTAIN PRIVATE CAR GROWTH WHICH INCREASED BY ONE-THIRD IN THE PAST THREE YEARS AND IS INCREASING AT 10 PER CENT A YEAR. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, GOODS VEHICLES ONLY INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT.
MR BARMA SAID: "OUR EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT TAX INCREASE IS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF CONTROLLING CAR NUMBERS. THE 1982 TAX INCREASE SUCCEEDED IN REDUCING THE SIZE OF PRIVATE CARS BY 28 PER CENT. WE DID NOT RETURN TO THE 1982 LEVEL UNTIL EIGHT YEARS LATER."
THE PROPOSALS ARE TO INCREASE ANNUAL LICENCE FEES (ALF) FOR PRIVATE CARS BY AN AVERAGE OF 40 PER CENT TO ACCOUNT FOR INFLATION SINCE THE LAST INCREASE IN MARCH 1991 AND TO INCREASE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX (FRT) FROM THE PRESENT RANGE OF 40 PER CENT TO 60 PER CENT OF THE TAXABLE VALUE TO 70 PER CENT FOR ALL TYPES OF PRIVATE VEHICLES.
THE TAX PROPOSALS WOULD INCREASE ALF BY $1,500 TO $4,500 A YEAR AND NEW CAR PRICES BY $25,000 TO $55,000.
IT IS ESTIMATED THE TAX MEASURES WOULD REDUCE PRIVATE CAR GROWTH TO ABOUT THREE PER CENT IN THE FIRST FULL YEAR.
MR BARMA SAID: "THE PROPOSED FRT INCREASE IS LOADED TOWARDS THE LOWER END OF THE MARKET BECAUSE 78 PER CENT OF THE NEW CARS SOLD ARE WITHIN THE LOWER TAX BANDS.
"THE INCREASES ARE NECESSARY FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT REASONS AND NOT TO GENERATE EXTRA REVENUE PER SE.
"THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT THE SUM OVER AND ABOVE WHAT WOULD BE COLLECTED FROM FRT INCREASES CAN BE CHANNELLED INTO A SPECIAL FUND WHICH WILL BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRANSPORT PURPOSES SUCH AS PROVIDING BETTER TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FACILITIES AND ADVANCING THE BUILDING OF RAILWAYS."
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM. THIS WILL INCLUDE A HIGH LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE; AN INCREASE IN THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY; AND MORE EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES THAT WOULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND GIVE HIGHER PRIORITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE MEASURES WILL INCLUDE MORE BUS LANES, FURTHER UPGRADING. OF COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS AT ROAD JUNCTIONS, INSTALLATION OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ON THE HIGHWAYS AND MORE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE POLICE.
/TO TACKLE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
2
y
TO TACKLE THE WORSENING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE TWO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNELS WHICH ARE ALREADY OPERATING 30 PER CENT TO 40 PER CENT ABOVE THEIR CAPACITY DURING THE PEAK HOURS, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDS THE USE OF PASSAGE TAX TO INCREASE THE TOLLS TO $20 FOR PRIVATE CARS AND $8 FOR MOTORCYCLES FOR BOTH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
ALTERNATIVELY, USE OF TUNNELS BY PRIVATE VEHICLES CAN BE RESTRICTED TO ALTERNATE DAYS THROUGH AN ODD/EVEN LICENCE SCHEME.
IN THE MEDIUM TERM, IT IS PROPOSED THAT A QUOTA SYSTEM BE INTRODUCED TO LIMIT PRIVATE CAR OWNERSHIP. THE MAIN FEATURES ARE:
* A PRE-SET NUMBER OF CERTIFICATES OF ENTITLEMENT TO PURCHASE A CAR WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC TENDER.
* THE CERTIFICATE WOULD HAVE A FIXED LIFE SPAN. TO
DISCOURAGE SPECULATION, THE CERTIFICATE MUST BE SOLD TOGETHER WITH THE CAR TO A NEW OWNER. IT CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER. IF A CAR WAS SCRAPPED, THE CERTIFICATE WOULD BE WITHDRAWN.
MR BARMA SAID: ’’THE QUOTA SYSTEM WOULD REDUCE THE NEED FOR FURTHER TAX INCREASES, BUT SHORT TERM FISCAL MEASURES WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED.”
ALSO IN THE MEDIUM TERM, IT IS PROPOSED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO REDUCE OR WITHDRAW THE TAX ALLOWANCES NOW ENJOYED BY COMPANY CARS UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE. COMPANY CARS NOW ACCOUNT FOR ONE-QUARTER OF THE PRIVATE VEHICLE FLEET AND 40 PER CENT OF PRIVATE VEHICLE TRAFFIC DURING PEAK HOURS.
IN THE LONG TERM, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDS THE INTRODUCTION OF A PRICING SYSTEM BASED ON THE ’’USERS PAY” PRINCIPLE TO MANAGE THE USE OF ROADS SPACE.
MR BARMA SAID: ’’ROAD PRICING IS VERY EFFECTIVE IN REGULATING TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE MOST CONGESTED AREAS AT THE BUSIEST TIMES.
"MANY BIG CITIES IN THE WORLD, SUCH AS LONDON, OSLO, STOCKHOLM AND SINGAPORE, ARE LOOKING TO ROAD PRICING AS THE SOLUTION TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
"THE TECHNOLOGY HAS ADVANCED AND OVERCOME THE PRIVACY CONCERNS EXPRESSED PREVIOUSLY.
"THE NEWEST ’READ AND WRITE’ TECHNOLOGY WOULD BE A STEP ON FROM THE EXISTING TUNNEL AUTO-TOLL NOW BEING USED BY 47,000 SUBSCRIBERS.
"IT INVOLVES A SMART CARD - LIKE THE MTRC TICKET - INSERTED INTO A TAG ON THE WINDSCREEN. NO RECORD OF A CAR’S PASSAGE WOULD BE MADE UNLESS THERE WAS A TOLL VIOLATION.”
HE REALISED THAT PROPOSALS TO RESTRAIN CAR GROWTH ARE A CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT AND THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS THAT THE SOLUTION LIED IN BUILDING MORE ROADS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
3
HE SAID: ’’THE RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE SPENT $17 BILLION AND OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, ANOTHER $30 BILLION ON NEW HIGHWAYS ARE ENVISAGED.
’’BUT IRRESPECTIVE OF WHICH SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT ONE SUPPORTS, THE PLAIN FACT IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME - WE NEED CONSTRAINT MEASURES NOW - NEW ROADS REQUIRE A LEAD TIME OF ALMOST FOUR TO FIVE YEARS.
”WHAT IS MORE , THERE IS REALLY LITTLE SCOPE OF BUILDING MORE FLYOVERS IN URBAN AREAS. THE DILEMMA OF MORE CARS RESULT IN MORE POLLUTION AND MORE NOISE ALSO NEEDS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. WE CANNOT JUST BUILD OUR WAY OUT OF CONGESTION.”
MR BARMA SAID THE PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS WAS DRAWN UP WITH THE PURPOSE OF RESTORING THE BALANCE BETWEEN PRIVATE CAR GROWTH AND TRAFFIC SPEEDS WHICH WERE NOW FALLING AT TWO KILOMETRES PER HOUR EACH YEAR.
COPIES OF THE WORKING GROUP REPORT AND A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
------0-------
REPORT ON RATES OF RETURN ACCEPTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE ADMINISTRATION’S REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE TARGET RATES OF RETURN ON GOVERNMENT UTILITIES INCLUDING MARINE FERRY TERMINALS, TOLL-TUNNELS, WATERWORKS, THE AIRPORT AND THE POST OFFICE.
THE REVIEW WAS UNDERTAKEN BY A WORKING PARTY CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, ON THE ADVICE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET A TARGET RATE OF RETURN FOR ITS UTILITIES TO REFLECT THE COST OF CAPITAL EMPLOYED IN SETTING UP, MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING THE SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE A TOOL FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO MANAGE THE UTILITIES IN A PRUDENT AND EFFICIENT MANNER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO RATIONALISE THE BASIS OF SETTING THE TARGET RATES OF RETURN FOR GOVERNMENT UTILITY SERVICES WHICH WERE HIGHLY CAPITAL INTENSIVE.
"THE TARGET RETURNS REFLECT SIMPLY THE COST OF CAPITAL WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMPLOYED IN SETTING UP AND MAINTAINING THE CAPITAL FACILITIES OF THESE SERVICES. IT IS NOT A PROFIT," HE EMPHASISED.
THE WORKING PARTY ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD USE THE CAPITAL ASSET PRICING (CAP) APPROACH IN DETERMINING THE COST OF CAPITAL AND SHOULD MEASURE RETURN ON THE BASIS OF THE AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS (ANFA), WHICH REPRESENTED BROADLY THE LEVEL OF CAPITAL EMPLOYED BY THE UTILITIES.
THE PROPOSED RATES OF RETURN FOR MARINE FERRY TERMINALS AND GOVERNMENT TOLL-TUNNELS ARE 13 PER CENT AND 13.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/"THE PROPOSED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
4
"THE PROPOSED RATES OF RETURN ARE LOWER THAN THE EXISTING TARGET RATES OF RETURN OF 15 PER CENT FOR THESE TWO GOVERNMENT UTILITIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ON THE BASIS OF THIS APPROACH THERE WOULD NOT NEED TO BE ANY INCREASE IN PASSENGER EMBARKATION FEES AND BERTHING FEES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
"THERE WOULD NEED TO BE A SINGLE TOLL INCREASE OF $1 FOR SHING MUN AND TSEUNG KWAN O TUNNELS IN 1996/97, BUT THERE IS NO NEED FOR AN INCREASE OF TOLLS FOR LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS IN THE SAME PERIOD," HE ADDED.
WITH REGARD TO WATERWORKS, THE PROPOSED RATE OF RETURN IS SET AT EIGHT PER CENT AS OPPOSED TO 12 PER CENT AS DEMONSTRATED UNDER THE CAP APPROACH.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE RETURN RATE OF EIGHT PER CENT FOR WATERWORKS WAS THE MINIMUM RETURN AN INVESTOR WOULD GENERALLY LOOK FOR FROM THE SAFEST POSSIBLE INVESTMENT AND WAS A REALISTIC LONG TERM TARGET.
THE PROPOSED INCREASE OF WATER CHARGES FOR 1995 IS 8.5 PER CENT, WHICH MEANS LESS THAN $5 PER MONTH FOR AN AVERAGE FAMILY. THE EFFECT ON THE CONSUMERS IS CONSIDERED TO BE MINIMAL.
AS REGARDS THE RATES OF RETURN FOR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE POST OFFICE, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT THEY SHOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR THE TIME BEING AS THE AIRPORT WAS IN A TRANSITIONAL POSITION WITH CHEK LAP KOK COMING IN AS ITS REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, AND POST OFFICE WAS MOVING ACTIVELY TO TRADING FUND STATUS.
IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE REVISED TARGET RATES OF RETURN SHOULD BE REVIEWED EVERY FIVE YEARS IN ORDER TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ANY CHANGES IN POLICY, ACTUAL PERFORMANCE, ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES AND INVESTMENT MARKET CONDITIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WORKING PARTY WERE RATIONAL AND REASONABLE.
"DUE CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO PRESSURE ON INFLATION, AFFORDABILITY OF CONSUMERS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE STRESSED.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS :
A MEDIA SESSION ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE HELD AT NOON TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIED HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE SESSION WILL BE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR MIKE ROWSE; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MRS LESLEY WONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
------0--------
/5......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
5
STI TO ATTEND SIXTH APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, LEFT FOR JAKARTA TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE SIXTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION (APEC) TO BE HELD IN INDONESIA ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 12.
THE MEETING WILL REVIEW THE WORK OF APEC IN 1994, CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF APEC SENIOR OFFICIALS, WHO ARE NOW MEETING IN JAKARTA, AND CHART THE PROGRAMME AND DIRECTION FOR APEC’S ACTIVITIES IN THE COMING YEARS.
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, IS HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVE AT THE SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING.
"THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF APEC ARE TO PROMOTE REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND TO FACILITATE TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN THE REGION," MR CHAU SAID.
"APART FROM REVIEWING THE CURRENT WORK OF APEC TO THESE ENDS, MINISTERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS FOR ACHIEVING FREE TRADE IN THE REGION PUT FORWARD BY THE EMINENT PERSONS GROUP AND THE PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM," HE ADDED.
MR CHAU WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH MINISTERS FROM OTHER APEC ECONOMIES ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES OF CONCERN TO HONG KONG.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K Y TANG; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR A R CLARK; AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW.
APEC IS AN INFORMAL FORUM FOR HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES, AND AT PRESENT COMPRISES 17 MEMBERS.
BESIDES HONG KONG, OTHER MEMBERS ARE: AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, CHINA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE USA. CHILE WILL BECOME A MEMBER AT THE MINISTERIAL MEETING.
------0-------
REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC FLOW SYSTEM BEING DEVELOPED
*****
HONG KONG IS IN CLOSE LIAISON WITH ALL NEIGHBOURING AUTHORITIES TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED REGIONAL AIR TRAFFIC FLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO REGULATE TRAFFIC THROUGHPUT TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EXPEDITIOUS FLOW OF TRAFFIC INTO AND OUT OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR PETER LOK KUNG-NAM, WHEN ADDRESSING THE ASIA PACIFIC '94 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CONFERENCE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
/SINCE THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
6
SINCE THE AIRPORT HAS REACHED CAPACITY IN MOST HOURS OF THE DAY, FROM 8.30 AM TO MIDNIGHT, THE CLOSING TIME, THE CONSEQUENCE OF ANY TRAFFIC DISRUPTION COULD BE SERIOUS, MR LOK SAID.
"TO PREVENT THE SUBSEQUENT BACKLOG TRAFFIC FROM OVERLOADING THE SYSTEM, THROUGH EXCESSIVE BUNCHING WHICH WOULD HAVE DEFEATED THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEDULED CO-ORDINATION EFFORTS, A FLOW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS BEING DEVELOPED."
HE SAID THIS WOULD ALSO MINIMISE WASTEFUL HOLDING OR EVEN DIVERSIONS TO OTHER AIRPORTS.
AIR TRAFFIC IN THE ASIA/PACIFIC REGION HAS INCREASED BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS, MR LOK REMARKED, ADDING THAT THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION’S OCTOBER 1994 FORECASTS UP TO THE YEAR 2003 SHOW THAT THE REGION WILL EXPERIENCE THE HIGHEST GROWTH RATE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION PROJECTED THAT BY 2010, ASIA/PACIFIC TRAFFIC WILL ACCOUNT FOR 51 PER CENT OF THE WORLD’S TOTAL.
"TRAFFIC IN HONG KONG HAS GROWN BY A FACTOR OF 2.5 IN THE PAST DECADE. THE SAME HAPPENED IN THE PREVIOUS DECADE, SO IN TWO DECADES TRAFFIC INCREASED SIXFOLD," HE SAID.
"BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE 12-MONTH RUNNING TOTAL OF INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC WAS 25.5 MILLION AND THE AMOUNT OF AIR CARGO HANDLED WAS 1.2 MILLION TONNES.
"TO ACHIEVE THESE RESULTS, SOME 140,000 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS OF AN AWKWARD MIX OF ABOUT 78 PER CENT HEAVIES AND 22 PER CENT MEDIUM AND LIGHTS AIRCRAFT OPERATED INTO AND OUT OF KAI TAK, WHILE ABOUT 315,000 FLIGHTS TRANSITED HONG KONG AIRSPACE," MR LOK SAID.
SUCH SUBSTANTIAL PREDICTED GROWTH RATES IN THE REGION HAVE ENCOURAGED LARGE INVESTMENTS IN AIRPORT PROJECTS. INCREASINGLY, NEW AIRPORTS ARE BEING BUILT AND EXISTING AIRPORTS EXPANDED NOT ONLY TO MEET INCREASING ORIGINATING AND TERMINATING TRAFFIC DEMANDS BUT ALSO TO SERVE AS TRANSFER AND TRANSIT TRAFFIC HUBS.
MR LOK SAID TO EVOLVE THE AIRSPACE INFRASTRUCTURE AT A COMPATIBLE SPEED MUST BE ENSURED, OTHERWISE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THESE NEW AIRPORTS BUILT MIGHT NOT BE REALISED.
TO SUPPORT THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH OF AIR TRAFFIC WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, MR LOK SAID HONG KONG WAS DETERMINED TO INVEST IN THE AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE.
HE CALLED ON THE AVIATION AND AIRPORT AUTHORITIES, THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY AND EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS TO WORK TOGETHER TO RISE TO THE MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD.
------0-------
/7........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
7
1995 LEGCO ELECTIONS NEW REGULATION FOR REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS *****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAS MADE A NEW REGULATION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS IN FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES (FCS) AND THE ELECTION COMMITTEE CONSTITUENCY (ECC) FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO) ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE REGULATION IS THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTION COMMITTEE CONSTITUENCY) REGULATION.
THE BEC HAS ALSO AMENDED ITS EXISTING REGULATION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS IN GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES. THESE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION.
' BOTH REGULATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THE NEW LEGCO NEXT YEAR WILL BE MADE UP OF 60 SEATS; 20 ELECTED FROM GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, 30 FROM FCS AND 10 FROM ECC.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 21 FC SEATS, THERE WILL BE NINE NEW FC SEATS WITH THE FRANCHISE WHICH COVERS ALL 2.7 MILLION WORKING PERSONS ENGAGED IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG FOR REMUNERATION WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE REGISTERED AS VOTERS IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID EVERY WORKING PERSON WOULD BE ENTITLED TO TWO VOTES AT NEXT YEAR’S LEGCO ELECTIONS: ONE FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY AND THE OTHER FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
A MAJOR VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM JANUARY TO MAY IN 1995.
MR JUSTICE WOO SAID A SIMPLE PROCEDURE WOULD BE INTRODUCED FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS IN THE NINE NEW FCS.
THE EXERCISE WILL START WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICER WRITING TO EMPLOYERS FOR INFORMATION ON THEIR MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS AND ON THE NAMES AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AS OF A CERTAIN DATE.
EACH ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE WHO IS ALREADY REGISTERED ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL (GER) WILL RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION WHICH ADVISES HIM OF THE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE WOULD BE REGISTERED. IF HE HAS NO OBJECTION, THERE IS NO NEED FOR HIM TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER AND HE WILL BE REGISTERED ACCORDINGLY.
HE CAN, OF COURSE, CHOOSE NOT TO BE REGISTERED AS A FC ELECTOR.
THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS TO ALLOW A WORKING PERSON TO DECLARE ANY CHANGE IN HIS CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE, CHANGE OF EMPLOYER, OR TO MAKE A CHOICE OF HIS FC BY COMPLETING A NEW APPLICATION FORM IF HE IS ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IN MORE THAN ONE FC.
/THE DETERMINATION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
8
"THE DETERMINATION OF THE APPROPRIATE NEW FC IN WHICH TO REGISTER A WORKING PERSON WILL BE BASED ON THE MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS OF HIS EMPLOYER. THE PERSON’S POST OR OCCUPATION IN THE WORK ORGANISATION IS NOT THE DETERMINING FACTOR."
A WORKING PERSON WHO IS ALREADY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE EXISTING FCS CAN CHOOSE TO SWITCH TO ’AN APPROPRIATE NEW FC. IF HE DOES NOT MAKE SUCH A CHOICE, HE WILL REMAIN IN HIS EXISTING FC.
WORKING PERSONS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER IN A NEW FC BUT HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED IN THE GER CAN APPLY TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER FOR REGISTRATION IN BOTH THE GER AND A NEW FC.
SELF-EMPLOYED AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS CAN BECOME ELECTORS IN A NEW FC APPROPRIATE TO THEIR MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS BY MAKING AN APPLICATION TO REGISTRATION OFFICER.
MR JUSTICE WOO STRESSED THAT ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED DURING VOTER REGISTRATION WOULD BE USED STRICTLY FOR REGISTRATION AND ELECTION PURPOSES.
THE NEW REGULATION PROVIDES SAFEGUARD AGAINST MISUSE OF SUCH INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE WITH A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS.
HE SAID THE BEC HAD ALSO TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE CHANGES TO RATIONALISE THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM AND TO IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL.
IN FUTURE, THERE WOULD BE ONE CUT-OFF DATE, THAT IS JUNE 1, FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS. ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER JUNE 1 WOULD BE ROLLED OVER FOR PROCESSING IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED BEFORE JUNE 22 EACH YEAR FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION WILL COVER ALL ENTRIES OF REGISTRATION.
IN THIS WAY, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE YEAR CAN BE FULLY EXAMINED BY THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER, AND EVERYONE CONCERNED WOULD HAVE A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CORRECTIONS BEFORE THE REGISTER IS FINALISED.
"THIS WOULD IMPROVE THE ACCURACY OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL," MR JUSTICE WOO SAID.
ELECTORAL PROCEDURES FOR THE LEGCO FC AND ECC ELECTIONS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR BY A SEPARATE REGULATION TO BE MADE BY THE BEC IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
------0-------
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
9
MAXIMUM LIMIT OF ELECTION EXPENSES INCREASED *****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE MAXIMUM LIMIT OF ELECTION EXPENSES FOR THE MARCH 1995 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $70,000 TO $100,000, AND A FURTHER $20,000 WOULD ALSO BE PRESCRIBED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED OR STOLEN PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
DETAILS OF THE INCREASE ARE SET OUT IN THE MAXIMUM SCALE OF ELECTION EXPENSES (MUNICIPAL COUNCILS) ORDER 1994 UNDER THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE. THE ORDER WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
"IN SETTING THE ELECTION EXPENSES LIMITS, OUR BASIC PRINCIPLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THAT THE LIMITS MUST NOT BE SO LOW AS TO HAMPER CANDIDATES FROM MOUNTING EFFECTIVE CAMPAIGNS, NOR SO HIGH AS TO DETER THOSE WHO ARE FINANCIALLY LESS WELL-OFF FROM RUNNING ELECTIONS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CURRENT $70,000 ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT FOR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WAS SET IN 1990. IT WAS BASED ON VARIOUS BASIC EXPENDITURE ITEMS SUCH AS PRINTING OF PUBLICITY MATERIALS, PRODUCTION OF BANNERS, PLACARDS AND POSTERS THAT WERE COMMONLY EMPLOYED BY CANDIDATES IN THEIR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.
"SINCE THEN, THE COSTS FOR THESE EXPENDITURE ITEMS HAVE GONE UP SUBSTANTIALLY OWING TO INFLATION BY ABOUT 40 PER CENT. ADDITIONALLY, CANVASSING ACTIVITIES HAVE BECOME MORE SOPHISTICATED OVER THE YEARS. WE BELIEVE THEREFORE THAT THE ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT FOR THE 1995 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS SHOULD BE ADJUSTED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT BOTH THE INFLATIONARY EFFECTS AND THE INCREASE IN THE VARIETY OF EXPENDITURE ITEMS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ORDER ALSO PROVIDES THAT STARTING FROM THE MARCH 1995 MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES IN ALL FUTURE ELECTIONS SHOULD, ON TOP OF THE LEGALLY PRESCRIBED ELECTION EXPENSES LIMIT, BE ALLOWED TO SPEND UP TO A FURTHER SPECIFIED AMOUNT FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED OR STOLEN PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
TO PREVENT ABUSE, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL SUITABLY REVISE THE STATUTORY FORM RELATING TO THE RETURN AND DECLARATION ON ELECTION EXPENSES TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO ACCOUNT FOR ANY EXPENDITURE UNDER THE ADDITIONAL CEILING, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
------0-------
NEW MEASURES TO STREAMLINE ADMINISTERING OF LOCAL VESSELS *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL FROM JANUARY 1, 1995 IMPLEMENT A NUMBER OF NEW MEASURES TO STREAMLINE THE ADMINISTERING OF LOCAL VESSELS AND TO FURTHER IMPROVE MARINE SAFETY, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TO GIVE LEGAL BACKING TO THESE CHANGES, AMENDMENTS TO CURRENT SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE ARE BEING INTRODUCED.
/ONE OF .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
10
ONE OF THE NEW MEASURES IS THE INTRODUCTION OF A LICENCE DISC SYSTEM FOR LOCAL VESSELS. THE OWNER OF ANY LAUNCH OR FERRY VESSEL WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO PURCHASE A LICENCE DISC FOR DISPLAYING ON THE VESSEL INSTEAD OF HAVING TO CARRY A LICENCE BOOK ON THE VESSEL.
"THIS WILL REMOVE THE UNNECESSARY BURDEN FOR VESSEL OPERATORS TO CARRY A LICENCE BOOK ON BOARD WHILE NOT REDUCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER MEASURES INCLUDES THE ABOLITION OF THE PLYING LIMITS, THE OUTDATED PROVISIONS RELATING TO PORT CLEARANCE PROCEDURES FOR LOCAL AND RIVER TRADE VESSELS AND THE PLYING PERMITS FOR LAUNCHES.
AMENDMENTS ARE ALSO BEING MADE TO THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO DELEGATE HIS POWERS FOR THE EXEMPTION OF PORT FORMALITY PROCEDURES.
"THESE CHANGES WILL ENABLE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THE HARBOUR AND FACILITATE MOVEMENT OF VESSELS WHICH REGULARLY LEAVE AND RE-ENTER HONG KONG WATERS.
"TO FURTHER ENHANCE MARINE SAFETY, IT WILL BE A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT, STARTING FROM JANUARY 1, 1996, FOR FERRY VESSELS PLYING ON CERTAIN ROUTES SUCH AS OPERATING OUTSIDE THE HARBOUR LIMIT TO BE FITTED WITH AN APPROVED TYPE OF RADAR AND TO HAVE A TRAINED RADAR OPERATOR ON BOARD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO FORMALISE EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR THE USE OF OUTBOARD PETROL ENGINE BY OPEN SAMPANS, A LICENSING SYSTEM FOR THIS TYPE OF MARINE CRAFT WOULD BE SET UP, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THESE NEW MEASURES ARE STIPULATED IN:
* SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1994;
* SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE (EXEMPTION) (REPEAL) (NO.2) NOTICE 1994;
* MERCHANT SHIPPING (LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994;
» MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) REGULATION 1994 ;
* MERCHANT SHIPPING (MISCELLANEOUS CRAFT) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994;
* SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE (EXEMPTION) (1984-89) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) NOTICE 1994;
* SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE (EXEMPTION) NOTICE 1994; AND
* SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE (EXEMPTION) (REPEAL) NOTICE 1994.
/THESE ORDER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 11
THESE ORDER, NOTICES AND REGULATIONS WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR EXCEPT THE RADAR REQUIREMENT WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1996.
------0--------
FIRE SERVICES TO MEET CHALLENGES AHEAD * * * * *
HONG KONG HAS ONE OF THE MOST REPUTABLE FIRE SERVICES TEAMS IN THE WORLD, OPERATING AT A COST WHICH IS CONSIDERED "THE LOWEST", THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, SAID.
"IN 1992/93, EACH HONG KONG PEOPLE PAID $182, AND IN 1993/94, ONLY $198 FOR THE SERVICE, COMPARED WITH $1,576 IN TOKYO, $1,352 IN SAN FRANCISCO AND $783 IN TORONTO," HE POINTED OUT.
"THE SERVICE WE PROVIDE IS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY," HE ADDED.
MR LAM WAS DELIVERING A TALK ON "THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE FIRE SERVICES AND ITS PLANS TO MEET THE DEMANDS AND CHALLENGES AHEAD" AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT LOCALLY, HE SAID SEVEN NEW FIRE STATIONS WERE BEING BUILT OR PLANNED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AT CAUSEWAY BAY, VICTORIA ROAD, TUNG CHUNG, CHEK LAP KOK, SHUM TSENG, SO KWUN WAT AND TSEUNG KWAN 0.
IN ADDITION, A NEW FIREBOAT FIRE STATION WAS BEING PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN ‘TO MEET THE DEMAND OF THE EXPANDING RIVER TRADER NEAR THE PEARL RIVER ESTUARY BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING ECONOMIC LINK BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, MR LAM SAID.
ON FIRE PROTECTION, HE SAID LEGISLATION SUCH AS THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES (ELDERLY PERSONS) BILL HAI) BEEN ENACTED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY REASONS, REQUIRING SUCH PREMISES TO INSTALL BETTER PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.
REFERRING TO THE CATASTROPHIC BANK FIRE AT SHEK KIP MEI EARLY THIS YEAR WHICH RESULTED IN A HIGH DEATH TOLL, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING THE INVESTIGAT1ON TEAM’S RECOMMENDATION TO REQUIRE ALL COMMERCIAL PREMISES LARGER THAN 230 SQUARE METRES THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, TO PROVIDE FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS AND BETTER MEANS OF ESCAPE.
MR LAM WENT ON TO SAY THAT WHEN THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TOOK OVER THE NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NEXT YEAR, THE FIRE SERVICES WOULD BE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON UPGRADING THE EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE BOTH IN TERMS OF QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY, AND IN DEVELOPING THE PARAMEDIC AMBULANCE SERVICE.
ALTHOUGH THE YEAR SAW A HIGH NUMBER OF TRAGIC ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY HEAVY RAIN, LANDSLIDES, BUILDINGS COLLAPSING AND PLANE CRASH WHICH HAD BROUGHT ADDITIONAL PRESSURE TO THE WORK OF THE SERVICE, MR LAM ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE TOUGH TRAINING HIS MEMBERS RECEIVED HAD MADE THEM WELL PREPARED TO ACHIEVE THE BEST.
/ON' BUILDINGS ......
WEDNESDA NOVEMBER 9, 1994
12
ON BUILDINGS FIRE CALLS, HE SAID 90.17 PER CENT OF THESE CALLS WERE RESPONDED WITHIN THE SIX-MINUTE STANDARD RESPONSE TIME, AGAINST THE TARGET OF 90 PER CENT SET FOR THIS YEAR.
IN ADDITION TO INTRODUCING THE "TRUNKED" RADIO SYSTEM TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE FROM AFFECTING THE MOBILISATION EFFICIENCY, THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO EXAMINING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCIDENTS RESOURCES CONTROL SYSTEM" (OR "BAR CODE SYSTEM") TO RECORD SPEEDILY AND EFFECTIVELY THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE FIRE GROUND OR SITE 01 OTHER CALAMITIES.
EXTERNALLY, THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES HAS ESTABLISHED A CLOSE LINK WITH ITS CHINESE COUNTERPARTS.
"FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, OFFICERS OF 16 FIRE BRIGADES FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES AND CITIES VISITED THE DEPARTMENT, AND IN RETURN, WE HAVE SENT OFF FIVE DELEGATIONS TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF CHINA TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES," MR LAM SAID.
MR LAM SAID: "THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP UP WITH CHANGES AND KEEP PACE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY BEFORE AND BEYOND 1997, EXERTING OURSELVES TO PROVIDE RELIABLE AND HIGH CALIBRE FIRE SERVICES."
------0-------
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS WAH KWAI ESTATE
*****
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED ABERDEEN TO LOOK AT LIFE IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THE PRINCE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT WAH KWAI ESTATE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MS ROSANNA WONG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG. THE PARTY FIRST CALLED ON TWO FAMILIES LIVING IN WAH SIN HOUSE.
THE PRINCE LEARNT THAT ONE FAMILY WAS REHOUSED TO THE 36.5-SQUARE-METRE FLAT UPON CLEARANCE OF TAI SHU I HANG VILLAGE IN LATE 1990 WHILE ANOTHER LARGER FAMILY WAS ALLOCATED A 43.8- SQUARE-METRE FLAT BEFORE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER TIN WAN ESTATE IN EARLY 1991.
BUILT ON THE RECLAIMED KELLETT BAY, WAH KWAI ESTATE COMPRISES FIVE TRIDENT IV BLOCKS PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR 13,800 PEOPLE IN 3,400 SELF-CONTAINED UNITS.
FACILITIES PROVIDED INCLUDE A SHELTERED WORKSHOP, AN ELDERLY CENTRE, A HOSTEL FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, A CH ILDREN/YOUTH CENTRE, A COMMUNITY CENTRE AND A SHOPPING CENTRE WITH ALL KINDS OF TRADES SATISFYING THE DAILY NEEDS OF RESIDENTS.
THE PRINCE THEN TOURED THE FONG WONG WUN TEI ELDERLY CENTRE TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE ABERDEEN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AND ELDERLY PEOPLE CALLING AT THE CENTRE.
/HE ALSO .......
WEDNESDA' NOVEMBER 9, 1994
13
HE ALSO STOPPED OFF AT THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ MOK LAW SUI WAH MEMORIAL SHELTERED WORKSHOP TO LOOK AT SERVICES AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. .
ON THE LAST DAY OF HIS FIVE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG, THE PRINCE TOURED ROUND A FOUNTAIN GARDEN AT THE NEARBY KA LUNG COURT TO SEE THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE AND THE ELEGANT SEA VIEW Ol- THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL.
------0-------
NEW RADAR TO GET MORE ACCURATE WEATHER DATA
*****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS INSTALLED A NEW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR TO COLLECT MORE ACCURATE DATA FOR WEATHER FORECASTING.
THE RADAR WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING 11-YEAR-OLD DIGITAL RADAR TO GET INFORMATION ON WIND STRENGTHS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES AND TO MONITOR THEIR MOVEMENT.
THE DATA WILL BE PASSED TO THE GUANGZHOU REGIONAL METEOROLOGICAL CENTRE AND THE MACAU METEOROLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL SERVICE AS PART OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CO-OPERATIVE PROJECT WITH THEM TO MONITOR HAZARDOUS WEATHER IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION.
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO DECLARE ITS OPENING AT 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 11) AT THE TATE’S CAIRN RADAR STATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, AND THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR PATRICK SHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW RADAR AT 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER II) AT THE TATE’S CAIRN RADAR STATION.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE MEDIA. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BY 3 PM.
------0-------
/14 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
14
PLEASURABLE AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A BOOKLET ENTITLED "A GOOD START TO PLEASURABLE AND. EFFECTIVE LEARNING" TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE BOOKLET, PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING GUIDANCE TO PARENTS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS AND ABILITIES.
THE BOOKLET, WRITTEN IN A LIGHT-HEARTED WAY, CONTAINS LIVELY CARTOONS AND CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS. PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN SHOULD BE BENEFITED FROM THE ADVICE PUT FORWARD IN THE BOOKLET.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE BOOKLET "A GOOD START TO PLEASURABLE AND EFFECTIVE LEARNING" AT REGAL HONG KONG HOTEL, YEE WO STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0-------
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP
*****
AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S "SERVING THE COMMUNITY SCHEME", THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUP OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WAS FORMED AND MET FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS OPENING SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DON WATSON, STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING A REGULAR FORUM FOR SENIOR STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT TO MEET FACE TO FACE WITH THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO HAD FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE SERVICES.
"AS A FOLLOW UP TO THE.PLEDGES WE’VE MADE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE, IT IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL TO ASCERTAIN THE NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS. AS A MEMBER OF THE GROUP, YOUR CONTRIBUTION AND SUGGESTIONS WILL HELP US KNOW YOUR NEED BETTER AND SERVE YOU BETTER," HE SAID.
IN THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGES PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS PLEDGED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCE FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES CAN BE PROCESSED WITHIN 14 WORKING DAYS WHILE PERMITS FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES CAN BE ISSUED WITHIN TWO WORKING DAYS.‘
/REQUESTS FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
15
REQUESTS WORKING DAYS.
FOR CUSTOMS ATTENDANCE CAN BE MET WITHIN THREE
THE GROUP IS CHAIRED BY (HEADQUARTERS), MR TONG HIN-YEUNG. CUSTOMERS WHO MAKE REGULAR USE OF THE QUARTERLY INTERVALS.
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
ITS MEMBERS ARE CHOSEN FROM SERVICE AND THEY WILL MEET AT
--------0-----------
1994 KHUD RACE » * * *
THIS YEAR’S KHUD RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 11). THE EVENT, ONE OF THE TOUGHEST COMPETITIONS IN.THE MILITARY CALENDAR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, IS A 1.6-KILOMETRE RACE STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN A 390-METRE HIGH NEW TERRITORIES MOUNTAIN - NAMELESS HILL.
WELL OVER 100 RUNNERS FROM MAJOR AND MINOR UNITS - BOTH GURKHA AND BRITISH SOLDIERS - WILL TAKE PART IN THIS SPECTACULAR RACE WHICH TAKES ITS ROOTS AN" ITS NAME FROM THE DAYS WHEN GURKHA REGIMENTS OF THE INDIAN ARMY WERE STATIONED ON THE NORTHWEST FRONTIER OF INDIA.
THEN, SMALL GROUPS OF SOLDIERS WERE NEEDED TO RACE TO MOUNTAIN PEAKS TO SECURE SAFE ADVANCE OF THE ARMY COLUMN.
OVER THE DECADES, IT DEVELOPED INTO A SPORT AND THE TRADITION OF THE RACE CONTINUED WHEN THE GURKHA BRIGADE MOVED TO HONG KONG OVER 40 YEARS AGO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RACE WHICH BEGINS AT 9 AM ON FRIDAY. THE RUNNERS WILL RECEIVE A BRIEFING ON THE START LINE AT 8.50 AM. •
FOURTEEN PLACES ON A ROYAL AIR FORCE HELICOPTER LEAVING FROM RAF SEK KONG WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. TRANSPORT TO SEK KONG FROM THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS WILL LEAVE AT 6.30 AM PROMPT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TRAVEL BY HELICOPTER SHOULD RESERVE THEIR PLACE BY CALLING 588 3313 NO LATER THAN 4 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY TO THE VENUE ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE LOWER FOOTBALL FIELD, TAM MI CAMP, BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 8 AM FROM WHERE SHUTTLE VEHICLES WILL TRANSPORT THEM TO THE START POINT.
----o--------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
16
JOINT EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY TIES
*****
FAMILY PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG HAVE GROWN OVER THE LAST DECADE, BUT IT IS FACING UP TO THIS SITUATION, MRS PATTEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE 45TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY, SHE SAID: "IT IS VITAL TO HELP FAMILIES STAY TOGETHER IF POSSIBLE AND HELP ENRICH RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE FAMILY."
THE FAMILY IS THE BASIC UNIT OF SOCIETY WHICH IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE STABILITY OF SOCIETY, SHE SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY SO THAT IT CAN CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT TO THE GROWTH AND WELL-BEING OF ITS MEMBERS.
"INCREASINGLY, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO TEACH FAMILIES HOW TO COPE WITH MODERN PRESSURES AND HOW TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER," SHE SAID.
THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY IS ONE OF THE FOREMOST VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE HELP AND SUPPORT TO FAMILIES.
MRS PATTEN SAID SHE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR INVOLVED IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WOULD BE FOCUSING THE SERVICE ON ISSUES SUCH AS PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE AND PARENTHOOD AND ENHANCEMENT OF MARRIAGE AND PARENTING.
TWO LOTS TO LET *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD, KOWLOON, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,475 SQUARE METRES. THE LOT IS TO BE USED FOR PARKING OF VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,310 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND LOT IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF ON MUK STREET AND ON MING STREET, AREA 11, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES, AND IS TO BE USED FOR PARKING OF THE TENANT’S MOTOR VEHICLES OR FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATES FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR BOTH LOTS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 25.
/TENDER FORMS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
17
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THESE OFFICES.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,558 0930 + 76
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,492 1000 + 85
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 65
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 34 1200 + 64
LAF TODAY -100 1500 + 64
1600 + 34
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER
TWI 120.7 *-0.1* 9.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.81 19 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.84 6.56
1 MONTH 4.47 22 MONTHS 2608 6.15 95.22 6.95
3 MONTHS 5.01 30 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.74 7.29
6 MONTHS 5.42 33 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.47 7.59
12 MONTHS 6.04 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 59 MONTHS AND BONDS - 5909 35,701 7.45 MN 97.37 8.27
CLOSED 9 NOVEMBER 1994
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SEM ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME............................... 1
SHW SPEAKS ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME........................ 6
PENSIONS ORDINANCES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO................ 8
PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES BILL....................... 9
HOSPITAL REGISTRATION FEES................................. 10
REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994...... 11
PENALTIES FOR PIRATED COMPACT DISC TRADE................ 11
EARLY RETIREMENT OF SENIOR OFFICERS........................ 13
LAND FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING............................. 18
MANPOWER AND TRAINING OF TEACHERS.......................... 18
PLUG AND ADAPTOR SAFETY.................................... 20
SAFETY OF CHILDREN RIDING BICYCLES......................... 21
/LAW TO...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
LAW TO CONTROL AMUSEMENT RIDES.............................. 22
CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG................. 23
ROLE OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MEDICAL SERVICES............... 24
OPERATION OF AUTOTOLL SYSTEM................................ 26
TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR OVERSEAS DIGNITARIES.................... 27
MEANS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE NUISANCE...................... 29
EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME................ 33
SERVICES AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY........... 34
ENTRY INTO RESIDENTIAL UNITS BY GOVT OFFICERS............... 35
SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.................................... 37
POLICE CHARGES BASE ON EVIDENCE............................. 38
CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 PROJECT.............................. 39
FUNDS FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL PROJECT........................ 40
MOTION ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME............................ 42
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
SEM ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY MR MICHAEL LEUNG, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME AT THE LEGCO SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I SHOULD LIKE FIRST OF ALL TO BEGIN BY THANKING ALL THE 29 MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN IN THE DEBATE THIS AFTERNOON. GOVERNMENT ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE TO YOUR VIEWS. THE POINTS YOU HAVE MADE WILL BE CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY AS WE ASSESS THE MORE THAN SIX THOUSAND WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION PAPER OVER THE PAST THREE AND A HALF MONTHS.
THE SHEER VOLUME OF THESE SUBMISSIONS INDICATES THE IMPORTANCE WITH WHICH ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY VIEW THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME. OLD AGE AFFECTS US ALL EVENTUALLY, SO IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT SO MANY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY HAVE TAKEN THE TROUBLE TO COMMENT ON OUR PROPOSALS. LET ME ASSURE THIS COUNCIL THAT THESE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITH GREAT CARE AND WITH AN OPEN MIND. WE HAVE PLEDGED IN THIS COUNCIL THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME SUBJECT TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMUNITY OF OUR PROPOSALS. WE SHALL HONOUR THIS PLEDGE.
THE ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THESE SUBMISSIONS HAS JUST BEGUN, SO IT WOULD BE PREMATURE FOR ME TO REACH ANY CONCLUSIONS AT THIS STAGE. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DISPEL A NUMBER OF MISCONCEPTIONS RAISED BOTH DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD AND IN THIS DEBATE.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS _____________________ • i
FIRST, CONTRARY TO THE CRITICISM DEPLOYED BY SOME OPPONENTS TO THE SCHEME, WE HAVE NOT CONFUSED RETIREMENT PROTECTION WITH SOCIAL WELFARE. WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE PROVISION OF INCOME SECURITY FOR THOSE ELIGIBLE ELDERLY BY THE TIME THEY OR THEIR SPOUSES HAVE LOST THEIR EARNING CAPACITY DUE TO OLD AGE. THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME IS A FORM OF SOCIAL INSURANCE WHEREBY THE COMMUNITY COLLECTIVELY PROVIDE FOR INCOME SECURITY FOR THEIR ELDERLY THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS.
FOR THE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, THEY SECURE A DEGREE OF INCOME SECURITY AT OLD AGE BY MAKING A MODEST CONTRIBUTION. FOR THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO HAVE NOT PARTICIPATED IN THE WORKFORCE, DUE OFTEN TO THE NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEIR FAMILIES, THEY DESERVE NO LESS SECURITY THAN THEIR WORKING COUNTERPARTS. THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE WORKED IN THE KITCHENS AND FAMILY ROOMS INSTEAD OF IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET SHOULD NOT DISCRIMINATE THEM FROM BEING TREATED AS FULL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, DESERVING THE SAME DEGREE OF CARE AND SUPPORT WHEN THEY BECOME FINANCIALLY VULNERABLE DUE TO OLD AGE.
/SECOND, THE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
2
SECOND, THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME DOES NOT JUST TARGET THOSE ELDERLY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE LIVING IN POVERTY. THESE ARE ALREADY BEING ASSISTED ADEQUATELY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME, AS MENTIONED JUST NOW BY MY COLLEAGUE. THE PROPOSED SCHEME AIMS TO BENEFIT A MUCH LARGER GROUP OF ELDERLY PEOPLE, MANY OF WHOM, WHILE NOT ENTIRELY WITHOUT MEANS, CONSTANTLY FACE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND RUN THE RISK OF SLIPPING INTO POVERTY IN TIME, GIVEN THEIR MEAGRE SAVINGS AND VERY OFTEN MARGINAL INCOME SUPPORT FROM THEIR FAMILIES. THIS IS A GROUP WHOSE NEEDS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED BY A CARING AND INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT SOCIETY LIKE OURS.
THIRD, IT IS NOT FAIR TO CONDEMN THE PROPOSED SCHEME, AS SOME HAVE DONE, ON THE GROUND THAT IT WOULD DESTROY THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE VALUE OF A FAMILY LOOKING AFTER ITS ELDERLY MEMBERS. IN AN AGE OF SMALL NUCLEAR FAMILIES AND INCREASING LONGEVITY, WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THAT THERE WILL BE AN EVER LARGER NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER CANNOT BE CARED ADEQUATELY BY THEIR FAMILIES. THE MODEST PENSION PROVISION WE ARE PROPOSING SHOULD HELP OUR SENIOR CITIZENS TO LIVE IN LESS FEAR OF FALLING INTO POVERTY AND TO LEAD A MORE DIGNIFIED LIFE WITH MORE INDEPENDENT MEANS. EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE HAS INDICATED THAT THIS TENDS TO REDUCE FRICTION WITHIN FAMILIES AND FOSTER BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MEMBERS.
I TURN NOW TO SOME OF THE SPECIFIC POINTS RAISED IN THIS DEBATE.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
MEMBERS HAVE CALLED UPON THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSUME GREATER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROPOSED SCHEME, EITHER BY CONTRIBUTING A FIXED PERCENTAGE OF THE OVERALL COST OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME, OR BY INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE PROPOSED CAPITAL INJECTION. I BELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT THE PROPOSED GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION IS QUITE GENEROUS. WE WILL BE PROVIDING A SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL INJECTION OF $10 BILLION AS A START-UP FUND FOR THE SCHEME. THIS WILL ALLOW IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS TO THOSE ELIGIBLE, AND ACT AS A CUSHION AGAINST ADVERSE ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE FUTURE.
ON THE RECURRENT SIDE, WE WILL BE CONTRIBUTING ALL THE FUNDS THAT WOULD HAVE FINANCED THE NORMAL AND HIGHER OLD AGE ALLOWANCES, AND THE STANDARD RATE OF PAYMENT UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PERSONS AGED 65 OR ABOVE. THIS AMOUNTS TO SOME $3.6 BILLION THIS YEAR, RISING TO $15.4 BILLION, IN 1994 PRICES, BY THE YEAR 2056. GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE AS AN EMPLOYER. THIS CONTRIBUTION WILL AMOUNT TO ABOUT $1.2 BILLION THIS YEAR, GOING UP TO $4.3 BILLION, IN 1994 PRICES, BY 2056.
PUTTING THESE COMMITMENTS TOGETHER, GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONTRIBUTING ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD OF THE PENSION OUT-GO. IF WE AMORTISE THE $10 BILLION CAPITAL INJECTION OVER THE FIRST TWENTY YEARS, OCR CONTRIBUTION WILL AMOUNT TO ALMOST 40% OF THE PENSION OUT-GO FOR THE FIRST TWO DECADES. THIS IS ALREADY A SUBSTANTIAL SHARE OF THE PENSION COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF OUR TAX PAYERS. TO RAISE IT BEYOND THE PROPOSED LEVEL WOULD BE UNFAIR TO TAXPAYERS AND WOULD WEAKEN THE IRON-LINK WE SEEK TO ESTABLISH BETWEEN PENSION OUT-GO AND CONTRIBUTION INCOME.
/FINANCING PENSIONS ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 3 -
FINANCING PENSIONS FROM GENERAL REVENUE
I AM SURPRISED AT CALLS TO FINANCE THE SCHEME FROM GENERAL REVENUE. THIS IS OFTEN COUPLED WITH THE ASSERTION THAT THE PENSION BENEFITS COULD BE MET FROM OUR BUDGETARY SURPLUS. SUCH AN OPTION, OR INDEED ANY OTHER OPTIONS WHICH SEEK TO FINANCE MAJOR ENHANCEMENTS TO INCOME BENEFITS FOR THE ELDERLY OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE, IS SIMPLY NOT REALISTIC. IT SHOULD BE CLEAR THAT ANY SUCH BENEFIT PAYMENTS MUST BE FUNDED THROUGH A STABLE INCOME SOURCE ON A SUSTAINED BASIS. TO RELY ON THERE ALWAYS BEING A SURPLUS LARGE ENOUGH TO PAY PENSIONS OR ENHANCED INCOME BENEFITS ON A REGULAR BASIS IS UNDULY OPTIMISTIC. IF WE WERE TO FOLLOW THIS PROPOSAL, THEN THE BURDEN ON OUR TAXPAYERS WOULD BE VERY SUBSTANTIAL INDEED. JUST TO REMIND<MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS EQUAL TO THAT PROPOSED IN THE SCHEME WOULD REQUIRE AN INCREASE OF AT LEAST FOUR PERCENTAGE POINTS IN BOTH THE STANDARD RATES OF SALARIES AND PROFITS TAX, IF THESE ARE TO BE FUNDED OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE.
AFFORDABILITY
I CANNOT AGREE WITH THOSE MEMBERS WHO SAY THAT THE COMMUNITY CANNOT AFFORD THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, OR THAT IT WILL LEAVE A HEAVY BURDEN FOR THOSE WHO COME AFTER US. THE CONSCIOUS DECISION TO LINK PENSION INCREASES TO PRICES RATHER THAN TO WAGES IS MEANT TO BALANCE THE NEED FOR A BASIC LEVEL OF INCOME SECURITY FOR THE AGED ON THE ONE HAND, AND WHAT THE COMMUNITY CAN AFFORD ON THE OTHER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO OVER-COMMIT THE COMMUNITY TO A FUTURE BENEFIT LEVEL WHICH THEY MAY BE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO AFFORD. THAT’S THE ”IRON-LINK” BETWEEN CONTRIBUTION INCOME AND PENSION PAYOUTS WILL MAKE IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR ARBITRARY INCREASES TO BE MADE TO BENEFITS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING THE CONSENT OF THREE MILLION CONTRIBUTORS. WHAT WE HAVE SUGGESTED THEREFORE IS A VERY MODEST SCHEME. WITH TOTAL PENSION PAYMENT AMOUNTING TO LESS THAN 1.5% OF OUR GDP, IT IS HARDLY CONVINCING THAT THE SCHEME WOULD BANKRUPT OUR ECONOMY, AS SOME MEMBERS HAVE ALLEGED.
INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON THE OPS
SOME MEMBERS HAVE CRITICISED US FOR UNDERTAKING A PROACTIVE INFORMATION CAMPAIGN TO CALL ON PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE SCHEME. LET ME ASSURE MEMBERS ONCE AGAIN THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF BIAS ON OUR PART. I MUST ALSO REFUTE THE ALLEGATION MADE BY A MEMBER THAT WE HAVE MISREPRESENTED SOME OF THE MATERIALS IN THE PROPOSAL. THIS IS SIMPLY UNTRUE. ALL MATERIALS INCLUDING THE CONSULTATIVE REPORT HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FULLY FOR THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR SCRUTINY IN AN OPEN AND OBJECTIVE MANNER. WE HAVE ALSO LISTENED ATTENTIVELY TO ALL PUBLIC VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING THE PERIOD, WHETHER THEY ARE ALL FOR OR AGAINST THE SCHEME. ' ’*
• •• -7 . I I . -
/BUT THIS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
4
BUT THIS PROPOSED SCHEME IS A MAJOR SOCIAL POLICY INITIATIVE.
IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO LAUNCH AN INFORMATION CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS, FOCUS PUBLIC ATTENTION, CALL FOR VIEWS, AND DEFEND IT AGAINST MISCONCEIVED OR BIASED CRITICISMS. WE HAVE DONE WELL IN THESE EFFORTS AS INDEPENDENT POLLS HAVE CONSISTENTLY INDICATED A HIGH LEVEL OF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SCHEME.
MEMBERS MUST APPRECIATE THAT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS BY ITS NATURE CONVEYED THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA AND PRESS ANNOUNCEMENTS MUST
* NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE SIMPLE AND TO FOCUS ON THE MAIN THEME OF THE SCHEME, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE A DEGREE OF INCOME PROTECTION FOR ELIGIBLE CITIZENS AT OLD AGE. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE DO CONVEY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE SCHEME TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE MORE THAN 170 PRESS INTERVIEWS, SEMINARS, MEETINGS AND DISCUSSION FORUMS THAT OUR STAFF HAVE ATTENDED THROUGHOUT THE LAST THREE AND A HALF MONTHS.
PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES
I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR CALLS YET AGAIN FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, EITHER INSTEAD OF OR IN ADDITION TO THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME. THERE ARE AS WE HAVE SAID BEFORE MANY TIMES SERIOUS INADEQUACIES WITH A CPF: IT TENDS TO YIELD POOR RETURNS AND IS NOT A COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS OF SAVING. IT WILL NOT PROVIDE MEANINGFUL INCOME PROTECTION TO THE BULK OF THE POPULATION -THE PRESENT DAY ELDERLY, THE LOW-INCOME EARNERS, AND HOUSEWIVES. JT WILL ALSO TAKE A LONG LONG TIME TO BUILD UP SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR RETIREMENT PROTECTION. WE DO NOT THEREFORE CONSIDER THE OPTION WORTH PURSUING.
BUT WE DO STRONGLY ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO SET UP COMPANY BASED OCCUPATIONAL RETIREMENT SCHEMES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES. WE ALSO CONTINUE TO RELY ON THE COMMUNITY TO SAVE FOR THEIR FUTURE ACCORDING TO THEIR OWN MEANS. IT IS NOT THE TRADITION OF THIS HARD WORKING COMMUNITY TO RELY TOTALLY ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR INCOME PROVISION AT OLD AGE. BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN TAKE AWAY THE STRONG ARGUMENT AND THE COMMUNITY DESIRE TO SEE IN PLACE A DEGREE OF INCOME SUPPORT FOR OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS.
ASSETS DECLARATION
SOME MEMBERS HAVE CALLED FOR ALL PENSION BENEFITS UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME TO BE MEANS-TESTED OR SUBJECT TO AN INCOME ASSETS DECLARATION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE BENEFICIARY HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE SCHEME. I DO NOT AGREE. THIS IS A SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEME, NOT A SOCIAL WELFARE SCHEME. THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SCHEME FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OUGHT TO BE ENTITLED, AS A MATTER OF RIGHT IN RETURN FOR THEIR OBLIGATION TO CONTRIBUTE, TO A PENSION WHEN THEY REACH ELIGIBILITY AGE. I WOULD, HOWEVER, BE PREPARED TO REVIEW THE ASSET DECLARATION LIMIT FOR NON-CONTRIBUTORS WITH AN OPEN MIND.
/SCHEME ADMINISTRATION .
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
5
SCHEME ADMINISTRATION
SOME MEMBERS HAVE CALLED FOR THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME TO BE RUN BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN SUGGESTIONS THAT CONTRIBUTION COLLECTION SHOULD BE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY RATHER THAN EMPLOYERS. WHILE WE ARE PREPARED TO CONSIDER SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE WAY CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE COLLECTED, WE REMAIN CONVINCED THAT A NON-CIVIL-SERVICE ORGANISATION COULD OPERATE THE SCHEME MUCH MORE COST-EFFECTIVELY.
CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT
MANY MEMBERS HAVE COMMENTED ON THE NEED TO CONSULT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT ON THE PROPOSED SCHEME. WE ARE INDEED COMMITTED TO DOING SO. WE ARE READY TO PROVIDE THE CHINESE SIDE WITH FURTHER INFORMATION OR BRIEFINGS ON THE SCHEME, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSIONS THROUGH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
THE WAY AHEAD
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS OUR TASK FORCE WILL ANALYSE THE SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED, AND PROPOSE ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS WHERE APPROPRIATE. WE WILL LOOK AT THESE SUBMISSIONS WITH AN OPEN MIND. WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A DECISION ON THE WAY FORWARD BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
MR PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT HAS PLEDGED FIRMLY TO ATTACH DUE IMPORTANCE TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC DURING THIS CONSULTATION PERIOD. WE HAVE ALSO PLEDGED A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF OUR ELDERLY IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. A LOT HAVE BEEN DONE AND WILL BE DONE IN THIS DIRECTION. WE HAVE HOWEVER MAJOR RESERVATIONS ON THE MOTION’S CALL FOR GOVERNMENT, OR OUR TAXPAYERS, TO ASSUME EVEN GREATER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME AND FOR WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, AS WHAT WE HAVE PLEDGED IS ALREADY SIGNIFICANT. FOR THIS RESERVATION, THEREFORE, THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE NOT ABLE TO SUPPORT THE MOTION IN FULL. THEY WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON THE MOTION AND ITS AMENDMENTS. THANK YOU.
- - 0---------
- 6 -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
SHW SPEAKS ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
AS A CARING AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT, WE ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES AHEAD OF US AS OUR POPULATION AGES. VERY POSITIVE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE OUR WELFARE SYSTEM FOR OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS AND SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL RESOURCES WILL BE INJECTED TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES FOR THEM.
WE ALREADY HAVE A GOOD FOUNDATION OF SERVICES FOR THE CARE OF OUR ELDERLY POPULATION. IN 1994-95, WE WILL BE SPENDING $6.8 BILLION ON SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE. NOT TOO LONG AGO, NEW LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE SAFETY STANDARDS AND CARE FOR OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS PASSED BY THIS COUNCIL. WHEN THE LEGISLATION COMES INTO FORCE IN 1995, THE SAFETY AND CARE OF MORE THAN 17 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE HOMES WILL BE GREATLY ENHANCED.
APART FROM THE ON-GOING PROGRAMMES, WE ARE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT OUR WELFARE SYSTEM IS ABLE TO MEET THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES THAT WE ARE GOING TO FACE. THE GOVERNMENT’S GOAL IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS SO THAT THEY CAN ENJOY A COMFORTABLE AND DIGNIFIED OLD AGE. THAT IS WHY THE WORKING PARTY ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON EXISTING POLICIES AND SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE. IN MY POLICY COMMITMENTS WHICH WAS PUBLISHED LAST MONTH, I UNDERTOOK TO IMPLEMENT IN FULL ALL 71 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP. THIS MEANS THAT WE WILL BE SPENDING A TOTAL OF $535 MILLION IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BETWEEN 1995 AND THE YEAR 2000 AND ANOTHER $327 MILLION IN CAPITAL COSTS IN IMPROVING SERVICES FOR OUR ELDERLY.
TO PROVIDE BETTER SUPPORT FOR OLDER PERSONS AND THE FAMILIES SO AS TO ALLOW THEM TO GROW OLD IN THEIR HOME ENVIRONMENT WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION, COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES WILL BE IMPROVED. FOR THOSE WHO CAN NO LONGER BE CARED FOR AT HOME, A FULL RANGE OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED TO IMPROVE THE CONTINUUM OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE.
THERE HAVE BEEN REPEATED CALLS FROM MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL FOR THE STANDARD RATE FOR THE ELDERLY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE (CSSA) SCHEME TO BE INCREASED TO $2,300. THE CSSA SCHEME IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM FOR THE VULNERABLE AND DISADVANTAGED. THE CASH ASSISTANCE PROVIDED UNDER THE SCHEME SHOULD NOT BE SEEN IN ISOLATION. IT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ’’SAFETY NET” WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE FOR THOSE WHO ARE FINANCIALLY VULNERABLE. FOR OUR CSSA CLIENTS, THIS ’’SAFETY NET” COVERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES INCLUDING CASH ASSISTANCE, FREE MEDICAL CARE, COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING AND OTHER FREE PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS.
/THERE IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
THERE IS A POPULAR MISCONCEPTION THAT THE STANDARD RATE IS ALL THAT A CSSA CLIENT CAN GET. THE FACT IS THAT CSSA PAYMENT COMPRISES NOT ONLY THE STANDARD RATE BUT ALSO SPECIAL GRANTS, LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT AND DISREGARDED EARNINGS TO MEET THE BASIC AND SPECIAL NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS.
A WIDE VARIETY OF GRANTS IS IN FACT AVAILABLE TO ELDERLY CLIENTS TO DEFRAY THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS. LET ME GIVE YOU SOME EXAMPLES, THEY INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, RENT ALLOWANCE, RENT DEPOSIT, WATER CHARGE ALLOWANCE, SPECIAL DIET ALLOWANCE, TELEPHONE INSTALLATION FEES, TELEPHONE CHARGE ALLOWANCE, COSTS OF DENTAL TREATMENT, GLASSES, REHABILITATION AND MEDICAL APPLIANCES, DEPOSIT FOR WATER, FOR GAS AND FOR ELECTRICITY, AND IN THE CASE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT, EXPENSES ON FAX MACHINES.
FOR ELDERLY CLIENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED CSSA FOR NOT LESS THAN 12 MONTHS, THEY WILL ALSO RECEIVE AN ANNUAL LONG TERM SUPPLEMENT TO HELP THEM REPLACE HOUSEHOLD WARES AND DURABLE GOODS. FOR THOSE CLIENTS WHO ARE WORKING, THEIR EARNINGS FROM EMPLOYMENT ARE DISREGARDED UP TO $835 A MONTH. THE AMOUNT OF DISREGARDED EARNINGS WILL BE RAISED TO $1,115 PER MONTH BY NEXT APRIL.
THE CSSA PAYMENT FOR AN ELDERLY CLIENT NOW AMOUNTS TO ON AVERAGE $2,400 A MONTH. AS OUR CSSA SCHEME IS TAILORED TO THE INDIVIDUAL CLIENT’S CIRCUMSTANCES BASED ON NEEDS, THE MORE NEEDS THERE ARE, THE MORE OUR CLIENTS WILL GET. SO, FOR EXAMPLE, THIS AVERAGE PAYMENT IS $2,690 A MONTH FOR THOSE WHO ARE DISABLED AND $4,220 A MONTH FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED OF CARE AND ATTENDANCE.
OUR CSSA SCHEME HAS DEVELOPED OVER MORE THAN TWO DECADES. IT HAS EVOLVED FROM PROVIDING FOR BASIC SUBSISTENCE TO A SCHEME WHICH MEETS NOT ONLY THE NEEDS OF THE AVERAGE CLIENT BUT ALSO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF INDIVIDUALS AS WELL. WE RECOGNISE THAT A SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES SPECIAL GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS IS, BY ITS VERY NATURE, OFTEN DIFFICULT FOR BOTH THE RECIPIENT AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND. MANY PROBLEMS FACED BY CLIENTS ARISE FROM THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR ENTITLEMENTS.
OUT OF THE 74,000 ELDERLY PERSONS WHO ARE ON CSSA, ABOUT 21,000 ARE RECEIVING INSTITUTIONAL CARE WITH THEIR NEEDS BEING LOOKED AFTER BY THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED. WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT ELDERLY CSSA RECIPIENTS LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THEIR ENTITLEMENTS TO SPECIAL GRANTS. WE HAVE STEPPED UP PUBLICITY ON THE SCHEME TO HELP RECIPIENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS. A HANDBOOK ON THE RIGHTS OF CSSA RECIPIENTS HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. IT SETS OUT IN DETAIL THE RIGHTS OF A CSSA RECIPIENT, INCLUDING THE TYPES AND LEVELS OF GRANTS WHICH HE OR SHE IS ENTITLED TO UNDER THE SCHEME, THE COMPLAINT/APPEAL PROCEDURES AND OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION. THE HANDBOOK WAS PUBLISHED IN JUNE 1994 AND WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL CSSA RECIPIENTS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, CONCERN GROUPS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE MEDIA. IN ADDITION, AN AUDIO TAPE AND A VIDEO TAPE ARE BEING PLAYED INTERCHANGEABLY AT THE RECEPTION AREAS OF ALL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS TO PUBLICISE THE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.
/AS MEMBERS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 8 -
AS MEMBERS ARE AWARE, I HAVE EMBARKED ON A SPECIAL EXERCISE TO REVIEW OUR SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSESS HOW WELL THEY ARE MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS. TOGETHER WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE ARE NOW LOOKING INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF SIMPLIFYING THE ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL GRANTS TO BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS. WE WILL ALSO REVIEW OUR STAFF TRAINING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING OUR SERVICES. TO HELP US TARGET OUR IMPROVEMENT TO CSSA, WE ARE GETTING MORE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE SPENDING PATTERN OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOUSEHOLDS INCLUDING THOSE ON CSSA THROUGH THE 1994-95 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. IMPROVEMENT TO THE SCHEME IS AN ON-GOING PROCESS WHICH WILL CONTINUE.
IN CONCLUSION, I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE THIS COUNCIL THAT GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS. IT IS ENSHRINED IN MY POLICY COMMITMENTS TO THIS COUNCIL AND TO THE COMMUNITY.
--------0 ----------
PENSIONS ORDINANCES BILL INTRODUCED TO LEGCO
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 BE READ A SECOND TIME.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL IS TO REMOVE ANOMALIES WHICH BECAME APPARENT DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES TO DEPENDANT PENSIONS AND RELATED BENEFITS INTRODUCED BY THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION ORDINANCE 1993 AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF PENSIONS. THESE AMENDMENTS ARE MAINLY TECHNICAL IN NATURE. I SHALL HOWEVER ELABORATE ON THE MORE IMPORTANT PROPOSALS :
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SURVIVING SPOUSES’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME WILL BE GRANTED DISCRETION TO ACCEPT A DISABLED CHILD FOR THE RECEIPT OF A DEPENDANT’S PENSION, EVEN IF THE DISABILITY ARISES AFTER THE DEATH OF THE CONTRIBUTOR. ALSO, A DISABLED CHILD OF A DECEASED CONTRIBUTOR MAY, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD, CONTINUE TO RECEIVE A DEPENDANT’S PENSION EVEN AFTER HIS ADOPTION BY ANOTHER PERSON. THIS LATTER PROVISION AIMS TO ENCOURAGE THE ADOPTION OF DISABLED CHILDREN.
THE METHOD OF COMPUTATION OF ADDITIONAL PENSION FOR INJURY ON DUTY WAS CHANGED BY THE PENSIONS MODIFICATION ORDINANCE 1993. OUR ORIGINAL INTENTION WAS ONLY TO APPLY THE NEW COMPUTATION METHOD TO INJURIES SUSTAINED ON OR AFTER 1 FEBRUARY 1993. IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE WILL BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL PENSION TO BE GRANTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS PREVAILING AT THE DATE OF INJURY INSTEAD OF AT THE DATE OF RETIREMENT. THIS AMENDMENT WILL TAKE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM 1 FEBRUARY 1993.
------0--------
/9 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
9
PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES BILL » * * » *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN MOVING THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 BE READ A SECOND TIME.
THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE GIVES EFFECT TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA. HONG KONG IS A PARTY TO THIS CONVENTION THROUGH THE UNITED KINGDOM. IN KEEPING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONVENTION, THIS ORDINANCE REGULATES INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
THERE IS GROWING CONCERN IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OVER THE RATE AT WHICH MANY SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS ARE BEING ENDANGERED. THERE IS PARTICULAR CONCERN OVER ILLEGAL TRADE IN CERTAIN HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES, SUCH AS RHINOCEROSES, TIGERS AND SOME SPECIES OF BEAR, WHICH ARE NOW THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND FOR PARTS OF THESE ANIMALS FOR USE AS INGREDIENTS IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINES.
IT HAS BECOME CLEAR IN OUR INVESTIGATIONS THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE - THE HIGHEST OF WHICH IS A FINE OF $50,000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT - ARE NEGLIGIBLE IN COMPARISON WITH THE POTENTIAL PROFITS FROM ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 SEEKS TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PENALTIES ACCORDING TO WHETHER THE OFFENCE IS COMMITTED FOR A COMMERCIAL OR NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSE AND WHETHER THE SPECIES INVOLVED IS HIGHLY ENDANGERED.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESSION OF AN ENDANGERED SPECIES WITHOUT A LICENCE FOR A COMMERCIAL PURPOSE SHOULD ATTRACT RELATIVELY HIGHER PENALTIES. THE BILL PROVIDES THAT WHERE SUCH AN OFFENCE INVOLVES A HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY SHOULD BE A FINE OF $5 MILLION AND TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND, WHERE THE OFFENCE INVOLVES A LESS ENDANGERED SPECIES, A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR. LESSER MAXIMUM PENALTIES ARE PROPOSED FOR OFFENCES COMMITTED FOR A NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSE.
/THE BILL ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 10 -
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR FURNISHING FALSE INFORMATION WHEN APPLYING FOR A LICENCE, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH VARIOUS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND OBSTRUCTION OF AN AUTHORIZED OFFICER IN CONDUCTING ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS SHOULD RISE SUBSTANTIALLY.
MR PRESIDENT, THE MEASURES PROPOSED IN THE BILL COMPLEMENT OTHERS CURRENTLY BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE AND INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ITS REQUIREMENTS. WE HAVE STEPPED UP OUR INSPECTIONS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SHOPS -INSTITUTING MANY MORE PROSECUTIONS AS A RESULT, IMPROVED OUR LIAISON WITH NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND EMBARKED UPON A WIDE RANGING AND LONG TERM PROGRAMME OF PUBLIC EDUCATION, TARGETTING SCHOOLS, TRAVELLERS AND TRADERS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINES AND ANIMALS AND PLANTS. HONG KONG IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO PLAYING ITS PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORT TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES. THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL INDICATE THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS. THE PROPOSALS ARE ALSO INTENDED TO SEND THE CLEAREST SIGNAL TO ALL TRADERS AND POTENTIAL USERS ALIKE THAT ILLEGAL TRADING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS WILL NOT PAY.
--------0-----------
HOSPITAL REGISTRATION FEES
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN MOVING AMENDMENTS TO THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE SCHEDULE TO THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE BE AMENDED AS SET OUT UNDER MY NAME IN THE PAPER CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SEEK TO REVISE THE FEES PAYABLE ON THE FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATION OF A HOSPITAL OR MATERNITY HOME.
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 SET IN 1989. TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COSTS AND INFLATION SINCE THEN, THE FEES SHOULD NOW BE INCREASED.
THE REVISED FEES REPRESENT AN INSIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL OPERATING COSTS OF THE TRADE. THE IMPACT OF THE FEE REVISION ON CONSUMERS SHOULD BE NEGLIGIBLE. WE HAVE CONSULTED ALL PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND MATERNITY HOMES AND THEY HAVE NO OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED REVISION OF FEES.
WITH THESE REMARKS, I MOVE THE MOTION.
--------0-----------
/Il ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 11 -
REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS REGINA IP, IN MOVING A RESOLUTION ON THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1994 BE APPROVED.
THE FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF PATENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS WERE LAST REVISED IN NOVEMBER 1992. THE AMENDMENT RULES SEEK TO INCREASE THESE FEES TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION SINCE THE LAST REVIEW AND TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH FEES CHARGED FOR SIMILAR SERVICES IN RESPECT OF THE REGISTRATION OF I'RADE MARKS. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE ESTABLISHED POLICY OF ENSURING USERS PAY THE FULL COST FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
MR PRESIDENT, I BEG TO MOVE.
------0--------
PENALTIES FOR PIRATED COMPACT DISC TRADE
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG MO-CHI AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS REGINA IP, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF PIRATED COMPACT DISCS SEIZED IN THE PAST YEAR AND THEIR ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE;
(B) OF THE NUMBERS OF SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS AGAINST THE PRODUCTION, SALE AND POSSESSION OF PIRATED COMPACT DISCS RESPECTIVELY IN THE PAST YEAR; AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE HIGHEST, LOWEST AND AVERAGE PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE COURT IN RESPECT OF EACH TYPE OF OFFENCE;
(C) HOW THE PENALTIES FOR THE SAME OFFENCE IN THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES COMPARE WITH THOSE IN HONG KONG; AND
(D) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO AMENDING THE LEGISLATION SO AS TO RAISE THE EXISTING PENALTY TO INCREASE THE DETERRENT EFFECT?
/REPLY: ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
12
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT
(A) DURING THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SEIZED MORE THAN 180,000 COPIES OF PIRATED COMPACT DISCS WITH AN ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE OF $7.2 MILLION.
(B) IN THE SAME PERIOD 523 CASES WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED FOR SELLING OR POSSESSING PIRATED COMPACT DISCS FOR THE PURPOSES OF TRADE OR BUSINESS. THERE WAS NO CONVICTION FOR PRODUCING PIRATED COMPACT DISCS BECAUSE ALL OF THE PIRATED COMPACT DISCS WERE IMPORTED FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
OF THE 523 CASES, THE SENTENCES IMPOSED BY THE COURT RANGED FROM 50 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE TO 8 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, AND THE FINES RANGED FROM $1.85 TO $1,000 PER INFRINGING COPY. THE AVERAGE FINE WAS $70 PER INFRINGING COPY.
<C} THE PENALTY MAXIMA PRESCRIBED IN THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE FOR PRODUCING PIRATED COMPACT DISCS ARE TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $50,000, WHEREAS THOSE FOR SELLING OR POSSESSING PIRATED COMPACT DISCS FOR TRADE AND BUSINESS ARE 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $1,000 PER INFRINGING COPY.
THE CORRESPONDING STATUTORY PENALTY MAXIMA IN OUR NEIGHBOURING JURISDICTIONS RANGE FROM IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE TO SEVEN YEARS AND FINES RANGING FROM $15,000 TO $135,000 FOR PRODUCING PIRATED COMPACT DISCS, AND FOR THE OFFENCE OF POSSESSION OF PIRATED COMPACT DISCS FOR TRADE PURPOSES, IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE TO SEVEN YEARS AND FINES RANGING FROM $620 TO AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT PER INFRINGING COPY.
(D) WE ARE REVIEWING OUR LEGISLATIVE REGIME FOR COPYRIGHT PROTECTION WITH A VIEW TO MODERNISING AND LOCALISING THE LAW. WE ARE CONSIDERING ACTIVELY ADOPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION TO INCREASE THE PENALTY MAXIMA AND TO INTRODUCE A SECOND TIER OF HIGHER PENALTIES FOR REPEATED OFFENDERS. WE ARE AIMING AT INTRODUCING THE AMENDING LEGISLATION INTO THIS COUNCIL IN 1995.
--------0 - -
/13 .......
WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 13 -
EARLY RETIREMENT OF SENIOR OFFICERS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE PUBLIC STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE THAT SOME DEPARTMENTS ARE FACING AN EXODUS OF STAFF AT THE MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVELS RESULTING IN THE SO-CALLED "SUCCESSION GAP", WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHICH ARE THE DEPARTMENTS REFERRED TO BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE;
(B) OF THE NUMBER OF LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE STAFF AT THE MIDDLE AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVELS IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHO ARE AGED OVER 50 AND WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR RETIREMENT UNDER THE OLD PENSION SCHEME SINCE 1 APRIL 1994; AND
(C) IN REGARD TO THE DEPARTMENTS IN WHICH "SUCCESSION GAP" MAY OCCUR, WHAT REMEDIAL MEASURES WILL BE ADOPTED TO PREVENT THE ABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO GOVERN FROM BEING AFFECTED AS A RESULT OF THE EXODUS AND RESHUFFLE OF STAFF IN FUTURE?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION RAISED AT THE BRIEFING SESSION ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS ON 15 OCTOBER, I REGISTERED MY CONCERN THAT FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, SOME SENIOR OFFICERS AGED OVER 50 MIGHT CHOOSE TO RETIRE EARLY AND THAT THIS MIGHT CAUSE SUCCESSION DIFFICULTIES IN SOME DEPARTMENTS, ONE OR TWO IN PARTICULAR.
LET ME NOW ADDRESS THE THREE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS RAISED BY MR CHEUNG -
(A) AS I SAID AT THE BRIEFING SESSION ON 15 OCTOBER, WE HAVE NO HARD EVIDENCE ON THE NUMBER OF SENIOR OFFICERS WHO WILL BE RETIRING EARLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. OUR ASSESSMENT IS MAINLY BASED ON INFORMATION AND IMPRESSIONS OBTAINED FROM HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND OUR CONTACTS WITH INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS. IT IS THEREFORE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR ME TO PINPOINT ANY DEPARTMENTS SPECIFICALLY. MUCH WILL DEPEND ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS. BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT GIVEN THE SOUND STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND ITS PROVEN ABILITY TO ADAPT TO CHANGE, WE WILL BE ABLE TO OVERCOME SUCH PROBLEMS AS THEY ARISE, PROVIDED WE PREPARE ADEQUATELY. I HAVE RAISED THESE ISSUES, NOT TO CAUSE ALARM BUT TO MAKE SURE THAT MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE ARE AWARE OF THEM, AND SUPPORT THE STEPS WE ARE TAKING TO ADDRESS THEM;
/(B) I HAVE ..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 14 -
(B) I HAVE ATTACHED TO THE PRINTED VERSION OF MY REPLY A TABLE SHOWING THE NUMBER OF SENIOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICERS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS WHO ARE AGED 50 OR ABOVE AND WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR EARLY RETIREMENT UNDER THE OLD PENSION SCHEME SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR. THERE ARE 79 SUCH OFFICERS, BUT ONLY 4 OF THEM AT DIRECTORATE LEVEL. DEPARTMENTS WITH HIGHER NUMBERS OF EARLY RETIREES SUCH AS THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE ALSO DEPARTMENTS WITH A MUCH LARGER ESTABLISHMENT;
(C) WE HAVE SEEN SEVERAL RECENT PRESS REPORTS REFERRING TO A ’’SUCCESSION GAP” AND AN ’’EXODUS”. BOTH ARE EMOTIVE TERMS AND WE MUST KEEP THE ISSUE IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE. WE HAVE A WELL-ESTABLISHED STAFF PLANNING SYSTEM TO WHICH WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE.
SPECIFICALLY, WE HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS WITH HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR POLICY SECRETARIES TO REVIEW SUCCESSION PLANNING, TO IDENTIFY OFFICERS WITH POTENTIAL TO FILL SENIOR POSITIONS, AND TO DETERMINE HOW TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH SUCH THINGS AS SPECIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND SECONDMENT TO POLICY BRANCHES. FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WE ARE SENDING ABOUT 40 SUCH OFFICERS ON SPECIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES OVERSEAS AND SECONDMENTS TO POLICY BRANCHES. THIS NUMBER WILL INCREASE TO 50 IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A POOL OF PROMISING YOUNG OFFICERS AND ARE ACTIVELY GROOMING THEM. MANY OF THEM ARE NOW READY TO TAKE ON HIGHER RESPONSIBILITIES. UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE EARLY RETIREMENT OF SOME SENIOR OFFICERS, THOUGH A REGRETTABLE LOSS OF EXPERIENCE, IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REGENERATION.
TO CONCLUDE, WHILE I DO NOT WANT TO UNDERESTIMATE THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM, I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE A WELL-ESTABLISHED SYSTEM TO ENABLE US TO COPE SHOULD THE PROBLEM ARISE. WE WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION AND ENHANCE THE VARIOUS STEPS WE ARE TAKING WITH THE AIM OF ENSURING STABILITY AND CONTINUITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997.
/APPLICATIONS FOR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
15
APPLICATIONS FOR RETIREMENT RECEIVED SINCE 1.4_._£4 (Offleers aged 50 ?r flfrQya. Aftfl who have applied _fo_r_ retirement under OPS)
Department/Branch Applications Received since 1.4.1994 (Officers aged 50 or above and who have applied for retirement under OPS) Ibtal
Local !TS 34-49 Overseas MPS 34-49 Local Directorate Overseas Directorate
Architectural Services Department — — - -
Agriculture and Fisheries Department — - —
Audit Department 10 40 •• - 4»
Auxiliary Medical Services •• — *• - *
Buildings Department — — — • -
Census and Statistics Department — - -
City and New Territories Administration — — - - -
Civil Service.Training.Centre ** — - -
Civil Aviation Department ■■ — • -
•Civil* Aid Services ■■ — - — -
Civil Engineering Department 3 — - - 3
Companies Registry — — — — -
Correctional Services Department 6 — - 6
Customs and Excise Department 2 - - - 2
Department of Health 2 - - 2
Drainage Services Department — — — - -
Educad.cn Department 14 — •• >• • 14
Electrical and Mechanical Services Department 2 - 2 •
Environmental Protection Department - ••
Fire Services Department 1 1
Government laboratory — — — - f
Government Supplies Department — — — - ।
Govenrnent Property Agency 1 — — 1 _
Government Flying Service — — — - -
Government Secretariat 1 - 1 - 2
Government Land Transport Agency — - - - -
Highways Department - *• - -
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 16 - ’
Department/Branch Applications Received since 1.4.1994 (Officers aged 50 or above and vho haive applied for retirement under CPS) Total
Local MPS 34-49 Overseas MPS 34-49 Local Directorate Overseas Directorate
Heng Kcng Monetary Authority — - - «• -•
Hospital Services Department 1 — - - 1
Housing Department 5 * - 5
Imiqraticn Department 4 — - - 4
Independent Oormissicn Against Corruption — - •
Industry Department — - - -
Information Technology Services Department 1 •* - - 1
Information Services Department 3 — vA ■a 4
Inland Revenue Department — — -
Intellectual Property Department — — - •i -
Judiciary 1 — -■ 1 _
Labour Department 3 M - 3_
•Land’Registry’ — •M — . — -
Lands Department 2 M» — - 2
Legal Aid Department » — — - -
Legal Department — - - -
Marine Department * — - — -
Office of the Teleocmrwnicaticns Authority — — - —
Office of the Ccnraissicoer for Administrative Complaints •» & >> • -
Official Receiver's Office - — •M - -
Planning Department 1 - •• - 1
Planning, Environment and Lands Branch/ Works Branch - - - - -
Police Ccnplaints committee -» - - - -
Post Office 1 — - - 1
Printing Departmait -» — — -
Radio Television Heng Kcng 1 - •• - 1
Rating and Valuaticn Department 1 — 1 — 2
Recreation and Culture Branch ■> — — - —
Regional Services Department •w — —
Royal Heng fcng Regiment (The Volunteers) M • •• - -
/17........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 17 -
Department/Branch Applications Received since 1.4.1994 (Officers aged 50 or above and vfto have applied for retirement under OPS) Total
Local MPS 34*49 Overseas MPS 34-49 Local Directorate Overseas Directorate
Royal Heng Kong Police Force 5 M o 5 II
Royal Observatory «■ M *
Senior Staff Course Centre MB 9 M ■V
Social Welfare Department 7 • - —• ■» 7 II
Student Financial Assistance Agency •• ••
Tednical Education and Industrial Training Department - mb ••
Televlsicn and Ehtertainrwit Licensing Authority ••
Territory Development Department ■i •• •■i ««
Transport Department 1 Mi 1 II
Treasury- 1 •r 1
. University and Polytechnic Grants-Connittee •* •• M ■V
Urban Services Department 5 MB - - 5
Water Supplies Department «• *• - MB
Grand Total 75 4 • 79
/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
LAND FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS ONLY 14 OF THE 323 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND GENERATED
FROM THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS MADE ANY REQUEST TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR MORE LAND TO BE ALLOCATED UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING; IF SO, WHAT IS THE OUTCOME?
ANSWER:
MR PRESIDENT,
OF THE 28.6 HA. EARMARKED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, TWO SITES MEASURING 13 HA. HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. IN ORDER TO INCREASE PUBLIC HOUSING SUPPLY IN THE URBAN AREA, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF ONE OF THESE TWO SITES BY 25% FROM 5,250 FLATS TO 7,000 FLATS. THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S FURTHER REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT FOR ADDITIONAL LAND IN WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION IS BEING REVIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF A STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION TO BE COMMISSIONED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF'THE STUDY WILL BE AVAILABLE BY MID 1995.
- - 0 - -
MANPOWER AND TRAINING OF TEACHERS * * * « »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE UPGRADING OF NON-GRADUATE TEACHING POSTS IN
SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO GRADUATE LEVEL, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE PROPORTION OF GRADUATE TEACHERS TO NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE EXISTING ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBSIDIZED SECONDARY SCHOOLS;
/(B) WHETHER, WITH
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 19 -
(B) WHETHER, WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF DEGREE HOLDERS AND CERTIFICATED MASTERS/MISTRESSES OBTAINING DEGREES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY PLAN TO ADJUST THE PROPORTION REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE, IF SO, WHAT THE SPECIFIC ' TARGET IS?
(C) WHAT MEASURES DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TO ENCOURAGE SERVING CERTIFICATED MASTERS/MISTRESSES (CM) TO TAKE DEGREE COURSES IN ORDER TO BECOME GRADUATE TEACHERS; IF SUCH MEASURES ARE NOT IN PLACE, WHAT THE REASONS ARE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) AT PRESENT, THE RATIO OF GRADUATE TO NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN GRAMMAR AND TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS 7 : 3 WHILE THAT IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IS 1 : 1.
(B) THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. SINCE 1993-94, PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN CREATING ADDITIONAL GRADUATE POSTS THROUGH THE CONVERSION OF NON-GRADUATE POSTS TO GRADUATE STATUS. THE EXERCISE PROVIDES EACH SCHOOL WITH TWO ADDITIONAL GRADUATE POSTS IN 1994-95 AND ONE FURTHER GRADUATE POST IN EACH OF THE TWO SUBSEQUENT YEARS, GIVING A TOTAL OF SOME 1,600 ADDITIONAL GRADUATE POSTS. THE NECESSARY RESOURCES HAVE ALSO BEEN SECURED TO PROVIDE ONE ADDITIONAL GRADUATE TEACHER PER SCHOOL TO 99 SCHOOLS, WHICH HAVE A HIGHER PROPORTION OF LOW ACHIEVERS, OVER A 4-YEAR PERIOD COMMENCING IN 1993-94.
(C) THE GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES SERVING TEACHERS TO ATTEND COURSES RELEVANT TO THEIR DUTIES WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING THEIR OVERALL PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE. SERVING NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WISHING TO TAKE FULLTIME DEGREE COURSES MAY, SUBJECT TO THE RECOMMENDATION OF THEIR EMPLOYERS, BE GRANTED NO-PAY STUDY LEAVE TO DO SO. STUDY LEAVE WITH PAY OF NOT EXCEEDING ONE YEAR MAY ALSO BE GRANTED TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.
- - 0-----------
/20........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 20 -
PLUG AND ADAPTOR SAFETY
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TIEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS (SAFETY) REGULATION, WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON 23 MARCH 1995, A PLUG OR AN ADAPTOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF SALE OR HIRE SHALL CONFORM TO THE SAFETY STANDARDS STIPULATED IN SCHEDULE 2 OF THE REGULATION. THE MAJORITY OF THESE STANDARDS FOLLOW THOSE THAT ARE ADOPTED IN BRITAIN. TO COMPLY WITH THIS REGULATION, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS HAVE TO REFIT PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED LOCALLY OR IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH DO NOT MEET THE BRITISH STANDARDS, RESULTING IN HIGHER COSTS WHICH CAN LEAD TO HIGHER PRICES. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE REASONS WHY MOST OF THE STANDARDS
STIPULATED IN THE REGULATION FOLLOW BRITISH SAFETY STANDARDS, RATHER THAN THOSE OF OTHER COUNTRIES; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE SAFETY STANDARDS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN DRAWING UP A SET OF STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG ?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS (SAFETY) REGULATION WAS MADE IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE STANDARD OF SAFETY OF PLUGS AND ADAPTORS ON THE MARKET IN HONG KONG. TESTS CARRIED OUT BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF PLUGS AND ADAPTORS AVAILABLE LOCALLY FAILED TO MEET SAFETY STANDARDS IN RESPECT OF SUCH FACTORS AS RESISTANCE TO OVERHEATING, INSULATION, BREAKAGE AND DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY, ETC.
THE REGULATION LAYS DOWN COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AREAS OF PLUG DESIGN TO A SPECIFICATION THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE SOCKET SYSTEMS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN HONG KONG. SOME OF THESE STANDARDS HAPPEN TO BE THOSE DRAWN UP IN BRITAIN, BUT IN FACT THESE STANDARDS ARE NOW ADOPTED BY MANY COUNTRIES, AND THEY HAVE ACTUALLY STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.
/WHILST OTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
21
WHILST OTHER COUNTRIES MAY HAVE PLUGS AND ADAPTORS WHICH MATCH BRITISH STANDARDS IN TERMS OF SAFETY, THEY CANNOT BE USED IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THEY DO NOT MATCH OUR ELECTRICAL SOCKET AND SUPPLY SYSTEM.
MR PRESIDENT, AS MR TIEN HAS POINTED OUT, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR SOME PRODUCTS TO BE FITTED WITH NEW PLUGS ONCE THE REGULATION COMES INTO EFFECT. THIS SHOULD BE A TRANSITIONAL SITUATION AS IN THE FUTURE I WOULD EXPECT THE TRADE ONLY TO ORDER STOCK FITTED WITH PLUGS MEETING THE PRESCRIBED STANDARDS. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATION HAS BEEN DEFERRED UNTIL MARCH 1995 TO ENABLE THE TRADE TO ADJUST TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
- - 0 - -
SAFETY OF CHILDREN RIDING BICYCLES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PEGGY LAM AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN RIDING
BICYCLES, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO REQUIRING CHILDREN TO WEAR HELMETS WHEN RIDING BICYCLES; AND
(B) WHAT MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO ENFORCE THE REGULATION PROHIBITING CHILDREN FROM RIDING BICYCLES BEYOND CYCLING TRACKS?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT
(A) THE POLICE HAVE ADVISED THAT CYCLING BY YOUNG CHILDREN ON ROADS IS NOT A MAJOR PROBLEM.
WE CONDUCT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE (CAP 374) AND THE ROAD USERS’ GUIDE, IN CONSULTATION WITH BOTH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE AND IN THE COURSE OF SUCH REVIEWS WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED, OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RELATED SAFETY MATTERS. WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO LEGISLATE TO REQUIRE CHILDREN TO WEAR HELMETS WHEN RIDING BICYCLES.
(B) SECTION 54 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE DEALS WITH RESTRICTIONS ON THE HIRE AND RIDING OF BICYCLES. THIS ALLOWS FOR THE RENTAL OF BICYCLES TO CHILDREN AND FOR THEM TO RIDE ON CYCLE TRACKS OR IN DESIGNATED PARKS. HOWEVER, THE LAW IS QUITE EXPLICIT THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON TO RENT A CYCLE TO A CHILD UNDER 11 YEARS OF AGE OR TO PERMIT AN UNACCOMPANIED CHILD TO RIDE A CYCLE OUTSIDE SUCH AREAS.
- - 0 - -
/22
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
LAW TO CONTROL AMUSEMENT RIDES *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION:
IN RESPONSE TO ENQUIRIES CONCERNING AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A MULTI-AXIS CHAIR INSIDE THE SPACE MUSEUM EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY FOR MANUAL OPERATED RIDES TO BE PUT UNDER LEGISLATIVE CONTROL. HOWEVER, ANOTHER OFFICIAL OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SUBSEQUENTLY INDICATED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS EXAMINING WHETHER THERE WAS A NEED TO AMEND THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION SO AS TO BRING THE SAFETY OF MANUAL OPERATED RIDES UNDER CONTROL. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHETHER CONSIDERATION HAS ACTUALLY BEEN GIVEN TO AMENDING THE LEGISLATION SO THAT MANUAL OPERATED RIDES WILL BE PUT UNDER CONTROL; IF SO, WHEN WILL AMENDMENTS BE INTRODUCED; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE; AND
(B) WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE OPERATIONAL SAFETY OF THESE MANUAL OPERATED RIDES?
REPLY:
THE ADMINISTRATION ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED THAT MANUALLY OPERATED AMUSEMENT RIDES COULD BE CONTROLLED ADMINISTRATIVELY THROUGH ADOPTING THE MEASURES SIMILAR TO THOSE DESCRIBED BELOW. HOWEVER, AFTER VERY CAREFUL EXAMINATION, IT IS FOUND THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE AS THERE WOULD BE NO LEGAL SANCTIONS AGAINST OFFENCES. THE ADMINISTRATION HAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO BRING SUCH RIDES UNDER LEGISLATIVE CONTROL. WE INTEND TO PROPOSE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE RELEVANT ORDINANCE BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1995.
IT IS PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE TWO MEASURES TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MANUALLY OPERATED AMUSEMENT RIDES. FIRST, THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES ("THE DIRECTOR") WILL BE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE TO OWNERS/OPERATORS OF THESE RIDES A SET OF SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ON:-
(A) OWNERS/OPERATORS TO SEEK THE DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL OF THE OPERATION MANUALS AND PROCEDURES OF THESE RIDES BEFORE THEY START TO OPERATE;
/(B) THE DIRECTOR'S
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 23 -
(B) THE DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL OF DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY OWNERS TO OPERATORS ON ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS, FIRE OR MALFUNCTIONS OF THESE RIDES;
(C) THE PROVISION OF FIRST-AID FACILITIES AND TRAINED FIRST-AIDERS; AND
(D) THE CARRYING OUT OF PERIODIC EXAMINATION AND MAINTENANCE BY APPROVED PERSONNEL.
IN ADDITION, OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHALL BE EMPOWERED TO INSPECT THESE RIDES TO ENSURE THAT THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ARE FOLLOWED AND THAT THESE RIDES ARE MAINTAINED IN GOOD CONDITIONS.
ANY OWNERS/OPERATORS FOUND BREACHING THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR WILL BE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE AND WILL BE LIABLE TO PENALTIES ON CONVICTION.
------0------------
CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG ' t ♦
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FRED LI WAH-MING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS OF LAM TIN HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CONTROVERSY OVER THE LATTER’S DEMAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIMARY SCHOOL ON A SITE AT HONG PAK COURT, LAM TIN, KWUN TONG FOR AROUND HALF-A-YEAR’S TIME. IT IS LEARNT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS CONDUCTED A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE LOCATION OF THE SCHOOL AND COMPLETED A REPORT ON THE STUDY. IT IS ALSO KNOWN THAT, BECAUSE OF THE HIGHER SITE FORMATION COST AT THE HONG PAK COURT SITE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO BUILD THE PRIMARY SCHOOL ON A SITE BEHIND THE BUDDIST HO NAM KAM PRE-VOCATIONAL COLLEGE AND RETURN THE SITE AT HONG PAK COURT TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL BLOCK OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS. IN THIS CONNECTION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE REASONS WHY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS NOT DISCLOSED THE CONTENTS OF THE REPORT TO THE RESIDENTS OF LAM TIN AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SO AS TO SEEK THEIR VIEWS;
(B) WHETHER, IN THE LIGHT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DECISION TO BUILD THE SCHOOL ON THE SITE BEHIND THE PRE-VOCATIONAL COLLEGE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED OTHER LESS EXPENSIVE MODES OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE ORIGINAL SITE SUCH AS BUILDING THE SCHOOL BY USING PILLARS TO SUPPORT THE PLATFORM; AND
/(C) FROM THE ...........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
24
(C) FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE SELECTION OF SITE, WHICH OF THE TWO SITES MENTIONED ABOVE IS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN LIVING NEARBY?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS CHOSEN THE KO CHIU ROAD SITE FOR THE NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL ON THE BASIS OF THE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE RECEIVED FROM THE WORKS
DEPARTMENTS. THE REASONS FOR THE DECISION WERE
SUBSEQUENTLY EXPLAINED IN FULL TO RESIDENTS OF HONG PAK COURT.
(B) THE SITE AT HONG PAK COURT WAS NOT SUITABLE BECAUSE IT IS SMALLER THAN THE PRESENT DAY REQUIREMENT FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL. IT WOULD ALSO REQUIRE COMPLICATED
SITE FORMATION WORK AND CONSEQUENTLY LONGER
CONSTRUCTION TIME AND HIGHER COST.
(C) THE SCHOOL IN QUESTION IS ONE OF FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT FOR THE SCHOOL ZONE IN WHICH HONG PAK COURT IS LOCATED. IT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1998. THREE OTHER NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE
COMPLETED BY 1996 AND TWO OF THEM WILL BE QUITE CLOSE TO HONG PAK COURT.
- - 0--------
ROLE OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN MEDICAL SERVICES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING :
(A) HOW DOES THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMMUNICATE WITH PRIVATE HOSPITALS; HOW MANY STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH WORK AND WHAT ARE THE POSTS HELD BY THEM;
(B) WHAT ROLE DOES THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PLAY IN HELPING PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN THEIR MEDICAL SERVICES; AND;
/(C) WHETHER THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 25 -
(C) WHETHER THERE ARE ANY STATISTICS REGARDING COMPLAINTS AGAINST PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; IF SO, WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH COMPLAINTS?
REPLY :
(A) A DEDICATED TEAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH MATTERS RELATED TO PRIVATE HOSPITALS. THIS TEAM COMPRISES A PRINCIPAL MEDICAL OFFICER, A SENIOR NURSING OFFICER, A SENIOR HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR AND A CLERICAL OFFICER. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS BROUGHT IN, FOR EXAMPLE FROM THE STATISTICS AND FINANCE UNITS, AS REQUIRED.
PRIVATE HOSPITALS ARE REQUIRED ANNUALLY TO COMPLETE A QUESTIONNAIRE AND TO UNDERGO AN INSPECTION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TEAM PRIOR TO THE RENEWAL OF LICENCE. .THEY ALSO PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH STATISTICS ON HOSPITAL DISCHARGES, BIRTHS, IMMUNIZATION AND NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
PRIVATE HOSPITALS CAN APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR ADVICE ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND OTHER RELEVANT ISSUES. THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO CONTACT THESE INSTITUTIONS AND DISSEMINATE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO HOSPITAL PRACTICES AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
(B) THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL -
(I) ENSURE THAT THAT CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED UNDER THE
HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP. 165) ARE FULFILLED BEFORE A LICENCE IS ISSUED OR RENEWED;
(II) PROVIDE COMMENTS ON NEW OR EXTENSION PROJECTS;
•h,..
(UI) DISSEMINATE GUIDELINES OR ADVISORY NOTES ON
PROCEDURES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO HOSPITAL PRACTICES, SUCH AS, OXYGEN GAS SUPPLY, REGISTRATION OF PROFESSIONALS, SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANTS ETC; AND
(IV) PROVIDE ADVICE ON PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES, SUCH AS
HIV/AIDS, PLAGUE ETC.
(C) IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THREE COMPLAINTS AGAINST PRIVATE HOSPITALS WERE REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
--------0-----------
/26........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 26 -
OPERATION OF AUTOTOLL SYSTEM
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM IN ROAD TUNNELS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE SYSTEM IN THE PAST TWO YEARS;
(B) OF THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ARISING FROM THE
OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM IN THE PAST TWO YEARS;
(C) WHETHER MOTORISTS NOT USING THE SYSTEM ARE
INCONVENIENCED BY THE REDUCTION IN TOLL LANES AS A RESULT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SYSTEM;
(D) WHETHER THERE IS ANY SURPLUS IN THE OPERATING ACCOUNT OF THE SYSTEM; IF SO, WHETHER THE TUNNEL COMPANY CONCERNED WILL CONSIDER REDUCING THE MONTHLY FEES FOR USERS; IF NOT, WHY NOT; AND
(E) OF THE NUMBER OF USERS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE IN THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE OF THE SYSTEM?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(A) THE AUTOTOLL SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED AT THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL ON 1 AUGUST 1993, AND AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ON 28 AUGUS.T 1994. BY THE END OF OCTOBER 1994, 47,060 VEHICLE TAGS HAD BEEN ISSUED, USABLE AT ALL THREE TUNNELS, COMPARED WITH 23,790 TAGS AS AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
(B) THE SYSTEM WAS IMPLEMENTED BY THE AUTOPASS COMPANY LTD WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE TUNNEL OPERATORS. THE COMPANY IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM. FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS, IT IS NOT PREPARED TO DISCLOSE THE DETAILS OF ITS INCOME AND EXPENDITURE. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY HAS ADVISED THAT IT HAS INVESTED MORE THAN $20 MILLION IN THE AUTOTOLL SYSTEM, WHICH IS STILL OPERATING AT A LOSS.
/(C) IN PERMITTING ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
27
(C) IN PERMITTING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE AUTOTOLL SYSTEM, THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT MOTORISTS USING THE NORMAL TOLL LANES ARE NOT UNDULY INCONVINCED. THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MONITORS THE SITUATION VERY CAREFULLY AND HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE SATISFACTORY. INDEED, VERY FEW COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM MOTORISTS.
(D) THE AUTOPASS COMPANY LTD HAS STATED THAT IT IS OPERATING AT A LOSS, AND THAT IT HAS NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO REDUCE THE $20 MONTHLY ADMINISTRATION CHARGE.
(E) AGAIN, FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS, THE AUTOPASS COMPANY LTD IS NOT PREPARED TO REVEAL THE NUMBER OF USERS REQUIRED TO BALANCE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE, BUT STATES IT IS FAR FROM REACHING BREAK EVEN POINT.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR OVERSEAS DIGNITARIES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THERE HAVE BEEN OCCASIONS RECENTLY WHEN THE GOVERNMENT HAVE
HAD TO CLOSE CERTAIN ROADS TO FACILITATE VISITING FOREIGN DIGNITARIES TO TOUR THE TERRITORY, THUS CAUSING SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE SORTS OF FOREIGN DIGNITARIES IN RESPECT OF WHOM ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE CLOSURE OF ROADS WHEN THEY ARE TOURING THE TERRITORY;
(B) OF THE NUMBER OF SUCH FOREIGN DIGNITARIES VISITING OR TOURING HONG KONG IN 1994; WHETHER THE EXPENSES INCURRED ARE MET BY PUBLIC FUNDS;
(C) OF THE DETAILS CONCERNING THE CLOSURE OF ROADS FOR SUCH PURPOSE DURING THE YEAR (INCLUDING THE NAME AND TITLE OF THE FOREIGN DIGNITARIES, THE NAME OF ROADS CLOSED, TOGETHER WITH THE EXACT DATE AND TIME OF CLOSURE);
(D) OF THE REASONS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO CLOSE THE ROADS DURING THE TOURS OF FOREIGN DIGNITARIES; AND
(E) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CANCELLING SUCH ARRANGEMENTS?
/REPLY :
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 28 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE POLICE IMPLEMENT SHORT TERM TRAFFIC CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS TO FACILITATE TRAVEL BY MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, HEADS OF STATE, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT, AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT VISITORS BETWEEN DESTINATIONS IN THE TERRITORY. THESE SHORT TERM TRAFFIC CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS USUALLY LAST FOR LESS THAN TWO MINUTES IN ANYONE LOCATION. DISRUPTION TO THE USUAL FLOW OF TRAFFIC IS KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
(B) IN 1994, SPECIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR EIGHT OVERSEAS VISITORS. THE COST OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS WAS MET BY PUBLIC FUNDS.
(C) DETAILS OF THE EIGHT VISITS IN 1994 ARE ATTACHED AT THE APPENDIX. THE POLICE DO NOT RETAIN INFORMATION ON THE NAMES OF ALL THE ROADS AFFECTED, NOR THE DURATION AND THE TIME OF SPECIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS. COMPILING THIS INFORMATION WOULD REQUIRE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH.
(D) IT IS COMMON PRACTICE TO IMPLEMENT THIS SORT OF TRAFFIC CONTROL TO FACILITATE THE TRAVEL OF OVERSEAS DIGNITARIES AND TO ENSURE THEIR SECURITY. HONG KONG IS NOT EXCEPTIONAL IN THIS REGARD.
(E) THERE ARE NO PLANS TO CANCEL SUCH TRAFFIC CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
APPENDIX
DATE (IN 1994)
VISITS
6-10 MARCH 19 APRIL 1-9 MAY
17 JULY 15-16 SEPTEMBER 14-21 OCTOBER 28-29 OCTOBER 7-9 NOVEMBER
HRH PRINCESS ROYAL PRIME MINISTER OF PORTUGAL DIRECTOR OF HK & MACAU OFFICE, LU PING FOREIGN MINISTER OF PRC, QIAN QICHEN FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY, D HURD HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA VICE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, K R NARAYANAN HRH PRINCE OF WALES
---------0-----------
/29 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 29 -
MEANS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE NUISANCE *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND A
WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : A NUMBER OF MAJOR ROADS IN THE TERRITORY ARE LOCATED NEAR RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AND THE NOISE GENERATED BY VARIOUS KINDS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT HAS CAUSED MUCH NUISANCE TO THE RESIDENTS NEARBY. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS WHICH ARE SITUATED NEAR MAJOR ROADS AND WHERE' THE LEVEL OF NOISE NUISANCE HAS EXCEEDED THE STATUTORY LIMIT, THUS AFFECTING THE DAILY LIVES OF THE RESIDENTS; AND
(B) WHETHER THERE ARE ANY PLANS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, SUCH AS BUILDING ADDITIONAL NOISE BARRIERS TO REDUCE THE NUISANCE TO THE RESIDENTS; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLES; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE?
ANSWER:
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THERE ARE NO STATUTORY LIMITS ON TRAFFIC NOISE GENERATED BY VEHICLES RUNNING ON ROADS. THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC NOISE ON RESIDENTIAL AREAS IS BEST DEALT WITH AT THE PLANNING STAGE BY' ENSURING THAT SUITABLE DISTANCES ARE MAINTAINED BETWEEN MAJOR ROADS AND NOISE SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS. TO THIS END, THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES HAVE ADOPTED A NOISE CRITERION OF 70 DB(A) LIO 1(H) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS NEAR EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. IN SUCH CASES, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT LIAISES WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO WORK OUT MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC NOISE WHEREVER PRACTICABLE. THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS NEAR CHOI HUNG ESTATE AND RICHLAND GARDENS IN KOWLOON ARE GOOD EXAMPLES OF WHERE MITIGATION MEASURES - QUIET ROAD SURFACING, BARRIERS AND COVERS - HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO REDUCE THE NOISE IMPACT OE A NEW ROAD ON EXISTING PREMISES.
/(B) THE GOVERNMENT .......
WE 4ESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
30
(B) THE GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF REDUCING THE NOISE PROBLEMS OF EXISTING ROADS. THE STUDY WILL IDENTIFY THE ROADS THAT REQUIRE MITIGATION MEASURES, THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF SUCH MEASURES, TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS. THE FINDINGS OF THE STUDY, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS, WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE HOW THE NOISE PROBLEMS SHOULD BE TACKLED.
IN THE MEANTIME, GOVERNMENT HAS APPLIED QUIET FRICTION COURSE SURFACING AT 14 SITES TO REDUCE TRAFFIC NOISE X MAJOR Solos. A LIST of THESE SITES IS AT ANNEX A. ANOTHER 4 SITES (ANNEX B) HAVE ALSO
IDENTIFIED RECENTLY AND FUNDS ARE BEING SOUGHT FOR FHE WORK. HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THIS MAIERIAL HAS LOW DURABILITY AND IS LESS EFFECTIVE IN NOISE REDUCTION ON LOW SPEED ROADS.
/Annex A
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 31 -
AnnfizcA
Site No- Location Completed in Proposed Completion date
HK1 Island Eastern corridor (in front of Provident Centre) mid 1990 —
HK2 Island Eastern Corridor (in front of Tai On House) mid 1990 —
HK3 Island Eastern Corridor (in front of North Point Estate) mid 1990
KI Lung Cheung Road (from Po Kong Village Road to Ma Chai Hang Road) Nov 1992 -
K2 West Kowloon Corridor (above Tung Chau Street from Tai Kok Tsui Road to Tong Mei Road) Oct 1991 —
K3 West Kowloon corridor (above Tai Kok Tsui Road) Oct 1991 —
K4 East Kowloon Way (between Chi Kiang Street and Pak Kung street) Feb 1993
K5 East Kowloon Way (between Chi Kiang Street and Ma Hang Chung Road) Jan 1993
K6 Prince Edward Road East (near Choi Hung Estate) - early 1995
K7 West Kowloon Corridor (between Tai Kok Tsui Road & Kiu Kong Street) mid 1993 —
K8 Kwun Tong Road (between Ping Shek Estate & Kai Yip Estate) - early 1995
K9 Princess Margaret Road (between Argyle Street and Man Wan Road) Feb 1994 -
NT1 Tuen Mun Road (near on Ting Estate) Jan 1994 -
NT2 Tai Po Road (near Wo Che Estate) Jan 1993 -
/Annex B .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 32 -
AniiexJB
Site No. Location
HK4 Island Eastern Corridor near Ko Fung Court
K10 Kwun Tong Road near Telford Garden
Kll Princess Margaret Road near Oi Man Estate
NT3 Tai Po Road near Wai Wah Centre
---------o-----------
/33.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME HAS BEEN IN OPERATION
FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETRAINEES SEEKING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO DATE; OF THESE, HOW MANY HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING EMPLOYMENT; AND
(B) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO UNDERTAKING A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME, SO AS TO ASCERTAIN IF THERE IS A NEED FOR THE CURRICULUM DESIGN AND PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENT TO BE IMPROVED, THUS RESULTING IN A MORE EFFECTIVE UTILISATION OF MANPOWER AND A LARGER LABOUR FORCE IN THE TERRITORY?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT
(A) SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING SCHEME IN JULY 1992, AROUND 32,000 PEOPLE HAVE
COMPLETED OR ARE ATTENDING RETRAINING COURSES AS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1994. OF THOSE WHO HAVE
COMPLETED RETRAINING, 2,999 APPROACHED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) FOR PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. OF THESE 2,999 RETRAINEES, 883 WERE PLACED BY LES, 1,961 EITHER INDICATED THAT THEY HAD FOUND WORK OR DID NOT RESPOND TO JOB REFERRAL ARRANGEMENTS BY LES, AND 155 ARE CURRENTLY BEING HELPED BY LES TO GET A JOB.
/(B) THE EFFECTIVENESS
WE^JESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
(B) THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME IS UNDER CONTINUOUS MONITORING. A REVIEW MECHANISM IS BUILT INTO 1 HE COURSE APPROVAL SYSTEM WHEREBY A REVIEW IS CONDUCTED ON THE COURSE CURRICULUM, EMPLOYMENT RATE, AND COST EFFECTIVENESS WHENEVER A TRAINING BODY SEEKS FUNDING FROM THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD TO REPEAT A COURSE. TRAINING BODIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW ON THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR COURSES AS THEY ARE FUNDED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS. THIS MAKES THE TRAINING BODIES MORE RESPONSIVE TO CHANGING MARKET NEEDS AND TO COMPETITIVE PRICING FROM NEW COMERS.
WITH AN AVERAGE PLACEMENT RATE OF 70% OF THE ACTIVE JOB SEEKERS, THE CURRENT PLACEMENT ARRANGEMENT HAS ON THE WHOLE FUNCTIONED SMOOTHLY. THE TRAINING BODIES AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE PLACEMENT SERVICES FOR RETRAINEES WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING JOBS.
- - 0 - -
SERVICES AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY Till HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MRS REGINA IP, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE LABOUR FORCE IN THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES IN THE TERRITORY : TEXTILES, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ELECTRONICS, RETAILING, BANKING, HOTELS, CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORT;
(B) HOW DOES THE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF THESE INDUSTRIES IN THE TERRITORY COMPARE WITH THAT IN MEMBER COUNTRIES OF THE ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA, EUROPE AND AMERICA; AND
(C) WHETHER THERE IS ANY SPECIFIC PLAN TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THESE INDUSTRIES IN THE TERRITORY?
ANSWER
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST AVAILABLE DATA (1992), LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN TERMS OF PER CAPITA VALUE ADDED WAS AS FOLLOWS : TEXTILES (HK$166,000), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (HK$197,000), ELECTRONICS (HK$241,000 ) , RETAILING (HK$125,000), HOTELS (HK$233,000 ) , BANKING (HK$720,000) , CONSTRUCTION (HK$196,000) AND TRANSPORT (HKS246,000 ) .
/THESE FIGURES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 35 -
THESE FIGURES ARE DERIVED FROM A RATIO OF NET OUTPUT TO LABOUR INPUT, AND DO NOT TAKE ACCOUNT OF OTHER FACTORS, SUCH AS CAPITAL EMPLOYED. ACCORDINGLY, COMPARISONS BETWEEN INDUSTRIES MAY BE MISLEADING, AS MAY BE COMPARISONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT ECONOMIES. COMPARABLE UP-TO-DATE STATISTICS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR MOST ECONOMIES AND MOST INDUSTRIES, BUT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN 1989, PER CAPITA VALUE ADDED AVERAGED HK$108,400 IN HONG KONG, HK$546,000 IN THE UNITED STATES, AND HK$621,700 IN JAPAN. IN COMMERCE, WHICH INCLUDES WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE HK$149,800, HKS243.400 AND HK$245,700, WHILE IN TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS, THE FIGURES WERE HK$212,200, HK$469,600 AND HK$4O7,9OO.
THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY LIES WITH INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES. HOWEVER, A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES AIMED AT IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL. THERE ARE ALSO MANY PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPLIERS OF EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING COURSES DESIGNED TO HELP IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.
---------0-----------
ENTRY INTO RESIDENTIAL UNITS BY GOVT OFFICERS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE MISTAKEN INTRUSION INTO RESIDENTIAL UNITS BY GOVERNMENT OFFICERS OF LAW -ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE COURSE OF CRIME INVESTIGATION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF SUCH CASES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; OF THIS, HOW MANY INVOLVED THE WOUNDING OF RESIDENTS OR DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY;
(B) OF THE REASONS IN GENERAL FOR SUCH MISTAKEN INTRUSIONS; AND
(C) WHAT FOLLOW-UP REMEDIAL ACTIONS ARE TAKEN BY THE LAWENFORCING DEPARTMENTS; WHETHER APOLOGIES WILL BE MADE AND COMPENSATION OFFERED; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES; IF NOT, WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR NOT DOING SO, AND WHETHER THE PEOPLE AFFECTED HAVE ANY CHANNELS TO LODGE COMPLAINTS?
/REPLY : .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 36 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM CONFINING THIS REPLY TO THE POLICE AND THE ICAC. SEVERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO ENTER RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT THE POWER IS SELDOM USED, EXCEPT BY THE POLICE AND THE ICAC.
(A) NO STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE NUMBER OF CASES WHERE THE POLICE HAVE ENTERED RESIDENTIAL PREMISES BY MISTAKE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; BUT THE NUMBER OF CASES IS BELIEVED TO BE VERY SMALL. THE ICAC HAS HAD FIVE SUCH CASES.
(B) ENTRY BY MISTAKE MAY OCCUR WHEN INVESTIGATING CRIME, BECAUSE OF ERRONEOUS INFORMATION, SUCH AS BEING GIVEN THE WRONG ADDRESS. THE POLICE AND ICAC OFFICERS ARE EMPOWERED TO ENTER PRIVATE PREMISES FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR STATUTORY DUTIES, UNDER WARRANTS ISSUED BY MAGISTRATES COURTS, OR WITH THE CONSENT OF THE RESIDENTS, OR UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF PARTICULAR ORDINANCES, SUCH AS THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE.
(C) APOLOGIES ARE GIVEN BY THE POLICE OR ICAC TO THE RESIDENTS CONCERNED, IF THEY HAVE ENTERED PREMISES BY MISTAKE. COMPENSATION MAY BE OFFERED, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS LEGALLY LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. COMPENSATION WAS PAID IN 16 CASES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS FOR DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY ARISING FROM POLICE OPERATIONS.
CHANNELS OF COMPLAINTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PERSONS AGGRIEVED BY THE CONDUCT OF THE POLICE OR ICAC IN RESPECT OF ENTRY INTO PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PREMISES. IN THE CASE OF THE POLICE FORCE, ANY ALLEGATION OF MISCONDUCT OR NEGLECT OF DUTY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE OR TO THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT COMMANDER. IN THE CASE OF ICAC, COMPLAINTS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
---------0 ----------
/37........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 3994
- 37 -
SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CH1-YUEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT STUDY BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHICH INDICATES A PRECOCITY OF THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL CHILDREN, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) A REVIEW OF THE EXISTING CONTENTS AND MODES OF PRESENTATION OF SEX EDUCATION COURSES IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE MADE;
(B) THE TEACHING OF SEX EDUCATION WILL BE ADVANCED TO THE PRE-PRIMARY V CLASSES?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) SEX EDUCATION IS PRESENTLY TAUGHT IN A NUMBER OF SUBJECTS ON A CROSS CURRICULA BASIS IN BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IT AIMS TO ENABLE SCHOOL
CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND SEX AS PART OF A PERSON’S TOTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. THE CURRICULA ARE UNDER
REGULAR REVIEW AND CHANGES ARE INTRODUCED AS NECESSARY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON SEX AND SEX EDUCATION AND INTENDS TO REVIEW ITS GUIDELINES ON THE SUBJECT ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION SO OBTAINED.
(B) WHILE SUBJECTS CONTAINING ELEMENTS OF SEX EDUCATION (E.G. HEALTH EDUCATION) ARE TAUGHT FROM PRIMARY 1 ONWARDS, PUPILS ARE TAUGHT THE PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SEXES AT PRIMARY 4. SOME SCHOOLS ALSO PREPARE SPECIAL PROGRAMMES OR HOLD TALKS AND
DISCUSSION TO PREPARE PUPILS FOR PUBERTY AND
ADOLESCENCE AT AROUND PRIMARY 5.
--------0-----------
/38 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 38 -
POLICE CHARGES BASE ON EVIDENCE
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR APSREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IT WAS LEARNT THAT THE POLICE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE RAPE CASES IN TUEN MUN HAD STATED THAT THE POLICE HAD CHARGED A CITIZEN WITH RAPE AND ROBBERY BECAUSE OF POLITICAL PRESSURE, ALTHOUGH TO HIS KNOWLEDGE THERE WAS EVIDENCE INDICATING THE CHARGED MAN WAS INNOCENT. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) AN INQUIRY INTO SUCH STATEMENTS HAS BEEN CONDUCTED; AND
(B) THE POLICE WILL, BECAUSE OF ANY PRESSURES, LAY A CHARGE AGAINST SOMEONE EVEN WITHOUT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE; AND WHETHER THE PERSON CHARGED UNDER THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE COMPENSATED IF HE IS EVENTUALLY FOUND NOT GUILTY?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) AN INQUIRY INTO THE STATEMENTS MENTIONED IS BEING CONDUCTED. THESE STATEMENTS WERE MADE BY AN OFFICER INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION, BUT NOT IN CHARGE OF IT.
(B) THE POLICE WILL NOT LAY CHARGES AGAINST ANYONE IN THE ABSENCE OF SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE; TO DO SO WOULD AMOUNT TO AN ABUSE OF THE PROCESS OF THE COURT.
--------0-----------
/39 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 39 -
CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 PROJECT
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN LATE 1992 THAT IT WOULD ENTER INTO NEGOTIATION WITH THREE CONSORTIA ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR BERTHS OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9, INCLUDING DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS OF THE PROJECT, LAND PREMIUM AND OTHER MATTERS. HOWEVER, THE PROJECT HAS NOT YET BEEN FINALISED UP TO THE PRESENT MOMENT. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL: (A) WHETHER ANY TENTATIVE AGREEMENT OR ORAL UNDERTAKING HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE THREE CONSORTIA OVER THE TERMS OF THE PROJECTS, AND IF SO WHETHER THERE IS ANY VALIDITY PERIOD FOR SUCH AGREEMENT OR UNDERTAKING ; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS UNDER SUCH AGREEMENT OR UNDERTAKING?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN LATE 1992 THAT IT WOULD EMBARK UPON NEGOTIATIONS WITH A CONSORTIUM COMPRISING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS LTD, MODERN TERMINALS LTD AND TSING YI CONTAINER TERMINAL HOLDINGS LTD ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9. WE REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSORTIUM IN JUNE 1994 ON A NON-COMMITTAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE BASIS. NO FORMAL AGREEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED AND THERE IS NO VALIDITY PERIOD FOR THE AGREEMENT REACHED.
(B) THE QUESTION OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS DOES NOT EXIST AS EXPLAINED ABOVE.
---------0-----------
/40 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
40
FUNDS FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL PROJECT *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON SAMUEL, WONG PING-WAI AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONTAINER TERMINAL 9, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE ADVANCE WORKS AND THE PREPARATORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROJECT, AND THE AMOUNT ALREADY SPENT FOR SUCH PURPOSES; AND
(B) WHETHER, AS THE FOUR BERTHS OF THE PROJECT CANNOT BE FORMALLY AWARDED FOR COMMERCIAL OPERATION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER THE IMMEDIATE APPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE FIRST AND SECOND BERTHS, WITH A VIEW TO LEASING OR SELLING THESE BERTHS TO CONTAINER OPERATORS AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) A TOTAL OF $3536 MILLION HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE PREPARATORY WORK FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 AND THE SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE. OF THIS AMOUNT, $809 MILLION IS FOR THE DUPLICATE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE. TO DATE, $20 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON PREPARTORY WORK FOR
CONTAINER TERMINAL 9 AND $37.7 MILLION FOR DUPLICATE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE. A DETAILED BREAKDOWN IS ANNEXED.
(B) THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALL EIGHT EXISTING CONTAINER TERMINALS IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ON THE BASIS OF LAND GRANTS AWARDED EITHER BY PRIVATE TREATY OR THROUGH A TENDER PROCESS DEPENDING ON THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE AT THE TIME. THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE PROVED VERY EFFECTIVE. TO FINANCE THIS PROJECT USING PUBLIC FUNDS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE COST EFFECTIVE OR FINANCIALLY SOUND AT THE MOMENT, BECAUSE IT WOULD TIE UP PUBLIC FUNDS IN A PROJECT WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS KNOWN TO BE KEENLY INTERESTED IN FINANCING, AS HAS BEEN THE CASES WITH ALL THE PREVIOUS TERMINALS.
/Annex .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
41
Annex
Item No. Title Approved Project t Estimate (APE) Expenditure Incurred Up-to-date
387CL Container Terminal No. 9 - engineering works for back-up area and infrastructure S2710M S3M (see note 1)
350CL South East Tsing Yi port development. Planning and engineering feasibility study for Container Terminal No. 9 S17M $1724
29TT Duplicate Tsing Yi South Bridge S785M $14,724 (see note 2)
30TT Duplicate Tsing Yi South Bridge - consultants fee for design and site investigation S24M $2324
TOTAL $353624 S57.7
Notes I) S3M spent for the ENPO consultancy study
2) S14.7M incurred for the interface work between DTYSB and Route 3
--------0------------
/42 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994
- 42 -
MOTION ON OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG ON THE OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME WITH AMENDMENTS BY THE HON JAMES TIEN AFTER ABOUT FOUR HOURS OF HEATED DEBATE.
MEANWHILE, THE MOTIONS MOVED RESPECTIVELY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AMENDING THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS QRD1NANCE AND AMENDING THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WERE CARRIED.
TWO BILLS - THE PENSIONS ORDINANCES (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 AND THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WERE INTROUDCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS ASKED \ TOTAL OF SIX ORAL AND 13 WRITTEN QUESTIONS DURING TODAY’S SITTING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINAL REPORT ON LAND AUCTIONS PUBLISHED..................... 1
HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO IMMEDIATE PROBLEM..................................................... 2
INTEREST RATES ON MOST TIME DEPOSITS UP IN OCTOBER: BULLETIN.................................................... 3
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY CHIEF SECRETARY.............. 4
EMSD IMPROVES AIR QUALITY IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS........... 4
ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME LAUNCHED............................. 6
MANAGEMENT OF URBAN WASTE................................... 7
GUIDELINES ON OPEN STORAGE AND PORT BACK-UP USES ENDORSED 8
TRADERS FINED $851,000 FOR FALSE CLAIM TO GARMENT ORIGIN. 10
FULL RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY................... 11
CHRISTMAS CARD SALE HELPS PEOPLE WITH AIDS................. 12
CLOSURE OF HUNG HOM ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT............... 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 13
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
FINAL REPORT ON LAND AUCTIONS PUBLISHED *****
THE REVIEW PANEL ON LAND AUCTIONS TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED ITS FINAL REPORT WHICH RECOMMENDS THAT NO DRASTIC CHANGES BE MADE TO THE PRESENT LAND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS THAT ARE GENERALLY REGARDED AS EFFECTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, THE PANEL PROPOSED THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM SHOULD BE FINE TUNED WITH THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
* THE "GUIDELINES ON CONDUCT OF AUCTIONS" RECOMMENDED BY THE PANEL IN ITS INTERIM REPORT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE USED IN THE LIGHT OF ITS SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION IN THE LAST THREE AUCTIONS.
* AUCTIONS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED BY EXPERIENCED AUCTIONEERS, PARTICULARLY IN THE SALE OF PROMINENT OR SPECIAL LOTS.
* WHERE OVERALL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ARE NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTED LARGE LOTS SHOULD BE BROKEN UP INTO SMALLER ONES. THIS WOULD BRING MORE SITES WITHIN THE REACH OF SMALL DEVELOPERS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DETERRED FROM BIDDING BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST AND COMPLEXITY OF DEVELOPING A LARGE SITE.
* THERE SHOULD BE FLEXIBILITY IN FORMULATING AN AUCTION TIMETABLE WITH DUE REGARD TO SPECIAL EVENTS AND SEASONAL FACTORS WHICH COULD AFFECT THE MARKET. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS ON LAND MATTERS WHICH COULD IMPACT ON LAND PRICES SHOULD BE AVOIDED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER AN AUCTION.
» SALE BY TENDER SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DURING A PARTICULAR PERIOD OF TIME WHEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS MAY NOT BE DESIRABLE DUE TO MARKET SENSITIVITY.
* OTHER FORMS OF LAND DISPOSAL SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED WHERE THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN AN AUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE SMALL OR WHERE CRITERIA OTHER THAN PRICE, SUCH AS DESIGN OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, ARE IMPORTANT IN DEVELOPING THE LOT.
THE PANEL HAS ALSO CONSIDERED AN ELECTRONIC BIDDING SYSTEM BEING EXAMINED IN SINGAPORE.
THE SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS BIDS BE MADE FROM ELECTRONIC DEVICES ISSUED TO INTERESTED PARTIES, COULD REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF COLLUSION SINCE BIDS WOULD ONLY BE SHOWN ON A SCREEN IN THE FRONT OF THE BIDDING HALL AND BIDDERS WOULD NOT KNOW AGAINST WHOM THEY WERE BIDDING.
HOWEVER, THE SYSTEM WOULD DAMPEN AN ACTIVE BIDDING ATMOSPHERE, AND HENCE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF AN AUCTION. MOREOVER, ITS
INTRODUCTION IN SINGAPORE AWAITS THE RESOLUTION OF TECHNICAL COMPLICATIONS.
/IN VIEW .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
2
IN VIEW OF THIS, THE PANEL HAS SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MONITOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE AND REVIEW THE MATTER IN DUE COURSE.
THE PANEL ALSO CONSIDERED THAT INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF PREREGISTERING BIDDERS SHOULD NOT BE RECOMMENDED AT THIS STAGE BECAUSE IT COULD REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BIDDERS BY EXCLUDING THOSE WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED BEFOREHAND.
MOREOVER, IT WOULD NOT FIND FAVOUR WITH BIDDERS WHO PREFER TO KEEP THEIR IDENTITIES AND INTENTIONS CONFIDENTIAL PRIOR TO AN AUCTION.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, TODAY THANKED MEMBERS OF THE PANEL, PROFESSOR C K LEUNG, MS AUDREY EU AND MR NICK BROOKE FOR THE CONSIDERABLE EFFORT THEY HAD PUT INTO THE REVIEW WHICH HAD BEEN COMPREHENSIVE.
"THEY HAVE MADE VERY CONSTRUCTIVE RECOMMENDATIONS TO FURTHER IMPROVE OUR LAND DISPOSAL SYSTEM AND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS WHICH THEY HAVE ALSO CONFIRMED IN GENERAL WORK WELL.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED ALL THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AND WILL IMPLEMENT THEM AS SOON AS IT IS PRACTICABLE TO DO SO," MR EASON SAID.
------0--------
HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME
AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO IMMEDIATE PROBLEM * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME INDICATED SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER QUALITY IN VICTORIA HARBOUR IF WORKS WERE COMPLETED IN TIME.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WAS CARRIED OUT IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S STANDARD REQUIREMENT FOR SUCH A STUDY BEFORE ANY PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT MIGHT COMMENCE.
UNDER THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME, ALL WASTEWATER IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS WOULD BE COLLECTED AND CHANNELLED TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND WHERE IT WILL GO THROUGH A CHEMICALLY ENHANCED SEDIMENTATION PROCESS BEFORE DISCHARGE INTO THE WESTERN HARBOUR.
THIS TREATMENT PROCESS, WHEN COMMISSIONED IN EARLY 1997, WOULD HELP CURTAIL HARBOUR POLLUTION BY 70%: REMOVING OVER 95% OF BACTERIAL POLLUTION (MEASURED BY E.COLI COUNTS), UP TO 80% OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS, 70% OF TOXIC METALS AND 65% OF THE ORGANIC POLLUTION (MEASURED BY BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND).
THE TREATMENT PROCESS TO BE PROVIDED AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND IS COMMONLY ADOPTED BY MODERN CITIES IN THE STATES AND NORTHERN EUROPE. IT WOULD NOT PRE-EMPT ANY LONG-TERM SEWAGE DISPOSAL OPTIONS.
THE OCEANIC OUTFALL AS PROPOSED UNDER THE STRATEGIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SCHEME OR OTHER SECONDARY TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES ALL NEED TO BE BUILT ON THIS FOUNDATION TREATMENT PROCESS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 3 -
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CLARIFIED THAT OCEANIC OUTFALL WAS NOT THE ONLY OPTION BEING CONSIDERED.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS REVIEWING OTHER OPTIONS TO FURTHER UPGRADE THE TREATMENT PROCESS AND DISPOSE OF THE TREATED EFFLUENT WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS. THE REVIEW RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CLARIFIED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME WAS $8 BILLION, NOT $68 BILLION QUOTED IN SOME RECENT PRESS REPORTS. THIS WILL BE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN FULL.
WORKS UNDER THE HIGH PRIORITY PROGRAMME ARE SUBJECT TO NORMAL PUBLIC TENDER PROCEDURES.
THERE COULD NOT BE PREFERENTIAL AWARD OF CONTRACTS TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OF FIRMS.
IN FACT, OF THE CONTRACTS LET SO FAR, MOST OF THESE HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS.
---------0-----------
INTEREST RATES ON MOST TIME DEPOSITS UP IN OCTOBER: BULLETIN *****
THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN, PUBLISHED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) TODAY (THURSDAY) INDICATES THAT INTEREST RATES ON TIME DEPOSITS WITH MATURITIES OF MORE THAN ONE MONTH HAVE GENERALLY RISEN FOLLOWING THE REMOVAL OF THE INTEREST RATE CAP ON SUCH DEPOSITS ON OCTOBER 1.
ACCORDING TO THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE BULLETIN, AVERAGE INTEREST RATES ON DEPOSITS FIXED FOR THREE MONTHS WERE UP 61 BASIS POINTS TO 5.36 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.
THE AVERAGE RATES ON DEPOSITS FIXED FOR SIX MONTHS AND ONE YEAR ROSE 69 BASIS POINTS TO 5.69 PER CENT AND 43 BASIS POINTS TO 6.18 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THESE AVERAGE RATES ARE BASED ON THE MAXIMUM RATES ON TIME DEPOSITS OF LESS THAN $100,000 QUOTED BY 10 MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG.
THE BULLETIN, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE SECOND WEEK OF EACH MONTH, WAS LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER AS A VEHICLE TO PROVIDE MORE DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE DATA ON HONG KONG’S MONETARY AND BANKING ACTIVITIES.
---------0-----------
/4 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
4
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY CHIEF SECRETARY * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, AFTER VISITING THE FIELD PATROL DETACHMENT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE TODAY (THURSDAY):
CS: I THINK, ON A WHOLE, 1 AM VERY IMPRESSED FOR WHAT I’VE SEEN PARTICULARLY IN THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT. I’VE NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE. I THINK IT IS VERY REASSURING TO KNOW THAT OUR LIVES AND OUR PROPERTY ARE IN SUCH EXCELLENT AND SAFE HANDS. SO, PEOPLE ACTUALLY DEMONSTRATING HOW THEY MIGHT DEFUSE TERRORIST SITUATIONS, SCALING WARS, DOING SOME VERY DIFFICULT FEATS, AND AS I SAID, I THINK IT IS EXTREMELY REASSURING TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE THIS GROUP OF VERY, VERY SKILLED POLICEMEN WHO WILL, AT GREATER RISK OF THEIR OWN LIVES, PROTECT THE LIFE AND PROPERTY HERE IN HONG KONG. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE THAT IN TERMS OF THEIR ABILITIES AND THEIR SKILLS, THEY COMPARE WITH THE BEST ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. SO, THAT IS EXTREMELY REASSURING. AND, OF COURSE, HERE THE WORK OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IS A VERY ESSENTIAL AND A VERY NECESSARY PART OF POLICE WORK. IT’S NOT VERY GLAMOROUS WORK. IT’S VERY HARD WORK BUT NEVERTHELESS, THE POLICE DO AN EXCELLENT JOB AND BY PREVENTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, THEY DO, OF COURSE, HELP TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICE WITHOUT THE THREAT OF ALWAYS KNOWING THAT THERE ARE LARGE NUMBERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING ACROSS.
--------0-----------
EMSD IMPROVES AIR QUALITY IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS * * * * *
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVES TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN IMPROVING AIR QUALITY IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, THE DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR, MR HUGH PHILL1PSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE "SYMPOSIUM ON HEALTHY BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT" AT A KOWLOON HOTEL THIS MORNING, MR PHILLIPSON NOTED THAT BACK IN 1985, EMSD TOOK THE LEAD IN DEALING WITH LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE BY SETTING UP THE LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE COMMITTEE.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL BODY, INITIALLY FOCUSED ON THE PREVENTION OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE IN HOSPITALS AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
"AFTER THIS IT BROADENED ITS SCOPE, AND ITS LATEST WORK IS ON THE PRODUCTION OF A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE," HE ADDED.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE, WHICH WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC, EXPLAINS THE BACKGROUND TO THE PROBLEM AND THE MEDICAL ASPECTS, AND PROVIDES DETAILED GUIDELINES ON HOW TO PREVENT THE DISEASE IN COOLING TOWERS, CONDENSATE PANS, CENTRALISED FRESH WATER SYSTEMS AND OTHER WATER SYSTEMS.
/ON THE ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 5 -
ON THE BROADER ISSUE OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ), MR PHILLIPSON SAID EMSD WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR LOOKING AFTER AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION FOR MORE THAN 2,000 BUILDINGS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EMSD ESTABLISHED A SPECIAL IAQ TEAM IN 1993 TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ON IAQ FROM BUILDING OCCUPANTS.
"THE TEAM HAS ADVANCED EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS CHEMICAL GAS ANALYSERS, RADON GAS DETECTORS, CARBON DIOXIDE DETECTORS, DUST COUNTERS, AND A BACTERIA INCUBATION SYSTEM AND COUNTER," MR PHILLIPSON EXPLAINED.
IN SPECIAL CASES, HE SAID, INDEPENDENT IAQ CONSULTANTS WERE ALSO EMPLOYED TO SURVEY BUILDINGS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
"FOLLOWING BOTH TYPES OF INVESTIGATION, IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT TO RECTIFY ANY SITUATION WHERE IAQ IS BELOW INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS.
"SOON WE WILL HAVE TWO TEAMS SO THAT ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS WITH VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT MAINTAINED BY US WILL HAVE THEIR IAQ CONSTANTLY MONITORED AND STANDARDS EFFECTIVELY MAINTAINED," HE ADDED.
EARLIER, MR PHILLIPSON POINTED OUT THAT DEFICIENCIES IN DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS WERE MAJOR IAQ PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG.
"INCREASED INFORMATION AND EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC, DEVELOPERS, AND BUILDING MANAGERS, SHOULD HELP TO ENSURE PROPER ATTENTION AND FUNDING ARE GIVEN BY CLIENTS AND USERS TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN STANDARDS.
"A GREATER DEGREE OF SELF-REGULATION BY THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION AND THE INDUSTRY WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HELP," HE SAID.
MR PHILLIPSON FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TO DESIGN FOR AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT WAS AN ESSENTIAL AND INCREASINGLY DEMANDING TASK TO ENSURE THAT CITIZENS ENJOY GOOD HEALTH NOW AND INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS IN A CONTINUINGLY CHANGING SOCIAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL CLIMATE, DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS HAVE A KEY ROLE IN DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT TO MEET THE DEMANDS AND STANDARDS EXPECTED OF THEM," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
/6 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
6
ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME LAUNCHED * * * * ♦
AN "ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME", WHICH ENABLES CONSUMERS TO IDENTIFY PREMIUM, SAFE VEGETABLES WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID: "THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME MARKS A NEW ERA IN THE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF PREMIUM SAFE VEGETABLES."
IT IS JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO).
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME IS TO HELI CONSUMERS IDENTIFY AND PURCHASE SAFE VEGETABLES PRODUCED BY ACCREDITED FARMS, MONITORED AT THE PRODUCTION STAGE BY THE AFD AND SAMPLE CHECKED ON PESTICIDE RESIDUES BY VMO," DR LEE SAID.
THROUGH MONITORING AND SUPERVISION ON THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES AT THE PRODUCTION END, DR LEE HOPED THAT THE SCHEME COULD HELP TACKLE THE CONTAMINATED VEGETABLE ISSUE.
BEFORE BEING MARKETED, THE PRODUCE HAS TO UNDERGO SEVERAL STEPS OF CONTROL TO ENSURE THAT THEY REACH THE REQUIRED SAFETY STANDARD.
FIRST, THE FARMS HAVE TO BE ACCREDITED BY THE AFD BASED ON THE USE OF GOOD HORTICULTURAL PRACTICES. THESE FARMS WILL BE SUPERVISED AND MONITORED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON THE SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES DURING THE PRODUCTION PERIOD. SAMPLE CHECKS ON THE PRODUCE WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE FIELD.
AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL IN THE VMO MARKET, THE ACCREDITED PRODUCE WILL BE DiSTINGU1SHED BY SPECIALLY-LABELLED PLASTIC BASKETS. FURTHER PESTICIDE SCREENING TESTS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY VMO TO ENSURE THAT THE PRODUCE CONTAIN NO EXCESSIVE PESTICIDE RESIDUES.
THESE VEGETABLES WILL THEN BE PUT ON SALE AT ACCREDITED RETAIL OUTLETS, INCLUDING SUPERMARKETS, RETAIL STALLS AT WET MARKETS AND RESTAURANTS. THEY CAN BE EASILY IDENTIFIED THROUGH LABELS OF ACCREDITED RETAILERS ISSUED BY THE VMO.
THE SCHEME WILL INITIALLY COVER SOME 50 VEGETABLE FARMS IN TA KWU LING AND SHEK KONG. AT THE RETAIL END, IT WILL INVOLVE OVER 35 VEGETABLE SALES STALLS, 10 RESTAURANTS AND A MAJOR SUPERMARKET CHAIN.
THE FIRST LOT OF VEGETABLES TO BE MARKETED THROUGH THIS SCHEME WILL INCLUDE SPINACH, LETTUCE, WHITE CABBAGE, GARLAND’S CHRYSANTHEMUM AND SUPERSWEET CORN.
DR LEE STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME WOULD DEPEND VERY MUCH ON EFFORTS OF THE VARIOUS PARTIES AS WELL AS THE RESPONSE AND SUPPORT OF CONSUMERS.
/HE HOPED .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
7
HE HOPED THAT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WOULD RENDER SUPPORT TO THE SCHEME AND GAVE THEIR VIEWS TO THE AFD SO THAT FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, MR YUNG TIN-TAK, SAID LAW-ABIDING FARMERS WERE USUALLY HARD HIT BY THE OCCURRENCE OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLE CASES WHEN THE PUBLIC, UNABLE TO DISTINGUISH THE SAFE PRODUCE, WOULD REFRAIN FROM BUYING CERTAIN TYPES OF VEGETABLES.
"AS A RESULT, A LARGE QUANTITY OF VEGETABLES WERE DUMPED AND WASTED," HE SAID.
MR YUNG WAS PLEASED THAT THE ACCREDITED FARM SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO HELP CONSUMERS IDENTIFY PREMIUM SAFE VEGETABLES, THUS MINIMISING THE LOSS TO THE LAW-ABIDING FARMERS.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CONFERENCE WERE THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MISS VERA SO AND VMO’S GENERAL MANAGER MR EDWARD LAI.
------0-------
MANAGEMENT OF URBAN WASTE * « » * »
HONG KONG’S WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN, WHICH INCLUDES THREE VERY LARGE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS AND A SERIES OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS, SECURES A ROUTE FOR THE TERRITORY’S WASTE DISPOSAL WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
THE TASK NOW IS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THESE DISPOSAL FACILITIES BY REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF WASTE GENERATED AND REQUIRING DISPOSAL.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, WHEN PRESENTING A PAPER ON "THE ROLE OF LANDFILL AND INCINERATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URBAN WASTE" AT THE WORLD CONGRESS ON URBAN GROWTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE DISPOSAL PLAN IS BASED ON MANY YEARS OF CAREFUL MONITORING OF THE QUANTITIES AND TYPES OF WASTE GENERATED IN HONG KONG, A TERRITORY-WIDE SEARCH FOR SUITABLE LOCATIONS FOR BOTH LANDFILL SITES AND INCINERATOR SITES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL, DR REED SAID.
"THE CONCLUSION ARRIVED AT, ON THE BASIS OF THESE DETAILED STUDIES, WAS THAT AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE STRATEGY WITH THE LEAST COST WOULD COMPRISE THREE VERY LARGE STRATEGIC LANDFILLS SUPPLIED WITH WASTE FROM A SERIES OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS LOCATED IN THE MAJOR AREAS OF WASTE ARISINGS IN THE TERRITORY," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN MUCH HEATED DEBATE ON THE ROLE OF LANDFILL AND INCINERATION, DR REED SAID IT WAS GENERALLY ACKNOWLEDGED WITHIN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT PROFESSION THAT LANDFILL WAS, IN PRACTICAL TERMS, THE ONLY MEANS AVAILABLE FOR FINAL DISPOSAL OF THE IRREDUCIBLE RESIDUES OF URBAN COMMUNITIES WHILE INCINERATION WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF TREATMENT PROCESSES FOR WASTE PRIOR TO FINAL DISPOSAL.
/AND IT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 8 -
AND IT WAS LOCAL FACTORS THAT OFTEN DETERMINED THE EMPHASIS THAT SHOULD BE PLACED ON PRETREATMENT OF WASTE, HE SAID.
TESTIMONY TO THIS WAS THE FACT THAT SOME COUNTRIES, SUCH AS AUSTRALIA’, TAIWAN, KOREA, USA AND UK, RELIED ON LANDFILL ROR THE DIRECT DISPOSAL OF 85 TO 98 PER CENT OF THEIR WASTE, WITH LITTLE PRETREATMENT BY INCINERATION OR ANY OTHER MEANS, WHEREAS OTHERS SUCH AS JAPAN, LUXEMBURG, SWITZERLAND AND SWEDEN USED PRETREATMENT BY INCINERATION OR OTHER MEANS FOR 60 TO 77 PER CENT OF THEIR WASTE.
"IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE PROCESS HEAT GENERATION FOR DISTRICT HEATING AND OTHER PURPOSES, OR ELECTRICITY GENERATION, DOES NOT PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS TO OFFSET THE FUNDAMENTALLY HIGH COST OF INCINERATION, AND WHERE SUITABLE SITES CANNOT BE FOUND FOR INCINERATORS CLOSE TO THE CENTRE OF WASTE ARISINGS, BUT REMOTE SITES CAN STILL BE FOUND FOR LARGE LANDFILLS, THEN HIGH STANDARD LANDFILLING OF UNTREATED WASTE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE BEST OPTION UNTIL LOCAL CONDITIONS CHANGE," DR REED SAID.
WHILE INCINERATION HAD NOT YET FOUND A ROLE IN HONG KONG’S STRATEGY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTE, IT DID HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEALING WITH SPECIAL WASTE, SUCH AS CERTAIN CHEMICALS FROM INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, CLINICAL WASTE, ANIMAL CARCASSES AND THE CREMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS, HE SAID.
"CURRENT PLANNING CALLS FOR A 33 TONNES A DAY INCINERATOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF CLINICAL WASTE TO BE LOCATED ON A SITE IN THE WEST OF THE TERRITORY AND, OF COURSE, WE ALREADY HAVE A SPECIALIST INCINERATOR AS PART OF THE CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT CENTRE ON TSING YI ISLAND," DR REED SAID.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, DR REED SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD COMMISSIONED A MAJOR STUDY WHICH, A^IONG OTHER THINGS, WOULD ESTABLISH THE POTENTIAL FOR AVOIDANCE OF WASTE AND ASSESS THE POTENTIAL FOR RESOURCE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING, AS WELL AS VARIOUS BULK REDUCTION PROCESSES, INCLUDING INCINERATION.
"RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM THIS STUDY, WHICH ARE DUE IN APRIL 1995, WILL BE USED AS A BASIS FOR UPDATING THE TERRITORY’S STATUTORY WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN," HE SAID.
- - 0---------
GUIDELINES ON OPEN STORAGE AND PORT BACK-UP USES ENDORSED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS ENDORSED A SET OF GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION FOR PORT BACK-UP AND OPEN STORAGE USES.
THE GUIDELINES WERE DRAWN UP FOLLOWING A STUDY ON PORT BACK-UP LAND AND OPEN STORAGE REQUIREMENTS COMMISSIONED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE STUDY WAS TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF PORT BACK-UP AND OPEN STORAGE USES IN HONG KONG AND TO PREPARE A STRATEGY FOR ACCOMMODATING THE FUTURE LAND REQUIREMENT.
/THE STUDY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- . 9 -
THE STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE FUTURE LAND REQUIREMENT FOR PORT BACK-UP AND OPEN STORAGE SITES WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY.
"TO MEET THE FORECAST LAND REQUIREMENT AND TO MITIGATE THE ADVERSE IMPACTS BROUGHT BY SUCH ACTIVITIES ON THE SURROUNDING AREA, THE STUDY HAS RECOMMENDED A STRATEGY WHICH IS TO BE PRINCIPALLY IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THE DESIGNATION OF SITES FOR THESE USES ON STATUTORY PLANS AND THE PROCESSING OF RELEVANT PLANNING APPLICATIONS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
"THE GUIDELINES ARE PREPARED TO FACILITATE THE ASSESSMENT OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR OPEN STORAGE AND PORT BACK-UP USES.
"THEY ARE APPLICABLE TO AREAS WHERE OPEN STORAGE AND PORT BACKUP USES REQUIRE PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD. EXAMPLES OF SUCH AREAS INCLUDE LAND ZONED ’OPEN STORAGE’, ’INDUSTRIAL (GROUP D)’ AND ’UNSPECIFIED USE’," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
OPEN STORAGE USES ARE THOSE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT ON A SITE MOSTLY UNCOVERED AND USED FOR STORAGE, WHILE PORT BACK-UP USES ARE THOSE PORT-RELATED ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE SITUATED OFF-PORT.
"ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES, THE PLANNING INTENTION OF THE GENERAL AREA IN WHICH OPEN STORAGE AND PORT BACK-UP USES ARE PROPOSED IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSESSING THE PLANNING APPLICATIONS.
"IN GENERAL, PLANNING PERMISSION SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED IN AREAS WHERE THE INTENTION IS TO PREVENT THE PROLIFERATION OF THESE FACILITIES, AND/OR TO ENCOURAGE THEIR RELOCATION TO OTHER MORE APPROPRIATE AREAS.
"THESE FACILITIES WILL ALSO NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED ON SITES CLOSE TO SENSITIVE RECEIVERS OR SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS. OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS SITE PLANNING, TRANSPORT PROVISION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSESSING PLANNING APPLICATIONS."
COPIES OF THE GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE PLANNING INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION UNIT, PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
---------0-----------
/10 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 10 ■ -
TRADERS FINED $851,000 FOR FALSE CLAIM TO GARMENT ORIGIN *****
THREE TRADERS TODAY (THURSDAY) WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $851,000 BY A SAN PO KONG MAGISTRATE FOR APPLYING A FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION AND FALSELY DECLARING THE ORIGIN OF SOME LADIES’ GARMENTS,
THE THREE DEFENDANTS PLEADED GUILTY TO APPLYING A FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION "MADE IN THE BRITISH CROWN COLONY OF HONG KONG" TO 808 DOZENS OF LADIES’ GARMENTS AND FALSELY DECLARING THE ORIGIN OF 4,228 DOZENS OF LADIES’ GARMENTS IN 10 APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES AND SIX APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN.
THE GOODS INVOLVED WORTH $2.85 MILLION AND WERE FOR EXPORT TO THE USA.
THE THREE TRADERS WERE FUNG SIU-YING, SHIPPING MANAGER OF UNIVERSAL GARMENT COMPANY; CHAN CHIK-TUNG, PROPRIETOR OF TAI TUNG (YUK KEE) GARMENT FACTORY AND YAU CHOI-KING, DIRECTOR OF THREE GOOD GARMENT.
THE COURT HEARD THAT AN INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED BY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT REVEALED THAT THESE GARMENTS WERE MANUFACTURED BY A FACTORY IN CHINA.
ANOTHER GARMENT MANUFACTURER AND ITS DIRECTOR WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $320,000 FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION IN TWO APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENT IN TWO APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCE.
THE DEFENDANTS WERE TESTONI KNITTING FACTORY LIMITED AND ITS DIRECTOR CHENG PING WING, ANTONIO.
THE GOODS VALUED AT $1.5 MILLION FOR EXPORT TO THE USA, GERMANY AND AUSTRIA WERE MADE IN CHINA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE OFFENCES WERE SERIOUS.
OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD STEP UP THEIR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO TRACK DOWN SUCH MALPRACTICES TO PROTECT THE COMMERCIAL REPUTATION OF HONG KONG AND TO ENSURE THAT THE CONFIDENCE OF ITS TRADING PARTNERS IN HONG KONG’S TEXTILES CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE UNDERMINED BY SOME DISHONEST BUSINESSMEN.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION IN A CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN APPLICATION OR AN IMPORT NOTIFICATION IS $500,000 FINE PLUS TWO YEARS IMPRISONMENT ON EACH COUNT OF OFFENCE. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT IN AN EXPORT LICENCE APPLICATION IS THE SAME.
/Il .......
THURSDAY,NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 11 -
FULL RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ♦ * * » »
THE GOVERNMENT, IN VIEW OF A STEADY INCREASE IN ELDERLY POPULATION, WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES TO MEET THE VARYING NEEDS OF ELDERLY PERSONS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YUEN YUEN CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED IN TSUEN WAN THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
"AT PRESENT, THE ELDERLY POPULATION AGED 60 AND ABOVE IS 810,000 AND BY THE YEAR 2000, THE ELDERLY POPULATION WILL INCREASE TO 927,000, OR 15.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION,” MR STRACHAN SAID.
ON THE POLICY OBJECTIVE IN RESPECT OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR STRACHAN SAID IT WAS TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE THE ELDERLY PERSONS TO CONTINUE LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.
"NEVERTHELESS, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES ARE NECESSARY FOR SOME ELDERLY PERSONS WHO, FOR HEALTH AND OTHER REASONS, ARE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND WHO HAVE NO RELATIVES OR FRIENDS TO ASSIST WHEN REQUIRED.
"IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE MORE THAN 4,000 SUBVENTED RESIDENTIAL PLACES AND PURCHASE 700 PLACES IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY UNDER THE BOUGHT-PLACE SCHEME.
"THE YUEN YUEN CARE AND ATTENTION HOME, PROVIDING 150 PLACES, IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS MEETING THE WORKING TARGET PLEDGED BY THE GOVERNOR," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1950, HAD OVER THE YEARS EXPANDED ITS SCOPE OF SERVICES TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE SOCIETY.
THE INSTITUTE NOW OPERATES ONE HOME FOR THE AGED, ONE CLINIC, ONE PRIMARY SCHOOL, TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND FOUR KINDERGARTENS.
---------0-----------
/12 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1994
- 12 -
CHRISTMAS CARD SALE HELPS PEOPLE WITH AIDS
*****
A CHRISTMAS CARD SALE ATTENDED BY MRS PATTEN TODAY (THURSDAY) HAS RAISED MONEY TO HELP PEOPLE WITH AIDS AND HIV, THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES.
THE SALE IS ORGANISED BY THE KESWICK FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT AIDS CONCERN’S BUDDY SERVICE.
"MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT HOW HIV IS TRANSMITTED HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF FEAR AND ANXIETY IN OUR SOCIETY,” MRS PATTEN SAID.
"UNFORTUNATELY, THIS HAS LED TO THE REJECTION AND AVOIDANCE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH AIDS.
"MANY OF THEM DARE NOT REVEAL THEIR STATUS TO THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. AS A RESULT, THEY' MAY' FEEL THAT THEY HAVE NO ONE TO TURN TO," SHE SAID.
MRS PATTEN NOTED THAT AIDS CONCERN’S BUDDY SERVICE OFFERED SUCH PEOPLE A COMPANION TO TALK TO, WITHOUT FEAR OF REJECTION OR DISCLOSURE.
SHE HOPED THAT AS A RESULT OF TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY TO WORK IN THE AIDS FIELD, AIDS CONCERN WILL ALSO HELP TO . OVERCOME SOCIETY'S FEAR AND PREJUDICE.
------0-------
CLOSURE OF HUNG HOM ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN HUNG HOM SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR DWELLING IS LOCATED ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF 2-20 MING ON STREET, 103-105 BAKER STREET AND 2J-2K BULKELEY STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MARCH 8 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (THURSDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
/13 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 19?'
13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,492 0930 + 70
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,153 1000 -182
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -147
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -147 1200 -147
LAF TODAY -192 1500 -147
1600 -147
LAE RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.0 ♦+0.3* 10.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.96 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.81 6.59
1 MONTH 4.48 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.19 6.98
3 MONTHS 5.01 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.69 7.32
6 MONTHS 5.42 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.40 7.62
12 MONTHS 6.02 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.27 8.30
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,656 MN
CLOSED 10 NOVEMBER 1994
_ _ 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR TO VISIT U.S. WEST COAST......................... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY GOVERNOR AND CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER............................................ 2
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY SECRETARY FOR WORKS..... 4
NO CASE FOR INTERVENTION OF OFFICE MARKET................. 8
RETRAINING BOARD TO TAKE UP VETTING DUTIES PROPOSED.... 10
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED................ 10
MARINE PARKS BILL GAZETTED............................... 12
DUMPING AT SEA BILL GAZETTED............................. 14
NEW TAXI LICENCE TENDERS RESULTS ANNOUNCED............... 15
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS............. 16
ADMISSION OF GRADUATES IN CHINA.......................... 17
HUTCHVISION ALLOWED TO CARRY SEVEN NEW RADIO CHANNELS.. 17
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMOVAL ORDERS............... 18
WEATHER NETWORK PLANNED FOR PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION... 19
/HOSPITAL REGISTRATION
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
HOSPITAL REGISTRATION FEES TO GO UP......................... 20
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR RIVER TRAINING WORKS................. 20
SEMINAR ON TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM....................... 21
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 RELEASED.... 22
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SCHEME.... 31
CENTRAL DISTRICT OZP AMENDED TO INCORPORATE RECLAMATION AREA........................................................ 33
BOARD AMENDS MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN............ 34
TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED.......................... 35
LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG ELECTED TO RC............................ 36
GOOD HEALTH PROGRAMME IMPORTANT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CARE... 37
SEWAGE TUNNEL FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND KELLETT BANK... 37
ROAD WIDENING SCHEME AT STANLEY MOUND ROAD.................. 38
SPORTS GROUND FOR SIU SAI WAN............................... 39
SEWERS PLANNED FOR KWAI CHUNG............................... 39
ROUND THE ISLAND YACHT RACE................................. 40
REQUEST TO REFRAIN FROM SOUNDING WHISTLES OR SIRENS...... 40
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
41
«
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 1 -
GOVERNOR TO VISIT U.S. WEST COAST *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR AN EIGHT-DAY VISIT TO LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC AND TRADING TIES WITH THE USA.
IT IS MR PATTEN’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST. HE WILL GIVE A SERIES OF SPEECHES, MEET SENIOR STATE AND CITY OFFICIALS, LEADING BUSINESSMEN, AND UNDERTAKE A RANGE OF MEDIA BRIEFINGS AND INTERVIEWS.
MR PATTEN WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT FOUR MAJOR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS IN CALIFORNIA AND WASHINGTON STATE. THE HOST ORGANISATIONS ARE:
* THE LOS ANGELES WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ASIA SOCIETY;
* THE ORANGE COUNTY WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL IN LOS ANGELES;
* THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB OF CALIFORNIA, WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CALIFORNIA, IN SAN FRANCISCO; AND
* THE SEATTLE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL AND WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
MR PATTEN WILL ALSO MEET SENIOR BUSINESS LEADERS IN LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE, VISIT THE BOEING AIRCRAFT CENTRE IN SEATTLE AND TAKE PART IN A ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION WITH ACADEMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY.
HE WILL ATTEND EDITORIAL BOARDS OF THE MAJOR NEWSPAPERS IN EACH OF THE THREE CITIES, AND GIVE A NUMBER OF TELEVISION AND NEWSPAPER INTERVIEWS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE VISIT HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR SOME TIME AS PART OF THE GOVERNOR’S ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF OVERSEAS VISITS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S INTERESTS WITH HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING AND BUSINESS PARTNERS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL VISITS BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, TO WASHINGTON D .'C. AND NEW YORK LAST APRIL WHEN SHE LOBBIED FOR THE RENEWAL OF CHINA’S MFN STATUS AND WHICH SHE FOLLOWED UP BY LEADING AN EQUALLY SUCCESSFUL HONG KONG PROMOTION TO NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND ATLANTA LAST MONTH," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE UNITED STATES IS HONG KONG’S BIGGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER CHINA. LAST YEAR TOTAL TRADE WITH AMERICA WAS WORTH SOME US$41 BILLION, AND ONE- FIFTH OF THAT WAS WITH CALIFORNIA. U.S. INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF 1993 WAS ESTIMATED AT US$10.5 BILLION.
/"IT IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 2 -
”IT IS OUR AIM TO ENSURE THAT AMERICANS AT THE DECISION-MAKING LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS THE PREMIER INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE IN ASIA-PACIFIC.
"MR PATTEN’S VISIT TO THE WEST COAST MEANS THAT THE HONG KONG MESSAGE WILL HAVE BEEN CARRIED TO KEY AMERICAN STATES AND CITIES IN A SINGLE YEAR. THIS IS IMPORTANT IN BUILDING ON THE ECONOMIC, TRADE AND COMMUNITY LINKS WHICH ARE OF SUCH SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG’S LONGTERM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
MR PATTEN WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 20 (SUNDAY).
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR WILL SPEAK TO THE NEWS MEDIA ABOUT HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT ABOUT 11AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
------0--------
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY GOVERNOR AND CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER *****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND THE CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MR JEAN CHRETIEN TODAY (FRIDAY):
GOVERNOR: GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I VERY MUCH WELCOMED THI.S OPPORTUNITY OF MEETING MR CHRETIEN AGAIN. WE MET WHEN NEITHER OF US WERE DOING OUR PRESENT JOBS BUT IT IS EXTREMELY NICE TO WELCOME THE PRIME MINISTER TO HONG KONG. WE’VE HAD OVER THE YEARS, AS YOU KNOW, AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA. THAT’S BASED ON PERSONAL TIES AND COMMERCIAL TIES AND I THINK SHARED VALUES AND INTERESTS AS WELL, AND IT IS ALWAYS HELPFUL FOR US TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO OUR CANADIAN FRIENDS AND I AM VERY PLEASED THAT THE PRIME MINISTER HAS COME TO HONG KONG WITH SO MANY OF HIS PROVINCIAL PREMIERS AND THAT WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION THIS AFTERNOON.
PRIME MINISTER: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, PATTEN, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO BE WITH YOU AGAIN. AS YOU SAID, WE MET WHEN WE WERE IN DIFFERENT CAPACITIES IN OUR CAREERS BUT OF COURSE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CANADA AND HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ALWAYS VERY CLOSE, WE HAVE A LOT OF EXCHANGES, COMMERCIAL AND POLITICAL, AND CITIZENS MOVING BACK AND FORTH ALL THE TIME. SO WE FOLLOW THE WHOLE SITUATION HERE VERY CLOSELY AND I WAS HAPPY TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE PRESENT SITUATION.
SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, WE ARE HERE TO ANSWER THEM.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
3
«r^LI0N* PRIME MINISTER, DO YOU CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
REFORM PACKAGE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE IN JUNE THIS YEAR, AS A TERM DEMOCRATIC MODEL FOR HONG KONG?
THE
LONG
MINISTER: WELL FOR US, WE WANT HONG KONG TO HAVE THE BEST SYSTEM POSSIBLE THAT SUITS THEM THE BEST WHEN THE CHANGEOVER WILL COME IN THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS FROM NOW. OF COURSE I MENTIONED THE SITUATION WHEN I WAS IN BEIJING AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE PLAN IS THAT THERE WILL BE A VERY SMOOTH TRANSITION. AND I HOPE THAT THE DESIRES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE RESPECTED BY MAINLAND CHINA.
QUESTION: SO, MR PRIME MINISTER, YOU SUPPORT THE
DISMANTLING OF THE LEGISLATURE SYSTEM THEN, IN 1997?
PRIME MINISTER: NO, I DON’T. I SAY THAT WE WANT TO HAVE A
SYSTEM THAT WILL BE ACCEPTABLE BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AND WE ARE NOT PART OF THE NEGOTIATIONS BUT I INSISTED WHEN I WAS IN BEIJING THAT THE INTERESTS OF EVERYBODY IS TO SEE A VERY SMOOTH TRANSITION AND THE PRIME MINISTER TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE PLANNING TO HAVE AS SMOOTH A TRANSITION AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE THEY REALISE THAT HONG KONG HAS TO REMAIN AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT DOOR FOR CHINA TO THE WORLD. THIS PLACE IS EXTREMELY WELL ORGANISED IN TERMS OF BUSINESS INSTITUTIONS AND SO ON AND THEY SEE IT AS AN ASSET FOR THEM AND I CONCLUDED THAT IT IS NOT IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS TO DESTROY WHAT IS GOOD.
QUESTION: (IN FRENCH)
PRIME MINISTER: (IN FRENCH)
QUESTION: PRIME MINISTER, ON THE HOME FRONT YOUR
POPULARITY SEEMS TO BE SOARING - YOU HAVE BROKEN THE BALLOT RECORD.
PRIME MINISTER: YOU KNOW - WHAT CAN I SAY BUT TO SMILE?
QUESTION: PRIME MINISTER, DO YOU FORESEE ANY FURTHER
REDUCTIONS IN IMMIGRATION QUOTAS FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE RUN UP TO 1997?
PRIME MINISTER: WE DON’T HAVE QUOTAS FOR ANY PARTS OF CANADA. WE PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS THAT COME AND THERE WILL BE NO EFFECT AT ALL ON THE APPLICATIONS THAT ARE COMING FROM HONG KONG. OF COURSE THE DEMAND IS LESS BIG AND IT IS TRUE THERE WAS A KIND OF A BACKLOG - THAT HAS BEEN HANDLED AND THE FORECAST IS THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE AND NO REAL EFFECT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANT TO APPLY TO BECOME AN IMMIGRANT FROM HONG KONG.
QUESTION: THE TOUGHER LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS WON’T BE A PROBLEM TO THEM?
PRIME MINISTER: THIS IS A PROPOSITION, IT IS NOT THE LAW YET. WE HAVE TO FIND -- WE HAVE PROBLEMS, LIKE ANY COUNTRY, IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IMMIGRATION NEEDS AND AT THIS TIME THE MINISTER IS HAVING CONSULTATIONS AND THERE WILL BE LEGISLATION TO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE REGULARLY, AND OF COURSE THE QUESTION OF LANGUAGE IS SOMETHING THAT IS OF SOME CONCERN WITHIN CANADA. HOW IT WILL BE MANAGED AT THE END OF THE PROCESS OF LEGISLATION, WE’LL SEE IT WHEN THE LAW IS PASSED.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, (INAUDIBLE)
GOVERNOR: WE HAVE NEVER BELIEVED THAT OUR FRIENDS SHOULD WANT OR DO WANT TO INTERFERE IN DIPLOMATIC NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, OR TO INTERFERE IN THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG. BUT WE ARE GRATEFUL WHEN OUR FRIENDS SHOW UNDERSTANDING AND SYMPATHY AND CONCERN ABOUT OUR PRESENT ASPIRATIONS AND OUR FUTURE PROSPECTS. AND I THINK THAT WHEN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG LOOK AROUND THE WORLD - AND THIS IS A COMMUNITY WITH OPEN DOORS AND OPEN MINDS AND OPEN EYES -WHEN WE LOOK AROUND THE WORLD WE SEE A LARGE NUMBER OF VERY GOOD FRIENDS IN CANADA. WE’VE HAD A TERRIFIC UNDERSTANDING WITH CANADA; CANADA HAS PROVIDED A HOME FOR MANY PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG; WE HAVE HAD A VERY CLOSE COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP; BUT ABOVE ALL, WE FEEL THAT WHEN WE ARE TALKING TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND HIS COLLEAGUES WE ARE TALKING TO PEOPLE WHO SYMPATHISE AND WHO UNDERSTAND AND I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE. HONG KONG’S CONTINUING SUCCESS AND STABILITY DO MATTER, NOT JUST FOR HONG KONG AND NOT JUST FOR CHINA, BIT I THINK FOR THE REGION AND THE WORLD AND THEREFORE IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT PEOPLE LIKE THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT TAKE A POLITE BUT CONSTANT INTEREST IN WHAT HAPPENS HERE.
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)
GOVERNOR: WELL I THINK THAT WE HAVE HAD ALL THE ASSISTANCE WE COULD REQUIRE. WE HAVE HAD THE ASSISTANCE IN PRACTICAL WAYS - THE PRIME MINISTER WAS TALKING ABOUT IMMIGRATION. WE HAVE HAD TEE ASSISTANCE IN THE FRIENDSHIP WHICH CANADA HAS PROVIDED - THE FESTIVALS BOTH HERE AND IN CANADA - AND THE POLITE WAY IN WHICH CANADIAN OFFICIALS AND MINISTERS HAVE, IN THEIR CONTACTS WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS, RAISED THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, NOT IN AN UNREASONABLE WAY BUT POLITELY ENQUIRING ABOUT HOW CHINA WILL GO ABOUT PROVIDING ALL THOSE REASSURANCES WHICH ARE NECESSARY IF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS TO 15E FULLY IMPLEMENTED. WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE CONSTANT UNDERSTANDING THAT WE HAVE HAD FROM CANADA.
SPEAKER:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
--------0-----------
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY SECRETARY FOR WORKS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS MR JAMES BLAKE’S MEDIA SESSION AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY (FRIDAY):
S FOR W: GOOD AFTERNOON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I AM ACTUALLY HERE TODAY TO REBUT AN ARTICLE WHICH APPEARED IN THE NEWSPAPER TODAY REGARDING THE NEW NAVAL BASE THAT WE ARE CONSTRUCTING AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
/THIS ARTICLE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 5 -
THIS ARTICLE WAS UNFORTUNATELY MISLEADING AND MISREPRESENTS INFORMATION WHICH IT HAS OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. THE ARTICLE IS IN FACT DAMAGING TO THE WORK OF THE EXPERTS, BOTH ON THE CHINA SIDE AND ON THE PART OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, EXPERTS WHO HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY WELL AND WORKING VERY HARD TOGETHER TO COMPLETE THE DETAILED DESIGN AND TO AGREE THESE•DESIGNS BEFORE THE WORKS CAN BE PUT OUT TO TENDER. AND AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A VERY CHALLENGING PROGRAMME TO MEET, WE HAVE TO COMPLETE THESE WORKS BY 30TH JUNE 1997 AND IF WE ARE TO DO THAT, BOTH SIDES, THE EXPERTS, MUST WORK AS A TEAM, AND I AM AFRAID THAT MISREPRESENTING FACTS IS NOT HELPFUL.
THE FACTS ARE VERY SIMPLE. THE CHINESE PLA EXPERTS INSISTED ON A SPECIAL DESIGN TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF WAVES INSIDE THE NAVAL BASE. ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SIDE AND THE BRITISH SIDE, DURING THE TALKS WE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD BE MORE EXPENSIVE, BUT AS PART OF THE FINAL AGREEMENT, THE FINAL OVERALL AGREEMENT WHICH WAS SIGNED BY THE CHINESE AND UK SIDE REPRESENTATIVES, WE ACCEPTED THE SPECIFICATION AND WE ACCEPTED THE EXTRA EXPENSE. NOW THIS SPECIAL DESIGN WAS SUBSEQUENTLY INCORPORATED INTO THE AGREEMENT AND INTO THE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NAVAL BASE.
NOW THERE WAS AN ALTERNATIVE BID, A CHEAPER DESIGN, BUT THIS DID NOT CONFORM TO THE CHINESE SIDE’S SPECIFICATION FOR THE WAVE-REDUCING STRUCTURES INSIDE THE BASIN, AND THEREFORE IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED. THE BID FROM GAMMON WHICH CONFORMS TO THE SPECIAL DESIGN AND WITH ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS WAS THE CONFORMING BID, IT WAS THE LOWEST CONFORMING BID, AND THEREFORE IT WAS ACCEPTED.
THANK YOU.
QUESTION: IS IT TRUE THAT THIS DESIGN, I MEAN ON THE SECURITY ASPECT, IS LESS SECURE THAN THE DESIGN AGREED WITH CHINA AND BRITAIN?
S FOR W: LET ME SAY AGAIN THAT THE DESIGN WHICH WAS PART OF THE CONFORMING BID WAS THE DESIGN, THE DETAILED DESIGN, THAT WAS AGREED AS PART OF THE LANDS AGREEMENT THAT WAS SIGNED BY BOTH SIDES. IT WAS A SPECIAL DESIGN, IT WAS A MORE EXPENSIVE DESIGN, BUT IN OPERATIONAL TERMS, BECAUSE IT IS INTENDED TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF WAVES INSIDE THE BASIN, THEN THE CHINESE PLA EXPERTS INSISTED THAT THIS TYPE OF DESIGN WAS INCORPORATED INTO PART OF THE WALLS WHICH ENCLOSE THE BASIN.
QUESTION: DID THE CHINESE, AFTER THIS WAS ALL AGREED AND AFTER THE SPECIFICATIONS WERE DONE AND AFTER THE TENDERING AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF GAMMON AND SO FORTH, DID ANY CHINESE OFFICE - NOT INCLUDING THE EXPERTS - OR WAS THERE ANY HINT IN THE JLG MEETINGS OR WAS THERE ANY FURTHER CRITICISM FROM THE CHINESE BEFORE THIS THING IN TA KUNG PAO THIS MORNING? I MEAN WAS THIS A COMPLETE SURPRISE OR HAD THERE BEEN ANY INTIMATION OF ANY SORT (INAUDIBLE)?
S FOR W: THERE WAS NO INTIMATION, CERTAINLY NONE THAT I AM AWARE OF, AND INDEED THE FACT THAT THIS ARTICLE TODAY HAS APPEARED AS IT HAS - AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ARTICLE - IS THE REASON WHY I AM STANDING HERE TODAY.
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994'
- 6
QUESTION: AND SO - I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW THAT UP - ARE YOU NOW
GOING TO REQUIRE - SINCE THIS IS AN OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER - ARE YOU GOING TO ASK THE CHINESE OFFICIALLY ABOUT THIS OR ARE YOU GOING TO WAIT TO HEAR FROM THEM?
S FOR W: I THINK THAT IT IS NOT FOR US TO ENQUIRE. MY
RESPONSIBILITY AND WHAT WE ARE CONTINUING TO DO IS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CHINESE SIDE, THE EXPERTS, IN DEVELOPING THE DESIGNS BECAUSE IT IS NOT ONLY THE BASIN WHICH HAS TO BE DESIGNED, IT IS ALL OF THE PROJECTS WHICH WE HAVE TO COMPLETE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LAND AGREEMENT. THE EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES, THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, MUST WORK AS A TEAM. INDEED, THEY ARE MEETING AT THIS VERY MOMENT IN BEIJING ON FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF DETAILED DESIGN RELATING TO OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS.
QUESTION: SO THIS COULD COME UP AT THIS MEETING?
S FOR W: 1 DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE WILL COME
UP AT THIS MEETING BECAUSE CLEARLY THE DESIGN IN THIS INSTANCE, FOR THE NAVAL BASIN, HAS ALREADY GONE THROUGH THIS DETAILED EXPERT VETTING PROCESS. IT MAY WELL BE THAT THE AUTHORS OF THIS PARTICULAR ARTICLE ARE NOT PERHAPS AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING ACTUALLY IN TERMS OF THE AGREEMENTS REACHED BY THE EXPERTS BETWEEN BOTH SIDES.
QUESTION: DID ANYONE FROM TA KUNG PAO CONTACT YOUR OFFICE?
S FOR W: NOT MY OFFICE, NO.
QUESTION: ARE ALL THE FIGURES REVEALED NOW IN THIS ARTICLE
CORRECT? - ALL OF THIS.
S FOR W: I NEVER ATTEMPT TO VERIFY FACTS WHICH APPEAR IN
NEWSPAPERS OR PURPORTED FACTS WHICH APPEAR IN NEWSPAPERS.
QUESTION: NEWSPAPERS ARE ALWAYS ACCURATE.
S FOR W: I’LL TAKE YOUR WORD FOR THAT.
QUESTION: WILL YOU DISCLOSE MORE DETAILS OF THE TENDER TO THE
CHINESE?
S FOR W: LET ME SAY ALSO THAT IN RESPONSE TO THE FORMAL REQUEST
- THE FORMAL REQUEST - THAT WAS RECEIVED THROUGH JLG FOR INFORMATION, SUCH INFORMATION HAS BEEN PASSED BACK TO THE CHINESE SIDE, AGAIN THROUGH FORMAL CHANNELS.
QUESTION: WHAT SORT OF INFORMATION? DOES THAT INCLUDE THE
DETAILS OF THE TENDER?
S FOR W: WELL LET ME SAY THAT THE INFORMATION THAT WAS PASSED
BACK THROUGH FORMAL CHANNELS I BELIEVE ANSWERS THE FORMAL REQUESTS. THAT INFORMATION WAS ISSUED ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND WE BELIEVE THAT IT DOES MEET THE INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE CHINA SIDE.
QUESTION: BUT NOW THE PAPER DISCLOSED THE TENDERS AND ALL THOSE
DETAILS. DO YOU THINK ANYBODY HAS BROKEN THE RULE OR ...
/S FOR W: ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
S FOR W: I DON’T THINK THAT IS REALLY RELEVANT TO THIS PARTICULAR POINT. I THINK THE IMPORTANT POINT AND THE REASON I AM STANDING HERE TODAY IS BECAUSE WE DO HAVE, BETWEEN THE CHINA SIDE AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXPERTS, A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO DO TO COMPLETE THESE PROJECTS ON TIME. WE ARE JUST AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAMME AND IF WE DO NOT BUILD A GOOD TEAM RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN US, THEN IT WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR US TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAMME. SO I AM MOST CONCERNED THAT SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED TODAY WHICH COULD AFFECT THE CONFIDENCE OF THE EXPERTS INVOLVED AND THEREFORE COULD IMPINGE UPON THE PROGRAMME, AND I DON’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN.
QUESTION: IF BOTH SIDES KNOW WHAT THE STORY IS, WHY ARE YOU BEING SO SENSITIVE ABOUT AN ARTICLE IN A NEWSPAPER?
S FOR W: BECAUSE AS I SAY, I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONTENT OF THE NEWSPAPER, EXCEPT THAT IT PRESENTS THE SITUATION IN A MISLEADING WAY. IT SUGGESTS THAT THERE IS NOT CLOSE CONTACT BETWEEN THE EXPERTS ON THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SIDE. IT SUGGESTS THAT WHAT IS GOING INTO THE DESIGN IS NOT PART OF THE AGREED DESIGN BETWEEN THE CHINESE SIDE AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EXPERTS, AND THIS COULD UNDERMINE THE CONFIDENCE AND THE TRUST WHICH HAS TO BE BUILT UP BETWEEN THOSE EXPERTS.
QUESTION: SO WILL YOU TRY TO SEEK CLARIFICATION FROM THE CHINESE EXPERTS INVOLVED?
S FOR W: I THINK MY PRESENCE TODAY WILL UNDERLINE THE FACT THAT WE NEED THIS CONFIDENCE, WE NEED THIS TRUST. THANK YOU - ONE LAST ONE.
QUESTION: IF ALL THIS WAS UNDERSTOOD BETWEEN THE EXPERTS - I’M SURE THIS IS A STUPID QUESTION - WHY DID THE CHINESE THEN ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDERS AND SO FORTH, IF IT WAS ALL SO UNDERSTOOD IN TERMS OF THEIR SPECIFICATIONS AND SO FORTH? WHAT WAS IT THEY WERE ASKING FOR?
S FOR W: THE CHINESE SIDE SIMPLY WANTED TO BE ADVISED ON THE TENDER PROCEDURES WHICH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADOPTS FOR THE AWARD OF ANY CONTRACT UNDER ITS CENTRAL TENDER BOARD PROCUREMENT PROCESS. IT WAS NOT ABOUT THE TECHNICAL ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN QUERIED IN THIS ARTICLE TODAY.
QUESTION: BUT NOW THAT THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG, WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR NOT RELEASING THE DETAILS TO THE CHINESE SIDE?
S FOR W: WHAT CAT? WHAT BAG?
QUESTION: WELL, LIKE ALL THE FIGURES ARE OUT AND I MEAN WHAT’S THE REASONS AGAINST RELEASING DETAILS TO THE CHINESE SIDE?
S FOR W: AS I’VE SAID, INFORMATION THROUGH THE FORMAL CHANNELS HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE CHINESE SIDE. WE BELIEVE THAT THAT IS ADEQUATE AND --
/QUESTION: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
8
QUESTION: BUT THAT’S JUST ON THE GENERAL TENDERING PROCEDURES.
S FOR W: I SAID THAT THE QUESTION WAS RELATING TO TENDER PROCEDURES, I DID NOT SAY THAT THIS WAS THE INFORMATION WHICH HAD BEEN PASSED BACK. THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN PASSED BACK AND WE BELIEVE WILL BE ADEQUATE.
QUESTION: HAS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PASSED INFORMATION TO THE CHINESE SIDE FOR FURTHER GRANTING OF THE CONTRACT - ANY NEW CONTRACT CONCERNING (INAUDIBLE)?
S FOR W: WELL AS YOU KNOW, WE DO TRY TO RESPOND FORMALLY TO QUESTIONS AND TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY INFORMATION AVAILABLE. ALRIGHT. THANK YOU.
------0--------
NO CASE FOR INTERVENTION OF OFFICE MARKET ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTTNUE TO MONITOR CLOSELY DEMAND AND SUPPLY IN THE OFFICE MARKET AND, WHERE NECESSARY, TAKE STEPS TO REMOVE SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS, BUT WILL NOT INTRODUCE ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO INTERVENE IN THE MARKET OPERATION.
THIS IS BASED ON THE CONCLUSION OF A WORKING GROUP WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES IN JULY TO REVIEW THE OFFICE MARKET.
’’THE MARKET IS ON A COURSE OF SELF-CORRECTION IN LINE WITH THE NORMAL CYrCLE," SAID THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, WHO HEADS THE TASK FORCE.
’’THERE ARE THE EXPECTED SIGNS THAT TENANTS ARE RESISTING HIGH RENTS AND IN SONE CASES RELOCATING THEIR OPERATION TO AREAS WHERE RENTS ARE LESS EXPENSIVE.
’’THERE IS X WIDE RANGE OF CHOICES OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN THE MARKE'l AND A SUBSTANTIAL XDDI’I ION XL SUPPLY OF GOOD QUALITY ACCOMMODATION IS IN SIGHT,” MR EASON SAID.
THE REVIEW OF OFFICE MARKET PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) NOTES THAT SINCE 1991, OFFICE RENTS HAVE INCREASED \N AVERAGE OF 12.8 PER CENT PER ANNUM, WHICH IS LOWER THAN THE YEARLY AVERAGE OF 15 PER CENT OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS.
"THERE IS NO SOLID EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE LEAVING HONG KONG IN A SIGNIFICANT WAY BECAUSE OF HIGH OFFICE RENTALS," MR EASON SAID.
"ON THE CONTRARY, THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES REGISTERED IN HONG KONG HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE WHEREAS THE NUMBER CEASING OPERATION HERE HAS DECLINED OVER RECENT X EARS.
/"FOR A .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
9
’’FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, HONG KONG REMAINS ATTRACTIVE TO FOREIGN INVESTORS. NOT TOO LONG AGO, HONG KONG WAS NAMED .THE FOUR TH MOST COMPETITIVE ECONOMY IN THE WORLD BY THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM.
’’MORE RECENTLY, THE FORTUNE MAGAZINE NOMINATED HONG KONG AS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN THE WORLD," MR EASON SAID, "WHILE WE SHOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT, THERE IS AT THE SAME LIME NO NEED FOR PANIC MEASURES."
ON THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, THE REVIEW SHOWS THAT OVERALL SUPPLY IS FORECAST TO INCREASE AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF SIX TO SEVEN PER CENT BETWEEN 1994 AND 1996.
IN ADDITION, OVER 2.3 MILLION SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE IN COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE BUILDINGS WILL COME ON STREAM OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE SUPPLY OF HIGH QUALITY GRADE A OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE TIGHT IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
BUT, THE SITUATION WILL IMPROVE GREATLY WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT OF HILTON HOTEL AND NEW DEVELOPMENT ON THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION, WHICH TOGETHER WILL PRODUCE ABOUT 700,000 SQUARE METRES OF GOOD QUALITY OFFICE ACCOMMODATION BETWEEN 1997 AND 2Q01.
STATISTICS' ON SHORT-TERM RESALE OF OFFICE PREMISES SUGGEST THAT THERE HAS BEEN SOME SPECULATION IN OFFICE TRANSACTIONS.
HOWEVER, THE SCOPE FOR SPECULATION IN GRADE A OFFICES IS LIMITED BY THE FACT THAT SUCH HIGH QUALITY ACCOMMODATION IS PREDOMINANTLY OWNED BY DEVELOPERS FOR RENTAL PURPOSES.
THE AMPLE SUPPLY OF GRADE B AND C OFFICES COMING ON IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL ALSO PROVIDE A CHECK ON SPECULATION.
NEVERTHELESS, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL MONITOR AND ASSESS THE SITUATION CONTINUOUSLY SO AS TO ENSURE A REASONABLE BALANCE BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY.
TO INCREASE THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGES IN THE MARKET SITUATION, THE WORKING GROUP HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE INFORMATION AND MONITORING SYSTEM AND THE LAND RESERVE PROPOSED FOR THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE OFFICE MARKET.
COPIES OF THE REVIEW REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CENTRAL DISTRICT.
---------0-----------
/10........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994 '
- 10 -
RETRAINING BOARD TO TAKE UP VETTING DUTIES PROPOSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING ORDINANCE TO COPE WITH THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD (ERB).
UNDER THE EMPLOYEE RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES OF VETTING THE APPLICANTS OF RETRAINING WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO THE ERB.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN I XPLAINED THAT WHEN THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING ORDINANCE WAS FIRST DRAFTED, THE ERB HAD NOT YET BEEN SET UP, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WITHOUT INCURRING EXTRA RESOURCES, HAD TAKEN UP THE DUTY OF VETTING THE \PPLICANTS OF RETRAINING.
“IN VIEW THAT ERB IS NOW WELL ON (’RACK AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS BEING OVERLOADED WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF APPLICANTS, THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE PROPOSES THAT THE DUTY OF VETTING SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ERB, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RETRAINING SCHEME TO INCLUDE "SUPPLEMENTARY RETRAINING PROGRAMMES”, SUCH AS ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEME AS APPROVED BY ERB.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO EXPAND THE CATEGORY OF TRAINEES TO INCLUDE HOUSEWIVES AND DISABLED PERSONS WHO AT PRESENT MAY NOT FALL WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF AN ’’EMPLOYEE” UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 23.
---------0-----------
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BL LI. 1994 GAZETTED ♦ * ♦ I ♦
IN AN AMENDMENT BILL TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO EMPLOYEES’ ENTITLEMENT UNDER THE SEVERANCE PAYMENT (SP) AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT (LSP) SCHEMES.
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL ]994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) SEEKS TO REMOVE THE CEILING OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES FOR CALCULATING EMPLOYEES’ ENTITLEMENT TO SP AND LSP, BUT 1HE MAXIMUM PAYMENT OF $180,000 WILL BE RETAINED.
THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT koi |.D BE REVIEWED PERIODICALLY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUI THAT THE AIM WAS TO ENABLE LONG SERVING EMPLOYEES TO EARN SP AND LSP BEYOND 18 YEARS, WHICH IS THE CURRENT LIMIT.
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 11 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, IN ORDER TO CUSHION THE FINANCIAL, IMPACT ON EMPLOYERS, ONE HALF OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SERVICE OVER AND ABOVE 24 YEARS ACCRUED BEFORE THE AMENDMENT BILL COMES INTO OPERATION WILL BE RECOGNISED IN CALCULATING SP/LSP.
"THIS IS A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO THE ENTITLEMENT OF LONG SERVING EMPLOYEES AS THE PREVIOUS BILL WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO LAST DECEMBER ONLY PROPOSED THAT HALF OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SERVICE BEYOND 18 YEARS SHOULD BE COUNTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
JIE EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, AN EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO SP AND LSP WAS CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF TWO-THIRDS OF A MONTH’S WAGES FOR EACH YEAR'S SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM ENTITLEMENT OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES EARNED IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF LEAVING THE JOB, OR $180,000, WHICHEVER WAS THE LESS.
THIS ARRANGEMENT HAS THE EFFECT OF LIMITING THE RECKONABLE SERVICE OF AN EMPLOYEE TO 18 YEARS.
THE CEILING OF 12 MONTHS’ AGGREGATE WAGES HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF SP AND LSP IN 1974 AND 1986 RESPECTIVELY.
IN 1974, THE RATE OF CALCULATING SP WAS SET AT ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S WAGES FOR EVERY YEAR.OF SERVICE.
THIS RATE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY INCREASED TO ONE-HALF OF A MONTH’S WAGES IN 1977 AND TO TWO-THIRDS OF A MONTH’S WAGES IN 1984.
CORRESPONDINGLY, THE RECKONABLE SERVICE WAS REDUCED FROM 36 YEARS TO 24 YEARS IN 1977 AND TO 18 YEARS IN 1984.
ON DECEMBER 15 LAST YEAR, THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1993 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. HOWEVER, THE BILL AS AMENDED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, WAS DEFEATED AT ITS THIRD READING ON JULY 6 THIS YEAR.
THE ADMINISTRATION, AFTER CONSULTING THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB) HAS PROPOSED FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE REVISED LEVEL OF SP AND LSP AS PROPOSED IN THE PREVIOUS BILL.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO REMOVE CERTAIN AMBIGUITIES REGARDING MATERNITY LEAVE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WHO HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 26 WEEKS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE, WHICH IS NORMALLY AN AGGREGATE OF A FOUR-WEEK ANTE-NATAL LEAVE AND A SIX-WEEK POST-NATAL LEAVE.
THE LAW IS HOWEVER SILENT ON HOW TO COUNT THE 26 WEEKS ALTHOUGH IT IS ONLY LOGICAL THAT THE 26 WEEKS SHOULD BE COUNTED BACKWARDS FROM THE EXPECTED DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE.
THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES THAT MATERNITY LEAVE PAY SHOULD BE EFFECTED ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY. HOWEVER, FAILURE TO EFFECT MATERNITY LEAVE PAY BY AN EMPLOYER WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME LIMIT IS NOT AN OFFENCE HENCE PROSECUTION ACTION CANNOT BE TAKEN.
/THE BILL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 12 -
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT LATE PAYMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY SHOULD BE AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000 UPON CONVICTION.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO RECTIFY THE ANOMALY THAT REGISTERED DENTISTS ARE NOT PROVIDED BY THE LAW TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE TO THEIR PATIENTS FOR CLAIMING SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.
THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT AN EMPLOYER IS NOT LIABLE TO PAY SICKNESS ALLOWANCE TO AN EMPLOYEE UNLESS THE DAY OF SICKNESS IS SPECIFIED IN THE ’’APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE" ISSUED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
HOWEVER, AT PRESENT A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY A REGISTERED DENTIST IS NOT REGARDED AS AN APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. AN EMPLOYEE HAVING ENCOUNTERED A DENTAL INJURY OR RECEIVED A DENTAL SURGICAL OPERATION REQUIRING A FEW DAYS’ SICK LEAVE IS UNABLE TO RECEIVE SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.
TO RECTTFV THTA ANOMALY, THE BILL PROPOSES TO INCLUDE THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY A REGISTERED DENTIST AS A VALID DOCUMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLAIMING SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGCO ON NOVEMBER 23.
------0--------
MARINE PARKS BILL GAZETTED * t * t t
THE MARINE PARKS BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESIGNATION, MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL, IF PASSED, WOULD ENABLE CONSERVATION OF MARINE AREAS IDENTIFIED AS ECOLOG I< ALLY IMPORTANT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
A MARINE PARK WILL BE A RELATIVELY LARGE PIECE OF SEA AREA SET ASIDE FOR CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND RECREATION. A MARINE RESERVE WILL BE A RELATIVELY SMALLER SEA AREA WITH HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE RESERVED MAINLY FOR MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH.
THE BILL ESTABLISHES THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AS THE AUTHORITY WHO SHALL CONTROL AND MANAGE MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTRY AND MARINE PARKS BOARD.
THE PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A MARINE PARK OR A MARINE RESERVE WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE PROCEDURES SET OUT UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE.
THE AUTHORITN WILL, AT THE DIRECTION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, PREPARE DRAFT MAP OF A PROPOSED MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE, AND THEN PI BLISH A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE AND NEWSPAPERS AND MAKE THE DRAFT MAP AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
/ANY PERSON .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
13 -
ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY THE DRAFT MAP MAY SEND A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF OBJECTION TO THE AUTHORITY WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE. HEARINGS WILL THEN BE CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD.
WITHIN A SIX-MONTH PERIOD STARTING FROM THE LAST DAY ALLOWED FOR OBJECTIONS, THE AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE DRAFT MAP TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
IT WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SCHEDULE OF OBJECTIONS AND THE AUTHORITY’S REPRESENTATIONS, AS WELL AS A SCHEDULE OF AMENDMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO DIRECTIONS FROM THE BOARD TO MEET OBJECTIONS HEARD.
AFTER A DECISION IS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, THE AUTHORITY WILL NOTIFY IN THE GAZETTE EITHER THE REFUSAL TO APPROVE THE DRAFT MAP, OR THE DEPOSIT OF THE APPROVED MAP AND THE DESIGNATION OF THE MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE, AS THE CASE MAY BE.
FROM THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE UP TO WHEN THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL APPROVES OR REJECTS THE DRAFT MAP, NO NEW DEVELOPMENT CAN BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE PROPOSED MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY. CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE AFTER THE AREA IS APPROVED AND DESIGNATED.
PROCEDURES FOR MAKING CHANGES TO AN APPROVED MAP FOR THE PURPOSES OF EXTENDING OR EXCISING OR CANCELLING THE DESIGNATION OF A MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR IN THE NEW BILL.
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS MAY MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPER CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES, INCLUDING ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FISHING AND MOVEMENT OF VESSELS.
THE AUTHORITY MAY GRANT A LICENCE OR PERMIT WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS FOR CONTROLLED ACTIVITIES.
THE NEW BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 23.
UPON PASSAGE OF THE MARINE PARKS BILL, THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN WITH THE DESIGNATION OF IWO MARINE PARKS AT HOI HA WAN AND YAN CHAU TONG AND ONE MARINE RESERVE AT CAPE D’ AGUILAR.
--------0-----------
/14 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994 .
14
DUMPING AT SEA BILL GAZETTED
*****
THE DUMPING AT SEA BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INCORPORATE INTO THE LAW OF HONG KONG EXISTING PROVISIONS OF THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975 WHICH PROHIBITS DUMPING ACTIVITIES EXCEPT WITH A PERMIT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ORDER WAS MADE IN 1975 TO APPLY TO HONG KONG THE PROVISIONS OF AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY, THE LONDON CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION BY THE DUMPING OF WASTE AT SEA.
THE CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED IN THE BILL ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION FOR MANY YEARS.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CONTROL SCHEME BY EMPOWERING ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST IMPENDING OFFENCE AND INCREASING THE MAXIMUM PENALTY TO $200,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. THE EXISTING PENALTY IS $5,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
THE INCREASE IN PENALTY WOULD BRING IT IN LINE WITH THOSE UNDER OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, SUCH AS THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE AND THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
IT ALSO SEEKS TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO SERVE ABATEMENT NOT I< I S IN RESPECT OF MARINE POLLUTION CAUSED BY DUMPING AND OTHER MARITIME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABATEMENT NOTICE WILL BE AN OFFENCE.
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT THE ABATEMENT NOTICE SYSTEM WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE BILL BECOMES LAW. w
A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUE OF ABATEMENT NOTICES WILL BE ISSUED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE AFFECTED PARTIES.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS OPERATING AN EFFECTIVE SATELLITE SYSTEM TO TRACK ILLEGAL DUMPING.
/15 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 15 -
NEW TAXI LICENCE TENDERS RESULTS ANNOUNCED
*****
RESULTS OF THE TENDERS FOR THE LATEST URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND PREMIUMS OFFERED ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A TOTAL OF 2,850 BIDS OFFERING PREMIUMS RANGING FROM $1,808,888 TO $100 AND 611 BIDS OFFERING PREMIUMS FROM $1,183,600 TO $1,330 HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES (NT) TAXI LICENCES WHEN THE TENDERS CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 23.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE HIGHEST AND LOWEST BIDS ACCEPTED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES WERE $1,808,888 AND $1,719,000 AND THE CORRESPONDING BIDS ACCEPTED FOR THE NT TAXI LICENCES WERE BETWEEN $1,183,600 AND $1,095,000."
THE AVERAGE ACCEPTED PREMIUM OF $1,739,385 FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES MARKED AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THAT OF $1,512,055 OFFERED IN THE LAST TENDER IN DECEMBER 1991.
AN INCREASE OF 151 PER CENT WAS RECORDED WHEN THE AVERAGE ACCEPTED PREMIUM OF $1,110,873 FOR NT TAXI LICENCES WAS COMPARED WITH THAT OF $442,136 OFFERED IN THE LAST TENDER IN JULY 19R9.
THESE TENDER PREMIUMS ARE NOT HIGHER THAN THE TRANSFER PREMIUMS PREVAILING IN THE MARKET IN MID-1994.
OF THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS, 46 PER (ENT ARE LIMITED COMPANIES WHILE THE REMAINING 54 PER CENT ARI* INDIVIDUAL PERSONS. IN THE LAST TENDER FOR URBAN TAXIS IN 1991, 83 PER CENT WERE LIMITED COMPANIES AND 17 PER CENT WERE INDIVIDUALS, WHILE IN THE LAST TENDER FOR NT TAXIS IN 1989, 69 PER CENT WERE LIMITED COMPANIES AND 31 PER CENT WERE INDIVIDUALS.
"TWO NEW CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN INI'LL DEI) IN THE TENDER EXERCISE. FIRST, NO TENDERER MAY BID FOR MORE THAN ONE URBAN AND ONE NT 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.
IN ADDITION, BOTH THE TRANSFEROR AND HIE TRANSFEREE OF A TAXI WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE TRANSFI-R FORM IN PERSON AND IN THE PRESENCE OF A PUBLIC OFFICER DESIGNATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WITHIN 72 HOURS OF THE TRANSFER, HE ADDED.
THESE ARE PART OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND APPROVED BY THI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL/ THIS YEAR, TO IMPROVE TAXI SERVICES AND DAMPEN SPECULATION IN TAXI LICENCES. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE MEASURES WILL BE REVIEWED.
TENDERS FOR THE 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND THE 100 NT TAXI LICENCES WERE CALLED FOR IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THIS WAS THE FIRST TENDERS INVITED SINCE THEN.
------0-------
/16........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
16
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ACQUIRE CERTAIN PRIVATE PROPERTY ON TSING YI AND IN LAI KING FOR CARRYING OUT AIRPORT RAILWAY PREPARATORY WORKS, IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THI- PRIVATE I.AND TO BE ACQUIRED WAS COMPARATIVELY SMALL AND WAS THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT.
ANY PERSON ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE MAY SERVE A WRITTEN CLAIM UPON THE DIRECTOR 01- LANDS WITHIN ONE YEAR BEFORE THE DATE THE PRIVATE PROPERTY IS ACQUIRED.
COPIES OF THE ORDERS AND PLANS SHOWING THE LAND AFFECTED MAY BE INSPECTED BY THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAAD, CENTRAL;
♦ KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, KWAI TSING PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICEE CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI ('HUNG, NEW TERRITORIES;
♦ SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, 290 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFF1CE/KWAI TSING, 1OTH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK Bl ILD1NG, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES;
* NEW AIRPORT SECTION (NEW TERRITORIES OFFICE), LANDS DEPARTMENT, 22ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
♦ DISTRICT LANDS 0FF1CE/KOWLOON WEST, YAI MV TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON DURING OFFICE HOURS.
IN A RELATED DEVELOPMENT, IT WAS ALSO NOTIFIED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THAT PORTIONS Ob THE CROWN FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR TSING YI AND SOKO ISLANDS WOULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THE AIRPORT RAILWAY PREPARATORY WORKS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED HAD BEEN KEPT TO A MINIMUM, AND THAI ANY PERSON ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, MAY SERVE A WRITTEN CLAIM UPON THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN ONE YEAR BEFORE THE DATE OF EXTINGUISHMENT OF HIS RIGHT IN RESPECT OF THE CROWN FORESHORE AND SEABED.
COPIES OF THE ORDERS AND PLANS SHOWING THE AFFECTED CROWN FORESHORE OR SEABED ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND NEW AIRPORT SECTION (NEW TERRITORIES OFFICE), LANDS DEPARTMENT, 22ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES DURING OFFICE HOURS. -----------------------------------0-------
/17......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 17 -
ADMISSION OF GRADUATES TN CHINA
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TODAY (FRIDAY) CLARIFIED THAT THE ADMISSION OF GRADUATES OF THE 36 KEY TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN CHINA WAS PURELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYMENT UNDER THE SPECIAL PILOT SCHEME TO ADMIT 1,000 CHINESE PROFESSIONALS AND MANAGERS TO WORK IN HONG KONG.
"IT BEARS NO RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION OR RECOGNITION FOR OTHER EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES. THE CHOICE OF THESE KEY INSTITUTIONS IS TO FACILITATE THE CHECKING OF APPLICANTS’ QUALIFICATIONS AND TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCESSING PROCEDURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE,” HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO OBSERVED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM, THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR'ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION, AND ALL THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE CLEARLY DEFINED ROLES TO PLAY.
"WHILE WE WELCOME ANY INITIATIVE TO DEVELOP FURTHER QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG, WE SHOULD DRAW ON THE EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM ALTOGETHER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
HUTCHVISION ALLOWED TO CARRY SEVEN NEW RADIO CHANNELS
*****
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) MEI YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND CONSIDERED AN APPLICATION BY HUTCHVISION HONG KONG LTD TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF RADIO CHANNELS CARRIED ON ITS SATELLITE BROADCASTING SERVICE.
THE BA AGREED THAT HUTCHVISION COULD CAFMtt SEVEN NEW RADIO CHANNELS, WITH CONTENTS RANGING FROM CHINESE TOP 40 HITS TO INDONESIAN MUSIC, IN ADDITION TO THE TWO BBC WORLD SERVICE RADIO CHANNELS ALREADY CARRIED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BA SAID THE AUTHORITY WAS SUPPORTIVE OF MOVES TO CONSOLIDATE HONG KONG'S POSITION AS A REGIONAL BROADCASTING CENTRE, AND ITS APPROVAL WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE LICENSING OF HUTCHVISION TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL SATELLITE BROADCASTING SERVICE.
THE BA ALSO CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT LOCAL TELEVISION AND RADIO BROADCASTS.
IT WARNED COMMERCIAL RADIO FOR THE INCLUSION OF INDECENT EXPRESSIONS IN A LYR1CS-WRITING SEGMENT LN THE PROGRAMME "GOOD MORNING SOFT HARD" BROADCAST ON CR2.
THE BA FELT THAT SOME OF THE LYRICS USED WERE I NAPPROPRIATE FOR INCLUSION IN A PROGRAMME APPEALING TO YOUNG LISTENERS.
/THE BA .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
18
THE BA ALSO WARNED WHARF CABLE FOR BROADCASTING THE WRONG ENGLISH SOUNDTRACK OF THE FEATURE ’’IRON MAZE” BROADCAST IN NICAM ON THE CABLE MOVIE CHANNEL.
THE ENGLISH SOUNDTRACK CONTAINED A NUMBER OF FOUL EXPRESSIONS THAT WHARF CABLE HAD INTENDED TO EDIT OUT BUT WHICH, BY MISTAKE, WERE BROADCAST UNEDITED.
WITH REGARD TO COMMERCIAL TELEVISION BROADCASTS, THE BA SERIOUSLY WARNED TVB FOR INCLUDING IN THE PROGRAMME ”EYT” DETAILED DEPICTIONS OF CAR BURGLARY TECHNIQUES WHICH MIGHT INVITE IMITATIONS FROM WOULD-BE OFFENDERS.
THE BA FELT THAT THE CLEAR AND DETAILED DEPICTION OF CAR THEFT TECHNIQUES OUTWEIGHED THE ADVICE GIVEN IN THE PROGRAMME TO COUNTER CAR THEFT, AND IT ALSO FELT THAT THE PROGRAMME HAD GLORIFIED CAR THIEVES.
THE BA ALSO CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF . COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PROGRAMME ”HONG KONG TODAY”, BROADCAST ON ATV.
MOST OF THE PROGRAMMES THAT GENERATED COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND BY THE BA TO BE ACCEPTABLE, BUT, IN RESPECT OF A PROGRAMME COVERING A MURDER CASE IN WHICH A WOMAN WAS KILLED, DISMEMBERED AND FRIED, THE BA FELT THAT THE MATERIAL WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR BROADCAST IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FAMILY VIEWING HOURS.
ATV WAS ADVISED TO OBSERVE MORE CLOSELY THE CODES OF PRACTICE AND TO BROADCAST MATERIAL OF SUCH NATURE AFTER 9.30 PM.
---------0-----------
BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMOVAL ORDERS * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ISSUED 32 STATUTORY ORDERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF 65 UNAUTHORISED PROJECTING STRUCTURES IN ALBERT HOUSE WHERE A CANOPY COLLAPSED ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
THE MOVE FOLLOWS THE ISSUE OF 78 ADVISORY LETTERS TO THE OCCUPANTS IN ALBERT HOUSE BY THE DEPARTMENT ON SEPTEMBER 27, ADVISING THEM TO REMOVE 145 UNAUTHORISED PROJECTING STRUCTURES. THESE COMPRISE APPENDAGES, FLOWER RACKS AND COOLING TOWERS.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, MRS HELEN YU, URGED THE OCCUPANTS CONCERNED TO COMPLY WITH THE REMOVAL ORDERS BY THE SPECIFIED DEADLINE, DECEMBER 23 THIS YEAR.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHE THANKED THOSE OCCUPANTS WHO HAD RESPONDED TO THE ADVISORY LETTERS AND REMOVED THEIR UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES.
"I AM PLEASED THAT MANY OF THE OCCUPANTS HAD TAKEN HEED OF OUR ADVICE AND VOLUNTARILY REMOVED OR ARE REMOVING THEIR UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES. THEIR PROMPT ACTION IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE SAFETY OF THEIR OWN BUILDINGS AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW.
/"THOSE OCCUPANTS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 19 -
"THOSE OCCUPANTS WHO HAVE NOT YET TAKEN REMOVAL ACTION MUST COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS BY DECEMBER 23, 1994. OTHERWISE, 1 WILL ARRANGE FOR THEIR UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES TO BE REMOVED AT THEIR EXPENSE PLUS OUR SUPERVISION CHARGE," MRS YU ADDED.
"THE STATUTORY ORDERS ARE ISSUED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS THEMSELVES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT LARGE. PEOPLE WHO IGNORE THEM DO SO AT THEIR OWN PERIL AND THEY ALSO POSE A THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY," MRS HELEN YU SAID.
- - 0---------
WEATHER NETWORK PLANNED FOR PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION *****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CAN HAVE QUICKER AND GREATER ACCESS TO METEOROLOGICAL DATA IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION FOR WEATHER bOKEUASiING Willi THE SETTING UP OF AN INTEGRATED OBSERVATIONAL NETWORK.
THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR PATRICK SHAM, ANNOUNCED THE PROJECT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ITS NEW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR AT TATE’S CAIRN RADAR STATION TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR SHAM HAS SIGNED A MINUTE OF A MEETING ON THIS JOINT PROJECT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES OF GUANGDONG AND MACAU.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO MONITOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND OCCURRENCE OF HAZARDOUS WEATHER OVER THE REGION AND TO ENABLE OUR THREE FORECASTING CENTRES TO ISSUE MORE ACCURATE AND RELIABLE WARNINGS," HE SAID.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL AUTOMATIC WEATHER STATIONS ON THE CHINESE OFF-SHORE ISLANDS, THE IMPROVEMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND THE EXCHANGE OF RADAR INFORMATION.
THE NEW DOPPLER WEATHER RADAR OPENED TODAY REPLACES THE EXISTING DIGITAL RADAR TO GET MORE ACCURATE INFORMATION ON WIND STRENGTHS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY.
- - 0----------
/20 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 20 -
HOSPITAL REGISTRATION FEES TO GO UP *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR FIRST REGISTRATION
AND SUBSEQUENT REGISTRATION OF A HOSPITAL OR MATERNITY HOME HOSPITALS^NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION
UNDER THE ORDINANCE
NEXT MONTH.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A RECENT STUDY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHOWED THAT THE EXISTING FEE LEVELS WERE BELOW COST.
THE FEES UNDER THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WERE LAST REVISED IN 1989.
THE NEW FEES, WHICH HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1 I HIS YEA .
DETAILS OF THE FEE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
TTFM EXISTING FEE REVISED FEE
FOR FIRST REGISTRATION 1,350
OF A HOSPITAL OR
MATERNITY HOME
FOR SUBSEQUENT 90
REGISTRATION OF A HOSPITAL OR MATERNITY
HOME
---------0-----------
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR RIVER TRAINING WORKS
* * t ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 355 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 174,033 SQUARE METRES IN NORTH DISTRICT, FOR IMPLEMENTING THE RIVER TRAINING WORKS OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER AT LOK MA CHAU AND LIU POK.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1995 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DETAILS OF RESUMPTION WERE NOTIFIED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE LAND WILL BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE GAZETTE NOTICE.
- - 0-------
/21 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 21 -
SEMINAR ON TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM *****
SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED TO TAKE PART IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG BY JOINING THE FIRST BATCH OF SCHOOLS TO ADOPT TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM (TOC) IN PRIMARY 1 IN SEPTEMBER 1995.
THE CALL WAS MADE TO MORE THAN 20 REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES AT A SEMINAR, AT WHICH THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF TOC IN TERMS OF PILOTING, IMPLEMENTATION, ASSESSMENT AND TEACHER EDUCATION BY THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR T F KWAN, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, DR Y M LEUNG.
DR LEUNG SAID TOC, A ’’QUALITY CURRICULUM”, SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. IN ALL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG RATHER THAN A NUMBER OF ’’TRYOUT” SCHOOLS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT TOC PROGRESSIVELY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS STARTING IN THE 1995/96 SCHOOL YEAR.
SPONSORING BODIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO NOMINATE SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE FIRST PHASE IN SEPTEMBER 1995 THAT WILL BECOME "SEED SCHOOLS” FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION.
HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT BE EXPECTED TO SHOULDER ANY EXTRA RESPONSIBILITY THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN FULFILLED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
DR LEUNG NOTED THAT AS REQUESTED, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE SENDING REPRESENTATIVES TO EXPLAIN TO TWO SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES VARIOUS TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE GLAD TO ENTERTAIN SIMILAR REQUESTS FROM OTHER SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES.
IN ADDITION, TEACHER TRAINING CAN BE ARRANGED FOR THE SPONSORED SCHOOLS WHENEVER THE NEED ARISES.
DR LEUNG CALLED ON THE SPONSORED SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR IMPLEMENTATION BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.
---------0-----------
/22........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 22 -
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 RELEASED *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) RELEASED DETAILED STATISTICS ON EXTERNAL TRADE WITH BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY/TERRITORY AND COMMODITY FOR SEPTEMBER 1994.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1994 CONTINUED TO SHOW A MARKED INCREASE OVER A YEAR EARLIER, BY 17% TO $88.1 BILLION.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1994 WITH SEPTEMBER 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (+29%), JAPAN (+23%), CANADA (+21%), SINGAPORE (+18%), THE UNITED STATES (+15%), FRANCE (+7.8%) AND TAIWAN (+0.6%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND GERMANY DECREASED BY 7.7% AND 2.6% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 WAS $687.8 BILLION, 15% HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (+23%), CHINA (+18%), THE UNITED STATES (+16%), SINGAPORE (+14%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+13%), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+8.6%), CANADA (+8.4%), GERMANY (+4.3%) AND FRANCE (+3.7%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1.1%.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE 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 INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $18.3 BILLION OR 36%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $9.1 BILLION OR 11%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $8.7 BILLION OR 18%); TEXTILES (BY $8.5 BILLION OR 16%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $5.3 BILLION OR 26%); AND FOOTWEAR (BY $4.9 BILLION OR 14%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $297 MILLION OR 1.2%).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1994, AT $19.9 BILLION, INCREASED BY 2.2% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1994 .WITH SEPTEMBER 1993, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MALAYSIA (+19%), SINGAPORE (+13%), JAPAN(+U%) AND THE UNITED STATES (+7.7%).
/HOWEVER, THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 23 -
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY, TAIWAN AND THE NETHERLANDS DECREASED BY 23%, 14%, 8.9%, 4.6% AND 3.5% RESPECTIVELY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAIN DESTINATIONS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA (-14%), GERMANY (-11%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (-6.8%), CHINA (-5.2%) AND TAIWAN (-2.9%).
HOWEVER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE,THE UNITED STATES, THE NETHERLANDS AND JAPAN INCREASED BY 9.9%, 7.6%, 2.3%, 1.8% AND 1.5% RESPECTIVELY.
TAKING ALL DESTINATIONS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994, AT $160.2 BILLION, DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 2.1% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS REFLECTED PARTLY THE CONTINUED STRUCTURAL SHIFT TO RE-EXPORTS AND PARTLY THE WEAK DEMAND IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.
TABLE 4 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1.6 BILLION OR 16%); TEXTILES (BY $1.0 BILLION OR 8.6%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $857 MILLION OR 5.7%); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $769 MILLION OR 6.5%); AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $308 MILLION OR 11%).
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 $1.5 BILLION OR 9.2%).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1994, AT $113.6 BILLION, INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY 23% OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAIN SUPPLIERS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1994 WITH SEPTEMBER 1993, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL OF THE MAIN SUPPLIERS SHOWED INCREASES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDES: THE UNITED KINGDOM (+38%), SINGAPORE (+37%), MALAYSIA (+33%), THE UNITED STATES (+29%), ITALY (+25%), GERMANY (+23%), JAPAN (+21%), CHINA (+20%), TAIWAN (+19%) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+13%).
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE 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 (+29%), ITALY (+28%), MALAYSIA (+25%), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+17%), CHINA (+17%), THE REPUBLIC Of KOREA (+15%), TAIWAN(+11%), THE UNITED STATES (+10.0%), GERMANY (+9.9%) AND JAPAN (+5.9%).
/THE VALUE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 24 -
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994, AT $905.9 BILLION, INCREASED MARKEDLY BY 15% OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993. THIS WAS SUPPORTED LARGELY BY THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S REEXPORT TRADE. • I ' • ; • • '
TABLE 6 SHOWS THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS OF THE 10 PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE 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 $19.2 BILLION OR 29%); TEXTILES (BY $13.8 BILLION OR 19%); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $13.7 BILLION OR 16%); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES (BY $7.4 BILLION OR 28%); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES CONSISTING MAINLY OF BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $6.6 BILLION OR 11%); AND CLOTHING (BY $5.1 BILLION OR 7.7%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, A DECREASE IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $3.9 BILLION OR 9.2%).
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 SEPTEMBER 1994 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY DECEMBER.
DETAILED TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY/ TERRITORY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE SEPTEMBER 1994 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $86 A COPY AROUND NOVEMBER 29.
THE REPORT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, OR AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI .
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS 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 : ...........
* 1.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 25 -
TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS
' r *-'• r
SEP SEP 94 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 94
DESTINATION 1994 OVER 1994 OVER
- SEP 93 JAN-SEP 93
(HKD Mn.) (X CHANGE) (HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE)
CHINA 29,028 + 28.5 236,037 + 17.6
UNITED STATES 21,022 + 14.6 153,810 + 16.4
JAPAN 5,597 + 22.9 38,482 + 23.4
GERMANY 3,509 - 2.6 30,255 + 4.3
UNITED KINGDOM 2,634 * 19,818 + 12.9 r’
TAIWAN 1,889 + 0.6 16,143 - 1.1
SINGAPORE 1,794 + 18.1 14,256 + 14.0
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,314 - 7.7 12,221 + 8.6
CANADA 1,485 ♦ 20.7 10,366 + 8.4
FRANCE 1,146 + 7.8 9,974 + 3.7
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.05% ■ '-’H •
I-
/TABLE 2 : .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 26
TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1994 (HKD Mn. ) SEP 94 OVER SEP 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-SEP 94 OVER JAN-SEP 93 (X CHANGE)
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 14,008 + 12.6 89,393 + 11.3
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,453 + 29.4 69,186 + 36.0
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,124 + 0.5 69,021 + 5.1
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,059 + 21.8 59,808 + 16.5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 7,531 + 16.4 58,091 + 17.7
FOOTWEAR 4,222 + 6.0 40,199 + 13.8
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3,559 + 7.0 29,171 + 10.9
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 3,147 + 32.1 25,327 + 26.3
ROAD VEHICLES 3,544 + 40.7 24,988 - 1.2
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 2,750 + 16.2 22,951 + 15.1
/TABLE 3 : .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 27 -
TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS —
• ' - 4G
DESTINATION SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) SEP 94 OVER SEP 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-SEP 94 OVER JAN-SEP 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 5,327 ♦ 44,845 - 5.2
UNITED STATES 6,133 + 7.7 43,524 + 2.3
GERMANY 983 - 8.9 9,266 - 10.9
SINGAPORE 1,127 + 13.3 8,963 + 7.6
JAPAN 942 + 10.7 7,413 + 1.5
UNITED KINGDOM 849 - 13.8 7,385 - 6.8
TAIWAN 579 - 4.6 4,317 - 2.9
NETHERLANDS 339 - 3.5 3,449 + 1.8
CANADA 332 - 23.5 3,037 - 14.4
MALAYSIA 231 + 18.9 2,121 + 9.9
* DENOTES LESS THAN 0.05%
/TABLE 4 : .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 199*
28
TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) SEP 94 OVER SEP 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-SEP 94 OVER JAN-SEP 93 (X CHANGE)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,990 + 6.6 51,804 + 1.1
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,148 + 8.8 18,133 + 9.2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS* AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES) 1.789 - 7.2 14,161 - 5.7
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,561 + 7.8 12,453 - 1.8
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,323 + 2.6 11,091 - 8.6
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,357 - 3.1 11,090 6.5
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 935 - 13.5 8,583 - 15.6
MANUFACTURES OF METALS 416 + 6.2 3,444 + 0.2
PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 375 + 37.6 2,884 + 10.8
MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES 250 - 12.8 2,392 - 11.4
/TABLE 5 : .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIER SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) SEP 94 OVER SEP 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-SEP 94 OVER JAN-SEP 93 (X CHANGE)
CHINA 44,871 + 20.0 340,778 + 16.5
JAPAN 18,007 + 21.0 142,455 + 5.9
TAIWAN 9,214 + 19.4 77,127 + 11.2
UNITED STATES 7,591 ♦ 28.6 64,901 + 10.0
SINGAPORE 5,837 + 37.1 44,562 + 29.0
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4,746 + 13.3 41,928 + 15.3
GERMANY 2,419 + 22.9 20,512 + 9.9
UNITED KINGDOM 2,239 + 38.0 18,018 + 16.7
ITALY 1,883 + 25.3 16,538 + 28.0
MALAYSIA 1,733 ♦ 32.6 14,486 • + 24.6
/TABLE 6 : .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 30 -
TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF THE TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) SEP 94 OVER SEP 93 (X CHANGE) JAN-SEP 1994 (HKD Mn.) JAN-SEP 94 OVER JAN-SEP 93 (X CHANGE)
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 12,380 + 19.5 97,457 + 16.3
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 9,823 + 24.3 87,277 + 18.8
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 11,319 + 28.8 85,158 + 29.2
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 9,500 + 4.0 70,861 + 7.7
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 9,552 + 19.8 66,031 + 11.1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,641 + 10.8 38,696 + 9.4
ROAD VEHICLES ’ 5,404 + 46.8 38,174 - 9.2
FOOTWEAR 3,803 + 7.4 35,162 + 13.2
OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA
PROCESSING MACHINES 4,518 + 42.2 33,574 + 28.1
NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 3,682 + 28.6 29,011 + 18.5
- - 0 - -
Z31
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 31 -
NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SCHEME t ♦ * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICANTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE THIRD NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT (NGTQA) TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY POSSESS THE ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO TEACH IN A PRIMARY SCHOOI.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FROM MONDAV (NOVEMBER 14) TO DECEMBER 14. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 14.
UNDER THE SCHEME, SUITABLE APPLICANTS WHO HAVE OBTAINED THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING OUTSIDE HONG KONG WOULD BE ASSESSED IF THEIR ACADEMIC STANDARD, PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ARE EQUIVALENT TO THOSE NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS TRAINED LOCALLY, AND WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE SECOND ASSESSMENT WAS COMPLETED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND THE PASSING RATE WAS OVER 65 PER CENT.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSESSMENT, A I YNDIDATF MUSI’:
* PRODUCE VALID GRADUATION CERTIFICATE AS A DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF HAVING SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED A POSTSECONDARY FULL-TIME COURSE OF No I LESS THAN THREE YEARS, OR EQUIVALENT, IN AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OUTSIDE HONG KONG;
♦ BE OF GOOD CHARACTER AS TESTIFIED BY TWO REFEREES; AND
* BE ELIGIBLE TO STAY IN HONG EONG AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY RESTR:1CT ION ON EMPLOYMENT IMPOSED BY THE IMMIGRATION
DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG.
THE ASSESSMENT COMPRISES THREE PARTS:
PART I (GENERAL EDUCATION):
CANDIDATES ARE ASSESSED ON THEIR STANDARD OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE SUBJECTS THEY WILL TEACH. EIGHT SUBJECTS ARE OFFERED, INCLUDING CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STI DIFS (INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION), MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART AND CRAFT. EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TO SELECT TWO SUBJECTS IN PARI I;
PART II (MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION):
TWO MEDIA OF INSTRUCTION ARE OFFERED TO ALL CANDIDATES SO Jll \T THEIR ABILITY’ TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AS PRIMARY SCHOOL II ACIIERS ARE ASSESSED, INCLUDING CHINESE AND ENGI I SH . ALL CANDIDATES -RE REQUIRED TO TAKE CHINESE, AND THOSE WHO DO NO’! TAKE ENGLISH AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION” IN PART IT MUST Also TYIF A TEST ON "ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY"; AND
/PART III .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 32 -
PART III (PROFESSIONAL TRAINING):
THIS PART WILL BE OPEN ONLY TO CANDI DA CES WHO CAN PRODUCE EVIDENCE OF HAVING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FORMAL TFACIIER EDUCATION COURSE IN THE RELEVANT SUBJECTS OUTSIDE HONG KONG, INCLUDING EDUCATION THEORY, METHODOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY.
CANDIDATES WHO FAILED IN ONLY ONE SUBJECT IN PREVIOUS ASSESSMENTS MAY APPLY TO RESIT THE EXAMINATION on THAT SUBJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS STIPULATED IN HIE HANDBOOK FOR APPLICANTS".
CANDIDATES WHO FAILED IN MORE THAN ONE SUBJECT (EXCEPT FOR "ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TEST"I Will, BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ALL AGAIN, IF THEY APPLY THIS YEAR.
THE FEE FOR TAKING PARTS I AND II OF THE ASSESSMENT IS $2,030. FOR THOSE TAKING PART III AS WELL, CANDIDATES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $570. THE FEE FOR RESITTING ONE SUBJFC'I IS $560.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE PRESCRIBED FORM. COPIES OF THE APPLICATION FORM, HANDBOOK AND EXAMINATION SYLLABUSES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION STARTING FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 14) AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
» NON-GRADUATF TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT SFC'IION, ROOM 1I38A, 11 TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST,
WAN CHAI;
* YAU TSIM DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE, SEVENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON; AND
♦ SHA TIN DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, hlR HOUSE, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BA (ALLING HIE NG I Q A OFF HI-ON TEL 892 62 16-7 OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AUTOMATIC Ti l EPIIONE ENQUIRY SERVICE ON TEL 891 0088.
--------0-----------
/33........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 33 -
CENTRAL DISTRICT OZP AMENDED TO INCORPORATE RECLAMATION AREA *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE APPROVED CENTRAL DISTRICT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/HI/3).
"Till AMENDMENTS ARE MAINLY TO EXTENT STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL TO THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I AND PHASE II (TAMAR BASIN RECLAMATION) \ND TO PROVIDE LANI) FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT \ND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HONG KONG CENTRAL STATION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOARD SAID.
A MAJOR PART OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I AREA HAS BEEN DESIGNATED FOR TWO "COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREAS”.
SUB-AREA (1) IS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY HONG KONG CENTRAL STATION WITH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING OFFICES, RETAIL SHOPS, HOTELS AND SERVICE APARTMENTS ABOVE THE STATION.
SUB-AREA (2) IS FOR THE FOUR I•ASTERNMOST PIERS AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING OFFICES, RETAIL SHOPS AND SERVICE APARTMENTS ABOVE THE PIERS.
"THE OTHER PIERS HAVE BEEN ZONED 'OTHER SPECIFIED USES’ ANNOTATED 'PIER' AND THE WATERFRONT PROMENADE AREAS HAVE BEEN ZONED 'OPEN SPACE’ TO ENHANCE THE WATERFRONT AMENITY.
•I-
"THE PRINCE OF WALES BUILDING AND ITS ADJACENT ARE \ HAVE BEEN RETAINED FOR MILITARY USES AND REZONED TO 'OTHER SPECIFIED USES’ ANNOTATED 'MILITARY USE’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON FUTURE USE OF DEFENCE ESTATE.
"THE ENTIRE TAMAR BASIN AND EAST TAMAR HAVE BEEN REZONED •COMMERCIAL’ AND 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY’ ('GI(’) TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW COMMERCI Al NODE TO Till- NORTH OF ADMIRALTY/QUEENSWAY AREA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TWO AREAS ARE INTENDED TO BE DEVELOPED AS PART <>F THE ELEVATED WALKWAYS WITH SHOPS AND OPEN SPACE RUNNING THROUGH THE CENTRAL AXIS OF THE TAMAR BASIN RECLAMATION.
THE .WALKWAYS WILL CONNECT THE TAMAR BASIN AREA UP WITH ADMIRALTY AND THE FUTURE RECLAMATION.
AREAS NEAR THE EASTERN SEAWALL OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE I AND THE NORTHERN SEAWALL OF THE TAMAR BASIN HAVE BEEN ZONED "UNDETERMINED". DEVELOPMENT OF THESE AREAS DEPENDS ON THE PROPOSED FUTURE RECLAMATION.
TO PROVIDE TRAFFIC LINKAGES OF THE RECLAMATION AREAS AND TO IMPROVE THE EAST-WEST TRANSPORT LINK, BROAD ROAD NETWORKS IN CENTRAL RECLAMATION PHASE 1 AND PHASE II HAVE BEEN INDICATED ON THE PLAN.
JUSTICE DRIVE WILL BE EXTENDED NORTHWARD TO INTEGRATE WITH THE ROAD NETWORKS IN THE RECLAMATION AREA FOR IMPROVING I HE CAPA< IIY OF NORTH-SOUTH TRANSPORT LINK.
/THE COLVIN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 34 -
THE COLVIN HOUSE AND ITS ADJACENT "OPEN SPACE" SITES HAVE BEEN REZONED TO "GIC” AND EARMARKED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRITISH CONSULATE AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/H4/4) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JANUARY 11, 1995 FROM :
* PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG; AND
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE JANUARY 11, 1995.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE-, LANDS DEPARTMENT, I ITH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
---------0-----------
BOARD AMENDS MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AN AMENDMENT TO THE APPROVED MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/Hll/5).
"IN ORDER TO REFLECT THE CURRENT USE AND OWNERSHIP, AND TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY FOR FUTURE GOVERNMENT USES UPON REDEVELOPMENT, A SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF KENNEDY ROAD AND MACDONNELL ROAD HAS BEEN REZONED FROM ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) SUB-AREA A’ TO ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’.
"IT IS INTENDED TO ALLOCATE THE SITE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN OFFICE FOR THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/Hll/6) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL JANUARY 11, 1995 FROM:
♦ PLANNING DEPARTMENT,
16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
/* HONG KONG.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 35 -
* HONG KONG DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, UTH FLOOR, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE JANUARY 11, 1995.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT \T THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 11TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, 382, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0--------
TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED ' ♦ t » * t
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN (NO. S/TP/6).
"ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS IS TO REZONE AN AREA IN PLANNING AREA 34 FROM 'GREEN BELT’ (GB) TO 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ (GIC) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (HKIED)," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
"PAK SHEK KOK IN PLANNING AREA 39 HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED ’ FROM 'UNDETERMINED’ AND 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ (R(C)) TO 'GIC’ FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORTS CENTRE OF THE HKIED AND THE FUTURE EXTENSION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY," HE ADDED.
THE 'GB’ ZONE OF AN AREA IN FUNG YUEN VALLEY IN PLANNING AREA 29 AND THE 'GIC’ ZONE OF TAI PO EGRETRY IN PLANNING AREA 1 HAVE BOTH BEEN REZONED TO 'SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST’ FOR NATURE AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.
TO PROVIDE FOR THE FUTURE EXPANSION OF PUN SHAN CHAU VILLAGE, AN AREA IN PLANNING AREA 38 HAS BEEN REZONED FROM 'GB’ TO 'VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT’ (V) ZONE. PATCHES OF LAND IN FUNG YUEN IN PLANNING AREA 32 HAVE ALSO BEEN REZONED FROM 'OTHER SPECIFIED USES (COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA)’ (OU(CRA)) AND 'GB' TO 'V’.
"THE 'OU(CRA)’ ZONE OF THE FORMER ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME IN PLANNING AREA 12 HAS BEEN RENAMED 'COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA’ (CDA) AND THE ZONING BOUNDARY HAS BEEN ADJUSTED TO ACCORD WITH THAT APPROVED BY THE BOARD.
"FURTHERMORE, AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE FORMER ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME HAS BEEN REZONED FROM 'OU(CRA)’ TO 'GIC’ FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SCHOOL OR FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
/OTHER AMENDMENTS ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994 .
- 36 -
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE REZONING OF AN AREA IN PLANNING AREA 57 FROM ‘GB’ TO ‘GIC’, A STRIP OF LAND IN PLANNING AREA 30 FROM ‘GB’ TO ‘R(B)', AREAS IN PLANNING AREA 32 FROM ‘OU(CRA)’ TO ‘GIC’, ‘GB’ AND eR(C)l’, STRIPS OF LAND ABUTTING TAI PO MARKET KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION FROM ’GIC’ AND ’COMMERCIAL/RESIDENT1AL’ TO ‘OTHER SPECIFIED USES (KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY)’, AN AREA WITHIN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK FROM ‘GB’ TO ‘COUNTRY PARK’, AN AREA IN PLANNING AREA 11 FROM ‘GB’ TO ‘R(C)’, AN AREA IN PLANNING AREAS 27 AND 28 FROM ‘R(B)’ AND ‘O’ TO ‘R(C)1’, AND THE ADJUSTMENT OF ZONING BOUNDARIES OF VARIOUS SITES IN PLANNING AREAS 7 AND 12.
THE NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN HAVE ALSO BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE SOME MINOR TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN (NO. S/TP/7) IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL DECEMBER 2 FROM : .
» PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN .ROAD, HONG KONG;
♦ SHA TIN AND NORTH EAST DISTRICT PLANNING OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; AND
* TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE,
TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLAN MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 13TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING BEFORE DECEMBER 2.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
---------0-----------
LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG ELECTED TO RC ♦ * ♦ * ♦
MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG, THE ONIA CANDIDATE FOR THE KWAI CHUNG EAST CONSTITUENCY IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BY-ELECTION IS TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED IN THE GAZETTE AS MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.
MR LEUNG REPLACES MR CHOW YICK-HAY WHO RESIGNED FROM THE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
---------0 - -
/37........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 37 -
GOOD HEALTH PROGRAMME IMPORTANT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CARE *****
A GOOD HEALTH PROGRAMME COMPRISING FAMILY EDUCATION, BACKED UP BY A NETWORK OF COMMUNITY CARE AND SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL PRACTICE AND RESEARCH, IS CRUCIAL FOR PUBLIC HEALTH CARE, MRS PATTEN SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE ON DIARRHOEA AND MALNUTRITION TODAY (FRIDAY), SHE SAID HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A HIGH STANDARD HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
"MOTHER AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES PROVIDE FREE ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL CARE, HEALTH EDUCATION AND IMMUNISATION. PARENTS ARE GIVEN ADVICE ON PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE, THE BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE."
ONE RISING PROBLEM IN HONG KONG THESE DAYS IS OVER-NUTRITION AND THE OBESE CHILD.
"AGAIN, THE KEY HERE IS FAMILY EDUCATION," MRS PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW TAKING STEPS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY DIETS AND LIFESTYLES THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
BESIDES, A NEW STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE WHICH PROVIDES ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAMINATION FOR ALL SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE INTRODUCED.
------o-------
SEWAGE TUNNEL FOR STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND KELLETT BANK *****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Will BUILD A SEWAGE TUNNEL FROM STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO KELLETT BANK EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE WORKS, WHICH INCLUDES AN OUTFALL DIFFUSER STRUCTURE, WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 30 MONTHS.
THE LAND SITUATED ON THE ROUTE OF THE TUNNEL IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TUNNEL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT A DEPTH OF MORE THAN 70 METRES BELOW THE SURFACE OF THE LAND.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS AN ESTATE OR INTEREST REGISTERED IN THE LAND REGISTRY ON THE LANI) MAY OBJECT IN WRITING TO IHE DIRECTOR OF DRAINAGE SERVICES ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 11 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE ESTATE OR INTEREST OF THE OBJECTOR IN THE LAND AND THE REASONS FOR HIS OBJECTION.
/THE NOTICE.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994,
38
THE NOTICE, AND ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH THE RELATED PLANS KCE/S/G/762-764 WHICH SHOW THE ROUTE OF THE PROPOSED TUNNEL CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (9 AM TO 4.30 PM) AND ON SATURDAY (9 AM TO NOON):
♦ LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFF HI, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, 22 COTTON TREE DRIVE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
♦ SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, 6TH FLOOR, WEST COAST INTERNATIONAL. BUILDING, 290-296 UN CHAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON; AND
* KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SEEK ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT MAY CONTACT THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TEL 834 9425 OR 834 9422.
------0--------
ROAD WIDENING SCHEME AT STANLEY MOUND ROAD
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES A ROAD WIDENING SCHEME AT STANLEY MOUND ROAD IN STANLEY, HONG KONG.
THE SCHEME IS TO WIDEN THE SECTION OF STANLEY MOUND ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 43 TO HOUSE NO. 3, AND TO PROVIDE 26 ON-STRFFT PARKING SPACES THEREAT; TO REALIGN THE SECTION OE STANLEY MOUND ROAD FRONTING HOUSE NO. 2 TO PROVIDE A CARRIAGEWAY OF 4.5 METRE WIDE; TO CONSTRUCT RUN-INS, FOOTWAYS, LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS; AND ANY OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ROAD WIDENING WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED ROAD WIDENING WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN D1STRK T OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG;
/* DISTRICT LANDS ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 39 -
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 20TH FLOOR, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; AND
♦ SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING 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 NO LATER THAN JANUARY 10, 1995 DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND THE MANNER JN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL.
---------0-----------
SPORTS GROUND FOR SIU SAI WAN
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS GROUND WITH A TOTAL SITE AREA OF 43,310 SQUARE METRES IN SIU SAI WAN, HONG KONG.
THE SPORTS GROUND WILL HAVE A SOCCER PITCH, ALL WEATHER RUNNING TRACKS, A SPECTATOR STAND, A SCORE BOARD BUILDING AND TWO SINGLESTOREY SERVICE BUILDINGS.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY FOR COMPLETION BY SEPTEMBER 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 06 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 9.
--------0-----------
SEWERS PLANNED FOR KWAI CHUNG
*****
THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL TRUNK SEWERS AND THE PROPOSED KWAI CHUNG INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER PUMPING STATION, AND SEWER RECONNECTION FOR FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT TO THE FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM.
THE TRUNK SEWERS RUN MAINLY IN KWAI WING ROAD, KWAI CHEONG ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD.
THE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 29 MONTHS.
/A NOTICE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
- 40 -
A NOTICE INVITING TENDERS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM HO TIN AND ASSOCIATES CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED, ROOM 1704 LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE TENDER CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON DECEMBER 9.
------0--------
ROUND THE ISLAND YACHT RACE
* * * * *
•THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A YACHT RACE WILL BE HELD ON THE EAST COAST OF HONG KONG ISLAND DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
ABOUT 250 YACHTS INCLUDING 15 WINDSURFERS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT.
THE OUTWARD LEG OF THE RACE WILL COMMENCE OFF KELLETT ISLAND, CAUSEWAY BAY, RUNNING EAST THROUGH LEI YUE MUN, SOUTH IN TATHONG CHANNEL AND WEST TO A POINT OFF BLUFF HEAD.
THE RETURN ROUTE WILL BE THE REVERSE OF THE OUTWARD LEG, EXCEPT THAT ALL COMPETITORS WILL PASS SOUTH OF BEAUFORT ISLAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT URGED MASTERS, COXSWAINS AND PERSONS-IN-CHARGE OF VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION, GIVING PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION TO THE CONTESTANTS.
"COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972 IS MANDATORY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0-----------
REQUEST TO REFRAIN FROM SOUNDING WHISTLES OR SIRENS ******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REQUESTED SHIPOWNERS SHIPMASTERS AND PERSONS-IN-CHARGE OF SMALL CRAFT , AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO REFRAIN FROM SOUNDING WHISTLES OR SIRENS WITHIN VICTORIA HARBOUR DURING THE REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE FROM 10.30 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "THIS SHOULD BE OBSERVED TN PARTICULAR DURING THE TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE FROM 11 AM TO 11.02 AM."
THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE PERIOD OF SILENCE WILL BE INDICATED BY THE FIRING OF A GUN IN CENTRAL DISTRICT.
------0------------
/41 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1994
41
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * t t
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,153 0930 + 190
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,471 1000 + 190
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 + 6
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 6 1200 + 6
LAF TODAY -688 1500 + 6
1600 + 6
LAF RATE 3.00 B1D/5.00 OFFER TW1 121.0 ♦+0.0* 11.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 3.77 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.78 6.61
1 MONTH 4.49 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95. 14 7.01
3 MONTHS 5.00 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.63 7.35
6 MONTHS 5.43 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.33 7.65
12 MONTHS 6.04 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.20 8.32
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,855 MN
CLOSED 11 NOVEMBER 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
INFRASTRUCTURE MEETING POSITIVE AND SUCCESSFUL: GOVERNOR.... 1
GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION BEFORE U.S. TRIP.................. 2
HONG KONG WANTS FREE TRADE DECLARATION..................... 7
CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY COMPLETED............. 8
HEALTH AMBASSADORS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE............ 9
FAMILY AIDE SERVICE TO EXPAND............................. 10
FINE AND DRY OCTOBER...................................... 11
LUCKY CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY.......................... 14
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER............................... 15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 16
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
INFRASTRUCTURE MEETING POSITIVE AND SUCCESSFUL: GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING HE WAS EXTREMELY PLEASED BY THE POSITIVE CONTENT OF THE MEETING HELD EARLIER THIS WEEK IN PEKING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINESE OFFICIALS ON INFRASTRUCTURE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY BEFORE HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES, MR PATTEN SAID:" I THINK THAT WAS A VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETING AND I HOPE THAT VERY SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO WRAP UP ISSUES LIKE THE REMIT OF THE NEW PROPOSED COMMITTEE AND GET DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF TALKING ABOUT CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE, ABOUT TALKING ON ROAD AND RAIL AND SO ON, WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES."
ELABORATING ON THE PROPOSED COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS NOT A COMMITTEE OR A WORKING GROUP WHICH WOULD IN ANY WAY DETRACT FROM HONG KONG’S LEGITIMATE AUTONOMY.
"ITS INTENTION IS TO SPEED UP DECISION-MAKING RATHER THAN TO SLOW DECISION-MAKING DOWN, THOUGH IT’S NOT ITSELF A DECISION-MAKING BODY," MR PATTEN SAID.
"BUT I THINK IT’S A VERY WELCOME DEVELOPMENT AND MAY, FOR EXAMPLE, ENSURE THAT WE DON’T FACE A SITUATION IN WHICH BRIDGES START TURNING UP IN HONG KONG WITHOUT US KNOWING MUCH ABOUT THEM."
ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACTUALLY AGREED THAT THE COMMITTEE BE SET UP, THE GOVERNOR SAID:"WE’VE GOT NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT A COMMITTEE LIKE THIS WOULD BE WHOLLY DESIRABLE, BUT I THINK WE NEED PROBABLY ANOTHER MEETING TO AGREE FINALLY ON THE NUTS AND BOLTS. BUT WE ARE VERY POSITIVE ABOUT THE APPROACH AND ARE DELIGHTED THAT THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN SO POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE AS WELL."
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION AS TO WHETHER HE WOULD VETO THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BILL SHOULD LEGCO AMEND IT, MR PATTEN SAID:" WE INTEND, IF WE CAN, TO PERSUADE THE COMMUNITY AND PERSUADE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF OUR WISDOM IN PUTTING FORWARD THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, AND I HOPE WE SUCCEED, I THINK IT’S IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY THAT WE SHOULD.."
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO GET THE BILL THROUGH DURING THIS SESSION.
"THE PROBLEM OF THE TIMETABLE IS IMPLACABLE. UNLESS WE HAVE THE COURT UP AND RUNNING BY THE MIDDLE OF 1996, WE WILL FACE A LEGAL VACUUM AT THE TOP OF OUR LEGAL STRUCTURE BECAUSE THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO CONSIDER CASES, WHICH MEANS THAT FROM ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF 1996 THEY WOULD FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE HONG KONG CASES, SO WE’VE GOT TO GET THE COURT UP AND RUNNING BEFORE THEN,” HE ADDED.
/2 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 2 -
GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION BEFORE U.S. TRIP
*****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOBBY BEFORE HIS TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES:
GOVERNOR: . GOOD MORNING, I’M SAVING YOU THE USUAL JOURNEY OUT TO THE AIRPORT. I’M MAKING MY FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES OVER THE NEXT WEEK. I’M VISITING LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE. IT’S THE FIRST VISIT BY A GOVERNOR TO LOS ANGELES SINCE 1989 AND THE FIRST VISIT TO SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE SINCE 1986. SO I THINK IT IS HIGH TIME THAT WE ENSURED THAT HONG KONG’S BOOMING ECONOMY AND ALL THAT WE ARE DOING HERE TO SECURE OUR FUTURE WERE KNOWN TO SOME OF THOSE WITH WHOM WE HAVE SUCH A GOOD ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP.
THE UNITED STATES, AS I THINK YOU KNOW, IS OUR SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER CHINA. OUR TOTAL TRADE WITH THE US IS WORTH ABOUT FORTY-ONE BILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS, AND ABOUT A FIFTH OF THAT TRADE IS WITH CALIFORNIA, SO YOU CAN SEE THAT THAT ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP - WHICH I REGULARLY SEE HERE: VISITORS FROM CALIFORNIA LIKE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK OF AMERICA - THAT RELATIONSHIP IS AN IMPORTANT ONE FOR US AND ONE THAT WE WANT TO STRENGTHEN.
I WILL BE MAKING FOUR MAJOR SPEECHES AND A NUMBER OF OTHER SPEECHES. I’M MEETING A LOT OF BUSINESS AND STATE AND CITY LEADERS AND WILL LOOK FORWARD IN PARTICULAR TO ’ MY MEETING WITH GOVERNOR PETE WILSON FOLLOWING HIS RE-ELECTION LAST WEEK. I SAW HIM A FEW MONTHS AGO HERE IN HONG KONG WHEN HE WAS ACCOMPANYING A BUSINESS DELEGATION AND IT WILL BE A GREAT PLEASURE TO MEET HIM ONCE MORE.
I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT I’LL BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THE SUCCESSFUL VISIT WHICH THE CHIEF SECRETARY HAS MADE TO THE UNITED STATES THIS YEAR. SHE HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL VISIT, AS YOU WILL RECALL, TO NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON TO LOBBY ABOUT MFN, IN APRIL, AND HAD ANOTHER VERY SUCCESSFUL PROMOTIONAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES LAST MONTH, GOING TO CHICAGO AND NEW YORK AND ATLANTA, AND I HOPE THAT WE’LL DO AS WELL ON THE WEST COAST’AS SHE DID ON THAT PARTICULAR VISIT. I’M BACK NEXT WEEKEND. NO QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY IS CALLING FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO SPEAK UP TO RETAIN HONG KONG’S SUCCESSFUL FACTORS, AND IS IT QUITE DISTURBING FOR THE TIME BEING IF THOSE FACTORS ARE ERODED?
GOVERNOR: I THINK WHAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID ON THAT SUBJECT WAS IMMENSELY SENSIBLE AND I THINK THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY WHO SHARE THAT VIEW.
QUESTION: IS A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN 1997 - THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION HAS FORESEEN IT TO BE ERODING?
/GOVERNOR: .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNOR: A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, OF COURSE, DEPENDS ON THE ATTITUDE AND POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIALS IN PEKING, AND IT ALSO DEPENDS ON THE WILL AND COMMITMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. ANY OTHERS?
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, YOU’VE ALWAYS SAID THAT IT WAS YOUR INTENTION TO LEAVE HERE ON 30TH JUNE 1997, BUT OF COURSE IT’S NOT COMPLETELY IN YOUR POWER (INAUDIBLE) AND THE PRIME MINISTER (INAUDIBLE)
GOVERNOR: THE ALMIGHTY.
QUESTION: YES, THE ALMIGHTY.
GOVERNOR: AND THE PRIME MINISTER. IN THAT ORDER.
QUESTION: IF IT WERE DECIDED BY THE ALMIGHTY OR BY A PRIME MINISTER THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON IT WOULD BE BETTER TO HAVE ANOTHER GOVERNOR - WHATEVER THE REASON WAS - OF COURSE IT WOULD BE SEEN BY MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AS QUITE DESTABALISING IF YOU WERE TAKEN OUT. THE ONLY THING THAT YOU MIGHT DO TO SHOW THAT YOU DIDN’T THINK THAT WAS SUCH A GOOD IDEA WOULD BE TO REFUSE TO TAKE A POLITICAL JOB WHEN YOU WENT BACK TO LONDON. NOW IF YOU WERE REPLACED, DO YOU THINK THAT YOU COULD MAKE IT CLEAR NOW THAT IT WOULD AT LEAST NOT BE TO YOUR POLITICAL DETRIMENT TO BE TAKEN OUT OR TO GO BACK OR REMOVED?
GOVERNOR: I’VE BEEN ASKED MUCH THF SAME QUESTION --
QUESTION: FIVE THOUSAND TIMES.
GOVERNOR: -- EVER SINCE I FIRS'; ARRIVED IN HONG KONG AND MY CONFIDENT PREDICTION IS THAT I’LL BE ASKED THE SAME QUESTION UNTIL ABOUT TEN-TO-TWELVE MIDNIGHT ON THE 30TH JUNE 1997, AND 1 THINK THAT MAYBE IN ORDER TO SAVE US ALL TIME, IN FUTURE IF ONE OF YOU WANTS TO ASK THE QUESTION, IF YOU SAY: ’’USUAL QUESTION", I’LL SAY "USUAL ANSWER". BUT LET ME ANSWER ONCE AGAIN. I WAS ASKED TO DO THIS JOB FOR FIVE YEARS. IN DOING THIS JOB I AM DISCHARGING THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AS FAITHFULLY AND COMPETENTLY AS 1 CAN AND I AM ALSO SEEKING TO DISCHARGE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. I INTEND TO GO ON DOING THAT UNTIL THAT FAMOUS MIDNIGHT ON THE 30TH JUNE 1997.
NOW I HAVE OCCASIONALLY IN THE PAST ADDED "GOD WILLING" WHICH IS NOT SOME SORT OF MANUSCRIPT FOOTNOTE TO SECURE ME A RELEASE FROM THIS COMMITMENT, IT’S MERELY AN EXPRESSION OF DEVOTIONAL REVERENCE AND A RECOGNITION THAT THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS IN ONES OWN HANDS.
I CAN’T CONCEIVE OF A MORE INTERESTING AND IMPORTANT JOB, WHETHER YOU DEFINE THAT POLITICALLY OR DIPLOMATICALLY OR MORALLY, THAN THE JOB THAT I AM TRYING TO DO HERE. AND I CANNOT CONCEIVE - 1 REPEAT WHAT I HAVE SAID BEFORE - OF ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH I WILL NOT BE CONTINUING IN THE JOB UNTIL THE LAST TRUMPET.
/QUESTION: .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
4
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU FORESEE THE PROSPECT OF SPEEDING UP JLG WORK ......
GOVERNOR: WELL I WANT STRAIGHTAWAY, AS I HAVE DONE ALREADY, TO WELCOME THE NEW HEAD OF THE CHINESE JLG TEAM. HE IS VERY FAMILIAR WITH SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WITH WHICH HE WILL BE WRESTLING. HE IS A MAN OF GREAT DIPLOMATIC EXPERIENCE AND CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH HONG KONG’S PROBLEMS AND ALL OF US UNRESERVEDLY WISH HIM WELL AND HOPE THAT HE ENJOYS LIVING IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY EXCITING COMMUNITY. WE CAN’T GUARANTEE HIM THIS WEATHER THE WHOLE YEAR ROUND BUT AT LEAST HE HAS ARRIVED WHEN IT’S AS BEAUTIFUL AS THIS.
WE DO HAVE ON THE TABLE, WHICH AMBASSADOR DAVIES PUT AT THE LAST JLG MEETING, A SERIES OF PROPOSALS FOR SPEEDING UP THE WORK OF THE JLG AND I WAS VERY PLEASED THAT THE NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR REFERRED TO THE NECESSITY OF DOING THAT, AND I HOPE THAT ONE OF THE OUTCOMES OF THE NEXT JLG MEETING IN LONDON WILL BE TO AGREE ON WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN, BOTH SIDES, GET THROUGH THE JLG AGENDA MORE RAPIDLY.
I THINK THAT IT’S GOING TO BE THE CASE AS WE GET CLOSER TO 1997 THAT THE CHINESE SIDE WILL WANT TO PUT MORE ISSUES ON THE JLG AGENDA WHICH HAVE SPECIFIC RELEVANCE TO THE SOVEREIGNTY TRANSFER, TO THE TRANSITION, AND THAT’S TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE AND VERY WELCOME AND I TRIED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THOSE POINTS IN MY SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER.
THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES WHICH SOMETIMES ARE DEALT WITH IN THE JLG AND SOMETIMES NOT, WHERE WE DO REQUIRE BETTER UNDERSTANDING. I WAS EXTREMELY PLEASED BY THE POSITIVE CONTENT OF THE MEETING THAT WE HAD EARLIER THIS WEEK IN PEKING ON INFRASTRUCTURE. I THINK THAT WAS A VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETING AND I HOPE THAT VERY SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO WRAP UP ISSUES LIKE THE REMIT OF THE NEW PROPOSED COMMITTEE AND GET DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF TALKING ABOUT CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE, ABOUT TALKING ON ROAD AND RAIL AND SO ON, WITH OUR CHINESE COLLEAGUES. I THINK IN OUR EXPERIENCE, OR IN OUR ESTIMATION, THAT MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW TO DO BUSINESS AND I HOPE WE’LL BE ABLE TO GO ON LIKE THAT.
IT’S NOT - AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS SAYING YESTERDAY - IT’S NOT A COMMITTEE OR A WORKING GROUP WHICH WILL IN ANY WAY DETRACT FROM HONG KONG’S LEGITIMATE AUTONOMY. ITS INTENTION IS TO SPEED UP DECISION MAKING RATHER THAN TO SLOW DECISION MAKING DOWN, THOUGH IT’S NOT ITSELF A DECISION MAKING BODY. BUT 1 THINK IT’S A VERY WELCOME DEVELOPMENT AND MAY, FOR EXAMPLE, ENSURE THAT WE DON’T FACE A SITUATION IN WHICH BRIDGES START TURNING UP IN HONG KONG WITHOUT US KNOWING MUCH ABOUT THEM.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, HAS THE GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY AGREED THAT THE COMMITTEE BE SET UP?
GOVERNOR: OH, WE’VE GOT NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT A COMMITTEE LIKE THIS WOULD BE WHOLLY DESIRABLE, BUT I THINK WE NEED PROBABLY ANOTHER MEETING TO AGREE FINALLY ON THE NUTS AND BOLTS. BUT WE ARE VERY POSITIVE ABOUT THE APPROACH AND ARE DELIGHTED THAT THE CHINESE SIDE HAVE BEEN SO POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE AS WELL.
/QUESTION: .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 5
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, DO YOU THINK THAT INACCURATE REPORTS
YESTERDAY IN THE PRO-BEIJING PAPERS ABOUT THE STONECUTTERS NAVAL BASE IS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO MAKE TROUBLE AGAINST THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: TO USE SPORTING METAPHORS, IT SEEMED TO BE SOMETHING
OF AN OWN GOAL, BUT IT WAS A REPORT IN THE NEWSPAPER RATHER THAN SOMETHING SAID BY OFFICIALS AND I’M SURE THE NEWSPAPER IS ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT WHEN IT PURSUES MATTERS LIKE THIS. I THINK THAT THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS HAS MADE THE POSITION ABUNDANTLY PLAIN, HE’S SET IT OUT VERY CLEARLY AND I DON’T THINK I WANT TO ADD TO WHAT HE SAID.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS ON THE
CEREMONIAL TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY BECAUSE DIRECTOR LU PING HAS SAID THAT ITS THEIR OWN VIEW THAT IT WILL BE A QUITE SIMPLE CEREMONY - JUST LOWER DOWN THE BRITISH FLAG IN HONG KONG AND HOIST UP THE PRC FLAG AND WHAT IS YOUR VIEW, BECAUSE YOU PUT FORWARD IN YOUR PROPOSAL, IN YOUR ADDRESS, AND SAID IT WILL BE IN A DIGNIFIED WAY?
GOVERNOR: YES, I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE SURPRISING IF DIRECTOR
LU PING DIDN’T WANT IT TO BE DIGNIFIED AS WELL.
QUESTION:
SO WHAT KIND OF CEREMONY ARE YOU THINKING OF?
GOVERNOR: WHAT WE’RE THINKING ABOUT IS A SIMPLE AND DIGNIFIED CEREMONY AND WE’LL VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO DISCUSSING THAT WITH DIRECTOR LU PING AND WITH THE CHINESE TEAM AND THE JLG, AND WITH ANYBODY ELSE.
QUESTION: GOVERNOR, STANDARD QUESTION PART TWO, VARIATION THREE -YOU’VE JUST GOT TO INDULGE ME, I’M GOING TO BE SIXTY-TWO ON MONDAY -JUST A LITTLE BIRTHDAY PRESENT - DO YOU AGREE THAT IF YOU WERE TAKEN OUT OF HERE, GOD WILLING OR WHATEVER IT IS, THAT IT WOULD BE VERY POLITICALLY DESTABALISING FOR HONG KONG BECAUSE YOU HAVE SAID THAT YOU YOURSELF HAVE NO INTENTION OF GOING, BUT WOULD YOU MAKE CLEAR TO ANYONE WHO HAPPENED TO SUGGEST TO YOU THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON IT MIGHT BE A GOOD THING FOR YOU, OR IF NECESSARY, DO YOU THINK THAT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE PLAIN THAT IT WOULD BE REGARDED HERE AS A DISHONOURABLE ACT?
GOVERNOR: YES. AND THAT’S AN AFFIRMATIVE YES, RATHER THAN A NEGATIVE YES. THAT’S A HUNDRED AND ONE PER CENT YES. THAT IS A COMPLETE TOTAL UNMITIGATED YES. AND 1 THINK THERE WOULD BE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WOULD MAKE THAT POINT AS WELL.
QUESTION: VERY GOOD SO FAR.
GOVERNOR: LET ME ADD - NOT A QUALIFICATION - NOT A QUALIFICATION - THERE ARE IMPORTANT ISSUES INVOLVING BOTH HONESTY AND HONOUR, BOTH MINE AND THE GOVERNMENT’S, AND I THINK THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT.
ANYTHING ELSE? OR CAN I GO - GO AND PACK MY BAG. THAT’LL BE THE DAY.
/QUESTION: .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994-
- 6 -
QUESTION: (INAUDIBLE)
GOVERNOR: WELL FIRST OF ALL, THE HIGH COURT HAS BEEN DEALING WITH ISSUES WHICH TOOK PLACE TWO YEARS AFTER I CEASED TO BE THE MINISTER OF OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT. SECOND, WHEN I WAS QUESTIONED ON THIS ISSUE BY THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE 1 SAID THAT WHILE I WAS MINISTER FOR OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT THERE WAS NO LINK BETWEEN ARMS AND AID - AND THERE WASN’T - AND THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE CONFIRMED THAT.
QUESTION: AND WHAT REACTION DO YOU HAVE TO DOUGLAS HURD’S (INAUDIBLE) THAT THERE WAS A LINK BETWEEN THE TWO.
GOVERNOR: THAT IS NOT, WITH RESPECT, THE ISSUE. AND WHAT DOUGLAS HURD HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS IS A HIGH COURT JUDGMENT ABOUT SOMETHING THAT TOOK PLACE TWO YE YRS AFTER I WAS MINISTER FOR OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT.
QUESTION: IF LEGCO REJECT THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL - THE DRAFT BILL, DO YOU THINK IT’S A MATTER FOR THE PROVISIONAL LEGISLATURE TO MAKE A DECISION?
GOVERNOR: IF LEGCO REJECT LEGISLATION ON A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, DECISIONS WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN AFTER 1997. IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT. OK?
QUESTION: DOES THAT MEAN THAT IF LEGCO AMENDS THE BILL, WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO VETO THE BILL?
GOVERNOR: STANDARD QUESTION NUMBER TWO. STANDARD ANSWER NUMBER TWO. IT’S DIFFICULT ENOUGH GOVERNING HONG KONG WITHOUT MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT BY INVITING ME TO REPLY TO HYPOTHETICAL SITUATIONS. WE INTEND, IF WE CAN, TO PERSUADE THE COMMUNITY AND PERSUADE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF OUR WISDOM IN PUTTING FORWARD THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS <>N THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL, AND I HOPE WE SUCCEED, I THINK IT’S IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY THAT WE SHOULD. OK?
QUESTION: DOES THAT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WON’T MAKE A SECOND
ATTEMPT TO TABLE THE BILL IF IT’S TO BE REJECTED?
GOVERNOR: SORRY?
QUESTION: THERE WON’T BE A SECOND ATTEMPT TO TABLE THE BILL
BEFORE 1997?
GOVERNOR: WELL, WE WISH TO GET THE BILL THROUGH DURING THIS
SESSION. THE PROBLEM OF THE TIMETABLE IS IMPLACABLE. UNLESS WE HAVE THE BILL UP AND RUNNING -- SORRY, UNLESS WE HAVE THE COURT UP AND RUNNING BY THE MIDDLE OF 1996, WE WILL FACE A LEGAL VACUUM AT THE TOP OF OUR LEGAL STRUCTURE BECAUSE THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO CONSIDER CASES, WHICH MEANS THAT FROM ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF 1996 THEY WOULD FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE HONG KONG CASES, SO WE’VE GOT TO GET THE COURT UP AND RUNNING BEFORE THEN. THANK YOU VERY' MUCH INDEED.
/7 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
7
HONG KONG WANTS FREE TRADE DECLARATION *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S HOPE FOR A FREE TRADE DECLARATION FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) ECONOMIC LEADERS AT THEIR MEETING TO BE HELD IN BOGOR, INDONESIA ON NOVEMBER 15 (TUESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE SIXTH APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 12 IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA.
"OUR HOPE," HE SAID, "IS THAT THERE WILL ISSUE FROM BOGOR A STRONG DECLARATION OF APEC’S COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING FREE TRADE IN APEC BY A SPECIFIC AND CREDIBLE DATE.
"A DECISIVE DECLARATION GIVES APEC CENTRE STAGE. THE INITIATIVE FOR LEADING GLOBAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT LIBERALISATION LIES WITH US, WITH ECONOMIES WHICH ARE ALL GROWING AND WHICH ARE INCREASINGLY EXTERNALLY ORIENTED. IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT, IN MY VIEW, THAT WE RETAIN THE INITIATIVE."
LOOKING BEYOND BOGOR, MR CHAU STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING UP THE MOMENTUM OF TRADE LIBERALISATION. "APEC SHOULD FOCUS ON A PRACTICAL PACKAGE OF THINGS WHICH ARE MORE IMMEDIATELY ACHIEVABLE AND DELIVERABLE,” SAID MR CHAU.
MR CHAU SUGGESTED FOUR REASONS FOR THIS: "FIRST, WE NEED TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT WE ARE SERIOUS. SECONDLY, WE NEED TO GIVE OURSELVES GREATER CREDIBILITY WITH OUR BUSINESS CONSTITUENCIES. THIRDLY, WE NEED TO BUILD UP A MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE. FOURTHLY, WE NEED TO ALLOW OURSELVES SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF APEC’S ECONOMIC DIVERSITY.
"I AM PLEASED, THEREFORE THAT APEC HAS SET PRIORITIES FOR ITS TRADE FACILITATION WORK AND HOPE THAT SUCH WORK WILL BRING IMMEDIATE AND TANGIBLE BENEFITS TO OUR BUSINESSMEN," HE ADDED.
MR CHAU ALSO URGED APEC MEMBERS TO REAFFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND THEIR DETERMINATION TO SET UP THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION ON JANUARY 1, 1995.
BESIDES TRADE AND INVESTMENT ISSUES, THE APEC MINISTERIAL MEETING ALSO DISCUSSED ECONOMIC TREND AND ISSUES, THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EMINENT PERSONS GROUP, THE REPORT OF THE PACIFIC BUSINESS REPORT, HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, CO-OPERATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES, AND OTHER WORK PROGRAMMES AND ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES OF APEC.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER; THE GOVERNMENT ECONOMIST, MR K Y TANG; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR A R CLARK; AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW.
APEC IS AN INFORMAL FORUM FOR HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES, AND COMPRISES 18 MEMBERS. BESIDES HONG KONG, OTHER MEMBERS ARE: AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, CHILE (WHICH BECAME A MEMBER AT THE MINISTERIAL MEETING), CHINA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE U.S.
------0-------
/8 .....
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 8 -
CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY COMPLETED * » * » *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A CAMPAIGN ON CONSTRUCTION SITES TO REMIND EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE NEED FOR CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT OF SITE SAFETY IN A BID TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
DURING THE TWO-PHASE SPECIAL TASK FORCE CAMPAIGN MOUNTED BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE, AND BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER, FACTORY INSPECTORS MADE A TOTAL OF 1,295 INSPECTIONS TO 585 CONSTRUCTION SITES, LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR CHAN TAT-KING, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"THESE INSPECTIONS WERE MADE IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINE INSPECTIONS BECAUSE EXPERIENCE FROM PREVIOUS SIMILAR EXERCISES HAS PROVED THAT THE OPERATION IS VERY EFFECTIVE PARTICULARLY IN THE HOT AND RAINY SEASON.
"TO TIE IN WITH THE CAMPAIGN, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE ALSO ISSUED SAFETY ADVICE ON NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN BY CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS ON APPROACH OF, DURING AND AFTER BAD OR UNSTABLE WEATHER," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN DISCLOSED THAT DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS CONCENTRATED ON HIGH-RISK AREAS SUCH AS SCAFFOLDS, CAISSON WORK, AND PLACES THAT MIGHT CAUSE FALLS OF PERSONS.
"WE ALSO CHECKED ON THE SAFE USE OF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEARS, TO SEE WHETHER THE CONTRACTOR HAD COMPLIED WITH THEIR STATUTORY DUTIES IN THE PROVISION OF TRAINING AND SUPERVISION ON THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT SUCH AS SAFETY BELTS AND SAFETY HELMETS.
"WE ALSO CHECKED WHETHER WORKERS HAD FULFILLED THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN CO-OPERATING WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS IN COMPLYING WITH THE LAW ON SAFETY AND HEALTH.
"APART FROM THE HIGH-RISK AREAS, ATTENTION WAS PAID ON HOUSEKEEPING ON THE SITES, THE IMPROVEMENT OF WHICH WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT IN AVOIDING ACCIDENTS GENERALLY," HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID DURING THE CAMPAIGN, FACTORY INSPECTORS HAD TAKEN PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST 285 SITES FOR SERIOUS BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN THE ISSUING OF 541 SUMMONSES.
AMONG THE SUMMONSES, 304 WERE OFFENCES RELATED TO FALL FROM A HEIGHT AND SCAFFOLD SAFETY, 72 RELATED TO THE SAFE USE OF MACHINERY INCLUDING WOODWORKING MACHINES, LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEARS, AND 41 ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY.
ANOTHER 111 SUMMONSES WERE TAKEN OUT AGAINST CONTRACTORS FOR FAILING TO ENSURE WORKERS WEAR SAFETY HELMETS, FIVE SUMMONSES FOR FAILING TO ENSURE WORKERS WEAR EYE-PROTECTORS, ONE FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE EYE-PROTECTORS TO WORKERS, ONE FOR FAILURE TO PREVENT FALLING MATERIALS AND ONE ON POOR SITE HOUSEKEEPING.
/THERE ARE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
9 -
THERE ARE ALSO FIVE SUMMONSES AGAINST WORKERS FOR NOT WEARING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT PAST EXPERIENCE AND EVIDENCES COLLECTED IN THE CAMPAIGN SHOWED THAT SITE CONTRACTORS WERE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE IN THEIR ABILITY OR DETERMINATION TO EXERCISE STRICTER SUPERVISION OVER THEIR EMPLOYEES IN ADHERING TO THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.
"IN MOST CASES, CONTRACTORS STOPPED AT JUST PROVIDING THE REQUISITE EQUIPMENT AND MEASURES BUT IGNORED THE NEED TO SUPERVISE THE PROPER USE OF SUCH PROVISIONS, NOT TO MENTION MAINTAINING THEM IN GOOD WORKING ORDER," MR CHAN SAID.
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, IT IS THE DUTY OF THE EMPLOYERS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS BY PROVIDING AND MAINTAINING A SAFE WORKING PLACE, HE REITERATED.
WORKERS MUST ALSO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS AND USE THE REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT TO AVOID BEING INJURED, HE ADDED.
"OUR INSPECTORS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE SITUATION AND WILL MOUNT MORE OPERATIONS, IF NECESSARY, TO SEE TO IT THE SAFETY LAW IS BEING OBSERVED," HE SAID.
"ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS LIKELY TO BE INTENSIFIED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT DETERMINATION TO RID PERSISTENT OFFENDERS OF THE SAFETY LAW OF BIDDING FOR PUBLIC CONTRACTS.
"CONTRACTORS WITH BAD SAFETY PERFORMANCE AS REFLECTED BY POOR ACCIDENT OR PROSECUTION RECORDS WILL SOON FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SURVIVE IN THIS COMPETING WORLD," MR CHAN SAID.
"UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS WHO CHOOSE TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW WILL BE PROSECUTED WITHOUT HESITATION," HE SAID.
- - 0----------
HEALTH AMBASSADORS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE » « * * *
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS THE BEST PREVENTION AGAINST TOP KILLER DISEASES AMONG URBAN DWELLERS, THE CHAIRMAN OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, DR DAVID FANG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT A HEALTH AMBASSADOR GRADUATION CEREMONY, HE SAID COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAMMES, BASED ON TRAINING UP MOTIVATED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, HAD BEEN SET UP IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD AND PROVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE HEALTH PROMOTION MODEL.
DR FANG SAID THE KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH THAT HEALTH AMBASSADORS ACQUIRED WOULD BENEFIT NOT ONLY THE TRAINEES, BUT ALSO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
/HE CALLED .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
HE CALLED ON THE AMBASSADORS TO LIVE UP TO THEIR MISSION TO CONVEY HEALTH MESSAGES TO PEOPLE THEY KNOW.
DR FANG SAID WOMEN AMBASSADORS SHOULD DRIVE HOME A THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. HE HOPED THAT STUDENT AMBASSADORS WOULD PASS ON THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE KNOWLEDGE TO THEIR CLASSMATES.
A TOTAL OF 420 HEALTH AMBASSADORS GRADUATED TODAY AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING COURSES RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS TRAINED 380 STUDENT HEALTH AMBASSADORS FROM ABOUT 80 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 40 WOMEN HEALTH AMBASSADORS AGED BETWEEN 30 AND 50.
THE HEALTH AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME IS AN INNOVATIVE STEP OVER THE CONVENTIONAL RELIANCE ON HEALTH ACTIVITIES RENDERED BY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS.
THE CONCEPT IS TO DRAW COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO AND PARTICIPATION IN SPREADING HEALTH MESSA^S
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE PERMANENT AND IS CHARACTERISED BY A MULTI-STRATA STRUCTURE AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN RELATION TO HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE ADVANCED COURSES FOR THOSE AMBASSADORS WHO ARE INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE.
- - 0 - -
FAMILY AIDE SERVICE TO EXPAND * * ♦ * ♦
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS TO EXPAND FAMILY AIDE SERVICE TO HELP ITS CLIENTS DEVELOP ADEQUATE ABILITY IN SELF-CARE AND HOUSEHOLD MATTERS.
THE NUMBER OF FAMILY AIDE WORKERS WILL BE INCREASED FROM 20 AT PRESENT TO 52 IN 1996/97 BY PHASES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
’’THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF THE SERVICE IS TO GIVE GUIDANCE TO CLIENTS WHO ARE RECEIVING OUR CASEWORK COUNSELLING SERVICE BY IMPARTING TO THEM BASIC SKILLS IN HOME-MAKING AND CHILD CARE THROUGH A SYSTEMATIC TRAINING PROGRAMME.
’’THE ULTIMATE AIM IS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP ADEQUATE SELFMANAGEMENT IN HOUSEHOLD MATTERS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRAINING COVERS HOUSEKEEPING, CLEANING, LAUNDRY, CARING FOR CHILDREN AND OTHER PERSONS IN NEED, PREPARATION OF MEALS, SHOPPING AND BUDGETTING.
/THE SPOKESMAN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FOLLOWING FOUR CATEGORIES OF CLIENTS WERE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF FAMILY AIDE SERVICE:
« PARENTS WHO ARE INADEQUATE IN MANAGING THE HOUSEHOLD TASKS OR IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN;
» DISABLED OR MENTALLY ILL PARENTS WHO ARE INADEQUATE IN MANAGING HOUSEHOLD TASKS OR IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN;
» ANY FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS TO MANAGE HOUSEHOLD TASKS OR TAKE CARE OF YOUNG CHILDREN OWING TO THE OCCURRENCE OF FAMILY CRISIS SUCH AS DESERTION, IMPRISONMENT, HOSPITALISATION, DIVORCE OR DEATH OF PARENTS; AND
♦ ANY FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CONSIDERED TO BE IN NEED OF FAMILY AIDE SERVICE BY SOCIAL WORKERS.
AT PRESENT, FAMILY AIDE SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY ALL FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS THROUGH A REFERRAL SYSTEM FROM VARIOUS CASEWORK SERVICES UNITS, INCLUDING THE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES UNIT, THE CHILD CUSTODY SERVICES UNIT, PROBATION OFFICES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK UNITS AND MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES UNITS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS REVISED THE FAMILY AIDE SERVICE USER’S GUIDE TO PROVIDE AN UP-TO-DATE GUIDELINE TO CASEWORKERS TO IDENTIFY WHO ARE IN NEED OF FAMILY AIDE SERVICE. COPIES OF THE GUIDE HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO ALL CASEWORK SERVICES UNITS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN FAMILY AIDE SERVICE ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OR CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255.
------0-------
FINE AND DRY OCTOBER
* ♦ ♦ » »
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A PERSISTENT NORTHEAST MONSOON, LAST MONTH WAS GENERALLY FINE AND DRY, A ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORT STATED TODAY (SATURDAY).
WITH MONTHLY RAINFALL OF ONLY 2.2 MILLIMETRES, IT WAS THE EIGHTH DRIEST OCTOBER SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 AMOUNTED TO 2,602.8 MILLIMETRES, 21 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL OF 2,151.9 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
THE MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT FOR THE MONTH WAS ONLY 36 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT BELOW THE OCTOBER NORMAL.
/A BROAD .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 12 -
A BROAD RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE DOMINATED OVER SOUTHERN CHINA AND THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG WAS FINE AND WARM ON THE FIRST FIVE DAYS OF THE MONTH.
HOWEVER, A FRESH EASTERLY AIRSTREAM REACHED THE COAST OF GUANGDONG ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 6 AND BROUGHT CLOUDY WEATHER AND SOME RAIN PATCHES.
TEMPERATURES WERE GENERALLY ON THE RISE FROM OCTOBER 7 TO 9. AS TYPHOON SETH TRAVERSED THE EAST CHINA SEA, ITS PERIPHERAL NORTHERLY FLOW BROUGHT HOT AND DRY CONTINENTAL AIR TO THE TERRITORY ON OCTOBER 10 AND 11. THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY DROPPED TO 63 PER CENT ON THESE TWO DAYS.
SUNNY WEATHER WITH MODERATE TO FRESH EASTERLY WINDS PREVAILED FROM OCTOBER 12 TO 17. THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURES OF 31.1 DEGREES WAS REACHED IN A FINE AFTERNOON ON OCTOBER 17.
A COLD FRONT OVER GUANGDONG ADVANCED SOUTHWARDS ON OCTOBER 18 AND REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST THE NEXT DAY.
LOCAL WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE NORTH ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 19.
A BLOCK OF WOOD WAS BLOWN OFF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING AT WONG TAI SIN ON OCTOBER 20 HITTING AND INJURING TWO PEDESTRIANS.
A BEEHIVE WAS TOSSED BY WINDS FROM A TREE IN SHA TIN ON THE SAME DAY. TEN PEOPLE WERE STUNG BY BEES ESCAPING FROM THE DAMAGED HIVE.
WITH THE ADVECTION OF COOL AND DRY CONTINENTAL AIR BEHIND THE COLD FRONT, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN BOTH TEMPERATURES AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY.
IT WAS PARTICULARLY DRY ON OCTOBER 21 WITH A MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF ONLY 37 PER CENT. TEMPERATURES FELL TO THE MONTH’S LOWEST OF 16.5 DEGREES ON OCTOBER 22.
THE PERSISTENCE OF A HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER CHINA SUSTAINED THE NORTHEAST MONSOON. A SPELL OF COOL, FINE AND DRY WEATHER LASTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THERE WERE ALTOGETHER SEVEN TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN OCTOBER.
DETAILS OF THE ISSUANCE/HOISTING AND CANCELLATION/LOWERING OF VARIOUS WARNINGS/SIGNALS IN THE MONTH ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 1.1. MONTHLY METEOROLOGICAL FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL OF OCTOBER ARE TABULATED IN TABLE 1.2.
/TABLE 1.1
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
13
TABLE 1.1 WARNINGS AND SIGNALS IN OCTOBER 1994 WARNINGS / SIGNALS EFFECTIVE DATE AND TIME
STRONG MONSOON WARNING OCT 19 7.15 PM - OCT 22 7.30 PM
FIRE DANGER WARNINGS
YELLOW OCT 1 6 AM — OCT 2 MIDNIGHT
YELLOW OCT 9 6 AM — OCT 9 11 PM
RED OCT 11 7.40 AM — OCT 11 6 PM
RED OCT 13 MIDNIGHT — OCT 13 11 PM
YELLOW OCT 16 MIDNIGHT — OCT 16 6 PM
RED OCT 20 6.05 AM — OCT 27 7.45 AM
YELLOW OCT 29 MIDNIGHT - OCT 30 6.15 AM
RED OCT 30 6.15 AM — OCT 30 11 PM
TABLE 1.2 FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL - OCTOBER 1994
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE 267.7 HOURS ; 72.7 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 16.75 MJ/SQUARE METRE ;
1.29 MJ/SQUARE METRE ABOVE NORMAL
TOTAL RAINFALL 2.2 MM ; 142.6 MM BELOW NORMAL
MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT 36
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY 67
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
PER CENT ; 20 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL
PER CENT ; 6 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL
27.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
0.4 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
9’ r,
24.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.3 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
22.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
0.2 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
18.1 DEGREES CELSIUS ;
1.7 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
135.4 MM ; 16.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
REMARKS: ALL MEASUREMENTS WERE MADE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EXCEPT SUNSHINE, SOLAR RADIATION AND EVAPORATION WHICH WERE RECORDED AT KING’S PARK. ----------------------------------0--------
/14........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 14 -
LUCKY' CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY
*****
NINETY-NINE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $2,333,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY AFTER EXPENSES ARE DEDUCTED.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK GC3 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $210,000.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARK GC2 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $175,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR GE625, GD1017, GE466, GD1014, GE3992, GE1611, GD1016, GE8907 AND BN257.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS
OF THE MORNING-SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GD1003 2,000 GA128 75,000 GD3338 26,000 GE328 100,000
GE625 1,000 GD1006 5,000 GD1009 3,000 GD1012 6,000
♦AS1001 40,000 *XX25 WITHDRAWN *GC2 175,000 ♦ AC89 90,000
AY1777 8,000 BC1215 2,000 GE3336 16,000 CP3819 10,000
GE2108 6,000 GD8362 8,000 GE1128 13,000 CC6621 6,000
GD1017 1,000 GD1011 3,000 GC9998 15,000 FY3278 9,000
GE770 6,000 GD6218 4,000 GD1014 1,000 GE1116 4,000
♦ DD66 140,000 *AP27 72,000 ♦AL8338 50,000 tFAHOO 16,000
GE466 1,000 CM9902 4,000 GE329 25,000 GE115 5,000
CS4376 WITHDRAWN GE8288 32,000 AU1933 20,000 GE702 4,000
GE3992 1,000 GE629 4,000 *EB5656 6,000 FZ7628 WITHDRAWN
GE1611 GE513 1,000 WITHDRAWN GD1016 AS129 1,0.00 18,000 BB869 30,000 *BE5225 10,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE $ RESULTS OF $ THE AFTERNOON- $ SESSION AUCTION: $
GE895 2,000 GE168 105,000 GC3338 21,000 GB7351 6,000
GD1008 13,000 GE348 23,000 GD6233 WITHDRAWN GE208 12,000
♦ FF66 110,000 *AP600 35,000 *GC3 210,000 *BB27 49,000
GE8907 1,000 GE8388 20,000 GE3228 14,000 GE1113 9,000
CF6686 21,000 AC812 28,000 AS2988 19,000 GE2833 6,000
GE1800 26,000 GA8930 WITHDRAWN GB2328 15,000 HK3339 170,000
GE1168 13,000 AP6686 18,000 GE220 38,000 BT885 6,000
tCK87 40,000 *FD2345 9,000 *AL2882 21,000 ♦GE3993 8,000
GE827 10,000 GE3168 18,000 GB1328 15,000 GD7888 12,000
CD6686 10,000 GE356 6,000 GD1018 6,000 * GE280 21,000
GE1892 WITHDRAWN BS1962 6,000 ♦GD626 18,000 EF1011 15,000
BB719 GE6629 12,000 2,000 GE699 BN257 9,000 1,000 BB5111 10,000 *EA9090 13,000
THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR CS4376, XX25, FZ7628, GE513, GA8930, GD6233 AND GE1892. XX25 WAS WITHDRAWN AND THE REST WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE ORIGINAL APPLICANTS.
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 15 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED .TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 246TH AND 247TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $355,014,905.
------0--------
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER ♦ * * * »
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 10 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
DECEMBER 5 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 FM
DECEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 6 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 8 (THURSDAY) 00.01 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) 00.01 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 10 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 11 PM
DECEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM — 5 PM
--------0-----------
/16 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1994
- 16 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
♦ » » ♦ »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,471 0930 + 400
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,051 1000 + 400
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 400
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 400 1130 + 400
LAF TODAY -820 1500
1600
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.1 ♦+0.1» 12.11.94
------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN USA AT START OF OFFICIAL VISIT......... 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY ATTENDS APEC MEETING................... 2
CUSTOMS ACHIEVE PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 1993-94............ 3
CHALLENGES TO IMMIGRATION CONTROLLERS...................... 4
NEW REGIONAL SECRETARY TAKES UP POST....................... 6
REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES STRENGTHENED............ 6
OLDER VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME PROPOSED........................ 7
ENVIRONMENT REPORT ON TO KAU WAN RECLAMATION PUBLISHED... 8
RESTAURANTS URGED NOT TO SERVE DISHES OF ENDANGERED SPECIES.................................................... 9
PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IMPROVES SERVICE................ 10
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ON PARADE............................ 10
MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARD SCHEME INVITES NOMINATIONS ...
11
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN USA AT START OF OFFICIAL VISIT * * * * t
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ARRIVED IN LOS ANGELES ON NOVEMBER 12 (LOS ANGELES TIME) WITH A POSITIVE MESSAGE FOR THE US BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO CONTINUE INVESTING IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA ON ARRIVAL AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT THE START OF A WEEK-LONG OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES, MR PATTEN SAID THAT HE WOULD BE TELLING BUSINESS LEADERS IN CALIFORNIA ABOUT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND ITS INVESTMENT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
"I’M GOING TO BE ENCOURAGING THEM TO COME TO HONG KONG, IF THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY, TO INVEST IN HONG KONG AND TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR FUTURE," SAID MR PATTEN.
MR PATTEN SAID HE WOULD BE GETTING ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG IS DOING SPLENDIDLY AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO WELL INTO THE FUTURE, PARTICULARLY IF IT HAS THE UNDERSTANDING OF ITS FRIENDS AROUND THE WORLD.
MR PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT ALL THE ELEMENTS WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG SUCH AN IMPORTANT BASE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES AND FOR THEIR OPERATIONS IN THE REGION WOULD CONTINUE AFTER 1997 DUE TO THE TREATY BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEES THAT HONG KONG WILL GO ON BEING ADMINISTERED AFTER 1997 FOR 50 YEARS AS IT IS TODAY. WHAT THAT MEANS IS THE RULE OF LAW CONTINUING, WITH BUSINESS CONTINUING TO HAVE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. WHAT IT MEANS IS CLEAN GOVERNMENT, THE CLEAN AWARD OF CONTRACTS AND GRANTS AND FRANCHISES," SAID MR PATTEN.
NOTING THAT THERE ARE ALREADY ABOUT 100 FACTORIES IN HONG KONG WHICH ARE OWNED BY US INTERESTS, EMPLOYING ABOUT 20,000 PEOPLE, MR PATTEN SAID THAT MANY AMERICAN FIRMS ARE COMING TO LOOK AT HONG KONG TO SEE HOW THEY COULD EXTEND AND DEVELOP THAT INVESTMENT.
MR PATTEN POINTED OUT THAT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES RUNS AT ABOUT US $41 BILLION A YEAR, AND ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF IT IS TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CALIFORNIA.
FOLLOWING THE FIRST LEG OF THE VISIT IN LOS ANGELES, THE GOVERNOR WILL TRAVEL TO SAN FRANCISCO, AND COMPLETE THE WEEK IN SEATTLE. HE WILL MEET SENIOR STATE AND CITY OFFICIALS, BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, AND GIVE KEYNOTE SPEECHES IN EACH CITY.
---------0 - -
/2........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 2 -
FINANCIAL SECRETARY ATTENDS APEC MEETING
*****
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SIR HAMISH MACLEOD’S MEDIA SESSION AT THE AIRPORT TODAY (NOVEMBER 13):
FS• SO, I THINK SO FAR ON APEC, THE MINISTERIAL HAS GONE PRETTY WELL BUT CLEARLY, THE MAIN ISSUE, THE KEY ISSUE, HAS BEEN LEFT FOR THE LEADERS AND THAT’S TO SAY HOW FAR WE CAN GO ON THE DECLARATION ON ACHIEVING FREE TRADE AND IN PARTICULAR BY WHAT DATE. CLEARLY, THAT HAS BEEN LEFT OPEN FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION SO I’LL LOOK FORWARD TO THAT.
I WILL BE BEING BRIEFED, OBVIOUSLY, BY OUR TEAM WHEN I GET TO JAKARTA, ON THE LATEST ISSUES, BUT I THINK THE MAIN FOCUS WILL BE ON THE DECLARATION, I THINK THAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
WE, OF COURSE, WILL DO OUR BEST TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO BE AS POSITIVE AS POSSIBLE ON THE FREE TRADE DECLARATION AND I KNOW THAT PROBABLY MOST MEMBERS ARE PRETTY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THAT. I THINK IF WE CAN GET THE TARGET SET, THE LONG TERM TARGET, THEN THE DETAILS CAN COME LATER; THEY WILL NOT BE EASY BUT WE HAVE TIME OVER THE NEXT MONTHS TO SORT THAT OUT BUT WE MUST GET THE DECLARATION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. ANY QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: MR MACLEOD, DO YOU MIND IF I SIDE TRACK A BIT TO ASK
ABOUT THE AIRPORT?
FS: YOU CAN TRY BUT I MAY NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY.
QUESTION: SO, ANY PROGRESS ON THE TALKS?
FS: I DON’T THINK I’VE GOT ANYTHING NEW ON THE AIRPORT.
QUESTION: WELL, IN ORDER TO MAKE A VERY CLEAR DECLARATION OF THE
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE MTRC, DO YOU AGREE THAT IT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR IN THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT THAT THE SHARE INTEREST OF MTRC SHOULD BE INCLUDED INTO THE TEXT?
FS: WELL, I’M DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO GO INTO THE FINANCIAL
SUPPORT AGREEMENTS BECAUSE OF COURSE THEY ARE JUST BEING DISCUSSED, SO I DON’T WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN THAT DETAIL. THOSE DISCUSSIONS, I THINK BOTH SIDES CERTAINLY INTEND TO GET THROUGH THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND SO I HOPE THAT WILL BE THE CASE.
QUESTION: ISN’T IT LIKELY FOR THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS
YOU HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE WILL BE REACHED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR?
FS: I CERTAINLY HOPE SO. I WOULD BE VERY DISAPPOINTED IF
WE DIDN’T.
/QUESTION: .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
3 -
QUESTION: WHAT ABOUT THE -- SHOULD THE MTRC — IT SHOULD --
FS: I’M NOT GOING TO GO INTO THAT BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW,
THERE HAS BEEN A BRIEFING FOR LEGCO MEMBERS AND THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, AND' OF COURSE THERE IS A FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING COMING
UP, SO I THINK I’LL LEAVE THAT TO MY COLLEAGUES AND DONALD TSANG TO
GET ON WITH IT.
QUESTION: AT THE LATEST EXPERTS’ MEETING BOTH SIDES HAVE
DIFFERENT INTERPRETATIONS ON WHAT THE REMAINING DIFFICULTIES ARF.
FS: OKAY. WELL I’M SURE THEY’LL SORT IT OUT. THANK YOU
VERY MUCH. SEE YOU WHEN I GET BACK. THANK YOU.
--------0 - -
CUSTOMS ACHIEVE PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 1993-94 * * * * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE PERFORMANCE TARGETS SET UNDER ITS "SERVING THE COMMUNITY" SCHEME FOR 1993-94 WERE GENERALLY ACHIEVED.
"THE DEPARTMENT ATTAINED AN ACHIEVEMENT RATE OF OVER 99 PER CENT IN MOST OF THE PERFORMANCE TARGETS," HE SAID.
"THE SLIGHTLY LOWER ACHIEVEMENT RATE OF 87 PER CENT RELATED TO THE ISSUING OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCOMPLETE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY APPLICANTS, CAUSING DELAY TO PROCESSING."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE PLEDGE, RELATED TO THE CLEARANCE OF AIR PASSENGERS, HAS BEEN ADDED FOR THE YEAR 1994-95 .
"UPON QUEUING UP FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE, THE TARGET IS TO CLEAR PASSENGERS WITHIN 15 MINUTES, EXCEPT FOR THOSE BEING SELECTED FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CLEARANCE OF DETAINED SEA CARGO HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM SEVEN DAYS TO FIVE. THE TARGET TIME TO CLEAR DETAINED AIR CARGO IS NOW 90 MINUTES.
THE TIME TO MAKE IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS AND THE PAYMENT OF AD VALOREM CHARGES AT COLLECTION OFFICES HAS BEEN MODIFIED.
FOR LODGMENT OF MORE THAN 50 PAPER DECLARATIONS, THE TARGET, INCLUDING QUEUING TIME, RANGES FROM HALF AN HOUR TO TWO HOURS.
FOR LODGMENT OF LESS THAN 50 PAPER DECLARATIONS, THE TARGET TIME IS HALF AN HOUR TO ONE AND ONE-QUARTER HOURS.
DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THE DEPARTMEN'I IIAS ALSO SET UP CUSTOMERS LIAISON GROUPS FOR AIR AND SEA CARGO.
/"THE DEPARTMENT ......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
"THE DEPARTMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN EFFICIENT, COURTEOUS AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC IN A GOOD ENVIRONMENT. WE WELCOME ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
COPIES OF THE SECOND EDITION OF THE "PERFORMANCE PLEDGES" LISTING THE STANDARDS OF THE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CUSTOMS OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
---------0-----------
CHALLENGES TO IMMIGRATION CONTROLLERS * * * * *
NO ONE KNOWS WHO WILL BE THE NEXT CLIENT - HE MAY BE A WANTED SUSPECT, AN EXCILED KING, OR AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HOLDING A FORGED PASSPORT.
BUT THEY HAVE TO DECIDE IN A MINUTE OR TWO WHETHER HE IS ALLOWED TO ENTER OR LEAVE THE DOORS OF HONG KONG .
"THIS REQUIRES A QUICK MIND, DELICATE OBSERVATION AND A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF IMMIGRATION LAWS," CONFIDED MR DOMINIC C Y CHUI, PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER WHO OVERSEES RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING MATTERS.
THOSE WHO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT MIGHT HAVE AN IMPRESSION THAT IMMIGRATION WORK IS SIMPLY STAMPING PASSPORTS.
"BUT THIS REMARK IS SUPERFICIAL. IT REFLECTS ONLY A VERY MINOR SEGMENT OF THE PICTURE," MR CHUI SAID.
"WE ARE A DISCIPLINARY TEAM WHO HAS MANY CHANCES OF MEETING PEOPLE FROM AN EXTENSIVE VARIETY - THEY MAY SPEAK DIFFERENT LANGUAGES AND COME FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD."
THE JOB IS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF UNDESIRABLE PERSONS AND THE RUNAWAY OF SUSPECTS WANTED FOR CRIMINAL OFFENCES, WHILE FACILITATING GENUINE TRAVEL.
"THAT IS THE MISSION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT - ’MEET THE PEOPLE, MEET THE CHALLENGE’," MR CHUI SAID.
TO MEET AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR FRONTLINE MANPOWER, THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW RECRUITING IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS ALL THE YEAR ROUND. MORE THAN 200 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED SINCE LAST YEAR.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO TAKE UP A 12-WEEK TRAINING COURSE BEFORE THEY ARE POSTED TO DIFFERENT DIVISIONS.
TRAINEES ARE GIVEN LECTURES ON LEGISLATION RELATED TO IMMIGRATION CONTROL, REGISTRATION OF PERSONS, THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AND THE TECHNIQUES OF SEARCH, ARREST, ESCORT AND CROWD CONTROL.
/PHYSICAL TRAINING .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 5 -
PHYSICAL TRAINING SUCH AS MARCHING DRILLS AND FITNESS EXERCISES IS ALSO AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TRAINING COURSE.
TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD MR LAM WAI-KEE, WHO WAS AMONG THE LATEST BATCH OF NEWLY RECRUITED IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS, DESCRIBED THE TRAINING COURSE AS VERY USEFUL AND IMPRESSIVE, THOUGH THE MARCHING DRILLS HAD GIVEN HIM A FEELING OF EXHILARATION.
WAI-KEE WILL BE POSTED TO THE INVESTIGATION DIVISION, ITS JOB NATURE IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT (CID) OF THE POLICE FORCE.
HIS BEAT COVERS TRACING THE ROUTES OF INTERNATIONAL FORGED PASSPORTS TRADE, CHECKING THE IDENTITY OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND ARRESTING THOSE WHO OVERSTAY IN HONG KONG AFTER THEIR VISAS EXPIRE.
"I AM LONGING TO TAKE UP THE JOB AND HOPE THAI' IT WILL BE A GOOD START FOR MY CAREER," HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH JOINING THE DEPARTMENT DECADES AGO, VETERAN MR CHUI SHARED WAI-KEE’S REASON OF CHOOSING THE IMMIGRATION CAREER.
"WE ARE INSPIRED BY THE DISCIPLINARY SPIRIT AND THE SENSE OF MISSION THAT IS SO UNIQUE IN THE DEPARTMENT," THEY SAID.
REFERRING TO CAREER PROSPECTS, MR CHUI SAID: "THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS ARE DEFINITELY GOOD." AN IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT MAY BE PROMOTED TO SENIOR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT AND THEN TO CHIEF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT AFTER EXTENSIVE TRAINING AND EXAMINATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW LOOKING FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30 AND IN GOOD PHYSIQUE.
FOR MEN, THEY MUST HAVE A MINIMUM HEIGHT OF 1.62 METRES AND A MINIMUM WEIGHT OF 50 KILOGRAMS, AND FOR WOMEN, 1.52 METRES AND 42 KILOGRAMS.
THEY MUST AT LEAST HAVE COMPLETED SECONDARY THREE EDUCATION AND BE ABLE TO READ AND WRITE CHINESE AND SPEAK FLUENT CHINESE.
INTERESTED YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ADVISED TO LOOK OUT FOR GOVERNMENT VACANCIES ADVERTISEMENT IN SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, SING TAO DAILY AND SING TAO EVENING POST EVERY SATURDAY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT, OR ANY OF THE IMMIGRATION OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
--------0-----------
/6........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 6 -
NEW REGIONAL SECRETARY TAKES UP POST
*****
MR JOSEPH WONG WING-PING WILL ASSUME OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MR WONG, AGED 46, JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1994.
HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING FINANCE BRANCH, THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE FORMER OFFICE OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (UMELCO) AND THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1988 TO 1989 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY FROM 1989 TO 1991.
MR WONG WAS THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE IN GENEVA FROM 1991 TO 1994 BEFORE HE TAKES UP THE NEW POST.
HE WILL TAKE OVER FROM MISS CHRISTINE CHOW KWAN-TAI, WHO IS RETIRING.
------0-------
REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES STRENGTHENED
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S TSUEN WAN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE WILL PROVIDE FULL-TIME SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CENTRE WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE REGION AND PROVIDE TAILORED ACTIVITIES BASED ON LOCAL SITUATIONS AND NEEDS.
HE SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD MAKE FULL USE OF ITS AUDIO-VISUAL COLLECTION ON VARIOUS HEALTH TOPICS.
VISITORS TO THE CENTRE COULD VIEW THE MATERIALS IN THE AUDIOVISUAL ROOMS, AND SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COULD BORROW THEM FREE OF CHARGE TO ORGANISE THEIR OWN HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED.
THE CENTRE HAS ALSO PREPARED NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND REFERENCE FILES ON MANY HEALTH TOPICS.
IT WILL ALSO STAGE EXHIBITIONS ON A SERIES OF HEALTH ISSUES AND DISTRIBUTE PRINTED MATERIALS SUCH AS POSTERS AND LEAFLETS.
THE TSUEN WAN CENTRE IS ONE OF THE THREE REGIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES SET UP BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT (CHEU).
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CENTRES WERE WELL-RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC AS THE NUMBER OF VISITORS HAD JUMPED FROM 15,500 IN 1992 TO 18,000 IN 1993, WITH AN INCREASE OF 16 PER CENT.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE UNIT AND THE THREE REGIONAL CENTRES ARE 8.30 AM TO 1 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, AND 2 PM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
THE ADDRESS OF THE CENTRES ARE:
* CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT 7TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI. TEL 572 1476
♦ TSUEN WAN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE 38 SAI LAU KOK ROAD, 13TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.
TEL 417 6505
* YUNG FUNG SHEE HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE GROUND FLOOR, YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE, CHA KWO LING ROAD, KWUN TONG.
TEL 727 8227
* SHATIN HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE 2ND FLOOR, LEK YUEN HEALTH CENTRE, SHA TIN TEL 692 8753
--------0-----------
OLDER VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME PROPOSED *****
THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS PROPOSED AN OLDER VOLUNTEERS PROGRAMME TO ENABLE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN ACTIVITIES IN SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE WALL-PAINTING DAY OF THE HELPING HAND CHEUNG MUK TAU HOLIDAY CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, MR STRACHAN SAID SENIOR CITIZENS WERE AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF VOLUNTEERS.
AS AN EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME, THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED AN ADDITIONAL WORKER EACH BE PROVIDED IN EIGHT SELECTED MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN ELDERLY PERSONS AS VOLUNTEERS.
"TODAY, I ALSO SEE A LOT OF ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG AND ADULT VOLUNTEERS HELP IN THIS WALL-PAINTING EVENT.
/"IN FACT, ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 8 -
"IN FACT, THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY PERSONS HAS ALSO BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE WORKING GROUP.
"IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A SMALL TEAM OF FULL-TIME STAFF BE PROVIDED AT THE OFFICES OF SELECTED NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS TO RUN A REFERRAL CENTRE AND TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO VOLUNTEERS," MR STRACHAN SAID.
NOTING THAT HELPING HAND HAD ADOPTED "SUCCESSFUL AGEING" AS A THEME OF SERVICES, MR STRACHAN SAID COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION WOULD BE ONE AREA OF EMPHASIS, UNDER WHICH ELDERLY MEMBERS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS OF HELPING OTHERS.
"TODAY, I WITNESS MANY ENERGETIC ELDERLY PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THIS WALL-PAINTING EVENT. THEY DEMONSTRATE THEY ARE EFFECTIVE, CONTRIBUTORY MEMBERS OF SOCIETY," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
ENVIRONMENT REPORT ON TO KAU WAN RECLAMATION PUBLISHED
*****
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT ON THE LANTAU PORT DEVELOPMENT STAGE ONE - RECLAMATION FOR SHIPYARD AT TO KAU WAN, NORTH LANTAU, HAS BEEN COMPLETED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
LIMITED COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM THE GENERAL REGISTRY, FOURTH FLOOR, CIVIL ENGINEERING BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, 101 PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* REFERENCE LIBRARIES OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS;
» ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, 27TH FLOOR, SOUTHORN CENTRE, WAN CHAI;
* PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN; AND
* LIBRARY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT, FOURTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
/9........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
RESTAURANTS URGED NOT TO SERVE DISHES OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ♦ » » » »
LOCAL RESTAURANTS ARE REMINDED NOT TO SERVE DISHES OF PROHIBITED ENDANGERED SPECIES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS.
ISSUING THE REMINDER TODAY (SUNDAY), THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT'S (AFD) ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER MR CHAN JEE-KEUNG ALSO URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REFRAIN FROM ORDERING THESE DISHES.
MR CHAN SAID: "IN PAST YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS ALLEGING THAT SOME RESTAURANTS IN HONG KONG OFFERED DISHES OF ENDANGERED SPECIES TO CUSTOMERS, PARTICULARLY WHEN WINTER WAS APPROACHING.”
HE REITERATED THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE TO SELL OR POSSESS ANY ENDANGERED ITEMS ILLEGALLY.
THE CONTROL ALSO APPLIES TO ANY OBJECT THAT IS CLAIMED, OR HELD OUT BY ANY PERSON OR BY ADVERTISEMENT TO BE A CONTROLLED SPECIES.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000, AND ON SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS A $50,000 FINE PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
PROPOSALS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE PENALTIES SO AS TO SERVE A MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENT AGAINST ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES.
CONTROLLED SPECIES INCLUDING CROCODILE MEAT, PANGOLIN MEAT, OWLS, BIRDS OF PREY AND GIANT SALAMANDER MIGHT SOMETIMES BE OFFERED ILLEGALLY FOR FOOD PURPOSE.
RESTAURANT OWNERS ARE THEREFORE REMINDED THAT, UNLESS THEY COULD OBTAIN A LICENCE IN ADVANCE FROM AFD, THEY SHOULD NOT SERVE ANY DISH CONTAINING OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN ANY PART OF A SPECIES CONTROLLED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THE AFD HAD ALSO ISSUED CIRCULAR LETTERS TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS REMINDING THEM TO OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENTS, HE ADDED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO AFD’S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION ON TEL 733 2177 OR 733 2144. {
- - 0 - -
/10
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 10 -
PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IMPROVES SERVICE
*****
AN ADDITIONAL TELEPHONE LINE HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, TO IMPROVE SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN REGARD TO ENQUIRIES AND SALES OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS.
THE NEWLY INSTALLED LINE, 523 1473, WILL AUGMENT THE EXISTING LINE (523 5377).
MEANWHILE, CUSTOMER SERVICES AT THE CENTRE HAVE BEEN FURTHER IMPROVED AND MADE MORE CONVENIENT BY THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW FACSIMILE LINE (523 7195).
------0-------
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ON PARADE
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB ANNUAL PARADE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 2.15 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
THE CLUB - WITH 120,000 MEMBERS FROM 1,110 SCHOOLS - WAS FORMED 15 YEARS AGO.
MR WONG WILL RECEIVE ON BEHALF OF THE CLUB A CHEQUE FOR $1.3 MILLION FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW’S FOUNDATION, MR RAYMOND LAW, IN SPONSORING A "CARE FOR THE AGED" ACTIVITY.
STUDENTS WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES INCLUDING CHINESE DANCE, LION DANCE AND MARCHING BAND SHOW.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CLUB’S ANNUAL PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, OI KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 2.15 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
- - 0----------
/Il .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1994
- 11 -
MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARD SCHEME INVITES NOMINATIONS *****
HARD-WORKING AND BEST PERFORMED SECONDARY 2 AND 3 STUDENTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES IN THE MOST IMPROVED STUDENTS AWARD SCHEME.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS APPEALING TO ALL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO NOMINATE THEIR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS WHO, AS A RESULT OF THEIR HARP WORK AND PERSEVERANCE, HAVE ATTAINED THE BEST ALL-ROUND IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR.
THE ANNUAL EVENT, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT, AIDED, PRIVATE AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TO DEVELOP FULLY THEIR POTENTIAL.
AWARDEES WILL EACH BE PRESENTED WITH AN AWARD CERTIFICATE, A MOST IMPROVED STUDENT PIN AND A $600 CASH PRIZE.
THE WINNER OF AWARDS WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO FOR EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL, ONE FOR A STUDENT WHO HAS COMPLETED SECONDARY 2 AND THE OTHER FOR A STUDENT WHO HAS COMPLETED SECONDARY 3.
COMPLETED NOMINATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE CAREERS AND GUIDANCE SERVICES SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 9.
ALL NOMINEES ARE JUDGED BY THEIR ACADEMIC AND CONDUCT IMPROVEMENTS AS WELL AS ENTHUSIASM IN PARTICIPATING IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE SCHEME -- TO BE HELD FOR THE SIXTH YEAR -- IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SING TAO FOUNDATION.
A TOTAL OF 721 STUDENTS WERE AWARDED IN THE LAST AWARD SCHEME.
--------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FS MEETS WITH PRESIDENT SUHARTO............................. 1
3RD QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT FIGURES......................... 1
PROTECTING HK'S ENVIRONMENT - AN UPHILL TASK................ 4
TEST FOR DRIVING PRIVATE LIGHT BUS.......................... 5
GURKHAS TRAINING FOR UNITED NATIONS OPERATIONS.............. 6
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE OBJECTIVES......................... 6
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 7
FRESH WATER CUT IN MONG KOK................................. 7
WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.............................. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS 9
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
FS MEETS WITH PRESIDENT SUHARTO *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, MET WITH PRESIDENT SUHARTO OF INDONESIA IN THE STATE PALACE IN JAKARTA THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE MEETING, SIR HAMISH SAID HE HAD HAD "A VERY FRIENDLY AND GOOD DISCUSSION” WITH PRESIDENT SUHARTO.
SIR HAMISH SAID THE DISCUSSIONS MAINLY FOCUSED ON THE MEETINGS WHICH WOULD START THIS EVENING AND TOMORROW.
"I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE WILL GET A GOOD, CLEAR DECLARATION AT THE END OF THE MEETING TOMORROW ON MOVING TOWARDS FREE TRADE BY A CERTAIN DATE,” HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH ADDED: "WHILE THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO GET OUT OF THIS MEETING, WE MUST NOT LOSE SIGHT OF ALL THE OTHER IMPROVEMENTS THAT WE WANT APEC TO CARRY ON WITH.
"THERE IS A DANGER THAT AS TARIFFS AND QUOTAS COME DOWN, PROTECTIONISM MOVES IN TO OTHER AREAS LIKE ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES, LIKE DIFFERENT STANDARDS, LIKE LINKAGES TO LABOUR LEGISLATION AND SO ON," HE SAID.
"BUT THE GENERAL THRUST HERE, THE GENERAL ENTHUSIASM, IS CERTAINLY VERY MUCH MOVING TOWARDS FREE TRADE. SO 1 HOPE THAT WE CAN CARRY ALONG THE FEW WHO HAVE RESERVATIONS WITH THIS IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS," HE SAID.
--------0-----------
3RD QUARTER DOMESTIC EXPORT FIGURES
*****
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1994, THE FOUR MAJOR INDUSTRIES OF TEXTILES; WEARING APPAREL; CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS; AND MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 71% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANUFACTURED GOODS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY 8% TO $14.9 BILLION, AND OF MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT, APPARATUS, PARTS AND COMPONENTS, BY 10% TO $8.4 BILLION, IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1994 COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WEARING APPAREL REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED AT $11.8 BILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY 1% TO $8.4 BILLION.
/MORE SIGNIFICANT .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
- 2
MORE SIGNIFICANT ABSOLUTE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+$245 MILLION OR +14%); TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (+$171 MILLION OR 35%); AND FOOD (+$154 MILLION OR 30%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, INDUSTRIES THAT RECORDED MORE NOTABLE ABSOLUTE DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$216 MILLION OR -14%); PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (-$153 MILLION OR -4%); AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-$102 MILLION OR -96%).
FOR THE NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH THE CHANGE IN ABSOLUTE VALUE WAS NOT AS LARGE, A MARKED PERCENTAGE DECLINE OF 30% WAS RECORDED.
THE ABOVE STATISTICS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ARE DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING THE MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS ORIGINALLY GROUPED UNDER THE EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION USED IS THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION (HSIC).
THE HSIC IS TO BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) USED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
IN COMPARISON, THE HSIC IS MORE RELATED TO PRODUCTION PROCESSES WHEREAS THE SITC IS MORE GEARED TO END USES OF PRODUCTS.
CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN REFERRING TO THESE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN. THERE MAY BE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS.
IN COMPILING THE STATISTICS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ITEM HAS HOWEVER BEEN WHOLLY RELATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH THE ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS OF A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY MAY INCLUDE SECONDARY PRODUCTS BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORT STATISTICS CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE FOUND IN A TABLE OBTAINABLE FROM THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL 805 6642).
A TABLE SHOWING MORE DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF SIMILAR STATISTICS FOR MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, SEPTEMBER 1991".
/3........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
3 -
Domestic exports of manufactured goods classified by industrial origin for the third quarter of 1994
(Value in HKS'OOO)
Industrial origin of the commodities exported Merchandise domestic exports
1994 3rd qtr. 1993 3rd qtr. Value change % change
Food 675,471 521,234 + 154,237 +29.6
Beverages 167,532 149,297 + 18,235 +12.2
Tobacco manufactures 657,305 486,151 +171,154 +35.2
Textiles (including knitting) 14,895,805 13,855.455 + 1,040,350 +7.5
Wearing apparel, except footwear 11,848,535 11,845,433 +3,102 *
Leather and leather products, except footwear and wearing apparel 370,885 457,680 -86,795 -19.0
Footwear, except rubber, plastic and wooden footwear 50,096 61,287 -11,191 -18.3
Wood and cork products, furniture and fixtures 91,814 113,687 -21,873 -19.2
Paper and paper products, printing and publishing 2,206,617 2,224,909 -18,292 -0.8
Chemicals and chemical products 1,985,572 1,740,819 +244,753 +14.1
Products of petroleum and coal 5,872 5,088 +784 +15.4
Rubber products 30,024 28,915 +1,109 +3.8
Plastic products 1,289,199 1,504,752 -215,553 -14.3
Non-metallic mineral products, except products of petroleum and coal 164,004 233,044 -69,040 • -29.6
Basic metals and fabricated metal products 2,388,767 2,425,664 -36,897 -1.5
Machinery, equipment, apparatus, parts and components 8,361,687 7,628,790 +732,897 +9.6
Consumer electrical and electronic products 8,379,683 8,469,059 -89,376 -1.1
Transport equipment 4,460 106,523 -102,063 -95.8
Professional and optical equipment 3,909,060 4,061,768 -152,708 -3.8
Other manufacturing industries 3,562,451 3,834,907 -272,456 -7.1
Total 61,044,839 59,754,462 +1,290,377 +2.2
• change within±0.05%
Notes: 1. Individual entries of a column may not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding. All percentage changes are calculated from unrounded figures.
2. The above statistics are derived by re-grouping the merchandise export items under the external trade classification system according to the industries in which these items are normally produced. As from 1992, the Third Revision of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC R3) has been adopted in place of the Second Revision (SITC R2) for the classification of trade statistics. The above statistics may not be strictly comparable with those published for earlier years due to the change in trade classification.
--------0-----------
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
- 4 -
PROTECTING HK’S ENVIRONMENT - AN UPHILL TASK *****
THE RAPID ECONOMIC AND URBAN GROWTH IN THE ASIAN' REGION IS TAKING PLACE FOR THE MOST PART IN THE ABSENCE OF A WELL DEVELOPED FRAMEWORK FOR ENSURING THAT THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF SUCH DEVELOPMENT CAN BE KEPT WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS. THE RESULT IS WIDESPREAD ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, WHEN PRESENTING A PAPER ON "PROTECTING HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT: RUNNING HARD JUST TO STAND STILL" AT POLMET ’94, A CONFERENCE ON POLLUTION IN THE METROPOLITAN ENVIRONMENT IN BEIJING TODAY (MONDAY).
TO RECOVER THE SITUATION, HE SAID, WAS AN UPHILL TASK, AND FAR MORE COSTLY THAN IF APPROPRIATE ATTENTION HAD BEEN ACCORDED TO ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS IN THE FIRST PLACE AS A PART OF BALANCED DEVELOPMENT.
CITING EAST ASIA AS AN EXAMPLE WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT IMPERATIVE HAS HISTORICALLY TAKEN PRECEDENCE OVER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS, HE SAID: "AT A COUNTRY LEVEL, THE TIDE STARTS TO TURN IN FAVOUR OF THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS PRODUCED A SIZEABLE MIDDLE CLASS WHICH HAS CONCERNS BEYOND FULL STOMACHS, TV AND A MOTOR CAR. BUT BY THIS TIME MUCH OF A COUNTRY’S NATURAL HERITAGE CAN HAVE BEEN LOST FOREVER."
IN HONG KONG, DR REED SAID THE TIDE BEGAN TO TURN PERCEPTIBLY IN THE LATE 1970S, AND GATHERED PACE IN THE LATE 1980S WITH THE PUBLICATION OF HONG KONG’S FIRST ENVIRONMENT WHITE PAPER, WHICH SPELT OUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION, SUMMARISED WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE PAST DECADE AND SET OUT A PROGRAMME FOR THE NEXT DECADE.
SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS THAT HAD BEEN MADE IN THE PAST 15 YEARS INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ROBUST AND FOCUSED INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD), THAT ARE ABLE TO HANDLE THE TECHNICAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION.
IT ALSO INCLUDED THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY RESOURCES FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LEGISLATION AND THE FORMULATION AND SUBSEQUENT IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAMMES FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO RECOVER PAST UNDER-PROVISION IN THIS REGARD AS WELL AS TO SUPPORT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
NOTING THAT ANNUAL INVESTMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN 1986 WAS RUNNING AT AN INADEQUATE $250 MILLION PER YEAR WHEN THE EPD TOOK OVER THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE (THAT IS SEWAGE AND WASTE DISPOSAL) PROGRAMMES, DR REED SAID THIS INVESTMENT HAD RISEN TO A MUCH MORE REALISTIC LEVEL AND COULD BE RUNNING AT NEARLY $4,000 MILLION IN 1994/95 AND RISING STILL FURTHER TO OVER $8,000 MILLION IN 1996/97.
/DESCRIBING AS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
5
DESCRIBING AS AN UPHILL TASK EFFORTS TO CONTAIN THE POTENTIALLY ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG IN THE PAST 15 YEARS, DR REED SAID: ’’MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH DETAILED INTERVENTION IN THE PLANNING PROCESS AT ALL LEVELS FROM DISTRICT PLANS TO STRATEGIC STUDIES AND BY THE NON-STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR PROJECTS."
WHILE THE RAPID GROWTH IN HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) FLOWED THROUGH AS EQUALLY RAPID GROWTH IN PRESSURE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, DR REED SAID: ’’MORE RECENTLY, HONG KONG IS STARTING TO SEE SOME SIGNS THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED ARE LEADING TO POSITIVE GAINS AND NOT SIMPLY HEADING OFF THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE NEXT INCREMENT OF GROWTH I GDP.”
NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN STRONG CONCERN ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF PRESENT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN HONG KONG, DR REED SAID: "IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE CONCERNS RELATING TO SUSTAINABILITY, AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RESPONSE TO THE GUIDELINES SET OUT IN AGENDA 21, WILL FEATURE MUCH MORE PROMINENTLY IN HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS CENTURY."
TEST FOR DRIVING PRIVATE LIGHT BUS * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE DIRECT ENDORSEMENT PRESENTLY GIVEN TO PRIVATE CAR DRIVERS WITH THREE YEARS’ DRIVING EXPERIENCE TO DRIVE A PRIVATE LIGHT BUS WILL STOP WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONTH.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS INTRODUCED TN THE I970S AND WAS MEANT TO BE AN EXPEDIENCE AS MOST OF THE PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES IN USE THEN WERE SMALLER THAN A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS, AND THAT THEY NORMALLY CARRIED PASSENGERS FROM POINT-TO-POINT.
THIS ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN REVIEWED REGULARLY. MOST PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES IN USE TODAY ARE COMPARABLE TN CONSTRUCTION AND SIZE TO A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS. THERE ARE ALSO NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SUPPLY OF LIGHT BUS DRIVING INSTRUCTORS.
"DRIVERS OF PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES SHOULD THEREFORE UNDERGO A DRIVING TEST IN THE SAME MANNER AS THAT FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS DRIVERS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1, 1994 ONWARDS.
APPLICANTS FOR A . DRIVING TEST TO DRIVE A LIGHT BUS MUST BE AGED 21 OR ABOVE; HAVE HELD A FULL DRIVING LICENCE FOR A PRIVATE CAR OR A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS OR MORE; AND HAVE NOT BEEN CONVICTED OF THE OFFENCES OF RECKLESS DRIVING AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRINK OR DRUG DURING THE FIVE YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE APPLICATION.
THE APPLICATION FEE IS $510.
------0--------
/6.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
- 6 -
GURKHAS TRAINING FOR UNITED NATIONS OPERATIONS
*****
THE FIRST BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES, BASED AT SEK KONG, ARE CONDUCTING A FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK FROM NOVEMBER 12 TO 18 TO PREPARE THEM FOR POSSIBLE OPERATIONS IN A UNITED NATIONS PEACE-KEEPING ROLE IN FUTURE.
EXERCISE SHANTI SURAKSHA (PEACE KEEPING), INVOLVING ABOUT 900 SOLDIERS FROM THE FIRST BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS WITH ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL AIR FORCE SUPPORT, IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF EXERCISES DESIGNED TO TRAIN GURKHA SOLDIERS FOR UNITED NATIONS SPONSORED DEMOBILISATION OPERATIONS.
THE EXERCISE WILL INVOLVE THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES DEPLOYING TO DEFUSE HOSTILITIES BETWEEN THE FICTIONAL STATES OF AYUB, BULU AND SHAN, AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE BRITISH ARMY’S UNITED NATIONS TRAINING ADVISORY TEAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES JN EXERCISE. A MEDIA FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED AT SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EXERCISE SHOULD REPORT TO THE GUARDROOM, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS NO LATER THAN NOON ON WEDNESDAY FROM WHERE A COACH- W LL TAKE THEM TO THE EXERCISE LOCATION.
THOSE NOT MAKING USE OF THIS TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK AT 1.30 PM.
------0-------
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE OBJECTIVES
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE OBJECTIVES AND PLANS SO AS TO MAKE THEIR LIVES MORE MEANINGFUL, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE 25TH FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) SCHOOLS JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY, DR LEE TOLD THE STUDENTS TO FORGE AHEAD INCESSANTLY TOWARDS THEIR GOALS.
"YOU WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO MEASURE AND ADJUST YOUR OBJECTIVES IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR OWN CRITERIA.”
"INSTEAD OF COMPARING YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS WITH OTHERS, IT WILL GIVE YOU GREATER PLEASURE AND SATISFACTION IF YOU FIND YOURSELVES MAKING PROGRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR PLANS," HE SAID.
/DR LEE ........
• .r/rv-
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
DR LEE POINTED OUT THAT GRADUATION WAS A MILESTONE OF A CERTAIN PHASE IN LIFE, DURING WHICH REVIEW OF THE PAST AND PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUTURE COULD BE MADE.
"THE ITINERARY FOR YOUR FUTURE IS ENTIRELY IN YOUR HANDS,” HE TOLD THE GRADUATES.
AT THE CEREMONY, DR LEE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 313 GRADUATES OF THE FMO ABERDEEN TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND FIVE FMO PRIMARY SCHOOLS. HE ALSO AWARDED PRIZES TO A NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO HAD PERFORMED WELL IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO PRESENTED LONG-SERVICE AWARDS TO 20 STAFF MEMBERS OF FMO SCHOOLS, IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LOYAL SERVICE, INDUSTRIOUS WORK AND DEVOTION TO EDUCATION.
OVER THE YEARS, FMO SCHOOLS HAVE HAD A LOW STAFF WASTAGE, WHICH IS CONDUCIVE TO STUDIES, HE ADDED.
-----0--------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 91 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 533.381 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 499.526 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----o-------
FRESH WATER CUT IN MONG KOK » » * » »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 16) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD, SHANGHAI STREET, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
--------0-----------
/8........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
8 -
WATER CUT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT » *
FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 16) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST, SHOUSON HILL ROAD WEST, SHOUSON HILL ROAD, DEEP WATER BAY DRIVE, 2-4 AND 19 ISLAND ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG PATH AS WELL AS 35-79 AND 48-80 DEEP WATER BAY ROAD.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED
LOWEST PRICE (YIELD) ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER PRICE (YIELD)
14 NOV 94
EF NOTES
2611
HK$2,180 MN
HKS500 MN
100.04 (6.99 PCT)
100.03 (7.00 PCT)
ABOUT 95 PCT
99.99 (7.02%)
---------0-----------
/9........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1994
- 9 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * * * * *
CUMULATIVE TIME CHANGE
$ MILLION (HOURS) ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,051 0930 +1,059
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,032 1000 +1,090
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +1,160
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,111 1200 +1,161
LAF TODAY -130 1500 +1,111
1600 +1,111
LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TWI 121.2 *+0.1* 14.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.19 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.80 6.60
1 MONTH 4.53 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 95.19 6.99
3 MONTHS 5.01 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.67 7.33
6 MONTHS 5.43 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.37 7.63
12 MONTHS 6.04 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.25 8.31
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 21,840 MN
CLOSED 14 NOVEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NQ,
BOGOR DECLARATION A HISTORIC STEP TOWARDS FREE TRADE IN THE REGION............................................... 1
GOVERNOR LAUNCHES HOLIDAY SEASON IN LOS ANGELES.......... 2
RELEASE OF 125 VMS FROM DETENTION........................ 3
APPLICATION FOR NOISE CONTROL EXEMPTION.................. 3
LAND REGISTRY REGISTERS 7,650 AGREEMENTS IN OCTOBER...... 4
TAC WORKING GROUP ENDORSES FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY.... 4
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN THIRD QUARTER 1994.......... 5
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR JULY -SEPTEMBER................................................ 6
HARBOUR SAFETY - VISION FOR THE FUTURE................... 7
HK AND CHINA STAMP SALES ARRANGEMENT..................... 9
PUBLIC FORUM ON SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT..................... 10
SEVEN NOMINATED FOR LAB ELECTION........................ 10
KUK PLAYS IMPORTANT CONSULTATIVE ROLE: RS............... 11
PIG FARMING DELEGATION OFF TO MALAYSIA.................. 12
154 VMS RETURN HOME..................................... 13
CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT......... 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS............. 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
15
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
BOGOR DECLARATION A HISTORIC STEP TOWARDS FREE TRADE IN THE REGION « » » * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (TUESDAY) DESCRIBED THE BOGOR DECLARATION AS "A HISTORIC STEP TOWARDS FREE TRADE IN THE REGION."
SPEAKING IN JAKARTA AFTER ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION’S (APEC) ECONOMIC LEADERS MEETING AT BOGOR, SIR HAMISH SAID THE ATMOSPHERE HAD BEEN EXCELLENT AND THE DISCUSSION VERY FORWARD LOOKING.
"THIS WAS A VERY POSITIVE MEETING," SIR HAMISH SAID.
"WE HAVE MOVED FORWARD SOME CONSIDERABLE WAY FROM THE GENERAL DECISION MADE IN SEATTLE LAST YEAR. WE NOW HAVE ALL 18 ECONOMIES COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING FREE TRADE IN THE REGION BY THE YEAR 2020."
SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME CONCERNS AND RESERVATIONS EXPRESSED PRIOR TO THE MEETING, BUT LEADERS HAD SETTLED THESE AMICABLY, RECOGNISING THE OVERRIDING IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG DECLARATION ON FREEING UP TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
"THERE IS A TREMENDOUS DIVERSITY IN APEC. THIS DIVERSITY IS BOTH AN OPPORTUNITY AND A CHALLENGE. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE HOW FREE TRADE 'BETWEEN DIFFERENT AND COMPLEMENTARY ECONOMIES CAN PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT GAINS FOR ALL. IT IS A CHALLENGE IN THAT WE MUST FIND WAYS OF ACCOMMODATING OUR DIFFERENCES AS WE MOVE TOWARDS THE GOAL."
SIR HAMISH HIGHLIGHTED FOUR POINTS ABOUT THE DECLARATION.
"FIRST, WE HAVE REACHED CONSENSUS ON THE WAY FORWARD; SECOND, WE HAVE ANNOUNCED TO THE WORLD AN UNAMBIGUOUS GOAL; THIRD, WE HAVE DIRECTED THAT MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS DEVISE A DETAILED BLUE PRINT OF MEASURES NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL; AND FOURTH, WE HAVE RESOLVED NOT TO TAKE ANY NEW ACTION WHICH WOULD RESTRICT THE TRADE AND INVESTMENT FLOWS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."
APEC IS AN INFORMAL FORUM FOR HIGH LEVEL GOVERNMENT-TO-GOVERNMENT DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC ISSUES, AND COMPRISES 18 MEMBERS.
BESIDES HONG KONG, OTHER MEMBERS ARE: AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, CANADA, CHILE (WHICH BECAME A MEMBER AT THE MINISTERIAL MEETING), CHINA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, CHINESE TAIPEI, THAILAND AND THE USA.
---------0-----------
/2........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
2
GOVERNOR LAUNCHES HOLIDAY SEASON IN LOS ANGELES
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, ON MONDAY (LOS ANGELES TIME) BEGAN HIS WEEK-LONG VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES BY OFFICIATING AT THE WEST COAST’S LARGEST CELEBRATION OF HONG KONG CULTURE AND COMMERCE.
KICKING OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN LOS ANGELES’ SANTA MONICA PLACE, MR PATTEN SWITCHED ON THE LIGHTS OF A 700-POUND CRYSTAL CHRISTMAS-TREE AS PART OF THE "HELLO HONG KONG" CELEBRATION, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
AT A RECEPTION CELEBRATING THE 24-DAY EXPO WHICH FEATURES MORE THAN 80 HONG KONG CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, DEMONSTRATIONS AND EXHIBITS, MR PATTEN WELCOMED THE CHANCE FOR CALIFORNIANS TO SEE QUALITY HONG KONG PRODUCTS AND DESIGN.
HE NOTED THAT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES TOTALLED OVER US$40 BILLION A YEAR, WITH ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF THAT AS A RESULT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CALIFORNIA.
"BUT OUR RELATIONSHIP IS BASED ON FAR MORE THAN THE COMMERCIAL TIES WHICH JOIN US," THE GOVERNOR SAID. "WE ALSO SHARE VALUES WHICH MAKE BOTH OUR SOCIETIES OPEN AND FREE AND TOLERANT AND I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE ABLE TO CELEBRATE - AS WELL AS OUR ECONOMIC LINKS - ON AN OCCASION LIKE THIS."
THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT HONG KONG EMBODIED MANY OF THE SAME VALUES THAT HAD MADE CALIFORNIA SO SUCCESSFUL: "THE SAME DEDICATION TO HARD WORK AND THE SAME ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WHICH HAVE CREATED DECENT AND CIVILISED SOCIETIES TO BRING UP OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FAMILIES."
FOLLOWING THE TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR ATTENDED A LUNCHEON WITH SEVERAL PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
THE GOVERNOR STARTED THE FIRST DAY OF HIS VISIT BY PROVIDING THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES WITH AN EXCLUSIVE BRIEFING.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR PATTEN TRAVELLED SOUTH TO ORANGE COUNTY, HEADQUARTERS FOR MANY INTERNATIONAL U.S. COMPANIES, FOR A TOUR OF AST RESEARCH, THE WORLD’S FIFTH LARGEST PERSONAL COMPUTER MANUFACTURER WITH A NUMBER-ONE MARKET SHARE POSITION IN HONG KONG AND CHINA.
ON MONDAY EVENING, THE GOVERNOR WILL ADDRESS MORE THAN 500 ATTENDEES AT A DINNER HOSTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL IN ANAHEIM.
--------0-----------
/3 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 3 -
RELEASE OF 125 VMS FROM DETENTION
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT 125 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD BEEN RELEASED FROM DETENTION.
ALL 125 VOLUNTEERED TO GO HOME AND HAVE BEEN WAIT(NG FOR VARYING LENGTHS OF TIME FOR CLEARANCE OF THEIR RETURN BY THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO SECURE THEIR REPATRIATION BUT IN THE MEANTIME WE HAVE DECIDED TO RELEASE THEM ON THEIR OWN RECOGNISANCE. WE CANNOT JUSTIFY THEIR CONTINUED DETENTION IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THIS GROUP TO BE ACCOMMODATED IN THE PILLAR POINT OPEN CAMP. WHILE THERE, THEY WILL BE PERMITTED TO WORK."
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, WILL, MEET THE MEDIA AT 5 PM TODAY (TUESDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM, GROUND FLOOR, MAIN WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AR.E INVITED TO COVER.
------0-------
APPLICATION FOR NOISE CONTROL EXEMPTION * * » t t
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS REJECTED AN APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION FROM PROVISIONS OF THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE FROM THE ORGANISERS OF A CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM ON DECEMBER 25.
IN REACHING THE DECISION, ALL RELEVANT FACTORS, IN PARTICULAR THE IMPORTANCE TO OBSERVE THE LAW, HAVE BEEN FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THERE IS No COMPELLING REASON TO WARRANT THE GRANTING OF AN EXEMPTION IN THE PRESENT CASE, WHICH JUST LIKE OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES, REGARDLESS OF THE THEME, SHOULD BE HELD WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE LAW."
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE DECISION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE CONCERT COULD NOT BE HELD.
"IT SIMPLY MEANS THAT THE ORGANISERS MUST COMPLY WITH THE LAW TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM NOISE NUISANCE WHEN THEY HOLD THE CONCERT."
------0 - -
/4 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 4 -
LAND REGISTRY REGISTERS 7,650 AGREEMENTS IN OCTOBER *****
THE LAND REGISTRY REGISTERED LAST MONTH (OCTOBER) 7,650 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR BUILDING UNITS, WHICH INCLUDE RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
THE FIGURE IS ALMOST THE SAME AS THAT RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER, AND AN INCREASE OF 7.2 PER CENT OVER THAT OF OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF THE AGREEMENTS IN THE MONTH IS $23.36 BILLION, UP 0.7 PER CENT AND 30.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 AND OCTOBER 1993 RESPECTIVELY.
THE FIGURES ARE CONTAINED IN THE MONTHLY STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE LAND REGISTRY ON DEEDS RELATING TO PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS RECEIVED FOR REGISTRATION IN THE URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES LAND REGISTRIES LAST MONTH.
RELEVANT STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 AND OCTOBER 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.
THE OCTOBER STATISTICS GENERALLY RELATE TO LAND TRANSACTIONS EXECUTED UP TO FOUR WEEKS PRIOR TO THEIR SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION BECAUSE THERE IS USUALLY A TIME LAG BETWEEN THE EXECUTION OF DEEDS AND SUBMISSION FOR REGISTRATION.
------0-------
TAC WORKING GROUP ENDORSES FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) DISCUSSED THE FINDINGS OF A WORKING GROUP IT SET UP TO EXAMINE IN DETAIL THE MAIN ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FREIGHT TRANSPORT STUDY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE WORKING GROUP ENDORSED THE FINAL REPORT OF THE STUDY WHICH BROADLY ACHIEVED THE OBJECTIVES OF IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE FREIGHT INDUSTRY AND REDUCING THE IMPACT OF GOODS VEHICLE OPERATION IN HONG KONG.
THE FINAL REPORT SETS OUT 28 RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND OPERATION OF THE INDUSTRY WHICH ITSELF IS BEING CONSULTED BEFORE A FREIGHT TRANSPORT STRATEGY IS MAPPED OUT.
THE TAC WORKING GROUP SUPPORTED MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE STUDY, BUT FELT THAT THE FOLLOWING POSSIBLE MEASURES SHOULD ALSO BE EXPLORED:
* ENCOURAGEMENT OF A TWO-WAY BOOKING SYSTEM FOR THE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF CONTAINERS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPTY CONTAINER VEHICLE TRIPS INTO AND OUT OF THE CONTAINER PORT.
/* MORE FLEXIBLE ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
5
* MORE FLEXIBLE OPERATING HOURS AND NIGHT TIME USAGE OF GOODS VEHICLES IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS TO ENHANCE EFFICIENCY.
♦ SEGREGATION OF PORT TRAFFIC FROM NON-PORT TRAFFIC TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF PORT TRAFFIC ON OTHER ROAD USERS.
t NEGOTIATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ON BORDER RESTRICTIONS, SO THAT CONTAINERS COULD BE TRANSPORTED TO CHINA FOR STORAGE SO AS TO CUT DOWN STORAGE COST AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF EMPTY CONTAINER TRIPS ACROSS THE BORDER.
THE WORKING GROUP ALSO SUGGESTED THAT FUTURE UPDATING OF THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT STRATEGY SHOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF ECONOMIC AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO RESOLVED TO HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO DISCUSS THE REPORT ON MEASURES ■ TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION AS PART OF THE PROCESS IN FORMULATING I HEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSALS IN THE REPORT FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
------0--------
MORE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS IN THIRD QUARTER 1991 » » » * t
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 1994 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1991 INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT TO 4,091 AS COMPARED WITH 3,557 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT (62 PER CENT), ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS (16 PER CENT) AND ENFORCEMENT (14 PER CENT).
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT INCREASED BY 21.2 PER CENT, FROM 2,109 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, TO 2,556.
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXIS (UP FROM 887 TO 1,274 CASES), FERRI SERVICES (UP FROM 53 TO 115), RAIL TRANSPORT (UP FROM 31 TO 60) AND GREEN MINI-BUSES (UP FROM 211 TO 272) .
THERE WERE FEWER COMPLAINTS AGAINST KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. (DOWN FROM 388 TO 305) AND CITYBUS (DOWN FROM 74 TO 15). HOWEVER, THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST CHINA MOTOR BUS CO. (UP FROM 260 TO 264).
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION INCREASED BY 22.4 PER CENT TO 361 FROM 295 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. HIE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ALSO INCREASED TO 119 FROM 97.
HOWEVER, COMPLAINTS AGAINST ENFORCEMENT ACTION DROPPED BY 13.9 PER CENT TO 587 CASES FROM 682 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RELATED MAINLY TO ILLEGAL PARKING AND BREACH' OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.
ALL SUGGESTIONS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR INVESTIGATION.
------0--------.
/6 .....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 6 -
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR JULI - SEP I EMBER
*****
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1994 WAS 2 3% AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.1%, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS
AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY PERIOD OF AUGUST - OCTOBER 1994 UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.3%.
ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE WAS 2.2%, WHILE THE PROVISIONAL
THE LATEST FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT IN RECENT MONTHS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF JULY - SEPTEMBER 1994, THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS, ADJUSTED FOR VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS, WAS ESTIMATED AT 68,600, WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS ESTIMATED AT 32,600.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1994 COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 12,500 HOUSEHOLDS OR 43,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INST1TUT1ONAL POPULA11ON IN HONG KONG.
RELEVANT DATA WAS OBTAINED BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1994 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE BY THE ENI) OF DECEMBER AT $24 A COPY.
--------0-----------
/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 7 -
HARBOUR SAFETY - VISION FOR THE FUTURE
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS STRANDS OF MARINE TRAFFIC’ CONTROL TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EFFICIENT PORT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG LUNCHEON, MR PYRKE SAID ONE OF MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PRIME FUNCTIONS WAS TO CONTROL THE SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF ALL SHIPS THROUGH THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
"THIS FUNCTION IS COMING INTO SHARPER FOCUS FOR TWO REASONS -THE BUILD-UP OF TRAFFIC AND THE REDUCTION IN WATER AREA DUE TO RECLAMATION," HE NOTED.
MR PYRKE POINTED OUT THAT ONE STRAND IN TRAFFIC CONTROL WAS THE VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM (VTS) WHICH ALLOWED REGULATORS TO IDENTIFY AND TAG OCEAN-GOING SHIPS OVER 300 TONS WITHIN MOST OF HONG KONG WATERS AND SO MONITOR AND REGULATE THEIR MOVEMENT.
THE SYSTEM HAS SEVEN RADARS WITH MICROWAVE LINKS TO A CENTRAL CONTROL STATION ON THE OUTER ISLAND OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
THE SYSTEM WAS BEING UPDATED BY INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL RADAR IN 1995 ON KAU Y.I CHAU AT A COST OF $80 MILLION, MR PYRKE SAID.
ONE FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE VTS IS TO INSTALL A RADAR ON PING CHAU TO COVER MIRS BAY WHICH IS CURRENTLY BLIND TO THE VESSEL TRAFFIC CENTRE RADARS.
HE SAID: "THERE WILL BE INCREASED OCEAN-GOING TRAFFIC IN THE BAY AS THE PORT OF YANTIAN BECOMES MORE POPULAR.
"THIS TRAFFIC MAY CONFLICT WITH SHIPS WHICH CARRY NAPHTHA TO THE TOWN GAS PLANT IN TOLO HARBOUR. NAPHTHA, OF COURSE, IS A FAIRLY DANGEROUS CARGO SO WE MUST ENSURE ITS SAFE PASSAGE."
NOTING THAT THE VTS IS GENERICALLY AN AID TO NAVIGATION, MR PYRKE SAID OTHER AIDS INCLUDED 265 LIGHT BEACONS AND 83 LIGHT BUOYS TO MARK VARIOUS DANGERS AND CHANNELS.
HE SAID ANOTHER STRAND IN TRAFFIC CONTROL WAS THE USE OF FAIRWAYS AND TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES WHICH WERE PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF COLLISIONS AT SEAS SPECIFYING BASICALLY WHICH SHIP WAS TO KEEP OUT THE WAY IN A COLLISION RISK SITUATION, TOGETHER WITH OTHER RULES OF BEHAVIOUR.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT INTRODUCED A TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME IN THE EAST LAMMA AND TATHONG CHANNELS IN THE 1970S AND HAS RECENTLY EXTENDED THE LAMMA CHANNEL SCHEME TO COVER CONFLICT AREAS OFF CHESTERMAN ROCK AND PO TOI.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO INTRODUCED NEW FAIRWAYS AND ANCHORAGES IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR AREA TO REDUCE CONFLICTS THERE.
/MR PYRKE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994 ■
)
MR PYRKE SAID: "NEXT YEAR WE WILL COMMISSION A CONTROL STATION AT GEMINI POINT AT MA WAN AT A COST OF $34 MILLION. THIS IS NEEDED TO CONTROL LOCAL CRAFT THAT CAN HAZARD AN OCEAN-GOING VESSEL ROUNDING THE MA WAN BEND."
THE DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING FUNDS OF $10 MILLION TO CARRY OUT A NAVIGATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT WHICH WILL INCLUDE NEW FAIRWAY PATTERNS TO REDUCE THAT RISK IF SUCH IS WARRANTED ON A COST/BENEF1T ANALYSIS.
REGARDING THE CONTROL OF LOCAL TRAFFIC, IT IS ACHIEVED BY ENFORCING RULES, SUCH AS THE FAIRWAY RULE, BY USING PATROL CRAFT.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETELY REORGANISING THE PATROLLING SERVICE FOR THE PORT BY THE REDEPLOYMENT OF CRAFT FROM OTHER SERVICES AND THE ACQUISITION OF NEW CRAFT, THUS ALLOWING INCREASED PATROLLING HOURS BY USING MORE CRAFT FOR LONGER HOURS.
CURRENTLY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ONLY HAS THREE HARBOUR SERVICES PATROL CRAFT OF WHICH ONLY ONE IS ON A 24-HOUR PATROL.
MR PYRKE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE 11 CRAFT OF WHICH ABOUT HALF WOULD BE ON 24-HOUR PATROLS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT IT WAS CONSIDERED MORE LOCAL CONTROL STATIONS LIKE GEMINI POINT WITH THEIR LOCAL RADAR SURVEILLANCE OF SMALL CRAFT AND THEIR DEDICATED PATROL WOULD BF NEEDED AT CONTAINER TERMINAL NINE, GREEN ISLAND AND MUCH LATER AT THE LANTAU PORT PENINSULA.
"THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE STATIC SAFETY MEASURES AND MUCH DEPENDS ON SOFTWARE, THAT IS THE PEOPLE WHO MAN VESSELS USING THE PORT," MR PYRKE NOTED.
HE SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR SAFETY STRANDS ON THE SOFTWARE SIDE WAS PILOTAGE - A SYSTEM THAT MARINERS’ WITH SPECIAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE BOARD LARGE SHIPS AND GUIDE THEM SAFELY THROUGH THE BUSY AREAS OF HONG KONG WATERS.
PILOTAGE WAS MADE COMPULSORY FOR SHIPS OVER 10,000 TONS IN 1985. THE LIMIT HAS BEEN REDUCED OVER THE YEARS AND CURRENTLY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TO REDUCE IT FURTHER TO 3,000 TONS.
RECENTLY THE SYSTEM OF PILOTAGE WAS REVIEWED BY OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS AND CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS WERE RECOMMENDED. ONE OF WHICH WAS THE RELOCATION OF THE PILOT BOARDING STATION FROM GREEN ISLAND TO ROUND ISLAND, MR PYRKE SAID.
HE SAID: "ONE OF THE EFFECTS OF THE CURRENT POSITION OF THE STATION USED TO BE SHIP ’RACING’ TO GET TO THE STATION AND OFTEN WAITING FOR THEIR PILOTS, FOR EXAMPLE BUNCHING.
"THE VTS NOW REGULATES THAT TRAFFIC INTO A MOVING QUEUE TO ENSURE A PILOT AND A SHIP MEET IN THE CORRECT SEQUENCE."
MR PYRKE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD COUNTER-MEASURES IN HAND FOR A VERY DYNAMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG WATERS BUT THERE WAS A NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON THE SOFTWARE SIDE AS WELL.
/HE SAID: ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
9
HE SAID: "WE NEED TO EDUCATE ALL CRAFT NOT COVERED BY PILOTAGE OR THE VTC ON THE CORRECT BEHAVIOUR WE EXPECT FROM THEM WHILST THEY ARE IN HONG KONG WATERS.
"SUCH EDUCATION COSTS MONEY'ESPECIALLY WHERE YOU NEED A SYSTEM TO CATCH AND PENALISE THE SLOW LEARNERS."
------0-------
HK AND CHINA STAMP SALES ARRANGEMENT
*****
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE AND TELPO PHILATELIC COMPANY LTD (A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY OF THE CHINA NATIONAL PHILATELIC COMPANY OPERATING IN HONG KONG) TODAY (TUESDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT FOR HONG KONG STAMPS TO BE SOLD IN CHINA AND CHINESE STAMPS IN HONG KONG POST OFFICE.
T ™E POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI , SAID WITH EFFECT FROM THE ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG CORALS" SPECIAL STAMPS ON NOVEMBER 17, HONG KONG STAMPS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS IN CHINA THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OF THE CHINA NATIONAL PHILATELIC COMPANY.
SELECTED CHINESE STAMP PRODUCTS WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT THE FOLLOWING SIX PHILATELIC OFFICES FROM NOVEMBER 18:
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE
GENERAL POST OFFICE
GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE
PEAK POST OFFICE
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE
TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
THE CHINA STAMP PRODUCTS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE ARE:
ITEM UNIT PRICE
1993 PRESTIGE ANNUAL ALBUM $250
1993 ANNUAL PACK $ 80
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTHDAY OF $ 30
MAO ZEDONG FOLDER
WANG ZHAOJUN FOLDER $ 50
ON NOVEMBER 18, EACH CUSTOMER ON THE QUEUE CAN BUY UP TO TWO ITEMS PER PRODUCT.
"THE RECIPROCAL SALES ARRANGEMENT WILL BE A GREAT BOOST TO THE PHILATELIC INTERESTS IN HONG KONG. WE EXPECT THAT THE CHINESE STAMP PRODUCTS WILL SELL WELL HERE.
"THE HUGE PHILATELIC MARKET POTENTIAL IN CHINA SHOULD ALSO BRING SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS TO THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
-------0----------
/10 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
10
PUBLIC FORUM ON SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT
*****
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY HAS RECENTLY APPOINTED DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU HR CANADA MANAGEMENT CONSULTING (IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH ASSOCIATES) TO CONDUCT A CONSULTANCY STUDY.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ARE TO REVIEW THE CURRENT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND TO ADVISE THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCTION OF ECONOMIC TECHNIQUES TO SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG.
A PUBLIC FORUM WILL BE HELD BY THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY FOR THE CONSULTANTS TO PRESENT THEIR PRELIMINARY FINDINGS AND PROPOSALS, AND TO COLLECT VIEWS AND COMMENTS FROM THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
DETAILS OF THE FORUM ARE:
DATE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21
TIME: 9 AM - 1 PM
VENUE: SALON 5, JW MARRIOTT HOTEL,
PACIFIC PLACE, 88 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC FORUM.
AS SEATS ARE LIMITED, ADVANCE BOOKING IS NECESSARY. RESERVATION OF SEATS SHALL BE MADE BY TELEPHONE ON 961 6645 OR 961 6647 ON A
FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
------0-------
SEVEN NOMINATED FOR LAB ELECTION
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED FROM REGISTERED EMPLOYEE UNIONS SEVEN NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD (LAB).
OF THE SEVEN CANDIDATES, FIVE WILL BE ELECTED TO THE BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM STARTING NEXT JANUARY.
THE ELECTION WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 3 AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON.
THE CANDIDATES ARE:
» MR POON SIU-PING HONG KONG STORE HOUSES AND TRANSPORTATION STAFF ASSOCIATION
♦ MR CHAN YUN-CHE
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MOTOR CAR DRIVERS' GENERAL UNION
/* MR LEUNG FU-WAH ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 11 -
» MR LEUNG FU-WAH HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS’ GENERAL UNION
* MR WU MAN-LUNG ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT SURVEY OFFICERS (ESTATE)
t MR CHEUNG KWOK-BUI HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANTS' GENERAL UNION
» MR LEUNG TSZ-LEUNG HONG KONG BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ GENERAL UNION
* MR CHU MING
HONG KONG PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS ASSOCIATION
"MEANWHILE, ABOUT 260 EMPLOYEE UNIONS HAVE SO FAR REGISTERED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AS ELECTORS FOR THE COMING LAB ELECTION," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EACH ELECTOR MAY APPOINT UP TO TWO AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES, WHO MUST EITHER BE PAID-UP MEMBERS, OFFICERS OR PAID STAFF OF THE UNION, TO ATTEND THE ELECTION," HE ADDED.
------0--------
KUK PLAYS IMPORTANT CONSULTATIVE ROLE: RS
* » » * »
THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TERRITORY’S CONSULTATIVE STRUCTURE FOR MANY YEARS, THE NEW REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR JOSEPH WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING A VISIT TO THE KUK THIS AFTERNOON, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE KUK HAD ALL ALONG TAKEN ACCOUNT OF BOTH THE TRADITIONS AND INTERESTS OF THE RURAL PEOPLE AS WELL AS THE NEEDS OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
"YOUR VALUABLE OPINIONS AND ASSISTANCE HAVE LED TO THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF VARIOUS NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
MR WONG PLEDGED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE TO CONSULT THE KUK DURING THE FORMULATION AND BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY POLICIES THAT WOULD AFFECT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE APPEALED TO KUK MEMBERS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND COOPERATE WITH VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF NEW TERRITORIES’ RESIDENTS.
--------0 - -
/12........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 12 -
PIG FARMING DELEGATION OFF TO MALAYSIA *****
A 21-MEMBER PIG FARMING DELEGATION WILL DEPART TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR MALAYSIA TO STUDY PIG-RAISING AND RELATED TECHNIQUES AND TO SHARE EXPERIENCE WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS THERE.
THE SIX-DAY STUDY VISIT IS ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES, LIMITED (FEDERATION) AS ONE OF THE EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE FEDERATION’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED A BANNER TO THE FEDERATION’S CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG CHIK, WHO IS ALSO THE DELEGATION LEADER.
DESCRIBING THE STUDY TOUR AS A MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY, DR LEE HOPED THE DELEGATION WOULD FOSTER CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FARMING ORGANISATIONS IN MALAYSIA AND HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING PIG-RAISING INDUSTRIES IN BOTH TERRITORIES.
THE GROUP WILL VISIT MAJOR PIG FARMS, PIG-RAISING FEDERATIONS AS WELL AS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORIES, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HONG KONG PIG FARMERS TO STUDY MODERN PIG-RAISING METHODS AND NEW FACILITIES.
DR LEE SAID SINCE THE FEDERATION WAS ESTABLISHED 40 YEARS AGO, IT HAD HELPED PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL PIG-RAISING INDUSTRY AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPPLY OF PREMIUM FRESH PORK WITH REASONABLE PRICES TO CONSUMERS.
’’APART FROM ACTING AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN ITS MEMBERS AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERATION HAS BEEN MAKING GOOD EFFORTS IN PROMOTING LOCAL PIG FARMING.
"IT HAS ALSO RENDERED A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO ITS MEMBERS INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF LOW-INTEREST LOANS, BULK PURCHASE OF FEEDS AND ANIMAL DRUGS, INTRODUCTION OF OVERSEAS PREMIUM BREEDS AND THE ORGANISATION OF SEMINARS," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
/13
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
- 13 -
154 VMS RETURN HOME
**»«♦*
A GROUP OF 154 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (TUESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 55 MEN, 33 WOMEN, 34 BOYS AND 32 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 219TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,523 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 43,136 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
CLOSURE OF NORTH POINT ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
t ♦ * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN NORTH POINT SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED FOR DWELLING IS LOCATED ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF 277-297 KING’S ROAD AND 4 - 6D JAVA ROAD.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 17, 1995 WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
(TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS t * * * *
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
AMOUNT APPLIED
AMOUNT ALLOTTED
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED
PRO RATA RATIO
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD
15 NOV 94 EF BILLS
Q446
HK$3,370 MN
HK$1,500 MN
5.00 PCT
5.02 PCT ABOUT 79 PCT 5.03 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD
TENDER DATE
PAPER ON OFFER
ISSUE NUMBER
ISSUE DATE
MATURITY DATE
TENOR
AMOUNT ON OFFER
IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 21
22 NOV 94
EF BILLS
Q447
23 NOV 94
22 FEB 95
91 DAYS
HKS1,500 + 300 MN
NOV 1994-
22 NOV 94
EF BILLS
H478
23 NOV 94
24 MAY 95
182 DAYS
HK$800 +
---------0-----------
/15........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1994
15
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
» * * ♦ ♦ CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION}
S MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,032 0930 +114 CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,832 1000 -36 CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO: 1100 -6 MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -5 1200 -5 LAF TODAY -195 1500 -5 1600 -5 LAF RATE 3.00 BID/5.00 OFFER TW1 121.4 »+0.2* 15.11.94 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 2605 6.35 99.88 6.54
1 MONTH 4.53 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 100.17 6.92
3 MONTHS 4.98 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.80 7.27
6 MONTHS 5.40 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.56 7.55
12 MONTHS 6.01 TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS 58 MONTHS I AND BONDS 5909 7.45 - 21,568 MN 97.58 8.22
CLOSED 15 NOVEMBER 1994
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE_N(L
GOVERNOR WELCOMES APEC AGREEMENT................................ 1
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION 29TH MEETING....................... 2
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP......................... 2
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS AT AIRPORT..... 3
COMPETITION STUDY ON SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY.................. 6
NEW LOCALISATION DRIVE IMPLEMENTED IN LEGAL DEPARTMENT..... 6
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY RATES GO UP.................. 7
VISA REQUIREMENT FOR MACAU RESIDENTS....................... 8
PRISONERS' EDUCATION TRUST FUND PROPOSED........................ 9
SEAFARERS BILL TO BE INTRODUCED................................ 11
MORE EFFICIENT AND TRANSPARENT PROCEDURES UNDER BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.................................................... 11
REGISTRATION FEES FOR LIFT AND ESCALATOR PERSONNEL REVISED. 12
MEDICAL RELATED REGISTRATION FEES TO GO UP................. 14
GAS SAFETY FEES TO BE REVISED.............................. 14
TRAVEL AGENTS' LICENSING FEES ON RISE...................... 15
/ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE FEES TO BE REVISED...................... 16
POPULATION SURVEY IN NEW TOWNS AND RURAL AREAS................ 16
REDRESS SYSTEM PUBLICISED..................................... 17
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR OCTOBER................................ 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
19
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
GOVERNOR WELCOMES APEC AGREEMENT
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) WELCOMED THE STEPS TOWARDS FREE TRADE OFFERED BY THE AGREEMENT REACHED AT THE ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION’S (APEC) ECONOMIC LEADERS MEETING IN JAKARTA.
ADDRESSING THE MEDIA IN LOS ANGELES DURING HIS. WEEK-LONG VISIT TO THE U.S., MR PATTEN SAID: "WE BELIEVE PASSIONATELY IN, FREE TRADE AND ARE DELIGHTED BY THE NEWS FROM THE APEC SUMMIT TODAY THAT THE ECONOMIC LEADERS OF APEC HAVE TAKEN A HISTORIC STEP ALONG THE ROAD TO FREE TRADE IN THE REGION."
STRESSING THAT THE AGREEMENT WAS BOTH AN IMPORTANT POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MR PATTEN SAID HE HOPED IT WOULD GIVE FURTHER MOMENTUM TO TRADE LIBERALISATION, NOT JUST IN THE REGION, BUT GLOBALLY.
MR PATTEN SAID HE RECOGNISED THAT THERE WAS A DANGER OF BACKSLIDING FROM THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT.
"THERE’S OBVIOUSLY A DANGER THAT, EVEN WHEN WE’VE GOT THAT ESTABLISHED IN THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION, THAT THERE WILL BE RESISTANCE TO FURTHER LIBERALISATION IN AREAS LIKE AGRICULTURE AND SERVICES.
"WE WANT TO SEE THINGS CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE, IN OUR JUDGMENT, FREER TRADE IS VASTLY TO THE GOOD OF ALL HUMANITY, WHETHER THEY LIVE IN RICH COUNTRIES OR POOR COUNTRIES, OR COUNTRIES IN BETWEEN."
MR PATTEN BEGAN HIS DAY IN LOS ANGELES WITH A CALL ON LOS ANGELES MAYOR RICHARD RIORDAN AT CITY HALL.
• ”, _• •rS.U .
HE ADDRESSED A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LOS ANGELES WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ATTENDED BY 600 BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
LATER IN THE DAY, THE GOVERNOR TRAVELLED TO SAN FRANCISCO ON THE SECOND LEG OF HIS VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES.
MR PATTEN’S FIRST APPOINTMENT FOLLOWING HIS ARRIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO WAS A MEETING WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR PETE WILSON. THE TWO GOVERNORS DISCUSSED MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST INCLUDING TRADE AND IMMIGRATION.
"WE TALKED A BIT ABOUT OUR SHARED PROBLEMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION," MR PATTEN SAID.
"WE TALKED ABOUT THE ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CALIFORNIA. WE SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT PUTTING UP PROTECTIONIST. BARRIERS TO TRADE, ENSURING THAT WE BECOME MORE COMPETITIVE' RATHER THAN MORE PROTECTIONIST."
/FOLLOWING HIS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
2
FOLLOWING HIS MEETING WITH GOVERNOR PETE WILSON, MR PATTEN ATTENDED AND ADDRESSED A RECEPTION IN HIS HONOUR HOSTED BY THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM AND THE ASIAN BUSINESS LEAGUE AT THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO IN GOLDEN GATE PARK.
HOME TO THE AVERY BRUNDAGE COLLECTION, THE MUSEUM IS THE LARGEST OUTSIDE ASIA DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO ASIAN ART.
MR PATTEN SPENDS ANOTHER DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
------0--------
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION 29TH MEETING ******
THE TWENTY-NINTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 1994. THE TWO SIDES WILL DISCUSS THE ARRANGEMENT FOR LAND REQUIRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, THE 1994/95 SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME AND THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION.
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
*****
IT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT MR STEPHEN LAM, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, WILL REPLACE MR PETER LAI AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE LAND COMMISSION WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 17, 1994.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
3
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF REMARKS MADE SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, AT THE AIRPORT TODAY RETURNING FROM THE APEC MEETINGS IN INDONESIA:
AT AIRPORT
BY THE FINANCIAL (WEDNESDAY) AFTER
FS: RIGHT, WELL I’LL JUST MAKE A FEW REMARKS ABOUT OBVIOUSLY THE APEC MEETING. I USED THE WORD HISTORIC, I USE IT AGAIN. I THINK IT GENUINELY IS A HISTORIC MEETING. THE KEY ELEMENT OBVIOUSLY IS, THE COMMITMENT TO A TARGET OF FREE TRADE BY 2010 TO 2020. THAT WAS WHAT WE WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE MEETING, AND THAT’S WHAT WE DID GET OUT OF THE MEETING. THE NEXT TASK CLEARLY IS OVER THE NEXT YEAR, IN OTHER WORDS BY THE NEXT LEADERS’ MEETING IN A YEAR’S TIME IN OSAKA TO HAVE WORKED OUT THE DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT VERY BROAD TARGET, AND WE ALL KNOW THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY. BUT THIS IS THE FIRST STEP. IT’S A MAJOR STEP. IT WAS NOT A FOREGONE CONCLUSION AS, YOU KNOW, THERE WERE THOSE WHO HAD CONCERNS, BUT IN THE END THEY ALL WENT ALONG WITH THE CONSENSUS ON THE DECLARATION. I KNOW THAT OF COURSE ONE MEMBER EXPRESSED SEPARATELY RESERVATIONS, BUT THE FACT IS THAT THE DECLARATION, THERE WAS A CONSENSUS. SO THAT’S A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT, I THINK PARTICULARLY OF INTEREST FOR SOMEWHERE LIKE HONG KONG BECAUSE, OF COURSE IT IS RELATIVELY EASY FOR US TO ACHIEVE FREE TRADE, WE THINK WE HAVE ALREADY ACHIEVED IT, BUT LET’S SEE EXACTLY WHAT THE DEFINITION IS. IT MAY WELL FOR EXAMPLE INCLUDE TRADE IN SERVICES AS WELL AS TRADE IN GOODS. THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS YET TO BE DETERMINED, SO THAT’S ACCEPTED, EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE KNOWS THAT. QUESTIONS?
QUESTION: DIDN’T YOU YOURSELF EXPRESS SOME DISSATISFACTION WITH THE FACT THAT THERE WERE THESE OPT OUT CLAUSES CONTAINED WHICH GAVE COUNTRIES LIKE MALAYSIA...
FS: WELL, IT ALWAYS GETS TURNED AROUND THAT I EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION. I WAS ACTUALLY ASKED A QUESTION ABOUT PARAGRAPH 9 WHICH THE FIRST SECTION OF PARAGRAPH 9 HAS A PRETTY FUZZY, IT’S A PRETTY FUZZY SECTION AND IT IS QUITE DIFFICULT TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT MEANS, AND MY ANSWER THEN AND NOW WAS — I ASKED THE SAME QUESTION IN THE LEADERS’ MEETING, I THINK WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN, AND THE ANSWER I WAS GIVEN WAS VERY CLEAR. FIRST OF ALL I WAS ASSURED THAT IT DOES NOT WEAKEN THE CONSENSUS RULE, THAT IS TO SAY IN APEC DECISIONS ARE REACHED BY CONSENSUS, THAT IS QUITE AN IMPORTANT SAFEGUARD FOR MEMBERS. AND SECONDLY THAT THE IMPLICATION THERE THAT MEMBERS CAN CHOOSE HOW FAST THEY IMPLEMENT IS AIMED AT NEW MEMBERS, THAT IS TO SAY PEOPLE WHO JOIN APEC LATER. WE WILL HAVE TO WORK OUT WHAT ARRANGEMENTS APPLY TO NEW MEMBERS, SO THAT IS NOT A GET OUT CLAUSE, AND I SPECIFICALLY ASKED AND CONFIRMED IT DOES NOT MODIFY PARAGRAPH 6 WHICH IS THE KEY COMMITMENT TO REACH FREE TRADE. SO I AM NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT THAT ONE, I WAS ASKED ABOUT IT. THAT WAS MY ANSWER. DID YOU ASK ANOTHER QUESTION? OH YES THE OTHER ONE THAT I DID SAY I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO BE STRONGER WAS TO USE THE SHORTHAND, THE STANDSTILL PARAGRAPH, THAT IS TO SAY THE PARAGRAPH WHICH SAY WE’LL DO OUR BEST, WE’LL ALL DO OUR BEST, MEANWHILE IN THE SHORT TERM NOT TO INTRODUCE ANY NEW PROTECTIONIST MEASURES. I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED IF THAT WASN’T JUST WE’LL DO OUR BEST, BUT THAT IT WAS A CLEAR COMMITMENT NOT TO. BUT THAT WAS NEVER DRAFTED IN THAT WAY, IT WAS ALWAYS WE WOULD DO OUR BEST.
/QUESTION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1£CU
4
QUESTION: THE MONETARY AUTHORITY TODAY INCREASED THE INTEREST RATE, FOLLOWING THE USA, TO 3.75 PER CENT. DO YOU THINK IT WILL HELP TO CONTROL THE INFLATION RATE AND SMOOTH THE ...
FS: YES, NORMALLY IT WILL WORK THROUGH INTO INTEREST RATES HERE AND THAT WILL BE HELPFUL IN TERMS OF THE BROAD APPROACH TO INFLATION. I GUESS IT WILL ALSO PROBABLY HELP TO KEEP PROPERTY PRICES DAMPED DOWN A BIT SO I AM ENTIRELY RELAXED ABOUT INTEREST RATES GOING UP. INDEED IT IS WHAT SOME HAVE BEEN URGING ME TO DO.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT IT WILL AFFECT THE INVESTORS TO INVEST IN THE PROPERTY MARKET IN HONG KONG , NOW LOAN FROM THE BANK... DO YOU THINK IT WILL AFFECT THE BURDEN ...
FS: WELL, IT WILL HELP TO KEEP THE PROPERTY MARKET FROM BECOMING OVERHEATED AGAIN, I HOPE, THAT IS THE WAY I WOULD LIKE TO PUT IT.
QUESTION: MR MACLEOD, HOW YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR CHOICES OF
ATTENDING NEXT YEAR?
FS: ABOUT NEXT YEAR, WELL YEAR’S, SO ALL WE KNOW AT THE MOMENT LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE, AS I SAID, MAKE SURE THAT THE NEXT MEETING IS A
WE HAVE ONLY JUST FINISHED THIS IS, IT’S OSAKA BUT THERE’LL BE A EVEN IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, TO SUCCESS.
QUESTION: YOUR CHOICES OF ATTENDANCE?
FS: MY CHOICES OF ........... WELL WE’LL HAVE TO SEE.
QUESTION: ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THINGS IN THE AGREEMENT CHANGING
BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING? HOW FIRM....
FS: THE DECLARATION IS THERE, THAT’S IT, IT’S AGREED SO IT CAN’T CHANGE, BUT WHAT WE HAVE TO DO IS PUT FLESH ON THE BONES OF THAT AGREEMENT. WE ALL KNOW IT’S VERY GENERAL AT THE MOMENT. BUT YOU KNOW, IT’S AMAZING THAT NO ONE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A YEAR OR SO AGO THAT WE WOULD GET THAT RANGE OF DIFFERENT ECONOMIES SIGNING UP TO FREE TRADE, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY.
/QUESTION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
5
QUESTION: IS IT NOW THE CASE THAT THE STRONGER MEMBERS OF APEC HELPING THE WEAKER MEMBERS? IS THAT HOW IT WORKS OUT? AND HOW DOES THAT WORK OUT IN PRACTICE TO HELP TO IMPLEMENT IT? OR DID YOU MENTION THAT?
FS: YES, IT WAS MENTIONED. AGAIN I GUESS LT DEPENDS ON YOUR PERCEPTION, OF COURSE AS WE SEE IT, FREE TRADE BRINGS IT’S OWN REWARDS REGARDLESS OF WHAT OTHERS DO, SO WE ARE RATHER LESS LOOKING AT IT AS STRONG HELPING WEAK OR MORE DEVELOPED HELPING LESS DEVELOPED. I THINK AS THAT GROUP LOWERS BARRIERS TO TRADE THEN THEY WILL ALL BENEFIT. THERE’S NO NEED FOR GREAT AGONISING. BUT 1 REALISE THAT FOR SOME OF THEM IT IS DIFFICULT, AND I JUST HAVE TO MENTION THE WORD AGRICULTURE TO ILLUSTRATE IT. SO THE FACT THAT THEY SIGNED UP AND THERE IS NO EXCLUSION CLAUSE THERE FOR PARTICULAR SECTORS IS A PRETTY GOOD ACHIEVEMENT.
QUESTION: QUICK QUESTION ABOUT GATT TOO. IS CHINA’S CHANCE OF
GETTING IN BY THE END OF THE YEAR DIMMING?
FS: IT WASN’T DISCUSSED AT ALL IN THE LEADERS MEETING, IT MAY HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED IN BILATERAL MEETINGS, RUT NOT IN ANY THAT I WAS AT. IT DIDN’T REALLY COME UP SO 1 DON’T HAVE ANY FRESH INSIGHT INTO THAT PARTICULAR ISSUE.
QUESTION: OVER THAT TIME, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS MORE TALK ABOUT
CHINA NOT GETTING IN BY THE END.
FS: WELL, I NEVER THOUGHT THAT THE END OF THE YEAR WAS A PARTICULARLY MEANINGFUL DATE, THERE IS A SORT OF PSYCHOLOGY THERE, IT DOESN’T ACTUALLY MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE TO ONE’S RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WHETHER ONE IS IN BY THE END OF THE YEAR OR LATER. IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE WHATSOEVER.
QUESTION: SIR HAMISH, DO YOU FEEL TltAT THERE IS AN URGENCY FOR
THE LAND COMMISSION TOMORROW TO ACHIEVE ALL THE TARGETS?
FS- I HOPE SO, IT WILL BE VERY HELPFUL IF IT DOES, BECAUSE WE HAVE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THE SIGNING OF THE FINANCING SIDE, FINANCING AGREEMENTS WAS ONLY PART OF THE STORY AND IT WILL BE VERY REASSURING IF THE LAND COMMISSION COMES TO A CONCLUSION THIS WEEK.
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE A TIMETABLE FOR IT?
FS: NO, 1 HOPE IT WILL BE TOMORROW. WE’LL SEE. THANK YOU
VERY MUCH.
---------0------------
/6.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
6
COMPETITION STUDY ON SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMES THE PUBLICATION OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S COMPETITION STUDY REPORT ON THE SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY.
"WE CONGRATULATE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ON ITS COMPLETION OF THE STUDY," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE COUNCIL HAS PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORTS IN STUDYING THE STATE OF COMPETITION IN THE SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY.
"WE WILL EXAMINE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT IN DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO PUBLISHING A GOVERNMENT RESPONSE BEFORE MAY 1995," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE WELCOME COMMENTS ON THE REPORT FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS WELL AS INTERESTED PARTIES IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, INCLUDING THE SUPERMARKETS THEMSELVES," HE SAID.
"WE WILL APPROACH THE RECOMMENDATIONS WITH AN OPEN MIND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THESE COMMENTS.”
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY SEND THEIR VIEWS ON THE REPORT IN WRITING TO THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT EIGHTH FLOOR, WEST WING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL BEFORE DECEMBER 31.
--------0-----------
NEW LOCALISATION DRIVE IMPLEMENTED IN LEGAL DEPARTMENT
*****
A NEW SCHEME TO SPEED UP LOCALISATION IN THE SENIOR DIRECTORATE LEVEL OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM NEXT MONTH.
SIX LOCAL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL (DPCC) HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE SUCCESSION POSTS SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OF THIS SCHEME TO TAKE ON SOME RESPONSIBILITIES AT THE PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL (PCC) LEVEL IN ADDITION TO THEIR OWN DUTIES. IN RECOGNITION OF THIS, THEY WILL BE APPOINTED TO ACT IN SUPERNUMERARY PCC POSTS.
THE SIX DPCC CHOSEN WILL ALSO BE GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES TO ACT IN FUNCTIONAL PCC POSTS WHILE THE INCUMBENTS ARE AWAY ON OFFICIAL DUTIES OR ON HOLIDAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR THEM TO ATTEND SHORT SENIOR MANAGEMENT COURSES, DUTY VISITS, CONFERENCES AND ATTACHMENTS IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEM FOR FURTHER CAREER DEVELOPMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE DPCC .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
7
THE DPCC CHOSEN TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME ARE MR HARRY MACLEOD OF THE PROSECUTIONS DIVISION, MS MAY WONG OF THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, MR ANTHONY WU AND MS AMELIA LUK OF THE CIVIL DIVISION, MRKENNETH YUEN OF THE INTERNATIONAL LAW DIVISION AND MR STEPHEN WONG OF THE LEGAL POLICY DIVISION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUCCESSION POSTS SCHEME IS THE LATEST DRIVE BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO SPEED UP LOCALISATION WITHIN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.
SINCE 1988, TWO LOCALISATION SCHEMES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE DEPARTMENT TO SPEED UP THE PACE OF LOCALISATION IN THE CROWN COUNSEL GRADES. THESE ARE THE DOUBLE LADDER SCHEME INTRODUCED IN 1988 FOR FAST PROMOTION OF CROWN COUNSEL (CC) TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL (SCC) AND THE DEVELOPMENT POSTS SCHEME INTRODUCED IN 1991 FOR GROOMING OF SCC TO DPCC.
AS A RESULT OF THESE LOCALISATION DRIVES, THE PROPORTION OF LOCAL COUNSEL IN THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 9.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1990 TO 32 PER CENT THIS MONTH.
LOCALISATION IN THE CC GRADE OVERALL HAS ALSO INCREASED FROM 38.6 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1988 TO 60 PER CENT NOW. THIS IS 14 MONTHS AHEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TARGET OF END OF 1995, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CONFIDENT TO ACCOMPLISH THE 50 PER CENT TARGET IN THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL BY END OF NEXT YEAR.
NOTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE WITH ITS VARIOUS LOCALISATION EFFORTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID AT THE SAME TIME, IT WAS MINDFUL THAT THE PACE OF LOCALISATION MUST BE REALISTIC AND MEASURED.
"OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE SHOULD IN NO WAY BE SACRIFICED," HE STRESSED.
--------0-----------
LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY RATES GO UP
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) ANNOUNCED BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE MONEY MARKETS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AN INCREASE IN THE KEY INTEREST RATES, THE LIQUIDITY ADJUSTMENT FACILITY (LAE) RATES, BY 0.75 PERCENTAGE POINT.
IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN THE I .S. DISCOUNT RATE AND FED FUNDS RATE BY THE FEDERAL RESERVE LATE LAST NIGHT, THE HKMA INCREASED THE LAF BID AND OFFER RATES TO 3.75 PER CENT AND 5.75 PFR CENT FROM 3 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE BID AND OFFER RATES OF LAF, HONG KONG’S VERSION OF A DISCOUNT WINDOW, SET THE FLOOR AND CEILING FOR OVERNIGHT INTEREST RATES IN THF HONG KONG INTERBANK MARKET.
/THE LATEST........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
8
THE LATEST ADJUSTMENT REPRESENTS THE THIRD TIME THE HKMA HAS RAISED LAF BID AND OFFER RATES THIS YEAR. THE PREVIOUS TWO OCCASIONS TOOK PLACE ON AUGUST 17 AND MAY 17.
THE DETERMINATION OF THE BEST LENDING RATE AND INTEREST RATES ON DEPOSITS WITH MATURITIES OF MORE THAN ONE MONTH IS A MATTER FOR INDIVIDUAL BANKS.
THE INTEREST RATES ON RETAIL DEPOSITS WITH MATURITIES OF ONE MONTH OR LESS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS LATER THIS WEEK, HAYING REGARD TO I'HE INCREASE IN LAF RATES THIS MORNING AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE HKMA.
--------0-----------
VISA REQUIREMENT FOR MACAU RESIDENTS * * * » »
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE WAIVER OF VISA REQUIREMENT FOR MACAU RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ON PORTUGUESE ALIENS PASSPORTS IN TRANSIT THROUGH HONG KONG AND RELAXATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ISSUING MACAU VISIT PERMITS TO EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU.
WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 21, 1994, HOLDERS OF PORTUGUESE ALIENS PASSPORTS WHO HAVE HELD MACAU IDENTITY CARDS FOR TWO YEARS AND ARE IN TRANSIT THROUGH HONG KONG MAY BE GRANTED VISA-FREE ENTRY OF UP TO SEVEN DAYS, PROVIDED THAT THEY POSSESS ONWARD FACILITIES (INCLUDING ENTRY FACILITIES FOR THE DESTINATION COUNTRIES AND COUNTRIES EN ROUTE, IF NECESSARY) AND CONFIRMED ONWARD TICKETS (THIS REQUIREMENT MAY BE WAIVED FOR TRAVELLERS RETURNING TO MACAU), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
AT PRESENT, THESE TRAVELLERS REQUIRE VISAS WHILE IN TRANSIT IN HONG KONG FOR 24 HOURS.
"IT IS ALSO PLANNED TO RELAX THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE MACAU VISIT SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO HAVE BEEN RESIDENT IN MACAU FOR FIVE YEARS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A SINGLE VISIT PERMIT EVERY SIX MONTHS WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO VISIT HONG KONG FOR 14 DAYS.
THEY MAY APPLY*FOR MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS (VALID FOR ONE YEAR AND COSTS $45 EACH) WHICH WILL ALLOW THEM TO VISIT HONG KONG FOR UP TO SEVEN DAYS IN ANY CALENDAR MONTH IF THEIR VISITS FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN TROUBLE-FREE.
WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 21, 1994, EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO ARE HOLDERS OF MACAU IDENTITY CARDS FOR FIVE YEARS OR LONGER WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW TYPE OF MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE NEW .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
9
THE NEW MULTIPLE VISIT PERMIT IS VALID FOR TWO YEARS AND COSTS $90, HE ADDED.
"THE EXISTING PRACTICE OF ISSUING TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS SINGLE VISIT PERMITS AND MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS VALID FOR ONE YEAR WILL DISCONTINUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS A PLAN TO FURTHER LOWER THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT FOR EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU FOR THE ISSUE OF MULTIPLE VISIT PERMITS.
"IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES AND FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE," HE SAID.
"THE REASONS FOR THE RELAXATION ARE THAT RESIDENTS OF MACAU HAVE PROVED TO BE LESS AN IMMIGRATION PROBLEM FOR US AND THEIR VISITS HAVE A GOOD TRACK RECORD.
"THERE IS NO EASING OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND THAT VISITORS MUST LEAVE HONG KONG AT THE END OF THEIR PERMITTED STAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND PROPOSED
******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO SET UP A PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR PRISONERS TO ENGAGE IN ACADEMIC PURSUITS.
SUCH A FUND WILL BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL TO BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THIS WAS PART OF A SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE PRISONERS TO OBTAIN EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WHILE IN PRISON.
THE AIM WAS TO HELP PRISONERS BETTER PREPARED TO REINTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY UPON THEIR RELEASE FROM PRISON, HE SAID.
"AT PRESENT, YOUNG OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21 ARE PROVIDED WITH GENERAL AND VOCATIONAL COURSES IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS ON A COMPULSORY BASIS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"AS FOR ADULT PRISONERS, EVENING CLASSES, SELF-STUDY PACKAGES AND CORRESPONDENCE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS."
ALL ADULT PRISONERS ARE ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, TO TAKE PART IN EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS SUCH AS THOSE ORGANISED BY THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE, AS WELL AS THE PITMAN EXAMINATIONS AND THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
/IN 1993-94
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
10
IN 1993-94, 1,136 ADULT PRISONERS ATTENDED EVENING CLASSES PROVIDED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHILE 420 ADULT PRISONERS ENROLLED IN EXTERNAL SELF-STUDY AND CORRESPONDENCE COURSES. TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY ADULT PRISONERS TOOK PART IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME PRISONERS, IN PARTICULAR ADULT PRISONERS, HOWEVER, WERE UNABLE TO PURSUE ACADEMIC STUDIES THROUGH A LACK OF MONEY.
"WHILE EVERY ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED TO THE PRISONERS, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO MEET THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF EACH PRISONER, SUCH AS CONDUCTING COURSES AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL OR PURCHASING BOOKS AND SIMILAR MATERIALS FOR PRISONERS," HE SAID.
DONATIONS AMOUNTING TO $1.31 MILLION HAVE BEEN OFFERED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE HONGKONG BANK AND DUTY FREE SHOPPERS LTD TO SET UP THE PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND.
THE FUND WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PRISONERS FOR ACADEMIC PURSUITS AND WILL ALSO BE USED TO SET UP APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, SUCH AS A COMPUTER LABORATORY, FOR USE BY PRISONERS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WILL BE THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, WHICH WILL BE MANAGED BY A PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND COMMITTEE.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL APPOINT THE CHAIRMAN AND A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, WHO WILL NOT BE PUBLIC OFFICERS.
AN INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD, ALSO TO BE APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS TO INVEST THE MONIES IN THE FUND.
"THE ACCOUNTS OF THE FUND WILL BE TABLED EACH YEAR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL WAS A POSITIVE INITIATIVE TOWARDS ENHANCING PRISONERS’ REHABILITATION.
--------0---------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
11
SEAFARERS BILL TO BE INTRODUCED t « * » «
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) BILL, WHICH AIMS AT LOCALISING THE CURRENT UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS RELATING TO SEAFARERS, WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18), ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE (SHIPPING), MR MATHAI VARGHESE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT WILL ALSO CONSOLIDATE ALL LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO SEAFARERS UNDER ONE ORDINANCE.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO RATIONALISE AND MODERNISE THE LEGISLATION, SOME OF WHICH DATE BACK TO 1894.
THE BILL PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE BODY OF LAWS RELATING TO THE SUPPLY, SELECTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF SEAFARERS.
IT WILL REGULATE THE QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF SEAFARERS AND WILL PRESCRIBE STANDARDS OF SAFETY, HEALTH, WELFARE AND HOURS OF WORK ON BOARD HONG KONG SHIPS.
"THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WILL ENSURE THAT THE LAW OF HONG KONG CONTINUES TO IMPLEMENT, AS AT PRESENT, THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED ON US THROUGH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO HONG KONG," MR VARGHESE SAID.
THE DRAFTING OF THE BILL AND ITS 28 SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS HAS TAKEN SOME TIME. EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT WITH THE INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE DRAFTING PROCESS.
THE PROPOSALS FOR LOCALISATION OF THE LAWS RELATING TO SEAFARERS HAS ALSO BEEN. AGREED BY THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
"THE BILL ENSURES CONTINUITY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF SEAFARERS. IT WILL PROVIDE CERTAINTY FOR THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND HELP MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A LEADING MARITIME AND SHIPPING CENTRE," MR VARGHESE SAID.
------0-------
MORE EFFICIENT AND TRANSPARENT PROCEDURES
UNDER BUILDINGS ORDINANCE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY AND TRANSPARENCY OF THE PROCEDURES UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WITH AMENDMENT LEGISLATION.
THE AMENDMENT LEGISLATION, COMPRISING THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1994, THE BUILDING (APPEAL) REGULATION AND THE BUILDING (ADMINISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) REGULATION 1994, CAME INTO OPERATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/THE PROCEDURES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
12
THE PROCEDURES RELATE TO THE REGISTRATION OF AUTHORISED PERSONS, STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS AND TO APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY.
’’CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION WILL BE ISSUED TO AUTHORISED PERSONS, STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURES. THIS FACILITATES EASIER IDENTIFICATION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND BY STAFF OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT," THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS, * MRS HELEN YU, SAID.
THE ONUS FOR ENSURING CONTINUED REGISTRATION NOW RESTS WITH BUILDING PROFESSIONALS AND CONTRACTORS. THEY CANNOT PRACTISE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION.
THE PROCEDURES FOR APPEALS AGAINST THE BUILDING AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN AMENDED SO THAT THE APPEAL PROCESS CONFORMS TO PRESENT-DAY LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES, INCLUDING THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE PROVIDE FOR THE SETTING UP OF AN APPEAL TRIBUNAL ENTIRELY INDEPENDENT OF THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT, AND FOR ITS CONDUCT OF MEETINGS AND HEARINGS TO BE HELD IN PUBLIC GENERALLY.
’’I WELCOME THESE CHANGES. THEY MAKE FOR BETTER EFFICIENCY AND GREATER TRANSPARENCY," MRS YU NOTED.
THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT WILL ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON TEL 848 2222 ABOUT THE NEW REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND APPEAL PROCEDURES. ENQUIRIES MAY ALSO BE MADE IN PERSON AT THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 11TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING,. GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL.
------0--------
REGISTRATION FEES FOR LIFT AND ESCALATOR PERSONNEL REVISED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO REVISE FEES FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR APPROVAL TO BECOME AN AERIAL ROPEWAY PROFESSIONAL OR OPERATOR AND FOR REGISTRATION AS A LIFT OR ESCALATOR ENGINEER AND CONTRACTOR.
FEES FOR PROCESSING AND ISSUING OF THE RELEVANT CERTIFICATES UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE WILL ALSO BE REVISED.
THE FEES WILL GO UP BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 30, 1994 TO REFLECT THE COST INCREASE IN PROVIDING THESE SERVICES SINCE THE LAST REVISION IN 1993.
DETAILS OF THE FEE REVISION ARE SET OUT IN THE AERIAL ROPEWAY (FEES) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 AND THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) (FEES) (AMENDMENTS) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY.
/DETAILS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
13
DETAILS OF THE EXISTING AND THE NEW FEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DESCRIPTION OF FEE ITEM
EXISTING FEE PROPOSED FEE
$
APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF SURVEYORS, COMPETENT PERSONS, CONTROLLERS AND OPERATORS UNDER AERIAL ROPEWAY (OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE) REGULATIONS
FOR SURVEYOR 2,480.00 2,730.00
FOR COMPETENT PERSON 880.00 965.00
FOR CONTROLLER 880.00 965.00
FOR OPERATOR 550.00 605.00
APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF DUTIES IN THE CERTIFICATE BY AN OPERATOR HOLDING A LIMITED CERTIFICATE 550.00 605.00
FEES SPECIFIED UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE (CAP. 327)
UNDER SECTION 6 FOR INCLUSION OF PERSON IN THE REGISTER OF LIFT ENGINEERS 3,030.00 3,330.00
UNDER SECTION 6 FOR INCLUSION OF PERSON IN THE REGISTER OF ESCALATOR ENGINEERS 3,030.00 3,330.00
UNDER SECTION 6 FOR INCLUSION AT THE SAME TIME OF PERSON IN THE REGISTER OF LIFT ENGINEERS AND THE REGISTER OF ESCALATOR ENGINEERS 3,030.00 3,330.00
UNDER SECTION 11C FOR INCLUSION OF PERSON IN THE REGISTER OF LIFT CONTRACTORS 805.00 885.00
UNDER SECTION 1 IC FOR INCLUSION OF PERSON IN THE REGISTER OF ESCALATOR CONTRACTORS 805.00 885.00
UNDER SECTION 12(2) 465.00 510.00
UNDER SECTION 13(2) 520.00 570.00
UNDER SECTION 26(1)(B) 190.00 210.00
UNDER SECTION 27(2) 190.00 210.00
--------0-----------
/14 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
14
MEDICAL RELATED REGISTRATION FEES TO GO UP *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVISED THE LEVELS OF CHARGES UNDER THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE AND NURSES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE TO RECOVER OPERATING COSTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A RECENT STUDY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHOWED THE EXISTING FEE LEVELS WHICH WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1989 WERE BELOW COST.
THE NEW FEES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON NOVEMBER 18 (FRIDAY). THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY).
------0--------
GAS SAFETY FEES TO BE REVISED * * * t »
VARIOUS FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE GAS SAFETY ORDINANCE WILL BE REVISED ON DECEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, TO REFLECT THE INCREASED COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
THREE SETS OF REGULATIONS TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
THEY ARE THE GAS SAFETY (GAS SUPPLY) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1994, GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, AND GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994.
THE GAS SAFETY (GAS SUPPLY) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THE FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF APPLICATIONS FOR APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON NOTIFIABLE GAS INSTALLATION; APPROVAL TO USE NOTIFIABLE GAS INSTALLATIONS; AND ISSUE AND ANNUAL RENEWAL OF PERMITS FOR GAS TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES - ROAD TANKERS AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CYLINDER WAGONS.
THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS INSTALLERS AND GAS CONTRACTORS) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THE FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS A GAS INSTALLER AND A GAS CONTRACTOR.
THE GAS SAFETY (REGISTRATION OF GAS SUPPLY COMPANIES) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THE FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS A GAS SUPPLY COMPANY.
”IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES CHARGED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT A LEVEL SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE EXISTING FEES WERE LAST REVIEWED IN 1993. TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COSTS SINCE THEIR LAST REVIEW, THE FEES SHOULD NOW BE INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT,” HE SAID.
------0--------
/15......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 15 -
TRAVEL AGENTS’ LICENSING FEES ON RISE » * « » »
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, IN EXERCISE OF THE POWER DELEGATED TO HIM TO VARY FEES AND CHARGES, HAS APPROVED REVISION TO THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ LICENSING AND RELATED FEES WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE REVISED FEES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:
NEW RATE
EXISTING
($) (S)
FOR AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE 575 630
FOR A LICENCE OR THE RENEWAL OF A LICENCE (FOR EACH MONTH OF THE TERM) 440 485
FOR AMENDING A LICENCE - A) FOR AN ADDITIONAL ADDRESS FOR EACH NEW PREMISES 605 665
B) OTHERWISE 143 160
FOR ISSUING A DUPLICATE OF A LICENCE 840 925
FOR INSPECTING THE REGISTER OR ANY PART THEREOF 33 35
FOR ISSUING OR SUPPLYING A COPY OF OR EXTRACT FROM ANY ENTRY IN THE REGISTER 33 35
FOR CERTIFYING A COPY OF OR EXTRACT FROM ANY ENTRY IN THE REGISTER 77 85
"THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ REVISED ON JANUARY 1, 1994,"
LICENSING AND RELATED THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FEES WERE LAST
"THEY ARE SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW AND THE REVISED RATES ARE PRESCRIBED TO RECOVER THE OPERATING COSTS RELATING TO LICENSING FUNCTIONS AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE REGISTER OF LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS,” HE SAID.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRAVEL AGENTS HAS BEEN CONSULTED AND IT ADVISES THAT THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN FEES AND THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE ARE ACCEPTABLE.
THE REVISED FEES ARE SET OUT IN THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 TO BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
---------0-----------
/16.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
16
ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE FEES TO BE REVISED * « » * »
VARIOUS FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE ELECTRICITY ORDINANCE WILL BE REVISED ON DECEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, TO REFLECT THE INCREASED COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
TWO SETS OF REGULATIONS TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
THEY ARE THE ELECTRICITY (REGISTRATION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND THE ELECTRICITY (WIRING) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994.
THE ELECTRICITY (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THE FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION, AND RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION, AS AN ELECTRICAL WORKER, AS AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND OF A GENERATING FACILITY.
• THE ELECTRICITY (WIRING) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THE FEES PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF AN APPLICATION FOR ENDORSEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES OF A CERTIFICATE FROM THE OWNER PREPARED BY A REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR OR WORKER AS TO THE SAFETY OF PRESCRIBED TYPES OF FIXED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS.
"IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES CHARGED BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT A LEVEL SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"DURING THE LAST COSTING EXERCISE IN 1993, THE FEES SHOULD HAVE BEEN REVISED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INFLATION SINCE 1989.
"HOWEVER, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE VIEWS OF THE ELECTRICAL WORKERS UNIONS, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE INCREASE SHOULD BE PHASED IN OVER TWO YEARS: FEES BE INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT IN THE FIRST YEAR, AND BE FURTHER BROUGHT UP TO THE FULL COSTS AT 1994/95 PRICE LEVEL IN THE SECOND YEAR.
"TO MEET THIS SECOND TARGET, THE FEES SHOULD NOW BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 36 PER CENT," HE SAID.
------0--------
POPULATION SURVEY IN NEW TOWNS AND RURAL AREAS
*****
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY FIRM TO CARRY OUT A SURVEY ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE LIVING IN PRIVATE HOUSING IN SELECTED NEW TOWNS AND RURAL AREAS.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE USED TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN PRODUCING POPULATION DISTRIBUTION ESTIMATES OR PROJECTIONS FOR THE PLANNING OF VARIOUS FACILITIES, SUCH AS SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
/A SAMPLE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
17
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 9,000 HOUSEHOLDS ON TSING YI AND IN TSEUNG KWAN O, TIN SHUI WAI, MA ON SHAN, FAIRVIEW PARK, PALM SPRINGS, HONG LOK YUEN, MARINA COVE AND DISCOVERY BAY HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS.
THE SURVEY HAS COMMENCED AND NOTIFICATION LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT BY THE DEPARTMENT TO ALL THE SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS, REQUESTING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY. INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE KEPT IN CONFIDENCE.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE SURVEY CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT ON TEL 848 2205.
------0--------
REDRESS SYSTEM PUBLICISED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS (COMAC), MR ANDREW SO, SPOKE ON "THE ACCESS AND AWARENESS OF COMAC" AT A LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT THE MEETING, HE FURTHER PROMOTED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF COMAC BY PUBLICISING A SUMMARY OF AN ANONYMISED INVESTIGATION REPORT ON A COMPLAINT.
THE REPORT WAS ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR FAILURE IN IMPLEMENTING PROPERLY AND IMPARTIALLY THE , "OVERCROWDING RELIEF SCHEME" IN A HOUSING ESTATE.
MR SO STATED THAT APART FROM PUBLISHING INVESTIGATION REPORTS, THE COMAC OFFICE WOULD PLAN FOR A SERIES OF PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE REDRESS SYSTEM AND DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM. ,
FOR EXAMPLE, THE "ACCESS" BROADCAST ON AIR LAST SUNDAY INTRODUCED THE WORK OF THE COMAC OFFICE.
IN ADDITION, STATISTICAL DATA ON ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION WOULD BE PUBLICISED ON THE "COMAC NEWS" ISSUED TO THE MEDIA EVERY MONTH.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS TALK, MR SO REITERATED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE REDRESS SYSTEM VERY MUCH DEPENDED ON THE PUBLIC’S CONFIDENCE IN AND SUPPORT OF THE SYSTEM.
HE APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THE DIRECT ACCESS SYSTEM TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES AND INJUSTICE IF THEY WERE SUBJECT TO MALADMINISTRATION WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING FUNDAMENTAL CAUSE FOR SUCH MALADMINISTRATION, BRINGING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCEDURES AND POLICY AND ACHIEVING FAIRNESS IN THE ADMINISTRATION.
ENQUIRIES ON THE ABOVE CAN BE MADE OF MS ANNA CHAN, SENIOR. EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS), ON TEL 805 7015.
------0-------
/IB......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
18
AIR QUALITY REPORT FOR OCTOBER
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RELEASED AIR QUALITY INFORMATION FOR LAST MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE AIR QUALITY LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY AND TO EXPLAIN THE MEASUREMENTS.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS MONITORING RESULTS FROM MONG KOK, CENTRAL/WESTERN AND KWAI CHUNG, 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 THE RESPIRABLE FRACTION OF THE DUST (RSP). ALL THESE POLLUTANTS CAN AFFECT RESPIRATORY HEALTH IN SUFFICIENT CONCENTRATION.
IN OCTOBER, TWO EXCEEDANCES OF THE 24-HOUR AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES WERE RECORDED AT MONG KOK. TSP LEVELS WERE FOUND EXCEEDING THE OBJECTIVE ON OCTOBER 20 WHILE NO2 BREACHED ITS LIMIT ON OCTOBER 28.
STRONG WIND ON OCTOBER 20 BLEW A LOT OF HEAVY SURFACE DUST INTO THE AIR. WHILE THIS CAUSED SIGNIFICANT AIR POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS AT ALL STATIONS, THE STREET LEVEL SITE AT MONG KOK MEASURED THE GREATEST INCREASE AS IT IS NEAREST TO THE SURFACE.
ON OCTOBER 28 WHEN NO2 LIMIT WAS BREACHED, SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS WERE MEASURED AT ALL THREE SITES. LOW WIND SPEEDS, ASSOCIATED WITH THE MEETING OF COLDER CONTINENTAL AIR AND WARMER MARINE AIR, RESULTED IN THE ACCUMULATION OF THIS VEHICLE RELATED POLLUTANT.
IN GENERAL, SULPHUR DIOXIDE LEVELS WERE LOW AT ALL STATIONS IN OCTOBER.
THE GASES AND PARTICLES DESCRIBED ORIGINATED 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 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
19
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 CONTRIBUTOR OF PARTICULATE MATTER. OTHER SOURCES INCLUDE INDUSTRY, FURNACES AND BOILERS, CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, THE SEA AND THE SOIL.
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 THIS AIR QUALITY REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT MR RAYMOND LEUNG ON TEL 594 6401.
--------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
4 t * » »
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,832 0930 -182
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,551 1000 -193
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -173
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -176 1200 -176
LAF TODAY -105 1500 -176
1600 -176
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.6 »+0.2» 16 .11.94
/HONG KONG .......
4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.79 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.78 6.61
1 MONTH 4.74 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 100.03 7.00
3 MONTHS 5.11 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.69 7.32
6 MONTHS 5.48 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.43 7.61
12 MONTHS 6.04 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.43 8.26
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 38,978 MN
CLOSED 16 NOVEMBER 1994
------0--------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION DEBATE ON JUVENILE CRIME: S FOR S................. 1
SHW ON FAMILY POLICY..................................... 5
LAND TITLES BILL INTRODUCED.............................. 9
MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994.................... 11
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994. 12
PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994........ 13
INFORMATION HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT....................... 14
PAINTER'S COMPLAINT AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS............. 16
FIGHT AGAINST ENDANGERED SPECIES TRADE.................. 17
MEASURES TO COMBAT VICE ACTIVITIES STEPPED UP........... 18
VEGETABLE HYGIENE....................................... 19
HOTEL ROOMS STUDY FINDINGS OUT BEFORE YEAR END.......... 20
/PROGRAMMES TO
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PROGRAMMES TO REHOUSE ELDERLY "CAGED" PEOPLE.............. 22
LAW ON TELEPHONE BANKING SYSTEM NOT NEEDED................ 23
CONTAINER VEHICLES ENCOURAGED TO USE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING................................................ 24
HK POLYTECHNIC PUBLISHES GUIDELINES ON STAFF IN PUBLIC OFFICES................................................... 25
MEASURES TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT COVERED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES..............................*............ 27
SEWAGE CHARGES............................................ 29
VIGOROUS ACTION TO AVERT YOUTH DRUG OFFENCES.............. 30
TRAFFIC OFFENCES BY DIPLOMATS AND CONSULAR CORPS.......... 31
NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS............... 32
USE OF POWDERED-GLASS LINES IN KITE-FLYING DISCOURAGED.... 33
EMPLOYMENT TERMS OF LECTURERS............................. 34
SUBSIDISED HOUSING SCHEMES BENEFIT FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS. 36
API MESSAGE ON PENSION SCHEME CLEAR....................... 37
EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE BILINGUALISM IN LEGAL DOCUMENTS........ 39
MOTION ON FAMILY POLICY AND JUVENILE CRIME PASSED......... 41
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
MOTION DEBATE ON JUVENILE CRIME: S FOR S
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN MOTION DEBATE ON JUVENILE CRIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT, ■ t ** AS MANY MEMBERS HAVE EXPLAINED VERY CLEARLY THIS EVENING, THERE IS NO SINGLE CAUSE OF JUVENILE CRIME. IT HAS MANY SOCIAL CAUSES, WHICH MUST BE ADDRESSED BY A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MEASURES - THROUGH THE FAMILY, THROUGH THE SCHOOLS, THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CORRECTIONAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES. I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME IS A PRIORITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT. MANY DEPARTMENTS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS EFFORT - THE POLICE, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THERE EXISTS THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MACHINERY TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR WORK AND MONITOR THE RESULTS.
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAS ALWAYS GIVEN PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME. IT HAS ESTABLISHED A STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS, ON WHICH BOTH NON-OFFICIALS AND ALL THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST JUVENILE CRIME ARE REPRESENTED:
* TO PUT FORWARD RECOMMENDATIONS ON WAYS OF PREVENTING
POTENTIAL YOUNG OFFENDERS FROM OFFENDING;
» TO ADVISE THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ON POSSIBLE WAYS IN WHICH THE TREATMENT OF YOUNG OFFENDERS COULD BE IMPROVED; AND
♦ TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ASSESSMENT PANEL AND CONSIDER SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE REHABILITATION OF YOUNG OFFENDERS.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAS COMMISSIONED THE SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO CONDUCT RESEARCH INTO THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE CRIME, TO HELP US TO UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM BETTER AND TO HELP US FORMULATE NEW AND IMPROVED POLICIES TO TACKLE IT. THE RESULTS OF THIS RESEARCH WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE.
BUT I SHOULD LIKE FIRST TO OUTLINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN DOING TO ADDRESS IT.
DURING EACH OF THE PAST TEN YEARS, THE PROPORTION OF JUVENILES ARRESTED FOR CRIME HAS VARIED BETWEEN 12% AND 18% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR CRIME. IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994, 5,220 JUVENILES WERE ARRESTED, REPRESENTING 14% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR CRIME DURING THAT PERIOD. IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT, APART FROM A SLIGHT INCREASE IN 1991, THE PROPORTION OF JUVENILES ARRESTED HAS REDUCED CONSISTENTLY IN EACH OF THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
/BUT WE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 2 -
• BUT WE ARE FAR FROM COMPLACENT ABOUT THIS. THE TREND OF THE JUVENILE OFFENDER RATE IS NOT SO ENCOURAGING. OVER THE SAME SEVEN YEARS, THE RATE HAS DECREASED; BUT ONLY MARGINALLY AND NOT CONSISTENTLY. THE PROBLEM REMAINS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN; IN PARTICULAR THE INVOLVEMENT OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS IN SHOP THEFT, MISCELLANEOUS THEFT AND OFFENCES RELATING TO UNLAWFUL SOCIETIES, WHICH CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY OF OFFENCES FOR WHICH JUVENILES ARE ARRESTED.
WE ARE TACKLING THE PROBLEM, FIRST, THROUGH CO-ORDINATED ACTION IN THE SCHOOLS, INVOLVING THE POLICE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
WE ARE NOT DENYING THE PROBLEM OF INVOLVEMENT OF JUVENILE WITH TRIAD SOCIETIES AND OTHER GANGS, NOR WE'IGNORING THE PROBLEM. THE POLICE DEPLOY OFFICERS, BOTH IN UNIFORM AND IN PLAIN CLOTHES, IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS, AND IN OTHER AREAS FREQUENTED BY JUVENILES, IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY BAD ELEMENTS AND ELIMINATE POTENTIAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES; THEY PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO ATTEMPTS TO RECRUIT YOUNG PEOPLE INTO TRIAD ORGANISATIONS AND STREET GANGS.
IN GENERAL, THE POLICE MAINTAIN GOOD LIAISON WITH AND RECEIVE GOOD CO-OPERATION FROM SCHOOLS IN TACKLING THIS PROBLEM. THEY OBTAIN INFORMATION ON TRIAD AND OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES TO A NUMBER OF SOURCES, INCLUDING CRIME REPORTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS. CERTAINLY RELUCTANCE TO REPORT IS A PROBLEM. BUT THE POLICE ARE TAKING A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM. THROUGH THE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS, WHO CONTACT WITH PUPILS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS, AND THROUGH MAKING IT EASIER TO REPORT CRIME ANONYMOUSLY IF PREFERRED BY THE INFORMANTS.
THE POLICE ALSO PROVIDE DEDICATED SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAMS, AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD SECTIONS, WHICH CONDUCT REGULAR VISITS TO SCHOOLS TO WARN ABOUT THE DANGERS OF GETTING INVOLVED WITH TRIADS; TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS RELATING TO TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS; TO IDENTIFY AND ARREST TRIAD RECRUITERS; TO INTERVIEW ARRESTED PERSONS, VICTIMS AND WITNESSES; AND TO ASSIST IN THE FORMULATION OF STRATEGIES TO COMBAT VIOLENT AND TRIAD-RELATED CRIME INVOLVING STUDENTS.
HARD-HITTING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, AIMED PRIMARILY AT YOUNG PEOPLE, ARE MOUNTED AT REGULAR INTERVALS TO WARN OF THE DANGERS OF CRIME AND ITS CONSEQUENCES AND TO ENCOURAGE VICTIMS AND WITNESSES TO REPORT CRIME, IN CONFIDENCE, USING THE POLICE HOTLINE.
WE ARE, AS MRS PEGGY LAM HAS PROPOSED, ABOUT TO LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, TO DEMYSTIFY AND DEGLAMOURISE THE TRIADS. THIS CAMPAIGN IS TARGETED AT JUVENILES AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE POLICE ALSO LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
/THE EDUCATION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
3 -
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS, AND HAS PROVIDED IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES TO SCHOOL DISCIPLINE TEACHERS, TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH DIFFICULT AND DELINQUENT STUDENTS, WHO ARE FREQUENTLY THE TARGETS OF TRIADS. THE DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES AFTER SCHOOL HOURS; ENCOURAGES STUDENT GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS TO TALK TO PARENTS ABOUT THE ROLE WHICH PARENTS CAN PLAY IN PREVENTING THEIR CHILDREN FROM COMMITTING CRIME AND BECOMING ASSOCIATED WITH TRIADS; AND ASSISTS STUDENTS WITH ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS IN ORDER TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THEIR DIFFICULTIES.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, PROVIDES SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT RISK. THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDED 39 ADDITIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 227, TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE SUSPECTED OF INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS. THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO STEPPING UP ITS MEASURES TO TACKLE YOUTH PROBLEMS; IT WILL PROVIDE 22 ADDITIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR; INTENDS TO EXPAND ITS OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICE; AND TO FORM INTEGRATED TEAMS TO POOL TOGETHER RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS SO AS TO BE ABLE TO MEET BETTER THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK. THERE IS SURE GOOD LIAISON BETWEEN THE POLICE, SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND IN PARTICULAR IN HELPING SCHOOLS TO DEAL WITH TRIADS AND DELINQUENT STUDENTS AND TO DISSEMINATE THE MESSAGE ON THE NATURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF TRIADS AND OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
WE ARE ALSO TAKING MEASURES TO REHABILITATE THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED CRIME.
THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENTS’ DISCRETION SCHEME AIMS TO REHABILITATE -OFFENDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 17 BY GIVING POLICE SUPERINTENDENTS THE DISCRETION TO CAUTION, INSTEAD OF PROSECUTE, YOUNG OFFENDERS; AFTERCARE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE YOUNG OFFENDERS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE POLICE JUVENILE PROTECTION SECTION AND THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THE SUPERINTENDENTS’ DISCRETION SCHEME HAS ACHIEVED GOOD RESULTS. THE RECIDIVISM RATE FOR THOSE CAUTIONED UNDER THE SCHEME IS LOW (ONLY 20%). THE SCHEME HAS RECENTLY BEEN REVIEWED BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, WHICH HAS MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE SCHEME, WHICH WE SHALL BE IMPLEMENTING.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALSO RUNS CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES AND PROVIDES AFTERCARE SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS TO HELP WITH THEIR REHABILITATION. THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW OPERATING A SCHEME KNOWN BY THE RATHER CUMBERSOME TITLE OF ’’PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH PRISONERS BY STUDENTS AT RISK.’’ SINCE MARCH 1993, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF, IN CONJUNCTION WITH SCHOOLS, HAVE BEEN TARGETING STUDENTS AND ARRANGING FOR THEM TO VISIT PRISONS TO MEET, AND TALK TO, LONG TERM PRISONERS. OUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT IS THAT THIS SCHEME IS PROVING SUCCESSFUL IN DISSEMINATING THE MESSAGE ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF BECOMING INVOLVED WITH CRIME. MORE THAN 1,500 STUDENTS SO FAR HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME.
/THE RECENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
4
THE RECENT INCREASE IN DRUG ABUSE BY YOUNG PERSONS IS CERTAINLY WORRYING. AND WE ARE TAKING ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO TACKLE. JT. AMENDMENTS TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WERE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION LAST MONTH. ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST THE ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS BY RETAIL PREMISES HAS BEEN STEPPED UP. ADDITIONAL MANPOWER HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THIS PURPOSE. INCREASED EMPHASIS IS BEING GIVEN TO DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND THE TREATMENT!’ OF YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS. A PILOT PROJECT FOR A TREATMENT CENTRE FOR YOUNG ABUSERS IS BEING PLANNED.
I WOULD NOW LIKE TO TURN TO THE RESEARCH COMMISSIONED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS- THE RESEARCH AIMS AT
IDENTIFYING THE SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE CRIME AND AT MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE. IT IS A LARGE-SCALE, TERRITORY-WIDE RESEARCH PROJECT. MORE THAN 2,000 SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ABOUT 400 YOUNG PERSONS WHO WERE KNOWN TO BE OFFENDERS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED. MAJOR FIELD WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FINAL REPORT WILL BE COMPLETED BY END OF THIS YEAR. • *
I BELIEVE THAT THE RESEARCH WILL GIVE US A CLEAR PICTURE OF THE PRESENT SITUATION REGARDING JUVENILE CRIME IN HONG KONG. IT SHOULD ALSO HELP POINT TO NEW INITIATIVES WHICH WE MIGHT TAKE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME.
I EXPECT THAT IT WILL RECOMMEND AN OVERALL CO-ORDINATED STRATEGY, INVOLVING PARENTS, SCHOOLS, REHABILITATION AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE. I DO NOT RULE OUT THAT AT THIS STAGE ANY NEW INITIATIVES. BUT I MUST EXPRESS SOME DOUBTS AS TO THE VALUE OF RE-INTRODUCING THE ’TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME AS SUGGESTED BY SOME MEMBERS. THIS SCHEME WAS SUSPENDED IN 1991 BECAUSE THERE WAS A DOWNWARD TREND IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SUGGESTING THAT THE POOL OF POTENTIAL RENOUNCERS WAS DWINDLING BECAUSE A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WAS LONG ENOUGH FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO RELINQUISH THEIR TRIAD LINKS TO COME FORWARD AND BECAUSE OF FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME COULD HAVE THE NEGATIVE OR EVEN COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE EFFECT ENCOURAGING POTENTIAL RENOUNCERS TO DEFER THEIR APPLICATIONS. IT COULD ALSO TEMPT OTHERS, ESPECIALLY YOUTH, TO EXPERIMENT WITH TRIAD MEMBERSHIP IN IT? EXPECTATION THAT THEY COULD RENOUNCE THEIR MEMBERSHIP LATER. THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME EARLIER THIS YEAR, BUT FELT THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE RIGHT, EVEN IF LIMITED TO YOUNG PERSONS, FOR THE REASONS SEDUCED IN 1991, WHICH STILL REMAIN VALID. ’
SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE RESEARCH IN SEPTEMBER 1992, ITS PROGRESS HAS BEEN CLOSELY MONITORED BY A WORKING GROUP, SET UP UNDER THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS. THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF SECURITY BRANCH, THE POLICE, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND MEMBERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS. IT HAS REVIEWED REGULARLY THE PROGRESS OF THE RESEARCH. THE STANDING COMMITTEE WILL SOON MEET TO DISCUSS THE FINAL REPORT AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO YOUNG OFFENDERS. IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RESEARCH, THE COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW, AND WHERE NECESSARY, REVISE THE STRATEGY FOR TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE CRIME. IT WILL ALSO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY RECOMMENDATIONS AND ENSURE THAT THE MEASURES WE ARE PROPOSING TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM ARE EFFECTIVE, AND ARE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. I SHALL BE VERY GLAD TO REPORT REGULARLY TO THIS COUNCIL ON PROGRESS.
/MR PRESIDENT, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
MR PRESIDENT, I AM PLEASED THAT THIS COUNCIL HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT TODAY. I AGREE WITH THE THRUST AND INTENT OF THE MOTION: WE MUST SEEK TO PURSUE NEW INITIATIVES TO TACKLE JUVENILE CRIME. I AM GRATEFUL FOR MEMBERS’ SUGGESTIONS ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS WE SHOULD MAKE IN OUR APPROACH TO THIS DIFFICULT PROBLEM. WE SHALL CERTAINLY CONSIDER THESE SUGGESTIONS CAREFULLY.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
- - 0 - -
SHW ON FAMILY POLICY t » * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN MOTION DEBATE ON FAMILY POLICY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO HONOURABLE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILY. THE FAMILY IS THE OLDEST FORM OF BONDAGE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS. IT CAN BE A SOURCE OF STRENGTH, PROVIDING AN INTIMATE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PHYSICAL CARE, MUTUAL SUPPORT AND EMOTIONAL SECURITY OF ITS MEMBERS, INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY. IT IS WITHIN THE FAMILY THAT WE LEARN BASIC SOCIAL AND MORAL VALUES, DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS, SHARE WHAT WE HAVE WITH OTHERS, COPE WITH CONFLICTS, CRISES AND TRAGEDIES, AND LOVE, NURTURE AND CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER.
OUR POLICY IN SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY IS SET OUT IN OUR 1991 WHITE PAPER ENTITLED “SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 1990S AND BEYOND" DESCRIBES THE FAMILY UNIT AS "A VITAL COMPONENT OF SOCIETY" AND STATES THAT THE OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF OUR FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES ARE TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY AS A UNIT AND TO DEVELOP CARING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, ENABLE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY MEMBERS TO PREVENT PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS AND TO DEAL WITH THEM WHEN’ THEY ARISE AND TO PROVIDE FOR NEEDS WHICH CANNOT BE MET FROM WITHIN THE FAMILY.
FAMILY WELFARE POLICY
WITH THESE OBJECTIVES IN MIND AND HAVING REGARD TO THE RAPID SOCIAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG, OUR WELFARE SERVICES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO ASSIST FAMILIES TO DISCHARGE THSlR CARING AND PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS* The government should strengthen ANb Support the family so that it can FUNCTION PROPERLY AND INTERVENE ONLY WHEN MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ARE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION. OUR FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES THEREFORE SUPPORT AND SUPPLEMENT RATHER THAN SUBSTITUTE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY. OUR FAMILY WELFARE POLICY FOCUSES ON THREE MAIN AREAS AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AND DEVELOPED TO IMPLEMENT EACH OF THEM.
/FIRSTLY, ON
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 6
FIRSTLY, ON . r* *• -
PREVENTION
PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE. TO PRESERVE THE FAMILY, WE HAVE TO REASSERT FAMILY VALUES. THROUGH THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, WE PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE AND IMPART PARENTING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO HELP FAMILY MEMBERS GROW INTO CONTRIBUTING AND RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. FAMILY ACTIVITY AND RESOURCE CENTRES HAVE BEEN SET UP THIS YEAR IN ALL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR LOCAL FAMILIES TO DROP IN FOR ADVICE, MUTUAL AID AND SOCIAL NETWORKING. AN INNOVATIVE FAMILY CARE DEMONSTRATION AND RESOURCE CENTRE HAS ALSO BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE PARENTAL AND HOME-MAKING SKILLS PRACTICE IN A HOME-LIKE SETTING.
SECONDLY,
SUPPORTING THE FAMILY
WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO NEED SPECIFIC HELP BOTH AT HOME AND WITH CHILD CARE. WE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT AIDED PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES. NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ARE ALSO RUNNING AFTER-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS WHO COME FROM NEEDY FAMILIES. ALL THESE SERVICES HELP FAMILIES TO CARE FOR THEIR YOUNG AND MINIMISE THE RISK OF CHILDREN BEING LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME.
OTHER SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE FAMILY INCLUDE TRAINING BY FAMILY AID WORKERS IN HOME MANAGEMENT FOR PARENTS WHO HAVE INADEQUATE HOME MAKING SKILLS AND THE PROVISION OF HOME HELP SERVICE SUCH AS CLEANSING, LAUNDRY, COOKING AND ESCORT SERVICES. IN ADDITION, A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO HELP FAMILIES CARE FOR THEIR ELDERLY OR DISABLED MEMBERS. THESE INCLUDE THE SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME, COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS SOCIAL CENTRES, MULTISERVICE CENTRES AND DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND RESIDENTIAL CARE- FACILITIES FOR ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. WE ALSO PROVIDE DAY ACTIVITY AND TRAINING CENTRES AS WELL AS SHELTERED WORKSHOPS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH DISABLED MEMBERS.
THIRDLY,
HELPING FAMILIES IN TROUBLE
DESPITE OUR BEST INTENTIONS, FAMILIES DO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS AND WE NEED TO BE THERE TO HELP THEM. WE NOW HAVE 54 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES WHICH ASSIST FAMILIES TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, CARE FOR THE YOUNG, ILLNESS, DISABILITIES AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO FINANCE, ACCOMMODATION, EMPLOYMENT AND SCHOOL PLACEMENT.
/FOR CHILDREN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
FOR CHILDREN WHO CANNOT BE CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES OR WHOSE SAFETY ARE AT RISK, WE HAVE A WELL ESTABLISHED LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO LOOK AFTER THEIR WELFARE. WE PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN WHO, FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, CANNOT CONTINUE TO LIVE AT HOME WITH THEIR PARENTS. FOR WOMEN WHO ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PROTECTION IS GIVEN UNDER THE LAW. TWO SHELTERS OPERATE ROUND THE CLOCK TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR BATTERED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN.
TO HELP FAMILIES IN TROUBLE, WE ALSO HAVE IN PLACE THE MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE. THE FORMER ASSISTS FAMILIES WITH PROBLEMS RELATED TO ILLNESS SITUATIONS AND THE LATTER HELPS WITH CHILD ABUSE, CHILD CUSTODY AND FAMILY TRAGEDIES. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, OUR COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDES A SAFETY NET FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
WE WILL SPEND ABOUT $930 MILLION THIS YEAR ON FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES WHICH IS 22% MORE THAN LAST YEAR. NEXT YEAR, SPENDING WILL BE INCREASED FURTHER TO ABOUT $1,050 MILLION.
FAMILY POLICY
MANY MEMBERS HAVE ARGUED ELOQUENTLY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FAMILY POLICY. ACCORDING TO THE EMINENT PROFESSOR SHEILA B KAMERMAN, AN EXPERT IN FAMILY POLICY, THE TERM IS USED TO DESCRIBE WHAT GOVERNMENT DOES TO AND FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES, IN PARTICULAR THOSE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO AFFECT THE SITUATION OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN - OR INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR ROLES - AND THOSE THAT HAVE CLEAR CONSEQUENCES FOR SUCH FAMILIES EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INTENDED.
IN CONSIDERING THE ISSUE OF FAMILY POLICY, PROFESSOR KAMERMAN HAS GIVEN A CLEAR WARNING OF THE OBSTACLES AND HAZARDS. TO QUOTE FROM HER ARTICLE "FAMILY POLICY : A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE" PUBLISHED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY, THEY INCLUDE :
* THE FEAR THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAMILY POLICIES AND
PROGRAMMES MAY SERVE TO UNDERMINE THE FAMILY;
* THE DIFFERENCES REGARDING THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT;
* VALUE DIFFERENCES WITH PREFERENCES AND CHOICES VARYING
ACROSS CLASS, RACE, ETHNIC GROUP, RELIGION, GENDER, AGE, AND SO FORTH;
* CONCERN THAT FAMILY POLICY IS DIFFICULT TO DEVELOP BECAUSE THE KNOWLEDGE BASE IS LIMITED AND WE ARE NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO FORETELL ALL THE CONSEQUENCES; AND
» THE ECONOMIC COSTS, HOW MUCH THE COSTS ARE, HOW AND BY WHOM THEY SHOULD BE PAID.
/OVERSEAS, "FAMILY ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
8
OVERSEAS, "FAMILY POLICY" WHERE IT EXISTS, TENDS TO BE RELATED TO INCOME DISTRIBUTION THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FAMILY ALLOWANCES AND INCOME TAX ARRANGEMENTS. IT IS ALSO USED AS A SOCIETAL POLICY IN A BROADER SENSE WITH THE AIM OF TRANSFORMING SOCIAL RELATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SOCIALIST OBJECTIVES AND ENSURING THAT THE FUNCTIONING OF THE FAMILY WILL BE IN HARMONY WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF SOCIALIST DEVELOPMENT. IT IS ALSO TIED TO POPULATION POLICY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING LONG TERM DEMOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS THAT MAY AFFECT LABOUR AND ECONOMIC MARKET. IN OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE THERE IS NOT AN EXPLICIT FAMILY POLICY, THE EMPHASIS IS PLACED MORE ON THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC POLICIES ON INDIVIDUALS RATHER THAN FAMILIES.
HERE IN HONG KONG, MR PRESIDENT, WHILE WE DO NOT HAVE AN EXPLICIT FAMILY POLICY, OUR PUBLIC POLICIES ALREADY TAKE THE FAMILY INTO CONSIDERATION. MY COLLEAGUE, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS HAS ALREADY GIVEN A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND POLICIES TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILIES LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND TO STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY AS THE BASIC UNIT IN SOCIETY. LET ME GIVE SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC POLICIES IN WHICH THE INTEREST OF THE FAMILY IS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT :
(A) THE GOAL OF TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG AS PROMULGATED IN THE PREAMBLE OF THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IS TO "PROMOTE THE HEALTH, SAFETY, CONVENIENCE AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY". IN CARRYING OUT ITS PLANNING FUNCTIONS, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS ALWAYS TAKEN THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES INTO ACCOUNT.
(B) FAMILY FACTORS ARE DULY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE FORMULATION OF EDUCATION AND MANPOWER POLICIES. SUFFICIENT SCHOOLS, MANPOWER TRAINING AND . TERTIARY EDUCATION PLACES ARE PROVIDED TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS FULLY AWARE THAT THE FAMILY HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE SCHOOLING AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND MUCH HAS BEEN DONE TO INVOLVE THE FAMILY IN THIS REGARD.
(C) THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PERSON AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WELL-BEING OF AN INDIVIDUAL ARE FREQUENTLY EMPHASISED IN MANY OF OUR HEALTH PROGRAMMES.
MR PRESIDENT, WE HAVE A CLEAR FAMILY WELFARE POLICY WHICH PROMOTES THE WELL-BEING OF THE FAMILY. THE 1991 SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER, REQUIRES RELEVANT POLICY BRANCHES TO CONSIDER THE FAMILY PERSPECTIVE WHEN DEVELOPING POLICIES THAT HAVE IMPLICATIONS ON THE FAMILY AS A UNIT AND A RESOURCE. THE EXAMPLES I HAVE JUST GIVEN ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO THE FAMILY IN THE MANY FACETS OF ITS PUBLIC POLICIES.
/IN SUPPORTING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 9 -
IN SUPPORTING THE FAMILY, I CANNOT SUPPORT THE WORDING OF THE MOTION CALLING ON GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE A FAMILY POLICY IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE CONSULTED OVERSEAS EXPERTS ON THE SUBJECT. AS ADVISED BY THE WORLD RECOGNISED EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD, PROFESSOR S KAMERMAN AND PROFESSOR A KAHN. I NOW QUOTE : "TO WRITE A FORMAL FAMILY POLICY REQUIRES CONFRONTING VALUE DIFFERENCES AND MAY GENERATE CONSIDERABLE VALUE DEBATE AROUND SYMBOLIC ISSUES WHICH CAN BE AVOIDED BY MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT CONCRETE BENEFITS AND PROGRAMMES." THEY HAVE OBSERVED THAT COUNTRIES DO WELL WITHOUT A FAMILY POLICY. I BELIEVE THAT WE TOO CAN DO WELL AS WE ARE COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING CONCRETE PROGRAMMES TO HELP PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
LAND TITLES BILL INTRODUCED
tut**
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CAN ICE MAK, IN MOVING THE LAND TITLES BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE LAND TITLES BILL.
THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF LAND DEEDS REGISTRATION GOVERNS ONLY THE PRIORITY OF REGISTERED DEEDS. REGISTRATION PER SE DOES NOT CONFER ON A DEED ANY VALIDITY IT DOES NOT OTHERWISE HAVE. THEREFORE, EVEN IF A PERSON IS REGISTERED IN THE LAND REGISTRY AS OWNER OF A PROPERTY, HE MAY NOT BE THE LEGAL OWNER BECAUSE THERE MAY BE SOME UNCERTAINTY IN HIS TITLE TO THE.PROPERTY OR HIS TITLE MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE CLAIM OF SOME OTHER PERSON WHICH DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE LAND REGISTER KEPT BY THE LAND REGISTRY.
THE LAND TITLES BILL SEEKS TO CONVERT THE PRESENT LAND DEEDS REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO A TITLE REGISTRATION SYSTEM. UNDER THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, THE LAND REGISTER WILL BE CONCLUSIVE AS TO TITLE OF THE PROPERTY. REGISTRATION OF A PERSON AS OWNER WILL CONFER FULL AND ABSOLUTE TITLE TO THE PROPERTY CONCERNED SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY MATTERS REGISTERED ON THE LAND REGISTER, CERTAIN OVERRIDING INTERESTS AND RECTIFICATION BY THE HIGH COURT. IN PRACTICE, A STATE OF TITLE CERTIFICATE WILL CERTIFY THE STATE OF THE LAND REGISTER AT THE TIME THE CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED. IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR THE CONVEYANCING SOLICITOR TO LOOK BEHIND THE LAND REGISTER AND INVESTIGATE THE TITLE BY READING THROUGH ALL THE DEEDS.
/SINCE NOT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994'
- 10 -
SINCE NOT ALL THE LAND DEEDS CURRENTLY REGISTERED ARE FREE OF CLAIMS, WE PROPOSE THAT THERE WILL BE A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE BILL BEFORE IT IS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION, THUS ALLOWING PERSONS HAVING UNREGISTERED CLAIMS TIME TO REGISTER THEM UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM. THIS WILL ALSO GIVE THE LAND REGISTRY SOME TIME TO PREPARE FOR CONVERSION TO THE NEW SYSTEM, AND ENABLE CONVEYANCING SOLICITORS TO FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH THE NEW OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM, WE PROPOSE THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDEMNITY, UNLIMITED AS TO AMOUNT, FOR LOSS SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE LAND REGISTRY IN OPERATING THE NEW SYSTEM. SINCE PROPERTY CONVEYANCING UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM WILL STILL BE UNDERTAKEN ON BEHALF OF PROPERTY OWNERS BY PERSONS WHO ARE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED UNDER THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, WE DO NOT PROPOSE THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD INDEMNIFY PERSONS SUFFERING LOSS AS A RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE OTHER THAN NEGLIGENCE OF THE LAND REGISTRY. AS FOR LOSSES SUFFERED BY MEANS OF INFORMATION ENTERED IN OR OMITTED FROM LAND REGISTRY RECORDS AS A RESULT OF FRAUD, WE PROPOSE THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE FOR AN INDEMNITY, UP TO A LIMIT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, FOR SUCH FRAUD BY EITHER THE LAND REGISTRY STAFF OR ANYONE OUTSIDE THE LAND REGISTRY.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE FUNDING FOR INDEMNITIES BE SELFFINANCING WITH NO SUBSIDY FROM GENERAL REVENUE. A SEPARATE RESERVE FUND, WHICH WILL BE BUILT UP BY SETTING ASIDE PART OF THE REGISTRATION FEES, WILL BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE LAND REGISTRY TRADING FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE. IN CASE OF ANY CLAIMS THAT CANNOT BE MET BY THE RESERVE FUND, GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE A DRAW-DOWN LOAN FACILITY TO MEET THE BALANCE OF PAYMENTS.
MR PRESIDENT, THE PROPOSED TITLE REGISTRATION SYSTEM IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE CERTAINTY OF TITLE FOR EXISTING OWNERS AND A HIGHER DEGREE OF PROTECTION FOR PURCHASERS THAN THE PRESENT LAND DEEDS REGISTRATION SYSTEM. I COMMEND IT TO MEMBERS FOR FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
- - 0-----------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 11 -
MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 *****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION) (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 BE READ THE SECOND TIME.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION ARE OUTDATED OR INADEQUATE AS A RESULT OF CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES OVER TIME. THE BILL PROPOSES FOUR AREAS OF CHANGE.
THE FIRST PROPOSED CHANGE CONCERNS THE RECOGNITION OF OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS. UNDER THE EXISTING DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, HOLDERS OF UNITED KINGDOM, IRISH OR COMMONWEATH DIPLOMAS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO REGISTER AS DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG. THIS IS DISCRIMINATORY AND CONTRAVENES THE PROVISIONS OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES. THE ORDINANCE THEREFORE NEEDS TO MAKE PROVISIONS FOR THE USE OF A UNIVERSAL LICENSING EXAMINATION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN HONG KONG, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE THE PRACTITIONER RECEIVED HIS OR HER TRAINING IN DENTISTRY.
AT PRESENT SOME OF THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR ARE EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION AND THE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES. THE SECOND PROPOSAL AIMS TO RATIONALISE THE TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.
THE INTRODUCTION OF A MANDATORY PRACTISING CERTIFICATE SYSTEM FOR NURSES IS OUR THIRD PROPOSED CHANGE. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE OF OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS DOCTORS, DENTISTS AND PHARMACISTS. IN ADDITION, IT WILL ENABLE US TO HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE RECORD OF PRACTISING NURSES, BOTH REGISTERED AND ENROLLED, IN HONG KONG.
OUR FOURTH PROPOSAL IS TO REMOVE THE OUTDATED STAMPING REQUIREMENT. A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONAL, WHICH MAY CONTAIN AN ALLEGATION OF "UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT", NEEDS TO BE SUPPORTED BY A STATUTORY DECLARATION ON THE FACTS OF THE CASE. IT IS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT UNDER THE RESPECTIVE LEGISLATION THAT SUCH A DECLARATION SHOULD BE DULY STAMPED, THAT IS A STAMP DUTY OF $3 IS CHARGED. HOWEVER, WITH AN AMENDMENT TO THE STAMP ORDINANCE IN 1973 AND ITS REPLACEMENT BY THE STAMP DUTY ORDINANCE IN 1981, STATUTORY DECLARATIONS ARE NO LONGER CHARGEABLE WITH STAMP DUTY. WE NEED TO REPEAL THE NUGATORY STAMPING REQUIREMENT.
/12........
WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 16, 1994'-.
- 12 -
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1994 *****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WENDESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1994 BE READ A SECOND TIME.
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE AIMS TO PREVENT CORRUPTION AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES AT ELECTIONS. AT PRESENT, IT ONLY APPLIES TO THE ELECTIONS OF THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
THE BILL BEFORE MEMBERS NOW SEEKS TO EXTEND THE ORDINANCE TO THE ELECTIONS OF THE CHAIRMAN, VICE-CHAIRMEN AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE 27 RURAL COMMITTEES WHICH MAKE UP THE NEXT TIER IN THE HIERARCHY OF RURAL ORGANIZATIONS UNDER THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
THE EXTENSION IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THESE ELECTIONS, WHICH HAVE CONSTITUTIONAL LINKS WITH THE THREE-TIER REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, ARE FAIR AND OPEN.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL LINKS WORK AS FOLLOWS. FIRST, THE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS. SECOND, THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHICH HAS A RURAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY SEAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THIRD, THE CHAIRMAN AND THE TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE KUK ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WHICH MAY RETURN ONE CANDIDATE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THROUGH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
UNDER THE BILL, ALL GENERAL OFFENCES PROVISIONS OF BRIBERY, TREATING, ELECTION PUBLICITY AND OFFENCES IN RELATION TO NOMINATION AND BALLOT PAPER WILL BE EXTENDED TO RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS. ELECTION FEATURES WHICH DO NOT EXIST IN RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS NOW, BUT WHICH ARE PART OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE, SUCH AS ELECTION EXPENSES, APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORIZED PERSONS TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES AND FILING OF RETURNS ON ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS, WILL BE INTRODUCED.
CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL PROVIDES DEFINITIONS FOR THE TERMS •ELECTOR’, 'RETURNING OFFICER’ AS THEY APPEAR IN RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS. THE TERMS 'EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’ AND 'RURAL COMMITTEE’ ARE ALSO DEFINED.
CLAUSES 5 AND 8 PROVIDE FOR WHAT IS MEANT BY A PERSON AUTHORIZED TO INCUR ELECTION EXPENSES, AN INCUMBENT CANDIDATE AND A PERFORMANCE REPORT IN THE CONTEXT OF RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.
/CLAUSE 9 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 13 -
CLAUSE 9 PROVIDES THAT FOR RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS, AN ADVANCED FILING OF A RETURN OF DONATIONS IS TO BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS INSTEAD OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION. AS THE ELECTION RESULTS OF RURAL COMMITTEES ARE NOT GAZETTED, THE TIMETABLE FOR FILING OF RETURN ON ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS TN RURAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS IS TIED TO THE DATE OF THE RELEVANT ELECTION.
CLAUSE 10 PROVIDES THAT CONSEQUENTIAL UPON CLAUSE 9, THE RELEVANT RETURNS ARE TO BE KEPT BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS INSTEAD OF THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
------0--------
PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN MOVING THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AS SET OUT UNDER MY NAME IN THE PAPER CIRCULATED TO MEMBERS BE APPROVED.
VARIOUS FEES AND CHARGES FOR LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES AS WELL AS FOR OTHER PURPOSES ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES. THE EXISTING FEES CHARGED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS WERE LAST SET IN 1989. TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN COSTS AND INFLATION SINCE THEN, WE PROPOSE THAT THE FEES SHOULD NOW BE INCREASED.
THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 SEEKS TO INCREASE THE FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS. THE PROPOSED FEES, IF APPROVED, REPRESENT AN INSIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL OPERATING COSTS OF THE TRADE. THE IMPACT OF THE FEE REVISION ON CONSUMERS SHOULD BE NEGLIGIBLE. THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, THE AUTHORITY IN RESPECT OF LICENSING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND REGISTRATION OF PHARMACISTS SET UP UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND SUPPORT THE AMENDMENT REGULATION.
WITH THESE REMARKS, I MOVE THE MOTION.
------0--------
/14 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 14 -
INFORMATION HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE TREND TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION HIGHWAY SYSTEMS IN MANY COUNTRIES, WILL GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) WHETHER THE TERRITORY IS LAGGING BEHIND IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH SYSTEMS; IF SO, HOW HAS IT AFFECTED THE TERRITORY’S COMPETITIVENESS IN THE
REGION; AND
(B) WHAT MEASURES WILL THE GOVERNMENT TAKE TO ENSURE THAT POLICIES IN THIS AREA WILL BE FORMULATED AND IMPLEMENTED?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
THE TERM ’’INFORMATION HIGHWAY” DESCRIBES AN ADVANCED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE WITH NETWORKS LINKING HOMES, BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONS TO A WIDE RANGE OF INTERACTIVE SERVICES, FROM DATA BANKS, ELECTRONIC COMMERCE, BANKING AND BUSINESS SERVICES TO EDUCATION, CULTURAL SERVICES, ENTERTAINMENT, TELEMEDICINE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, AND THE THEORY IS, ALL AVAILABLE AT THE TOUCH OF ONE BUTTON OR KEY.
THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY LINKS EXISTING CABLE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, BROADCASTING, SATELLITE AND COMPUTING NETWORKS INTO A FULLY INTERCONNECTED "NETWORK OF NETWORKS”. IT MAKES USE OF THE MUCH LARGER CAPACITY AND HIGH TRANSMISSION SPEED OF FIBRE OPTICS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND THE CONVERGENCE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS, BROADCASTING AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES AND CAN TRANSFORM HOW BUSINESS IS CONDUCTED AND HOW PEOPLE COMMUNICATE IN FUTURE. HONOURABLE MEMBERS MAY ASK WHETHER ANY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD HAVE SUCCESSFULLY CONSTRUCTED AN INFORMATION HIGHWAY. THE ANSWER IS NO, NOT YET, BUT ALL INDUSTRIALISED NATIONS HAVE PUBLISHED POLICIES WHICH ARE MOVING TOWARDS THAT DIRECTION.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 15 -
TURNING TO HONG KONG, I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT WE ARE IN NO WAY LAGGING BEHIND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INFORMATION HIGHWAY. ON THE CONTRARY, WE ARE WELL UP WITH THE MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. IN HONG KONG WE HAVE ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE FIBRE OPTIC NETWORKS IN THE WORLD AND THE FIRST FULLY DIGITALISED TELEPHONE SYSTEM, CAPABLE OF DELIVERING THE MOST ADVANCED FORM OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES. MORE THAN 300 OF OUR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN CONNECTED DIRECTLY ONTO THIS OPTICAL FIBRE NETWORK. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SEPARATE NETWORK BEING BUILT AND EXTENDED BY OUR CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY. BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, THIS NETWORK WILL REACH MORE THAN 1.1 MILLION HOMES. THE COMPANY HAS PLANS TO GRADUALLY REPLACE THE NETWORK WITH FIBRE OPTICS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. FROM MID-1995, THROUGH COMPETITION IN LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICES, WE EXPECT TO SEE A RAPID MOVE TOWARDS BRINGING OPTICAL FIBRE TECHNOLOGY TO INDIVIDUAL HOMES AND OFFICES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A WHOLE RANGE OF NEW AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES, SUCH AS PERSONAL NUMBERING FOR THE TELEPHONE, ADVANCED DATA AND VIDEO COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND SO ON.
OUR TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE WIDEST RANGE OF QUALITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AT REASONABLE COST. THE PRO-COMPETITION POLICY WE HAVE ADOPTED HAS ENABLED HONG KONG TO ENJOY ONE OF THE MOST SOPHISTICATED AND ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURES IN THE WORLD. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THIS POLICY. SPECIFICALLY, WE WILL CONTINUE TO -
» PROMOTE COMPETITION IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS THE BEST MODE TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT AND STIMULATE INNOVATION;
* CREATE A FLEXIBLE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK TO KEEP PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS;
» ENCOURAGE INTERCONNECTION AND PROVIDE OPEN ACCESS TO THE NETWORKS; AND
» ENSURE THAT SERVICES CAN BE UTILISED BY ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE BELIEVE, MR PRESIDENT, THAT THIS IS THE WAY TO BUILD THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY THAT WILL TAKE HONG KONG TO THE NEXT CENTURY.
---------0-----------
/16 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 16 -
PAINTER’S COMPLAINT AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IT WAS REPORTED THAT A PAINTER WHO WAS ASSAULTED, ACCUSED WITHOUT CAUSE AND DETAINED BY THE POLICE IN DECEMBER 1990 HAD RESORTED TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO CLAIM DAMAGES FROM THREE POLICE OFFICERS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS REPRESENTING THE POLICE. THE CASE WAS HEARD BEFORE THE HIGH COURT ON 11 OCTOBER THIS YEAR AND THE CLAIMANT WAS AWARDED A SIX-FIGURE SUM OF DAMAGES IN AN OUT-OF-COURT SETTLEMENT. IN THIS CONNECTION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :-
(A) WHETHER AN INQUIRY INTO THIS CASE HAS BEEN MADE BY THE POLICE, AND WHAT ARE THE REASONS WHY CRIMINAL CHARGES HAVE NOT BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICERS 'CONCERNED;
(B) WHETHER THE . POLICE OFFICERS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN CONVICTED BY THE POLICE’S INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY BOARD OF BREACHES OF DISCIPLINE; IF SO, WHAT DISCIPLINARY ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN AGAINST THEM; AND
(C) WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGES INVOLVED IN THIS CASE AND WHO WILL PAY FOR IT?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
AS REGARDS PART (A) OF THE QUESTION, THE POLICE INVESTIGATED A COMPLAINT LODGED BY THE PAINTER IN MID-1991. ON LEGAL ADVICE, NO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WERE INSTITUTED AGAINST THE THREE OFFICERS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO PROVE ASSAULT.
AS REGARDS PART (B), DISCIPLINARY ACTION WAS TAKEN AGAINST THE THREE POLICE OFFICERS CONCERNED. ONE OF THE OFFICERS RECEIVED A SEVERE REPRIMAND, WHILE THE OTHER TWO WERE CAUTIONED.
AS REGARDS PART (C), DAMAGES OF $100,000 WERE PAID TO THE PLAINTIFF, OF WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PAID $70,000 AND EACH OF THE THREE OFFICERS CONCERNED PAID $10,000.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 17 -
FIGHT AGAINST ENDANGERED SPECIES TRADE *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION
IN REGARD TO THE CURB ON THE SALE OF ANIMALS PARTS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH PURPOSES, WILL THE ADMINISTRATION INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE CURRENT ENFORCEMENT MEASURES TAKEN BY VARIOUS AGENCIES ?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTF TI ON OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT NO PERSON SHALL IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS ANY SCHEDULED SPECIES, OR PARTS AND DERIVATIVES OF SUCH SPECIES, EXCEPT UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH A LICENCE ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLY TO THE PRODUCTS OF SOME HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES SUCH AS RHINOCEROSES AND TIGERS. IN PRACTICE, NO LICENCES ARE ISSUED FOR THE IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESSION OF MEDICINES CONTAINING, OR CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINOCEROS OR TIGER INGREDIENTS. THE EFFECT IS TO BAN THESE ITEMS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND DOMESTIC SALE.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO CONTROLS THE IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF BEAR GALL BLADDER, BEAR BILE AND BEAR BILE POWDER ORIGINATING FROM ANY SPECIES OF BEAR.
ENFORCEMENT OF THESE CONTROLS IS UNDERTAKEN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S ENFORCEMENT TEAM CARRIES OUT UNDERCOVER CHECKS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SHOPS TO SUPPRESS AND DETER THE ILLEGAL SALE OF BANNED ITEMS. CUSTOMS AND EXCISE OFFICERS CHECK SHIPMENTS AT VARIOUS POINTS OF ENTRY AND EXIT. THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE INVESTIGATE ANY POSSIBLE ORGANISED CRIME THAT MIGHT BE INVOLVED IN SUCH ILLEGAL TRADE, THEY PARTICIPATE IN OPERATIONS WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN INVESTIGATIVE TECHNIQUES.
THE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IS CO-ORDINATED BY AN ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTION LIAISON GROUP CONSISTING OF MEMBERS OF ALL THREE DEPARTMENTS. DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE GROUP HAS DIRECTED A VIGOROUS PROGRAMME OF OVER 3,300 INSPECTIONS Ol TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SHOPS. 387 SUCH SHOPS HAVE BEEN RAIDED UNDER SEARCH WARRANTS, RESULTING IN 230 PROSECUTIONS.
/I BELIEVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
18
I BELIEVE THAT THE MESSAGE IS NOW GETTING THROUGH CLEARLY TO RETAILERS AND THEIR SUPPLIERS THAT IT IS NOT WORTH DEALING IN PRODUCTS EVEN CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO HORN AND TIGER BONE. THIS MESSAGE " REINFORCED LAST WEEK WHEN I INTRODUCED A BILL TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR SUCH OFFENCES TO A FINE OF $5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 2 YEARS.
MR PRESIDENT, I BELIEVE THAT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES. WE I NT END TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF ENFORCEMENT AND INCREASE OUR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THE PUBLIC AWAY FROM CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS CON I AI NING ENDANGERED SPECIES.
- - 0 - -
MEASURES TO COMBAT VICE ACTIVITIES STEPPED UP
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : RECENTLY QUITE A NUMBER OF FEMALES FROM PLACES OUTSIDE
GUANGDONG, HOLDING TRANSIT VISAS FOR A STOPOVER IN THE TERRITORY ON THEIR WAY TO THAILAND, HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ENTER THE TERRITORY AND HAVE MANAGED TO STAY BEHIND AND ENGAGE IN PROSTITUTION ACTIVITIES. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO STEPPING UP MEASURES TO COMBAT THESE ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS BLACKLISTING THEM AND PREVENTING THEM FROM VISITING THE TERRITORY AGAIN TO ENGAGE IN PROSTITUTION ACTIVITIES, SIMILAR TO TH I MEASURE'S ADOPTED TO COMBAI’ THE PROBLEM OF FEMALES FROM THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGION COMING TO THE TERRITORY TO PROSTITUTE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
WE ARE AWARE THAT SOME VISITORS TO HONG KONG ENGAGE IN PROSTITUTION. WE HAVE STEPPED UP MEASURES TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND FOREIGN VISITORS, INCLUDING TRANSIT VISITORS FROM CHINA, FOUND WORKING IN VICI- ESTABLISHMENTS OR WORKING AS PROSTITUTES ARE PROSECUTED FOR ILLEGALLY REMAINING IN HONG KONG OR FOR BREACH OF THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY.
THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MOUNT OPERATIONS AGAINST THESE ACTIVITIES.
VISITORS (INCLUDING TRANSIT VISITORS I h’OM ('HINA) WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ABUSED THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY IN HONG KONG ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL SCRUTINY ON FUTURE ENTRY INTO HONG KONG. I’HFY MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY IF THERE IS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE\ ARE LIKELY TO BREACH THEIR CONDITIONS OF STAY.
- - 0 - -
/19
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
19
VEGETABLE HYGIENE
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHL-YUEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : RECENTLY THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF ACUTE FOOD POISONING INCIDENTS IN THE TERRITORY ARISING FROM THE CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES. AS A LARGE PORTION OF THE
VEGETABLES IS IMPORTED FROM THE MAINLAND, WILL THE
GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL
(A) OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NUMBER OF VEGETABLE SAMPLES EXAMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT THE MAN KAM TO BORDER CHECKPOINT, AND WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF THE SAMPLES EXAMINED OUT OF ALL IMPORTED VEGETABLES;
(B) OF THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCTING SPOT CHECKS AT THE BOARDER AT PRESENT; AND WHETHER THERE ARE PLANS TO INCREASE THE MANPOWER FOR THESE DUTIES;
(C) OF THE RESPECTIVE PERCENTAGES OF VEGETABLES FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATED OUT OF THE SAMPLES EXAMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS; AND
(D) WHAT ARE THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CURB THE IMPORTATION OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES THROUGH ILLEGAL MEANS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER PESTICIDE-CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES DEPENDS ON A COMBINATION OF MEASURES AT SOURCE, UPON IMPORT, AT SALES OUTLETS AND IN THE KITCHEN. TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH, GOVERNMENT CO-ORDINATES ACTION THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO MONITOR THE HYGIENE OF VEGETABLES.
ABOUT 50% OF THE FRESH LEAFY VEGETABLES CONSUMED LOCALLY COME FROM CHINA, 25% ARE LOCAL PRODUCE AND THE REST ARE IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS IN PLACE AT THE BORDER A WELL-TESTED MONITORING SYSTEM TO CHECK THE QUALITY OF IMPORTED VEGETABLES. IN 1994, AN AVERAGE OF 70 QUICK TESTS ARE PERFORMED DAILY AT THE MAN KAM TO CHECKPOINT.
/AN AVERAGE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994 '
- 20 -
AN AVERAGE OF 8.5 SAMPLES PER DAY ARE COLLECTED FROM VEHICLES FOR FULL LABORATORY TESTS FOR USE AS EVIDENCE IN CASE OF PROSECUTION OR TO SUPPORT DESTRUCTION OF VEGETABLES. THE PERCENTAGE OF VEGETABLE SAMPLES FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATED AFTER FULL LABORATORY TESTS IS 0.35% FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1994. THIS REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT OVER 1.75% IN 1992 AND 0.56% IN 1993.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE TWO SHIFTS OF SIX HEALTH INSPECTORS STATIONED AT MAN KAM TO, PLUS OTHER SUPPORTING STAFF. THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SUBJECT TO SAMPLING REPRESENTS ROUGHLY 30% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES PASSING THROUGH. DURING PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION OUTBREAKS, ADDITIONAL STAFF ARE QUICKLY DEPLOYED AND THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES SAMPLED INCREASED.
APART FROM THESE REGULAR CHECKS, THERE ARE FREQUENT EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION AND MEETINGS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE GUANGDONG AND SHENZHEN IMPORT AND EXPORT COMMODITY INSPECTION BUREAU TO CONTROL THE PROBLEM AT SOURCE. THIS HAS LED TO A TAGGING SYSTEM FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCE FROM FARMS APPROVED BY THE COMMODITY INSPECTION BUREAU. THESE IMPORTS ARE ALSO ISSUED WITH PESTICIDE DECLARATION FORMS.
IN ADDITION TO THESE RANDOM CHECKS AT THE BORDER, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OPERATES A SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME AT BOTH WHOLESALE AND RETAIL VEGETABLE MARKETS. THERE IS ALSO REGULAR PUBLICITY TO ADVISE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO PATRONISE ILLEGAL HAWKERS AND TO FOLLOW GOOD FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES, SUCH AS THOROUGH SOAKING AND WASHING OF VEGETABLES.
IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REVIEW CONTROL STRATEGIES IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FURTHER OUTBREAKS.
- - 0-----------
HOTEL ROOMS STUDY FINDINGS OUT BEFORE YEAR END
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MOSES CHENG MO-CHI AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW AIRPORT WILL RESULT IN A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS VISITORS COMING TO THE TERRITORY, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS BEING PROCESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHICH INVOLVE THE DEMOLITION OF HOTELS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE BUILDING OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS;
(B) OF THE HOTELS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE, WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF HOTEL ROOMS INVOLVED;
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT ENVISAGES A SHORTAGE OF HOTEL ROOMS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS;
/(D) WHETHER ANY ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 21 -
(D) WHETHER ANY MEASURES WILL BE ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN THE TERRITORY; IF SO, WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING OR WILL BE ADOPTED; AND
(E) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER ALLOCATING MORE LAND RESTRICTED TO HOTEL USAGE ONLY, SO AS TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO BUILD NEW HOTELS?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT
AT THE END OF 1993, HONG KONG HAD APPROXIMATELY 34,000 HOTEL ROOMS. DURING 1994, FIVE HOTELS WITH A TOTAL OF 1,250 ROOMS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE CLOSED DOWN. IN ADDITION, THE BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY PROCESSING TWO APPLICATIONS FOR CONVERSION OF HOTEL TO COMMERCIAL USE. IF APPROVED, THESE CONVERSIONS WILL RESULT IN A FURTHER REDUCTION OF SOME 1,000 ROOMS. HOWEVER, DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, FOUR NEW HOTELS ARE SCHEDULED TO COME ON STREAM AND A NUMBER OF EXISTING HOTELS ARE BEING EXTENDED. THE NEW AND EXTENDED HOTELS WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 4,200 NEW ROOMS, INCLUDING ONE WHICH SHALL HAVE 2,400 ROOMS.
CURRENT FORECASTS OF VISITOR ARRIVALS, COMPILED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, SUGGEST THAT THERE MAY BE SOME TIGHTNESS IN THE SUPPLY OF MEDIUM TARIFF HOTEL ROOMS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, PARTICULARLY AT PERIODS OF PEAK DEMAND. IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE, THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAS INCORPORATED SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREAS ON THE CENTRAL AND WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATIONS, WHICH ARE TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE MTRC IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. THIS IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE SOME 1,700 ADDITIONAL HOTEL ROOMS. HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS ARE ALSO TO BE INCLUDED IN TWO COMMERCIAL SITES ON THE HUNG HUM BAY RECLAMATION, AND NEW SITES HAVE BEEN PROPOSED ON THE AIRPORT ISLAND AT CHEK LAP KOK AND IN TUNG CHUNG NEW TOWN WHICH WOULD YIELD SOME 2,900 ROOMS.
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, HAS COMMISSIONED CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG. AMONGST OTHER THINGS THE CONSULTANTS WILL BE TASKED TO REVIEW PROJECTIONS OF THE DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF HOTEL ROOMS, TO DECIDE WHETHER SHORTAGES OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ARE LIKELY TO POSE A CONSTRAINT ON TOURISM GROWTH AND, IF SO, TO ADVISE WHETHER THERE IS A NEED FOR INTERVENTION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT A SIGNIFICANT MIS-MATCH BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF HOTEL ROOMS.
THE CONSULTANTS ARE DUE TO SUBMIT THEIR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THEIR STUDY ON THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION SITUATION BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO ANY RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE CONSULTANTS ON THE POSSIBLE NEED TO INTRODUCE MEASURES TO STIMULATE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SUGGESTIONS WHICH MAY BE PUT FORWARD RECOMMENDING CHANGES TO CURRENT LAND ALLOCATION POLICY SO AS TO ENSURE THAT FORECAST DEMAND IS MET.
------0--------
/22 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994’.
22
PROGRAMMES TO REHOUSE ELDERLY ’’CAGED" PEOPLE
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) HOW MANY ELDERLY PERSONS ARE AT PRESENT LIVING IN WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS "CAGED HOMES" AND WHAT ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION IN THE LAST THREE YEARS; AND
(B) WHETHER THERE IS ANY POLICY OR PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE ELDERLY PERSONS WHO HAVE LIVED IN SUCH CONDITIONS OVER A CONSIDERABLE TIME; IF SO, HOW EFFECTIVE SUCH POLICY OR PROGRAMME HAS BEEN AND HOW MANY "CAGED" PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REHOUSED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS?
REPLY
MY REPLY IS AS FOLLOWS :
(A) THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PERSONS (AGED 60 AND ABOVE) AT PRESENT LIVING IN WHAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS "CAGED HOMES" IS ESTIMATED AT 1,200. IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PAID HALF-YEARLY VISITS TO BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS TO OFFER WELFARE ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, INSTITUTIONAL CARE, COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING, EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND COUNSELLING, TO THOSE ELIGIBLE. SUCH VISITS ARE CONTINUING AND WILL CONTINUE. THE CITY NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ESTABLISHED 17 SINGLETON HOSTELS WHICH OFFER REHOUSING TO SOME OF THE BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS. THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN APRIL 1994 TO PROVIDE FOR A LICENSING SCHEME TO REGULATE THE FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS. UPON FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LICENSING SCHEME, LODGERS WILL LIVE IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WHICH MEET THE SAFETY
STANDARDS; AND
(B) AS POINTED OUT UNDER (A) ABOVE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ASSISTING ELDERLY BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS WITH INSTITUTIONAL CARE AND COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING. UNDER THE ELDERLY PRIORITY SCHEME, PERSONS AGED 58 AND ABOVE CAN APPLY FOR REHOUSING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES. FLATS WILL USUALLY BE ALLOCATED WITHIN TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF REGISTRATION. BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS CAN ALSO APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE GENERAL WAITING LIST. BEDSPACE APARTMENT LODGERS AGED BELOW 60 CAN APPLY FOR ADMISSION INTO THE SINGLETON HOSTELS OF THE CITY NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. THESE POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE. IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, ABOUT 650 "CAGED" PEOPLE WERE REHOUSED.
------0--------
/23........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 23 -
LAW ON TELEPHONE BANKING SYSTEM NOT NEEDED *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES PROVIDED BY BANKS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL: (A) OF THE NUMBER OF BANKS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES;
(B) WHAT SAFEGUARDS ARE IN PLACE TO PROTECT CLIENTS AGAINST LOSSES FROM WITHDRAWALS WHICH ARE EITHER WITHOUT THE CLIENT’S AUTHORISATION OR MISHANDLED BY THE BANKS;
(C) WHAT GUIDELINES OR MONITORING MECHANISM ARE AVAILABLE TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY DEGREE OF PRUDENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM IS EXERCISED IN PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES; AND
(D) WHETHER LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THE CONSUMERS’ RIGHTS IN USING SUCH SERVICES?
REPLY:
(A) THERE ARE CURRENTLY : 4 LICENSED BANKS OFFERING SOME FORM OF TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES -
(I) PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON ACCOUNT BALANCES, EXCHANGE RATES, DEPOSIT AND LENDING RATES;
(11) TRANSFER OF FUNDS BETWEEN ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME CUSTOMER OR TO PREDESIGNATED THIRD PARTY ACCOUNTS;
(III) RENEWAL OR DISPOSAL OF TIME DEPOSITS UPON MATURITY;
(IV) FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND INVESTMENT PRODUCT TRANSACTIONS; AND
(V) PAYMENT OF CREDIT CARD, UTILITY BILLS, ETC.
/(B) ACCESS TO ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994 ’
• - 24 -
(B)ACCESS TO TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES IS MOSTLY THROUGH A TOUCH TONE PHONE. INPUT OF A PASSWORD IS NECESSARY BEFORE TRANSACTIONS ARE ALLOWED. SUCH TRANSACTIONS ARE NORMALLY RESTRICTED TO ACCOUNTS OF THE CUSTOMER HIMSELF OR PREDESIGNATED ACCOUNTS AND NO CASH WITHDRAWAL IS ALLOWED. DETAILS OF TRANSACTIONS ARE RECORDED WITH WRITTEN CONFIRMATION SUBSEQUENTLY MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CUSTOMER.
AS IN THE CASE OF OTHER BANKING SERVICES OPERATED BY PASSWORDS, THE CUSTOMER HAS A DUTY TO KEEP HIS PASSWORDS CONFIDENTIAL TO PREVENT UNAUTHORISED ACCESS. AT THE SAME TIME, BANKS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE IN PLACE ADEQUATE INTERNAL CONTROL TO MAINTAIN SECURITY AND INTEGRITY OF THEIR TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES SYSTEMS.
(C)THERE ARE NO GUIDELINES OR MONITORING MECHANISM SPECIFICALLY TARGETED AT TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES. IT IS NOT THE PRACTICE OF THE BANKING SUPERVISOR TO DICTATE HOW BANKS SHOULD CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS UNLESS THERE ARE PRUDENTIAL CONCERNS. SO FAR, TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES HAVE NOT BEEN A CAUSE OF CONCERN.
(D)WE DO NOT SEE THE NEED FOR SPECIFIC TELEPHONE BANKING SERVICES.
LEGISLATION ON
------0
CONTAINER VEHICLES ENCOURAGED TO USE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE INTRODUCTION OF 24-HOUR SERVICE AT THE LOK MA CHAU - HUANG GANG BORDER CROSSING POINT AS FROM 3 NOVEMBER 1994 THIS YEAR, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHETHER, APART FROM INCREASING THE MANPOWER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, OTHER MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENCOURAGE MORE CONTAINER DRIVERS TO USE THE CROSSING POINT BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAWN; AND
(B) WHETHER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE AT THE CONTAINER TERMINALS TO TIE IN WITH THE NEW ARRANGEMENT AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINT?
/REPLY: ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 25 -
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
ON AVERAGE ABOUT 800 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN USING THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER ROAD CROSSING EACH NIGHT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 PM AND 7 AM, SINCE IT OPENED ROUND THE CLOCK ON NOVEMBER 3, 1994. THIS IS ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF THE TWO CHANNELS IN USE. IT IS A GOOD START AND SHOULD HOPEFULLY RESULT IN CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC BEING SPREAD OVER A LONGER PERIOD EACH DAY.
THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS :
(A) THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ARE CONTINUING THEIR EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE MORE CONTAINER VEHICLES TO USE THE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING AT NIGHT, THROUGH THEIR CONTACTS WITH SHIPPERS, TERMINAL OPERATORS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS.
(B) THE CONTAINER TERMINALS ALREADY OPERATE ON A 24-HOUR BASIS AND HAVE HAD NO PARTICULAR PROBLEMS IN COPING WITH THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC NOW BEING GENERATED AT NIGHT. THE OPERATORS ARE, HOWEVER, MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THEIR PROCEDURES WILL BE CONSIDERED IF THIS PROVES NECESSARY.
--------0-----------
HK POLYTECHNIC PUBLISHES GUIDELINES ON STAFF IN PUBLIC OFFICES *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S RECENT DECISION TO CUT THE SALARY OF TEACHING STAFF WHO ARE MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER IT IS AWARE OF ANY OTHER SUBSIDISED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAVE TAKEN SIMILAR MEASURES TO REDUCE THE SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITS OF STAFF MEMBERS WHO SERVE AS MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS OR OTHER TIERS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT?
/REPLY: ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 26 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE ADMINISTRATION IS AWARE THAT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED POLICY GUIDELINES ON STAFF ENGAGING IN PUBLIC OFFICES THROUGH ELECTION. HOWEVER, THE POLYTECHNIC HAS NOT IMPOSED A CUT IN SALARY ACROSS THE BOARD FOR THOSE TEACHING STAFF WHO ARE ELECTED TO DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE GUIDELINES SERVE TO PROMULGATE AN EXISTING REQUIREMENT WITHIN THE POLYTECHNIC’S EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR STAFF TO OBTAIN WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE DIRECTOR FOR ENGAGING IN ANY REMUNERATIVE ACTIVITIES. THERE ARE SEVERAL OPTIONS FROM WHICH A STAFF MEMBER CAN CHOOSE WHEN APPLYING TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC FOR CONSENT IF HE/SHE IS ENGAGED IN PUBLIC OFFICES THROUGH ELECTION. UNDER ONE OF THESE OPTIONS THE STAFF CONCERNED MAY APPLY TO THE DIRECTOR FOR RETENTION OF THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT STATUS, BUT WITH THE LEVEL OF REMUNERATION ADJUSTED ON A PRO-RATA BASIS DEPENDING ON THE PROPORTION OF TIME TO BE SPENT IN THE DISCHARGE OF NORMAL DUTIES AT THE POLYTECHNIC. ADJUSTMENT OF SALARY FOR THE STAFF CONCERNED CAN BE WAIVED IF THE STAFF CONCERNED CONTRIBUTE AN ACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE DIRECTOR, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, IS SATISFIED THAT THE QUALITY OF DELIVERY OF WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOT BE JEOPARDISED.
THE ADMINISTRATION IS NOT AWARE OF OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVING ADOPTED SIMILAR POLICY GUIDELINES ON STAFF ENGAGING IN PUBLIC OFFICES THROUGH ELECTION. HOWEVER, ALL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE SIMILAR CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO STAFF ENGAGING IN OUTSIDE WORK OR OUTSIDE PRACTICE.
--------0-----------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 27 -
MEASURES TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AT COVERED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FRED LI WAH-MING AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN HIS REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION ON AIR POLLUTION IN LAM TIN INTERCHANGE ON JANUARY 26, 1994, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS STATED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS OF THAT AREA HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT. IN RESPONSE TO ANOTHER WRITTEN QUESTION ON OCTOBER 26, 1994,
HE INDICATED THAT THE STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TO EXAMINE THE DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COVERED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES HAD BEEN COMPLETED IN MAY 1994. THE STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN MOST COVERED BUS INTERCHANGES, EVEN WHEN OPERATING AT MAXIMUM CAPACITY, WERE UNABLE TO SUPPLY ADEQUATE FRESH AIR TO WAITING PASSENGERS. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE REASON WHY THE EXISTING MECHANICAL VENTILATION . SYSTEMS CANNOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF AIR POLLUTION IN COVERED TRANSPORT EXCHANGES;
(B) IT IS UNDERSTOOD THE EPD HAS PLANNED TO SET UP ENCLOSED WAITING PLATFORMS IN THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE IN EITHER LAM TIN OR TSUEN WAN NEXT YEAR ON A TRIAL BASIS AND HAS ALREADY APPLIED FOR FUNDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROJECT. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT REQUIRED FOR THIS PILOT SCHEME; AND WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TOTAL AMOUNT OF EXPENDITURE INVOLVED IF THE PILOT SCHEME IS TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL COVERED BUS TERMINALS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF
COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE TERRITORY;
(C) WHAT OTHER REMEDIAL MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IF THE RESULTS OF THE PILOT SCHEME TURN OUT TO BE UNSATISFACTORY; AND
(D) AS THE PILOT SCHEME WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED TILL NEXT YEAR, WHAT SPECIFIC SHORT-TERM MEASURES WILL BE PUT IN PLACE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN THE INTERIM?
/REPLY: ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 28 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) WHEN THE MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN COVERED TRANSPORT EXCHANGES WERE DESIGNED, IT WAS BELIEVED THAT THEY WERE ADEQUATE IN AMELIORATING THE AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM IN THESE INTERCHANGES. HOWEVER, IN A RECENT STUDY, IT WAS FOUND THAT VERY HIGH VENTILATION RATES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES AT THE WAITING PLATFORMS COULD BE MET. THE REQUIRED VENTILATION RATES ARE BEYOND THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMS.
(B) THE PILOT PROJECT WILL REQUIRE $3,980,000. IT IS AN 18-MONTH PROJECT TO STUDY THE VARIOUS DESIGNS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS FOR WAITING PLATFORMS. WE ARE STILL SEEKING FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT. THE
ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER APPLYING THE SUCCESSFUL DESIGN TO OTHER COVERED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES. AN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL COST IS NOT AVAILABLE BECAUSE WE • HAVE NOT YET DECIDED ON THE DESIGN TO BE ADOPTED.
(C) GOVERNMENT IS OPTIMISTIC THAT ONE OR MORE OF THE DESIGNS WILL BE SATISFACTORY. THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE STUDY IS TO CHOOSE THE MOST PRACTICAL OPTION AND TO COLLECT TECHNICAL DATA AND DETAILS ON THE COSTS OF THE DESIGN.
(D) IN THE INTERIM, WE HAVE ADVISED TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO TURN OFF ENGINES OF IDLE VEHICLES INSIDE THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES. PROPERTY MANAGERS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO OPERATE THE VENTILATION SYSTEMS TO FULL CAPACITY DURING PEAK TRAFFIC HOURS WHENEVER SUCH IS
PRACTICABLE. WE HOPE THE ABOVE MEASURES WOULD HELP ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM.
/29 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 29 -
SEWAGE CHARGES ♦ * * * »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY REV THE HON FUNG CHI-WOOD AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION :
REGARDING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR ON THE PROPOSED CHARGES FOR SEWAGE SERVICES, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING :
(A) OF THE SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, HOW MANY ARE IN SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED LEVEL OF SEWAGE CHARGES; HOW MANY CONSIDER IT TOO HIGH AND HOW MANY ARE IN FAVOUR OF NO CHARGES AT ALL; AND
(B) WHAT ARE THE REASONS WHY THE FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE HAVE NOT YET BEEN DISCLOSED AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE CONSULTATION PERIOD?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON SEWAGE CHARGES LAST YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT RECEIVED 80 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS - 57 FROM ORGANISATIONS AND 23 FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. APART FROM 14 SUBMISSIONS WHICH WERE ENQUIRIES ONLY, 60% OF THESE SUBMISSIONS GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE POLLUTER PAYS PRINCIPLE, THE REMAINING WERE NOT IN FAVOUR OF A SEPARATE CHARGE FOR SEWAGE SERVICES. ONLY NINE SUBMISSIONS ASKED FOR LOWER CHARGES. FROM THESE SUBMISSIONS, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A MISUNDERSTANDING THAI SEWAGE CHARGES WOULD BE FIXED AT 50% OF WATER BILLS.
(B) THE RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE WERE SET OUT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BRIEF AND IN A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON 11 JANUARY 1994.
- - 0----------
/30........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
VIGOROUS ACTION TO AVERT YOUTH DRUG OFFENCES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO KUN-SUN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF YOUNGSTERS BEING
INVOLVED IN DRUG OFFENCES IN RECENT YEARS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS WILL THE STANDING COMMITTEE -ON YOUNG OFFENDERS MAKE TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM; AND
(B) WHETHER CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO ALLOCATING MORE RESOURCES TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCLUDING GOSPEL DRUG REHABILITATION GROUPS, IN ORDER TO ASSIST THESE ORGANIZATIONS IN THEIR WORK OF PREVENTING YOUNGSTERS FROM ABUSING DRUGS AND TREATMENT OF YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS, THUS EXPANDING THE NETWORK OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS AREA?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUNG OFFENDERS WILL SHORTLY CONSIDER THIS PROBLEM AND THE RESULTS OF A RESEARCH PROJECT CONDUCTED BY THE SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON SOCIAL CAUSES OF JUVENILE CRIME.-
VIGOROUS ACTION IS ALREADY BEING TAKEN TO PREVENT YOUNGSTERS FROM INVOLVEMENT IN DRUG OFFENCES. THE POLICE TARGET DRUG BLACKSPOTS WHICH YOUNG DRUG ABUSERS . FREQUENT. THEY HAVE AI,SO ENHANCED THE SCHOOL LIAISON
NETWORK TO IDENTIFY DRUG PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS.
(B) RESOURCES FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ALLOCATED TO SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. THE LEVEL OF ALLOCATIONS AND THE SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE KEPT UNDER REVIEW, AND CHANGES MADE AS NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF THE DEMAND FOR THE SERVICES PROVIDED. IN ADDITION, MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES NOT RECEIVING SUBVENTIONS ARE NEVERTHELESS HELPED IN OTHER WAYS: THEY ARE ASSISTED WITH ACCOMMODATION AND
SUPPORTED IN RAISING FUNDS FROM CHARITABLE SOURCES.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 31 -
TRAFFIC OFFENCES BY DIPLOMATS AND CONSULAR CORPS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF
(A) ITS POLICY TOWARDS MEMBERS OF FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR CORPS STATIONED IN HONG KONG WHO MAY HAVE CONSISTENTLY VIOLATED TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AND WHO, THEREBY, HAVE ACCUMULATED SUBSTANTIAL FIXED PENALTY FINES FOR ILLEGAL PARKING AND OTHER TRAFFIC OFFENCES; AND
(B) THE NUMBER OF SUCH OFFENDERS AND THE COUNTRIES THEY REPRESENT, TOGETHER WITH CUMULATIVE TOTALS OF UNPAID FINES DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS?
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE WAIVER OF UNPAID FIXED PENALTY FINES IS AN ACT OF COURTESY EXTENDED TO CONSULAR OFFICES BY MANY COUNTRIES. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOLLOWS THIS PRACTICE.
(B) OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS, WE HAVE WRITTEN OFF ABOUT $38,000 IN RESPECT OF THE 180 FIXED PENALTY TICKETS WHICH HAVE BEEN WAIVED. DETAILS ARE ANNEXED.
---------0-----------
/32 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 32 -
NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS « * » » «
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TIK CHI-YUEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, . IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WITH REGARD TO THE PROBLEM CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE RESPECTIVE WASTAGE RATES OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN VARIOUS TYPES OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS) TOGETHER WITH THE REASONS FOR THESE SOCIAL WORKERS LEAVING THEIR JOBS;
(B) OF THE RESPECTIVE PROPORTIONS OF THE NUMBER OF SOCIAL WORKERS TO THE STUDENT CASELOAD FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AT PRESENT;
(C) OF THE NUMBER OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS WHICH DO NOT HAVE ANY POST OF ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICER ON THEIR ESTABLISHMENT AND THE REASONS THEREOF; AND
(D) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED STANDARDISING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN ALL SPECIAL SCHOOLS?
REPLY :
THE ANSWERS IN SERIATIM ARE AS FOLLOWS -
THE WASTAGE RATES OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS IN VARIOUS TYPES OF
SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN THE PAST THREE SCHOOL YEARS ARE: -
WASTAGE RATE
CATEGORY 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94
VISUALLY IMPAIRED 0% 0% 66.7%
HEARING IMPAIRED 0% 40% 15%
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED 11% 22% 22%
MENTALLY HANDICAPPED 14% 22.9% 39.6%
MALADJUSTED 24% 40% 10%
/REASONS ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 33 -
REASONS ARE SELDOM GIVEN BY SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR THEIR RESIGNATIONS. HOWEVER, IT IS UNDERSTOOD FROM SCHOOL HEADS AND SOME SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, THAT AMONG THOSE RESIGNATIONS WITH KNOWN REASONS IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, SOME TOOK UP ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (ASWO) POSTS OR JOINED OTHER SERVICE UNITS IN THE WELFARE SECTOR. SOME EMIGRATED, WHILE A FEW PURSUED FURTHER STUDIES OR CHANGED PROFESSION.
THE PROVISION RATIO OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR ALL TYPES OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS IS 0.5 WORKER FOR EVERY 35 PUPILS.
THERE ARE 62 SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN 1994/95, EXCLUDING ONE HOSPITAL SCHOOL WHERE PUPILS ARE SERVED BY MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS, ASWOS ARE PROVIDED IN 28 SPECIAL SCHOOLS, FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE FOR MALADJUSTED CHILDREN AND THOSE WITH SENIOR SECONDARY CLASSES. THE REMAINING 34 SCHOOLS ARE PROVIDED WITH SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AT THE SENIOR SOCIAL WORK ASSISTANT RANK. THESE 34 SCHOOLS COMPRISE 32 SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR PUPILS WITH MILDLY OR MODERATELY MENTAL HANDICAP, ONE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PUPILS AND ANOTHER ONE FOR HEARING IMPAIRED PUPILS. THIS PROVISION IS BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A JOB INSPECTION TEAM WHICH PREPARED THE CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS IN 1981. THE TEAM, CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, HONG KONG SPECIAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CONSIDERED THAT THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY SOCIAL WORKERS IN THESE SCHOOLS WERE LESS COMPLICATED OR DIVERSIFIED.
AS REGARDS STANDARDISATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS IN ALL SPECIAL SCHOOLS, IT WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE REVIEW OF SPECIAL EDUCATION WHICH IS CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED BY A SUB-COMMITTEE SET UP UNDER THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONSULTING THE HONG KONG SPECIAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL ON THIS ISSUE.
--------0-----------
USE OF POWDERED-GLASS LINES IN KITE-FLYING DISCOURAGED *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HA WING-HO AND■, A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE USE OF "GLASS THREAD" TO FLY KITES, WHICH IS A LONGSTANDING HABIT AMONG MANY KITE LOVERS, CONSTITUTES A DANGER TO OTHER PICNICKERS. ONLY RECENTLY, A CHILD CYCLING AT PAK TAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS CUT IN THE NECK BY A "GLASS THREAD". IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) ANY MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO PREVENT SUCH ACCIDENTS FROM OCCURRING; IF SO, WHAT THOSE MEASURES ARE; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE; AND
/(B) THE GOVERNMENT ........
WENDESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
• ■ * > ■. t ’ . , ", V •
(B) THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER CLASSIFYING "GLASS ' ■' THREAD" AS A DANGEROUS TOY AND ADVISING RETAILERS TO STOP SELLING IT; IF NOT, WHY NOT?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
KITE-FLYING IS A POPULAR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY. IT IS INEXPENSIVE AND CAN BE ENJOYED BY THE WHOLE FAMILY.
KITE-FLYING IS PROHIBITED IN.PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS MANAGED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS UNDER THE RESPECTIVE PLEASURE GROUNDS BY-LAWS. HOWEVER, TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY KITE-FLYING IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORGANISES KITE-FLYING ACTIVITIES IN OPEN AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE USE OF "POWDERED-GLASS LINES" IS PROHIBITED IN SUCH ACTIVITIES.
"POWDERED-GLASS LINES" ARE MAINLY USED IN KITE FIGHTING. SUCH LINES ARE NORMALLY HOME-MADE OR SELF-MADE. MEASURES CONTROLLING THEIR SALE OR USE WOULD THEREFORE BE DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE. IT WOULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE IF THE PUBLIC IS DISCOURAGED FROM USING "POWDERED-GLASS LINES" THROUGH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE WAYS OF DOING THIS.
-- 0
EMPLOYMENT TERMS OF LECTURERS « » » « *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WITH REGARD TO THE TEACHING STAFF EMPLOYED BY THE SEVEN
TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM-.
THIS COUNCIL : v ■
(A) OF THE CATEGORIES OF TERMS OF APPOINTMENT UNDER WHICH THEY ARE EMPLOYED;
(B) WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN THE CRITERIA ADOPTED FOR DETERMINING THE APPOINTMENT TERMS, SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS FOR VARIOUS RANKS IN RESPECT OF (I) LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE STAFF ON BOTH CONTRACT AND PERMANENT TERMS OF SERVICE AND (II) ETHNIC CHINESE AND NON-CHINESE STAFF RECRUITED FROM OVERSEAS; HOW AND ON WHAT BASIS ARE THESE CRITERIA DETERMINED; >
/(C) WHETHER THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 35 -
(C) WHETHER THE EXISTING PRACTICE, WHICH GRANTS DIFFERENT SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS TO STAFF OF THE SAME RANK AND WITH THE SAME QUALIFICATIONS ON ACCOUNT OF DIFFERENCES IN APPOINTMENT TERMS, IS IN BREACH OF ARTICLE 22 OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; IF SO, WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION WILL ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUCH BREACH; AND
(D) WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER AMENDING THOSE APPOINTMENT TERMS AND CRITERIA FOR APPOINTMENT IN WHICH DISCREPANCIES OCCUR BEFORE 1997, SO THAT DIFFERENT CONDITIONS OF SERVICE CAN BE STANDARDIZED AND THAT THE EQUITABLE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK CAN BE ACHIEVED?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS -
(A)4(B) TEACHING STAFF OF THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS ARE GENERALLY EMPLOYED ON EITHER SUPERANNUABLE OR CONTRACT TERMS. (CURRENTLY ONE INSTITUTION, LINGNAN COLLEGE, ONLY OFFERS APPOINTMENTS ON FIXED TERM CONTRACTS, BUT THIS POLICY IS UNDER REVIEW). STAFF EMPLOYED IN EACH OF THESE CATEGORIES MAY BE OFFERED EITHER LOCAL OR OVERSEAS TERMS. THE OFFER OF OVERSEAS TERMS FOLLOWS CIVIL SERVICE PRACTICE I.E. IS DEPENDENT ON WHETHER THE PERSON CONCERNED
- HABITUALLY RESIDES IN HONG KONG, CHINA, TAIWAN OR MACAU;
- HAS HIS/HER GENERAL BACKGROUND OR SOCIAL TIES SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN HONG KONG, CHINA, TAIWAN OR MACAU; AND
- IF APPOINTED ON LOCAL TERMS, WOULD SUFFER A MATERIAL DEGREE OF DISLOCATION OR UPROOTING FROM AN ENVIRONMENT TO WHICH HE/SHE BELONGS.
NO DISTINCTION IS MADE SOLELY ON GROUNDS OF THE PERSON’S ETHNICITY. THERE ARE NO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS TERMS AS REGARDS SALARIES; THE DIFFERENCES ARE MAINLY IN TERMS OF STAFF’S ELIGIBILITY FOR PASSAGE AND BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES, HOUSING BENEFITS AND OVERSEAS EDUCATION ALLOWANCES.
/(C) THE DIFFERENCES ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 36 -
(C) THE DIFFERENCES IN TERMS AND CONDITIONS ARE NOT CONSIDERED INCONSISTENT WITH ARTICLE 22 OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
(D) THE EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF IS AN AREA OF INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY IN WHICH IT WOULD BE NEITHER APPROPRIATE NOR DESIRABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, OTHER THAN SALARIES, FOR ACADEMIC AND EQUIVALENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF THE UPGC-FUNDED INSTITUTIONS DO NOT REQUIRE GOVERNMENT APPROVAL, SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS BEING COMPARABLE WITH, AND NO BETTER THAN, THOSE OFFERED TO COMPARABLE RANKS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
-----0------
SUBSIDISED HOUSING SCHEMES BENEFIT FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : RECENTLY, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY REMARKED THAT THE POLICY ADOPTED BY BANKS TO OFFER A MAXIMUM OF 70% OF MORTGAGE LOANS TO HOME BUYERS WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED. HOWEVER, THE CURRENT LEVEL OF PROPERTY PRICES IS STILL FAR BEYOND THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST , STARTED THEIR CAREER. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THERE ARE ANY SPECIFIC PLANS TO ASSIST FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS, SUCH AS OFFERING THEM A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF MORTGAGE LOANS?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECTIVE UNDER THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOUSING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE OR RENT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. ON HOME OWNERSHIP PROMOTION, WE WILL HELP AN ADDITIONAL 180,000 FAMILIES BUY THEIR OWN HOMES THROUGH VARIOUS SUBSIDISED HOUSING SCHEMES ADMINISTERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY BEFORE 2001. UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME, FLATS ARE SOLD TO LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME AND THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING LOAN SCHEME OFFER INTEREST-FREE AND LOW-INTEREST LOANS RESPECTIVELY TO ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS TO PURCHASE A FLAT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE ANY EXPLICIT POLICY TO ASSIST FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS, MANY OF THEM HAVE BECOME BENEFICIARIES UNDER THESE SCHEMES.
/IN JUNE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 37 -
IN JUNE 1994, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO CHECK THE PROPERTY PRICE SPIRAL. THE NOTICEABLE MODERATION IN PROPERTY PRICES SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THESE MEASURES WILL DEFINITELY HELP FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES. WE SHALL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET CLOSELY.
GIVEN THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, THE BANKING SECTOR HAS TO MAINTAIN A PRUDENTIAL CUSHION ON MORTGAGE LENDING IN ORDER TO LIMIT ITS EXPOSURE TO THE PROPERTY SECTOR. THE 70% LOAN-TO-VALUE RATIO PROVIDES SUCH A CUSHION AND IS THUS ESSENTIAL FOR MAINTAINING STABILITY IN THE BANKING SYSTEM IN THE EVENT OF ADVERSE MOVEMENTS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
LENDING DECISIONS ARE COMMERCIAL DECISIONS. BANKS WOULD NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS SUCH AS THE CREDIT RISK OF THE BORROWER IN MAKING LENDING DECISIONS. FIRST TIME BUYERS, HOWEVER, TEND TO SUFFER GREATER STRAINS ON AFFORDABILITY. CONSEQUENTLY, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO JUSTIFY A HIGHER LENDING RATIO FOR THIS GROUP OF BORROWERS ALONE WHILE CAUTION HAS TO BE EXERCISED GENERALLY ACROSS THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING.
------0-----------
API MESSAGE ON PENSION SCHEME CLEAR v *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE CONTENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROMOTION FILM AND TAPE ABOUT THE "CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME" BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND THE RADIO ARE MISLEADING IN NATURE AND MAY CREATE THE MISCONCEPTION THAT THE PROPOSAL HAS ALREADY BEEN FINALISED, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE MESSAGE WHICH IS IMPLICIT IN THE PROMOTION
FILM AND TAPE;
(B) WHETHER, IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN SOLICITING PUBLIC VIEWS ON A PARTICULAR ISSUE IN ORDER TO GET THE PUBLIC TO BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE ISSUE, TO PUBLICISE THE RELEVANT ISSUE IN AN OVERLY AFFIRMATIVE TONE;
(C) WHETHER THE CONTENTS OF SUCH PROMOTION FILMS AND TAPES CURRENTLY BROADCAST ON TELEVISION AND THE RADIO ARE SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY BY ANY MECHANISM; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE; AND
/(D) WHETHER THERE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
(D) WHETHER THERE ARE RULES OR GUIDELINES COVERING THE PRODUCTION OF PROMOTION FILMS AND TAPES ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES APPLICABLE TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED FILM AND TAPE; IF NOT, WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER DRAWING UP GUIDELINES TO DISTINGUISH GOVERNMENT MESSAGES WHICH SEEK TO CONSULT THE PUBLIC FROM THOSE WHICH AIM TO PUBLICISE AND PROMOTE GOVERNMENT POLICIES SO THAT THE PUBLIC WILL NOT BECOME CONFUSED?
MR PRESIDENT,
THE SUGGESTION THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN PUBLIC INTEREST (API) IN QUESTION IS MISLEADING IS UNFOUNDED. IT IS CLEAR FROM THE API AND FROM RELATED PUBLICITY MATERIALS DISSEMINATED ON THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME (OPS) THAT THE SUBJECT IS UNDER PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND THAT GOVERNMENT IS INVITING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS -
(A)
(B)
THE API IS DESIGNED TO FOCUS THE ATTENTION OF
THE
PUBLIC ON THE PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED OPS, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH INCOME PROTECTION AT OLD AGE.
GOVERNMENT HAS DECLARED ITS INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT AN
OPS SUBJECT TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENT OF THE PROPOSAL. THE PROPOSED OPS IS THE OUTCOME OF A DETAILED TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY STUDY AND IT HAS BEEN COMMENDED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BY THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE SAME TIME AS PUBLIC VIEWS ARE INVITED. IT IS REASONABLE AND LEGITIMATE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO RECOMMEND ITS PROPOSED POLICY FOR PUBLIC CONSIDERATION AND ACCEPTANCE.
(C) & (D) GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENTS OF ITS
APIS WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY IN THE NORMAL WAY.
/THE DIRECTOR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 39 -
THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING ON AND FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RADIO AND TV APIS REQUESTED BY INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS. ALL APIS ARE PRODUCED IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH CLIENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE END-PRODUCT CAREFULLY VETTED BEFORE IT IS RELEASED FOR BROADCAST. APIS ARE PRODUCED ALONG THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES THAT THEY SHOULD BE INFORMATIVE, EDUCATIONAL AND HEIGHTEN THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS ON PARTICULAR TOPICS OF CONCERN. THEY SERVE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF IMPORTANT POLICIES, MEASURES OR LEGISLATIVE CHANGES AFFECTING THEM; EDUCATE THEM AS TO THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS CITIZENS; AND/OR ENLIST THEIR SUPPORT OR CO-OPERATION ON ISSUES OF PUBLIC CONCERN. DEPENDING ON PUBLIC CONCERN ON THE TOPIC AND THE SCALE OF PUBLICITY REQUIRED, APIS MORE OFTEN THAN NOT FORM ONLY ONE COMPONENT IN A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLICITY PACKAGE.
AS FAR AS THE API IN QUESTION IS CONCERNED, THERE IS NO QUESTION OF CONFUSION. THE COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED OPS DISSEMINATED THROUGHOUT THE CONSULTATION PERIOD, INCLUDING THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT, BOOKLETS, LEAFLETS, POSTERS, PRESS ADVERTISEMENTS AND APIS ALL MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE ARE SEEKING PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
--------0-----------
EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE BILINGUALISM IN LEGAL DOCUMENTS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN SECTION 3(2) OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE THAT BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH POSSESS EQUAL STATUS AND ENJOY EQUALITY OF USE, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH ACCEPT DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY THE PUBLIC IN ENGLISH ONLY, TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND THE TYPE OF DOCUMENTS INVOLVED;
(B) WHETHER THE DEPARTMENTS REFERRED TO IN (A) HAVE VIOLATED THE PRINCIPLE AND INTENT OF THE PROVISIONS IN SECTION 3(2) OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE EXPLANATIONS GIVEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION; AND
/(C) WHAT MEASURES ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
40
(C) WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO RECTIFY THE PRESENT SITUATION IN WHICH ENGLISH IS STILL WIDELY USED AS THE PRINCIPAL LANGUAGE IN DOCUMENTS WHICH HAVE A LEGAL BINDING EFFECT; AND HOW WILL THE ADMINISTRATION ADDRESS THE ISSUE SO AS TO AVOID ANY CONTRAVENTION OF ARTICLE 9 OF THE BASIC LAW OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION ------------
WHICH STIPULATES THAT BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH ARE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ----- IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE
SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION?
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) A RECENT SURVEY OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 3(2) OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE SHOWS THAT A LARGE DEGREE OF SUCCESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE EQUAL USE OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. NEVERTHELESS, SOME DOCUMENTS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN ENGLISH ONLY. THESE ARE LISTED IN APPENDIX I.
(B) ALTHOUGH SECTION 3 OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE BOTH OFFICIAL LANGUAGES FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OR ANY PUBLIC OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THIS PROVISION DOES NOT OVERRULE AN EXPRESS EXISTING PROVISION IN ANY OTHER ORDINANCE NOR DOES IT PROVIDE FOR THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE TO PREVAIL SHOULD THERE BE A CONFLICT WITH AN EXISTING ORDINANCE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE EXISTENCE OF STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSIONS TO BE MADE IN ENGLISH DOES NOT VIOLATE THE PROVISIONS OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE.
(C) IT IS INDEED GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT DOCUMENTS WHICH HAVE A LEGALLY BINDING EFFECT SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE BILINGUAL. HOWEVER, THE CONTENTS OF THESE DOCUMENTS ARE TECHNICALLY COMPLEX AND INVOLVE LEGAL LIABILITY. THE TRANSLATION OF THESE DOCUMENTS WOULD REQUIRE SUBSTANTIAL EXPERT INPUT FROM BILINGUAL LAWYERS.
/GIVEN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994
- 41 -
GIVEN THE LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF BILINGUAL GOVERNMENT LAWYERS, PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THE DRAFTING OF BILINGUAL LAWS AND TO THE LAW TRANSLATION PROGRAMME. EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO HAVE THE CHINESE TEXTS OF ALL EXISTING LAWS AUTHENTICATED BY 1997. ONCE THE AUTHENTIC CHINESE VERSIONS OF THE LAWS, AND THUS CHINESE LEGAL TERMS BECOME AVAILABLE, WE WOULD BE WELL PLACED TO PREPARE DOCUMENTS WITH LEGALLY BINDING EFFECT BILINGUALLY.
SINCE THE BASIC LAW PROVIDES THAT IN ADDITION TO CHINESE, ENGLISH MAY ALSO BE USED AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE BY THE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITIES, LEGISLATURE AND JUDICIARY OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, THE MAINTENANCE OF THE USE OF ENGLISH FOR SUCH DOCUMENTS SHOULD NOT AFFECT THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY WILL BE IN BILINGUAL FORM WHEN RESOURCES PERMIT.
---------0-----------
MOTION ON FAMILY POLICY AND JUVENILE CRIME PASSED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED TWO MOTIONS -ONE ON FAMILY POLICY AND THE OTHER ON JUVENILE CRIME.
COUNCIL MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION ON FAMILY POLICY PROPOSED BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, FOLLOWED BY REPLIES FROM THE SECRETARY FOR
HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR
PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK.
THE OTHER MOTION ON JUVENILE CRIME WAS PROPOSED BY THE HON MRS
SELINA CHOW AND REPLIES WERE GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR
ALISTAIR ASPREY, AFTER MEMBERS DEBATED ON IT.
DURING THE SITTING, THREE BILLS WERE PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS. THEY WERE THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
ALSO PASSED WERE TWO PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILLS - THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE (TRANSFER OF HONG KONG IMMOVABLE PROPERTY) BILL MOVED BY THE HON JAMES TO AND THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 MOVED BY THE HON PETER WONG.
IN ADDITION, FOUR BILLS INCLUDING ONE PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THESE BILLS WERE THE FILM CENSORSHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 MOVED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1994, THE LAND TITLES BILL AND THE MEDICAL AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS (REGISTRATION MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1994.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION 29TH MEETING.................... 1
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION AGREED MINUTE................... 1
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES LAND COMMISSION AGREEMENT ON AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND............................. 5
ADDITIONAL LAND HELPS MEET HOUSING DEMAND.................... 6
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT "HONG KONG ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY"... 6
HK TEAM TO ATTEND UN MEETING ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS.............................................. 8
BEC PUBLISHES REVISED ELECTION GUIDELINES FOR CONSULTATION.. 9
PROPOSAL TO MAKE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS A COMPENSABLE DISEASE..................................................... 12
TWO BILLS ON ELECTRONIC TRADE DATA INTERCHANGE.............. 14
HK REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES..... 15
AN EVENING OF PRIDE AND PLEASURE FOR THE FANGS.............. 16
/COMPANIES REGISTRY
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
COMPANIES REGISTRY PROVIDES NEW SERVICES................... 17
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA FOR SECOND QUARTER.................................................... 17
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS INVITE APPLICATIONS.................. 21
134 APPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROJECTS RECEIVED. 22
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS HOSPICE SERVICES....................... 24
SUSPECTED BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND MUSK GRAIN SEIZED........ 24
OPERATION TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS................ 25
LEGCO MEMBERS ON HERITAGE TOUR............................. 26
63 POLLUTION CASES IN OCTOBER.............................. 27
HONG KONG-MACAU YACHT RACE................................. 28
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS...... 28
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION 29TH MEETING
* * * * *
THE TWENTY-NINTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 1994. THE TWO SIDES AGREED ON THE ARRANGEMENT FOR LAND REQUIRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, THE SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME AS WELL AS THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION.
THE TWO SIDES AGREED TO ADJUST THE 1994/95 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE, IN THE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS CATEGORY, APPROXIMATELY 1,248 HECTARES FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, 30 HECTARES FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY DEPOT AND IN THE NORMAL REQUIREMENTS CATEGORY, APPROXIMATELY 7.52 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE ASSOCIATED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS AT TAI KOK TSUI AND TUNG CHUNG AIRPORT RAILWAY STATIONS AND 7.94 HECTARES OF LAND FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME.
THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THE ANNUAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMMES SHALL BE DRAWN UP HAVING REGARD TO THE ACTUAL NEEDS OF THE ASSOCIATED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS AT THE AIRPORT RAILWAY STATIONS AND THE PREVAILING SUPPLY AND DEMAND CONDITIONS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AT THE TIME.
THE TWO SIDES ALSO AGREED THAT THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR 1993/94 WILL BE HONG KONG DOLLARS 4,428 PER SQUARE METRE AND THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR 1994/95 WILL BE HONG KONG DOLLARS 4,754 PER SQUARE METRE.
--------0-----------
SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION AGREED MINUTE
*****
THE TWENTY-NINTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION WAS HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 1994. THE TWO SIDES AGREED ON THE FOLLOWING IN RESPECT OF LAND FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY:
1. LAND FOR THE NEW AIRPORT
LAND REQUIRED FOR THE AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK SHALL BE REGARDED AS A SPECIAL REQUIREMENT AND BE DEALT WITH IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER :
/(A) APPROXIMATELY ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 2 -
(A) APPROXIMATELY 1,248 HECTARES OF LAND (INCLUDING SEABED) AT CHEK LAP KOK AND LAM CHAU ISLANDS SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE 1994/95 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR GRANT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE STATUTORY BODY CURRENTLY KNOWN AS THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (THE AUTHORITY) FOR AIRPORT OPERATIONS, AIRPORT SUPPORT AND AIRPORT RELATED USES AT NOMINAL PREMIUM FOR A TERM UP TO 30 JUNE 2047. NOMINAL RENTAL WILL BE CHARGED UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997, AND THEREAFTER AN ANNUAL RENTAL EQUIVALENT TO 3 PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE TIME BEING OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED. PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF THE LAND, POSSESSION OF THE SITE, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART, MAY BE GIVEN TO THE AUTHORITY BY WAY OF A LICENCE AT NOMINAL FEE FOR AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES.
(B) THE AUTHORITY MAY SUBLEASE LANDS, AS AND WHEN NECESSARY, FOR AIRPORT SUPPORT AND AIRPORT RELATED DEVELOPMENTS, SUBJECT TO MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREAS (GFAS) SPECIFIED IN THE LAND GRANT (SEE TABLE A). ANY INCREASES IN THESE GFAS OR ANY CHANGE IN LAND USE WILL BE SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PAYMENT OF MODIFICATION PREMIUM AT FULL MARKET VALUE BY THE AUTHORITY.
2. LAND FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY
LAND GRANTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY SHALL BE DEALT WITH IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER :
(A) APPROXIMATELY 58 HECTARES OF RAILWAY TRACK AND RELATED FACILITIES SHALL BE REGARDED AS A SPECIAL REQUIREMENT AND BE INCLUDED IN THE 1996/97 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR GRANT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UNDER A RUNNING LINES LEASE TO THE MTRC AT NOMINAL PREMIUM FOR A TERM UP TO 30 JUNE 2047.
NOMINAL RENTAL WILL BE CHARGED UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997, AND THEREAFTER AN ANNUAL RENTAL EQUIVALENT TO 3 PER CENT OF RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE TIME BEING OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED.
(B) A SITE OF APPROXIMATELY 30 HECTARES AT SIU HO WAN, NORTH LANTAU, SHALL BE REGARDED AS A SPECIAL REQUIREMENT AND BE INCLUDED IN THE 1994/95 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR GRANT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE MTRC AT AN APPROPRIATE PREMIUM FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY DEPOT FOR A TERM UP TO 30 JUNE 2047. NOMINAL RENTAL WILL BE CHARGED UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997, AND THEREAFTER AN ANNUAL RENTAL EQUIVALENT TO 3 PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE TIME BEING OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED.
/(C) APPROXIMATELY ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 3 -
(C) APPROXIMATELY 60 HECTARES OF LAND REQUIRED FOR THE RAILWAY STATIONS AND ASSOCIATED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS AT OR NEAR THE HONG KONG, KOWLOON, TAI KOK TSUI, TSING YI AND TUNG CHUNG STATIONS SHALL BE REGARDED AS NORMAL REQUIREMENTS AND BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMMES FOR GRANT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY PRIVATE TREATY TO THE MTRC FOR A TERM UP TO 30 JUNE 2047, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TIME SCALE SHOWN IN TABLE B. NOMINAL PREMIUM WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE STATION ELEMENT, AND FULL MARKET VALUE PREMIUM WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE LAND REQUIRED FOR THE ASSOCIATED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS. NOMINAL RENTAL WILL BE CHARGED UNTIL 30 JUNE 1997, AND THEREAFTER AN ANNUAL RENTAL EQUIVALENT TO 3 PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE TIME BEING OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED.
(D) THE PREMIUM FOR EACH SITE WILL BE ASSESSED NOT EARLIER THAN NINE MONTHS BEFORE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RELEVANT SITE OR PORTION PROCEEDS, AND PAYABLE AT THE TIME DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES.
(E) PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF THE LAND REFERRED TO IN (A), (B) AND (C) ABOVE, POSSESSION OF THE SITES MAY BE GIVEN TO THE MTRC BY WAY OF A LICENCE AT NOMINAL FEE FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES.
TABLE A
MAXIMUM GROSS FLOOR AREAS FOR AIRPORT SUPPORT AND AIRPORT RELATED USES
1. AIRPORT SUPPORT USES
2,043,750 SQ M(l)
2. AIRPORT RELATED USES
(A) FREIGHT FORWARDERS
(B) HOTELS
(C) OFFICES
(D) RETAIL AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PREMISES
1,475,000 SQ M
250,000 SQ M
689,000 SQ M
295,000 SQ M
TOTAL 2,709,000 SQ M
NOTE 1 : CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF 109 HECTARES AT A NET TO GROSS RATIO OF 75% AND A PLOT RATIO OF 2.5, I.E. [(109 X 10,000) X 0.75] X 2.5
/TABLE B .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
4
TABLE B
LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY BEFORE 1997
FINANCIAL
YEAR DEVELOPMENT SITE CATEGORY HECTARAGE
1994-1995 TUNG CHUNG SITE 1 CR 3.00
• TUNG CHUNG SITE 2 CR 3.29
TAI KOK TSUI SITE A CR 1.23
7.52
1995-1996 KOWLOON CR 13.96
TUNG CHUNG SITE 3 CR 2.14
TAI KOK TSUI SITE C CR 6.81
TSING YI CR 5.40
28.31
1996-1997 TUNG CHUNG SITE 4 CR 6.37
HONG KONG CR 4.00
TAI KOK TSUI SITE Bl CR 4.57
TAI KOK TSUI SITE B2 CR 2.24
TUNG CHUNG SITE 5 CR 6.79
23.97
TOTAL 59.80
/5........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
5
GOVERNMENT WELCOMES LAND COMMISSION AGREEMENT ON AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND
* * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (THURSDAY) WELCOMED THE AGREEMENT REACHED BY THE SINO BRITISH LAND COMMISSION ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAND REQUIRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
SIR HAMISH SAID: ’’TODAY’S LAND COMMISSION AGREEMENT ON THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY LAND IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD FOR THESE TWO MAJOR PROJECTS.
"IT FOLLOWS ON FROM THE SIGNING ON NOVEMBER 4 OF THE AIRPORT COMMITTEE’S AGREED MINUTE ON FINANCING AND WILL HELP TO BUILD UP THE MOMENTUM OF THE PROJECTS.
"THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES THE LAND NEEDED FOR THE PROJECTS. IT ALSO PAVES THE WAY FOR THE LAND PREMIA FROM PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, WHICH WILL FINANCE $20 BILLION OUT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S $60.3 BILLION EQUITY CONTRIBUTION TO THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
"THIS $20 BILLION WILL COME FROM THE TOTAL NET PREMIA RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AFTER DEDUCTING THE LAND PRODUCTION COSTS AND THE SHARE FOR THE SAR LAND FUND.
"THE AR-RELATED PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS AT THE AR STATIONS WILL ALSO BE A MAJOR SOURCE OF HOUSING SUPPLY BECAUSE THEY WILL BRING ABOUT 24,000 UNITS INTO THE PROPERTY MARKET BETWEEN 1997-98 AND 2003-04.
"WE NOW NEED TO CONTINUE THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE TWO PROJECTS’ FINANCIAL SUPPORT AGREEMENTS SO THAT THESE CAN ALSO GO AHEAD, TOGETHER WITH THE AIRPORT BILL AND THE FRANCHISES FOR THE AIRPORT.
"THE FASTER WE CAN RESOLVE ALL THESE ISSUES, THE FASTER WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE PROGRESS ON THE PROJECTS," SAID SIR HAMISH.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE AGREEMENT LAID DOWN THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAND TO BE ALLOCATED TO THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION THROUGH THE ANNUAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMMES.
A TIME-TABLE HAD BEEN SET FOR THE LAND TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL PROGRAMMES BETWEEN THE CURRENT YEAR AND 1996/97.
THE ANNUAL PROGRAMMES WOULD ALSO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEEDS OF THE AR PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS, AND THE PREVAILING SUPPLY AND DEMAND CONDITIONS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AT THE TIME.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE LAND FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY BECOMES AVAILABLE AS AND WHEN IT IS NEEDED. IT ALSO ENSURES THAT THE SUPPLY OF LAND IS COMMENSURATE WITH HONG KONG’S OVERALL LAND REQUIREMENTS.
’’THIS PROCEDURE HAS BEEN STARTED BY THE TWO SIDES OF THE LAND COMMISSION AGREEING TODAY TO ADJUST THE 1994/95 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY".
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 6 -
ADDITIONAL LAND HELPS MEET HOUSING DEMAND
*****
IN ANSWER TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, CONFIRMED: "THE ADDITIONAL LAND AGREED BY THE LAND COMMISSION TODAY WILL GO A LONG WAY TO HELP MEET HONG KONG’S HOUSING DEMAND.”
"INCLUDING THE LAND AGREED IN CONNECTION WITH THE AIRPORT RAILWAY STATION SITES AND FOR THE SUPPLEMENTARY LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR 1994/95, AN ADDITIONAL 10.94 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT."
"SEPARATELY, ANOTHER 1.48 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING. THIS DOES NOT REQUIRE LAND COMMISSION APPROVAL."
"IN TOTAL, OVER 10,500 ADDITIONAL FLATS WILL BE BUILT ON ALL THIS LAND. THIS EXCEEDS THE TARGET FOR EXTRA SUPPLY SET BY THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES WHICH WAS 10, 000 FLATS."
DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
HOS 4.39 HA 4 500 FLATS
SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING 3.55 HA 2 923 FLATS
AR RELATED (TUNG CHUNG) 3.00 HA 2 384 FLATS
PUBLIC RENTAL 1.48 HA 734 FLATS
TOTAL 12.42 HA 10541 FLATS
--------0-----------
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT "HONG KONG ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY” *****
SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR FRANK JORDAN ON WEDNESDAY (SAN FRANCISCO TIME) ISSUED A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION TO OFFICIALLY WELCOME THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TO THE CITY.
IN THE PROCLAMATION, THE MAYOR NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST SINCE ASSUMING OFFICE IN 1992 UNDERLINED THE CLOSE LINK BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES AND THE INCREASING INTEREST IN HONG KONG AMONG THE PEOPLE IN THE BAY AREA.
MAYOR JORDAN IS CURRENTLY ON A VISIT TO ASIA AND IS SCHEDULED TO MEET THE GOVERNOR IN HONG KONG.
MR PATTEN’S VISIT IS THE FIRST GUBERNATORIAL VISIT TO SAN FRANCISCO SINCE 1986 WHEN THE LATE GOVERNOR EDWARD YOUDE VISITED THE CITY AND OPENED THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO.
/THE GOVERNOR .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
7 -
THE GOVERNOR HAD A TASTE OF SAN FRANCISCO-STYLE HONG KONG CULTURE AS HE OFFICIATED AT "HONG KONG ON SAN FRANCISCO BAY", AN AFTERNOON OF HONG KONG EVENTS INCLUDING CHINESE DANCE AND ACROBATICS, DEMONSTRATIONS OF CHINESE CHOPMAKING, CALLIGRAPHY AND OTHER HONG KONG AND CHINESE CRAFTS.
ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE, THE AFTERNOON BEGAN WITH THE GOVERNOR DOTTING THE EYES OF A "LION", FOLLOWED BY AN ENERGETIC LION DANCE. IT ALSO FEATURED A DEMONSTRATION BY RENOWNED HONG KONG CHEF, MARTIN YAN.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, MR PATTEN HAD VISITED THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO AND MET THE STAFF. HE THEN ADDRESSED AN AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 600 AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB CO-ORGANISED BY THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE FOLLOWING THE LUNCHEON, MR PATTEN SAID HIS IMPRESSION ON THIS VISIT WAS THAT PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WERE BULLISH ABOUT HONG KONG.
"WHEN I WAS HERE BEFORE, PEOPLE SOMETIMES USED TO EXPRESS THE WORRY THAT HAVING ANY SORT OF DISAGREEMENT WITH CHINA WOULD WRECK HONG KONG’S PROSPECTS OR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY."
HE SAID SINCE THAT TIME HONG KONG HAD SHOWN IT CAN STAND UP FOR ITS AUTONOMY WITHOUT DAMAGING ITS ECONOMY.
"ARGUABLY, WE HAVE STRENGTHENED THE ECONOMY," MR PATTEN SAID.
"THERE IS, I THINK, A LOT OF CONFIDENCE ABOUT OUR ABILITY TO GO THROUGH 1997 SUCCESSFULLY."
MR PATTEN SAID THE CLOSER HONG KONG GOT TO JUNE 30, 1997, THE MOST PEOPLE WERE GOING TO LOOK TO CHINESE OFFICIALS TO GIVE REASSURANCE ABOUT THE FUTURE.
"I CAN GO ON PREDICTING SUCCESS, BUT IT’S FOR CHINESE OFFICIALS TO SAY WHAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO DO TO GUARANTEE SUCCESS."
THE GOVERNOR SPENDS THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON IN SAN FRANCISCO ON THURSDAY AND THEN TRAVELS TO SEATTLE FOR THE FINAL STOP ON HIS WEST COAST VISIT.
---------0-----------
/8 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
8
HK TEAM TO ATTEND UN MEETING ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS *****
SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR DANIEL R FUNG QC, WILL LEAD A FIVE-MEMBER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TEAM, AS PART OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION, TO ATTEND A HEARING OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS TO BE HELD IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, ON NOVEMBER* 23 AND 24.
DURING THE MEETING, THE UN COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE THE UNITED KINGDOM’S SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER ARTICLES 13-15 OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (1CESCR) AND THE REPORTS OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES AND CROWN DEPENDENCIES UNDER ARTICLES 10-12 AND 13-15 OF THE COVENANT.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS MAY .ASK QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THESE REPORTS.
THE HONG KONG TEAM WILL ASSIST THE BRITISH DELEGATION IN ANSWERING ANY QUESTIONS ON COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS UNDER ICESCR IN HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR, QUESTIONS AS TO THE STATE OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS CURRENTLY ENJOYED BY THE COMMUNITY AND ON WHAT HAS BEEN ATTAINED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN TERMS OF THE ECONOMY, THE PROVISION OF HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION AND THE CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.
APART FROM MR FUNG, THE DELEGATION COMPRISES A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DUNCAN PESCOD; A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RAYMOND FAN; A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR Y C CHENG; AND A CROWN COUNSEL, MR PETER WONG.
IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, ON BEHALF OF ITS DEPENDENT TERRITORIES INCLUDING HONG KONG, SUBMITTED THE SECOND AND THIRD STAGES OF THE SECOND PERIODIC REPORT (CONCERNING ARTICLES 10-12 AND ARTICLES 13-15 OF THE ICESCR) TO THE UN COMMITTEE.
THOSE ARTICLES RECOGNISE THE RIGHT TO THE WIDEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE FAMILY, MOTHERS, CHILDREN AND YOUNGER PERSONS (ARTICLE 10), TO AN ADEQUATE STANDARD OF LIVING (ARTICLE 11), TO THE ENJOYMENT OF THE HIGHEST ATTAINABLE STANDARD OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH (ARTICLE 12), TO AN EDUCATION (ARTICLES 13 AND 14), AND TO TAKE PART IN CULTURAL LIFE (ARTICLE 15).
THE REPORT IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG WAS PREPARED IN EARLY 1992. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE UN COMMITTEE RAISED SOME QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THE REPORT AND WRITTEN ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE VIA THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
- - 0-----------
/9 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 9
BEC PUBLISHES REVISED ELECTION GUIDELINES FOR CONSULTATION
*****
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION (BEC) HAS PUBLISHED THE PROPOSED REVISION OF THE GUIDELINES ON ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTIONS FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION STARTING TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 SO AS TO ENABLE THE BEC TO FINALISE THE REVISED GUIDELINES FOR PUBLICATION BY MID-DECEMBER, FOR THE REFERENCE OF THE PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (MC) ELECTIONS.
THE ELECTION PERIOD OF THE MC ELECTIONS STARTS ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR.
THE BEC CHAIRMAN, MR JUSTICE WOO KWOK-HING, SAID THE BEC HAD REVIEWED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ELECTORAL PROCEDURE AND THE ORIGINAL GUIDELINES IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS, VIEWS, CRITICISMS AND COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC, ELECTORS, CANDIDATES, POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS AND ELECTION OFFICIALS AND FROM THE EXPERIENCE GATHERED FROM THE COURSE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON SEPTEMBER 18.
HE SAID WHERE IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE INTRODUCED IN TIME FOR THE MC ELECTIONS, THESE HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED REVISED GUIDELINES NOW PUT FORWARD FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE OTHER MORE INVOLVED ISSUES REQUIRING DETAILED CONSIDERATION WHICH WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE BEC REPORT ON THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN MIDDECEMBER.
’’THE GUIDELINES WERE REVISED TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE ELECTIONS WOULD BE CONDUCTED MORE OPENLY, FAIRLY AND HONESTLY,” THE CHAIRMAN SAID.
THE REVISIONS MAINLY INCLUDE:
(1) NOMINATION
* THE SPECIFIED NOMINATION FORM WOULD REQUIRE AN INTENDED CANDIDATE TO STATE HIS OCCUPATION AND ALLOW HIM TO STATE HIS POLITICAL AFFILIATION.
♦ ANY NOMINATION PAPER ON WHICH THE NAME OR ANY DETAIL OF THE CANDIDATE HAS BEEN AMENDED OR CORRECTED WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS ALL OR A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF SUBSCRIBERS HAVE SIGNED AGAINST EACH CORRECTION.
♦ CANDIDATE’S PHOTOGRAPH MUST BE TAKEN NOT LONGER THAN SIX MONTHS BEFORE SUBMISSION.
» THE TIME FOR ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS WOULD BE STANDARDISED AMONG ALL RETURNING OFFICERS.
/(2) CANDIDATES‘ AGENTS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
10
(2) CANDIDATES’ AGENTS
* THE PROCEDURE FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF APPOINTMENT OF CANDIDATES’ AGENTS, EXCEPT FOR ELECTION AGENTS, SHOULD BE STANDARDISED.
* CIVIL SERVANTS WITH EXTENSIVE CONTACTS WITH THE -PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO BE CANDIDATES’ AGENTS.
(3) AT THE POLLING STATION
« PRESIDING OFFICERS SHOULD ACCOUNT FOR THE NUMBER OF BALLOT PAPERS IN THEIR POSSESSION BEFORE AND AFTER THE POLL TO THE CANDIDATES AND AGENTS PRESENT AT THE POLLING STATIONS.
* MOBILE POLLING STATIONS MAY BE DESIGNATED WHERE NECESSARY.
* MORE PUBLICITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ELECTORS OF UNCONTESTED CONSTITUENCIES ADVISING THEM THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO VOTE.
t WIDER PUBLICITY WOULD BE GIVEN ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE POLLING STATIONS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
* A GUIDE TO THE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE WOULD BE DISPLAYED AT POLLING STATIONS.
* SPECIAL DEVICE, BY WAY OF A TEMPLATE, WOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE BLIND VOTERS TO MARK THEIR OWN BALLOT PAPERS TO MAINTAIN SECRECY OF VOTES.
(4) BALLOT BOXES
* AFTER CLOSE OF POLL, BALLOT BOXES SHOULD REMAIN WITHIN SIGHT OF THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR AGENTS PRESENT IN THE POLLING STATION UNTIL DELIVERY OF THE BOXES UNDER POLICE ESCORT.
(5) COUNTING OF VOTES
t THE COUNTING PROCESS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO MORE OPEN AND BETTER SCRUTINY.
(6) ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS
* NOTICES OF SUPPORT FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE PUBLISHED BY ANY ORGANISATION SHOULD BE TREATED AS ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, THE EXPENSES FOR WHICH COUNTED TOWARDS ELECTION EXPENSES, AND THE ORGANISATION WOULD NEED TO BE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE CANDIDATE CONCERNED FOR INCURRING SUCH EXPENSES.
(7) DISPLAY AT PUBLIC PLACES
* THE GUIDELINES WILL SET OUT THE CRITERIA FOR THE RESERVATION OF NON-KEY SPOTS TO LATE APPLICANTS.
* IF A NON-KEY SPOT AUTHORISED TO A CANDIDATE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN UP WITHIN SEVEN DAYS, THE LICENCE AND PERMISSION SHOULD LAPSE AND BECOME INEFFECTIVE, AND THE SPOT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR APPLICATION BY OTHERS.
/* JOINT POSTERS ........
THUR: >AY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
11 -
* JOINT POSTERS PUBLISHED BY TWO OR MORE CANDIDATES WOULD BE ALLOWED, AND THE EXPENSES WOULD HAVE TO BE SPLIT BETWEEN THE CANDIDATES CONCERNED IN EQUAL SHARES AS THEIR RESPECTIVE ELECTION EXPENSES.
(8) TREATMENT OF UNAUTHORISED DISPLAYS
* IN ADDITION TO REMOVAL OF UNAUTHORISED DISPLAYS BY VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND CHARGING THE OFFENDING CANDIDATE REMOVAL EXPENSES AND THE CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR FALSE DECLARATION OF ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, THE BEC MAY ALSO ISSUE PUBLIC CENSURE AGAINST THE OFFENDING CANDIDATE.
(9) ELECTIONEERING AT PRIVATE PREMISES
* WHERE A DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY A BUILDING OR AN ESTATE THAT DOES NOT OFFEND AGAINST THE EQUAL AND FAIR TREATMENT PRINCIPLE REGARDING ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES OF ALL CANDIDATES IN THE CONSTITUENCY, AND WHERE SUCH DECISION IS NOT CARRIED OUT UNFAIRLY TOWARDS ANY OF THE CANDIDATE, THE BEC WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE DECISION.
* THE DECISION OF OWNERS INCORPORATION, OWNERS COMMITTEE, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND SO ON REGARDING ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES OF CANDIDATES IN THE COMMON PARTS OF THE BUILDING SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT PRINCIPLE. CANDIDATES SHOULD ENSURE THAT SUCH DECISION BE COMPLIED WITH AND NOT AVAIL THEMSELVES OF ANY UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER CANDIDATES.
* THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD ADOPT A CONSISTENT PRACTICE REGARDING ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IN THE HOUSING ESTATES UNDER ITS CONTROL.
CANDIDATES MUST OBTAIN PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE RESPECTIVE HOUSING MANAGER BEFORE CONDUCTING ANY ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES INSIDE HOUSING ESTATES AND, IN PARTICULAR, BEFORE MAKING HOME VISITS IN THE HOUSING ESTATE CONCERNED.
(10) EXIT POLL
* EXIT POLL INTERVIEWERS SHOULD IDENTIFY THEMSELVES TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDING BY ELECTORS.
(11) ELECTION EXPENSES AND DONATIONS
* COSTS OF NEGATIVE PUBLICITY LAUNCHED BY A CANDIDATE OR OTHERS ON HIS BEHALF OR FOR HIS BENEFIT ARE ELECTION EXPENSES, AND ALL RULES CONTROLLING ELECTION EXPENSES AND ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS APPLY.
* IN RESPECT OF THE ADDITIONAL CEILING OF ELECTION EXPENSES ALLOWED ($20,000 FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MARCH 1995), A PROMPT REPORT OF DAMAGE OR THEFT TO THE POLICE WOULD BE REQUIRED.
A COPY OF THE REPORT AND THE DECLARATIONS RY THE CANDIDATES AND ANY WITNESSES WOULD HAVE TO BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF THE ENTRIES OF EXPENSES UNDER THIS CATEGORY INCLUDED IN THE RETURN OF ELECTION EXPENSES REQUIRED TO BE FILED UNDER SECTION 29 OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE.
/(12) NAMEDROPPING ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
12
(12) NAMEDROPPING
* WHEN A CANDIDATE HAS OBTAINED CONSENT OF SUPPORT FROM A PERSON WHO HOLDS A CERTAIN POSITION IN AN ORGANISATION, HE MUST MAKE SURE THAT IN HIS ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS HE DOES NOT MISREPRESENT THAT HE HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE ORGANISATION.
WHEN HE HAS THE SUPPORT OF AN ORGANISATION, HE SHOULD ENSURE THAT HIS ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT GIVE A MISLEADING IMPRESSION THAT HE HAS THE SUPPORT OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISATION, UNLESS THE DECISION OF THAT ORGANISATION IN GIVING HIS SUPPORT WAS MADE AT A MEETING OF ALL ITS MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING.
THE CHAIRMAN APPEALS TO ALL THOSE INTERESTED TO SEND IN THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE BEC SECRETARIAT ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 30 AT:
10/F, HARBOUR CENTRE,
25 HARBOUR ROAD,
WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO 827 7111.
- - 0------
PROPOSAL TO MAKE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS A COMPENSABLE DISEASE * * * ♦ ♦
WORKERS WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS AS A RESULT OF PROLONGED EMPLOYMENT IN SPECIFIC NOISY OCCUPATIONS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION UNDER A PROPOSED SCHEME.
OUTLINING DETAILS OF THE COMPENSATION SCHEME AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS (COMPENSATION) BILL TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH SAID WHILE THE SCHEME WAS A REMEDIAL MEASURE FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS COMMITTED TO PREVENTING THE OCCURRENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS AS A LONGER TERM STRATEGY.
TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSAT1 ON UNDER THE SCHEME, AN APPLICANT MUST SATISFY THE FOLLOWING DISABILITY AND OC< ('RATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
(A) HE SHOULD BE SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANTIAL SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS AS MEASURED BY A SPECIFIED STANDARD WHICH AMOUNTS TO SEVERE DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING HUMAN SPEECH;
(B) HE SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 10 YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT IN AGGREGATE IN SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATIONS IN HONG KONG; AND
/(C) HE SHOULD ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
13
(C) HE SHOULD HAVE A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT
(CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT BROADLY MEANS A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WHERE THE EMPLOYEE HAS WORKED FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR FOUR WEEKS OR MORE, PRIOR TO A GIVEN DATE, FOR AT LEAST 18 HOURS IN EACH OF THE FOUR WEEKS, AS DEFINED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE) IN A SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATION WITHIN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION.
A PERSON WHO FULFILS THE REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN PARAGRAPHS (A) AND (B) ABOVE AND HAS BEEN EMPLOYED FOR A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT IN A SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATION WITHIN THE 24 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCHEME, MAY ALSO APPLY FOR COMPENSATION.
"THIS IS INTENDED TO COVER PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN NOISY OCCUPATIONS BUT HAVE LEFT SUCH EMPLOYMENT TWO YEARS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
ON THE FUNDING OF THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECOMMENDED THAT A 1.5 PER CENT LEVY BE IMPOSED ON THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS OF ALL EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION POLICIES, AND THE LEVIES WILL BE COLLECTED BY THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE LEVIES MANAGEMENT BOARD.
THE GOVERNMENT, AS AN EMPLOYER, WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCHEME. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE ANNUAL INCOME GENERATED TO THE SCHEME WOULD BE $45 MILLION AT 1994 PRICE LEVEL. THIS CONSISTS OF $3 MILLION GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND $42 MILLION LEVY INCOME.
TO ENABLE CLAIMANTS TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INJECT $100 MILLION INTO THE FUND AND TO PROVIDE A $115 MILLION INTEREST-FREE LOAN.
"THE LOAN WILL NEED TO BE REPAID TO THE GOVERNMENT IN NINE ANNUAL PAYMENTS STARTING FROM THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR OF THE OPERATION OF THE COMPENSATION SCHEME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WILL APPOINT A STATUTORY OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS COMPENSATION BOARD TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE OVERALL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHEME.
THE BOARD WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO PRESCRIBE PROCEDURES FOR HEARING LOSS ASSESSMENTS, VERIFY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY, DETERMINE COMPENSATION AND MAKE PAYMENTS.
"THE BOARD MAY EMPLOY ITS OWN STAFF TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS. IT WOULD BE TRIPARTITE IN COMPOSITION AND ITS MEMBERS WOULD INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL PROFESSION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDED THAT COMPUTATION OF COMPENSATION PAYMENT SHOULD FOLLOW THE FORMULA FOR COMPENSATING PERMANENT INCAPACITY UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
"COMPENSATION WOULD BE PAID IN THE FORM OF A LUMP SUM PAYMENT CALCULATED ACCORDING TO AN APPLICANT’S AGE, EARNINGS AND THE DEGREE OF PERMANENT INCAPACITY. ‘
/"UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
14
’’UNDER THE SCHEME, TOTAL DEAFNESS, AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE, WOULD BE EQUATED TO 60 PER CENT INCAPACITY,’’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TOTAL DEAFNESS BECAUSE OF A WORK-RELATED ACCIDENT SUCH AS IN THE CASE OF EXPLOSION WOULD BE EQUATED TO 100 PER CENT INCAPACITY UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
"AS OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS DEVELOPS INSIDIOUSLY OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, THE TRAUMATIC IMPACT OF THE DISABILITY IS NOT AS ACUTE AS THAT OF A WORK-RELATED ACCIDENT. A PERSON SUFFERING FROM THE DISEASE IS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE CONTINUED WORKING AND MAY NOT SUFFER TOTAL LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A QUEUING SYSTEM FOR PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION IN A CONTINGENCY SITUATION IN WHICH THE BOARD DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO MEET ALL ELIGIBLE CLAIMS.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AT PRESENT THERE ARE ABOUT 60,000 EMPLOYEES WHO ARE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE NOISE AT WORK, ABOUT 1,000 OF THEM COULD BE CLASSIFIED AS HAVING OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS.
COMMENTING ON THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (NOISE AT WORK) REGULATION WHICH HAD COME IN FORCE SINCE JULY 1993 REQUIRED EMPLOYERS TO TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO REDUCE NOISE AT SOURCE IN THE WORK PLACE AND TO PROVIDE HEARING PROTECTORS TO EMPLOYEES.
"THE REGULATION ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS PROVIDED WITH A HEARING PROTECTOR TO USE IT WHEN HE IS LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE NOISE AT THE WORK PLACE.
"BESIDES, THE GOVERNMENT TOGETHER WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL ARE DEVISING MEASURES TO INCULCATE AN AWARENESS AMONG EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARING PROTECTION," HE SAID.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 30.
------0-------
TWO BILLS ON ELECTRONIC TRADE DATA INTERCHANGE *****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1994 AND THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN 1992, THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMMUNITY ELECTRONIC TRADING SERVICE (CETS).
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE CETS IS TO ADOPT ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) AND OTHER TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE THE FACILITATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE FOR THE HONG KONG TRADING COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
/INITIALLY, THE ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
15
INITIALLY, THE TRADING COMMUNITY WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR RESTRAINED TEXTILES EXPORT LICENCES AND TO LODGE IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS THROUGH THE CETS.
"THESE TWO BILLS AIM AT MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR EDI TO BE ALSO USED IN ADDITION TO CURRENT PAPER-BASED METHODS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A TRIAL SERVICE WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT YEAR. PENDING THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS TRIAL, THE CETS WILL BE OPENED UP TO THE ENTIRE TRADING COMMUNITY IN 1996.
- - 0-------
HK REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES t * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO PLAYING ITS PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE RHINOCEROS AND TIGER.
THIS WAS STATED BY A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR ERIC JOHNSON, AT THE NINTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES TRADE IN RHINOCEROS AND TIGER SPECIMENS.
THE MEETING FORMED PART OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADING IN ENDANGERED SPECIES (CITIES) CURRENTLY HELD IN FLORIDA.
MR JOHNSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLEASED THAT THE HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION FROM THE CITIES SECRETARIAT WHICH VISITED HONG KONG IN JANUARY THIS YEAR SUBSEQUENTLY EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE STRICT CONTROL OVER TRADE IN RHINOCEROS AND TIGER PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG.
"SINCE THE VISIT OF THIS HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION, ENFORCEMENT OF THE CONTROL HAS BEEN INTENSIFED FURTHER. ALL 2,000 OR SO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SHOPS HAVE BEEN INSPECTED BY OUR CITIES MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY AND NEARLY 400 SEARCHED UNDER WARRANT, RESULTING IN OVER 200 PROSECUTIONS.
"CUSTOMS AND POLICE OFFICERS ARE ALSO ASSISTING IN THE ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE MESSAGE IS GETTING THROUGH TO THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINE TRADE IN HONG KONG THAT TRADE IN RHINOCEROS HORN AND TIGER PARTS AND MEDICINES CLAIMING TO CONTAIN SUCH INGREDIENTS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
"THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN REINFORCED BY THE INTRODUCTION RECENTLY INTO HONG KONG’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF PROPOSALS TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR UNDER OUR ENDANGERED SPECIES LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
/UNDER THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 16 -
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESSION OF A HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES - INCLUDING MEDICINES CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO OR TIGER INGREDIENTS - FOR A COMMERCIAL PURPOSE WILL INCREASE TO A FINE OF $5 MILLION AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
”WE INTEND TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF ENFORCEMENT AND INCREASE OUR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THE PUBLIC AWAY FROM CONSUMPTION OF PRODUCTS CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINOCEROS OR TIGER INGREDIENTS,” HE SAID.
------0------------
AN EVENING OF PRIDE AND PLEASURE FOR THE FANGS ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) PROUDLY HONOURED A REMARKABLE WOMAN FANG ZHAOLING, WHOM SHE LOVES DEEPLY AS A MOTHER AND AS AN ARTIST.
*'1N MY 32 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE, 1 HAVE BEEN INVITED TO MAKE MANY SPEECHES, PAY MANY TRIBUTES AND CU’l MANY RIBBONS.
"AS IMPORTANT AS THEY ALL WERE, NONE HAS GIVEN ME AS MUCH PLEASURE AND SENSE OF PRIDE THAN THE OCCASION THIS EVENING,” MRS CHAN TOLD THE VISITORS TO HER MOTHER’S EXHIBITION ENTITLED "THE PASSIONATE REALM” IN THE MUSEUM OF ART.
SHE COMMENDED MADAM FANG AS A WOMAN OF GREAT COMPASSION AND HUMANITY AND AS AN ARTIST OF INCREDIBLE ENERGY, SENSITIVITY, INTELLIGENCE AND VISION.
WIDOWED TRAGICALLY AT A VERY EARLY AGE WITH A LARGE BUT YOUNG FAMILY, MADAM FANG HAS NEVERTHELESS SUCCEEDED, WITH THE SUPPORT OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, TO RAISE EIGHT CHILDREN.
AND, AT THE SAME TIME, SHE HAS ESTABLISHED A REPUTATION AS ONE OF CHINA’S FOREMOST ARTISTS WHOSE TALENTS ARE RECOGNISED ALL OVER THE WORLD.
THE FANG FAMILY IS KNOWN IN TOWN TO BE VERY' CLOSELY KNITTED.
"WE FANGS BELIEVE IN THE VIRTUES OF HONESTY, INTEGRITY, FAIR PLAY AND RESPECT FOR ONE’S FAMILY AND FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
"WE WERE ALSO TAUGHT TO STAND ON OUR OWN FEET, TO MAKE THE MOST OF ONE’S TALENTS AND ABILITIES AND TO SUPPORT OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY AROUND US PARTICULARLY IN TIMES OF NEED.
"IT IS DIFFICULT TO THINK OF A BETTER ROLE MODEL FOR THESE VALUES THAN FANG ZHAOLING,” SHE SAID.
------0-----------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 17 -
COMPANIES REGISTRY PROVIDES NEW SERVICES
*****
A COMPUTERISED INDEX OF DIRECTORS OF COMPANIES LISTED ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC SEARCH AT THE COMPANIES REGISTRY AFTER PAYMENT OF AN APPROPRIATE FEE FROM NOVEMBER 21, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE FEES FOR INSPECTING THE INDEX ARE SET AT $10 PER SEARCH AND $20 PER PRINTOUT, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE COSTS OF RUNNING THE SERVICE BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.
A NEW FEE OF $10 WILL ALSO BE CHARGED WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DAY' FOR INSPECTING THE REGISTER OF DISQUALIFICATION ORDERS KEPT BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY UNDER SECTION 168R OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
DETAILS OF THE FEES WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON NOVEMBER 4.
------0-------
STATISTICS ON OUTWARD PROCESSING TRADE IN CHINA
FOR SECOND QUARTER
*****
IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994, 47% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 74% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 42% FOR RE-EXPORTS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 75% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 81% OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993 WERE 48% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 43% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 74% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 85% FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, 45% OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING; THE FIGURE WAS 72% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND 40% FOR RE-EXPORTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, 76% OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, 81% OF HONG KONG'S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
/THE CORRESPONDING .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
18
THE CORRESPONDING PROPORTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1993 WERE 48% FOR TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA, 73% FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, 42% FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, 73% FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND 81% FOR REEXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA INITIATED BY HONG KONG FIRMS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1988 TO DISTINGUISH HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED AS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 TO SEGREGATE HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA INTO THOSE WHICH ARE RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH ARE NOT.
STARTING FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1991, THE SCOPE OF THE SURVEY HAS FURTHER BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA.
THE RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
• ,
IN VALUE TERMS, $45,566 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 9% OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1993.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING DECREASED BY 2% TO $11,513 MILLION WHILST THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 13% TO $34,052 MILLION.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 19% TO $85,930 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $100,211 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 11%.
IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994, $80,631 MILLJ ON OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7% OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1993.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING DROPPED BY 8% TO $19,772 MILLION WHILE THAT FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING GREW BY 13% TO $60,859 MILLIONb
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING INCREASED BY 21% TO $158,157 MILLION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, $183,023 MILLION OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS. OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA WERE PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 14%.
/THE ESTIMATES .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 19 -
THE ESTIMATES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER AND THE FIRST HALF OF 1994
AND THE CORRESPONDING CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE SUMMARISED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE :-
ESTIMATED VALUE AND PROPORTION OF TRADE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, 2ND QUARTER AND FIRST HALF OF 1994
PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE “
2ND CHANGE F I RST CHANGE OVER
• QTR OVER 2ND HALF FIRST HALF
1994 QTR 1993 1 99 1 199 3
(HK$ MN) (%) (IIK$ MN) (%)
TOTAL TRADE VALUE ♦ : TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 97,036 4-11.8 178,117 + 12.6
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 15,525 -3.1 2 7, 1 7G - 6.7
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 81,511 + 15.2 I 50,641 + 17.0
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 114,617 + 18.0 207, l«5 + 15. G
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 123,064 + 15.3 226,7 28 + 11.0
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER
THAN CHINA
ESTIMATED VALUE INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA:
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 45,566 + 9.0 80,631 + (» . 8
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 11,513 - 1.6 19,772 -8.3
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 34,052 + 13.1 GO,859 + 12.9
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 85,930 + 19.2 158,157 4-21.0
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 100,211 + 10.9 183,023 + 13.7
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
ESTIMATED PROPORTION INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESS ING IN (HINA:
2ND 2ND F IRST I- 1 RST
QTR . QTR . HALF HALF
1994 1993 1994 199 3
(%) (%) (%) (%)
TOTAL EXPORTS TO CHINA 47.0 48.2 45.3 47.7
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA 74.2 7 3.0 72.0 73.2
RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA 41.8 4 2.6 40.4 4 1.9
IMPORTS FROM CHINA 75.0 74.2 76.2 72.8
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN 81.4 84.7 80.7 80.9
TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA
* THE VALUE EXCLUDES COMMODITIES AND TRANSACTIONS NO’I’ CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO KIND.
/FOR THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 20 -
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS OR $EMI-MANUFACTURES FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT REIMPORTATION . OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA RELATED TO OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE IMPORTATION OF PROCESSED GOODS FROM CHINA OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN UNDER CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING.
RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA, PRODUCED THROUGH OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REFER IO THOSE REEXPORTS OF WHICH ALL OR PART OF THEIR RAW MATERIALS OR SEMIMANUFACTURES HAVE BEEN EXPORTED FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING, WITH A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT REIMPORTATION OF THE PROCESSED GOODS INTO HONG KONG.
IN INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS, .IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE VALUE AND PROPORTION OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA AND RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA, INVOLVING OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA, REFER TO THOSE OF THE ENTIRE GOODS INSTEAD OF JUST THE VALUE-ADDED CONTRIBUTED BY OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, AND IMPORTS FROM CHINA) AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO ALL COUNTRIES OTHER THAN CHINA IS SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, WERE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE, HE SAID.
"THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT To THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS," HE ADDED.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1991 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE".
THE REPORT WILL BE ON SALE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCIIAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $86 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY RE DIRECTED TO THE TRADE SURVEYS AND RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 582 5037.
------0--------
/21 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
21
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS INVITE APPLICATIONS
, *****
PARENTS OF PRIMARY 6 PUPILS MAY APPLY FOR A SECONDARY 1 PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE 1995-96 SCHOOL YEAR IN ONE OF HONG KONG’S 26 AIDED PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL DECEMBER 15.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALL PRIMARY 6 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION EXERCISE IN THE 1995-96 SCHOOL YEAR WOULD RECEIVE A LEAFLET WITH APPLICATION FORMS FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FROM THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO CONSIDER APPLICATION BASED ON THE NEEDS, INTEREST AND ABILITIES OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFERED AN ALTERNATIVE FORM OF SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION TO 1'HAT PROVIDED IN GRAMMAR AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS TO MEET DIFFERENT APTITUDES AND INCLINATIONS OF STUDENTS.
IN ADDITION TO GENERAL SUBJECTS PROVIDED IN ORDINARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFER TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY; ART AND DESIGN; COMMERCE AND PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS.
STUDENTS COMPLETING THEIR JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL MAY ENROL AFTER SECONDARY 3 IN APPROVED CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES OR CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES TO SECONDARY 5 AND THEN ENROL IN TECHNICIAN COURSES LN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THE INTRODUCTION OF SIXTH FORM CLASSES IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN 1992 ALLOWS ELIGIBLE SECONDARY 5 GRADUATES TO ENROL EITHER IN THE ENGINEERING STREAM OR THE COMMERCIAL STREAM IN THEIR OWN OR OTHER PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS SO THAT CAPABLE STUDENTS CAN HAVE AVENUES TO PURSUE TECHNOLOGICAL OR OTHER STUDIES IN UNIVERSITIES OR OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OPPORTUNITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED THROUGH A BROADENED SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS TO ACQUIRE VARIOUS POST-SECONDARY PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
AT PRESENT, 19 OF THE 26 PR1VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFER SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM.
"PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION AIMS TO DEVELOP AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ETHICAL, AESTHETIC, ECONOMIC AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF LIFE AND HUMAN PROGRESS, THE MEANING OF WORK ATTITUDE, CO-OPERATION AND TEAM WORK AND AN APPRECIATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL’S PARTICULAR CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED VIA THE PUPIL’S RESPECTIVE PRIMARY7 SCHOOLS BY DECEMBER 15, 1994.
"PARENTS MAY’ WISH TO KNOW THAT ONCE THEIR CHILDREN ARE SELECTED FOR ADMISSION TO A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ALLOCATION TO OTHER SCHOOLS. HOWEVER, UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE STILL ELIGIBLE FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF SCHOOL PLACES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 22 -
HE SAID ALL APPLICANTS WOULD BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW ON FEBRUARY 11, 1995.
THOSE WHO ARE NOT INVITED FOR INTERVIEW BY JANUARY 26, 1995 ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION ON 2891 2200.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT A LIMITED NUMBER OF SECONDARY I PLACES MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, PARTIALLY SIGHTED OR PARTIALLY HEARING STUDENTS BY SEPTEMBER 1995 IN THE FOLLOWING PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS:
* CARITAS ST FRANCIS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL
2 CAINE ROAD, CARITAS HOUSE, CENTRAL
* MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL (CHAI WAN) SAN HA STREET, CHAI WAN
* MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL (SHA TIN) 18-24 MAN LAI ROAD, SHA TIN
* MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL (TUEN MUN) SEK PAI TAU ROAD, T.M.T.L. 111. TUEN MUN
------0-------
134 APPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRI Al SUPPORT PROJECTS RECEIVED *****
A TOTAL OF 134 APPLICATIONS AMOUNTING TO $677 MILLION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AT THE CLOSING DATE LAST TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 15) FOR THE $200 MILLION ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE 1995/96 FINANCIAL YEAR FOR INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT PROJECTS.
AS IN LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE BULK OF APPLICATIONS CAME. FROM THE VARIOUS TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, WITH 98 APPLICATIONS, ACCOUNTING FOR.$477 MILLION.
THE OTHERS WERE FROM THE INDUSTRY SUPPORT BODIES, PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES, TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE APPLICATIONS FELL INTO SEVEN CATEGORIES - GENERAL, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BIOTECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONICS, METALS, PLASTICS AS WELL AS TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
OF THE 134 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED, 37 APPLICATIONS TOTALLING $163.5 MILLION WERE MADE UNDER GENERAL CATEGORY AND 23 APPLICATIONS AMOUNTING TO $88 MILLION UNDER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
A TOTAL OF 33 APPLICATIONS COSTING $112.7 MILLION AND 17
APPLICATIONS COSTING $210.4 MILLION WERE SUBMITTED UNDER BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONICS CATEGORIES RESPECTIVELY.
/ELEVEN APPLICATIONS .;.....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 23 -
ELEVEN APPLICATIONS INVOLVING $60.7 MILLION WENT TO METALS CATEGORY WHILE 10 APPLICATIONS AMOUNTING TO $26.4 MILLION WENT TO PLASTICS CATEGORY.
THREE APPLICATIONS WERE MADE UNDER TEXTILE AND CLOTHING CATEGORY INVOLVING $15.1 MILLION.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID A SERIES OF MEETINGS WOULD BE HELD BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES UNDER THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ITDC) IN DECEMBER TO CONDUCT PRELIMINARY VETTING OF THE APPLICATIONS.
THE APPLICATIONS WOULD THEN BE EXAMINED BY THE PROJECTS VETTING COMMITTEE (PVC) WHICH COMPRISED THE CHAIRMEN OF ITDC’S COMMITTEES AND OTHER ITDC MEMBERS BEFORE SUBMISSION TO THE ITDC FOR APPROVAL. THE RESULT OF THE APPLICATIONS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
"THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PROJECTS COSTING LESS THAN $10 MILLION WILL REST WITH THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OE INDUSTRY," MR YOUNG SAID, ADDING THAT PROJECTS COSTING $10 MILLION OR ABOVE WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF HIE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
ON THE FUNDING CRITERIA, HE SAID: "THE MAIN CRITERION ADOPTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PVC IS WHETHER THE APPLICATION IS 'MARKET DRIVEN’, THAT IS, WHETHER THERE IS A GENUINE NEED IN THE INDUSTRY FOR THE DELIVERABLES OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT."
"NO PRIORITIES WOULD BE GIVEN FOR ANY PARTICULAR SECTOR OF INDUSTRY OR ANY SPECIFIC AREA OF TECHNOLOGY.
"PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING SUPPORT SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL INDUSTRIAL OR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND TO THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
"EXAMPLES ARE THOSE WHICH AIM TO PROVIDE A COMMUNAL INDUSTRY SUPPORT SERVICE, INTRODUCE NEW TECHNIQUES OF MANUFACTURING, INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OR ENHANCE THE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY.
"ANOTHER CRITERION IS THAT PROJECTS SHOULD BE NON-PROFI I MAKING IN NATURE, EXCEPT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN THE LONGTERM," HE ADDED.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL ESTIMATES, A PROVISION OF APPROXIMATELY $200 MILLION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE 1995/96 FINANCIAL YEAR.
- - 0---------
Z24 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 24 -
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS HOSPICE SERVICES * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING POSITIVE STEPS TO SUPPORT HOSPICE SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OE THE COMMUNITY, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ART ASIA HONG KONG ’94 GALA PREVIEW, IN AID OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF HOSPICE CARE.
MRS CHAN SAID PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM TERMINAL ILLNESS AND THEIR FAMILIES NEEDED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND PERSONAL (ARE BEYOND THE CONFINES OF CONVENTIONAL HOSPITAL SERVICES.
"THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR HAS PLEDGED TO IM RI ASF FURTHER RESOURCES FOR HOSPICE SERVICES OVER THE NIAT FOUR I I-\RS .
"AS A RESULT, BY 1998-1999, AN EXTRA 1,000 PATIENTS X YEAR WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE QUT THEIR TERMINAL ILLNESS IN ( OMFORT AND DIGNITY, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT BY THE END OF TH 1S YEAR, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD PROVIDE HOSPICE CARE FOR 500 PATIENTS.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT Wil l. PROVIDE Fl LI. SUBVENTION TO THE BRADBURY HOSPICE FOR ITS OPERATION FROM 1995 AFTER IIS SEEDING GRANT FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB HAS BEEN USED "P AND WILL DISBURSE $24 MILLION TO COVER ITS RECURRENT COSTS IN 1995-96.
--------0 - -
SUSPECTED BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND MUSK GRAIN SEIZED *****
A QUANTITY OF SUSPECTED BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND MUSK GRAIN WERE SEIZED BY OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (AFD) IN AN OPERATION YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
AT ABOUT II AM YESTERDAY, AFD FIELD OFFICERS RAIDED A PREMISES, BELIEVED TO BE USED FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE WHOLESALING, IN SHEUNG WAN. SOME 6.8 KILOGRAMS OF SUSPECTED BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND 5.2 KILOGRAMS OF SUSPECTED MUSK GRAIN WERE SEIZED.
THE SEIZED ITEMS HAVE AN ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE OF’ $1.3 MILLION.
AFD’S ACTING SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER MR CHAN JEF-KEUNG REMINDED CHINESE MEDICINE TRADERS TO OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.
"IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS ENDANGERED SPECIES OR THEIR PARTS SUCH AS MUSK, BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND BILE POWDER EXCEPT UNDER A LICENCE ISSUED BY AFD," MF’ CH VN SAID.
/THE MAXIMUM .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 25 -
THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES INCLUDE A FINE OF $25,000 ON FIRST OFFENCE AND A $50,000 FINE PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES. THE SEIZED PRODUCTS WILL BE MANDATORILY FORFEITED UPON CONVICTION.
PROPOSALS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
INVESTIGATIONS ON YESTERDAY'S CASE ARE BEING CARRIED OUT AND PROSECUTION WILL BE INSTITUTED AGAINST THE OFFENDER.
MR CHAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT STRICT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS WOULD BE MAINTAINED TO DETER AND SUPPRESS THE TERRITORY’S ILLEGAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES.
SINCE NOVEMBER 1, AFD HAS CONDUCTED 13 SEARCHES ON LOCAL MEDICINAL SHOPS, RESULTING IN THE SEIZURE OF SOME $3 MILLION WORTH OF ENDANGERED SPECIES. THESE INCLUDE YESTERDAY’S SUSPECTED BEAR GALL BLADDERS AND MUSK GRAIN, AS WELL AS MEDICINES CLAIMING TO CONTAIN RHINO AND TIGER INGREDIENTS, PANGOLIN SCALES AND DRIED CROCODILE MEAT.
------0--------
OPERATION TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS *****
A TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MOUNTED BY THE POLICE HAS RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF 98 PEOPLE.
THE OPERATION IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE 98 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED BY THE POLICE HAVE BEEN REFERRED1 TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ‘NYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING ONESELF," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.
"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.
DURING THE OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) AND ENDED AT 5 AM TODAY, THE POLICE STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
------0--------
/26 .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 26 -
LEGCO MEMBERS ON HERITAGE TOUR *****
SIX LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK IN A NUMBER OF ANCIENT STRUCTURES AND MONUMENTS DURING A VISIT TO HISTORICAL SITES IN YUEN LONG.
THE MEMBERS ARE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR MOSES CHENG MO-CHI, MR TIMOTHY HA WING-HO, MR SIMON IP SIK-ON, MS EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND MR HOWARD YOUNG.
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS RACHEL CARTLAND, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR S H PAU AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, MR DAVID LUNG, ALSO JOINED THEM.
THEY VISITED THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL, THE YUEN LONG OLD MARKET AND TAI FU TAI TO ACQUIRE FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN THE TERRITORY.
THE PING SHAN HERITAGE TRAIL, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WAS INAUGURATED IN DECEMBER 199.3.
LOCATED AT PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, THE ONE-KILOMETRE-LONG TRAIL LINKS UP A NUMBER OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE STRUCTURES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, PROVIDING VISITORS WITH AN INSIGHT INTO THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE PAST CENTURIES IN A CONVENIENT HALF-DAY EXCURSION.
SINCE IT WAS OPENED, THE I'RAIL HAS BEEN EXCEEDINGLY WELL PATRONISED BY BOTH TOURISTS AND LOCALS.
BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, 238, 769 PEOPLE HAD VISITED THE TRAIL AT A MONTHLY AVERAGE FIGURE OF 25,134.
YUEN LONG OLD MARKET, A TYPICAL TRADITIONAL MARKET PLACE, WAS FIRST SET UP IN 1669.
ALTHOUGH SOME OLD BUILDINGS IN THE AREA HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR REDEVELOPMENT, THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT OF THE MARKET HAS BEEN LARGELY MAINTAINED.
REMNANTS OF TWO GATE HOUSES, EARTH GOD SHRINES, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS LIKE THE TAI WONG TEMPLE, YUEN KWAN YI TAI TEMPLE, CHUN YUEN PAWN SHOP AND TUNG Y1CK TSAN (INN) STILL SURVIVE.
TAI FU TAI WAS BUILT PROBABLY IN 1865 AS A RESIDENCE BY MAN CHUNG-LUEN WHOSE ANCESTORS HAD SETTLED IN SAN TIN, YUEN LONG SINCE THE 15TH CENTURY.
THE BUILDING IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST TRADITIONAL RESIDENCES EVER BUILT IN HONG KONG, RENOWNED FOR ITS FINE ARCHITECTURAL DECORATIONS.
THE HOUSE HAS BEEN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC SINCE 1988, AFTER COMPLETION OF AN EXTENSIVE RESTORATION.
/THE LEGCO........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 27 -
THE LEGCO MEMBERS WERE ALSO FULLY BRIEFED ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE (AMO) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD OVER THE PAST YEARS.
IN THE FIELD OF ARCHAEOLOGY , THE MAMMOTH PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT MAJOR RESCUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL OPERATIONS WHICH HELPED TO FURTHER THE KNOWLEDGE OF PREHISTORIC ACTIVITIES IN THE HONG KONG REGION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE AMO AND THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE BUSIEST PROGRAMME EVER TO RESTORE THE REMAINING EXAMPLES OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY AMO HAVE ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROTECTION OF THE LOCAL HERITAGE.
ALL THESE ACHIEVEMENTS ARE DETAILED IN THE "REPORT OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD 1992 AND 1993" RECENTLY PUBLISHED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT AMO AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF DISTRICT OFFICES FOR COLLECTION BY THE PUBLIC.
------0-------
63 POLLUTION CASES IN OCTOBER *****
A TOTAL OF 63 CONVICTIONS WERE MADE IN THE COURTS LAST MONTH FOR BREACHING ANTI-POLLUTION LEGISLATION ENFORCED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THEM, 25 WERE CONVICTIONS MADE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (WPCO), 15 UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE (NCO), 14 UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE (APCO), SIX UNDER THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975 (DASO), TWO UNDER THE OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ORDINANCE (OLPO) AND ONE UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE (WDO).
THE FINES RANGED FROM $1,000 TO $50,000. OI MAN RESTAURANT LTD WAS FINED $50,000 UPON ITS SECOND CONVICTION FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IN A NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE.
- - 0-----------
/28 ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 28 -
HONG KONG-MACAU YACHT RACE
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT 20 YACHTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A RACE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 19).
THE RACE WILL START AT 10 AM FROM SOUTH-EAST OF LAMMA ISLAND FOLLOWING A COURSE PASSING SOUTH OF SIU A CHAU AND THEN TO MACAU.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT URGED MASTERS, COXSWAINS AND PERSONS-IN-CHARGE OF VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THIS AREA AND ON OR ACROSS THE TRACK TOWARDS MACAU TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION AT ALL TIMES, GIVING PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION TO THE CONTESTANTS.
’’COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA 1972 IS MANDATORY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* * * * * CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,551 0930 + 112
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,435 1000 + 112
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO • 1100 + 81
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 82 1200 + 82
LAF TODAY -198 15U0 + 82
1600 + 82
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER
TWl 121.4
*-0.2*
17.11.94
/HONG KONG .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1994
- 29 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.82 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.75 6.63
1 MONTH 4.83 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 100.01 7.01
3 MONTHS 5.18 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.67 7.33
6 MONTHS 5.51 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.42 7.61
12 MONTHS 6.09 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.40 8.27
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 24,898 MN
CLOSED 17 NOVEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY FS AND S FOR TSY..................... 1
LAND AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY WELCOMED.......................................................... 3
GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN SEATTLE ON FINAL LEG OF U.S. VISIT......... 4
NEW HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 1........................... 5
CS DEPARTS FOR LONDON.................................................................................... 6
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY............... 7
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROVISION OF NEW MOBILE TELECOMS SERVICES............................................................ 7
$257 MILLION CENTRAL RECLAMATION CONTRACT SIGNED.................... 9
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS' ORDERS-ON-HAND IN SEPTEMBER 1994 . 10
APPOINTMENT TO COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.................................................... 12
TWO NEW TERRITORIES LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED........................... 13
APPLICATIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE INVITED. 13
INCREASE IN PARKING METER CHARGES.................................. 14
REVISION OF FEES UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.......................................................... 15
AIDS: A FAMILY CONCERN............................................. 16
STREET ALTERATIONS AND CLOSURES FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS.............................................................. 17
/SALE OF ...
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
SALE OF MONTHLY TICKETS AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS........... 19
BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES............. 20
FIVE STAMP ISSUES NEXT YEAR.................................. 20
DISTRICT OPEN SPACE FOR TSUEN WAN............................ 21
TWO KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES INCREASE FARES.............. 22
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
22
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF MEDIA SESSION BY FS AND S FOR TSY ******
FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, AFTER TODAY’S (FRIDAY) FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL FOR COMMITTING EQUITY FUNDING FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY:
FS: I THINK THIS IS A VERY GOOD DAY FOR HONG KONG. IT WILL PRODUCE AS YOU WELL KNOW A RAILWAY AND IN EFFECT TWO RAILWAYS, ONE WHICH WILL SERVE MAINLY THE AIRPORT — THE EXPRESS SERVICE, AND THE OTHER WHICH WILL SERVE THE HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE ALONG THE ROUTE TO KWAI CHUNG AND THAT DIRECTION. IT’S ALSO, I BELIEVE, THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WE’VE EVER APPROVED HERE IN HONG KONG FOR A PROJECT, AND IN THAT SENSE ALSO WE ARE BREAKING NEW GROUND. THE ATMOSPHERE I THINK IN LEGCO WAS VERY GOOD. I THINK ALL MAJOR GROUPS SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL. THEY MIGHT HAVE THEIR PARTICULAR POINTS ABOUT MONITORING AND INDEED THEY DO HAVE A NUMBER OF POINTS ABOUT MONITORING. BUT THE BROAD THRUST FOR I THINK ALL MEMBERS, THERE WASN’T A SINGLE VOICE AGAINST THE VOTE, AND SO THIS IS ALSO ENCOURAGING. WE MAKE OUR COMMITMENT SERIOUSLY. THE MONITORING INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AS WE PROMISED AND WE WILL RESPOND PROMPTLY TO QUESTIONS, SO WE KILL MEET MEMBERS ON THAT POINT.
QUESTION: SO WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP NOW?
FS: THE NEXT STEP, OF COURSE, THE IMMEDIATE STEP IS THE MTRC WILL GET ON VERY SWIFTLY. I BELIEVE THEY WILL BE SIGNING SOME CONTRACTS ON MONDAY, SO THEY WILL BE GETTING ON VERY SWIFTLY WITH CONTRACTS AND WITH GETTING THOSE CONTRACTORS WORKING BECAUSE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, WE WANT TO GET THE RAILWAY OPERATIONAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
QUESTION: DO YOU KNOW THE NUMBER OF CONTRACTS THAT THEY’RE GOING
TO SIGN ON MONDAY?
FS: ANY IDEA, DONALD?
S FOR TSY: WHOLE OF NEXT WEEK THEY WILL BE INVOLVED IN A WHOLE
SERIES OF SIGNING. I THINK THE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MTR CORPORATION. BUT CERTAINLY THE FIRST BATCH WILL BE SIGNED ON MONDAY.
QUESTION: SORRY, IF THESE CONTRACTS ARE GOING TO BE SIGNED NEXT WEEK, SURELY YOU MUST HAVE THE DATE, A COMPLETION DATE OF THE RAILWAY. YOU MUST HAVE SOME IDEA.
FS: THIS IS NOT THE LAST CONTRACT TO BE SIGNED. AS YOU KNOW, WHAT HAS HAD TO HAPPEN NEXT, NOT IMMEDIATELY BUT FAIRLY SOON IS THE MTRC HAS TO EMBARK ON THE BORROWING PROGRAMME, AND THERE WILL BE OTHER CONTRACTS LET OUT. BUT THE MAIN THING IS THE BORROWING PROGRAMME. IF WE KNOW THAT THAT CAN BE PROCEEDED IN TIME, AND THEREFORE THE FSA IS PROCEEDING ON TIME, THEN I THINK VERY SOON WE CAN COME OUT WITH A SENSIBLE ESTIMATE OF COMPLETION. BUT AT THE MOMENT, THERE IS STILL THAT PARTICULAR POINT LEFT SLIGHTLY IN THE AIR.
/WHEN ARE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
2
QUESTION: WHEN ARE YOU EXPECTING TO RESUME
FINANCING SUPPORT AGREEMENTS?
TALKS ON THE
WE'VE AbREADY STARTED. WE HAD TWO MEETINGS ALREADY THE EXPERTS ARE STILL IN CONTACT, SO THE PROCESS IS CONTINUING THEY’RE AT RAPID PACE.
AND
AND
QUESTION: IT WAS SAID IN LEGCO NOT LONG AGO THAT THERE WASN’T A CERTAINTY THAT THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE RAILWAY TO CHEK LAP KOK OR FLY OUT FROM CHEK LAP KOK. IS THAT STILL?
FS: I DON’T THINK THAT THING IS WHAT’S UPPER MOST IN OUR MIND IS GETTING ON, RAILWAY, IS GETTING ON WITH IT AND GETTING RUNNING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
UPPER MOST IN OUR MIND.
WE’VE JUST DEALT WITH THE IT STARTED, GETTING IT
QUESTION:
FS:
CAN YOU SAY HOW MANY MONTHS HAVE BEEN UP TO NOW?
I DON’T HAVE THAT FIGURE IN MY HEAD NOW,
QUESTION: THIS BORROWING, DO YOU FORESEE ANY PROBLEMS AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THE FINANCIAL WORLD IS QUITE TAKEN IT ABACK BY THE LATEST INTEREST RATE HIKE ?
FS: I DON’T THINK THEY’RE TAKEN ABACK. I THINK THAT IN A WAY THEY ARE RATHER RELIEVED TO HAVE THE UNCERTAINTY REMOVED, OR AT LEAST SOME OF THE UNCERTAINTY REMOVED. THERE IS NOT SURPRISE AT THE INTEREST RATE GOING UP, THEY’VE BEEN FORECAST FOR MONTHS. NO, IT IS NOT THAT WE ARE WORRIED. IT’S JUST THAT WE ARE PRUDENT. UNTIL WE KNOW THAT THE BORROWING PROGRAMME IS SECURED, AND THE FSA IS SECURED, IT MAKES SENSE TO DEFER A RE-APPRAISAL OF THE TIME SCALE. THAT’S ALL.
QUESTION: BUT YOU DON’T SEE ANY PROBLEMS IN BORROWING?
FS: I DON’T EXPECT ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER, BEARING IN MIND BOTH THE MTRC AND THE PAA WILL BE BORROWING FAR LESS THAN WE HAD ORIGINALLY THOUGHT WAS ACHIEVABLE. IT’S NOT A SMALL BORROWING PROGRAMME, BUT IT’S CERTAINLY QUITE MODEST COMPARED TO WITH WHAT WE HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED. SO I DON’T THINK THAT. WE WILL HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL.
QUESTION (IN CANTONESE): MR TSANG, WILL THERE BE EXPERT MEETING
NEXT WEEK ON THE TWO FSAS?
S FOR TSY (IN CANTONESE): THE EXPERTS HAVE MET TWICE. WE ARE
CONTINUING OUR LIAISONS ON THAT. I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT THESE LIAISONS WILL HAPPEN CONTINUOUSLY.
QUESTION (IN CANTONESE): THE PROBLEM NOW ONLY ON THE WORDING OF
THE DOCUMENT?
/S FOR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
3
S FOR TSY (IN CANTONESE): CERTAINLY. THE MAIN PRINCIPLE HAS BEEN AGREED IN THE AGREED MINUTE. WHAT REMAINS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE THE ACTUAL WORDINGS AND HOW TO EXPRESS IT IN THE FORM OF A CONTRACT.
QUESTION: THE MTRC SAID THE FIRST HOTEL BUILDING WOULD BE COMPLETED OR BUILT IN 1998. DO YOU MEAN THAT THE RAILWAY WILL BE READY AT THAT TIME OR AFTER THAT?
FS: GOOD TRY. I'M SORRY. WE AND THE MTRC WILL GO ON GIVING YOU THE SAME ANSWER UNTIL WE ARE READY TO GIVE YOU A PROPER DATE. AND AS SOON AS WE CAN GIVE YOU A WELL THOUGHT THROUGH DATE, WELL BASED, WE’LL GIVE YOU ONE.
QUESTION: DO YOU THINK THAT THE AGREEMENT ON THE FSA IS
IMMINENT, OR STILL A LONG WAY AWAY?
FS: I HOPE THAT IT IS NOT FAR OFF.
QUESTION:
WHAT IS DELAYING THE REACHING IN AGREEMENT?
S FOR TSY: IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF DELAYING. IT IS A QUESTION OF
GOING THROUGH A FAIRLY HEAVY AND VERY LEGALLY DRAFTED DOCUMENT.
QUESTION: NO FURTHER MEETINGS THAT HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED AT THE
MOMENT?
S FOR TSY: WE ARE MEETING REGULARLY.
QUESTION: WHEN WILL YOU NEED MONEY FROM LEGCO AGAIN, FOR THE
PAA?
FS: AS FAR AS THE RAILWAY IS CONCERNED, THAT SHOULD BE IT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0-------
LAND AGREEMENT FOR AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY WELCOMED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON, WELCOMED THE LAND COMMISSION’S AGREEMENT YESTERDAY ON THE LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY.
“THIS IS WELCOME NEWS AS IT WILL ENABLE BOTH THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO PRESS AHEAD WITH THEIR PROJECTS,” HE SAW TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN EXHIBITION ON THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP), MR EASON SAID GOOD PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE ON THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
"A TOTAL OF 58 CONTRACTS WORTH OVER $34.3 BILLION HAD BEEN AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT SO FAR, REPRESENTING 87 PER CENT BY VALUE OF ALL GOVERNMENT-FUNDED ACP PROJECTS.
/"TOGETHER WITH .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
4
"TOGETHER WITH CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA), THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING FRANCHISEE, THE VALUE OF ALL ACP CONTRACTS AWARDED TO DATE IS OVER $52.9 BILLION.”
THE EXHIBITION IS THE SIXTH OF THE 10 LOCAL EXHIBITIONS BEING ORGANISED BY THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) TO KEEP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ABREAST OF THE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS ON THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
THE EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN WELL-RECEIVED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND MORE THAN 70,000 PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED THE EXHIBITIONS HELD SO FAR IN VARIOUS PLACES, INCLUDING LOK FU, WAN CHAI, TSUEN WAN, TAI KOO SHING AND TUEN MUN.
MR EASON SAID APART FROM PROGRESS AND COST, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO MONITORING CAREFULLY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE ACP ON LOCAL RESIDENTS.
"ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDIES HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN FOR EACH OF THE ACP PROJECTS, SOMETIMES AT BOTH THE FEASIBILITY AND DETAILED DESIGN STAGE.
"THESE STUDIES HAVE GENERALLY SHOWN THAT, WITH SUITABLE MITIGATION MEASURES IN PLACE, THE PROJECTS WILL BE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WHEN THEY ARE BUILT AND OPERATING.”
MR EASON SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE ACP DEPENDED ON THE EFFORTS OF MANY PARTIES.
"ONE OF THESE PARTIES IS OF COURSE THE AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (ACC), INCLUDING ITS SUB-COMMITTEES, WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDING THE GOVERNMENT WITH INVALUABLE ADVICE ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS," HE SAID.
THE ACP EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD AT TIMES SQUARE IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 20).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR EDWARD HO, AND DEPUTY CONVENORS OF THE THREE SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE ACC, MR RAYMOND CHOY, MR DAVID MORRIS AND DR SHAO YOU-BAO.
------0-------
GOVERNOR ARRIVES IN SEATTLE ON FINAL LEG OF U.S. VISIT *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) ARRIVED IN SEATTLE FROM SAN FRANCISCO ON THE FINAL LEG OF HIS VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES.
PRIOR TO LEAVING THE BAY AREA, THE GOVERNOR ATTENDED A ROUND-TABLE LUNCHEON MEETING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY HOSTED BY LEADING ACADEMICS INCLUDING PROFESSOR NELSON POLSBY, DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES AND PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, AND PROFESSOR ROBERT SCAI.APINO.
MR PATTEN HAS CONSIDERABLE LINKS WITH THE UNIVERSITY, HAVING
BEEN A VISITING FELLOW FIVE YEARS AGO.
/FOLLOWING THE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
5
FOLLOWING THE LUNCH, MR PATTEN MET THE 17 HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ATTENDING THE BERKELEY-HONG KONG PROJECT.
BEGUN IN ACADEMIC YEAR 1986/87, THE PROGRAMME IS A JOINT UNDERTAKING OF THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AND THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR MARTIN LANDAU.
KNOWN AS VISITING RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, THE HONG KONG PARTICIPANTS COVER THE THEORIES OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC ORGANISATION AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DURING THEIR COURSE AT THE UNIVERISTY.
MR PATTEN BEGAN THE DAY BY BRIEFING AN EDITORIAL BOARD MEETING OF THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, THE BAY AREA’S LEADING DAILY PAPER.
ON FRIDAY, THE GOVERNOR HAS A FULL DAY IN SEATTLE INCLUDING MEDIA INTERVIEWS, A LUNCHEON SPEECH AND A VISIT TO BOEING HEADQUARTERS.
------0-------
NEW HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 1
*****
THE CITY’AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) WILL BE REORGANISED INTO THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH (HAB) AND THE NEW HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT (HAD), WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1, 1994.
THIS FOLLOWED THE APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE CHANGES IN STAFF ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE RESTRUCTURING.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE RE-ORGANISATION WAS INTENDED TO ESTABLISH CLEAR LINES OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS.
HE NOTED THAT THE HAB WAS ESTABLISHED ON OCTOBER 15 LAST YEAR AS AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT TO MEET THE PRESSING NEED TO GROUP POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL HUMAN RIGHTS RELATED SUBJECTS UNDER A SINGLE POLICY BRANCH.
THE POLICY PORTFOLIO OF HAB COMPRISES: DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; COMMUNITY BUILDING; MUNICIPAL COUNCILS; TRADITIONAL AND RURAL MATTERS; SOCIAL AND FAMILY LAWS; SUCCESSION AND INHERITANCE; HUMAN RIGHTS; CIVIC EDUCATION; DATA PROTECTION; AND YOUTH AND WOMEN’S MATTERS.
OTHER MAIN SUBJECT AREAS INCLUDE: GAMBLING; BUILDING MANAGEMENT; LICENSING OF HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES; BEDSPACE APARTMENTS; POSTAGE STAMP POLICY; GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES; AND RELIGIOUS MATTERS, CHINESE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGES AND CUSTOMS.
THE NEW H.A.D WILL BE FORMED THROUGH THE AMALGAMATION OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON REGION HEADQUARTERS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION HEADQUARTERS.
’’THIS WILL RESULT IN MORE EFFICIENT DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF RESOURCES AND BETTER CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN HEADQUARTERS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAJD.
/"IT CAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
6
"IT CAN ALSO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF ENHANCING GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE VIEWS AND NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL."
ON THE SET UP OF H.A.D., THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR WITH TWO DEPUTY DIRECTORS, THREE ASSISTANT DIRECTORS AND A DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY BASED IN HEADQUARTERS.
THE DIRECTOR WILL ASSUME THE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF, THE DEPARTMENT AND WILL OVERSEE ALL ITS OPERATIONS.
THE DEPART..ENT’S PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, THE COLLECTION AND ASSESSMENT OF PUB' IC OPINION ON ISSUES AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY, IMPLEMENTING LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND EXERCISING STATUTORY FUNCTIONS RELATED TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND HOTEL AND GUESTHOUSE SAFETY STANDARDS.
AS TO DUTIES OF THE TWO DEPUTY DIRECTORS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IN ADDITION TO ASSISTING THE DEPARTMENT HEAD IN HIS DISCHARGE OF THE RANGE OF FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES, THEY WOULD AT THE SAME TIME RETAIN THE GEOGRAPHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES FORMERLY HELD BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARIES FOR OVERSEEING OPERATIONAL MATTERS WITHIN THE NINE URBAN AND NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS RESPECTIVELY.
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, THERE WILL CONTINUE TO BE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES HEADED BY DISTRICT. OFFICERS WHOSE DUTIES WILL REMAIN ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS AT PRESENT.
THEY WILL CONTINUE TO EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN MANAGING THEIR DISTRICT OFFICES AND DEALING WITH DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THROUGH THE RE-ORGANISATION OF WORK IN THE DISTRICT OFFICES, IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO INTRODUCE A STRUCTURE WHERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER IS UNDERPINNED BY ONE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, EITHER AT SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER LEVEL, RESULTING IN MORE EFFICIENT DEPLOYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER RESOURCES.
"THE STREAMLINING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK WILL REDUCE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE BY MORE THAN $7 MILLION ANNUALLY," HE ADDED.
------0-------
CS DEPARTS FOR LONDON
» » * * t
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL DEPART FOR LONDON ON NOVEMBER 20 (SUNDAY) FOR A WEEK-LONG VISIT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THIS IS MRS CHAN’S FIRST DUTY VISIT TO THE UK SINCE SHE BECAME CHIEF SECRETARY IN NOVEMBER 1993.
DURING HER VISIT, MRS CHAN WILL MEET THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS HURD, AND THE MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, MR ALASTAIR GOODLAD, TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO HONG KONG.
/MRS CHAN .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 18, 1994
7
MRS CHAN WILL HAVE SEPARATE SESSIONS WITH CHAIRMAN OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, MR DAVID HOWELL, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BR1TISH/HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, MR TIM RENTON.
SHE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE SHADOW MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, DR JACK CUNNINGHAM.
ON NOVEMBER 23 (WEDNESDAY), MRS CHAN WILL ATTEND THE "HK-2001" CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF THE UK GOVERNMENT AND SPEAK ON "HONG KONG INTO THE NEXT CENTURY". THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 150 BUSINESSMEN IN THE UK.
ON NOVEMBER 25 (FRIDAY), MRS CHAN WILL ADDRESS THE UK HONG KONG ASSOCIATION TO UPDATE THE ASSOCIATION ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN RESPONDED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO THE SUGGESTION THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION ABOUT MR MARTIN LEE’S BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY IN RELEASING COPIES OF THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL BILL TO THE MEDIA ON NOVEMBER 7.
"THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL HAS POINTED OUT THAT THE QUESTION OF THIS BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY MUST BE A MATTER FOR THE BAR ITSELF TO ADDRESS SINCE IT WAS THE BAR WHICH IMPOSED A DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY UPON ITS MEMBERS WHEN IT CIRCULATED THE DRAFT CFA BILL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BUT THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL HAS MADE IT CLEAR TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION THAT THE ADMINISTRATION FOUND IT DISTURBING THAT A SENIOR MEMBER OF THE BAR, WHO HAD BEEN THREE TIMES CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION, SHOULD HAVE DISPLAYED FLAGRANT DISREGARD, BORDERING ON CONTEMPT, FOR THE DUTY OF CONFIDENCE THAT THE BAR ASSOCIATION HAD IMPOSED ON HIM IN RESPECT OF THE DRAFT CFA BILL," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROVISION OF NEW MOBILE TELECOMS SERVICES *****
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY, MR ALEXANDER ARENA, TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE PUBLIC A STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE REGULATION OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
UP TO SIX LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED FOR THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (PCS) AND UP TO FOUR LICENCES WILL BE ISSUED FOR THE PROVISION OF CORDLESS ACCESS SERVICES (CAS).
THE STATEMENT WAS THE OUTCOME OF A CONSULTATION PROCESS INITIATED BY THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (OFTA) EARLIER THIS YEAR.
/"THE FINDINGS ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
8
"THE FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTATION PROCESS INDICATED STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE GRANTING OF ADDITIONAL LICENCES TO ENABLE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW ADVANCED CELLULAR AND CORDLESS ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES AND THE ALLOCATION OF MORE SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE SERVICES," SAID MR ARENA.
PCS ENCOMPASSES THE NEW GENERATION AND MORE ADVANCED FORM OF DIGITAL CELLULAR SERVICES OPERATING AT THE HIGHER AND LESS CONGESTED 1.7 GHZ-2.0 GHZ RADIO FREQUENCY BAND.
"THE INTRODUCTION OF PCS IS EXPECTED TO THE DIGITAL CELLULAR NETWORK CAPACITY IN HONG FUTURE FORESEEN DEMAND TO BE MET."
CAS, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS DESIGNED CORDLESS ACCESS TO FIXED TELECOMMUNICATION EVOLUTION OF THE CT-2 TYPE OF SERVICES.
INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY KONG THEREBY ALLOWING
PRIMARILY TO PROVIDE
NETWORKS AND IS AN
CAS HAS ADVANCED FEATURES INCLUDING TWO-WAY CALLING AND CALL CONTINUITY.
IT CAN BE DELIVERED BY THE PERSONAL HANDY PHONE SYSTEM (PHS) DEVELCl'LL 37 ’.'.PAML’CE, DIGITAL EUROPEAN CORDLESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS (DECT) DEVELOPED IN EUROPE AND OTHER STANDARDS BEING DEVELOPED IN THE USA.
"THE LICENSING OF CAS WILL OFFER THOSE CONSUMERS WHO EITHER DO NOT REQUIRE, OR CANNOT AFFORD, A MORE EXPENSIVE FULL-FEATURED CELLULAR PHONE A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE."
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY INVITED INTERESTED PARTIES TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO OFTA FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF PCS AND/OR CAS. A SET OF CRITERIA HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR THE SELECTION OF LICENSEES.
"PARTIES WIIO SUBMIT THE BEST PROPOSALS WHICH ARE TECHNICALLY SOUND; OFFER GOOD VALUE-FOR-MONEY TO CONSUMERS (THAT IS LOWEST PRICES AND BEST QUALITY) AND WHICH WILL BRING TO HONG KONG’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET THE BENEFITS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE UP A LICENCE," SAID MR ARENA.
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WILL DECIDE ON THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF LICENCES TO BE ISSUED AFTER EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED. THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS IS MARCH 24, 1995 BEFORE 5 PM HONG KONG TIME.
A COPY OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY’S STATEMENT ON THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AND GUIDANCE NOTES FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE OPERATION OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (PCS) AND CORDLESS ACCESS SERVICES (CAS) IN HONG KONG CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ON 29TH FLOOR, WU CHUNG HOUSE, 213 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
------0-------
/9 ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
9
$257 MILLION CENTRAL RECLAMATION CONTRACT SIGNED « * * » « ,
THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION PROJECT TOOK ANOTHER STEP FORWARD WITtf; THE SIGNING OF A $257 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PHASE II RECLAMATION WORKS TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR LEE SHING-SEE, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTOR, A JOINT VENTURE FORMED BY SUN FOOK KONG (CIVIL) LIMITED AND DICKSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.
SPEAKING AT THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY, MR LEE NOTED THAT PHASE II OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION FORMED AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE WHOLE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION PROJECT.
ABOUT 5.3 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE TAMAR BASIN AREA WOULD BE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE THE MUCH NEEDED SITES FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, HE SAID.
"THE WORKS OF THE CONTRACT COMPRISE MAINLY DREDGING OF 101,000 CUBIC METRES OF MATERIAL, RECLAMATION WITH 660,000 CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIALS, SEAWALL CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES, CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, ROADS, DRAINAGE, SEWERAGE, WATERWORKS, REPROVISIONING OF COOLING WATER PUMPING STATION FACILITIES, RELOCATION OF FENWICK PIER STREET HELIPAD AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
"THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF CULVERTS, COOLING WATER PIPES AND CROSS HARBOUR WATER MAINS AS ADVANCE WORKS FOR PHASE III OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION," MR LEE ADDED.
THE WORKS WILL BEGIN EARLY NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN 24 MONTHS.
MR LEE EXPLAINED THAT THE WHOLE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WOULD EXTEND ALONG THE WATERFRONT FROM SHEUNG WAN TO CAUSEWAY BAY TO PROVIDE ABOUT 108 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND.
"WITH THE ADDITION OF EXISTING AREAS IN THE HINTERLAND AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND A TYPHOON SHELTER IN CAUSEWAY BAY, A TOTAL OF 169 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT," HE SAID.
THE WHOLE PROJECT IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN FIVE PHASES - THREE PHASES FOR THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION AND TWO FOR THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION WILL EXTEND FROM RUMSEY STREET TO PEDDER STREET, AND LAND FORMATION WORKS OF THIS PHASE BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND IS PROGRESSING WELL.
MR LEE NOTED THAT THIS PHASE WOULD PROVIDE LAND FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY CENTRAL STATION AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
"THE MAIN RECLAMATION AND REPROVISIONING WORKS ARE SCHEDULE!) FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY,1997.
"THE REMAINING INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION TOWARDS MID-1998," HE SAID.
/PHASE III .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
10
PHASE III OF THE CENTRAL RECLAMATION, FORMERLY KNOWN AS STAR FERRY AND TAMAR EXTENSION RECLAMATION, IS SCHEDULED TO START IN LATE 1996. 1 ' :: *’ ■
THIS PHASE WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY FULL OVERRUN TUNNEL AND THE CENTRAL-WAN CHAI BYPASS.
ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION PROJECT, MR LEE NOTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE ON THE PHASE I WORKS SINCE ITS START IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
THIS PHASE WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY LAND FOR THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE EXTENSION (HKCECE) AtfD ITS INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.
’’THE RECLAIMED ISLAND AND ONE OF THE LINK BRIDGES ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1995.
’’THE REMAINING LINK BRIDGE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY DECEMBER 1996 TO TIE IN WITH THE ..TARGET OPENING OF THE EXTENSION IN MID-1997,” MR LEE SAID.
AS REGARDS PHASE II OF THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WHICH IS THE LAST PHASE OF THE WHOLE RECLAMATION PROJECT, MR LEE SAID THIS PHASE WOULD EXTEND FROM HKCECE TO CAUSEWAY BAY.
”NO TIMETABLE HAS BEEN SET FOR THIS PHASE OF WORKS, BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE WORKS WILL BEGIN IN 1998 FOR COMPLETION IN 200?,” HE ADDED. . /
XC
- • ------------------------------o--------
VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN SEPTEMBER 1994 *****
THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION IN SEPTEMBER 1994 INCREASED BY 10% OVER A YEAR EARLIER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A MONTHLY SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1994 WITH SEPTEMBER 1993, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF OUTSTANDING ORDERS WERE RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+48%), ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+29%), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY (+23%) AND TEXTILES INDUSTRY (+15%). 4. t
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN ORDERS WAS REGISTERED IN THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY (-18%). ORDERS IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY' ALSO DROPPED, BY 12% AND 7% RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1994, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE VALUE OF MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN SEPTEMBER 1994 DECREASED BY 6%.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF ORDERS-ON-HAND COVERS A SAMPLE OF SOME 300 MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE WORKERS.
/MANUFACTURERS’ .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
11
MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND REFER TO ORDERS AND PARTS OF ORDERS RECEIVED EARLIER BY MANUFACTURERS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION WHICH REMAIN UNFILLED AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ORDERS RECEIVED BY TRADERS NOT ENGAGED IN PRODUCTION ARE INCLUDED IF SUCH ORDERS ARE FURTHER PLACED TO MANUFACTURERS FOR PRODUCTION LOCALLY.
HOWEVER, ORDERS PLACED TO MANUFACTURING FIRMS FOR PRODUCTION IN CHINA AND OTHER PLACES OUTSIDE HONG KONG ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS SERIES OF ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS.
BEGINNING FROM JANUARY 1994, A NEW SERIES OF STATISTICS ON MANUFACTURERS’ ORDERS-ON-HAND IN VALUE TERMS COMPILED IN THE FORM OF AN INDEX IS PRODUCED, TO REPLACE THE OLD SERIES THAT 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 REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 1994, AT $4.5 A COPY, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE OF THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 6441.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
/PERCENTAGE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
12
PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN THE VALUE OF
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN
AUGUST 1994 OVER AUGUST 1993 SEPTEMBER 1994 OVER SEPTEMBER 1993
(REVISED) (PROVISIONAL)
ALL INDUSTRIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY + 12 + 10
* WEARING APPAREL -11 -7
* TEXTILES + 17 + 15
* ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS + 39 + 29
* ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS + 15 -12
t FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS +1 + 23
* PLASTIC PRODUCTS +27 + 48
* PRINTING AND PUBLISHING -14 -18
- 0 *
APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ACADEMY % * * * * FOR PERFORMING ARTS
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR YAO KANG AS CHAIRMAN AND MRS ANNA PAO SOHMEN AS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1995, IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED 11 MEMBERS AND APPOINTED FOUR NEW MEMBERS FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM COMMENCING ON THE SAME DATE.
THE FOLLOWING IS A FULL LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL:
MR YAO KANG (CHAIRMAN)
MRS ANNA PAO SOHMEN (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)
MR CHAN SAI-BIU, BENNY (TREASURER)
MS MARGARET A CARLSON-BRAHAM (ELECTED STAFF REPRESENTATIVE)
MR CHOW WING-SHING, VINCENT
MR DAVID G ELDON
MR FONG CHING, EDDY
MS HUI ON-WAH, ANNE
DR LAM TAI-HING
MR RAYMOND K P LIU
MR LO KING-MAN (EX-OFFICIO AS DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMY)
MR MAO CHUN-FAI, FREDRIC (ELECTED STAFF REPRESENTATIVE)
MRS NG YOUNG TZE-YAU, YVONNE
MR PONG KIT, STANLEY
MR PETER JAMES THOMPSON
MR TSE WAN-CHUNG, PHILIP
SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
------0--------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
13
TWO NEW TERRITORIES LOTS TO BE AUCTIONED ♦ * » ♦ »
TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON DECEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY), IT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL, HONG KONG.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 26, KWAI CHUNG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,242 SQUARE METRES FOR GODOWN AND PUBLIC VEHICLE PARK.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 35,580 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED IN TOWN PARK ROAD NORTH, YUEN LONG, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,431 SQUARE METRES AND IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 15,176 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1999.
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 CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
SALES PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IN THESE OFFICES.
CONDITIONS OF SALE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLAND.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE INVITED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM BUS OPERATORS IN HONG KONG TO PROVIDE A SCHEDULED CROSS-BORDER SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE BETWEEN LOK MA CHAU AND HUANGGANG IN SHENZHEN.
DETAILS OF THIS TENDER INVITATION ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE.
THE SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED FROM TERMINAL TO TERMINAL WITHOUT INTERMEDIATE STOPS.
THE HONG KONG TERMINAL IS AT THE LOK MA CHAU INTERCHANGE NEAR THE JUNCTION OF NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AND SAN SHAM ROAD WHILE THE CHINESE TERMINAL IS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF HUANGGANG CHECK POINT. ITS ROUTE IS ABOUT 2.5 KILOMETRES.
THE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 PM DAILY AT 20/40-MINUTE FREQUENCIES. SUBSEQUENT ADJUSTMENTS MAY BE MADE IF TRAFFIC DEMAND WARRANTS.
/PRESCRIBED APPLICATION .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
14
PRESCRIBED APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION, HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: "APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ON PRESCRIBED FORMS AND NO FEE IS REQUIRED FOR.THIS APPLICATION."
AW
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY POST TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, 41ST FLOOR, IMMIGRATION TOWER, 7 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE WILL BE 5.15 PM ON DECEMBER 9 (FRIDAY).
"LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED," HE SAID.
SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAWS OF HONG KONG AND CHINA, THE SELECTED APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO FORM A JOINT-VENTURE COMPANY WITH THE BUS OPERATOR TO BE APPROVED SEPARATELY BY THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE WITHIN FOUR MONTHS UPON RECEIVING WRITTEN NOTIFICATION FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
"THE JOINT-VENTURE COMPANY SHALL BE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG AND APPLY FOR A PASSENGER SERVICE LICENCE TO START THE SERVICE,” HE SAID.
HOWEVER,. SHOULD THE SELECTED APPLICANT FAIL TO FORM A JOINT-VENTURE COMPANY TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE WITHIN FOUR MONTHS WITH THE BUS OPERATOR TO BE APPROVED BY THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MAY AT ITS ABSOLUTE DISCRETION REJECT THE APPLICATION, AND EITHER RETENDER OR INVITE ANOTHER APPLICANT IN THE CURRENT TENDER EXERCISE TO PROVIDE SUCH SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN SUCH CASE,NO COMPENSATION SHALL BE PAYABLE TO THE REJECTED APPLICANT," HE ADDED.
------0-------
INCREASE IN PARKING MEIER CHARGES * * I * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE MAXIMUM CHARGE FOR THE USE OF PARKING METERS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WAN ('HAI AND YAU MA TEI, WILL BE $2 PER 15 MINUTES WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
THE EXISTING MAXIMUM FEE OF $2 PER 30 MINUTES WAS SET IN 1987. SINCE THEN, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) HAS RISEN BY 99 PER CENT AND PARKING CHARGES IN GOVERNMENT MULTI-STORES CAR PARKS HAVE INCREASED BY OVER 100 PER CENT. 4 •
DESPITE THE INCREASE, PARKING METER CHARGES ARE STILL SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN CHARGES IN OFF-STREET CAR PARKS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY.).
ABOUT 13,000 PARKING METERS ARE PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AS REVEALED BY RECENT PARKING METER UTILISATION SURVEYS, THE. • AVAILABILITY RATES FOR METERED SPACES ARE (LOSE TO ZERO IN BUSY DISTRICTS SUCH AS CAUSEWAY BAY, YAU TSIM, MONG KOK, CENTRAL AND WESTERN.
/THERE IS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
15
THERE IS A NEED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FEES CHARGED SO AS TO RAISE THE TURNOVER OF THESE SPACES.
THIS FEE REVISION WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER AREAS IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS, HE ADDED.
------0-------
REVISION OF FEES UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INCREASE A NUMBER OF FEES UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE NEXT MONTH.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A STUDY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SHOWED THAT THE EXISTING FEE LEVELS WERE BELOW COST.
THE FEES UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE WERE LAST REVISED IN 1989.
THE NEW FEES, WHICH HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1.
DETAILS OF THE FEE INCREASES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ITEM EXISTING FEE REVISED FEE
$ $
* EXAMINATION IN EACH SUBJECT PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD 500 835
* ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS A PHARMACIST 150 250
* ISSUE OF A DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS A PHARMACIST 75 125
* RETENTION OF PREMISES ON THE REGISTER OF PREMISES, EACH YEAR 500 1,390
♦ APPLICATION FOR ENTRY ON THE LIST OF LISTED SELLERS OF POISONS 160 395
* RETENTION ON THE LIST OF LISTED SELLERS OF POISONS, EACH YEAR 160 375
♦ ANY ALTERATION TO THE REGISTER OF PREMISES OR TO THE LIST OF LISTED SELLERS 50 225
» AN ANNUAL LICENCE FOR WHOLESALE DEALERS IN POISONS 400 1,220
/ANNUAL LICENCE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
16
* ANNUAL LICENCE FOR MANUFACTURERS 500 1,340
* APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF A PRODUCT 150 550
* CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A PRODUCT 250 1,370
* RENEWAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF A PRODUCT 150 500
* CERTIFICATE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT 90 120
* CERTIFICATE AND INTERIM CERTIFICATE FOR MANUFACTURER 1,000 1,760
* ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATE FOR A REGISTERED PHARMACIST -
- EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ORDINANCE (CAP.113), A HOSPITAL SUBVERTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, A UNIVERSITY OR A POLYTECHNIC 75 125
- IN ALL OTHER CASES 350 585
* APPLICATION FOR A CLINICAL TRIAL OR MEDICINAL TEST 300 1,290
* CERTIFICATE FOR CLINICAL TRIAL OR MEDICINAL TEST 300 1,290
* APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AS AN IMPORTER OR EXPORTER OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS 400 780
* DUPLICATE OF ANY CERTIFICATE 100 190
--------0-----------
AIDS: A FAMILY CONCERN
*****
PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE CAN OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON AIDS AND ITS PREVENTION BY JOINING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD DURING THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994 FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 4.
THE CONVENOR OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994, MR FUNG CHEUNG-TIM, SAID THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO LAUNCH THE EVENT.
/IN SUPPORT........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
17
IN SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1 DESIGNATED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, AN AD HOC WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HONG KONG .AIDS FOUNDATION, AIDS CONCERN, HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO CO-ORDINATE A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR THE AIDS FORTNIGHT WITH THE SLOGAN "AIDS: A FAMILY CONCERN".
"THE WORKING GROUP HOPES THAT THESE ACTIVITIES COULD HELP DRIVE HOME MESSAGES OF AIDS PREVENTION AND STIMULATE FRANK DISCUSSION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS ON THE ISSUE," MR FUNG SAID.
"MEANWHILE, PARENTS CAN TAKE THE LEAD TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN WELL AWARE OF THE DISEASE AND TO SPREAD THE MESSAGES OF COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING AND CARE FOR THE HIV-INFECTED AND AIDS PATIENTS.
"LEAFLETS CONTAINING DETAILS OF THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PRODUCED AND ARE OBTAINABLE FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES," HE ADDED.
THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994 WILL START WITH AN OPENING DAY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 20).
THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE OPENING DAY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK; THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION, DR LEONG CHE-HUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF AIDS- CONCERN, MR CHARLES YANG; THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN; THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR HUI YIN-FAT; THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU; AND THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL RADIO 2, MR THOMAS CHOW.
ON THE OPENING DAY, THERE WILL BE A CARNIVAL TO BE ENJOYED BY PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS. A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE LINED UP, INCLUDING EXHIBITION, GAMES BOOTHS, CONCERT, MAZE, CHILDREN’S CHOIR, DRAMA, MAGIC AND ACROBATICS PERFORMANCES, TO MAKE FAMILY MEMBERS MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ON AIDS AND ITS PREVENTION.
"WE .HOPE THAT THROUGH ORGANISING THE AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994, WE WOULD FOSTER BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL AIDS GROUPS AND DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
.1
"WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MAKE.AN APPEAL TO THE MEDIA TO WIDELY PUBLICISE MESSAGES OF AIDS IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE," MR FUNG SAID.
-----------------0-------- /
STREET ALTERATIONS AND CLOSURES FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS
DETAILS OF STREET CLOSURES AND ALTERATIONS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRAL SUBWAY 01 THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). THEY INCLUDE:
PERMANENT ALTERATION
.♦ DOUGLAS STREET
/CLOSURE dr .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
18
CLOSURE OF CARRIAGEWAY TO ACCOMMODATE SUBWAY OR STATION ENTRANCE.
TEMPORARY CLOSURES AND ALTERATIONS
* DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL (NORTHERN FOOTPATH ADJACENT TO DOUGLAS STREET)
NORTHERN FOOTPATH ADJACENT TO DOUGLAS STREET REDUCED TO MINIMUM TWO METRES WIDE.
* CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL (BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND PEDDER STREET)
REALIGNMENT OF CARRIAGEWAY.
* CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND (BETWEEN PEDDER STREET AND POTTINGER STREET)
REALIGNMENT OF CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTPATH REDUCED TO MINIMUM TWO METRES WIDE.
* CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND (BETWEEN CONNAUGHT PLACE AND QUEEN VICTORIA STREET)
REALIGNMENT OF CARRIAGEWAY, ONE TRAFFIC LANE EASTBOUND CLOSED AND REPLACED BY A TEMPORARY BYPASS ROAB AT HARBOUR VIEW STREET, FOOTPATH REDUCED TO MINIMUM TWO METRES WIDE, FOOTPATH BETWEEN EXITS OF EXCHANGE SQUARE BUS TERMINUS CLOSED.
t CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL (SOUTHERN FOOTPATH BETWEEN QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND JUBILEE STREET)
ROAD WIDENING.
t PEDDER STREET (BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL)
REALIGNMENT OF CARRIAGEWAY AND ONE TRAFFIC LANE CLOSED, FOOTPATH REDUCED TO MINIMUM TWO METRES WIDE, CLOSURE OF STAIRCASE TO FOOTBRIDGE.
t CONNAUGHT PLACE (FRONTING EAST SIDE OF EXCHANGE SQUARE)
ROAD WIDENING.
♦ CONNAUGHT PLACE (FRONTING JARDINE HOUSE)
CLOSURE OF LAYBY, ROAD WIDENING TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANE, FOOTPATH REDUCED TO MINIMUM TWO METRES WIDE.
* HARBOUR VIEW STREET (FRONTING NORTH SIDE OF EXCHANGE SQUARE)
ROAD WIDENING TO PROVIDE A SERVICING LANE OR LAYBY AND A TAXI STAND ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE STREET, CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY STAIRCASES TO CONNECT EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES LEADING TO EXCHANGE SQUARE.
♦ HARBOUR VIEW STREET (FRONTING WEST SIDE OF EXCHANGE SQUARE) ROAD WIDENING.
/ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR ...
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
19
ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR ROUTING AND SUITABLE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED. NEW TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
THE RELEVANT PLAN SHOWING THE AFFECTED AREA MAY BE INSPECTED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.30 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON SATURDAY AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; NEW AIRPORT SECTION (URBAN OFFICE), LANDS DEPARTMENT, SEVENTH FLOOR, WEST WING HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG; AND SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BLILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY STIPULATES THAT ANY PERSON ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE MAY SERVE A WRITTEN CLAIM UPON THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN THE TIME LIMITS SET OUT IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR/NEW AIRPORT (URBAN) OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 805 7797.
---------0-----------
SALE OF MONTHLY TICKETS AT GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS
* ♦ ♦ * t
THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT FOR SALE OF MONTHLY TICKETS FOR GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS WILL CONTINUE IN VIEW OF THE PAST SALES EXPERIENCE AND A SYSTEMATIC CUSTOMER SURVEY ON OCTOBER 23, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT ON THE DATE CONDUCTED A SYSTEMATIC CUSTOMER SURVEY AT THE ABERDEEN CAR PARK AND KWAI FONG CAR PARK ON THE PREFERRED METHOD OF SALE OF MONTHLY TICKETS.
A TOTAL OF 695 BUYERS WERE SUCCESSFULLY INTERVIEWED WHICH REPRESENTED 82 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MONTHLY TICKETS SOLD AT THESE TWO CAR PARKS.
ABOUT 85 PER CENT OF THEM STATED THEIR PERFERENCE FOR QUEUING RATHER THAN BALLOTING.
BY THE TIME THE QUEUES WERE CLEARED IN THE MORNING, SOME TICKETS WERE STILL AVAILABLE THERE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MONTHLY PASSES FOR THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS MANAGED BY WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) LIMITED WILL BE SOLD FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 20) .
MONTHLY PASSES FOR OTHER SEVEN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS MANAGED BY METROPARK LIMITED WILL BE SOLD STARTING NEXT WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS MANAGED BY METROPARK LIMITED ARE: STAR FERRY, CITY HALL, MURRAY ROAD, ABERDEEN, MIDDLE ROAD, KWAI FONG AND TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX.
/GOVERNMENT CAR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
20
GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS MANAGED BY WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) LIMITED ARE: GARDEN ROAD, RUMSEY STREET, YAU MA TEI, TSUEN WAN STATION, SHAU KEI WAN, SHEUNG EUNG STREET, AND TIN HAU.
THE MONTHLY TICKETS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE SITUATION PREVAILING IN THE SALE OF MONTHLY TICKETS.
-----0-------
BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES
******
THE OCTOBER 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED 'BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES”.
THE ARTICLE INTRODUCES A NEW SERIES OF SHORT TERM INDICATORS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS MAJOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
THESE INDICATORS ARE USEFUL TO RESEARCHERS AND INVESTORS FOR ANALYSING THE ECONOMY AND KEEPING TRACK OF MARKET TRENDS.
THEY ARE COMPILED FROM A NUMBER OF DATA SOURCES, INCLUDING A SURVEY LAUNCHED LAST YEAR TO SUPPLEMENT DATA IN SOME SERVICE INDUSTRIES.
THE ARTICLE CONTAINS AN ANALYSIS OF THE BUSINESS RECEIPTS INDICES FOR MAJOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES FOR PERIODS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1993 TO THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994.
AN ACCOUNT OF SUCH METHODOLOGICAL DETAILS AS COVERAGE OF THE SERVICE INDUSTRIES AND COMPILATION METHODS IS ALSO PRESENTED.
THE OCTOBER 1994 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS. IS NOW ON SALE AT $48 PER COPY.
PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
------0--------
FIVE STAMP ISSUES NEXT YEAR
*****
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR MIKE PAGLIARI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR 1995:
JANUARY 17 - YEAR OF THE PIG
THIS SET OF STAMPS, THE NINTH, IN THE CURRENT SERIES OF LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMPS, WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS. A SOUVENIR SHEET AND A STAMP BOOKLET WILL ALSO BE RELEASED.
/THE YEAR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
21
THE YEAR OF THE PIG ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABELS (FRAMA LABELS) WILL BE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 15.
MARCH 22 - HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS
THIS SET WILL COMPRISE FOUR STAMPS FEATURING FOUR MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS ORGANISED IN HONG KONG - THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SEVENS, THE CHINA SEA RACE, THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES AND THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACES.
MAY 24 - HONG KONG RURAL HERITAGE
THERE WILL BE FOUR STAMPS DEPICTING TRADITIONAL RURAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AUGUST 16 - THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), 1854-1995
THIS SET WILL COMPRISE FOUR DENOMINATIONS.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT WHICH WILL DISBAND IN
THEY COMMEMORATE 1995.
NOVEMBER 15 - HONG KONG MOVIE STARS
THERE WILL BE FOUR STAMPS DEPICTING FOUR FAMOUS HONG KONG MOVIE STARS - BRUCE LEE, YAM KIM FAI, LEUNG SING PO AND LIN DAI.
FURTHER DETAILS OF EACH STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.
------0--------
DISTRICT OPEN SPACE FOR TSUEN WAN
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PHASE I CONSTRUCTION WORKS OF A DISTRICT OPEN SPACE WITH A TOTAL SITE AREA OF 78,700 SQUARE METRES IN AREA 7 OF TSUEN WAN.
THE OPEN SPACE WILL HAVE SITTING-OUT AND CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, A SOCCER PITCH, TWO BASKETBALL CUM VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A WATER GARDEN, WATER CASCADE FEATURES, A THEME GARDEN, A SERVICE BUILDING, LANDSCAPED AREAS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1996.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 34TH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
TENDER OFFER WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 9.
------0-------
/22.....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994
22
TWO KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES INCREASE FARES
* » * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT STARTING FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 20), THE FARES OF TWO GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NOS, 33 AND 33M IN KOWLOON WILL BE INCREASED.
THE FULL FARE FOR ROUTE NO. 33 PLYING BETWEEN FU SHAN AND KOWLOON CITY FERRY PIER WILL GO UP FROM $4 TO $4.4.
THE SECTION FARES OF THE ROUTE, AT $3.5, $3, $2.4 AND $1.4,
WILL BE INCREASED TO $3.8, $3.3, $2.6 AND $1.5 RESPECTIVELY.
FOR ROUTE NO. 33M WHICH RUNS BETWEEN FU SHAN AND WONG TAI SIN MTR STATION, THE FULL FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2.4 TO $2.6 WHILE THE SECTION FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1.4 TO $1.5.
------0--------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS
* » t » *
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1 ,435 0930 + 83
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,834 1000 + 83
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1 100 + 71
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +2,199 1200 + 70
LAF TODAY + 200 1500 +2,029
1600 +2,199
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.5 *+0.1* 18.11.94
BF TERMS HONG BILLS YIELD KONG MONETARY EF NOT TERM AUTHORITY
bS/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS YIELD
ISSUE COUPON PRICE
1 WEEK 4.94 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.65 6.71
1 MONTH 4.95 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.85 7.10
3 MONTHS 5.25 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.49 7.42
6 MONTHS 5.57 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.20 7.70
12 MONTHS 6.15 58 MONTHS TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS 5909 - 29,869 7.4 5 MN 97.15 8.34
CLOSED 18 NOVEMBER 1994
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR HAS FINAL FULL DAY IN THE UNITED STATES.......... 1
TRANSCRIPT OF DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION... 2
GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS SECTOR HELP GROOM TALENT.......... 3
HK GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO VISIT VIETNAM................. 4
NO SECRET PLANS TO RELEASE 5,000 VMS...................... 5
TRANSFER OF VMS FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE TOMORROW................................................ 5
SEMINAR ON SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUTHS................... 7
INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES............... 8
WATER CUTS IN CENTRAL AND WONG TAI SIN.................... 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS... 9
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
GOVERNOR HAS FINAL FULL DAY IN THE UNITED STATES
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN YESTERDAY (FRIDAY), CONCLUDED HIS TOUR OF THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES WITH A PLEA TO CONGRESS TO RATIFY THE URUGUAY ROUND OF THE GATT.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF SEATTLE, MR PATTEN SAID THAT HE OBSERVED IN THE UNITED STATES, AS IN EUROPE, A GROWING ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF PROTECTIONISM.
"I THINK PROTECTIONISM, AS WE RECALL FROM THE ’20S AND ’30S, IS THE SUREST ROUTE TO IMPOVERISHING THE ALREADY POOR, TO LOWERING THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE BETTER OFF, AND TO MAKING THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH SEEK TO ’PROTECT’ THEIR WAY OUT OF PROBLEMS LESS COMPETITIVE, AND THEREFORE LESS PROSPEROUS," MR PATTEN SAID.
MR PATTEN TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THAT HE THOUGHT THAT THERE WERE OTHER CONFLICTS LESS PEACEFUL THAN TRADE WHICH WERE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF A GROWTH OF PROTECTIONISM.
"IF THE URUGUAY ROUND, 12 YEARS IN THE MAKING, DOESN’T LEAD TO THE RAPID ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION, IF IT ISN’T RATIFIED AROUND THE WORLD, IT WON’T BE JUST A SMALL OPPORTUNITY MISSED.
"I THINK WE WILL RISK SLIDING AND SLITHERING BACK DOWN THE HILL INTO MUCH WORSE PROTECTIONISM," MR PATTEN WARNED, STRESSING THAT URUGUAY ROUND WAS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDO SOME OF THE PROTECTIONIST DAMAGE OF THE PAST.
HE SAID HE HOPED THAT IN THE NEXT TWO OR THREE WEEKS CONGRESS WOULD RATIFY THE URUGUAY ROUND AGREEMENT, AS PRESIDENT CLINTON HAD BEEN URGING THEM TO DO.
MR PATTEN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT, BECAUSE OF THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION LOOKING OUT TOWARDS ASIA, THE PEOPLE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST KNOW BETTER THAN ALMOST ANYBODY ELSE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE PROSPECTS IN JOINING WITH ASIA - AND JOINING WITH EUROPE - IN PROMOTING AND REDUCING TRADE BARRIERS.
THE GOVERNOR’S FINAL FULL DAY OF HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES WAS A BUSY ONE. HE SPENT PART OF THE MORNING AT BOEING COMPANY’S HEADQUARTERS IN SEATTLE, WHERE HE WAS MET BY MR FRANK SHRONTZ, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF BOEING.
MR AND MRS PATTEN VIEWED PRODUCTION OF THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE BOEING FLEET, THE 777, AT BOEING FIELD.
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS HAS ORDERED 11 777S WHICH, WHEN IT ENTERS SERVICE IN 1995, WILL BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST TWINJET AIRPLANE WITH CAPACITY TO SEAT UP TO 440 PASSENGERS. THE HONG KONG AIRLINE HAS ALSO PLACED OPTIONS ON 11 MORE.
BOEING IS THE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN SEATTLE AFTER THE GOVERNMENT, WITH 82,000 EMPLOYEES.
/LATE IN .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
- 2 -
LATE IN THE DAY, MR PATTEN GAVE TWO TV INTERVIEWS AND BRIEFED THE PRINT MEDIA, INCH DING AN EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE SEATTLE TIMES, ON DEVELOPMENTS IN?HONG KONG. . ’ io T<-
THE GOVERNOR WRAPS UP HIS ISI'L TO THE LEST COAST WITH A FINAL BRIEFING FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE MEDIA ON SATURDAY, PRIOR TO RETURNING TO HONG KONG.
I' ‘ id
IN 1993, HONG RONG WAS AMONG THE TOP EORE IGN INVESTORS LN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON WITH US$18 MILLION Ob CAPITAL INVESTMENT. TWO UA\ TRADE IN 1993 AMOUNTED TO US$3.OS BILLION COMPARED TO US$2.41 BILLION IN 1992V'' I? ; ” .
1 /!<!•. " . “T’l '* '
HONG KONG IS THE FIFTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER OF THE PORI OF SEATTLE, FOLLOWING JAPAN, KOREA, CHINA AND TAIWAN. IMPORTS FROM -THE STATE, AT US$1.27 BILLiONi WERE MAINLY AIRCRAFT, CIGARETTES AND PAPER; WHILE* EXPORTS TO THE STATE, Al US$1.80 BILLION WERE MAINLY CLOTHING AND TOYS. ' <‘J
’ • • > r
- T - - 0------
•. I ,i
' * & • I ' ,, ’ ’ ‘ ’
. V;(/ ; . ..|jV
TRANSCRIPTbOF DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT Ob THE MEDIA SESSION BY'THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON (HAN, AFTER THE OPENING OF SINO BUILDING AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY).
QUESTION: IS IT TRUE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS RELEASING 5,000 BOAT PEOPLE ...?
MRS CHAN: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO TRUTH TO THAT ALLEGATION. I DON’T KNOW WHERE THAT HAS COME FROM. WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF RELEASING 5,000.
QUESTION: DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE ANY INTENTION TO RELEASE MORE THAN . . .?
MKS CHAN: WELL, ON THE ONE HAND, WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE OUR
DISCUSSIONS WITH THE VIETNAMESE OFFICIALS WITH A VIEW TO PERSUADING THEM TO TAKE BACK THESE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BUT
OF COURSE TO THE EXTENT THAT WE HAVE NOT YET SORTED OUT SOME OF THE
ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE AUTHORITIES, WE CANNOT GO ON INDEFINITELY
HOLDING THESE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
• • Ai! ' m . t f< ..
------o--------
/3 ............
. I w
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
- 3 -
GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS SECTOR HELP GROOM TALENT
*****
THE MAIN REASON WHY HONG KONG HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST ECONOMICALLY VIBRANT PLACES IN THE WORLD IS THAT IT POSSESSES EXCELLENT HUMAN RESOURCES, FOREVER IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SI NO BUILDING OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID: ’’EVERY YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY CONTINUE TO INCREASE THEIR INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND THE TRAINING OF MANPOWER.
"AS A RESULT, HONG KONG IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS A WORLD FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE."
AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO DEVELOP THE NEW AIRPORT AND OTHER PORT FACILITIES. THE GOVENRNMENT HAS ALSO OPENED UP THE MARKET FOR COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SO AS TO INCREASE COMPETITION WITH THE AIM TO UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE AND THE OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID: "TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF PEOPLE."
PLAYING
NOTING THAT TERTIARY EDUCATION HAD BEEN DEVELOPING VERY RAPIDLY IN THE PAST DECADE, MRS CHAN SAID VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS WERE RUNNING MORE NEW SUBJECTS TO COPE WITH HONG KONG’S FAST DEVELOPING ECONOMY.
MRS CHAN SAID: "OBVIOUSLY, WE UNDERSTAND THAT WHILE EXPANDING THE NUMBER OF DEGREE PLACES AND THE SYLLABUS THERE IS A NEED TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AND INVEST IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH TO ENSURE THAT OUR ACADEMIC STANDARDS WILL NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
"THEREFORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY.
"THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE SINO BUILDING TODAY DOES NOT MERELY DEMONSTRATE THE CONTINUAL SUPPORT FOR OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION BY THE COMMUNITY, IT ALSO SIGNIFIES JOINT COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO DEVELOP EDUCATION," SHE ADDED.
--------0-----------
/4 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
4 -
HK GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO VISIT VIETNAM *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IS TO HEAD A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO VIETNAM - THE FIRST ALL-GOVERNMENT MISSION OF ITS KIND TO VIETNAM.
THE DELEGATION WILL LEAVE TOMORROW (SUNDAY), AND RETURN IN THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 25 (FRIDAY).
HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH VIETNAM HAS LONG BEEN DOMINATED BY THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT ISSUE. BUT VIETNAM’S ECONOMIC REFORMS IN RECENT YEARS HAVE ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO THE RELATIONSHIP.
THE AIMS OF THE VISIT WILL BE TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE THE EXPANSION OF TRADE AND ECONOMIC LINKS; TO FURTHER DEVELOP CONTACTS BETWEEN SENIOR OFFICIALS OF HONG KONG AND VIETNAM; AND THEREBY TO ENCOURAGE A BROADER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VIETNAM.
MR CHAU SAID THE EMPHASIS OF THE VISIT WOULD BE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND INFORMATION ON BILATERAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT, ECONOMIC POLICIES, DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING THE PORT AND AIRPORT, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.
HE STRESSED THAT THE QUESTION OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE A FOCUS OF THE VISIT.
"THIS MISSION IS DESIGNED PRIMARILY TO ENHANCE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BENEFITS WHICH CLOSER ECONOMIC LINKS WITH HONG KONG CAN BRING TO VIETNAMESE DEVELOPMENT - TO SHOW THAT HONG KONG IS IDEALLY PLACED TO PLAY A GATEWAY ROLE FOR VIETNAM.
IT WILL ALSO PAVE THE WAY FOR A PROPOSED VISIT TO VIETNAM BY THE GOVERNOR IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR,” MR CHAU ADDED.
LATEST INFORMATION SHOWS THAT HONG KONG IS THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF INVESTMENT IN VIETNAM WITH MORE THAN 200 PROJECTS AND A TOTAL APPROVED INVESTMENT OF US$1.75 BILLION. HONG KONG IS CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY TAIWAN WITH US$1.71 BILLION APPROVED INVESTMENT IN ABOUT 150 PROJECTS.
MR CHAU SAID THAT IN 1993, HONG KONG WAS VIETNAM’S THIRD LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER SINGAPORE AND JAPAN. TOTAL TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES WAS WORTH HK$5.02 BILLION.
THE DELEGATION WILL SPEND THREE DAYS IN HANOI WHERE MEMBERS WILL MEET THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MR TRAN DUC LUONG; AND THE MINISTER OF TRADE, MR LE VAN TR1ET.
THERE WILL BE MEETINGS WITH THE STATE PLANNING COUNCIL AND THE VIETNAMESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
A WORKSHOP HAS ALSO BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO BRIEF VIETNAMESE OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS ON A RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S TRADE AND ECONOMIC POLICY, INVESTMENT, FINANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
/IN HO ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
- 5 -
IN HO CHI MINH CITY, THE PROGRAMME WILL J NCU DE MEETINGS WITH THE COMMITTEE FOR INVESTMENT AND CO-OPERATION; THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY OF TRADE; THE V1ETCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY; THE PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE; AND A VISIT TO A HONG KONG JOINT VENTURE FACTORY.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION ARE: THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE; DEPUTY SECRETARY EOR ECONOMIC SERVICES MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER; DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES MR TAM WING-PONG; DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER MR JOHN ASHTON; PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST MR H Y CHEUNG; PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER MR EDMUND CHEUNG; AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY MISS ADELINE WONG.
--------0 - -
NO SECRET PLANS TO RELEASE 5,000 VMS *****
REFERRING TO AN ARTICLE WHICH APPEARED IN THE EASTERN EXPRESS THIS MORNING, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO FOUNDATION WHATSOEVER IN THE STORY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE SECRET PLANS TO RELEASE UP TO 5,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
’’THIS STORY IS SIMPLY UNTRUE. WE HAVE RELEASED 125 VMS. WE HAVE NO PLANS IN HAND TO INCREASE THIS NUMBER. WE HAD NO OPTION BUT TO RELEASE THOSE NOW AT LIBERTY. WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SUCCESSFUL AND THAT THE PROBLEMS FACED WITH EFFECTING THE REPATRIATION OF A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF MIGRANTS WILL BE QUICKLY RESOLVED.”
TRANSFER OF VMS FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE TOMORROW *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WILL BE TRANSFERRED CENTRE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN PREPARATION THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP).
(SATURDAY) THAT A GROUP OF FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION FOR THEIR RETURN HOME UNDER
WJUL BE TRANSFERRED TO VICTORIA PRISON FOR PRE-FLIGHT
MENIATION AND MEDICAL CHECKS BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER zS D •
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT DUE TO BE RETURNED ON THE NEXT ORP FLIGHT
THAT THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS HAD BEEN GIVEN AMPLE NOTICE.
ON O( 1OBER 28, THEY WERE TOLD THAT UNLESS THEY VOLUNTEERED NOVEMBER 4, THEY COULD BE RETURNED ON THE NEXT ORP FLIGHT.
BY
”ON NOVEMBER FOR THEIR TRANSFER
18, THEY WERE ASKED TO PA( K AND PRESENT THEMSELVES FROM HIGH ISLAND.”
/AMONG THE........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
6 -
AMONG THE GROUP OF SOME 50 IN HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE DUE TO BE RETURNED, 39 HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR TRANSFER TO VICTORIA PRISON. THE REMAINING ONES WILL BE TRANSFERRED TOMORROW.
TOGETHER WITH OTHER VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS FROM OTHER DETENTION CENTRES, ABOUT 70 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED TO VIETNAM ON NOVEMBER 25. "THE REMAINING ONES IN HIGH ISLAND HAVE BEEN TOLD EARLIER TODAY OF THEIR TRANSFER AND WE HOPE THEY WILL PACE AND LEAVE VOLUNTARILY TOMORROW," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRANSFER TOMORROW WILL BE MONITORED BY REPRESENTATIVES OF NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (CHRISTIAN ACTION AND OXFAM), AND NONOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. THE MONITORS’ ROLE IS TO OBSERVE AND REPORT ON THE TRANSFER AND THEIR REPORTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MONITORS WERE FULLY BRIEFED ON NOVEMBER 16.
"WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL TO THEIR AGREEING TO ACT AS MONITORS," HE SAID.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE A FIXED PRESS POSITION TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT HIGH ISLAND FROM WHERE THE OPERATION AND DEPARTURE FROM THE CAMP CAN BE OBSERVED. 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 (6.45 AM) TOMORROW.
ANYONE USING 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 (7.45 AM).
ACCESS TO THE AREA AND THE PRESS POSITION WILL BE BY PRESS COACH ONLY.
REPORTERS COVERING THE OPERATION ARE ADVISED TO BRING SOME SNACKS AND WATER AS IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW LONG THE OPERATION WILL TAKE.
DETAILS OF THE PRESS ARRANGEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 25 WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
---------0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
SEMINAR ON SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUTHS
*****
ABOUT 150 PARENTS, TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE ATTENDED A SEMINAR TODAY (SATURDAY) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUTHS. r .■ •
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MR ERIC LI KA-CHEUNG, SAID THE EVENT AIMED TO SHED MORE LIGHT ON THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY ON SUPPORTIVE SYSTEM FOR YOUTHS.
HE SAID: "THE STUDY WAS TO HELP IDENTIFY AND UNDERSTAND THE AGENTS WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD TURN TO WHEN THEY FACE CHANGES AND PROBLEMS SO THAT RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW BEST TO ENHANCE THE SUPPORTIVE NETWORK FOR YOUTH COULD BE DRAWN UP.
"IT ALSO HOPED TO IDENTIFY THE EFFECTIVE AGENTS THROUGH WHICH POSITIVE MESSAGES COULD BE CONVEYED TO YOUNG PEOPLE."
A QUANTITATIVE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED FROM MARCH TO JUNE THIS YEAR BY THE SOCIAL SCIENCES RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A RESEARCHER HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO CONDUCT AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE DATA COLLECTED.
THE INITIAL FINDINGS OF THE STUDY WERE RELEASED IN AUGUST AND A FULL REPORT ON THE SURVEY HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED.
MR LI SAID HE HOPED THE DISCUSSIONS TODAY COULD HELP THE COMMISSION DRAW UP RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ISSUE.
THE SEMINAR COMPRISED PANEL DISCUSSION, GROUP DISCUSSION AND A REPORT BACK SESSION.
PANEL SPEAKERS INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION, MR TIK CHI-YUEN; THE DIRECTOR OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS JUSTINA LEUNG; AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE DIVISION OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY OF THE HONG KONG PSYCHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, MR JAMES LAI.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994 9 • r
INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES * * * * *
THERE IS AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES WITH THE PREVALENCE OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES AND INCREASING NUMBER OF WORKING MOTHERS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TSUNG TSIN MISSION OF HONG KONG ON KEI CHILD CARE CENTRE, MR STRACHAN SAID CHILD CARE CENTRES ALSO PROVIDED OTHER INNOVATIVE SERVICES, SUCH AS OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE, INTEGRATED PROGRAMME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AND EXTENDED HOURS SERVICE.
"OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE PROVIDES SUPPORTING SERVICES TO FAMILIES SO THAT YOUNG CHILDREN WILL NOT BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME WHEN THE CARERS HAVE TO BE AWAY FROM HOME DUE TO VARIOUS SHORT-TERM ENGAGEMENTS OR SUDDEN COMMITMENTS.
"THE SERVICE HAS BECOME A SUBVENTED ONE SINCE SEPTEMBER 1993. AT PRESENT THERE ARE 135 SUBVENTED OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE UNITS, PROVIDING 405 PLACES IN 120 DAY NURSERIES AND 12 DAY CRECHES," HE SAID.
ON INTEGRATED PROGRAMME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, MR STRACHAN SAID IT ENABLED CHILDREN WITH MINOR DISABILITIES TO BE ADMITTED INTO NURSERIES SO THAT THEY COULD BENEFIT FROM PRE-SCHOOL CARE IN THE COMPANY OF NORMAL CHILDREN.
HE SAID 134 DAY NURSERIES HAD PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAMME AT PRESENT, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 874 PLACES.
"TO PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO MEET THE DEMAND OF WORKING PARENTS, EXTENDED HOUR SERVICE IN CHILD CARE CENTRES HAS BECOME A SUBVENTED SERVICE FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.
"THE SERVICE CATERS FOR CHILDREN ALREADY ENROLLED IN AIDED DAY NURSERIES. AT PRESENT THERE ARE THREE AIDED DAY NURSERIES PROVIDING SUCH SERVICE WITH 42 PLACES."
POINTING OUT THAT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES HAD A MAJOR AND LASTING IMPACT ON A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT DURING THE EARLY FORMATIVE YEARS, MR STRACHAN SAID THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH QUALITY’ CHILD CARE SERVICE IN HONG KONG WAS NOT ONLY A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT, BUT ALSO DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF PARENTS, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
---------0-----------
/9........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1994
- 9 -
WATER CUTS IN CENTRAL AND WONG TAI SIN *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 21) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL INCLUDE 65-133 BONHAM STRAND, 28-112 AND 89-161 WING LOK STREET, 237-319 AND 242-320 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, 119-161 AND 168-200 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 1 CLEVERLY-STREET, 2-2A MORRISON STREET, 2 HILLIER STREET, 2 RUMSEY STREET, VICTORIA HOTEL AND THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
MEANWHILE, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 22) FOR MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN BEACON HEIGHTS AS WELL AS THOSE AT RHONDDA ROAD AND THE SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
- - 0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 3,834 0930 -150
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,384 1000 -150
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -150
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -150 1130 -150
LAF TODAY -2,300 1500
1600
LAF RATE 3.75 BID/5.75 OFFER TWI 121.5 ♦ -0.1» 19.11.94
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
CONTENTS PAGEJNQ.
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION..................... 1
15 VMS TRANSFERRED........................................ 3
CONCERTED EFFORTS IN FIGHTING AGAINST AIDS............. 3
CONDUCT COUNCIL TO HOLD BY-ELECTION........................ 4
DEADLINE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS.................. 5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
1
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING AFTER HIS RETURN FROM HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES:
GOVERNOR: SORRY TO HAVE KEPT YOU WAITING. THE HEADWINDS HELD US UP AND WE WERE LATE STARTING FROM SEATTLE AS WELL AND I AM SORRY IF IT’S RUINED YOUR SUNDAY EVENING. I’VE HAD A SUCCESSFUL AND BUSY VISIT TO THE WEST COAST. THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO GIVE FOUR KEY-NOTE SPEECHES IN ORANGE COUNTY, LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND SEATTLE. WHILE WE» WERE THERE, WE ADDRESSED VERY BIG AUDIENCES WHICH, 1 THINK, WAS A MARK OF THE INTEREST IN, AND ENTHUSIASM ABOUT, WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HONG KONG. I ALSO HAD A NUMBER OF MEETINGS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS, THE GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, THE MAJORS OF LOS ANGELES AND SEATTLE ANJ) HAD MANY MEETINGS AS WELL WITH LEADING BUSINESS FIGURES INCLUDING SOME OF THOSE WHO INVEST SUBSTANTIALLY IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE A STRONG AND 'CLOSE ECONOMIC AND TRADING RELATIONSHIP WITH CALIFORNIA AND WITH SEATTLE AND WASHINGTON STATE AND WE ALSO HAVE A POINT THAT WAS BORNE IN ON ME INCREASINGLY DURING MY VISIT, A GROWING AND SHARED COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE AND TO PREVENTING AN OUTBURST OF PROTECTIONISM IN NORTH AMERICA, IN EUROPE OR ELSEWHERE. AND THE MESSAGE THAT I CONVEYED ABOUT FREE TRADE BROUGHT, I THINK, AN ECHO ESPECIALLY IN MY LAST SPEECHES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AND IN SEATTLE. PEOPLE DO OBVIOUSLY ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE. PEOPLE DO OBVIOUSLY ASK FOR REASSURANCE ABOUT 1997 AND I WAS PLEASED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SETTING OUT MY OPTIMISM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND I HOPE BY DEEDS AND WORDS, OTHERS WILL MAKE CLEAR THAT THEY CAN GIVE REASSURANCE TOO ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. I THINK THAT THE AGREEMENT REACHED IN THE LAND COMMISSION LAST WEEK AND THE AGREEMENT ON FUNDING FOR THE AIRPORT RAILWAY REACHED AT THE END OF THE WEEK WERE BOTH EXTREMELY GOOD SIGNS FOR INVESTORS, BOTH MADE IMPORTANT STATEMENTS ABOUT THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG AND WE HOPE WE WILL SEE FURTHER SIGNS IN THE COMING MONTHS.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, HOW WOULD YOU LIKE LEGISLATORS’ IDEA TO HAVE THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT LOOKING TO YOUR FOREIGN TRIPS, I MEAN, YOUR OVERSEAS TRIPS AND SEE IF THERE IS A WASTE OF PUBLIC MONEY?
GOVERNOR: WELL, IT WOULD BE AN INTERESTING THING FOR THEM TO DO. EVERYTHING THE GOVERNOR DOES IN HONG KONG IS OPEN TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY. I AM SURE THAT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THEY WOULD DISCOVER WAS THAT IF YOU PUT TOGETHER THE INVITATIONS I’VE RECEIVED FOR NEXT YEAR AS WELL AS THIS YEAR AND ADDED UP ALL THE TRIPS THAT I WOULD HAVE DONE AS GOVERNOR IN MY FIRST THREE AND HALF YEARS AS GOVERNOR, THEY ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE NUMBER OF TRIPS THAT WERE MADE IN HIS LAST THREE AND HALF YEARS BY MY PREDECESSOR. THERE IS UNCANNY SIMILARITY WHICH IS IN THE.FIGURE FOR MY TRIPS AND THE NUMBER FOR HIS TRIPS AND IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE ABOUT HONG KONG SUCCESS AS FREQUENTLY AND AS VIGOROUSLY AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU TALK TO ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES WHO’RE ACCOMPANYING US ON THIS VISIT, THEY WOULD, I AM SURE, CONFIRM FOR YOU JUST HOW HARD WE WERE WORKING BUT I VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THE FACTS ABOUT THE NUMBER OF VISITS THAT I’VE MADE AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS’VE MADE WILL BE FAITHFULLY REPORTED AND NOT JUST THE SORT OF ASSERTION WHICH YOU REFERRED TO.
/QUESTION .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
2
QUESTION: NONA OFFICIALS ........ OUT THE GOVERNMENT’S VBP POLICY MAY
HEAD TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES AND WANT TO PUT THE VBP ISSUE ON THE AGENDA OF JLG. WHAT IS YOUR COMMENT ON THAT?
GOVERNOR: WE ARE HAPPY TO DISCUSS ANYTHING THAT IS RELEVANT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE JLG OR THROUGH OTHER CHANNELS. I DO THINK THAT THOSE WHO CRITICISE SHOULD REMEMBER FROM TIME TO TIME THAT WE HAVE DEALT, AS I THINK ONE OR TWO EDITORIALS IN NEWSPAPERS POINTED OUT LAST WEEK, WE HAVE DEALT WITH AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH DECENCY AND FIRMNESS. ONE RESULT IS THAT WE’VE MANAGED TO RETURN IN RECENT YEARS WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES OVER 43,000 SCREENED OUT VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS. THAT’S NOT EASY. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT JOB TO DO. I PARTICULARLY SYMPATHISE WITH THOSE MEMBERS OF OUR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE AN EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT JOB AND THEY’VE BEEN DOING IT AGAIN TODAY. I THINK THE WHOLE COMMUNITY HAS REASONS TO BE GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THEY CARRIED OUT THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES. SO, I THINK THAT WE SHOULD HAVE SUPPORT IN CONTINUING TO DEAL WITH THE DIFFICULT PROBLEM AND THE DIFFICULT TASK AS COMPETENTLY AND AS DECENTLY AS WE HAVE BEEN. IT’S NOT GOING TO BE EASY, NOT EASY FOR ANYONE. IT’S CERTAINLY NOT A PROBLEM WHICH DISAPPEARS BY THE APPLICATION OF RHETORIC
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, A UN COMMITTEE IS GOING TO EXAMINE THE BRITISH REPORT
........ PEOPLE ARE WORRIED THAT IF THE REPORTING PROCESS CANNOT BE CONTINUED AFTER 1997, IF CHINA REFUSES TO MAKE A REPORT ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997 AS IT HAS CLAIMED THAT IT WOULD NOT DO THAT, DO YOU HAVE ANY OPTION THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE REPORTS FROM HONG KONG REGULARLY AFTER 1997?
GOVERNOR: I THINK YOU SHOULD WAIT AND HEAR WHAT THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL HAS TO SAY WHEN HE SPEAKS IN GENEVA TOMORROW. HE IS PART OF THE DELEGATION WHICH IS ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE UN AND WHAT WE WERE DOING IN THAT CONTEXT IS DISCHARGING OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE COVENANT, AN OBLIGATION WHICH THE JOINT DECLARATION MAKES EXPLICITLY CLEAR WILL CONTINUE BEYOND 1997 AND THOSE INCLUDE, AS WE’VE ALWAYS SAID, THE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS BUT THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL’LL BE ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG’S RECORD TOMORROW AND WE ALSO, I IMAGINE, IF ASKED, ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IS. ’ • /■ ' • c '
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR QIAN, IS PLANNING TO VISIT LONDON DURING THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR. DOES THAT MEAN IMPROVEMENT OF SINO-BRIT1SH RELATIONSHIP OVER HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK THAT IT WILL BE SENSIBLE FOR ME TO COMMENT ON NEWSPAPER SPECULATION BUT WHAT I AM HAPPY TO DO IS TO SAY THAT I AM SURE THAT WHENEVER VICE-PREMIER QIAN QICHEN WAS HAPPY TO GO TO LONDON, HE’D RECEIVE A COURTEOUS WELCOME. HE’LL BE A VERY WELCOMED VISITOR AND I AM SURE THAT HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE FOREIGN MINISTER AND WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN AS CONSTRUCTIVE AND CIVILISED MANNER AS WERE HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH DOUGLAS HURD AT THE UNITED NATIONS A FEW MONTHS AGO. I REPEAT, HE IS ALWAYS A WELCOMED VISITOR TO LONDON. ANY OTHERS? ONCE AGAIN, SORRY TO KEEP YOU ALL WAITING. HAVE A GOOD EVENING.
/3........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
3
15 VMS TRANSFERRED
*****
FIFTEEN VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS (VMS) WERE TRANSFERRED FROM THE HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING TO VICTORIA PRISON IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR RETURN HOME UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP).
EARLY THIS MORNING, 11 VMS COMPRISING TWO MEN, SEVEN WOMEN AND TWO BOYS, PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR TRANSFER FOLLOWING COUNSELLING BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) STAFF.
FOUR OTHERS, THREE MEN AND ONE WOMAN, WHO CLIMBED ON TO THE ROOFTOPS OF THREE HUTS, CAME DOWN SHORTLY BEFORE 10 AM.
AS WAS THE CASE WITH THE 39 VMS WHO LEFT THE DETENTION CENTRE YESTERDAY, ALL 15 WERE TRANSFERRED TO VICTORIA PRISON TO UNDERGO PREFLIGHT DOCUMENTATION AND MEDICAL CHECKS PRIOR TO THEIR REPATRIATION ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE MIGRANTS LEFT THE CENTRE VOLUNTARILY.
"THE COUNSELLING WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS WAS CLEARLY EFFECTIVE AND MUCH CREDIT IS DUE TO THE STAFF OF CSD."
THE OPERATION WAS SMOOTH AND WAS COMPLETED IN LESS THAN ONE HOUR.
IN ALL, FIVE VMS WERE MEDICALLY EXAMINED BY THE END OF THE OPERATION. THREE WERE FOUND TO HAVE MINOR INJURIES AND WERE TREATED. THE REMAINING TWO DID NOT REQUIRE ANY TREATMENT. ONE CSD OFFICER SUSTAINED ABRASIONS TO HIS HAND.
MR BRESNIHAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO THE ORP. "THE EXERCISE THIS MORNING WAS A MEASURE OF ITS RESOLVE TO REPATRIATE ALL SCREENED-OUT VMS TO VIETNAM."
------0-------
CONCERTED EFFORTS IN FIGHTING AGAINST AIDS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO EVERYTHING TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF AIDS AND WOULD PROVIDE NOT JUST MEDICAL CARE BUT ALSO COUNSELLING AND A FULL RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH HIV AND AIDS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, SAID THIS WHILE OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994 OPENING DAY TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE PIAZZA OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.
"WE SHALL CONTINUE IN OUR EFFORTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT AIDS, AND TO INSTIL IN THE COMMUNITY AN INFORMED, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE APPROACH TO THE DISEASE," MRS FOK SAID.
/THE HONG .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
4
THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT 1994 FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 4 WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION, AIDS CONCERN AND HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN RESPONSE AND SUPPORT OF THE WORLD AIDS DAY ON THE FIRST OF DECEMBER.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S WORLD AIDS DAY FOCUSED ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILIES AND AIDS.
”IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HELD WITHIN THE HONG KONG AIDS FORTNIGHT, PREVENTION OF AIDS WILL START FROM THE FAMILY,” SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, MS CARLYE TSUI, WHO ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION, DR LEONG CHE-HUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF AIDS CONCERN, MR CHARLES YANG; THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR MARGARET CHAN; THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, MR HUI YIN-FAT; THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU AND THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL RADIO 2, MR THOMAS CHOW.
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EXHIBITION, GAMES BOOTHS, CONCERT, MAZE, CHILDREN’S CHOIR, DRAMA, MAGIC AND ACROBATICS PERFORMANCES WERE ORGANISED DURING THE OPENING DAY. THESE ACTIVITIES ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WHO WERE THRILLED WITH LAUGHTER AND JOY.
IN THE AIDS FORTNIGHT PERIOD, A DIVERSE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WOULD ALSO BE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, HONG KONG AIDS FOUNDATION, AIDS CONCERN, HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND OTHER AIDS GROUPS.
“THEY ALL MM AT PROMOTING PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT AIDS," MS CARLYE TSUI SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT PARENTS WILL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THESE ACTIVITIES ALONG WITH THEIR CHILDREN AS PART OF THEIR FAMILY EDUCATION,” SHE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
CONDUCT COUNCIL TO HOLD BY-ELECTTON *****
MEMBERS OF SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS IN THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION ARE URGED TO VOTE IN A BY-ELECTION IN DECEMBER 1994 TO FILL A VACANT SEAT IN THEIR CATEGORY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE BY-ELECTION FOLLOWED THE RESIGNATION OF A COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS PANG CHU WAI-SEE, WHO REPRESENTED SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS ON THE COUNCIL.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED THREE NOMINATIONS FOR THE VACANT SEAT. THE CANDIDATES ARE:
* MR LAI SIU-KI OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION;
/MRS MAK
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
5
* MRS MAK LAU SIU-MING, SHARINA, OF THE HONG KONG HOME ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION; AND
* MISS TSUI WAI-CHUEN, GRACE, OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID VOTING WOULD BE CARRIED OUT ON A ONE-ORGANISATION-ONE-VOTE BASIS AND THAT EACH ORGANISATION WAS REQUESTED, APART FROM CHOOSING ONE CANDIDATE, TO NOMINATE AN EXTRA CANDIDATE AS A SECOND CHOICE.
HE SAID A CANDIDATE SHOULD NOT BE CHOSEN AS BOTH THE FIRST CHOICE- AND THE SECOND CHOICE, OTHERWISE THE VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE AS A SECOND CHOICE WOULD BE CONSIDERED NULL AND VOID.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED CHAIRMEN OF THE SUBJECT-RELATED ORGANISATIONS THAT THE COMPLETED VOTING RESULT RETURN FORM, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN SENT TO MEMBER ORGANISATIONS, IN A SEALED ENVELOPE BY HAND OR REGISTERED MAIL SHOULD REACH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 20.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION, DR CHENG KAI-MING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE COUNTING OF VOTES AT 2.30 PM ON DECEMBER 21, WHEN THE ENVELOPES WILL BE UNSEALED IN FRONT OF CONCERNED ORGANISATIONS AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
ENQUIRIES ON THE BY-ELECTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MRS ANNA LEE ON TEL 892 6635.
- - _ - 0-----------
DEADLINE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS
* * * ♦ *
BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS MUST APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION BEFORE NOVEMBER 30 OR FACE HEAVY FINES AND POSSIBLE IMPRISONMENT.
IN ANOTHER REMINDER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) SAID 77 OPERATORS, OR MORE THAN HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER, HAD SO FAR REGISTERED WITH THE OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY (OLA).
HE REITERATED THAT ANY PERSON WHO OPERATED A BEDSPACE APARTMENT WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION OR A LICENCE WILL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
THE OPERATOR WILL ALSO BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000 FOR EACH DAY DURING WHICH THE OFFENCE CONTINUES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION WOULD PROVISIONALLY EXEMPT A BEDSPACE APARTMENT FROM OBTAINING A LICENCE.
HE SAID A GRACE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WOULD BE GIVEN TO OPERATORS TO UPGRADE THEIR PREMISES TO MEET THE LICENSING CRITERIA.
/COPIES OF .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1994
6
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET - "HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE" - ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OLA
FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST WING, 500 HENNESSY
ON
THE
THE
SEVENTH BAY AND
ROAD,
CAUSEWAY
NOTE TO
DISTRICT OFFICES.
EDITORS:
A LEAFLET ON "HOW TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER APARTMENTS ORDINANCE" (IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE) CAN BE GIS NEWSROOM.
THE
BEDSPACE
COLLECTED AT
- - 0 - -
f
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE SO.
HK-VIETNAM TO STRENGTHEN TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS: STI......................................... 1
MONITORS' REPORT ON VIETNAMESE OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS.... 2
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR OCTOBER 1994.................... 3
EUROPEAN UNION ENLARGEMENT TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS....... 9
CONSERVATION IN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONE AREA.................. 9
SAFETY CULTURE ON WORK SITES.............................. 11
SERVICE CHILDREN'S ART DOMINATES CITY HALL EXHIBITION... 12
ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1995 ON SALE................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 13
FRESH WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI AND WONG TAI SIN............ 13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.... 13
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
HK-VIETNAM TO STRENGTHEN TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS: STI ♦ * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, TODAY (MONDAY) HAD AN INTENSIVE ROUND OF DISCUSSIONS WITH VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON WAYS TO BROADEN AND STRENGTHEN TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VIETNAM.
THE DISCUSSIONS INVOLVED SENIOR VIETNAMESE OFFICIALS INCLUDING THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, MR TRAN DUC LUONG; THE MINISTER OF TRADE, MR LE VAN TRIET; AND OFFICIALS OF THE STATE PLANNING COMMITTEE AND THE STATE COMMITTEE FOR CO-OPERATION AND INVESTMENT.
DURING THE MEETINGS, BOTH SIDES AGREED THERE WERE MUTUAL BENEFITS TO BE GAINED FROM DEVELOPING CLOSER TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS.
THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A VARIETY OF WAYS INCLUDING INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VISITS, IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, OF OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG AND VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENTS.
MR CHAU SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS PREPARED TO FACILITATE VISITS BY VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SO THEY COULD SEE HOW THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARRIVED AT DECISIONS RELATING TO A RANGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF FINANCIAL MARKETS, TOURISM, MANPOWER TRAINING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.
“FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD TODAY, THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS TO HELP TN THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIETNAM.
"WE ARE ALREADY THE TOP INVESTOR IN VIETNAM IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF PROJECTS APPROVED, BUT THERE IS MORE THAT CAN BE DONE," HE SAID.
"AT OUR MEETINGS, THE VIETNAMESE EMPHASISED THAT THEY WERE LOOKING TO HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS FOR FURTHER INVESTMENT."
MR CHAU STRESSED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTERFERE IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL DECISIONS WERE LEFT FOR BUSINESS TO TAKE, ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ALSO RAISED IN GENERAL TERMS THE CURRENT ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND HOPED A SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND QUICKLY.
"A RAPID RESOLUTION TO THE VIETNAMESE MIGRANT ISSUE WOULD ENCOURAGE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC AS WELL AS TOURISM RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VIETNAM," MR CHAU ADDED.
/THE SECRETARY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 2 -
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY IS HEADING A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO VIETNAM - THE FIRST ALL-GOVERNMENT MISSION OF ITS KIND TO THE COUNTRY. MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE; THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER; THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG; PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST, MR H Y CHEUNG; AND DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN ASHTON.
IN ADDITION TO THE SERIES OF MEETINGS, MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION GAVE PRESENTATIONS TO A WORKSHOP ON ’’STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND VIETNAM”. THIS WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 60 PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS AND LEADING VIETNAMESE BUSINESSES DEALING WITH HONG KONG.
TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THERE WILL BE FURTHER MEETINGS IN HANOI INCLUDING THE VIETNAMESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, OFFICIALS OF THE PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE, THE MINISTER OF LIGHT INDUSTRY, THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE BANK.
MONITORS’ REPORT ON VIETNAMESE OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS ♦ * * ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE INDEPENDENT MONITORS WHO OBSERVED THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OPERATION YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) HAD SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MONITORING TEAM COMPRISED TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, MR ROBERT CHAN CHIN-YUAN AND MR MICHAEL CHENG TAK-KIN; AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM OXFAM, MISS LINDA HITCHCOX, AND FROM CHRISTIAN ACTION, MRS CHEUNG ANG SIEW-MEI AND MR CHESTER LO TAK-YUN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS GRATEFUL TO THE MONITORS FOR CONTRIBUTING THEIR TIME TO OBSERVING THE OPERATION AND PRODUCING A REPORT EFFICIENTLY.
”WE WILL CERTAINLY CONSIDER THE POINTS MADE IN THE REPORT WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER IMPROVING FUTURE OPERATIONS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MONITORS COMMENTED, AMONG OTHERS, THAT AT ALL TIMES, BOTH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND POLICE OFFICERS HAD BEHAVED WITH RESTRAINT AND CALM.
"LIKEWISE, THE VIETNAMESE CAMP POPULATION GENERALLY WERE ACTING IN A RESTRAINED WAY WITH NO EXCESSIVE FORCE," THE REPORT SAID.
--------0-----------
/3 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
3
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR OCTOBER 1994
* » * * I
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) IN OCTOBER WAS 7.9% HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1993, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED A FURTHER MODERATION FROM THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 9.8% IN AUGUST AND 8.6% IN SEPTEMBER.
COMMENTING ON THE CPI FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE SLOWER INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) IN OCTOBER WAS MAINLY BECAUSE OF A FURTHER MODERATION IN THE PRICES OF VEGETABLES, WHICH DECREASED BY 26% IN OCTOBER 1994 WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1993.
"THE VOLATILE FOOD COMPONENT APART, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF MOST OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE CPI REMAINED BROADLY SIMILAR TO THOSE RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
"THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR COMPONENT HAD A FASTER PRICE INCREASE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, AND THIS WAS DUE PARTLY TO HIGHER IMPORT PRICES FOR SUCH ITEMS.
"THOSE COMPONENTS IN THE CPI WHICH RECORDED FASTER-THAN-AVERAGE INCREASES IN PRICES, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING MORE TO OVERALL INFLATION THAN THE OTHER COMPONENTS, CONTINUED TO BE HOUSING RENTALS, VARIOUS CONSUMER SERVICES, TRANSPORT, AND CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.
"TAKING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS TOGETHER, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 8.0%. THIS WAS LOWER THAN THE AVERAGE INCREASE OF 8.5% IN 1993 AND THE OFFICIAL FORECAST ALSO OF 8.5% FOR 1994 AS A WHOLE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) AND THE HANG SENG CPI WERE 9.0% AND 10.5% RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER 1994. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN SEPTEMBER 1994 WERE 9.0% AND 10.2% RESPECTIVELY.
THE SLIGHTLY FASTER YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE HANG SENG CPI IN OCTOBER THAN IN SEPTEMBER WAS MAINLY BECAUSE OF A MORE RAPID INCREASE IN CHARGES FOR MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME AND IN PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE EFFECT OF LOWER VEGETABLE PRICES.
THE COMPOSITE CPI, WHICH IS COMPILED BASED ON THE COMBINED EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS COVERED BY THE THREE CPIS, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 9.0% IN OCTOBER 1994 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1993. THIS WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 9.2% IN SEPTEMBER.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1994 WITH OCTOBER 1993, RELATIVELY SLOWER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR FOOD (EXCLUDING MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME) (1.3% IN THE CPI(A) AND 2.2% IN THE CPI(B)); DURABLE GOODS (3.2% AND 3.3%); ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (3.3% AND 4.2%); FUEL AND LIGHT (5.1% AND 5.2%); AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME (7.6% AND 7.5%).
/ON THE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
ON THE OTHER HAND, RELATIVELY FASTER PRICE INCREASES THAN THE OVERALL AVERAGE WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR (14.9% IN THE CPI(A) AND 15.8% IN THE CPI(B)); HOUSING (11.9% AND 13.1%); MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES (11.7% AND 10.7%); TRANSPORT (9.4% AND 9.3%); AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS (9.2% AND 7.9%).
COMPARING OCTOBER 1994 WITH SEPTEMBER 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED BY 0.5% AND 0.9% RESPECTIVELY.
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.8% AND 9.2% RESPECTIVELY OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 1994, THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WERE, ON AVERAGE, HIGHER BY 8.1% AND 8.4% RESPECTIVELY THAN IN THE PRECEDING 12-MONTH PERIOD.
SEASONALLY ADJUSTED SERIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THE CPIS. THE DESEASONALISED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.8% AND 1.0% RESPECTIVELY PER MONTH DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1994.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1-2 AND CHARTS 1-4.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT” FOR OCTOBER 1994, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $16.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS, CONTACT SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 805 6403. DETAILS REGARDING THE HANG SENG CPI ARE CONTAINED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
/Table 1 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
5 -
Table 1 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for October 1994
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100) Ccmposite CPI
CPI(A) CPI (B) Hang Seng CPI
Index for % change over Index for % change over Index for % change over Index for % change over
Component Oct 94 Oct 93 Oct 94 Oct 93 Oct 94 Oct 93 Oct 94 Oct 93
food 143.6 +4.6 . 145.4 -5.4 148.8 -8.6 145.3 +5.6
Meals bought away from hare 154.2 +7.6 154.0 *7.5 156.8 -11.8 154.7 +8.5
Food, excluding meals bought away frail hare 133.0 +1.3 133.5 135.0 -2.7 133.5 +1.8
Housing 171.6 •11.9 174.1 -13.1 178.9 -15.0 174.8 •13.3
Fuel and light 126.7 +5.1 126.2 -5.2 126.0 -5.4 126.4 +5.2
Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 187.7 +3.3 178.5 -4.2 174.3 -4.5 182.6 -3.8
Clothing and footwear 146.4 -14.9 148.9 -15.8 153.8 -9.6 149.9 -13.4
Durable goods 114.2 ♦3.2 114.1 -3.3 119.5 -3.2 115.7 -3.2
Miscellaneous goods 139.0 +9.2 134.2 -7.9 131.7 -7.2 135.3 *8.2
Transport 150.5 ♦9.4 149.1 -9.3 148.1 -9.0 149.3 -9.2
Miscellaneous sendees 166.6 *11.7 160.3 +10.7 149.9 *9.1 159.1 *10.6
All itens 151.1 ♦7.9 152.2 -9.0 155.3 -10.5 152.6 -9.0
Monthly consumer price indices are compiled on the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the nonth. The expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based on those patterns derived from the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based on the expenditure pattern of about 50% of households in Hong Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-59,999 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to $3,600-514,600 at 1994 prices). The CPI(B) is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of 510,000-517,499 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to 514,600-$26,000 at 1994 prices). The Hang Seng CPI is based on the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,50O-$37,499 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to $26,000-$56,000 at 1994 prices).
Whereas the CPI (A), CPI (B) and Hang Seng CPI are based on the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Oaiposite CPI is ccnpiled based on the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI sho' the impact of consumer price changes cn different groups of households, the Ccrrposite CPI shows the inpact of consuner price changes on the household sector generally.
/Table 2 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
6
Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for January 1992 - October 1994
(Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)
Year/month CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Composite CPI
1992 January 119.7 119.3 119.4 119.5
February 121.8 121.2 121.0 121.4
March 122.5 121.9 121.8 122.1
April 124.0 123.4 122.9 123.5
May 124.0 123.8 124.2 124.0
June 125.3 125.1 125.2 125.2
July 125.5 125.4 125.4 125.4
August 125.6 125.9 125.8 125.8
September 128.3 127.9 127.5 128.0
October 128.4 128.4 128.6 128.5
November 128.5 129.0 129.9 129.0
December 129.3 129.8 130.0 129.7
1993 January 131.8 131 .6 131.5 131 .7
February 132.4 132.2 132.0 132.2
March 132.0 132.2 133.1 132.4
April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9
'fay 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
September 150.3 150.8 153.4 151.3
October 151.1 152.2 155.3 152.6
/Chart 1 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 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 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 8 -
Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI
Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI
/9
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
9 -
EUROPEAN UNION ENLARGEMENT TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS
*****
A TRADE DEPARTMENT DELEGATION, LED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR KEVIN HO, LEAVES FOR BRUSSELS TONIGHT FOR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS STARTING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 23) WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION.
THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE CONSULTATIONS IS ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS OF EXISTING COMMUNITY QUANTITATIVE LIMITS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EXPECTED ACCESSION OF AUSTRIA, FINLAND, NORWAY AND SWEDEN TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) ON JANUARY 1, 1995.
"IT IS OUR POSITION THAT THE FUTURE REGIME GOVERNING TEXTILES IMPORTS INTO THE ENLARGED COMMUNITY SHOULD BE NO MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE SUM OF EXISTING REGIMES.
"WE AIM AT SECURING ADEQUATE QUOTA ADJUSTMENTS SO AS TO PRESERVE OUR MARKET ACCESS TO THE ACCEDING COUNTRIES AND TO THE ENLARGED COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE," MR HO SAID BEFORE LEAVING FOR BRUSSELS.
AT PRESENT, THE HONG KONG/E'U TEXTILES AGREEMENT IS MORE COMPREHENSIVE IN COVERAGE (30 QUOTA CATEGORIES) WHEN COMPARED TO HONG KONG’S BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH AUSTRIA, FINLAND AND NORWAY (3-4 QUOTA CATEGORIES).
SWEDEN DOES NOT MAINTAIN ANY QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES IMPORTS AT ALL.
THEREFORE, ALIGNMENT OF THE TEXTILES REGIME IN THE ENLARGED EU WILL MEAN EXTENSION OF QUOTA RESTRAINTS FOR THE ACCEDING COUNTRIES.
IN 1993, SOME 74 PER CENT OF HONG KoNG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO THE EU WERE SUBJECT TO QUOTA RESTRAINT.
SO FAR AUSTRIA, FINLAND AND SWEDEN HAVE ALREADY VOTED "YES" TO ACCESSION. NORWAY’S NATIONAL REFERENDUM WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 28.
•Z/ ; i •
--------o - - - - ... •
CONSERVATION IN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONE AREA
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS AGREED TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR PRESERVING THE MAT PO NATURE RESERVE (MPNR) AND ITS ADJOINING WETLANDS.
IT HAS ALSO ENDORSED THE REVISED GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONE (DBBZ).
’* ■z i _ •
"IN VIEW OF THE MOUNTING PUBLIC CONCERN AND THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF WETLAND HABITAT WITHIN THE DBBZ AREA CAUSED BY THE CON 1’1 NUOUS HIGH PRESSURE FOR DEVELOPMENT, THE BOARD CONSIDERS THAT PLANN’l NG CONTROL ALONE CANNOT PROVIDE ENOUGH SAFEGUARD TO PRESERVE THE DBBZ AREA.
/"THEREFORE, THE ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 10 -
’’THEREFORE, THE BOARD URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVISE AN INTEGRATED CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND TO INTRODUCE A SEPARATE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANISATION TO REALISE THE PLANNING INTENTION OF CONSERVING THE WETLANDS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THE CREATION OF A GOVERNMENT OR QUASI-GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE MPNR AND THE DBBZ AREA; THE ACQUISITION OF SENSITIVE SITES WITHIN THE DBBZ AREA THROUGH LAND RESUMPTION, LAND EXCHANGE OR OTHER MEANS; AND THE DESIGNATION OF MAI PO MARSHES AND THE DBBZ AREA AS A "WETLAND OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE ESPECIALLY AS WATERFOWL HABITAT" UNDER THE RAMSAR CONVENTION AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
THE BOARD ALSO UNDERSTANDS THAT A CONSULTANCY STUDY WILL BE COMMISSIONED TO REVIEW THE ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF FISH PONDS AND TO ASSESS THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF WETLAND LOSS IN THE DEEP BAY AREA.
THE BOARD CONSIDERS IT ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF ALL THE IMPACTS THAT DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE MAI PO MARSHES WOULD HAVE ON THE AREA.
THE STUDY WILL RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE LAND USE ZONINGS AND LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH COULD BE SUSTAINED. THE FINDINGS WOULD BE USED IN THE FURTHER REVISIONS OF STATUTORY PLANS IN TERMS OF USE ZONING AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS AT A LATER STAGE.
"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT RESEARCH ON THE ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF FISH PONDS TO THE WILDLIFE IN THE DBBZ AREA, THE BOARD ALSO AGREED TO AMEND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN DEEP BAY BUFFER ZONE ENDORSED BY THE BOARD IN NOVEMBER 1993," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A MAJOR AMENDMENT IS TO REQUIRE AN APPLICANT TO SUBMIT AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF AT LEAST A 12-MONTH DURATION AS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL IN THE DBBZ AREA.
THIS CAN HELP TO PROVIDE A CLEAR PICTURE OF EXISTING WILDLIFE ON THE APPLICATION SITE AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE YEAR, IDENTIFY ANY IMPORTANT FLORA AND FAUNA THAT MAY EXHIBIT SEASONAL PATTERNS, AND HELP TO BUILD UP AN ECOLOGICAL DATABASE FOR THE DBBZ AREA.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS THE ADOPTION OF THE "PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE" BY THE BOARD IN CONSIDERING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS IN THE DBBZ AREA.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT ANY PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT THAT MAY POSE A THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY OF THE AREA WILL NOT BE ALLOWED EVEN IF THERE IS NO CONCLUSIVE SCIENTIFIC PROOF LINKING THAT PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL OR ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE.
IT IS UP TO THE APPLICANT TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOLOGICAL THREATS TO THE AREA WOULD BE INSIGNIFICANT.
COPIES OF THE GUIDELINES ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE PLANNING INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATION UNIT OF THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 16TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
/Il
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
SAFETY CULTURE ON WORK SITES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SOUGHT TO REPLACE A CULTURE OF CARELESSNESS ON WORK SITES WITH THE CULTURE OF SAFETY, THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE SAFETY CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, MR BLAKE SAID THE GOVERNMENT, BOTH AS THE REGULATORY BODY AND THE LARGEST CLIENT FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS, RECOGNISED ITS RESPONSIBILITY.
THE WORKS BRANCH WAS STEADILY AND INCREMENTALLY INTRODUCING
Management procedures into its contracts, mr blake said.
IF FULLY IMPLEMENTED, THEY WOULD ENSURE THAT AN ACTIVE ROLE WOULD BE TAKEN BY THE CONTRACTORS IN MAINTAINING SITE SAFETY, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE SAFETY CULTURE WHICH HAD BEEN DEVELOPED QUITE SUCCESSFULLY FOR AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS WERE NOW DIFFUSING TO NON-ACP WORK SITES.
"WE ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH A GUARANTEED PAYMENT FOR CARRYING OUT SPECIFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
"THIS WILL PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR THE CONTRACTOR TO FOLLOW SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND ENSURE THAT THEY WOULD NOT REDUCE THEIR SAFETY COMMITMENT IN ORDER TO MAKE THEIR BID MORE COMPETITIVE IN TENDERING."
IN ADDITION, MR BLAKE SAID REGULATORY CONTROL HAD BEEN INTRODUCED WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER I THIS YEAR TO SUSPEND CONTRACTORS FROM BIDDING GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD IN THE EVENT THEY EXCEEDED A SPECIFIED NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS FOR VIOLATION OF SAFETY REGULATIONS.
A CONTRACTORS AWARD SCHEME SIMILAR TO THAT FOR ACP CONTRACTS WAS ALSO UNDER CONSIDERATION, MR BLAKE ADDED.
OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO PROMOTE SAFETY ON WORK SITES INCLUDE PLANS TO SET UP SAFETY ADVISORY UNITS IN WORKS DEPARTMENTS, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE IN-HOUSE SAFETY TRAINING SCHEME WITHIN THE WORKS BRANCH TO PROVIDE BASIC AWARENESS TRAINING FOR SOME J,500 GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND SITE STAFF.
NOTING THAT 80 LIVES WERE LOST ON CONSTRUCTION SITES LAST YEAR, MR BLAKE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS COULD BE AVOIDED IF A CULTURE OF "WORK SAFE, THINK SAFE" COULD BE DEVELOPED.
HE URGED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO PUT EFFORTS IN PROMOTING SITE SAFETY.
"TO SAVE A HUMAN LIFE IS BETTER THAN TO CONSTRUCT SEVEN STOREYS OF BUDDHA," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 12 -
SERVICE CHILDREN’S ART DOMINATES CITY HALL EXHIBITION
*****
OVER HALF OF THE EXHIBITS AT AN EXHIBITION OF ART AT CITY HALL WERE PRODUCED BY CHILDREN FROM ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL, THE SERVICE CHILDREN’S SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KOWLOON TONG.
THE EXHIBITION FORMS PART OF THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL AND THE ARTS DEPARTMENT OF ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL WAS EXTREMELY PLEASED TO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THE PUPILS’ WORK AT SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS LOCATION.
ST GEORGE’S HAS A VERY HIGH REPUTATION FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AND AMONGST THE DISPLAYS ARE WORKS FROM PUPILS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE HIGHEST-POSSIBLE GRADES IN UK EXAMINATIONS.
THE EXHIBITION FEATURES WORK FROM 11 TO 18-YEAR OLDS AND DEMONSTRATES THE WIDE VARIETY OF ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES TAUGHT AT THE SCHOOL.
PAINTINGS INCLUDE STILL LIFE, HONG KONG SCENES AND SELFPORTRAITS WHILE ELSEWHERE IN THE EXHIBITION THERE ARE EXAMPLES OF POTTERY, CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE TOGETHER WITH GRAPHICS AND PRINTING.
THE EXHIBITION CAN BE SEEN IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY, SEVENTH FLOOR, CITY HALL, CENTRAL UNTIL SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 26).
A NUMBER OF OTHER WORKS DONE BY THE PUPIL*S WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE LANDMARK ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24 AND 25).
- - 0----------
ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1995 ON SALE *****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR 1995 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS.
THE THEME OF THE CALENDAR IS "PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICE", WHICH IS ALSO THE THEME OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY (MARCH 23) 1995.
IT DESCRIBES VARIOUS WEATHER FORECASTING AND WARNING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND CONTAINS USEFUL GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION SUCH AS RISING/SETTING TIMES OF THE SUN AND MOON, TIDE AND MONTHLY CLIMATOLOGICAL NORMALS AND EXTREMES.
THIS ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED CALENDAR WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFT.
IT CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AS WELL AS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS, 134A NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $60 A COPY.
--------0-----------
/13 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 13 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
* * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 87.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 515.197 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 483.844 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 82.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0--------
FRESH WATER CUTS IN YAU MA TEI AND WONG TAI SIN
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI AND WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 23) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES AT BATTERY STREET, KANSU STREET, MAN CHEONG STREET, MAN WUI STREET, FERRY STREET, MAN YING STREET, MAN WAI STREET AND CANTON ROAD IN YAU MA TEI.
THE WATER CUT IN WONG TAI SIN WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY HAMMER HILL ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, INCLUDING CHOI HUNG MTR STATION, NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGE AS WELL AS THE MARKET, INDOOR GAMES HALL AND FIRE STATION IN NGAU CHI WAN.
-----0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
• . $ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,384 0930 + 154
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,871 1000 + 132
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 132
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +1,131 1200 + 134
LAF TODAY -644 1500 + 134
1600 +1,131
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.6 »+0.1» 21.11.94
/HONG KONG .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1994
- 14 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1.WEEK 4.68 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.64 6.72
1 MONTH 4.78 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.82 7.12
3 MONTHS 5.21 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.46 7.44
6 MONTHS 5.55 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.15 7.72
12 MONTHS 6.17 TOTAL TURNOVER OF CLOSED 21 NOVEMBER 58 MONTHS BILLS AND ] 1994 5909 BONDS - 42, 7.45 587 MN 97.09 8.35
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SENIOR LEVEL APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED.......................... 1
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE PROMOTIONS......................... 5
LABOUR IMPORTATION CEILING RAISED FOR AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.................................................... 5
A NEW HOUSING BRANCH........................................ 8
LBAC BRIEFED ON HOUSING BRANCH.............................. 9
SCA SPEAKS ON 1995 ELECTIONS............................... 10
CHINESE DELEGATION TO VISIT HK............................. 12
URBAN RENEWAL VITAL TO COMMUNITY........................... 12
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RESPONDS TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES.......... 13
SPECIAL LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CONVENED............. 13
SALARY INDICES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES FOR JUNE 1994............................................ 14
THREE LOTS FOR SALE........................................ 17
LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO START............. 17
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS................ 18
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS.............. 19
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.. 20
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
1
SENIOR LEVEL APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) A APPOINTMENTS AT SENIOR LEVELS OF THE ADMINISTRATION.
SERIES OF
MR DOMINIC WONG, OBE, JP, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL BE APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HOUSING IN DECEMBER 1994.
MR PETER LAI, JP, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, WILL BE APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN FEBRUARY 1995. HE WILL SUCCEED MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, CBE, AE, JP, WHO HAS BEEN DIRECTED TO RETIRE IN THE INTEREST OF LOCALISATION.
MR BOWEN LEUNG, JP, PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, WILL BE APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS IN MAY 1995. HE WILL SUCCEED MR TONY EASON, JP, WHO HAS SIMILARLY BEEN DIRECTED TO RETIRE IN THE INTEREST OF LOCALISATION.
MR LAM WOON-KWONG, JP, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR DOMINIC WONG, OBE, JP AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. THIS SUPERSEDES THE EARLIER ANNOUNCEMENT OF MR LAM’S APPOINTMENT AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
MR STEPHEN IP, JP, COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, WILL BE APPOINTED COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
MRS PAMELA TAN, JP, DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR IP AS COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE.
MR ALAN LAI, JP, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MRS TAN AS DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
MISS JACQUELINE WILLIS, JP, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR LAM WOON-KWONG AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
MR STEPHEN LAM WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR PETER LAI AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS.
MR JOHN TSANG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR BOWEN LEUNG AS PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MR WONG SHING-WAH, DOMINIC, OBE, JP
AGED 52. MR WONG JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1991. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, SECURITY BRANCH, THE FORMER SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE POLICE AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH. HE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1984 TO 1988 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER FROM 1988 TO 1989. HE WAS APPOINTED POSTMASTER GENERAL FROM 1989 TO 1992. IN MAY 1992, HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
/MR LAI ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
2
MR LAI HING-LING, PETER, JP
AGED 43. MR LAI JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1994. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, SECURITY BRANCH, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE FORMER GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH. HE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE FORMER LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH FROM 1988 TO 1989 AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1989 TO 1991. HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS IN FEBRUARY 1991.
MR ASPREY ALISTAIR PETER, CBE, AE, JP
AGED 50. MR ASPREY JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1965 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN 1991. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN THE FORMER COLONIAL SECRETARIAT, THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. HE BECAME DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING FROM 1980 TO 1983, PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM 1984 TO 1987, DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE FORMER LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH FROM 1986 TO 1989, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY FROM 1989 TO 1990. HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR SECURITY IN FEBRUARY 1990.
MR LEUNG PO-WING, BOWEN, JP
AGED 45. MR LEUNG JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1992. HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SECURITY BRANCH, THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. HE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (FORMERLY TITLED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION) FROM 1987 TO 1990. HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS FROM 1990 TO 1992. HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN DECEMBER 1992.
MR EASON ANTHONY GORDON, JP
AGED 56. MR EASON JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1968 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN 1993. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE FORMER ENVIRONMENT BRANCH AND THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT. HE BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY IN THE FORMER LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH FROM 1981 TO 1986, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY FROM 1986 TO 1987, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1987 TO 1989. HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE FORMER BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FROM 1989 TO 1992. HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS IN APRIL 1992.
/MR LAM ........
3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
MR LAM WOON-KWONG, JP
AGED 43. MR LAM JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1974 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1993. DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF HIS CAREER, HE SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE THEN NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND LATER THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE BRANCH, THE THEN ENVIRONMENT BRANCH AND THE THEN UMELCO OFFICE. ON RETURN FROM A TRAINING COURSE AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY IN 1987, HE WAS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THEN DEPUTY DIRECTOR, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1991 TO 1993, WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
MR IP SHU-KWAN, STEPHEN, JP
AGED 43. MR IP JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1973 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1993. HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING HOUSING DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER UMELCO, THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE FORMER LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH. HE TOQK UP THE POST OF PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE FORMER MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH IN 1986 AND LATER BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY IN DECEMBER 1988. HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT TO DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER 1992 AND TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE IN MAY 1993.
MRS TAN KAM MI-WAH, PAMELA, JP
AGED 38. MRS TAN JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1977 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1993. SHE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FORMER SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, FINANCE BRANCH, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE, AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH. SHE BECAME PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FROM 1989 TO 1990 AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY RESPONSIBLE FOR INSURANCE POLICY IN THE FORMER ONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH FROM 1990 TO 1992. SHE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY HEAD, CENTRAL POLICY UNIT IN JULY 1992.
MR LAI NIN, ALAN, JP
AGED 43. MR LAI JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1976 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1993. HE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE FORMER UMELCO. HE WAS ON SECONDMENT TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION FROM 1984 TO 1987. HE ASSUMED DUTY AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE FROM 1987 TO 1991 AND LATER BECAME DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE FROM 1991 TO 1993. HE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION IN MARCH 1993.
/MISS WILLIS ......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
4
MISS WILLIS JACQUELINE ANN, JP
AGED 47. MISS WILLIS JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1969 AND ROSE TO HER PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN 1994. SHE HELD APPOINTMENTS IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE FORMER RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE FORMER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH. SHE WAS ON ATTACHMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN UK FROM 1987 TO 1988. SHE ASSUMED DUTY AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES IN 1988 AND LATER BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS FROM 1990 TO 1992. SHE TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN OCTOBER 1992.
MR LAM SUI-LUNG, STEPHEN
AGED 39. MR LAM JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1978 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1993. HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, THE FORMER MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE LONDON OFFICE. HE WAS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES FROM 1987 TO 1989 AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY FROM 1989 TO 1991. HE TOOK UP THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN TORONTO FROM 1991 TO 1994. HE HAS BEEN ON ATTACHMENT TO CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH SINCE SEPTEMBER 1994.
MR TSANG CHUN-WAH, JOHN
AGED 13. MR TSANG JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1982 AND ROSE TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN 1990. HE SERVED IN A NUMBER OF BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE BRANCH, THE FORMER ASSESSMENT OFFICE, THE FORMER OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING, ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND THE FORMER MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH. HE BECAME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FROM 198 TO 1991 AND TOOK UP THE PRESENT POST OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1991.
0-------
/5........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
5
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE PROMOTIONS * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE FOLLOWING PROMOTIONS TO THE SENIOR RANKS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE:
TO THE RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1995
MR HAIDER BARMA SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT
MR GORDON SIU SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES
MR DONALD TSANG SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY
MR NICHOLAS NG SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
TO THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A
WITH EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 1, 1995
MRS HELEN YU DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS
MR BOWEN LEUNG PRIVATE SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT HOUSE
MR LAM WOON-KWONG DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER
WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, 1995
MR KWONG KI-CH I DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY
--------0-----------
LABOUR IMPORTATION CEILING RAISED FOR AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AGREED TO RAISE THE CEILING OF THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS SCHEME (THE ACP SCHEME) TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR W K LAM, SAID CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW AIRPORT AND AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS NOW MOVING INTO A NEW PHASE OF ACTIVITY WITH THE AWARD IN THE COMING MONTHS OF MAJOR CONTRACTS TOTALLING APPROXIMATELY $35 BILLION.
”TO ENSURE THAT THESE CONTRACTS CAN BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN BUDGET AND AT THE SPEED REQUIRED, IT IS NECESSARY TO ADJUST THE CEILING OF THE ACP SCHEME UPWARDS IMMEDIATELY, FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF 5,500 TO 17,000, TO MEET THE WORKER REQUIREMENT OF THE ACP PROJECTS FOR WHICH FUNDS HAVE BEEN COMMITTED.
/"FURTHER REVISIONS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
6
"FURTHER REVISIONS OF THE IMPORTED LABOUR CEILING TO 27,000 MAY BE IMPLEMENTED WHEN ALL THE OTHER REMAINING ACP WORKS ARE COMMITTED AND FUNDED AND AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE TAKE-UP RATE UNDER THE FIRST REVISION AND THE CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE THEN," MR LAM SAID.
"THE NEW CEILING IS A PROSPECTIVE PEAK FIGURE WHICH, EVEN IF REACHED, WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR RELATIVELY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.
"IT WILL NOT RESULT IN ANY PERMANENT INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF IMPORTED LABOUR IN HONG KONG AS WORKERS ADMITTED UNDER THE ACP SCHEME MAY ONLY BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR A MAXIMUM OF TWO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS OF TWO YEARS EACH," HE SAID.
MR LAM SAID ACCORDING TO THE TERRITORY’S LABOUR PROJECTIONS FOR 1996, OF THE 62,000 LOCAL CONSTRUCTION SITE WORKERS AVAILABLE, 59,000 WILL BE EMPLOYED IN NON-ACP PROJECTS.
THIS LEAVES ONLY 3,000 LOCAL SITE WORKERS AVAILABLE FOR THE ACP PROJECTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PEAK DEMANDS FOR LABOUR FOR ALL AdP PROJECTS, WHICH WOULD OCCUR IN 1996, WOULD BE AROUND 30,000. THE SHORTFALL OF 27,000 MAY HAVE TO BE MET BY IMPORTED LABOUR.
"THE MARKET FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS HAS TIGHTENED IN RECENT MONTHS AS WORK ON THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS HAD INTENSIFIED. CONSTRUCTION SITE EMPLOYMENT TOTALS AROUND 58,000 RECENTLY," MR LAM SAID.
A SPECIAL SCHEME FOR IMPORTING UP TO 2,000 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ON ACP SITES WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1990. THE CEILING WAS RAISED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR TO 5,500.
BY NEXT MONTH, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS IMPORTED UNDER THE SCHEME WILL REACH 5,195.
AT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING LAST FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 18), MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT WITH FINANCIAL APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS, THERE WOULD BE URGENT NEED TO RAISE THE CEILING OF THE SCHEME TO COPE WITH THE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED AMOUNT OF WORKS THAT WOULD NOW HAVE BEEN FUNDED AND COMMITTED.
MR LAM SAID THE CRITERIA UNDER WHICH THE SCHEME OPERATED SHOULD ENSURE THAT JOBS WERE NOT TAKEN AWAY FROM LOCAL WORKERS AND THAT LOCAL WAGES ARE NOT UNDERCUT.
COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE TO SAFEGUARD THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF LOCAL WORKERS.
"CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED ACP WORKS CONTRACTS MAY APPLY TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR IMPORTATION OF WORKERS UNDER THE SCHEME.
"AS A PRE-REQUISITE, THEY MUST REGISTER THEIR VACANCIES WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR APPLICATION BY LOCAL JOB-SEEKERS.
"THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT JOB OFFERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO LOCAL WORKERS PRIOR TO GIVING APPROVAL TO INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS TO IMPORT LABOUR," MR LAM SAID.
/HE ALSO.......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
7
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT IMPORTED WORKERS WERE ONLY PERMITTED TO PERFORM DUTIES STIPULATED IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND NO CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT WOULD BE ALLOWED.
THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE LIMITED POOL OF IMPORTED WORKERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ACP CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE A GENUINE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM.
"IN THE EVENT OF REDUNDANCY, IMPORTED WORKERS WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE FIRST. THIS SERVES TO PREVENT DISPLACEMENT OF LOCAL WORKERS BY IMPORTED WORKERS," MR LAM SAID.
HE ADDED THAT A LIAISON GROUP, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, HAS BEEN SET UP TO MONITOR AND ASSESS THE APPLICATIONS UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE DIRECTOR OF NAPCO, MR BILLY LAM, SAID ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMME OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA), TENDERS FOR THE TWO MAJOR CONTRACTS FOR THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING WERE TO BE RETURNED IN EARLY DECEMBER 1994.
"IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT CONTRACTORS CURRENTLY TENDERING TO THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY (PAA) AND THE MTRC FOR COMMITTED CONTRACTS ARE ASSURED THAT THE NECESSARY LABOUR WOULD BE . AVAILABLE," MR LAM SAID.
THE COMMITTED ACP PROJECTS COMPRISE FUNDED WORKS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT, THE AIRPORT RAILWAY, CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND PROJECTS, AND THE WESTER^ HARBOUR CROSSING.
"THE SCHEME HAS BEEN EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY CONFIDENCE TO TENDERERS FOR ACP PROJECTS, ESPECIALLY INTERNATIONAL TENDERERS, THAT AVAILABILITY OF LABOUR WOULD NOT BE A CONSTRAINT ON THEIR WORK.
"THIS WILL HELP TO CONTAIN TENDER PRICES, IN LINE WITH OUR INTEREST IN KEEPING PROJECT COSTS WITHIN BUDGET," MR LAM SAID.
"WE HOPE THAT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WILL REALISE THAT WE HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION WORKLOAD AHEAD OF US, AND THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ACP PROJECTS TO PROCEED EXPEDITIOUSLY AND SMOOTHLY FOR TIMELY COMPLETION.
"THE ADDITIONAL IMPORTED WORKERS ARE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE CONSTRUCTION CAPACITY WILL BE HERE WHEN THE WORKLOAD IS ELEVATED PROGRESSIVELY TOWARDS ITS PEAK.
"FAILURE TO RENDER THIS CAPACITY WILL HAVE PROFOUND ADVERSE IMPLICATIONS FOR COSTS AND INFLATION, NOT ONLY FOR THE ACP PROJECTS BUT ALSO FOR OTHER PROJECTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, WITH SPILLOVER EFFECTS TO THE REST OF THE ECONOMY," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
/8 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
8
A NEW HOUSING BRANCH *****
A NEW HOUSING BRANCH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. IT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR THE PROVISION OF HOUSING IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AND FOR CO-ORDINATING GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN IMPLEMENTING HOUSING POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES.
THE NEW BRANCH WILL BE HEADED BY THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING.
THE SCHEDULE OF THE NEW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WILL ALSO COVER DEVELOPMENT OF REHOUSING POLICY IN URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AND RENT CONTROL IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE LATTER OF WHICH CURRENTLY RESTS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS.
THE CREATION OF THE BRANCH WILL NOT AFFECT THE STATUTORY AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY (HA). THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL REMAIN AS ITS EXECUTIVE ARM.
”A DEDICATED POLICY BRANCH WITH SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HOUSING WILL ENSURE THAT HOUSING IS GIVEN THE PRIORITY AND UNDIVIDED ATTENTION IT DESERVES,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER SENIOR STAFF IN THE NEW BRANCH WILL INCLUDE A DEPUTY SECRETARY, THREE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARIES, AND A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
THE BRANCH WILL HAVE FOUR DIVISIONS WHOSE TITLES AND FUNCTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PUBLIC HOUSING DIVISION
IT WILL FOSTER A CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HA, FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT THE SANDWICH CLASS HOUSING SCHEME.
PRIVATE HOUSING DIVISION
IT WILL ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS, ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF LAND TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR PRIVATE HOUSING AND WHERE NECESSARY, EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF HOUSING PROJECTS THROUGH THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL HOUSING PROJECT ACTION TEAM (HPAT) AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES. IT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET, INTRODUCING MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF HOME BUYERS AND REVIEWING THE RENT CONTROL POLICY.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT DIVISION
IT WILL CO-ORDINATE THE EFFORTS IN IDENTIFYING HOUSING SITES, DETERMINING PRIORITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR LAND SUPPLY FOR HOUSING, AND MONITORING PROGRESS THROUGH THE HPAT.
/ADMINISTRATION AND .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
9
ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
IT WILL PROVIDE GENERAL SUPPORT TO THE BRANCH, MONITOR AND REVIEW THE RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN LAND SUPPLY AND HOUSING PRODUCTION AND MANAGE EXPENDITURE FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS REQUIRED FOR IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE.
AS AN INTERIM ARRANGEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS WILL OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE HOUSING BRANCH UNTIL THE NEW SECRETARY IS IN POST IN DECEMBER.
------0--------
LBAC BRIEFED ON HOUSING BRANCH *****
THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) WAS BRIEFED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ORGANISATION OF THE NEW HOUSING BRANCH ESTABLISHED.
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR CHENG HON-KWAN, WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW OF THE OFFICE MARKET AND THE FINAL REPORT ON LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.
THE COMMITTEE WAS TOLD THAT THE HOUSING BRANCH WAS ESTABLISHED ON NOVEMBER 18 AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING AND CO-ORDINATING THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH AIMED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HOUSING TO MEET THE DEMAND, TO PROMOTE HOME OWNERSHIP AND TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE USE OF HOUSING RESOURCES IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WOULD ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING POLICIES AND PROVISION, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON MONITORING THE DEMAND FOR PRIVATE HOUSING SUPPLY, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF REHOUSING POLICY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THERE WERE FOUR DIVISIONS IN THE HOUSING BRANCH RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, PRIVATE HOUSING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
ON THE REVIEW OF THE OFFICE MARKET, THE COMMITTEE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRICES OF THE OFFICE ACCOMMODATIONS, IN PARTICULAR HIGH QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS, HAD INCREASED BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 33.5 PER CENT BETWEEN 1991 AND 1994.
BY COMPARISON, RENTAL HAD BEEN MORE MODERATE, AVERAGING 12.8 PER CENT ANNUALLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE SCOPE FOR SPECULATION WAS LIMITED SINCE OFFICES WERE PREDOMINANTLY OFFERED FOR RENT DIRECTLY BY THE DEVELOPERS.
SINCE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRAW A LINE BETWEEN INVESTORS AND SPECULATORS IN THE OFFICE MARKET WHERE BUYERS LOOKED FOR AN INVESTMENT RETURN, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT SEE THE NEED FOR ANY ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO DAMPEN SPECULATION AT THIS TIME.
/ON THE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
10
ON THE FINAL REPORT ON LAND AUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE PRESENT LAND DISPOSAL POLICY WORKED WELL AND THERE WAS NO NEED FOR DRASTIC CHANGES.
MEMBERS WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DISCUSSING WITH THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS AND HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS ON A PROPOSED REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR AUTHORISED PERSONS AND REGISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, AND AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE HAD BEEN REACHED FOR A SYSTEM WITH A GREATER ELEMENT OF SELF-REGULATION TO BE INTRODUCED WITHIN THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
- - 0---------
SCA SPEAKS ON 1995 ELECTIONS * t t » t
THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, TODAY (TUESDAY) EXPLAINED THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN NEXT SEPTEMBER’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT BOTH THE LEGCO ELECTIONS AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
IN A SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHWEST LUNCHEON MEETING, MR NG SAID AN ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON THE EXACT DATE FOR THE LEGCO ELECTIONS, WHICH WOULD RETURN HONG KONG’S FIRST COMPLETELY-ELECTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE WILL COMMENCE IN JANUARY AND WILL END ON JUNE 1, 1995.
AS FOR THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 5, THE NOMINATION PERIOD WILL COMMENCE ON JANUARY 9.
GIVING DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LEGCO ELECTIONS, MR NG SAID IT WOULD BE THREE ELECTIONS ROLLED INTO ONE.
"OF THE 60 SEATS, 20 WILL BE ELECTED FROM 20 SINGLE-SEAT GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTITUENCIES, 30 SEATS WILL BE FILLED BY FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND 10 SEATS WILL BE FILLED BY THOSE ELECTED FROM OPEN CANDIDATURE BY AN ELECTION COMMITTEE MADE UP OF THE 300-PLUS ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS," HE SAID.
MR NG SAID OF THE 30 FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, 21 WOULD BE ELECTED BY THE EXISTING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, WHILE THE NINE NEW ONES WOULD BE ELECTED BY ALL THOSE ELIGIBLE AMONG THE ESTIMATED 2.7 MILLION WORKFORCE, WHO WERE NOT ALREADY IN THE OLD FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES.
"DELINEATION OF THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE BASED ON THE BROAD INDUSTRIAL SECTORS UNDER THE HONG KONG STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION," HE SAID.
"OUR WORKFORCE WILL BE GROUPED ACCORDING TO THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN WHICH THEY WORK. A WORKING PERSON’S POST OR OCCUPATION IN THE WORK ORGANISATION IS NOT THE DETERMINING FACTOR.
/"FOR EXAMPLE ...
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
11
"FOR EXAMPLE, A DRIVER WHO WORKS FOR A MANUFACTURING FACTORY SHOULD REGISTER IN THE MANUFACTURING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY. SIMILARLY, A DRIVER WHO WORKS IN AN IMPORT/EXPORT FIRM SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE IMPORT AND EXPORT FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
"THE DRIVER WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY IN THESE TWO EXAMPLES. THE CHOICE OF A PARTICULAR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY FOR AN EMPLOYEE IS THEREFORE DEPENDENT ON THE MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS OF HIS EMPLOYER," HE EXPLAINED.
MR NG SAID TO FACILITATE PEOPLE TO REGISTER, THE AUTHORITIES HAD COME UP WITH A METHOD WHICH WOULD MAKE REGISTRATION EASY FOR THE 2.45 MILLION PEOPLE ALREADY ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL.
"TO BEGIN WITH, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL ASK ALL EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE THE NAME AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES, AS WELL AS CONFIRMATION ABOUT THEIR MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLASSIFYING THEIR EMPLOYEES.
"AFTER RECEIVING THE INFORMATION THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE WILL CHECK WHETHER THE EMPLOYEES ARE ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL AND IF SO, ALLOCATE A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY TO THEM ACCORDING TO THE EMPLOYER’S MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS.
"A NOTIFICATION WITH THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY IDENTIFIED WILL BE SENT TO THE EMPLOYEES THAT THEY WILL BE SO REGISTERED IF THEY HAVE NO OBJECTION," HE SAID.
MR NG GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT AN EMPLOYEE WHO RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION WOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DECLARE ANY CHANGE IN HIS CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE CHANGE OF EMPLOYER, OR TO MAKE A CHOICE OF HIS FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY BY COMPLETING A NEW APPLICATION FORM IF HE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IN MORE THAN ONE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
"HE CAN, OF COURSE, CHOOSE NOT TO REGISTER AS A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ELECTOR," HE ADDED.
AS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER IN A NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY BUT HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED IN THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL , THEY COULD APPLY TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER FOR REGISTRATION AT THE SAME TIME IN BOTH THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL AND A NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY.
"SELF-EMPLOYED, FREE-LANCERS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS COULD BECOME ELECTORS IN AN APPROPRIATE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY BY MAKING AN APPLICATION TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE," HE SAID.
WHILE CALLING ON ALL EMPLOYERS TO GIVE THE FORTHCOMING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY REGISTERING EXERCISE THEIR FULL CO-OPERATION, MR NG ADDRESSED SOME EMPLOYERS’ CONCERN ABOUT THE REQUIREMENT UNDER LAW TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES TO THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
12
HE SAID SUCH REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE EASY TO MEET AND THAT THERE WOULD BE PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS AND LEGAL SANCTIONS TO ENSURE THAT INFORMATION OBTAINED WOULD BE USED STRICTLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTER REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS.
"WE HAVE NO INTENTION TO INVADE ELECTORS’ PRIVACY, ONLY THE BARE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF INFORMATION IS BEING ASKED FOR," HE SAID.
"IN FACT, EMPLOYERS ARE ALREADY REQUIRED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND OTHER ORDINANCES TO KEEP RECORDS OF THEIR STAFF, INCLUDING THEIR NAMES AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS. WE ARE ONLY ASKING FOR READY INFORMATION," HE ADDED.
------0-------
CHINESE DELEGATION TO VISIT HK
*****
A CHINESE DELEGATION TO BE LED BY MR ZHAO BINGXIN, HEAD OF HONG KONG SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAO AFFAIRS OFFICE (HKMAO), CHINESE STATE COUNCIL, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 3.
THERE WILL BE SEVEN OTHER MEMBERS IN THE DELEGATION. THEY WORK IN THE STATE COUNCIL’S HKMAO, THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THIS WAS ONE IN A SERIES OF SPONSORED VISITS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SPONSORED VISIT PROGRAMME IS TO INCREASE CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS’ MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHER’S SYSTEMS AND WAYS OF LIFE.
THE DELEGATION WILL BE BRIEFED BY SENIOR HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON POLICIES RELATING TO THE ECONOMY, FINANCIAL AFFAIRS, SOCIAL WELFARE AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
------0-------
URBAN RENEWAL VITAL TO COMMUNITY *****
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HAS HAD TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS AND CONCERNS OF PEOPLE WHOSE PATTERNS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED BY ITS URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CORPORATION’S LI CHIT STREET URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT IN WAN CHAI TODAY (TUESDAY).
"BUT FACING THIS CHALLENGE, BRINGING RENEWAL TO OLD PARTS OF OUR CITY, IS AS VITAL FOR THE HEALTH AND FOR THE LIFE OF THIS COMMUNITY AS NEW RECLAMATION AND NEW DEVELOPMENT," MR PATTEN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE WHO SOUGHT TO BRING NEW LIFE TO OLD AND RUN-DOWN CITY AREAS FACED A FAR TOUGHER CHALLENGE.
/"THEY HAVE .......
13
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
"THEY HAVE TO COPE WITH THE CONSTRAINTS OF OLD PLANS AND OLD INFRASTRUCTURE."
"MORE IMPORTANT, THEY HAVE TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS AND TO THE LIFE OF EXISTING COMMUNITIES," HE ADDED.
MR PATTEN SAID THE LI CHIT STREET PROJECT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE CORPORATION, SHOWING TO THE COMMUNITY THE CARE AND QUALITY THAT IT WAS BRINGING TO THIS IMPORTANT BUT OFTEN DIFFICULT WORK OF URBAN RENEWAL.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION RESPONDS TO MEDIA ENQUIRIES
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE RESPONSE BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ABOUT HIS APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING:
"EDUCATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY AREA OF GREAT INTEREST. I FEEL SAD TO LEAVE THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. ON THE OTHER HAND, I AM GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION IN THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
"I THANK EVERYONE IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR AND ALL MY FRIENDS, INCLUDING MY LOYAL AND DEDICATED STAFF IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FOR THEIR ADVICE, SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION, WITHOUT WHICH THE SERIES OF MEASURES AIMED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL EDUCATION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED.
"I WELCOME MY SUCCESSOR, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, WHO IS AN ABLE ADMINISTRATOR WITH EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING EDUCATION POLICIES, AND WISH HIM WELL.
"I AM PLEASED TO BE GIVEN THE NEW JOB OF SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. IT IS AN INTERESTING, CHALLENGING AND BY NO MEANS EASY ONE. I SHALL TAKE UP THIS NEW APPOINTMENT IN MID-DECEMBER, AND WILL OFFER MY BEST SERVICE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING POLICIES AND MEASURES.”
------0-------
SPECIAL LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CONVENED * * ♦ * *
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HELD A SPECIAL MEETING THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON DURING WHICH TWO PROPOSALS RELATING TO AMENDING LABOUR LEGISLATION WERE DISCUSSED.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG. BOARD MEMBERS WERE ADVISED THAT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE TO IMPROVE THE COVERAGE OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND IN RESPECT OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT (SP).
THEY LEARNED THAT THE FUND FIRST CAME INTO OPERATION IN 1985 AND SINCE THEN ITS COVERAGE HAS BEEN IMPROVED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. A REVIEW OF THE FUND’S COVERAGE IN RESPECT OF SP HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
/HAVING STUDIED .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
14
HAVING STUDIED THE PATTERN OF APPLICANTS’ ENTITLEMENTS TO SP AND THE LIKELY FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ON THE FUND, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE LIMIT OF PAYING SP FROM THE FUND BE INCREASED FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF $8,000 PLUS 50 PER CENT OF ANY ENTITLEMENT IN EXCESS OF $8,000 TO $18,000 PLUS 50 PER CENT OF ANY ENTITLEMENT IN EXCESS OF $18,000.
THE PROPOSAL WAS GENERALLY AGREED BY THE MEMBERS.
BOARD MEMBERS ALSO CONSIDERED A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE TO BE PURCHASED BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THEY WERE BRIEFED THAT THERE WAS A GLOBAL TREND FOR THE REINSURANCE MARKET TO REFRAIN FROM PROVIDING REINSURANCE FOR AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT.
THIS MEANS THAT INSURERS IN HONG KONG WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO PROVIDE UNLIMITED EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE TO EMPLOYERS WHEN UNLIMITED REINSURANCE IS WITHDRAWN.
MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE GENERAL INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG HAS RECOMMENDED A MINIMUM LIMIT OF COVER OF $100 MILLION IN RESPECT OF CLAIMS RELATING TO ONE OR MORE EMPLOYEES ARISING OUT OF ANY ONE OCCURRENCE INCLUDING LEGAL COSTS.
THE PROPOSAL WAS ACCEPTED BY THE MEMBERS.
DURING THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS NOTED THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPECIAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME FOR THE NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED PROJECTS.
------0-------
SALARY INDICES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES FOR JUNE 1994 *****
THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, AS INDICATED BY THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A), INCREASED BY 10.4% BETWEEN JUNE 1994 AND JUNE 1993.
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), WHICH MEASURES CHANGES IN THE AVERAGE SALARY LEVEL ONLY FOR THOSE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH 1993 AND 1994, ROSE BY 14.7% OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE ABOVE RESULTS ARE BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE 1994 SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
/BOTH SALARY .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
15
BOTH SALARY INDICES (A) AND (B) ARE DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEASURING CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES OF SELECTED COMPANIES.
HOWEVER, BY CONFINING TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN 1993 AND 1994, THE SALARY INDEX (B) ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR SALARY CHANGES DUE TO GENERAL INCREMENT, MERITORIOUS INCREASE AND GAIN IN SENIORITY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SALARY INDEX (A) TAKES INTO ACCOUNT EFFECTS OF LABOUR MOBILITY AS WELL.
THE RATE OF INCREASE OF THE SALARY INDEX (B) IS USUALLY HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE SALARY INDEX (A) BECAUSE THE SALARY INDEX (A) INCLUDES THE SALARIES OF NEWLY RECRUITED AND NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES, WHO TEND TO BE PAID COMPARATIVELY LOWER SALARIES THAN THOSE ALREADY IN THE SAME RANK.
BETWEEN JUNE 1993 AND JUNE 1994, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES INCREASED BY 9.6% AND 10.6% RESPECTIVELY. AS REGARDS THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 13.1% AND 15.1% RESPECTIVELY.
THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1994 ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES BY THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, THE REAL SALARY INDICES ARE OBTAINED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED.
ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR COMPARISON, THE REAL SALARY INDICES (A) AND (B) REGISTERED INCREASES OF 0.2% AND 4.1% IN JUNE 1994 RESPECTIVELY.
AMONG THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES COVERED IN THE SURVEY, 66% OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO PROFIT-SHARING BONUS, 37% TO HOUSING BENEFITS OF SOME KIND AND 82% TO PROVIDENT/RETIREMENT FUND OR PENSION. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 88% OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) SINCE 1984 TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 200 LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES IS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES WORKING IN COMMON OCCUPATIONS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS ARE ENUMERATED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE SALARY RATE IS DEFINED TO INCLUDE, IN ADDITION TO BASIC SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, GUARANTEED YEAREND BONUS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF EMPLOYEES AT MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS, SUCH AS PROFIT-SHARING BONUS, ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF THE SALARY RATE.
/HOWEVER, STATISTICS ......
16
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
HOWEVER, STATISTICS ON FRINGE BENEFITS ARE SEPARATELY COMPILED THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY ENTITLED TO THEM.
DETAILS OF THE SALARY MOVEMENT, AVERAGE SALARY RATE FOR MAJOR OCCUPATIONS, AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS, TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE SURVEY METHODOLOGY, ARE PUBLISHED IN THE ”1994 REPORT OF SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT)”.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $25 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SALARY INDICES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 582 4746 OR 582 5595.
NOMINAL SALARY INDICES (A) AND (B) ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS FOR JUNE 1994
(JUNE 1983 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B)
MANUFACTURING/ELECTRICITY AND GAS 294.3 408.4
(+8.0) (+12.2)
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 322.8 493.2
AND RELATED TRADES (+12.4) (+18.4)
WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND 316.3 467.3
IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES (4-10.8) (+13.7)
TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 278.3 (+10.3) 413.3 (+12.9)
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE 361.8 (+9.8) 498.8 (+13.5)
ALL SECTORS ABOVE
319.6 (+10.4)
464.2 (+14.7)
NOTE: FIGURES IN BRACKETS ARE PERCENTAGE CHANGES FOR JUNE 1994 OVER JUNE 1993.
------0--------
/17.........................................
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994 -17 -
THREE LOTS FOR SALE * * » » t
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ON NOVEMBER 23 (WEDNESDAY). y
THE PUBLIC AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30.PM IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED AT 351-361 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 452 SQUARE METRES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES EXCLUDING GODOWN, WAREHOUSE, PETROL FILLING STATION, RETAIL (EXCEPT RETAIL BANKING), RESTAURANT, HOTEL, SERVICE APARTMENT AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED IN 212 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 83 SQUARE METRES.
THE LOWEST THREE FLOORS, INCLUDING ANY BASEMENT LEVEL, ARE TO BE USED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, BUT EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL, SERVICE APARTMENT AND PETROL FILLING STATION, AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING LOT IS SITUATED IN AREA 2, TAI PO KAU HUI, TAI PO. COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,367 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
A PRESS AREA WILL BE DESIGNATED AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENSES.
------0-------
LUNG CHEUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO START * ♦ » * ♦
WORKS TO IMPROVE THE SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL SOON START WITH THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CONTRACT MARKS THE PHASE II WORKS OF THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID THE $294-MILLION CONTRACT COMPRISED THE WIDENING OF ABOUT 2.3-KILOMETRE LONG DUAL-TWO TO DUAL-THREE LANE CARRIAGEWAY TOGETHER WITH THE FORMATION OF CUT AND FILL SLOPES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS, A FOOTBRIDGE NEAR PHOENIX HOUSE AND AN UNDERPASS TO CONNECT TO PHASE I CONTRACT WHICH IS ALREADY IN PROGRESS.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE LANDSCAPING WORKS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NOISE BARRIERS ALONG RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD TO REDUCE THE TRAFFIC NOISE LEVEL.
/WORKS WILL .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994 '
18
WORKS WILL START IN A FEW DAYS AND THE ROADWORKS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY JUNE 1997.
"ON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, A MORE DURABLE AND BETTER DRIVING ROAD WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE TRAFFIC BETWEEN EAST AND WEST KOWLOON," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
•
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL MAINTAIN TWO-LANE TRAFFIC IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE OTHER ROUTES TO BYPASS THE WORKS AREA WHERE TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.
’’LOCAL COMMUTERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE,” HE SAID.
------0--------
AUCTION OF LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS t ♦ * « ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL AUCTION 100 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 26) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE
AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING AT 9.30 AM. THEY ARE:
GE9931 CL9788 GE9388 XX489
GE9699 GE1498 BL8183 GE1861
♦CH3300 ♦AG3030 ♦ CC27 *FC171
DL925 GE338 GE3308 CH1029
GD8219 GE122 GE978 GE301
FC917 FM318 GE8889 GE448
GE877 GE591 GE6008 EA807
♦EF737 ♦AR656 ♦GE303 ♦AR727
GE205 GE998 AA489 GE8034
GE8892 XX657 GE6689 GF807
GE4515 GE443 »DB2626 GE550
AV6160 CF1227 GF1029 *GE1717
AC489 GF169
IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM, ANOTHER 50 LUCKY VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
GE8868 AG1838 GE2328 HK1797
BC8219 GE228 GF3168 GE1689
*DB100 *FC9 »GA4 »ET91
GE6669 GE668 GE 1398 AC379
GF9388 GE8893 GE832 GF2016
GE893 AW1018 CM1688 GF925
AH148 CL6318 GE6638 GF3186
*DA27 *5683 »FR7 *GE161
GE3363 GF2818 GF978 GE6636
GF882 EF807 CC3778 BT530
GF4111 HK81 I *AK4747 AB139
AK910 GF3089 CX439 ♦CH5050
GF812 CC809
/♦SPECIAL VEHICLE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
19
* 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 THE AUCTION, AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE CONDUCT THEREOF, WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTIONS WILL BE THE 248TH AND 249TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDER RESULTS
« » » * *
TENDER DATE 22 NOV 94 22 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER ISSUE NUMBER AMOUNT APPLIED AMOUNT ALLOTTED AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED PRO RATA RATIO AVERAGE TENDER YIELD HONG EF BILLS EF BILLS Q447 H478 HKD6,060 MN HKDl,850 MN HKDl,500 MN HKD800 MN 5.22 PCT 5.61 PCT 5.23 PCT 5.63 PCT ABOUT 51 PCT ABOUT 20 PCT 5.26 PCT 5.63 PCT KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 28 TENDER DATE 29 NOV 94 PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS ISSUE NUMBER Q448 ISSUE DATE 30 NOV 94 MATURITY DATE 1 MAR 95 TENOR 91 DAYS AMOUNT ON OFFER HKD1,5OO + 300 0 NOV 1994 - 29 NOV 94 EF BILLS Y496 30 NOV 94 29 NOV 95 364 DAYS MN HKD500 + 150 MN
/20.......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1994
20
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,871 0930 -338
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,210 1000 -338
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -143
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY' -143 1200 -143
LAF TODAY -518 1500 -143
1600 -143
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.5 ♦-0.1* 22.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.78 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.64 6.72
1 MONTH 4.81 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.80 7.13
3 MONTHS 5.21 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.43 7.45
6 MONTHS 5.57 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.12 7.73
12 MONTHS 6.19 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.10 8.35
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,614 MN
CLOSED 22 NOVEMBER 1994 ■>
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK WILL DO WELL IN THE NEXT CENTURY: CS................. 1
HK'S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD AMONG BEST IN ASIA............. 2
THREE GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $576 MILLION................... 4
HK TRADE DELEGATION VISITS HO CHI MINH CITY............. 4
PASCUTTO TO HEAD COMPANIES REVIEW....................... 5
GOVT CARES FOR THE ELDERLY.............................. 6
PLANNING DEPARTMENT REGRETS ACTION BY SURVEY OFFICERS. 7
NO E COLI BACTERIA IN DRINKING WATER.................... 8
CLUB CERTIFICATE FEES TO BE REVISED NEXT YEAR........... 9
CERTAIN POWERS IN HANDLING MARITIME MATTERS TRANSFERRED .... 9
LATEST HK-REGISTERED CONTAINER SHIP WELCOMED........... 10
SCHOOLS NEED PARENTAL SUPPORT.......................... 11
MONETARY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES QUARTERLY BULLETIN....... 11
STUDY HALL EXTERIOR DECLARED "DEEMED MONUMENT"......... 12
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET............................. 13
RENT CONTROL DIVISION ON MOVE.......................... 13
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF HUNG HOM CLINIC............... 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS ....
14
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
1
HK WILL DO WELL IN THE NEXT CENTURY: CS t » t » t
HONG KONG IS THE ECONOMIC HUB OE EAST ASIA AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE "HONG KONG - 2001" CONFERENCE JN LONDON, MRS CHAN SAID SHE FOUND A GREAT DEAL THAT WAS POSITIVE AT HONG KONG IN THE NEXT CENTURY.
"1997 WILL BE WELL BEHIND US, AND A NEW AND CHINESE ERA WILL HAVE STARTED," SHE SAID.
"I DETECT A SIMILAR ATTITUDE AMONG OUR FRIENDS OVERSEAS, NOT LEAST, HERE IN BRITAIN. I BELIEVE THAT YOU, TOO, SEE 1997 AS OPENING THE DOOR TO A LARGER RELATIONSHIP.”
MRS (-HAN SAID THE REMARKABLE ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND SOCIAL PROGRESS SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN 1984 HAD BEEN REASSURING THAT HONG KONG COULD COPE WITH THF CHALLENGES OF 1997.
SHE NOTED THAT DURING THIS DECADE, TOTAL GDP HAD GONE UP BY 79 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS; TOTAL FOREIGN TRADE BY 350 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS; TOTAL TRADE WITH CHINA UP BY MORE THAN 500 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS; UNEMPLOYMENT DOWN FROM ALMOST 4 PER CENT TO LESS THAN 2 PER CENT; HOME-OWNERSHIP UP FROM 31 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION TO 48 PER CENT; AND THE OVERALL CRIME RATE DOWN BY 10 PER CENT.
POLITICALLY, THE COMMUNITY HAS FOUND THE SOCIAL DISCIPLINE TO ADJUST TO THE POLITICAL UNKNOWNS AND TO DEVELOP ITS EXECUTIVE-LED GOVERNMENT INTO A MORE OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE STYLE OF ADMINISTRATION.
"THIS REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL TO REASSURE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THEY CAN COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF 1997 AND MAKE THEIR PLANS FOR THE NEXT CENTURY WITH CONSIDERABLE CONFIDENCE."
SHE NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD A VERY CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE TERRITORY’S LONG-TERM BUSINESS SUCCESS.
"WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE A COMMUNITY THAT LIVES WITHIN ITS MEANS, WITH LOW TAXES AND A SMALL BUT EFFICIENT PUBLIC SECTOR," SHE SAID.
"WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR COMMITMENT TO FAIR AND OPEN MARKETS, OUR CONVICTION THAT COMPETITION AND FREE TRADE ARE THE BEST ENGINES OF GROWTH."
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO BELIEVED THAT TO MAINTAIN BUSINESS CONFIDENCE AND HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC SUCCESS, IT WAS NECESSARY TO PUT IN PLACE THE LEGISLATURE AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE RULE OF LAW AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD.
"HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC VITALITY IS ROOTED IN ITS WAY OF LIFE, A WAY OF LIFE THAT IS GUARANTEED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW," SHE SAID.
/MRS CHAN ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
2 -
MRS CHAN ALSO STRESSED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHINA’S OPEN DOOR POLICY TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
"THE OPEN DOOR POLICY HAS TRANSFORMED THE FACE OF CHINA. BUT ITS IMPACT HAS BEEN NO LESS PROFOUND FOR HONG KONG.
"IT IS A MATTER OF PRIDE FOR US THAT CHINA IS NOW TAKING ITS PLACE IN THE ECONOMIC AS WELL AS THE POLITICAL COUNCILS OF THE WORLD.
"HONG KONG KNOWS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE HOW FAR-REACHING ARE THE CHANGES IN CHINA AND HOW GREAT THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LIVES OF ITS CITIZENS. THIS KNOWLEDGE, 1 BELIEVE, IS ANOTHER SECURE FOUNDATION ON WHICH WE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HOPE TO BUILD OUR FUTURE.
"IT FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR PARTICULARLY WIDE FOR HONG KONG’S TRADERS AND INVESTORS, UNDERPINNING OUR BOOMING ECONOMY OVER THE LAST DECADE.
’’THE OPEN DOOR POLICY ALSO CLEARED THE WAY FOR A CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTION TO THE HISTORICAL PROBLEM OF HONG KONG.
"IT HELPED TO MAKE POSSIBLE OUR FUTURE AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, SO THAT THERE COULD BE ONE COUNTRY BUT TWO SEPARATE SYSTEMS.
"IN THE REMAINING YEARS OF TRANSITION, WE STAND READY TO COOPERATE CONSTRUCTIVELY WITH CHINA TO MAKE A REALITY OF THE ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE CHINESE ECONOMY IN ITS TRANSACTIONS WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
------0-------
HK’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD AMONG BEST IN ASIA *****
THE GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) ARE NOT CONFRONTATIONAL IN THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG, THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR DANIEL R FUNG, QC, SAID IN GENEVA TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A HEARING OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION, MR FUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT ENJOYED A CLOSE AND CORDIAL WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH NGOS, AND HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THEIR VIEWS AND CONCERNS IN THE PREPARATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM’S REPORT COVERING HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED NOT ONLY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH NGOS BUT, ADDITIONALLY, TO STRENGTHEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION WITH THEM IN THE FUTURE, HE SAID.
HONG KONG HAS BY AND LARGE A VERY IMPRESSIVE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, ONE WHICH MUST RANK AMONG THE VERY BEST IN ASIA, MR FUNG SAID.
/HE NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
3
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG FULLY OBSERVED AND RESPECTED INTERNATIONAL NORMS AND STANDARDS ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ABIDED BY A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS INCLUDING THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ICESCR).
FURTHER, THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD HAS RECENTLY BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING THE EXTENSION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW) TO HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID HONG KONG APPLIED 49 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS, WHICH COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH MOST MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY INTRODUCED A SEX DISCRIMINATION BILL INTO THE LEGISLATURE.
HE ADDED THAT A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES WERE BEING TAKEN TO FACILITATE THE HANDLING OF HUMAN RIGHTS DISPUTES, INCLUDING GIVING MORE RESOURCES TO THE JUDICIARY TO ENABLE IT TO OPEN SEPARATE LISTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS CASES AND MAKING LEGAL AID MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE PURSUING CLAIMS UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
"WE ARE DETERMINED TO MOVE AHEAD ON THESE AND OTHER INITIATIVES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE OUR EXISTING SYSTEMS AND TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE SHORTCOMINGS," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT COMPLACENT, HE SAID: "WE ARE AWARE THAT THERE ARE AREAS IN WHICH WE HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE FULLY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF ICESCR OR WHERE IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE TO THE EXISTING SYSTEMS."
"WE WILL ATTEMPT TO REMAIN VIGILANT AND STRIVE CONTINUOUSLY TO ATTAIN THE STANDARDS LAID DOWN UNDER THE COVENANT," HE SAID.
MR FUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT REGARD THE PRESENT HEARING AS BEING ADVERSARIAL IN NATURE.
BOTH NGOS AND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE LEGITIMATE AND COMPLEMENTARY ROLES TO PLAY IN THIS PROCESS, THE FORMER TO DRAW TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COMMITTEE WHAT THEY REGARD AS THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE DOMESTIC REGIME WHILE THE LATTER IS HERE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THE WRITTEN REPORT AND ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMITTEE SO AS ULTIMATELY TO ASSIST THE COMMITTEE IN ARRIVING AT A FAIR, ACCURATE AND BALANCED VIEW OF THE STATE OF HEALTH OF HUMAN RIGHTS ENJOYED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
------0-------
/4 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
4
THREE GOVT LOTS SOLD FOR $576 MILLION *****
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $576 MILLION AT THE PUBLIC LAND AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 2, TAI PO KAU HUI, TAI PO, WAS BOUGHT BY YINTALY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED AT $372 MILLION. BIDDING OPENED AT $250 MILLION.
WITH AN AREA OF 2,367 SQUARE METRES, IT IS INTENDED FOR NONINDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 8,500 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1998.
THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED IN 351-361 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, HAS AN AREA OF 452.1 SQUARE METRES. IT WAS SOLD TO FINE COSMOS DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AT $190 MILLION, WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $180 MILLION.
IT IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN, WAREHOUSE, PETROL FILLING STATION, RETAIL (EXCEPT RETAIL BANKING), RESTAURANT, HOTEL,, SERVICE APARTMENT AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL FLATS.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 4,070 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
THE THIRD LOT, AT 212 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, HAS AN AREA OF 83.5 SQUARE METRES. IT WAS SOLD TO SHEENSBURGH LIMITED AT $14 MILLION, WITH BIDDING OPENING AT $8 MILLION.
THE LOWEST THREE FLOORS, INCLUDING ANY BASEMENT LEVELS, ARE TO BE USED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, BUT EXCLUDING GODOWN, HOTEL, SERVICE APARTMENT AND PETROL FILLING STATION, AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 264 SQUARE METRES ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1997.
THE AUCTION WAS HELD IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR VICTOR LEUNG LOK-YIU.
-----0-------
HK TRADE DELEGATION VISITS HO CHI MINH CITY
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION TO VIETNAM ARRIVED IN HO CHI MINH CITY THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON FOLLOWING THREE DAYS OF HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS AND A BUSINESS WORKSHOP IN THE CAPITAL, HANOI.
THE DELEGATION LEADER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, DESCRIBED THE HANOI LEG OF THE VISIT AS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
/"WE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
5
"WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN GETTING ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG IS INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING BROADER AND DEEPER RELATIONS WITH VIETNAM ACROSS THE BOARD AND THAT HONG KONG IS AN IDEAL GATEWAY EOR TRADE WITH, AND INVESTMENT IN, VIETNAM.
"THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST FROM VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN HONG KONG’S EXPERTISE IN A NUMBER OF AREAS, INCLUDING FINANCIAL SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION AND TRADE PROMOTION," HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT INDICATED THAT IT WAS PARTICULARLY KEEN ON ATTRACTING FURTHER INVESTMENT FROM HONG KONG WHICH WAS ALREADY THE LEADING INVESTOR IN VIETNAM IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF PROJECTS APPROVED.
DURING DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS, MR CHAU STRESSED THAT, UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, HONG KONG’S EXISTING SYSTEMS WOULD CONTINUE UNCHANGED, INCLUDING ITS AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS ECONOMIC AND TRADING RELATIONS WITH TRADING PARTNERS AND THE CONTINUATION OF THE FREE TRADE AND OPEN ECONOMIC POLICIES.
LAST NIGHT, MR CHAU HOSTED A DINNER FOR SOME 40 VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LEADING VIETNAMESE BUSINESSMEN.
IN HO CHI MINH CITY, THE DELEGATION WILL HAVE MEETINGS WITH THE STATE COMMITTEE FOR CO-OPERATION AND INVESTMENT, MINISTRY OF TRADE REPRESENTATIVES, THE VIETCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF HO CHI MINH CITY. THEY WILL VISIT THE CITY’S EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MISS DENISE YUE; THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ELIZABETH BOSHER; THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR TAM WING-PONG; PRINCIPAL ECONOMIST MR H Y CHEUNG; AND DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER MR JOHN ASHTON.
------0-------
PASCUTTO TO HEAD COMPANIES REVIEW » * » * t
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ERMANNO PASCUTTO, THE FORMER DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, TO LEAD THE REVIEW OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE REVIEW, WHICH WILL INVOLVE STREAMLINING AND RATIONALISING THE LEGISLATION AS WELL AS DEALING WITH A NUMBER OF ISSUES OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR HONG KONG, IS EXPECTED TO RUN UNTIL THE END OF 1996.
A FINAL REPORT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY UPON ITS COMPLETION.
MR PASCUTTO, 41, IS CURRENTLY THE MANAGING PARTNER IN THE HONG KONG OFFICE OF A LEADING CANADIAN LAW FIRM AND HAS BEEN ENGAGED RECENTLY IN WORK RELATING TO ADVISING ON SECURITIES REGULATION AND FINANCING OF HONG KONG-CHINA-CANADA BUSINESSES.
/PRIOR TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
6
PRIOR TO COMING TO HONG KONG, HE WAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ONTARIO SECURITIES COMMISSION.
’’THIS REVIEW WILL BE AN IMPORTANT AND SUBSTANTIAL PROJECT. THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IS STILL BASED LARGELY ON ENGLISH COMPANY LAW OF 1929 AND 1948 OVERLAID WITH A VARIETY OF AD HOC AMENDMENTS,” MR PASCUTTO SAID.
’’MANY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE SINCE THE ORDINANCE WAS LAST REVIEWED IN THE EARLY 1970S.
’’THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAVE BEEN SET UP. COMPANIES ON THE REGISTER ARE NOW GETTING ON FOR HALF A MILLION. AND HONG KONG HAS EARNED INTERNATIONAL STATUS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRES.
’’WE SHOULD NOW TAKE STOCK AND CONSIDER WHETHER AND WHAT KIND OF CHANGES MIGHT BE NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE OPERATION OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG IN THE DECADES AHEAD.”
MR PASCUTTO EXPLAINED THAT WHILE THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND STANDARDS OF REGULATION IN THE TERRITORY’S FINANCIAL SECTOR HAD MATURED AND DEVELOPED ENORMOUSLY, COMPARATIVELY LESS ATTENTION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO SYSTEMIC ISSUES ON THE COMPANIES SIDE.
SUCH ISSUES INCLUDE WHETHER SMALL PRIVATE COMPANIES AND LARGE LISTED COMPANIES SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE SAME STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF LARGE LISTED COMPANIES REDOMICILING OVERSEAS WHILE CONDUCTING MOST OF THEIR BUSINESS IN OR FROM HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REVIEW WOULD COMPLEMENT THE ONGOING WORK OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM (SCCLR) WHICH LOOKED AT DAY-TO-DAY ISSUES AFFECTING BUSINESS OPERATION IN HONG KONG.
THE REVIEW WILL EXAMINE ISSUES OF A MORE STRUCTURAL NATURE, HE ADDED.
”1 AM KEEN TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF LOCAL PROFESSIONALS AND BUSINESSMEN ON SOME OF THE SPECIFIC TOPICS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE REVIEW, AND HOPE TO ESTABLISH ONE OR MORE SPECIALIST GROUPS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE,” MR PASCUTTO SAID.
GOVT CARES FOR THE ELDERLY ***** .
THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING BETTER CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND HELPING THEM TO LIVE OUT THEIR LIVES IN DIGNITY AFTER THEIR LONG YEARS OF SERVICE TO HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR PATTEN REITERATED THIS PLEDGE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED’S NEW KWAN FONG NIM CHEE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
/"LAST YEAR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
7
"LAST YEAR A WORKING GROUP
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF OUR SYSTEM OF
WAS SET UP TO CARRY
CARE FOR THE ELDERLY. .
OUT
A
"WE HAVE COMMITTED ALL THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE WORKING GROUP’S RECOMMENDATIONS UP TO THE YEAR 2000,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE INCREASING THE QUANTITY AND THE QUALITY OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, MR PATTEN SAID SEVEN NEW NURSING HOMES WOULD BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
* A NEW MONITORING UNIT AND COMPUTER NETWORK WERE BEING SET UP TO LINK ALL ELDERLY HOMES SO AS TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLACEMENT SERVICES, HE ADDED.
TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, HE SAID SEVEN NEW ELDERLY HEALTH CENTRES WOULD BE ESTABLISHED AND EACH OF THE EIGHT HOSPITAL IN THE TERRITORY WOULD BE SETTING UP A GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT CLINIC.
HE NOTED THAT FOUR ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY GERIATRIC TEAMS AND FOUR ADDITIONAL PSYCHOGER1ATRIC TEAMS ARE BEING SET UP TO IMPROVE OUTREACH MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"WE HAVE SET UP A FUND TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, TO HELP THEM TO INTRODUCE NEW SELF-FINANCING WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY,” MR PATTEN SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE HIGH STANDARD OF CARE FOR THE ELDERLY REFLECTED THE GRATITUDE THE COMMUNITY HELD FOR THOSE WHO HAD GIVEN THEIR LIVES’ WORK TO MAKE THIS COMMUNITY THE SUCCESS THAT 11 WAS.
----0----
PLANN1NG DEPARTMENT REGRETS ACTION BY SURVEY OFFICERS ♦ t t t ♦
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT REGRETS THAT MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL AND SURVEY OFFICERS WORKING IN THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT HAVE DECIDED TO TAKE A ONE-DAY LEAVE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING THAT ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION DUTIES WERE TAKEN UP BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1991 FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1991.
THE DECISION TO DEPLOY SURVEY OFFICER (PLANNING) GRADE OFFICERS TO UNDERTAKE SUCH DUTIES WAS MADE WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE STAFF SIDE.
SUBSEQUENT TO A REQUEST MADE BY THE ASSOCIATION, A WORKING PARTY COMPRISING BOTH STAFF AND MANAGEMENT WAS FORMED. THE WORKING PARTY HAS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED THE REQUEST MADE BY THE STAFF SIDE AND HAS REACHED AN AGREEMENT ON THE JOB DESCRIPTION OF ALL RANKS OF THE SURVEY OFFICER (PLANNING) GRADE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE WORKING PARTY HAS MANAGED TO NARROW THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES. THE OUTSTANDING ISSUE IS THE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL SURVEY OFFICERS REQUIRED TN UNDERTAKING ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION DUTIES.
/IN LINE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
8
IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY, THE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE NUMBER SHOULD RELATE TO BOTH THE LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY AND THE EXISTING AND ANTICIPATED WORKLOAD.
THE PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY THE ASSOCIATION THAT THERE SHOULD BE ONE PRINCIPAL SURVEY OFFICER TO ASSIST ONE SENIOR TOWN PLANNER MUST BE SUPPORTED WITH FULL JUSTIFICATIONS IN REGARD TO THESE TWO ASPECTS.
’’NEVERTHELESS, THE MANAGEMENT IS ALWAYS WILLING TO DISCUSS FURTHER WITH THE STAFF SIDE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MINIMISE THE DISRUPTION THAT MAY BE CAUSED WITH STAFF REDEPLOYMENT AND RESCHEDULING OF WORK PRIORITIES.
-----0-------
NO E COLI BACTERIA IN DRINKING WATER
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) POINTED OUT THAT THE DETECTION OF E COLI BACTERIA IN SOME OF THE WATER SAMPLES REFERRED TO IN A RECENT MEDIA REPORT COULD BE BECAUSE OF SAMPLING PROCEDURES AND CONTAMINATION OF WATER TAPS OR THE FILTERS ATTACHED TO THE TAPS.
HE SAID THE TEST RESULTS WERE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE QUALITY OF THE WATER SUPPLIED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
"THE TEST RESULTS OF THE WATER SAMPLES TAKEN EARLIER BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME DISTRICTS USING PROPER SAMPLING METHODS SHOWED NO E COLI BACTERIA IN THE WATER,” HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH SLIGHTLY HIGHER QUANTITIES OF MANGANESE AND ZINC WERE DETECTED IN SOME OF THE WATER SAMPLES REFERRED TO IN THE REPORT, THE EFFECTS OF THESE METALS ARE NOT SIMILAR TO THOSE COMMONLY KNOWN AS TOXIC HEAVY METALS SUCH AS LEAD, MERCURY AND CADMIUM WHICH PRESENT SERIOUS HEALTH DETRIMENT EVEN IN VERY MINUTE CONCENTRATIONS.
’’INDEED BOTH MANGANESE AND ZINC ARE ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS FOR NORMAL METABOLISM. CURRENTLY, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAS SET A PROVISIONAL HEALTH-BASED GUIDELINE VALUE OF 0.5 MILLIGRAM PER LITRE FOR MANGANESE IN DRINKING WATER, WHILST THE LEVEL OF THREE MILLIGRAMS PER LITRE IS SET FOR ZINC ON AESTHETIC GROUNDS ONLY,” HE SAID.
’’THE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE HEAVILY CORRODED PIPES AND DIRTY WATER TANKS ARE THE PRIME CAUSES OF THE HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF MANGANESE AND ZINC IN THE DISCOLOURED WATER SAMPLES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WATER HAS REMAINED STAGNANT IN THE WATER PIPES OVER A PROLONGED PERIOD.
’’THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CARRIES OUT INTENSIVE CONTINUOUS MONITORING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO ENSURE THAT THE QUALITY OF WATER SUPPLIED TO THE CONSUMERS FULLY COMPLIES WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S GUIDELINES CHEMICALLY AND BACTERIOLOGICALLY,” HE ADDED.
/9.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 9 - I
CLUB CERTIFICATE FEES TO BE REVISED NEXT YEAR
* * * * *
THE FEES FOR ISSUING AND RENEWING CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION AND CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE TO CLUB OPERATORS WILL BE REVISED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVEL SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COST OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR TO REFLECT THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION SINCE 1991, A RECENT COSTING EXERCISE HAD INDICATED THAT THE CURRENT FEES WERE STILL SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW COST.
AS A RESULT, A NEW SET OF FEES HAS BEEN WORKED OUT WITH THE AIM OF ACHIEVING FULL COSTS RECOVERY, HE ADDED.
UNDER THE NEW RATE, THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE AND RENEWAL OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION WILL BE INCREASED FROM $600 TO $660 WHILE THAT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WILL RANGE FROM $3,200 TO $49,000. DEPENDING ON THE GROSS AREA OF THE CLUB.
DETAILS OF FEE INCREASE ARE SET OUT IN THE CLUBS (SAFETY OF PREMISES) (FEES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
CLUB OPERATORS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE NEW FEES WHEN THEY APPLY FOR OR RENEW THEIR CERTIFICATES.
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO CNTA’S OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY ON TEL 881 7034.
------0--------
CERTAIN POWERS IN HANDLING MARITIME MATTERS TRANSFERRED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTRODUCING THE SHIPPING (MISCELLANEOUS POWERS) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO TRANSFER CERTAIN POWERS IN THE HANDLING OF MARITIME MATTERS FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OR THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION THE GOVERNOR HAS THE POWER TO:
» DESIGNATE PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, PUBLIC WATER-FRONTS OR EXCLUDED WATER-FRONTS UNDER THE PORT CONTROL (CARGO WORKING AREAS) ORDINANCE;
* DECLARE ANY AREA OF WATERS OF HONG KONG TO BE A PORT UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE;
* DECLARE ANY AREA OF THE WATERS OF HONG KONG TO BE AN AREA CLOSED TO DWELLING VESSELS AND WITHIN WHICH NO DWELLING VESSEL MAY ENTER OR REMAIN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (DWELLING VESSELS) REGULATIONS;
/♦GIVE DIRECTION .....’
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
10
* GIVE DIRECTION UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ORDINANCE TO SHIPS IN SHIPPING CASUALTIES TO PREVENT OR REDUCE POLLUTION WHICH MAY POSE DANGER TO HONG KONG, AND TO SPECIFY SUBSTANCE AS HAZARDOUS; AND
* SPECIFY REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION FOR OIL POLLUTION) ORDINANCE TO IMPLEMENT THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR COMPENSATION FOR OIL POLLUTION DAMAGE.
"THE EXERCISE OF ALL THESE POWERS DOES NOT GIVE RISE TO MAJOR POLICY OR RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS, THERE IS NO REASON WHY THEY NEED TO BE VESTED IN THE GOVERNOR PERSONALLY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE TRANSFER OF THESE POWERS FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OR THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL RELIEVE THE GOVERNOR OF INVOLVEMENT IN RELATIVELY MINOR ADMINISTRATIVE DETAIL," HE SAID.
THE BILL WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 25) AND WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7.
------0--------
LATEST HK-REGISTERED CONTAINER SHIP WELCOMED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR ALLAN PYRKE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED THE LATEST CONTAINER SHIP REGISTERED WITH THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, MV TRADE COSMOS, TO HONG KONG.
THE TRADE COSMOS WHICH LEFT THE SHIPYARD IN EUROPE LAST MONTH ARRIVED AT HONG KONG LAST NIGHT.
BUILT IN THE FLENSBURG SHIPYARD, GERMANY, THE 28,892 GROSS REGISTERED TONNE VESSEL WAS OWNED BY THE TRADE COSMOS SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED AND MANAGED BY THE WAH TUNG SHIPPING AGENCY COMPANY LIMITED.
THE SHIP IS THE SECOND VESSEL IN THE WORLD THAT ADOPTED THE ECOBOX DESIGN. THE DESIGN HAS VARIOUS ADVANTAGES AMONG WHICH IS LOW FUEL CONSUMPTION.
MR PYRKE WAS DELIGHTED THAT SUCH A VESSEL OF ADVANCED DESIGN HAD JOINED THE HONG KONG TONNAGE.
"THE TRADE COSMOS IS AN EXAMPLE OF QUALITY TONNAGE THAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR," HE SAID.
"OUR AIM OF SETTING UP A QUALITY REGISTER IS SUPPORTED BY LOCAL SHIPOWNERS WHO WILL NOT TRADE OFF QUALITY BY A LOWERING OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS," MR PYRKE ADDED.
FIVE OTHER SHIPS TO BE MANAGED BY THE WAH TUNG SHIPPING AGENCY COMPANY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF JOINING THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
------0-------
/Il .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 11
SCHOOLS NEED PARENTAL SUPPORT
*****
THE SUCCESS OF MANY IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TAKEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DEPENDS ON THE SUPPORT OF PARENTS AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY ARE PREPARED TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN SCHOOL AFFAIRS.
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, SAID: "EDUCATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IS A MATTER NOT ONLY FOR SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, BUT ALSO ONE FOR PARENTS."
HE STRESSED THAT GOOD PARENTAL SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING IS A KEY FACTOR LEADING TO THE SUCCESSFUL OPERATION OF SCHOOLS AND THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE COMMENDED ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE FOR HAVING AN ACTIVE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION WITH A LONG HISTORY OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE SCHOOLS AND PARENTS SINCE 1951.
MR WONG ALSO THANKED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS VERY POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION AND FOR THE SUPPORT IT HAD GIVEN TO THE DEPARTMENT BY PUBLISHING A BOOKLET ON HOME-SCHOOL CO-OPERATION, A MESSAGE THAT HE HAS BEEN DISSEMINATING REGULARLY IN THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
HE NOTED THAT THE COLLEGE HAD IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION BY MAKING LEARNING MORE PLEASURABLE AND EFFECTIVE. HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO DONE MUCH POSITIVE WORK AND PUBLICITY IN THIS REGARD IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
AT THE SAME TIME, MR WONG WAS GLAD TO KNOW THAT THE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT WAS NOW IN ITS FINAL PHASE WHICH, ON COMPLETION, NOT ONLY BENEFITED STUDENTS BUT ALSO YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEIGHBOURING AREAS BY PROVIDING MORE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
--- - ---------------------------o '
MONETARY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES QUARTERLY BULLETIN
*****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA) LAUNCHES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ITS QUARTERLY BULLETIN, WHICH CARRIES AN OFFICIAL ASSESSMENT OF BANKING AND MONETARY ACTIVITIES.
THE INAUGURAL ISSUE CONTAINS NINE ARTICLES, INCLUDING REVIEWS OF THE BANKING SECTOR’S PROFIT IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS AND THE NEW REGIME FOR THE SUPERVISION OF LIQUIDITY, AS WELL AS DISCUSSIONS ON HONG KONG’S INTEREST RATE STRUCTURE AND HKMA’S REVISED MODE OF MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS.
THE DEBUT OF THE BULLETIN FOLLOWS THAT OF THE MONTHLY STATISTICAL BULLETIN IN SEPTEMBER.
WHILE THE MONTHLY BULLETIN COMPRISES STATISTICAL TABLES, THE QUARTERLY BULLETIN PROVIDES A FORUM FOR THE HKMA TO PRESENT ITS VIEWS AND ANALYSIS ON REGULATORY AND POLICY ISSUES.
THE LAUNCH OF BOTH PUBLICATIONS UNDERSCORES HKMA’S COMMITMENT TO GREATER OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENCY.
/THE QUARTERLY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
12
THE QUARTERLY BULLETIN WILL BE PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER OF EACH YEAR. THE PUBLICATION, ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, MAY ALSO BE ORDERED FROM THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HKMA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FREE COPIES OF THE QUARTERLY BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PRESS AT HKMA’S RECEPTION DESK. A NEWS BRIEFING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON 30TH FLOOR, 3 GARDEN RAOD TO INTRODUCE THE BULLETIN.
------0--------
STUDY HALL EXTERIOR DECLARED "DEEMED MONUMENT"
* * * * *
THE EXTERIOR OF THE ENTRANCE HALL OF SHUT HING STUDY HALL AT TONG FONG TSUEN, PING SHAN, YUEN LONG, HAS BEEN DECLARED A "DEEMED MONUMENT" BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE SHUT HING STUDY HALL WAS BUILT IN THE 13TH YEAR OF TONGZHI REIGN (1874) IN THE LATE QING DYNASTY BY TANG KWAN-SHEK TO COMMEMORATE HIS FATHER TANG SHUT-HING.
THE TANGS OF PING SHAN HAVE BRANCHED OUT FROM KAM TIN AND HAVE SETTLED IN THE PING SHAN AREA SINCE THE 12TH CENTURY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THE STUDY HALL WAS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE TYPE, BUILT BY CRAFTSMEN AND MASONS FROM GUANGDONG.
IT WAS ORIGINALLY A TWO-HALL BUILDING WITH A CENTRAL COURTYARD SEPARATED BY A SPLENDID ARCH.
THIS ELABORATELY BUILT STUDY HALL WAS UNFORTUNATELY DEMOLISHED IN 1977, LEAVING ONLY THE ENTRANCE HALL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE OVERALL DECORATION OF THE REMAINING ENTRANCE HALL FULLY REFLECTS THE BYGONE SPLENDOUR OF THE HISTORIC BUILDING.
"ESPECIALLY NOTEWORTHY IS THE ARTISTIC EXECUTION OF THE PAIR OF DOOR-GOD IMAGES WHICH ARE RATED BY MANY AS THE BEST FOUND IN HONG KONG SO FAR."
THE STRUCTURE AND DECORATIONS OF THE ENTRANCE HALL REMAIN IN THEIR ORIGINAL FORMS.
ALTHOUGH THE ENTRANCE HALL IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, ITS DECORATION WORKS REQUIRE FULL RESTORATION TO BRING IT BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL SPLENDOUR.
RESTORATION WORK IS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
/APART FROM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
13
APART FROM THE ENTRANCE HALL OF THE SHUT HING STUDY HALL, A NUMBER OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN THE PING SHAN AREA HAVE ALSO BEEN DEEMED AS MONUMENTS.
THESE INCLUDE YU KIU ANCESTRAL HALL, KUNG TING STUDY HALL, CHING SHU HIN AND TSUI SHING LAU PAGODA WHICH WERE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN DECEMBER 1993 AS THE FIRST HERITAGE TRAIL IN HONG KONG.
------0-------
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 19, LUEN WO HUI, FANLING, HAS AN AREA OF 9,350 SQUARE METRES FOR USE AS A CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
THE SECOND LOT IS SITUATED AT TSING KING ROAD, AREA 2, TSING YI. COVERING AN AREA OF 1,620 SQUARE METRES, THE LOT IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A PUBLIC FEE-PAYING CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CAR AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, EXCLUDING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR THE TWO LOTS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 9.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE NORTH AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES.
TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE OFFICES.
------0-------
RENT CONTROL DIVISION ON MOVE
*****
THE RENT CONTROL DIVISION OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM HENNESSY CENTRE TO THIRD FLOOR, 111 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
VC
THE NEW OFFICE IS ONLY A FEW MINUTES’ WALK FROM HENNESSY CENTRE.
NORMAL BUSINESS WILL RESUME NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
THE MAIN TELEPHONE EXCHANGE NUMBERS ARE 805 7666 AND 805 7888.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES IS 805 7049.
THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL REMAIN IN THEIR PRESENT PREMISES AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 17TH FLOOR, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
------0-------
/14 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
14
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF HUNG HOM CLINIC
*****
WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING SERVICES AT THE HUNG HOM CLINIC OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN HUNG HOM WILL BE CHANGED.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: -
* GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT: 356 9281 (EXT 112)
* MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE: 356 9323
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THESE SERVICES COULD NO LONGER BE REACHED ON THE NUMBER 362 4173.
------0-------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,210 0930 + 715
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,590 1000 + 715
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 785
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 485 1200 + 785
LAF TODAY -105 1500 + 485
1600 + 485
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TW1 121.4 *-0.1* 23.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.80 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.72 6.66
1 MONTH 4.84 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.90 7.07
3 MONTHS 5.23 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.60 7.37
6 MONTHS 5.61 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.34 7.64
12 MONTHS 6.15 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.46 8.25
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 19,946 MN
CLOSED 23 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION DEBATE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION..................... 1
MARINE PARKS BILL INTRODUCED............................... 4
DUMPING AT SEA BILL INTRODUCED............................. 6
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 INTRODUCED................ 7
EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 INTRODUCED... 8
MOTION ON CNTA REORGANISATION.............................. 9
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES TO BE REVIEWED 10
WEST KOWLOON DRAINAGE SYSTEM............................ 11
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME................... 13
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS............................... 14
TRANSPARENT VOTER REGISTER FACILITATES PUBLIC SCRUTINY.. 16
LOK MA CHAU CROSSING NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES.......... is
/CENTRALISED INCINERATION
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY.......................... 20
. i
VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES ELECTION............................. 22
HEALTH SERVICES IN TIN SHUI WAI ADEQUATE..................... 24
PROGRAMME TO MONITOR DUST LEVELS AT GREENFIELD GARDEN..... 25
POLICE RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS.............................. 26
CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS ON PRIVATE LAND....................... 27
PUBLIC HOUSING CORRIDOR RAILINGS............................. 28
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT................ 29
PUBLIC HOSPITALS ADOPT GOOD INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES... 30
CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS........................ 31
TAX DISPUTES................................................. 32
INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION LEVEL............................. 34
LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING...................................... 36
MOTION ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION PASSED....................... 37
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
1
MOTION DEBATE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION AT THE LEGCO SITTING TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MADAM DEPUTY PRESIDENT,
I WOULD LIKE TO FIRST OF ALL THANK ALL THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN AND THANK THEIR VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS DEBATE. THEY INDICATE ONCE AGAIN THE PRIORITY AND IMPORTANCE MEMBERS AND THE WIDER COMMUNITY ATTACH TO PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION. WE SHARE A LOT OF COMMON GROUND WITH MANY MEMBERS IN THIS DEBATE. IT IS INDEED GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION TO MATCH RISING COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS.
IMPROVEMENTS TO KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION SHOULD REMAIN NON-COMPULSORY AND THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. WITHIN THIS BROAD POLICY FRAMEWORK, GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO A PROGRAMME OF SUPPORT AND IMPROVEMENTS WHICH AIM TO FACILITATE CHILDREN OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP TO HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION.
WE HAVE ALREADY DONE QUITE A LOT IN THIS DIRECTION. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS BY WAY OF REIMBURSEMENT OF RENTS AND RATES. TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR TEACHERS, BASIC AND ADVANCED TRAINING COURSES WERE ORGANISED, CURRICULUM GUIDELINES PRODUCED, AND NORMATIVE SALARY SCALES RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION BY KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS. LEGISLATION WAS ALSO INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE FOR A MINIMUM TEACHER TO PUPIL RATIO; AND A FEE REMISSION SCHEME INTRODUCED FOR NEEDY PARENTS. AS A RESULT OF THESE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES, THE WASTAGE OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLY REDUCED, FROM 30% A FEW YEARS AGO TO LESS THAN 20% LAST YEAR.
BUT WE ACCEPT THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE. IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS YEAR’S POLICY ADDRESS AND IN RESPONSE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED BY THE AD HOC SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION EARLIER THIS YEAR, GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON MORE INITIATIVES. THESE INCLUDE:
(A) SPENDING 54% MORE ON THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO ENABLE 4,000 MORE CHILDREN TO BENEFIT;
(B) RAISING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR KINDERGARTEN
TEACHERS FROM COMPLETION OF FORM THREE TO COMPLETION OF SECONDARY FIVE WITH AT LEAST TWO PASSES IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION;
/(C) SPENDING $163M ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 2 -
(C) SPENDING $163M IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND TRAINING FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR 1,130 SERVING TEACHERS IN 1995-96, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW CERTIFICATE COURSE IN THE SAME YEAR. WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION ON THESE COURSES AND I WELCOME THE ASSURANCE GIVEN TO THIS COUNCIL BY THE HON SIMON IP IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTE;
(D) WE ALSO REQUIRE EACH KINDERGARTEN TO HAVE AT LEAST 40% OF THEIR TEACHERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING BY SEPTEMBER 1995 AND BY SEPTEMBER 1997 WE WILL REQUIRE THAT TRAINED TEACHERS, AT LEAST 40% OF THE TEACHERS, SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED ADVANCED TRAINING.
IN ADDITION, WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF DIRECTLY SUBSIDISING KINDERGARTENS AND TAKE A DECISION ON THIS MATTER IN 1995.
THIS LAST COMMITMENT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF LIVELY DISCUSSION IN THIS COUNCIL AND THE WIDER EDUCATION COMMUNITY SINCE IT WAS ANNOUNCED.
THE CASE FOR INTRODUCING DIRECT SUBSIDY TO KINDERGARTENS HAS BEEN WELL ARGUED BY MEMBERS. AN IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROPOSAL IS TO ENABLE KINDERGARTENS TO PAY THEIR TRAINED TEACHERS AT SALARIES RECOMMENDED BY THE GOVERNMENT SO THAT THEY MAY RETAIN EXPERTISE, REDUCE WASTAGE, AND HENCE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION. WE ACCEPT THE LOGIC OF THIS ARGUMENT. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE WIDE RANGE OF KINDERGARTENS IN OPERATION - HALF-DAY AND FULL DAY; PROFIT-MAKING AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING; AND THE WIDELY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FEES BEING CHARGED - THE FORMULATION OF A SUITABLE SUBSIDY SCHEME IS A COMPLEX EXERCISE. AN EXERCISE NOT MADE EASIER BY THE FACT THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF KINDERGARTENS ARE NOT PAYING THEIR TRAINED TEACHERS RECOMMENDED SALARIES; NOT MADE EASIER BY THE FACT THAT INDIVIDUAL KINDERGARTEN FEES RANGE FROM A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS AT ONE END OF THE SPECTRUM TO A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS AT THE OTHER END WITH VAST VARIATIONS IN BETWEEN; AND ABOVE ALL BY THE NEED TO TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE REPERCUSSIONS ON THE LEVELS OF FEES WHICH KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE IN ORDER TO PAY THEIR TRAINED TEACHERS AT RECOMMENDED SALARIES. ALSO ANOTHER AREA WE MUST EXAMINE CAREFULLY IS THE IMPLICATION OF SUCH SUBSIDY ON THE OPERATION OF OUR CHILD CARE CENTRES, AN IMPORTANT ASPECT WHICH MEMBERS WOULD NOT WISH US TO OVERLOOK.
WE ARE AT THE MOMENT EXAMINING THIS COMPLEX SUBJECT URGENTLY WITH A VIEW TO DEVISING AN APPROPRIATE AND WORKABLE SUBSIDY SCHEME AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. THEREAFTER, PROVIDED THAT THE NECESSARY POLICY APPROVAL CAN BE OBTAINED AND FUNDING SECURED, WE HOPE TO MAKE A START ON THE SCHEME IN SEPTEMBER 1995. THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN PLAN TO ACHIEVE UNDER THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
/UNIFICATION OF .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
3
UNIFICATION OF PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES
I NOW TURN TO THE PROPOSAL TO UNIFY PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES.
THE QUESTION OF UNIFICATION OF KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES WAS CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 1989 IN THE CONTEXT OF EXAMINING THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2. THE VIEW OF THE ADMINISTRATION THEN WAS THAT CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS SERVED DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS. IN THE CASE OF CHILD CARE CENTRES, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROVIDE CARE FOR AND TO MEET THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF THE VERY YOUNG CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS CANNOT LOOK AFTER THEM DURING THE DAY. IN THE CASE OF KINDERGARTENS, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION, ALBEIT OF AN INFORMAL AND NON-ACADEMIC KIND. THIS ROLE DIFFERENTIATION REMAINS A REALITY AT PRESENT.
TO FOLLOW UP THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2, A WORKING PARTY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1990, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TO ADVISE ON IMPROVEMENTS TO KINDERGARTENS AND ON THE PRACTICALITIES OF UNIFYING ALL PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES. AS STATED IN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO IMPROVEMENTS TO KINDERGARTENS AS THE LATTER AIM IS A LONG-TERM GOAL. AS A RESULT, THE WORKING PARTY HAS YET TO LOOK AT THE PRACTICALITIES OF UNIFICATION.
UNIFICATION OF PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES IN TERMS OF COMMON REGULATORY STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS, FINANCING MODE, STAFF QUALIFICATION AND SALARY, STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMME AND CURRICULUM WILL HAVE WIDE IMPLICATIONS ON BOTH TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS. THIS IS RECOGNISED BY SUCCESSIVE WORKING PARTIES APPOINTED TO EXAMINE THE ISSUE. INVARIABLY, THEY HAVE CONCLUDED THAT UNIFICATION SHOULD BE APPROACHED WITH GREAT CARE AND THAT IT SHOULD BE A LONG-TERM GOAL. IRRESPECTIVE OF THESE PAST STUDIES, WE SEE THE NEED TO ADDRESS THIS DIFFICULT ISSUE EARLY AS WE SEEK FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE KINDERGARTEN SECTOR. WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. IN THIS REGARD, THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE AD HOC SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION SHOULD SERVE AS A GOOD STARTING POINT. AS MEMBERS MAY BE AWARE, THIS SUB-COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT PRIORITY CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON CURRICULUM COMPRISING BOTH EDUCATION AND CARE; THE PROVISION OF COMMON TEACHER TRAINING COURSES; AND THE NARROWING OF THE GAP IN THE STANDARDS OF PROVISION APPLICABLE TO BOTH KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES. THESE SOUND REASONABLE STARTING POINTS. I SHALL THEREFORE ASK THE SAID WORKING PARTY TO START WORK ON THESE ISSUES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, WE SHALL STRENGTHEN THE WORKING PARTY BY APPOINTING TO IT FOUR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS, NAMELY -
♦ ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS CO-CHAIRMAN;
* TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CHILD CARE SECTOR; AND
♦ ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH.
/THESE ADDITIONAL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
4
THESE ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS, PLUS THE EXISTING MEMBERS WHICH INCLUDE ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS, SHOULD PROVIDE THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED TO TAKE THIS IMPORTANT TASK FORWARD. BUT I HAVE TO POINT OUT ONCE AGAIN THAT UNIFICATION OF THESE TWO TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS IS A VERY COMPLICATED SUBJECT AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF STAFF AND MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND CHILDREN. WE MUST NOT THEREFORE SACRIFICE PRUDENCE AT THE EXPENSE OF SPEED. I EXPECT THE WORKING PARTY TO SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND TO MYSELF BEFORE THE END OF 1995.
MR PRESIDENT, WHILE WE ARE WORKING AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN ON THE QUESTION OF DIRECT SUBSIDY, A POLICY DECISION HAS YET TO BE TAKEN AND THE FUNDING HAS YET TO BE SECURED. SO WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION IS IN PRINCIPLE IN SUPPORT OF MEASURES TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION AND WE HAVE ALSO ACCEPTED THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE QUESTION OF UNIFICATION OF KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES, IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR US TO COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO THIS MOTION AT THE PRESENT STAGE. EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON THIS MOTION. THANK YOU.
------0-------
MARINE PARKS BILL INTRODUCED
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MARINE PARKS BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE MARINE PARKS BILL TO BE READ THE SECOND TIME.
THE AIM OF THE MARINE PARKS BILL IS TO PROTECT VALUABLE SEA AREAS IDENTIFIED AS ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT BY DESIGNATING THEM AS MARINE PARKS OR MARINE RESERVES. MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED LAST OCTOBER ON THIS PROPOSAL AFTER THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD AGREED TO IT IN PRINCIPLE AND HAD ALSO AGREED THAT NEW LEGISLATION SHOULD BE PREPARED. ACCORDINGLY, THE BILL HAS BEEN PREPARED.
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WILL BE THE AUTHORITY WHO WILL CONTROL AND MANAGE MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD. BECAUSE OF THIS EXTENSION OF ITS ROLE, THE BOARD WILL BE RENAMED AS THE COUNTRY AND MARINE PARKS BOARD.
THE PROCEDURES FOR THE DESIGNATION OF MARINE PARKS OR MARINE RESERVES UNDER THE NEW LAW WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE PROCEDURES SET OUT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF COUNTRY PARKS UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE. THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WILL DIRECT THE AUTHORITY TO PREPARE A DRAFT MAP OF A PROPOSED MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE. THE AUTHORITY WILL PUBLISH THE NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE AND NEWSPAPERS, AND MAKE THE DRAFT MAP AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
/FROM THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 5 -
FROM THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE UP TO WHEN THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL APPROVES OR REJECTS THE DRAFT MAP THE NEW LAW WILL NOT ALLOW NEW DEVELOPMENT TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN A PROPOSED MARINE PARK OR MARINE RESERVE WITHOUT THE . PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY. AFTER THE AREA IS APPROVED AND DESIGNATED, DEVELOPMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONTROLLED.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL PROVIDE FOR PROCEDURES FOR OBJECTIONS. ANYONE WHO OBJECTS TO A DRAFT MAP MAY SEND A WRITTEN STATEMENT TO THE AUTHORITY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE. HEARINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD. WITHIN A 6 MONTH PERIOD STARTING FROM THE LAST DAY ALLOWED FOR OBJECTIONS, THE AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THE DRAFT MAP TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL, ACCOMPANIED BY A SCHEDULE OF OBJECTIONS AND THE AUTHORITY’S REPRESENTATIONS, AS WELL AS A SCHEDULE OF AMENDMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO DIRECTIONS FROM THE BOARD TO MEET OBJECTIONS HEARD.
AFTER A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, THE AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO PLACE A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE, NOTIFYING EITHER A REFUSAL TO APPROVE OR THE DEPOSIT OF THE APPROVED MAP.
THERE WILL BE PROVISIONS FOR THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS FOR THE PROPER CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF MARINE PARKS AND MARINE RESERVES. IT IS INTENDED THAT NO FISHING ACTIVITIES WILL BE ALLOWED IN MARINE RESERVES. IF THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF FISHING GROUNDS, EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE TO ANY FISHERMEN AFFECTED. THE AUTHORITY MAY GRANT A LICENCE OR PERMIT FOR FISHING AND OTHER CONTROLLED ACTIVITIES WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS.
MR PRESIDENT, THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL ENABLE CONSERVATION OF IMPORTANT MARINE AREAS IN HONG KONG AND WILL PROVIDE A LEGAL BASIS FOR THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTANT MARINE RESOURCES. THIS IS A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT SHOULD BE WELCOME BY ALL. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN OUR EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT - NOT ONLY FOR OUR OWN BENEFIT BUT ALSO FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. IN PREPARING THE DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS BILL, WE HAVE CONSULTED MEMBERS OF GREEN GROUPS AND OTHER INTEREST GROUPS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES. WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED MARINE PARKS PROGRAMME.
AFTER THE BILL’S PASSAGE BY THIS COUNCIL, IT IS OUR INTENTION TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMME IMMEDIATELY. IT WILL BEGIN WITH THE DESIGNATION OF TWO MARINE PARKS AT HOI HA WAN AND YAN CHAU TONG AND ONE MARINE RESERVE AT CAPE D’ AGUILAR.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
/6.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
6
DUMPING AT SEA BILL INTRODUCED * » ♦ t t
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DUMPING AT SEA BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE DUMPING AT SEA BILL. THE BILL SEEKS TO LOCALISE THE PROVISIONS OF THE DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975 SO THAT EXISTING CONTROL ON MARINE DUMPING ACTIVITIES CAN CONTINUE AFTER 30 JUNE 1997. IT ALSO ADDRESSES DEFICIENCIES IN THE OPERATION OF THE EXISTING CONTROL SCHEME AND THE NEEDS TO INCREASE PENALTIES.
THE DUMPING OF WASTE AT SEA IS GOVERNED BY THE LONDON CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION BY THE DUMPING OF WASTES AT SEA, AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY EXTENDED TO HONG KONG BY HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT THROUGH AN OVERSEAS TERRITORIES ORDER IN 1975. SINCE THEN HONG KONG HAS BEEN CARRYING OUT ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LONDON CONVENTION BY APPLYING THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDER. THE BILL ENABLES US TO REPLACE THE 1975 ORDER BY LOCAL LEGISLATION.
THE BILL CONTAINS SEVERAL MAJOR PROVISIONS. PART IV OF THE BILL SPECIFIES THAT THE WASTE PRODUCER SHOULD APPLY FOR A PERMIT FROM THE AUTHORITY BEFORE COMMISSIONING A DUMPING OR INCINERATION ACT AT SEA. THE OPERATOR ENGAGED BY THE WASTE PRODUCER TO CARRY OUT THE DUMPING SHOULD NOT TAKE ON BOARD WASTE FOR DUMPING UNLESS HE IS SATISFIED THAT THE WASTE PRODUCER HAS A PERMIT AS REQUIRED. PART VIII OF THE BILL PROVIDES FOR A RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION OR DIRECTION OF THE AUTHORITY.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO ADDRESS SEVERAL DEFICIENCIES IN THE OPERATION OF THE CONTROL SCHEME BASED ON THE 1975 ORDER, AND TO INCREASE PENALTIES.
FIRSTLY, PART V OF THE BILL ENABLES THE AUTHORITY TO SERVE ABATEMENT NOTICES IN RESPECT OF MARINE POLLUTION RESULTING FROM DREDGING, BORROWING, MARINE STOCKPILING AND OTHER MARITIME CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABATEMENT NOTICE WILL BE AN OFFENCE. WE WILL PROMULGATE A TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ESTABLISHING THE PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING ABATEMENT NOTICES. WE INTEND TO IMPLEMENT THESE CONTROLS WITHIN TWO YEARS OF THE BILL BECOMING LAW AND AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED PARTIES.
SECONDLY, POWERS ARE NOW PROVIDED IN PART VI OF THE BILL TO ENABLE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST IMPENDING OFFENCES. FOR INSTANCE, IN CASES WHERE A BARGE IS LOADED WITH WASTE MATERIALS WITHOUT A DUMPING PERMIT AND WITHOUT REASONABLE EXPLANATION THAT THE MATERIALS ARE INTENDED FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN DUMPING, THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO STOP AND DETAIN A VESSEL IN ORDER TO MAKE INVESTIGATIONS AND TO PREVENT AN OFFENCE FROM BEING COMMITTED.
/THIRDLY, CLAUSE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
THIRDLY, CLAUSE 25 OF THE BILL RAISES THE LEVEL OF THE EXISTING PENALTIES FROM $5,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT TO $200,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. THIS INCREASE IS COMMENSURATE WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE AND WILL BRING THE PENALTIES IN LINE WITH THOSE UNDER OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION, SUCH AS THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE AND THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.
MR PRESIDENT, THE BILL AIMS TO ENABLE EXISTING CONTROL ON DUMPING OF WASTE AT SEA TO CONTINUE AFTER 30 JUNE 1997. AT THE SAME TIME IT ADDRESSES DEFICIENCIES IN THE EXISTING CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS AND INCREASES PENALTIES. I COMMEND THE BILL TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR FAVOURABLE CONSIDERATION.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
--------0-----------
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 INTRODUCED t » * * *
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
1 MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
THIS BILL SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT FOR LONG SERVING WORKERS, AND TO RECTIFY SOME AMBIGUITIES IN THE PROVISIONS FOR MATERNITY LEAVE AND SICKNESS ALLOWANCE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
A BILL SERVING SIMILAR PURPOSES WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL ON 15 DECEMBER 1993. IT WAS DEFEATED AT ITS THIRD READING ON
6 JULY 1994. THE ADMINISTRATION UNDERTOOK TO CONSULT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AGAIN AND TO SUBMIT A NEW BILL TO THE COUNCIL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE PRESENT BILL INCORPORATES MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MADE LN THE PREVIOUS BILL IN RESPECT OF AMENDMENTS TO SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS. THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAS ENDORSED THE REVISED PROPOSAL BY CONSENSUS.
AT PRESENT, AN EMPLOYEE’S ENTITLEMENT TO SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IS CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF TWO-THIRDS OF A MONTH’S WAGES FOR EACH YEAR OF SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM LIMIT OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES OR $180,000, WHICHEVER IS THE LESS. THIS ARRANGEMENT HAS THE EFFECT OF LIMITING THE RECKONABLE SERVICE OF AN EMPLOYEE TO 18 YEARS.
/TO ENABLE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
8
TO ENABLE LONG SERVING EMPLOYEES TO EARN SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT BEYOND 18 YEARS, WE PROPOSED TO REMOVE THE CEILING OF 12 MONTHS’ AGGREGATE WAGES, BUT THE MAXIMUM PAYMENT OF $180,000 WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. THIS MAXIMUM AMOUNT WOULD BE REVIEWED PERIODICALLY, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INFLATION AND GENERAL WAGE MOVEMENT. TO CUSHION THE FINANCIAL IMPACT ON EMPLOYERS, WE ALSO PROPOSE TO RECOGNIZE HALF OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SERVICE OVER AND ABOVE 24 YEARS ACCRUED BEFORE THE AMENDMENT BILL COMES INTO OPERATION WHEN CALCULATING SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND LONG SERVICE PAYMENT. THIS IS A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO THE ENTITLEMENT OF LONG SERVING EMPLOYEES AS THE PREVIOUS BILL ONLY PROPOSED THAT HALF OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SERVICE BEYOND 18 YEARS SHOULD BE COUNTED. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD INCREASE THE TOTAL WAGE BILL OF EMPLOYERS BY 0.033% IN 1994.
AT PRESENT, A FEMALE EMPLOYEE WHO HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 26 WEEKS SHALL BE ENTITLED TO MATERNITY LEAVE. HOWEVER, THE LAW IS SILENT ON HOW TO COUNT THE 26 WEEKS WHEN THE PREGNANT EMPLOYEE IS ABOUT TO TAKE MATERNITY LEAVE. WE PROPOSE TO REMOVE THIS AMBIGUITY’ BY SPECIFYING IN THE LAW THAT THE 26-WEEK PERIOD SHOULD BE COUNTED BACKWARD FROM THE EXPECTED DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF MATERNITY' LEAVE. TO IMPROVE PROTECTION TO PREGNANT EMPLOYEES, WE ALSO PROPOSE TO MAKE LATE PAYMENT OF MATERNITY LEAVE PAY AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
UNDER THE EXISTING EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER IS NOT LIABLE TO PAY SICKNESS ALLOWANCE TO AN EMPLOYEE UNLESS THE DAY OF SICKNESS IS SPECIFIED IN AN APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER. HOWEVER, A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY A REGISTERED DENTIST IS NOT REGARDED AS AN APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. AN EMPLOYEE HAVING ENCOUNTERED A DENTAL INJURY OR RECEIVED A DENTAL SURGICAL OPERATION REQUIRING A FEW DAYS’ SICK LEAVE IS AT PRESENT UNABLE TO RECEIVE SICKNESS ALLOWANCE. TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, WE ALSO PROPOSE TO INCLUDE THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY' A REGISTERED DENTIST AS A VALID DOCUMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLAIMING SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.
------0-----------
EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 INTRODUCED *****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY’ THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY' ( WEDNESDAY ) :
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994.
THIS BILL SEEKS TO INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING ORDINANCE TO BRING IT IN LINE WITH THE PRESENT NEED.
/WHEN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
WHEN THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED TWO YEARS AGO, THE EMPLOYEE RETRAINING BOARD HAS NOT YET COME INTO EXISTENCE. THE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES OF VETTING THE APPLICANTS FOR RETRAINING HAVE THEREFORE BEEN PLACED ON THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. NOW THAT THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING BOARD IS IN FULL OPERATION, WE PROPOSE THAT THE DUTY OF VETTING THE APPLICANTS FOR RETRAINING SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BOARD, WHO MAY, IF NECESSARY, DELEGATE THIS POWER TO THE STAFF OF THE TRAINING BODIES OR TRAINING PROVIDERS.
WE ALSO PROPOSE TO PROVIDE FOR "SUPPLEMENTARY RETRAINING PROGRAMMES” IN THE BILL TO ENABLE THE BOARD TO INTRODUCE SUITABLE RETRAINING PROGRAMMES SUCH AS THE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING SCHEME.
r . * t '
OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE BILL SERVE TO CLARIFY CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. THESE AMENDMENTS INCLUDE EXTENDING THE MEANING OF ’’EMPLOYEE” TO COVER HOUSEWIVES AND DISABLED PERSONS IN SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT WHO MAY NOT FALL WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF AN ’’EMPLOYEE” UNDER THE EXISTING EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND ALSO AMENDING THE CHINESE TITLE OF THE BOARD.
- - 0 - -
MOTION ON CNTA REORGANISATION *****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MOVING A MOTION ON THE REORGANISATION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATLON TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
1 RISE TO MOVE THE MOTION STANDING IN MY NAME. ■>' <
AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE REORGANISATION OF THE CITY NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION INTO THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL ON 18 NOVEMBER 1994, A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS ARK NECESSARY TO EFFECT THE TRANSFER OF CERTAIN FUNCTIONS FROM THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE FORMER REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG KOWLOON), AND THE FORMER REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), TO THE NEW HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS.
MR PRESIDENT, 1 BEG TO MOVE.
- - 0 - -
/10
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 10 -
VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES TO BE REVIEWED *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN BARROW AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE PROCESSING OF VISAS FOR VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHAT STEPS WILL THE GOVERNMENT TAKE TO SPEED UP THE PROCESSING OF THESE APPLICATIONS;
(B) OF THE REASONS WHY THE NATIONALS OF CERTAIN COUNTRIES E.G. LEBANON, CAN OBTAIN VISAS TO THE UK IN 6 HOURS WHILE IT TAKES 6 WEEKS To OBTAIN VISAS TO HONG KONG?
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER ISSUING NEW PLEDGES WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE; AND
(D) WHETHER IT WILL REVIEW FURTHER ABOLITION OF VISIT VISA REQUIREMENTS?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) HONG KONG HAS A LIBERAL VISA REGIME. NATIONALS FROM OVER 170 COUNTRIES DO NOT REQUIRE VISAS FOR SHORT VISITS TO HONG KONG. WHERE VISIT VISAS ARE REQUIRED, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT USUALLY CAN ISSUE VISAS WITHIN FOUR WEEKS, ALTHOUGH SIX WEEKS IS NORMAL WHERE MORE THOROUGH SECURITY CHECKS ARE REQUIRED. WE DO REGULARLY SEEK WAYS TO IMPROVE OUR EFFICIENCY IN VISA PROCESSING. FOR EXAMPLE, WE PLAN TO ISSUE MACHINE READABLE PERMITS FOR TAIWAN VISITORS AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, TO REDUCE PROCESSING AND CLEARANCE TIME. WE PLAN TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR VISIT VISAS DIRECT FROM OVERSEAS APPLICANTS IN MID-1995; THIS WILL ENABLE THE PROCESSING TIME TO BE SHORTENED.
(B) 1 UNDERSTAND THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF
PROCESSING TIME BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG IS NOT AS GREAT AS THE QUESTION SUGGESTS. THE UNITED KINGDOM GENERALLY TAKES BETWEEN TWO AND THREE WEEKS TO PROCESS A VISA, BUT THIS CAN EXTEND UP TO SIX WEEKS IN THE CASE OF CERTAIN MIDDLE EAST NATIONALS. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE LENGTH OF TIME IT PRESENTLY TAKES US TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FROM THOSE MIDDLE EAST NATIONALS WHOSE COUNTRIES FAIL TO CONTROL
TERRORISM.
/(C) THE DIRECTOR.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
11
(C) THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION HAS ESTABLISHED A USERS1 COMMITTEE. THIS COMMITTEE MONITORS AND REVIEWS THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DEPARTMENT. NEW TARGETS ARE SET WHERE APPROPRIATE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE PERFORMANCE PLEDGE FOR 1995 WILL INCLUDE, INTER ALIA, AN IMPROVED PROCESSING TIME FOR THE ISSUE OF VISAS AND VISIT PERMITS.
(D) OUR VISA POLICY IS REVIEWED REGULARLY, HAVING REGARD TO OUR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SECURITY FACTORS. CHANGES IN THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPECIFIC COUNTRY WILL BE MADE IF WARRANTED. WE ARE INTENDING TO REVIEW THE PRESENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES, SUCH AS LEBANON. BUT 1 MAKE NO COMMITMENT SUCH A REVIEW WILL IN FACT LEAD TO AN EASING OF REQUIREMENTS.
------0--------
WEST KOWLOON DRAINAGE SYSTEM
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW LIANG SHUK-YEE AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : RECENTLY THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN SERIOUS FLOODING OCCURRED IN WEST KOWLOON AFTER TORRENTIAL RAINS. THE DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THAT IT WILL NOT BE UNTIL DECEMBER 1995 AT THE EARLIEST BEFORE THERE IS ANY HOPE OF RESOLVING THE FLOODING PROBLEM IN THE DISTRICT. THE REASON IS THAT THE DRAINAGE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REDUCED AS A RESULT OF LARGE SCALE RECLAMATION WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT IN WEST KOWLOON. AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED TO EXAMINE THIS PROBLEM IN JUNE THIS YEAR, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHETHER THE DRAINAGE PROBLEM HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AT THE TIME OF STUDYING THE RECLAMATION WORKS IN WEST KOWLOON : WHETHER THE PRESENT SITUATION IS DUE TO AN UNDERESTIMATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROBLEM; OR WHETHER THE WORKS STILL WENT AHEAD NOTWITHSTANDING THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RESOLVED WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME; •
(B) OF THE REASONS WHY STUDIES ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM WERE NOT UNDERTAKEN UNTIL JUNE THIS YEAR AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE RECLAMATION WORKS; AND
/(C) WHETHER THE.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 12 -
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILD, IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED, MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS WELL BEFORE ANY RECLAMATION WORKS ARE TO COMMENCE IN THE FUTURE?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE HONOURABLE MEMBER SUGGESTS THAT THE DRAINAGE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN REDUCED AS A RESULT OF LARGE SCALE RECLAMATION WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT IN WEST KOWLOON. THIS ASSUMPTION IS NOT CORRECT, SINCE THE PLANNING AND EXECUTION OF THE RECLAMATIONS HAS AT ALL TIME BEEN PREDICATED BY THE NEED TO AVOID REDUCING THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
THE PROBLEM OF EXISTING DRAINAGE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. HOWEVER, THE DRAINAGE PIPES AND CHANNELS IN THE WEST KOWLOON AREAS WERE BUILT MANY YEARS AGO, THEY ARE DETERIORATING, AND HAVE INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO CATER FOR INCREASING URBANIZATION. EVEN WITHOUT THE RECLAMATION WORKS IN WEST KOWLOON, THESE AREAS ARE AT RISK OF FLOODING UNDER EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY RAINFALL SUCH AS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS YEAR.
WHEN THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PROJECT WAS CONCEIVED, THE PROBLEM OF THE EXISTING DRAINAGE CAPACITY DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF THE RECLAMATION WAS NOT IGNORED OR UNDERESTIMATED. THE EFFECT OF THE PROJECT ON THE EXISTING DRAINAGE SYSTEM WAS IDENTIFIED IN 1990 IN THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION FEASIBILITY STUDY, WELL BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE RECLAMATION. DETAILED STUDIES THEN FOLLOWED AND ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS WERE DEVISED. THE AIM WAS TO MAINTAIN AT LEAST THE EXISTING CAPACITY OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND, WHERE SITE CONDITIONS PERMITTED, TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY FURTHER. THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THESE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WAS AWARDED THREE YEARS AGO, AND BEFORE THE NEXT RAINY SEASON ARRIVES, A LARGE PART OF THESE WORKS WILL BE COMPLETE THUS REDUCING THE RISK OF SERIOUS FLOODING IN THESE AREAS.
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY REFERRED TO BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER THAT STARTED IN JUNE THIS YEAR IS SEPARATE FROM THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH RECLAMATION WORKS. IT IS AN INVESTIGATION, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS BEING PROPOSED TO BRING THE WHOLE OF THE OLD SYSTEM UP TO MODERN STANDARDS. WE ARE ALSO CONSIDERING WHETHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE OUR DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE.
FINALLY, PRESIDENT MAY I SAY THAT GOVERNMENT HAS GAINED VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FROM THE RECENT LARGE-SCALE RECLAMATION PROJECTS. LET US REMEMBER, DURING THESE FEW YEARS OF PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS TOTAL AREA RECLAIMED AMOUNTS TO AN INCREASE OF SOME 35% OF ALL PREVIOUS RECLAMATIONS. OUR TECHNIQUES FOR ASSESSING THE DRAINAGE IMPACT OF A RECLAMATION PROJECT ON ITS SURROUNDING AREA HAVE BEEN IMPROVING, ALONG WITH OUR ASSESSMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND THE TRAFFIC IMPACTS. LEARNING FROM THE RESULTS THUS FAR APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO COUNTERACT SUCH ADVERSE IMPACTS WILL BE UTILISED IN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU.
------0--------
/13......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 13 -
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ♦ ♦ * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WHEN THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) RAISED ITS FARES LAST TIME, THE GOVERNMENT UNDERTOOK TO REVIEW (I) THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INCOME ARISING FROM LAND SALES OF FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AND THEIR FARE ADJUSTMENTS; AND (II) THE RENEWAL OF THE FRANCHISE OF KMB UPON ITS EXPIRY IN 1997 AND THE RELATED PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME. IN THIS CONNECTION, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE PROGRESS OF THE TWO REVIEWS MENTIONED ABOVE; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSULT THE PUBLIC WIDELY ON THE FINDINGS OF THESE REVIEWS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
TN APPROVING KMB * S FARE (NCREASE IN MARCH 1994, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL DIRECTED THAT, IN PROCESSING FUTURE APPLICATIONS FOR BUS FARE INCREASES, THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT LAND SALE PROCEEDS OF FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES. THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ALSO ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO CONSIDER ABOLISHING KMB’S PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS COMMENCED A REVIEW AND HAS STARTED DISCUSSION WITH THE FRANCHISED BUS OPERATORS CONCERNED. OUR INTENTION IS THAT WHEN BUS DEPOT SITES ARE SOLD, A PORTION OF THE PROFIT SHOULD GO TOWARDS A FARE STABILITY FUND. SINCE THIS EXERCISE INVOLVES LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE, IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO COMPLETE BUT I EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO INTRODUCE A BILL TO THIS COUNCIL IN APRIL 1995 WITH A VIEW TO ITS ENACTMENT DURING THE CURRENT SESSION. IN THE MEANTIME 1 CAN ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NOT CONSIDER ANY FURTHER APPLICATIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF DEPOT SITES UNTIL THIS EXERCISE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
/MEMBERS WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
14
MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT AMONG THE 4 FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, ONLY KMB IS STILL SUBJECT TO A FORMAL PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME. THE ADMINISTRATION’S INTENTION IS* TO ABOLISH THIS SCHEME FOR KMB AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, SINCE THE SCHEME IS ENSHRINED IN THE KMB FRANCHISE, WE CANNOT ABOLISH IT UNILATERALLY. WE HAVE STARTED DISCUSSING THE MATTER WITH KMB. WHILST THE SCHEME PERMITS A MAXIMUM RATE OF RETURN OF 16% ON AVERAGE NET FIXED ASSETS, THIS DOES NOT GUARANTEE SUCH A LEVEL OF RETURN FOR THE COMPANY. THIS IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, KMB FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS WERE DETERMINED ACCORDING TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS SUCH AS PERFORMANCE, COMMITMENT TO FURTHER INVESTMENT IN SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS, OPERATING COSTS, INFLATION LEVELS AND PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY. THESE FACTORS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN ASSESSING FUTURE FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS.
MR PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSULT THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE TRANSPORT PANEL OF THIS COUNCIL ON PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUES OF LAND SALE PROFITS AND ABOLITION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME.
------0-------
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS * * * t »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : ACCORDING TO THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GREEN FORM APPLICANTS OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) FLATS, SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED, INTER ALIA, TO SURRENDER THEIR EXISTING PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS UPON OCCUPATION OF HOS FLATS. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL -
(A) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOS FLATS (INCLUDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS) PRODUCED SINCE 1978, WHEN THE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED, AND THE TIME THE MOST RECENT PHASE OF HOS FLATS WAS PUT ON SALE; HOW MANY OF THESE FLATS HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD AND WHAT MEASURES DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TO ENSURE THAT FULL USE IS MADE OF THOSE FLATS WHICH REMAIN UNSOLD;
(B) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS REPOSSESSED BY THE GOVERNMENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD, AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN MEASURES TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE OPERATION OF THE WHOLE SET OF PROCEDURES AND FORMALITIES RELATING TO THE SURRENDER OF SUCH FLATS; AND
/(C) WHETHER THE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 15 -
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF ANY GREEN FORM APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN LIVING IN HOS FLATS FOR YEARS WITHOUT SURRENDERING THEIR PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS AND WHO CONTINUE TO PAY MONTHLY RENTS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) FROM THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) IN 1978 UP TO THE MOST RECENT PHASE 16A, A TOTAL OF SOME 200,800 FLATS HAVE BEEN PUT UP FOR SALE, INCLUDING HOS, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, AND THE MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING SCHEME. ALL THE FLATS HAVE BEEN SOLD.
(B) A TOTAL OF SOME 73,400 FLATS HAVE BEEN SOLD TO SITTING TENANTS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO SURRENDER THEIR RENTAL UNITS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. THE HOUSING
DEPARTMENT CLOSELY MONITORS THE SITUATION WHEN A TENANT IS SUCCESSFUL IN HIS APPLICATION TO BUY A HOS/PSPS FLAT TO ENSURE THAT THE RENTAL FLAT WILL BE RECOVERED. THE TENANT PURCHASER IS REQUIRED TO
UNDERTAKE TO SURRENDER HIS RENTAL UNIT WITHIN TWO •MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF TAKING OVER THE HOS FLAT.
(C) NEITHER THE GOVERNMENT NOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS AWARE OF ANY SUCCESSFUL GREEN FORM APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN LIVING IN HOS FLATS * FOR YEARS WITHOUT SURRENDERING THEIR PUBLIC RENTAL FLATS.
- - 0-----------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 16 -
TRANSPARENT VOTER REGISTER FACILITATES PUBLIC SCRUTINY » t * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR NICHOLAS NG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION
THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION WILL BE INTRODUCING NEW REGULATIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR THE NINE ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN THE 1995 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION. UNDER THESE NEW REGULATIONS, THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF REGISTERED ELECTORS WILL BE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, EMPLOYERS AND OTHER GROUPINGS AND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION SO THAT THE ACCURACY OF THE PARTICULARS OF ELECTORS CAN BE MONITORED BY THE PUBLIC. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL HOW IT CAN ON- THE ONE HAND ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC’ TO FULFIL THEIR CIVIC DUTY AND COME FORWARD TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS, AND ON THE OTHER ENSURE THAT IN MAKING PUBLIC THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF ELECTORS, THE INDIVIDUAL ELECTORS’ RIGHT TO PRIVACY IS SAFEGUARDED?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER 1995, THE BOUNDARY AND ELECTION COMMISSION HAS TO DEVISE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR THE NINE NEW FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES. THE COMMISSION’S OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE THE REGISTRATION PROCESS AS SIMPLE AND USER-FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE, SO AS TO ENCOURAGE AND ENABLE ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO FULFIL THEIR CIVIC DUTY AND REGISTER AS ELECTORS IN THE NINE NEW FCS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE COMMISSION HAS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE VOTER REGISTER IS TRANSPARENT ENOUGH TO FACILITATE PUBLIC SCRUTINY IN ORDER TO PREVENT ABUSE.
THE SIMPLE REGISTRATION PROCESS INVOLVES THE REGISTRATION OFFICER (RO) WRITING TO EMPLOYERS REQUESTING THEM TO PROVIDE HIM WITH THE NAMES AND IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AS OF A CERTAIN DATE. THE RO WOULD ALSO SEEK CONFIRMATION FROM THE EMPLOYERS ABOUT THEIR MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS. HE WOULD THEN SEND A NOTIFICATION TO INFORM ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ALREADY REGISTERED ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL THAT THEY WOULD BE REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE NINE NEW FCS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MAIN LINE OF BUSINESS OF THEIR EMPLOYERS.
AN EMPLOYEE WHO RECEIVES A NOTIFICATION CAN DECLARE ANY CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE, CHANGE OF EMPLOYER OR TO MAKE A CHOICE OF HIS FC IF HE IS ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IN MORE THAN ONE FC. HE MAY CHOOSE NOT TO REGISTER AS A FC ELECTOR.
/AS REGARDS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
17
AS REGARDS THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE NOT ALREADY REGISTERED ON THE GER, REGISTRATION FORMS WHICH ENABLE THEM TO REGISTER BOTH AS A GENERAL ELECTOR AND AS A FC ELECTOR WILL BE SENT TO THE EMPLOYERS CONCERNED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THEIR EMPLOYEES WHO CAN THEN RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS TO THE RO DIRECT, SELF-EMPLOYED AND OTHER ELIGIBLE PERSONS CAN BECOME ELECTORS IN A NEW FC BY MAKING AN APPLICATION DIRECTLY TO THE RO. REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED IN MANY PLACES.
THE ACTUAL REGISTRATION PROCESS WILL BE EXPLAINED IN GREATER DETAILS TO THE PUBLIC FROM JANUARY 1995 ONWARDS BY A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN CO-ORDINATED BY THE BEC. ELIGIBLE PERSONS HAVE UNTIL 1 JUNE 1995 TO BECOME REGISTERED.
TO ADDRESS MR TANG’S POINT ABOUT STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER AND SAFEGUARDING THE INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHT TO PRIVACY, I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT THE ELECTORS REGISTER WILL INCLUDE ONLY INFORMATION WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY IN ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY OF AN ELECTOR AND IN INDICATING THE APPROPRIATE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY TO WHICH HE SHOULD BELONG. THE ELECTOR’S INFORMATION WILL THUS BE LISTED UNDER THE APPROPRIATE NEW FC AND WILL CONSIST OF INFORMATION IDENTICAL TO THAT ALREADY EXISTED IN THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL, I.E. NAME, SEX, ID CARD NUMBER AND RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. THE ONLY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED WILL BE THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY IN WHICH THE ELECTOR IS EMPLOYED.
THE INCLUSION OF THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE EMPLOYER HAS IN FACT BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THE 131 LLS COMMITTEE SET UP BY THIS COUNCIL TO STUDY' THE SECOND STAGE BILL ON ELECTORAL MATTERS FOR THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTION COMMITTEE. THE BEC AGREES WITH MEMBERS OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL CONSIDERABLY ENHANCE THE TRANSPARENCY OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS. IT FACILITATES PUBLIC SCRUTINY' OF THE REGISTER AND DISCOURAGES ABUSES. SUCH TRANSPARENCY IS ESSENTIAL IN ENSURING THE INTEGRITY, OPENNESS AND FAIRNESS OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM.
THE BEC REGULATION WHICH PROVIDES A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FOR THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE WILL BE INTRODUCING SAFEGUARDS AND LEGAL SANCTIONS AGAINST ANY MISUSE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE REGISTERS, WHICH MAY ONLY BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF VOTERS REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS.
--------0-----------
/18 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 18 -
LOK MA CHAU CROSSING NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES » » « » »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON TANG SIU-TONG AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE INTRODUCTION OF 24-HOUR CLEARANCE SERVICE FOR GOODS VEHICLES AT THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING POINT AS FROM 3 NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) THE DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER IN THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE MEASURE;
(B) SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PREVENT CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAWN WHEN FEWER OFFICERS ARE ON DUTY;
(C) CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO EXTENDING THE 24-HOUR SERVICE TO THE PASSENGERS CLEARANCE COUNTERS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINT; IF SO, WHEN WILL THIS TAKE EFFECT; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE; AND
(D) THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE NOISE NUISANCE WHICH THE INTRODUCTION OF 24-HOUR SERVICE AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINT WILL CAUSE TO THE RESIDENTS NEARBY; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE MEASURES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE NECESSARY MANPOWER HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE 24 HOUR OPENING OF THE LOK MA CHAU CONTROL POINT. TWO IMMIGRATION AND TWO CUSTOMS KIOSKS ARE OPERATED OVERNIGHT, FROM 10:00 IN THE EVENING TO 7:00 IN THE MORNING. THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS CREATED NINE ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT 16 POSTS. THE POLICE DEPLOY FOUR EXTRA MEN AT LOK MA CHAU TO PROVIDE COVERAGE ROUND THE CLOCK.
(B) THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT MAINTAIN THE SAME LEVEL OF CONTROL, DAY' AND NIGHT, OVER THE CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES AND CARGO. THE PRESENT MANPOWER IS ADEQUATE FOR THE PRESENT VOLUME OF TRAFFIC.
/(C) THE CROSSING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 19 -
(C) THE CROSSING POINT IS CLOSED TO BUSES EROM NINE O’CLOCK EACH EVENING, AND THERE IS NO DEMAND FOR PASSENGER SERVICES THROUGH THE NIGHT. HOWEVER, THE SITUATION IS KEPT UNDER REVIEW AND WE WILL CONSIDER PROVIDING A 24-HOUR SERVICE AT THE PASSENGER KIOSKS/PASSENGER COUNTERS IF A DEMAND EXISTS.
(D) THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED CONSULTANTS LAST YEAR TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACT OF THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE 24-HOUR OPENING OF THE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING. THE STUDY INDICATED THAT SOME RESIDENTS AT LOK MA CHAU, CHUK YUEN TSUEN AND CHOI YUEN ESTATE WOULD BE AFFECTED. THE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS INCLUDE:
(I) LAYING OF A QUIET ROAD SURFACING NEAR ('HOI YUEN ESTATE;
(II) INSTALLING NOISE BARRIERS ON THE FLYOVER NEAR CHOI YUEN ESTATE;
(III) INSTALLING NOISE BARRIERS ON SAN SHAN ROAD; AND
(IV) INSTALLING NOISE BARRIERS ON THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEAR CHUK YUEN TSUEN. .
THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. THESE MEASURES HAVE HELPED TO MITIGATE NOISE PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM THE INITIAL PHASE OF 24-HOUR OPENING OF LOK MA CHAU CROSSING.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO COMMISSIONED ANOTHER CONSULTANCY STUDY TO LOOK INTO THE POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACT OF INCREASED CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC AT NIGHT IN THE LONGER TERM. THE STUDY WILL IDENTIFY THE NECESSARY NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES ALONG THE ROAD NETWORK LEADING TO THE CROSSING POINTS, PARTICULARLY ALONG THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD FROM LOK MA CHAU TO SHA TIN.
---------0-----------
/20........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 20 -
CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE STUDIES ON THE BUILDING OF A CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY FOR TREATING CLINICAL WASTE, WILL THE ADMINISTRATION INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE PROGRESS OF THE STUDIES;
(B) WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED COST, THE SCHEDULED TIME FOR COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION, AND THE AMOUNT OF CLINICAL WASTE TO BE INCINERATED BY THIS FACILITY;
(C) WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ADOPTED ANY DEFINITION OF CLINICAL WASTE AND CATEGORIZATION OF THE TYPES OF CLINICAL WASTE THAT NEED TO BE INCINERATED; IF SO, WHAT ARE THE DETAILS; AND
(D) WHETHER THERE IS ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DEFINITION AND CATEGORIZATION REFERRED TO IN (C) AND THOSE IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE ADOPTED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION?
ANSWER:
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) THE STUDIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CENTRALISED INCINERATION FACILITY (CIE) STARTED IN JUNE 1991. PHASE I OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY COVERED AN INVESTIGATION OF THE TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSED SITE FOR THE CIF, AN OUTLINE DESIGN, A COMPARISON OF CONTRACT OPTIONS, FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS AND A REVIEW OF THE LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE ON CLASSIFICATION AND DISPOSAL OF CLINICAL WASTE. PHASE II OF THE STUDY, COMMENCING IN JULY 1993, INCLUDES A CLINICAL WASTE ARISING SURVEY, AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, TENDER PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT, AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LEGISLATIVE CONTROL FRAMEWORK. THE CONSULTANTS HAVE COMPLETED THE WASTE ARISING SURVEY AND A DRAFT REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE CIF. THEY ARE NOW PREPARING THE NECESSARY TENDER DOCUMENTATION.
/(B) THE LATEST ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 21 -
(B) THE LATEST ESTIMATED CAPITAL COST OE THE CIF IS $259 MILLION (OCT 94 PRICES). CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE CIF IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN LATE 1995 AND THE FACILITY WOULD BECOME OPERATIONAL IN EARLY 1997. THE ESTIMATED QUANTITY OF CLINICAL WASTE TO BE INCINERATED AT THE CIF WILL BE 21 TONNES PER DAY WHEN THE FACILITY IS COMMISSIONED IN 1997.
(C) UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION’S CATEGORISATION, THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF WASTE WILL BE CLASSIFIED AS CLINICAL WASTE REQUIRING INCINERATION:
1. CONTAMINATED SHARPS INCLUDING SYRINGES,
CARTRIDGES, CONTAMINATED BROKEN GLASS AND ANY OTHER SHARP INSTRUMENTS.
2. UNSTERILISED LABORATORY STOCKS AND CULTURES OF
INFECTIOUS AGENTS.
3. ALL HUMAN TISSUES AND ANIMAL CARCASSES, WHETHER
INFECTED OR NOT, AND ITEMS HEAVILY CONTAMINATED WITH BLOOD OR BLOOD PRODUCTS.
4. INFECTIOUS MATERIAL. FROM PATIENTS UNDER STRICT
ISOLATION.
5. SOILED SURGICAL DRESSINGS, SWABS AND ALL OTHER
CONTAMINATED WASTE FROM TREATMENT AREAS AND ISOLATION ROOMS, ASSESSED TO BE OF SIGNIFICANT RISK BY HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL.
6. CYTOTOXIC DRUGS IN BULK AND ALL CYTOTOXIC DRUG
AMPOULES OR BOTTLES AFTER USE.
7. PHARMACEUTICAL AND CHEMICAL WASTES ARISING FROM
CLINICAL SOURCES.
(D) THE DEFINITION AND CATEGORISATION DETAILED IN (C) IS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS THOSE ADOPTED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION EXCEPT THAT THE LATTER DOES NOT INCLUDE PHARMACEUTICAL AND CHEMICAL WASTE.
PHASE II OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY COVERS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LEGISLATIVE CONTROL FRAMEWORK, INCLUDING THE CATEGORISATION OF CLINICAL WASTE. THIS FRAMEWORK IS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT PARTIES BY MID-1995.
------0------------
/22
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 22 -
VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES ELECTION
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG MAN-KWONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION
THE GOVERNMENT HAS EARLIER INDICATED SUPPORT FOR THE REFORM OF THE ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ELECTION OF VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING SUCH ASPECTS AS ADVOCATING VOTING RIGHTS FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, LOWERING THE VOTING AGE TO 18 AND IMPOSING A TENURE LIMIT FOR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE PROGRESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REFORM PROPOSALS SINCE THEN;
(B) WHETHER THE REFORM WILL BE COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED BY THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR, WHEN THE RURAL COMMITTEES OF ALL DISTRICTS WILL BE RE-ELECTED FOR A NEW TERM; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE AND WHO SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE; AND
(C) HOW WILL THE ADMINISTRATION MONITOR THAT THE REFORM IS CARRIED OUT PROMPTLY IN ALL VILLAGES AND WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE THAT THE THREE PRINCIPLES MENTIONED ABOVE MUST BE FOLLOWED IN THE ELECTION OF VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THE ELECTION WILL BECOME MORE DEMOCRATIC?
REPLY :
THE EXISTING VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE (VR) SYSTEM HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR OVER 40 YEARS. IT HAS EVOLVED FROM A SYSTEM OF SELECTION BY NOMINATION AMONG HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM WHERE BASICALLY VRS ARE ELECTED, ALBEIT ON A LIMITED FRANCHISE. HITHERTO, IT HAS BEEN WIDELY ACCEPTED AMONG THE RURAL SECTOR.
NEVERTHELESS, THE HEUNG YEE KUK (HYK), WHICH IS A STATUTORY ADVISORY BODY TO THE GOVERNMENT ON NEW TERRITORIES AFFAIRS, RECOGNISES THAT THE SYSTEM OF VR ELECTION WILL HAVE TO CHANGE TO MEET PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES. AND THE HYK ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR THE ADOPTION OF NEW RULES FOR VR ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON THE BASIS OF ONE-PERSON-ONE-VOTE, WITH VOTER’S AGE BEING LOWERED TO 18 AND WITH ALL VRS SERVING A FOUR-YEAR TERM. WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOME THE HYK’S INITIATIVE IN THIS REGARD, WE RECOGNISE THAT TO EFFECT THIS CHANGE, THE HYK NEEDS THE COOPERATION OF THE VILLAGERS CONCERNED, BECAUSE IT TAKES TIME TO CHANGE ATTITUDE AND TRADITION. WE RECOGNISE ALSO THAT THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH PERSUASION AND EDUCATION TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS WILLING ACCEPTANCE OF THE NEW RULES, IF THE CHANGE IS TO BE EFFECTED SMOOTHLY.
/THE HYK .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 23 -
THE HYK HAS MADE A GOOD START IN PERSUADING VILLAGERS TO ADOPT THE NEW RULES. IN THIS CONNECTION, THE SPECIFIC REPLIES TO THE QUESTION ARE AS FOLLOWS -
(A) WE UNDERSTAND FROM THE HYK THAT MORE THAN HALF OF A TOTAL OF 555 VILLAGES UNDER THE 25 RURAL COMMITTEES (RCS) HAVE CONDUCTED ELECTIONS OR WILL CONDUCT ELECTIONS ACCORDING TO THE NEW RULES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1995. THE ABOVE FIGURES DO NOT INCLUDE VILLAGES COMING UNDER THE TAI PO AND SHATIN RCS AS AT THE TIME OF THE HYK’S ANNOUNCEMENT, THE TWO RCS WERE ALREADY IN THE PROCESS OF ARRANGING FOR THE ELECTIONS OF VRS WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS. THE HYK IS WORKING RIGOROUSLY TO PERSUADE THE REST TO ADOPT THE NEW RULES.
(B) AS IT TAKES TIME TO CHANGE ATTITUDE AND TRADITION, AND AS THE HYK HAS ALREADY MADE A GOOD START IN EFFECTING THE CHANGE AS INDICATED IN (A) ABOVE, THE KUK IS STEPPING. UP ITS EFFORT TO EXTEND THE NEW RULES TO THE REMAINING VILLAGES. THE HYK HAS NOT MADE ANY COMMITMENT REGARDING THE TIMING FOR EXTENDING THE NEW RULES TO ALL THE ELECTIONS.
(C) THE HYK IS TAKING A LEAD IN PROMOTING THE NEW RULES AMONGST VILLAGES. THE ADMINISTRATION WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE HYK PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF PROMOTION TO GET THE NEW RULES ADOPTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. TO ENCOURAGE THE ADOPTION OF THE NEW RULES, THE ADMINISTRATION, THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICES, HAS PUT UP POSTERS AND DISTRIBUTED HANDBILLS IN ALL VILLAGES. IN ADDITION, THE DISTRICT OFFICES HAVE ASSISTED AND WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST ANY VILLAGE WHICH WISHES TO HOLD AN ELECTION UNDER THE NEW RULES. SUCH ASSISTANCE INCLUDES POSTING THE ELECTORAL ROLLS, HELPING WITH NEW VOTER REGISTRATIONS, AND SUPERVISING THE ELECTION. THE QUESTION OF INTRODUCING LEGISLATION FOR FUTURE VR ELECTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THE ACTUAL OUTCOME OF THE COMING ELECTIONS.
- - 0---------
/24 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 24 -
HEALTH SERVICES IN TIN SHUI WAL ADEQUATE
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON TANG SIU-TONG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : CURRENTLY, TIN SHUI WAI ALREADY HAS A POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND YET THERE IS ONLY ONE HEALTH CENTRE PROVIDING DAYTIME OUT-PATIENT SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHAT IS THE DAILY QUOTA FOR OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AT THE TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE AND WHETHER SUCH QUOTA IS SUFFICIENT TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY PLAN TO INTRODUCE EVENING OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AT THE CENTRE; IF SO, WHEN WILL SUCH SERVICE COMMENCE; IF NOT, WHY NOT?
REPLY :
(A) THE DAILY QUOTA FOR OUT-PATIENT CONSULTATION AT THE TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE IS 215. THIS QUOTA IS NOT ALWAYS FULLY UTILISED. THE EXISTING LEVEL OF
PROVISION OF SERVICE IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE.
NEVERTHELESS, THE SITUATION IS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED AND APPROPRIATE ADJUSTMENTS WILL BE MADE WHERE NECESSARY.
(B) THE PROVISION OF EVENING OUT-PATIENT SERVICE FOR A DISTRICT OR REGION IS DEPENDENT ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING UTILISATION OF EXISTING SERVICES, AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE VOLUNTARY AND PRIVATE SECTORS AS WELL AS OPERATIONAL CONSTRAINTS. AS EVENING CLINIC SERVICE IS ALREADY AVAILABLE IN TUEN MUN CLINIC AND YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, THERE IS AT PRESENT NO PLAN TO INTRODUCE EVENING OUT-PATIENT SERVICE AT THE TIN SHUI WAI HEALTH CENTRE.
------0-----------
/25 ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
25
PROGRAMME TO MONITOR DUST LEVELS AT GREENFIELD GARDEN
* t * t *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE CEMENT FACTORY ADJACENT TO GREENFIELD GARDEN ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE RELOCATED SOON, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING:
(A) WHEN WILL THE CEMENT FACTORY BE RELOCATED;
(B) WHETHER ITS RELOCATION DATE IS BEHIND SCHEDULE; IF SO, WHAT THE REASONS ARE; AND
(C) WHAT MEASURES HAS THE GOVERNMENT PUT IN PLACE TO EFFECTIVELY MONITOR THE POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE CEMENT FACTORY PRIOR TO ITS RELOCATION SO AS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT ON THE NEARBY RESIDENTS OF GREENFIELD GARDEN?
REPLY :
(A) UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF EXCHANGE EXECUTED ON
NOVEMBER 19, 1993, THE CEMENT FACTORY HAS TO BE
DECOMMISSIONED BY JUNE 30, 1996.
(B) AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE RELOCATION
EXERCISE IS BEHIND SCHEDULE.
(C) THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED FIVE AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT NOTICES AND ONE NOISE ABATEMENT NOTICE TO THE CEMENT PLANT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE. THESE ABATEMENT NOTICES REQUIRE THE PLANT OWNERS TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN DUST AND NOISE CONTROL MEASURES TO CONTAIN POLLUTION. THE ABATEMENT NOTICES ARE STILL IN FORCE AND ANY VIOLATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED IN THE NOTICES WILL RESULT IN PROSECUTION ACTIONS.
A DUST MONITORING PROGRAMME HAS BEEN IN PLACE SINCE 1991 TO MEASURE THE AMBIENT DUST LEVELS AT GREENFIELD GARDEN. THE PURPOSE IS TO MONITOR THE IMPACT OF EMISSIONS FROM THE PLANT ON THE AIR QUALITY. THE PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE PLANT IS RELOCATED.
IN ADDITION, AND STARTING FROM NOVEMBER 26, 1994, THE CEMENT PLANT IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE. THE LICENCE WILL SET DOWN TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH MUST BE MET IF THE OPERATOR IS TO AVOID BEING LIABLE FOR PROSECUTION.
------0--------
/26......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 26 -
POLICE RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER :
(A) THE RECRUITMENT REQUFREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICERS SPECIFY THAT APPLICANTS SHOULD NOT HAVE CRIMINAL RECORDS;
(B) THERE ARE SERVING POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE CRIMINAL RECORDS; IF SO, WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF SUCH OFFICERS BY RANK, WHAT ARE THE TUPES OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES COMMITTED BY THESE OFFICERS AND WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS UNDER EACH TYPE OF OFFENCE?
REPLY I
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) IT IS THE POLICY OF THE POLICE FORCE NOT TO RECRUIT PERSONS WITH A RECORD OF CRIMINAL CONVICTION, ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT STATED EXPLICITLY IN PUBLISHED RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS.
(B) FIVE SERVING OFFICERS HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES. THESE INCLUDE ONE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ONE INSPECTOR AND THREE POLICE CONSTABLES. THE DETAILS ARE :
TYPE OF OFFENCE
NUMBER OF OFFICERS (RANK)
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
COMMON ASSAULT
SHOP THEFT
AIDING AND ABETTING THE
MAKING OF A FALSE STATEMENT TO AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER
ONE (SENIOR INSPECTOR) TWO (INSPECTOR AND POLICE CONSTABLE)
ONE (POLICE CONSTABLE)
ONE (POLICE CONSTABLE)
--------0-----------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
27
CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS ON PRIVATE LAND
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN HIS RECENT POLICY ADDRESS, THE GOVERNOR STATED THAT THE
GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO REHOUSING ALL URBAN SQUATTERS ON GOVERNMENT LAND BEFORE 1997. HOWEVER, NO MENTION WAS MADE OF ANY PLAN FOR REHOUSING THOSE LIVING IN SQUATTER AREAS ON PRIVATE LAND. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING :
(A) HOW MANY SQUATTER AREAS ARE LOCATED ON PRIVATE LAND;
(B) WHAT IS THE TOTAL POPULATION IN THESE SQUATTER AREAS;
(C) WHETHER THERE IS ANY PLAN FOR REHOUSING THESE SQUATTERS; AND
(D) WHETHER LAI CHI YUEN, HAU WONG MIU NEW VILLAGE AND HO KA YUEN IN KOWLOON TONG ARE REGARDED AS SQUATTER AREAS ON PRIVATE LAND; IF SO, WHEN WILL THE SQUATTERS LIVING IN THESE AREAS BE REHOUSED?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
IN HIS 1992 POLICY ADDRESS, THE GOVERNOR PLEDGED TO REHOUSE ALL URBAN SQUATTERS ON GOVERNMENT LAND BY 1996. AS REGARDS SQUATTERS ON PRIVATE LAND :
(A) THERE ARE NOW 22 SQUATTER AREAS ON PRIVATE LOTS MINGLED WITH GOVERNMENT LAND - NINE LN KOWLOON AND 13 ON HONG KONG ISLAND,
(B) THE TOTAL POPULATION IN THESE SQUATTER AREAS IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT 22,000;
(C) CLEARANCE OF THESE SQUATTER AREAS COULD NOT PROCEED UNTIL THE PRIVATE LOTS HAVE BEEN RESUMED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE;
AND
(D) LAI CHI YUEN, HAU WONG MIU NEW VILLAGE AND HO KAR YUEN ARE SITUATED ON PRIVATE LAND MINGLED WITH GOVERNMENT LOTS. THEIR CLEARANCE AND REHOUSING WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE PRIVATE LOTS HAVE BEEN RESUMED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE.
- - 0 - -
/28
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
28
PUBLIC HOUSING CORRIDOR RAILINGS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN FALLING FROM HEIGHTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAVE BEEN OF FREQUENT OCCURRENCE, AND RESIDENTS IN THESE ESTATES HAVE PERSISTENTLY QUESTIONED THE HEIGHT OF CORRIDOR RAILINGS BEING TOO LOW WHICH MAKES IT
EASY FOR CHILDREN TO CLIMB OVER THEM. IN VIEW OF THIS,
WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE AUTHORITY
CONCERNED TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF SUCH ACCIDENTS;
(B) WHETHER THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED WILL STEP UP MEASURES TO CLEAR SUNDRY ARTICLES SUCH AS FURNITURE ITEMS DISCARDED ALONG THE RAILINGS, OR ADVISE RESIDENTS NOT TO PLACE ANY ARTICLES SUCH AS BICYCLES ALONG THE RAILINGS SO AS TO AVOID CAUSING POTENTIAL DANGER; AND
(C) WHETHER, IN THE LONG RUN, THE HEIGHT OF RAILINGS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE RAISED; IF SO, WHAT THE SPECIFIC PLAN IS, IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
IN ALL PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING BLOCKS, THE HEIGHT OF THE CORRIDOR RAILINGS IS HIGHER THAN OR IN LINE WITH THE STATUTORY BUILDING REGULATION STANDARD OF 1.1 METRES.
AT PRESENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S ESTATE STAFF PATROL THE COMMON AREAS INSIDE HOUSING BLOCKS AS PART OF THEIR DAILY MANAGEMENT DUTIES AND CLEANSING CONTRACTORS WILL DISPOSE OF ANY ABANDONED FURNITURE FOUND IN THE CORRIDORS. MOREOVER, TENANTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO PLACE ANY ARTICLES IN CORRIDORS THROUGH THE HELP OF MACS; REGULAR NOTICES DISPLAYED ON NOTICE BOARDS; AD HOC CLEANSING CAMPAIGNS; ESTATE NEWSLETTERS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS. TENANTS ARE ALSO ADVISED TO REMOVE ANY ARTICLES INCLUDING BICYCLES LEFT IN THE CORRIDORS. IF THE OWNER CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED, WARNING NOTICES WILL BE POSTED ON THE ARTICLES REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF THE ARTICLE WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD, FAILING WHICH THE ARTICLE WILL BE REMOVED BY THE MANAGEMENT. THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO STEPPED UP OPERATIONS TO CLEAR OBSTRUCTION IN CORRIDORS OF RENTAL HOUSING BLOCKS. THE ABOVE MEASURES WILL HELP TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN FALLING FROM HEIGHTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
NOTWITHSTANDING THESE MEASURES, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHARES TENANTS’ CONCERN AND HAVE PLANS EITHER TO RAISE THE HEIGHT OF RAILINGS OR TO INSTALL LOUVRES AND WINDOWS AT CORRIDOR ENDS AND STAIRCASE LANDINGS WHERE IT IS PRACTICAL TO DO SO. AN IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME IS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES.
------0--------
/29 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 29 -
GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON KWOK-LIM AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE PUBLICLY REPORTED FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES FACING THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY (HKIB) OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER :
(A) THE GOVERNMENT HAS EVALUATED THAT THE FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO THE HKIB HAVE BEEN WELL SPENT;
(B) THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC FUNDS TO ASSIST HKIB IN RESOLVING ITS CURRENT DIFFICULTIES;
(C) THE GOVERNMENT HAS A SUPERVISING OR MONITORING ROLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY; AND
(D) THIS INCIDENT WILL AFFECT ANY GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME REGARDING BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR GOVERNMENT TO EVALUATE WHETHER FUNDS CONTRIBUTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF
BIOTECHNOLOGY (HKIB), WHICH IS A NON-GOVERNMENT
INSTITUTION, WERE WELL SPENT. IT IS ALSO IN THE NATURE OF RESEARCH INSTITUTES THAT THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS SHOULD BE MEASURED WITH A LONGER TERM PERSPECTIVE.
(B) THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLAN TO SUBSIDISE THE NORMAL RECURRENT EXPENSES OF THE HKIB. THE HKIB IS A PRIVATELY-FUNDED INSTITUTION AND THE ACCOUNTS OF THE INSTITUTE ARE SEPARATE FROM THOSE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
/(C) THERE IS ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 30 -
(C) THERE IS A BOARD OF OVERSEERS WHOSE MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. BOTH THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY SERVE AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ON THE BOARD. THE BOARD ADVISES ON THE GENERAL DIRECTION, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND POLICY OF THE INSTITUTE AND HELPS ENSURE THAT THE FUNDS SOLICITED ARE DISBURSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR INTENDED PURPOSES.
(D) THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF BIOTECHNOLOGY THROUGH PROJECT FUNDING FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SCHEME. IN 1994/95, 12 BIOTECHNOLOGY AND RELATED PROJECTS WERE SUPPORTED, INVOLVING EXPENDITURE OF $24 MILLION OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND THE RESEARCH GRANTS COUNCIL ARE ALSO PROVIDING FUNDING SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS IN VARIOUS FIELDS, INCLUDING BIOTECHNOLOGY. THE HKIB CAN, THEREFORE, COMPETE THROUGH THESE ESTABLISHED CHANNELS FOR MORE FUNDS.
------0--------
PUBLIC HOSPITALS ADOPT GOOD INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HUANG CHEN-YA AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE, WHICH IS A FORM OF SEVERE DEGENERATIVE BRAIN DISEASE, CAN BE TRANSMITTED TO SOME PATIENTS UNDERGOING PITUITARY HORMONE TREATMENT, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) HOW MANY PATIENTS HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH PITUITARY HORMONE IN HOSPITALS MANAGED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS RESPECTIVELY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS;
(B) WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN UP THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT SUCH PATIENTS ARE ADEQUATELY FOLLOWED UP SO THAT THOSE DEVELOPING CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE CAN BE DETECTED; AND
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER FOLLOWING THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE U.K. FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD OPERATIONS OR PITUITARY HORMONE TREATMENT?
/REPLY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 31 -
REPLY
(A) IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 85 PATIENTS EACH YEAR IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS RECEIVING PITUITARY HORMONE TREATMENT. SIMILAR DATA AT PRIVATE HOSPITALS IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE.
(B) ALL PITUITARY HORMONES USED IN HONG KONG ARE PRODUCED BY SYNTHETIC TECHNIQUES AND ARE THUS FREE FROM CONTAMINATION WITH THE TRANSMISSIBLE AGENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE. PATIENTS UNDERGOING PITUITARY HORMONE THERAPY WILL CONTINUE TO BE FOLLOWED UP IN ENDOCRINE CLINICS.
(C) THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE MAINLY CONCERNED WITH THE SAFE HANDLING OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL TISSUES, CATEGORISATION AND CONTAINMENT OF HAZARDS, CONTROL AND CONTAINMENT OF THE INFECTION, HEALTH SURVEILLANCE, DECONTAINMENT AS WELL AS WASTE DISPOSAL. THESE PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS AS PART OF THE GOOD INFECTION CONTROL AND MEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES.
------0--------
CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ALFRED TSO SHIU-WAI AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN HIS 1994 POLICY ADDRESS, THE GOVERNOR TOUCHED ON THE STRENGTHENING OF CROSS-BORDER CO-OPERATION ON INFRASTRUCTURE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT PLANS FOR HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT BE DRAFTED IN ISOLATION FROM GUANGDONG. IT WAS ALSO LEARNT THAT THE CITY OF ZHUHAI IN GUANGDONG ANNOUNCED IN 1993 THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE "ZHUHAI-TUEN MUN BRIDGE”. IN VIEW OF THE TREMENDOUS BENEFITS WHICH THE PROJECT WILL BRING TO THE TRANSPORT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES PARTICULARLY IN TUEN MUN, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFICIALLY APPROACHED THE. CHINESE SIDE FOR DETAILS OF THE PROJECT; IF SO, WHETHER THE PROJECT IS FEASIBLE AND WHETHER IT WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES;
AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCORPORATED THE PROJECT INTO THE DISTRICT PLANNING AND THE ROAD NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
/ANSWER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 32 -
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY FORMAL PROPOSALS FROM THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES REGARDING THE PROJECT SO FAR. UNTIL THE STATUS OF THE PROJECT IS MORE CLEARLY ESTABLISHED AND MORE DETAILS ARE AVALIABLE, WE ARE UNABLE TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT AND EXAMINE ITS IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. AS MEMBERS ARE PROBABLY AWARE, WE ARE NOW DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON THE MODE OF IMPROVING THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION REGARDING MAJOR CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS. WE HOPE TO ARRIVE AT A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE MECHANISM SOON.
(B) FOR THE REASONS EXPLAINED ABOVE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO INCORPORATE THE PROJECT INTO THE DISTRICT AND TRANSPORT PLANNING OF THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES. SINCE THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, WE WILL CONDUCT COMPREHENSIVE STUDIES TO EXAMINE ITS VIABILITY IF AND WHEN DETAILS OF THE PROJECT ARE AVAILABLE.
TAX DISPUTES * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON LAU WONG-FAT AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE TREASURY, MR DONALD TSANG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AT PRESENT, IF THERE IS A DISPUTE BETWEEN A TAXPAYER AND A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OVER THE AMOUNT OF TAX TO BE PAID, THE TAXPAYER IS REQUIRED TO PAY THE AMOUNT FIRST, OTHERWISE A SURCHARGE MAY BE IMPOSED FOR LATE PAYMENT. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING -
(A) IN CASES OF DISPUTE BETWEEN TAXPAYERS AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT OVER THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID, WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME TAKEN FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT AMOUNT PAYABLE;
(B) WHAT IS THE TIME REQUIRED FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO REFUND THE AMOUNT OVERPAID BY TAXPAYERS; AND
/(C) WHETHER CONSIDERATION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
33
(C) WHETHER CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO PAYING TAXPAYERS WHO ARE OVERCHARGED AN AMOUNT AS COMPENSATION CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE INTEREST' f&TE PAID ON BANK DEPOSITS PREVAILING DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE DATE OF PAYMENT AND THE DATE OF REFUND?
REPLY:
AT THE OUTSET, I SHOULD CLARIFY THAT IF A TAXPAYER DISPUTES HIS TAX LIABILITIES, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT (IRD) DOES NOT IN ALL CASES REQUIRE HIM TO SETTLE THE TAX PAYMENT FIRST AND IMPOSE A SURCHARGE ON LATE PAYMENT. IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN TAX TYPES, E.G. SALARIES TAX AND PROFITS TAX, IRD HAS A WELL-ESTABLISHED SYSTEM OF ALLOWING HOLDOVER OF TAX IN DISPUTE. IN BRIEF -
(I) WHERE IRD CONSIDERS THAT THE TAXPAYER HAS A PR1MA FACIE CASE FOR OBJECTION TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSESSMENT, IRD WILL ORDER A HOLDOVER OF THAT PORTION OF THE TAX DEMAND UNDER DISPUTE UNTIL A REVISED ASSESSMENT IS AVAILABLE. MOST OBJECTIONS FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY.
(II) WHERE AN OBJECTION DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY MERIT ON THE BASIS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION, IRD WILL NOT ALLOW ANY HOLDOVER OF TAX PAYMENT. THIS SEEKS TO PREVENT TAXPAYERS FROM MAKING USE OF THE OBJECTION CHANNEL TO DEFER PAYMENT OF TAX.
(Ill) WHERE IRD CONSIDERS THAT THE OBJECTION HAS SOME MERIT, BUT THAT THE BALANCE OF PROBABILITY BASED ON AVAILABLE INFORMATION DOES NOT WEIGH DEFINITELY IN FAVOUR OF THE TAXPAYER, IRD WILL ALLOW A HOLDOVER ON THE CONDITION THAT THE TAXPAYER PURCHASES TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO COVER THE AMOUNT OF TAX IN DISPUTE. WHEN A DECISION IS MADE ON THE DISPUTE, THE TAXPAYER WILL SETTLE THE TAX PAYABLE WITH THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES PURCHASED. IRD WILL REFUND ANY EXCESS AMOUNT TO THE TAXPAYER, TOGETHER WITH THE INTEREST THEREON.
FOR SOME OTHER MINOR TAXES AND CHARGES SUCH AS RATES, WE MAINTAIN A SIMPLE SYSTEM WHEREBY TAXPAYERS PAY THE TAX OR CHARGES DUE PENDING THE RESOLUTION OF THE DISPUTE.
ON (A)
IN THE CASE OF IRD, THERE IS NO STATUTORY TIME-LIMIT FOR PROCESSING TAX OBJECTIONS. HOW LONG IT TAKES TO RESOLVE A TAX DISPUTE DEPENDS, TO A LARGE EXTENT, ON THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED AND THE COOPERATION OF THE TAXPAYERS AND THIRD PARTIES IN FURNISHING RELEVANT INFORMATION. FOR SIMPLE CASES WHERE TAXPAYERS DISPUTE THE ESTIMATED ASSESSMENTS MADE BY IRD IN THE ABSENCE OF TAX RETURNS, IRD WILL REQUIRE THE TAXPAYERS TO SUBMIT A FRESH RETURN, ON THE BASIS OF WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY DECIDE WHETHER TO UPHOLD THE ORIGINAL ASSESSMENT. IRD CAN SETTLE THESE CASES QUICKLY. FOR INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS WHOSE OBJECTIONS MAKE UP OVER 60% OF ALL OBJECTIONS, IRD'S RECORDS INDICATE THAT OF THE OBJECTIONS SETTLED DURING THE PERIOD APRIL TO OCTOBER 1994, 70% WERE SETTLED WITHIN FOUR MONTHS AND 92% WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS.
/BY CONTRAST, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
BY CONTRAST, THE RATING ORDINANCE STIPULATES THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT (RVD) MUST PROCESS OBJECTIONS BY RATEPAYERS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES. A RATEPAYER MAY MAKE AN OBJECTION IN APRIL AND MAY OF ANY YEAR. FOR OBJECTIONS LODGED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A GENERAL REVALUATION, RVD MUST ISSUE ITS DECISIONS BEFORE DECEMBER OF THAT YEAR. FOR OBJECTIONS MADE IN OTHER YEARS, RVD MUST FINISH PROCESSING THEM BEFORE SEPTEMBER OF THE SAME YEAR.
ON (B)
IRD WILL REFUND ANY OVERPAID TAX TO THE TAXPAYER CONCERNED UPON SETTLEMENT OF THE DISPUTE. AS REGARDS RATES, IF THE DECISION ON THE RATES OBJECTION RESULTS IN A REDUCTION IN RATES PAYMENT, RVD WILL REFUND THE OVERPAYMENT EITHER BY MEANS OF A CREDIT ADJUSTMENT IN THE NEXT QUARTERLY RATES DEMAND OR, UPON REQUEST, BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY.
ON (C)
AS MENTIONED ABOVE, TAXPAYERS WHO OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM IRD FOR CONDITIONAL HOLD-OVER OF TAX ARE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO COVER THE TAX IN DISPUTE. IF IN THE LIGHT OF THE DECISION ON THE DISPUTE, THE AMOUNT OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES PURCHASED EXCEEDS THE OUTSTANDING TAX PAYABLE TO IRD, IRD WILL RETURN THE BALANCE TOGETHER WITH THE INTEREST THEREON TO THE TAXPAYER. AT PRESENT, THE INTEREST RATE FOR TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS PEGGED TO THE SIX-MONTH DEPOSIT RATE OFFERED BY MAJOR BANKS. AS FOR RATES, WE DO NOT SEE A NEED FOR ANY CHANGE TO THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS IN VIEW OF THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR RVD TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WITH RATEPAYERS WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
- - 0 - -
INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION LEVEL
* * * * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON LAM KU1-CHUN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE FINDING THAT RADON GAS EMITTED FROM
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MAY POSE A THREAT TO THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE INSIDE ARTIFICIALLY VENTILATED SEALED BUILDINGS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER:
(A) ANY SAFETY STANDARD HAS BEEN SET REGARDING THE EFFECT OF RADON GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH;
(B) ANY TESTS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT TO MEASURE THE RADON GAS CONCENTRATION IN ARTIFICIALLY VENTILATED SEALED BUILDINGS IN THE TERRITORY; IF SO, WHETHER THE CONCENTRATION IS AT A LEVEL THAT MAY AFFECT THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE INSIDE SUCH BUILDINGS; AND
/(C) THERE ARE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 35 -
(C) THERE ARE ANY REGULATIONS REQUIRING THE CENTRAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS OF SUCH BUILDINGS TO BE REGULARLY INSPECTED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR OPERATION AND THE INTERFLOW BETWEEN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AIR ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY STANDARDS; IF SO, WHETHER THE EFFECT OF RADON GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE FORMULATION OF SUCH REGULATIONS?
REPLY :
(A) THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAS ADOPTED A GUIDELINE OF 200 BECQUERELS PER CUBIC METRE (BQ/M3) FOR INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION LEVEL. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOLLOWS THIS STANDARD.
(B) IN 1993, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A SURVEY ON INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION LEVELS IN HONG KONG. THE AVERAGE RADON CONCENTRATION LEVEL FOR THE 829 PREMISES COVERED BY THE SURVEY WAS . 98 BQ/M3. IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT ABOUT 5% OF THE RESIDENTIAL AND 10% OF THE NON-RESIDENTIAL PREMISES COVERED BY THE SURVEY HAD RADON LEVELS EXCEEDING 200 BQ/M3. OVERSEAS RESEARCH SUGGESTS A LINK BETWEEN EXPOSURE TO HIGH RADON CONCENTRATION AND LUNG CANCER. THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL SOON ISSUE AN INFORMATION LEAFLET ADVISING ON SIMPLE MITIGATION MEASURES TO REDUCE RADON LEVEL IN PREMISES.
(C) UNDER THE BUILDING (VENTILATING SYSTEMS) REGULATIONS OF THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, BUILDING OWNERS ARE REQUIRED TO KEEP THE VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN SAFE AND EFFICIENT WORKING CONDITIONS AT ALL TIMES AND TO ENGAGE A REGISTERED VENTILATION CONTRACTOR TO INSPECT THE VENTILATION SYSTEMS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. AS THE EFFECT OF RADON GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH WAS NOT THE MAIN CONCERN WHEN THE REGULATIONS WERE PREPARED, THE ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM OF RADON CONCENTRATION, NEXT YEAR.
--------0-----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR CANICE MAK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO ALLOCATE
AN EXTRA 58 HECTARES OF LAND FOR DEVELOPING 50,000 PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS, AND SO FAR 30 HECTARES HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHEN THE REMAINING 28 HECTARES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY?
ANSWER
MR PRESIDENT,
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WITH SUFFICIENT LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. IN 1993 ALONE, THE GOVERNMENT APPROVED THE ALLOCATION OF OVER 50 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND TO MEET AN IDENTIFIED SHORTFALL OF THAT ORDER. EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE TASK FORCE ON LAND SUPPLY AND PROPERTY PRICES RECOMMENDED GRANTING AN EXTRA 30 HECTARES OF LAND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR BUILDING 20,000 ADDITIONAL FLATS BETWEEN 1998 AND 2000. THESE SITES, TOGETHER WITH THOSE ALREADY ALLOCATED TO THE AUTHORITY, WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE HOUSING DEMAND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REQUEST FOR MORE PUBLIC HOUSING LAND IS BEING EXAMINED IN THE CONTEXT OF A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF HOUSING DEMAND. AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING DEMAND LED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY WORKING ON THIS ASSESSMENT. THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THROUGH ITS MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORKING GROUP, IS PROVIDING MAJOR INPUT INTO THIS EXERCISE. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE ASSESSMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY 1995. SUBJECT TO THE FINDINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP AND THEIR ACCEPTANCE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL IDENTIFY AND ALLOCATE SUFFICIENT SITES TO HA TO MEET THE ASSESSED DEMANDS.
- - 0 - -
/37
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1994
- 37 -
MOTION ON PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION PASSED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A MOTION MOVED BY THE HON T1K CHI-YUEN URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPEDITE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION.
TJHE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, SPOKE ON BEHALF OF THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE*MOTION.
A MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SEEKING AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE TO TRANSFER SOME OF HIS FUNCTIONS TO THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS WAS ALSO PASSED.
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATES ON THEM WERE ADJOURNED.
THE FOUR BILLS WERE THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE EMPLOYEES RETRAINING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994, THE DUMPING AT SEA BILL AND THE MARINE PARKS BILL.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, PRESENTED THE HONG kUnu COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT 1993-1994 AND THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL HONG KONG REPORT BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1993 - MARCH 31, 1994.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS PRESENTED THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1993 TO MARCH 31, 1994.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, PRESENTED THE REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE WELFARE FUND FROM APRIL 1, 1993 TO MARCH 31, 1994 PREPARED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION.
DURING THE SITTING, MEMBERS ASKED 20 QUESTIONS, SIX OF WHICH CALLED FOR ORAL ANSWERS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR OCTOBER 1994..................... 1
LEGAL STUDY VISIT TO CHINA............................................... 2
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 RELEASED............................................................ 2
TELEPHONE BOOKING FOR REGISTRATION OF IDENTITY CARDS................ 5
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLISHED....................................... 6
DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT VISIT HONG KONG................................. 6
HKIE: A PROMISE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION IN HK........................ 7
CODES OF PRACTICE FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT OWNERS AND STEAM RECEIVERS PUBLISHED...................................................... 8
ARTS COUNCIL SENDS SUBMISSION TO LEGCO BILLS COMMITTEE.............. 9
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MUSICIANS AND DANCERS ............................................... 10
LIONS' SISTER SCHOOLS SCHEME CHEQUE PRESENTATION........................ 12
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS................ 13
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SURVEY RESULTS FOR OCTOBER 1994 *****
THERE WAS A SLOWDOWN IN THE GROWTH OF RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG DURING OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE LATEST MONTHLY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY (HKMA).
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OUTSTANDING MORTGAGE LENDING BY THE 33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE SURVEY INCREASED BY 0.2% IN OCTOBER (0.7% IN SEPTEMBER) TO $242.2 BILLION FROM $241.6 BILLION. THE GROWTH RATE IS BELOW THE MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1.06% OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS.
’’NOTWITHSTANDING THE MODERATE GROWTH IN RECENT MONTHS, IN A RISING INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT IT IS PRUDENT FOR BANKS TO MAINTAIN A CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LENDING,” THE DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE (BANKING) OF HKMA, MR DAVID CARSE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE ANNUALISED RATE OF GROWTH IN LENDING OVER THE LAST THREE MONTHS HAS FURTHER DROPPED TO 6.6%, COMPARED WITH 7.3% IN THE THREEMONTH PERIOD TO SEPTEMBER.
THE TWELVE-MONTH AVERAGE OF OUTSTANDING LOANS REMAINED STABLE AT AN ANNUALISED GROWTH RATE OF 12.7% COMPARED WITH 12.5% IN SEPTEMBER.
HOWEVER, NEW LOANS APPROVED BUT NOT YET DRAWN PICKED UP BY 18.0% TO $4.7 BILLION FROM $4.0 BILLION IN SEPTEMBER.
’’THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE GROWTH OF OUTSTANDING LOANS COULD BE HIGHER IN NOVEMBER," MR CARSE SAID.
LENDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES IN CHINA ROSE BY 3.0% IN OCTOBER TO $4.33 BILLION FROM $4.21 BILLION, COMPARED WITH THE 2.8% GROWTH IN SEPTEMBER. THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO LENDING FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES.
GROSS LOANS MADE IN OCTOBER INCREASED IN BOTH NUMBER (TO 450 FROM 431) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $186 MILLION FROM $162 MILLION). NEW LOANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER ALSO INCREASED IN BOTH NUMBER (TO 228 FROM 160) AND IN AMOUNT (TO $149 MILLION FROM $87 MILLION).
- - 0----------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
2
LEGAL STUDY VISIT TO CHINA
*****
CROWN SOLICITOR MR IAN WINGFIELD WILL LEAD A GROUP OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO BEIJING AND SHANGHAI THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 26) ON A LEGAL STUDY VISIT FROM NOVEMBER 28 TO DECEMBER 5.
THE SEVEN-MEMBER DELEGATION COMPRISES OFFICIALS FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE VISIT IS A SPECIALISTS VISIT OF CROWN COUNSEL WORKING IN CIVIL DIVISION WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING GOVERNMENT BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS ON LEGAL MATTERS ARISING FROM THEIR FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, AS WELL AS OTHER LEGAL ISSUES RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW, LANDS AND WORKS AND CIVIL LITIGATION INVOLVING THE GOVERNMENT.
THE DELEGATION, APART FROM MR WINGFIELD, INCLUDES DEPUTY CROWN SOLICITORS MR CHAN SHU-YING AND MR BENEDICT LAI; SENIOR ASSISTANT CROWN SOLICITORS MR ANTHONY WU AND MR STEPHEN WONG; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS MRS JENNIE CHOK.
DURING ITS STAY IN CHINA, THE DELEGATION WILL MEET WITH OFFICIALS OF THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND OTHER LEGAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE VISIT IS ONE OF A SERIES OF RECIPROCAL LEGAL STUDY VISITS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THESE VISITS ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICIALS FROM THE CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO MEET ON A REGULAR BASIS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH OTHERS’ LEGAL SYSTEM AT A PRACTICAL LEVEL.
SINCE THE START OF THE LEGAL STUDY VISITS PROGRAMME IN 1988, HONG KONG HAS SENT THREE DELEGATIONS TO CHINA AND TWO CHINESE DELEGATIONS HAVE VISITED HONG KONG.
------0-------
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER 1994 RELEASED *****
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1994, ESTIMATED AT $16.8 BILLION, INCREASED BY 10% WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1993, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES OVER THE PERIOD, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 4% IN VOLUME IN SEPTEMBER 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
THE INCREASE IN SEPTEMBER 1994 WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO GROWTH IN SPENDING ON CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, AND CONSUMER DURABLE GOODS (OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES).
/SALES OF .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 3 -
SALES OF THESE TWO ITEMS INCREASED BY 24% AND 17% RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND BOTH 14% IN VOLUME.
MODERATE INCREASES WERE RECORDED TN THE SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (12% IN VALUE AND 5% IN VOLUME); SUPERMARKETS (9% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME); AND DEPARTMENT STORES (9% IN VALUE AND 2% IN VOLUME).
SALES OF JEWELLERY AND WATCHES INCREASED BY 5% IN VALUE, BUT WITH VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME. SALES OF FUELS INCREASED BY 2% IN VALUE, BUT DROPPED BY 4% IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES DECREASED BY- 23% IN VALUE AND 29% IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1994, BUT BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1994 DECREASED BY 4% IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
COMPARING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993, TOTAL RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 12% IN VALUE AND 6% 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 SEPTEMBER 1994 RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND THE PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL 802 1258.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1994 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1994.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 1994 FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS AND BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET, WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1989 TO SEPTEMBER 1990 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF THE SEPTEMBER 1994 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1994 AND THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1993, AS WELL AS COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1994 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1993 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/TABLE 1 : .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
4
TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for September1994 (Provisional Figure) = HK$16,759.2 million
for August 1994 (Revised Figure) s HKS17,437.9 million
table 2 VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR AUGUST 1994 AND SEPTEMBER 1994
(Mcr.th ,y average of 0 89 • Sept. 70 = 100)
Index of Index for Index for September 1994 September 1994 Jan.-Sep.1994
Typ$ of Outlet Retai I August September compared with compared with compared with
Sales 1994 1994 August 1994 September 1993 Jan.-Sep.1993
(Revised (Provisional (Points) (X) (Points) (X) (Points) (X)
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS figures) figures) -7.2 -3.9 ♦15.9 +9.8 ♦19.3 *12.4
Value 185.7 178.5
Volume 144.6 139.3 •5.3 -3.7 ♦5.2 *3.9 ♦8.5 +6.4
(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLET
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 140.6 147.2 ♦6.6 *4.7 ♦15.8 ♦12.0 ♦10.3 ♦S.S
drinks and tobacco Volume 99.2 108.8 ♦9.6 *9.7 ♦5.4 +5.2 ♦3.8 +3.8
(other than
supermarkets)
Supermarkets $ Value 156.5 165.3 ♦8.9 +5.7 ♦14.2 *9.4 ♦15.6 *11.2
Volume 110.6 116.1 ♦5.4 +4.9 ♦2.4 *2.1 ♦4.4 +4.1
Fuels Value 187.3 169.0 -18.2 -9.7 ♦4.0 *2.4 ♦7.6 *5.2
Volume 128.9 116.3 -12.5 -9.7 -4.3 -3.5 ♦0.9 ♦O.S
Clothing, footwear and Value 295.7 238.7 -57.0 -19.3 ♦46.7 *24.3 ♦53.0 +27.0
allied products Volume 209.1 168.2 -40.9 -19.6 ♦20.4 M3.8 ♦27.1 +17.7
Consumer durable goods Value 152.0 190.7 ♦38.7 +25.5 -5.4 -2.7 ♦5.2 *3.0
Volume 127.3 158.2 ♦30.9 *24.3 -8.5 -5.1 •1.1 -0.8
- Motor vehicles Value 139.1 180.9 ♦41.8 +30.1 -53.0 -22.7 -4.8 -2.5
and parts Volume 99.4 128.0 ♦28.5 +28.7 -51.6 -28.7 -13.6 -9.1
- Consumer durable Value 161.3 197.8 ♦36.4 *22.6 ♦29.1 *17.3 ♦12.4 +7.5
goods other than Volume 147.5 180.1 ♦32.6 *22.1 ♦22.6 *14.4 ♦7.9 *5.1
motor vehicles
and parts
Department stores Value 164.4 137.7 -26.7 -16.3 ♦10.9 +8.6 ♦11.3 +8.0
Volume 123.0 101.8 -21.1 -17.2 ♦1.8 ♦1.8 ♦1.7 +1.5
Jewellery, watches Value 164.0 153.7 •10.4 -6.3 ♦6.9 *4.7 ♦19.8 +13.2
and clocks, and Volume 155.8 145.8 -10.0 -6.4 ♦0.6 +0.4 ♦9.5 *6.3
valuable gifts
Other consumer goods Value 254.6 227.8 -26.9 -10.5 ♦41.5 *22.3 ♦35.0 +21.0
not elsewhere Volume 201.8 178.4 -23.4 -11.6 ♦26.4 *17.4 ♦22.9 *16.6
classified
NOTE : * Not including supermarkets operating in department stores.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24,
- 5 -
TELEPHONE BOOKING FOR REGISTRATION OF IDENTITY CARDS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN MAKE USE OF TELEPHONE BOOKING FOR THE REGISTRATION OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS FROM NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 28), THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ON DECEMBER 1.
AT PRESENT, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES ARE OPERATING A QUOTA SYSTEM. NUMBERED TAGS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
APPLICANTS USUALLY QUEUE UP VERY EARLY IN THE’MORNING FOR TAGS. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GIVEN A TAG ON THE DAY WILL ALSO HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEIR TURN TO BE SERVED.
"IN THE FACE OF INCREASE IN DEMAND, THIS NEW SERVICE WILL BRING ABOUT GREATER CONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC AND OBVIATE THE NEED TO QUEUE UP FOR A TAG," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEM WAS PART OF ITS CONTINUED EFFORTS TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICES.
THE NEW TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT BOOKING SYSTEM PROVIDES AN OPTION FOR SELECTION OF THREE LANGUAGES - CANTONESE, ENGLISH OR PUTONGHUA. IT OPERATES ROUND-THE-CLOCK AND OFFERS ADVANCE BOOKINGS UP TO TWO WEEKS.
HOWEVER, TO PREVENT ABUSE, AN APPLICANT CAN ONLY MAKE ONE APPOINTMENT WITHIN A TWO-WEEK PERIOD.
THE NUMBER OF THE APPLICANT’S HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR TRAVEL DOCUMENT WILL BE REQUIRED IN MAKING THE APPOINTMENT, HE ELABORATED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT CALLERS USING TOUCH-TONE DIAL TELEPHONE WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE USE OF THIS NEW SERVICE BY DIALLING 598 0888. THE NUMBER WILL BE CHANGED TO 2598 0888 WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE CALLERS CAN SELECT THEIR OWN CONVENIENT DATE AND TIME AS PROMPTED BY THE SYSTEM WHICH AT THE SAME TIME OFFERS INFORMATION ON WHICH OFFICE WHERE THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT MAY BE AVAILABLE.
THERE ARE ALSO OPTIONS FOR AMENDING OR CANCELLING THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS. FAX MESSAGES CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENTS MADE MAY BE OBTAINED.
GUIDANCE LEAFLETS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE INFORMATION OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES - HONG KONG OFFICE, KOWLOON OFFICE, TSUEN WAN OFFICE, KWUN TONG OFFICE, TAI PO OFFICE, YUEN LONG OFFICE AND MA TAU WAI OFFICE.
FOR ENQUIRIES, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY TELEPHONE 824 6111 OR USE FAXLINE 877 7711. THEY WILL BE CHANGED TO 2824 6111 AND 2877 7711 RESPECTIVELY WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
------0--------
/6......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
6
DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN PUBLISHED ♦ *♦♦♦♦
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED A DOCUMENT OUTLINING THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO DISASTERS THAT MIGHT OCCUR IN THE TERRITORY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLICATION, ENTITLED THE "HONG KONG DISASTER PLAN", WOULD PROVIDE EASY REFERENCE ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MANAGE A DISASTER.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS DETAILED CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF EMERGENCIES, BUT THESE ARE VERY DETAILED OPERATIONAL DOCUMENTS.
"WE FELT THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO DRAFT A DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN TO GIVE A CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONS OF . THE VARIOUS AGENCIES INVOLVED IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE GENERAL APPROACH DESCRIBED IN THIS PLAN IS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO ALMOST ANY DISASTER OR EMERGENCY. THIS IS THEN TAILORED TO THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM," HE EXPLAINED.
THE PLAN OUTLINES THE ALERTING SYSTEM AND (’ALL OUT PROCEDURES; THE RESCUE, RECOVERY AND RESTORATION MANAGEMENT PHASES IN THE EVENT OF A DISASTER; AND THE ROLFS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES TAKING PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISASTERS.
"THE ONLY CONTINGENCY PLAN WHERE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN RESPONSE IS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE DESCRIBED HERE IS THE DAYA BAY CONTINGENCY PLAN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "BUT WE HAVE ALREADY PUBLISHED THIS IN APRIL THIS YEAR."
COPIES OF THE PLAN ARE AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE IN ALL URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL LIBRARIES.
--------0-----------
DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT V ISIT HONG KONG
*****
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING FOR A SEVEN-DAY VISIT.
ON HAND TO RECEIVE THEM A'!’ THE HONG KONG I NI’ERN A TIONAL AIRPORT WILL BE THE GOVERNOR, THE. RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND MRS PATTEN.
DURING THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG, HIE DUKE AND DUCHESS WILL UNDERTAKE A NUMBER OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES SOME OF THE DEVELOPMENTS AND THE WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
THE ROYAL COUPLE’S VISIT PROGRAMME WILL START WITH A GALA PERFORMANCE AT THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARI’S ON SATURDAY EVENING AND CONCLUDE WITH THE GRAND OPENING OF A NEW TOWER OF THE PENINSULA HOTEL IN THE AFTERNOON OF DECEMBER 1.
/APART FROM .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
APART FROM THESE FUNCTIONS, SEPARATE PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN LINED UP FOR THE DUKE AND FOR THE DUCHESS.
THE DUKE WILL ATTEND A WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT THE SAI WAN MILITARY CEMETERY; OPEN THE 10TH WORLD AIRPORTS CONFERENCE AT THE REGENT HOTEL; AND VISIT THE HONG KONG TELECOM’S STANLEY EARTH STATION AND THE BLACK POINT POWER STATION CONSTRUCTION SITE.
THE DUCHESS WILL VISIT THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN HOSPITAL IN SANDY BAY.
SHE WILL PAY A VISIT TO THE TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN AND, JN HER CAPACITY AS THE DEPUTY COLONEL-IN-CHIEF, VISIT THE ROYAL LOGISTICS CORPS.
SHE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE HONG KONG SPORTS INSTITUTE AND MEET MEDAL WINNING HONG KONG ATHLETES FROM THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND THE ASIAN GAMES.
THEY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG FOR LONDON IN THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 1.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT WILL BE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG AT 10.45 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BY FLIGHT BA 031. THEY WILL BE RECEIVED AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, AND MRS PATTEN.
A PHOTO FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THEIR ARRIVAL. THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 10 AM. THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR PRESS IDENTITY CARDS.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP.
------0--------
HKIE: A PROMISE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION IN HK *****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAID THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION "HOLDS OUT THE GREAT PROMISE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION IN HONG KONG AND FOR THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE YEARS TO COME.”
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE INSTITUTE, THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID THE COMMUNITY WAS COMMITTED TO GIVING TO EACH OF THE TEACHERS THE TRAINING, THE SUPPORT AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT THEY NEEDED TO FULFIL THE EXPECTATIONS PLACED ON THEM.
"THIS INSTITUTE IS A SYMBOL OF THAT COMMITMENT,” HE SAID.
/IN 1992, ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 8 -
IN 1992, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EDUCATION OF TEACHERS, AND FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE PROFESSION, THE VARIOUS COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION SHOULD BE UNITED IN ONE AUTONOMOUS TERTIARY INSTITUTION.
MR PATTEN SAID THE NEW INSTITUTE WAS AN INSTRUMENT FOR DIRECTING MORE RESOURCES INTO THE EDUCATION OF TEACHERS.
THE EXPENDITURE ON EACH STUDENT IS 50 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT PROVIDED BY THE FORMER COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
HE SAID $30 MILLION HAD ALREADY BEEN COMMITTED TO IMPROVING EXISTING COLLEGE FACILITIES AND FUNDS WOULD VERY SOON BE SOUGHT TO BUILD A DEDICATED CAMPUS FOR THE INSTITUTE IN TAI PO.
"BY THE MIDDLE OF 1997, THE NEW CAMPUS SHOULD PROVIDE ACCOMODATION FOR 5,000 FULL TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS, WITH ALL THE FACILITIES AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPROVE STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE MISSION OF THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION WAS TO BECOME A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS.
MR PATTEN SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE WORK DONE BY THE INSTITUTE AND WAS PARTICULARLY DELIGHTED TO SEE THE PLANNING FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF DEGREE COURSES IN EDUCAITON.
---------0-----------
CODES OF PRACTICE FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT OWNERS AND STEAM RECEIVERS PUBLISHED * » » * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT OWNERS AND A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STEAM RECEIVERS.
PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION, MR MICHAEL LEE, SAID THE CODES WERE ISSUED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, EXAMINATION, TESTING AND OPERATION OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS.
"THESE CODES OF PRACTICE ARE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, WHO IS THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS AUTHORITY, UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT OWNERS OFFERS DETAILED ADVICE ON THE SAFE PRACTICE AND REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING REGISTRATION, INSPECTION AND VARIOUS RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OWNER.
/THE CODE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 9 -
THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR STEAM RECEIVERS PROVIDES DETAILS OF THE SAFE PRACTICE AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO SAFETY FITTINGS, OPERATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, REPORT OF ACCIDENT AND DEFECTS OF STEAM RECEIVERS, INCLUDING STEAM DYEING KIERS, STEAM CYLINDER DRYERS AND STERILIZERS.
MR LEE URGED OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, APPOINTED EXAMINERS, INSPECTION BODIES AND ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TO PAY FULL ATTENTION TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THESE CODES.
COPIES OF THE CODES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 17TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING , 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 852 4183.
---------0-------------
ARTS COUNCIL SENDS SUBMISSION TO LEGCO BILLS COMMITTEE * * * * *
IN RESPONSE TO A RECENT DEBATE ON THE ISSUE OF ELECTIONS TO THE HONG KONG ARTS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (HKADC), THE COUNCIL HAS SENT A WRITTEN SUBMISSION TO PUT ITS POSITION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S BILLS COMMITTEE TO FACILITATE DISCUSSIONS.
IN ADDITION, THREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HKADC, DR CHAN WING-WAH, MR OSCAR HO, AND MR YU SHU-TAK, TOGETHER WITH THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MRS KATHERINE HALL, PRESENTED THE COUNCIL’S POSITION AT A HEARING HELD BY THE BILLS COMMITTEE ON THE HKADC BILL ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
MEMBERS OF THE HKADC ARE IN GENERAL IN SUPPORT OF THE PRINCIPLE OF ELECTIONS TO THE HKADC.
HOWEVER, MEMBERS ALSO RECOGNISED THAT THE ELECTION PROCESS WAS A CONSTITUTIONAL MATTER WHICH WAS OUTSIDE THE PURVIEW OF THE HKADC AND ITS ORDINANCE.
MEMBERS FELT THAT THE HKADC ITSELF SHOULD NOT BE THERE TO DEFINE OR ORGANISE THE ARTS CONSTITUENCY FOR ELECTIONS. IT IS ESSENTIALLY FOR THE ARTS CONSTITUENCY ITSELF TO DEFINE, AND TO ORGANISE, ITSELF IF IT CHOOSES SO TO DO.
THE HKADC IS AWARE OF THE DICHOTOMY BETWEEN THE DESIRABILITY OF ELECTIONS AS A PRINCIPLE, AND THE PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN CURRENT DEVELOPMENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
MEMBERS ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT AND ASSIDUOUSLY PROMOTED IN THE CURRENT MOMENTUM TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE IN HONG KONG.
MEMBERS WOULD THEREFORE URGE ALL POSSIBLE EXPEDITION IN THE SMOOTH PASSAGE OF THE BILL.
/AT THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 10 -
AT THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 10, A STRATEGIC Planning group was appointed with mr oscar ho as chairman to work Intensively on preparations for the five-year strategic plan and feUDGET.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP ARE DR CHAN WING-WAH, DR LEUNG PING-KWAN, MR RAYMOND LIU, MR LO KING-MAN, AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
THE GROUP WILL BE SUPPORTED BY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MRS KATHERINE HALL, AS EXECUTIVE CO-ORDINATOR.
THE GROUP IS WORKING TOWARDS PUBLICATION OF THE PLAN FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN JUNE 1995 AND SUBMISSION TO THE FINANCE BRANCH IN APRIL 1996.
THE COUNCIL IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF THE HKADC LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION IS MR BOSCO YIP PO-HOI, A PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER AND POST-GRADUATE DEGREE HOLDER OF THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS MADE THE UNANIMOUS CHOICE OF THE WINNER OUT OF 632 ENTRIES ON NOVEMBER 9.
THE ADJUDICATORS WERE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION, MR JOHN AU; THE CHAIRMAN OF CHARTERED SOCIETY OF DESIGNERS, MR DENNIS CHAN; THE HEAD OF SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, DR HAZEL CLARK; THE CHAIRMAN OF HKADC VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE, MR OSCAR HO, AND A MEMBER OF THE HKADC, MR KAN TAI-KEUNG.
THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 3.30 PM ON DECEMBER 5.
FIVE MERIT PRIZES WENT TO MR AU TAK-SHING, MISS CHANG WAI-MAN, MR CHOY FUI, MISS FANG WAI-MAN AND MR WONG WAI-BUN.
------0-------
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MUSICIANS AND DANCERS
*****
LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS CAN NOW APPLY FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1995/96.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS HELP EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED PEOPLE RECEIVE MUSIC OR DANCE TRAINING IN POST GRADUATE STUDIES AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THE AWARDS SHOULD RETURN TO HONG KONG AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE SCOPE OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS IS NOT CONFINED TO INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDIES OR DANCE.
/RELATED STUDIES .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 11 -
RELATED STUDIES IN MUSIC OR DANCE, PRACTICAL OR ACADEMIC SUCH AS COMPOSITION, MUSICOLOGY, CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCE NOTATION, ARE ALSO COVERED.
SELECTION OF SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE MADE THROUGH AUDITIONS OR INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD IN MARCH OR APRIL NEXT YEAR.
ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE AUDITIONS OR INTERVIEWS IN PERSON.
THE SCHOLARSHIP WILL COVER TUITION FEE, A TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE, A SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE AND A RETURN PASSAGE TO THE INTENDED COUNTRY OF STUDY.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR TWO SUCCESSIVE YEARS UNLESS UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
APPLICANTS PLANNING TO PURSUE A COURSE LONGER THAN ONE YEAR SHOULD BE PREPARED TO LOOK FOR OTHER SOURCES OF FINANCE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR.
CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR MUSIC, MUSIC-RELATED, DANCE OR DANCE-RELATED STUDIES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE UNDER THE AGE OF 32 ON SEPTEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR.
HOWEVER, EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE IN THE CASES OF SINGERS, COMPOSERS OR CHOREOGRAPHERS WISHING TO ENTER ADVANCED COURSES.
THE APPLICANTS SHOULD NORMALLY BE GRADUATES OF A RECOGNISED HONG KONG TERTIARY INSTITUTION AND SHOULD BE AT A PERFORMANCE STANDARD EQUIVALENT TO THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
COMPOSERS, MUSICOLOGISTS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOULD BE AT A COMPARABLE ADVANCED STANDARD.
HOWEVER, EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE IN THE CASES OF PRACTISING ARTISTS WITH PROVEN ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE.
IN ADDITION, ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST THREE YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, CULTURE DIVISION, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, 40TH FLOOR, REVENUE TOWER, 5 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT BY FEBRUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED ON TEL 594 5621 OR 594 5628.
---------0-----------
/12........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
- 12 -
LIONS’ SISTER SCHOOLS SCHEME CHEQUE PRESENTATION *****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG , WILL OFFICIATE AT THE 94-95 LIONS’ SISTER SCHOOLS SCHEME CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, WONG CHUK HANG, ABERDEEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR WONG WILL RECEIVE A CHEQUE FOR $330,000 FROM MR WILLIAM LEUNG, THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC EXTRAVAGANZA "CHARITY TATTOO NIGHT" BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND MORE THAN 1,000 PUPILS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "THE LIONS’ SISTER SCHOOLS SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU SINCE 1981. IT IS A SOCIAL PROJECT TO STRENGTHEN THE LINKAGE OF PUPILS OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND THOSE OF THE ORDINARY ONES.
"THE SCHEME AIMS AT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUPILS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND ORDINARY SCHOOLS TO INTERACT VIA PARTICIPATION IN JOINED SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SPORTS DAYS, SWIMMING GALAS, GAMES DAYS, RESIDENTIAL OR DAY CAMPS, PICNICS, FUNFAIRS AND OTHER INTEREST GROUP ACTIVITIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE SCHEME HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTING FOR 14 YEARS AND HAD RECEIVED FULL SUPPORT FROM ALL DISTRICT LIONS CLUBS’ PRESIDENTS AND GOVERNORS OF THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303 HONG KONG AND MACAU.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS INCREASES EACH YEAR AND NOW 50 SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND 67 ORDINARY SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME.
*****
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LIONS’ SISTER SCHOOLS SCHEME 1994-95 CHEQUE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, 18, OCEAN PARK ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, AT 6.15 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
--------0-----------
/13 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1994
13
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
MONEY MARKET
OPERATIONS » ♦
» *
♦
CUMULATIVE
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,590 0930 -88
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,487 1000 -288
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -343
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -43 1200 -343
LAF TODAY -60 1500 -43
1600 -43
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.5 ♦+0.1» 24.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.61 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.78 6.61
1 MONTH 4.79 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 100.00 7.02
3 MONTHS 5.17 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.70 7.33
6 MONTHS 5.59 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.50 7.58
12 MONTHS 6.13 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.69 8.19
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS
38,947
AND BONDS
MN
CLOSED 24 NOVEMBER 1994
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994.......................... 1
MONETARY AUTHORITY WELCOMES HK ASSOCIATION OF BANKS' PROPOSAL.................................................... 9
70 VIETNAMESE DEPART ON ORDERLY REPATRIATION FLIGHT..... 9
MONITORS' REPORT ON VIETNAMESE ORP OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS......................................................... 10
GOVT CONTINUES TO MANAGE FINANCES RESPONSIBLY AND PRUDENTLY.................................................. 10
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S REMARKS............. 11
MUCH SCOPE FOR HK TO DEVELOP VIETNAM TRADE TIES............ 13
12 MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED....................... 14
RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994............................... 15
HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOY FREE SPEECH: SHA.................... 16
HK PRAISED FOR PROMOTING COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS............................................ 17
GOVT VALUES NGOS' VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS.................... 18
TOKYO TOMIN BANK GRANTED LICENCE........................... 19
LANDS TO BE RESUMED FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS.............. 19
/OVER 1,700..
CONTENTS
PAGE NO,
OVER 1,700 OUTLETS FOR SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS................ 20
NO PLAN TO TERMINATE NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS................ 20
BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS AMENDMENT REGULATION GAZETTED................................................... 22
BA PUBLISHES RECORDS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS.................... 22
TUEN MUN ELDERLY HOME OPENS................................ 22
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS.......... 23
RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALL AND PIER AT 24
STANLEY BAY.............................................
ENTRANCE TOWER OF MA WAT WAI A HISTORICAL BUILDING...... 24
18 APPOINTED TO BEDSPACE APARTMENTS APPEAL BOARD........... 25
ROADS FOR DRAINAGE CHANNEL MAINTENANCE PROPOSED............ 26
PARKING METER CHARGES REVISED.............................. 27
MULTI-PURPOSE CIVIC CENTRE FOR YUEN LONG................... 28
FLUSHING WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST......................... 28
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
29
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 *****
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 WAS RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY). FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS:
* THE HONG KONG ECONOMY MAINTAINED ITS GROWTH MOMENTUM IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1994. GDP GREW BY 5.4% IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING A 5.7% INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THE GROWTH RATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER SHOULD HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY FASTER THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER, PROBABLY CLOSER TO THAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
♦ EXTERNALLY, RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE KEY IMPETUS TO OVERALL EXPORT GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS CEASED TO DECLINE, AFTER FALLING FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS. IMPORTS ROSE MARKEDLY, SUPPORTED BY THE STRONG GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS AND A FURTHER SHARP INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES CONTINUED TO INCREASE, ALONG WITH THE EXPANSION IN OVERALL VISIBLE TRADE.
» DOMESTICALLY, WHILE CONSUMER SPENDING ROSE MORE SLOWLY IN RECENT MONTHS, INVESTMENT SPENDING SURGED STRONGLY, UNDERPINNED BY ACCELERATED INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AND INTENSIVE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY NOTABLY ON INFRASTRUCTURE.
* IN LINE WITH THE STEADY ECONOMIC GROWTH, THERE WAS A SUSTAINED MARKED INCREASE IN OVERALL EMPLOYMENT. LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT. WHILE A CONTINUED MORE RAPID INCREASE IN THE LABOUR FORCE IN RECENT QUARTERS MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO EDGE UP SLIGHTLY, THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FELL FURTHER. THE AVERAGE DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT NEVERTHELESS HAD NOT WORSENED.
♦ THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET CONSOLIDATED FURTHER IN THE THIRD QUARTER, AS THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK FORCE IN EARLY JUNE AND THE SUCCESSIVE INCREASES IN MORTGAGE RATE SINCE MARCH TOOK EFFECT. SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES HAD SUBSIDED. FLAT PRICES HAD FALLEN BY AROUND 10-20% FROM THEIR PEAK LEVEL IN MARCH/APRIL. FLAT RENTALS NEVERTHELESS CONTINUED TO RISE STEADILY REFLECTING SUSTAINED END-USER DEMAND.
♦ ON INFLATION, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ACCELERATED TO 8.9% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, FROM 7.3% IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 7.7% IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THIS ACCELERATION WAS CAUSED BY A TEMPORARY UPSURGE IN THE PRICES OF CERTAIN FRESH FOOD ITEMS, MAINLY VEGETABLES, IN JULY AND AUGUST, DUE TO THE SERIOUS FLOODING IN SOUTH CHINA AND SEVERAL RAINSTORMS IN HONG KONG. AS THE SUPPLY AND HENCE PRICES OF VEGETABLES RETURNED TO NORMAL THEREAFTER, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) EASED BACK FROM THE PEAK OF 9.8% IN AUGUST TO 8.6% IN SEPTEMBER AND FURTHER TO 7.9% IN OCTOBER. TAKING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1994 TOGETHER, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 8.0%, APPRECIABLY SLOWER THAN THAT OF 8.5% FOR 1993 AS A WHOLE.
/* HAVING REGARD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
2
* HAVING REGARD TO THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY, THE ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1994 HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND UPDATED. OVERALL, THE FORECAST GDP GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IS MAINTAINED AT 5.7%. THIS IMPLIES A SLIGHTLY FASTER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR THAN IN THE FIRST HALF.
* THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) IS REVISED DOWNWARDS FROM 8.5% TO 8%, CONSISTENT WITH THE OUTTURN IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR IS KEPT UNCHANGED AT 8%.
THE EXTERNAL SECTOR
OVERALL EXPORT GROWTH IMPROVED SLIGHTLY, FROM 10% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO ABOUT 11% IN THE THIRD QUARTER. RE-EXPORTS, WITH A GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 14% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THE MAIN IMPETUS TO OVERALL EXPORT GROWTH. WHILE RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA, THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN MAINTAINED A STEADY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE, THOSE TO GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM MODERATED.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS CEASED TO DECLINE IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER. A POSITIVE GROWTH WAS RECORDED MOST RECENTLY. THE FALL IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA HAD BECOME SMALLER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES AND SINGAPORE PICKED UP FURTHER, BUT THOSE TO JAPAN SLACKENED. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE STILL WEAK.
AS THE GROWTH OF RE-EXPORTS WAS PERSISTENTLY FASTER THAN THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SHARE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE FURTHER TO 81% IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1994, FROM 79% IN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1993.
IMPORTS ROSE MARKEDLY. THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER WAS ABOUT 15%, FURTHER UP FROM THE 12% INCREASE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. WITHIN TOTAL IMPORTS, THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS SURGED TO ABOUT 19% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, FROM 4% IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 17% IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THERE WERE GREATER IMPORTS OF A VARIETY OF ITEMS FOR LOCAL USE, INCLUDING BOTH CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS.
IN THE THIRD QUARTER, BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES SHOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO GROW STEADILY IN OVERALL TERMS. THE SLOWER GROWTH IN TOURISM IN RECENT MONTHS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPENSATED TO A GOOD EXTENT BY THE FURTHER GROWTH IN TRADE-RELATED SERVICES. EXPORTS OF VARIOUS OTHER PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN ROBUST. OVERALL, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SUSTAINED SURPLUS IN INVISIBLE TRADE.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $57.9 BILLION WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994, EQUIVALENT TO 6.4% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS. THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $26.5 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.3% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE LARGER VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT THIS YEAR WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE REPLENISHMENT OF STOCKS FOLLOWING THE REDUCTION TO A VERY LOW LEVEL IN THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR WHEN RETAINED IMPORTS SLOWED DOWN DRASTICALLY, AND TO A LESSER EXTENT ALSO THE IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION.
/DOMESTIC DEMAND .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 3 -
DOMESTIC DEMAND
ON CONSUMER SPENDING, THE GROWTH IN RECENT MONTHS WAS MORE MODERATE THAN IN THE EARLY PART OF THE YEAR. THERE WAS A MARKED SLOWDOWN IN RETAIL SALES, CONCENTRATING MAINLY IN WEAKER SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES. SALES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR NEVERTHELESS REMAINED STRONG. IN CONTRAST, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS CONTINUED TO SHOW A STRONG INCREASE, BY ABOUT 24% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN 11% RISE IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. THE PROGRESSIVE RELOCATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ACROSS THE BORDER MIGHT HAVE LED TO A DECLINE IN LOCAL PRODUCTION FOR LOCAL USE, WITH THE NEED FOR MORE RETAINED IMPORTS IN ORDER TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOCAL SUPPLY SHORTFALL. MEANWHILE, THERE WAS PROBABLY A LARGER BUILD-UP IN STOCKS OF CONSUMER GOODS IN RECENT MONTHS.
THERE WAS APPARENTLY A SHARP ACCELERATION IN INVESTMENT SPENDING IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS PICKED UP TO ABOUT 17% IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OVER A YEAR EARLIER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 6% IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. AMONGST THE VARIOUS TYPES OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, RETAINED IMPORTS OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT CONTINUED TO SHOW THE FASTEST INCREASE IN THE THIRD QUARTER, WHILE THOSE OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY RETURNED TO POSITIVE GROWTH. RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING USE HOWEVER REMAINED ON A DOWNTREND. MEANWHILE, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SHOULD HAVE ALSO REGISTERED STRONG GROWTH IN RECENT MONTHS.
THE LABOUR MARKET
THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED GENERALLY TIGHT. THERE WAS A CONTINUED MARKED INCREASE IN OVERALL EMPLOYMENT. WHILE A SUSTAINED NET INFLOW OF PEOPLE INTO HONG KONG CONTRIBUTED TO A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE LABOUR FORCE IN RECENT QUARTERS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE EDGED UP ONLY SLIGHTLY, TO 2.3% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FELL TO 1.1%. A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF THE DATA SHOWED THAT THE AVERAGE DURATION UNEMPLOYMENT HAD NOT LENGTHENED. THE FALL IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE SIGNIFIED AN EVEN GREATER UTILISATION OF THE EMPLOYED WORKFORCE.
THE SHIFT IN EMPLOYMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR TO THE SERVICE SECTORS CONTINUED. AMIDST SUSTAINED FULL EMPLOYMENT, THE LOCAL WORKFORCE GENERALLY ENJOYED CONTINUED RISES IN INCOME. BETWEEN JUNE 1993 AND JUNE 1994, AVERAGE EARNINGS IN THE SERVICE SECTORS AS A WHOLE AS WELL AS IN MANUFACTURING REGISTERED FURTHER INCREASES IN REAL TERMS. CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES ALSO HAD A SMALL INCREASE IN REAL TERMS.
/THE PROPERTY .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
4
THE PROPERTY MARKET
TRADING ACTIVITY IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET REMAINED MODERATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK FORCE IN EARLY JUNE, TOGETHER WITH THE SUCCESSIVE INCREASES IN LOCAL INTEREST RATES, CONTINUED TO TAKE EFFECT. SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES HAD SUBSIDED. FLAT PRICES HAD FALLEN BY AROUND 10-20% FROM THEIR PEAK LEVEL IN MARCH/APRIL. DESPITE THE MORE FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS BEING OFFERED BY SOME DEVELOPERS ALONG WITH REDUCED PRICES, RESPONSE TO SALES OF FLATS WAS GENERALLY LESS ENTHUSIASTIC THAN IN THE EARLIER PART OF THE YEAR. MEANWHILE, FLAT RENTALS CONTINUED TO RISE STEADILY, REFLECTING SUSTAINED END-USER DEMAND.
ON COMMERCIAL PREMISES, THE PRICES OF OFFICE SPACE GENERALLY STABILISED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. HOWEVER, DUE TO LIMITED SUPPLY AGAINST THE STRONG END-USER DEMAND, RENTALS OF GRADE A OFFICE SPACE IN PRIME LOCATIONS INCREASED FURTHER. THE DEMAND FOR SHOPPING SPACE WAS SUPPORTED BY CONTINUED GROWTH IN CONSUMER SPENDING, WITH BOTH PRICES AND RENTALS SHOWING FURTHER INCREASES. AS TO INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, THE ON-GOING RELOCATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES TO CHINA CONTINUED TO DAMPEN THE SALES AND RENTAL MARKETS FOR CONVENTIONAL FLATTED FACTORY PREMISES. BUT MODERN MULTI-PURPOSE INDUSTRIAL PREMISES DESIGNED ALSO FOR OFFICE USE FARED MUCH BETTER. THERE WAS ALSO A KEEN INTEREST IN THE ACQUISITION OF OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WITH POTENTIAL FOR REDEVELOPMENT INTO MODERN INDUSTRIAL-CUM-OFFICE BUILDINGS.
THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
THE MARKET EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR REMAINED STABLE ON THE STRONG SIDE OF THE LINKED RATE DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. FOLLOWING CLOSELY THE MOVEMENT IN US DOLLAR INTEREST RATES, HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES WERE RAISED BY 0.5 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE LATTER PART OF AUGUST. DESPITE THE INTEREST RATE INCREASE, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN LINE WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR CONTINUED TO WEAKEN AGAINST THE JAPANESE YEN AND THE MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. AS A RESULT, THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED ON A DOWNTREND, CLOSING THE THIRD QUARTER AT 121.6.
THE GROWTH RATES OF BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS SHOWED FURTHER INCREASES DURING THE THIRD QUARTER, ALBEIT AT A SLOWER PACE THAN DURING THE SECOND QUARTER. IN PARTICULAR, THE GROWTH IN LOANS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MODERATED, AS THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET QUIETENED IN THE MORE RECENT MONTHS. THE NARROW MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M1, RETURNED TO A MODERATE INCREASE DURING THE THIRD QUARTER, WHILE THE BROADER MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M2 AND HK$M3, MAINTAINED STEADY GROWTH.
/THE HANG .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
5 -
THE HANG SENG INDEX REACHED A LOW OF 8,395 ON JULY 11, FOLLOWING THE DOWNTREND IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE STOCK MARKET THEN EXPERIENCED A CONSIDERABLE REBOUND, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LESS FAVOURABLE CORPORATE RESULTS ANNOUNCED BY SOME BLUE-CHIP COMPANIES AND THE CONSOLIDATION IN THE PROPERTY MARKET. STIMULATED FURTHER BY THE IMPROVED BILATERAL ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP SUBSEQUENT TO THE U.S. SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE’S VISIT TO CHINA, THE HANG SENG INDEX BROKE THE 10,000 MARK AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER. THE MARKET HOWEVER LOST SOME GROUND TOWARDS THE END OF SEPTEMBER, AMIDST CONCERN ABOUT A FURTHER RISE IN INTEREST RATES. NEVERTHELESS, THE HANG SENG INDEX STILL CLOSED THE THIRD QUARTER HIGHER THAN AT END-JUNE, AT 9,521. INFLUENCED BY THE SETBACK IN NEW YORK STOCK MARKET, THE HANG SENG INDEX FELL SHARPLY DURING THE PAST FEW DAYS. IT STOOD AT 8,648 ON THE CLOSE OF MARKET ON NOVEMBER 24.
INFLATION
CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION, MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), ACCELERATED TO 8.9% IN THE THIRD QUARTER, FROM 7.3% IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 7.7% TN THE SECOND QUARTER. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO A TEMPORARY UPSURGE IN VEGETABLE PRICES DURING JULY AND AUGUST, CONSEQUENTIAL TO THE SERIOUS FLOODING IN SOUTH CHINA AND SEVERAL RAINSTORMS IN HONG KONG. AS VEGETABLE SUPPLY AND HENCE PRICES RETURNED TO NORMAL, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) EASED BACK IN SEPTEMBER. BOTH THE CPI(B) AND HANG SENG CPI SHOWED BROADLY SIMILAR MOVEMENTS, BUT THE EXTENT OF FLUCTUATION WAS SMALLER THAN IN THE CPI(A).
THE VOLATILE FOOD COMPONENT APART, THOSE COMPONENTS IN THE CPI RECORDING MORE RAPID PRICE INCREASES THAN AVERAGE, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING MUCH TO THE OVERALL INFLATION RATE, WERE STILL HOUSING, VARIOUS CONSUMER SERVICES, TRANSPORT, AND MORE RECENTLY CLOTHING AS WELL. WHILE DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATIONARY PRESSURES REMAINED THE PRIMARY FACTOR UNDERLYING HONG KONG’S INFLATION, A GENERALLY FASTER INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF IMPORTS HAD GIVEN RISE TO RELATIVELY GREATER IMPORTED INFLATION LATELY.
FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1994 AS A WHOLE, THE INCREASE IN THE CPI(A) AVERAGED AT 8.0%. THIS WAS APPRECIABLY SLOWER THAN THE INCREASE OF 8.5% IN 1993. THE AVERAGE INCREASES IN THE CPI(B) AND HANG SENG CPI IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE 8.3% AND 9.8%. THE COMPOSITE CPI, AS AN AGGREGATE MEASURE OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION COVERING THESE THREE INDICES, HAD A CORRESPONDING INCREASE OF 8.6%.
THE GDP DEFLATOR, AS A BROAD MEASURE OF OVERALL INFLATION IN THE ECONOMY, ROSE BY 8.0% IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 OVER A YEAR EARLIER, REPRESENTING A SLOW-DOWN FROM THE INCREASE OF 8.9% IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
UPDATED FORECASTS
THE GDP FORECAST FOR 1994 HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS BASED ON THE NEWLY REVISED SERIES OF GDP ESTIMATES. THE CORRESPONDING PRICE FORECAST HAS ALSO BEEN EXAMINED. THE UPDATED FORECASTS ARE SUMMARISED IN THE TABLE ANNEXED.
/IN THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 6 -
IN THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1994 IS MAINTAINED AT 15%. THE GROWTH RATE OF REEXPORTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS ABOUT 14% IN REAL TERMS. THE FORECAST THUS IMPLIES A SIMILAR OR SLIGHTLY BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA ARE LIKELY TO MAINTAIN ROBUST GROWTH AS THE EFFECT OF THE ECONOMIC RESTRAINT MEASURES IN CHINA IS GRADUALLY BEING ABSORBED. A STRONGER U.S. IMPORT DEMAND SHOULD CONTINUE TO HELP RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. MARKET. MEANWHILE, THE STRENGTHENING OF THE CURRENCIES OF SEVERAL EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES AGAINST THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN RECENT QUARTERS, THEREBY GIVING HONG KONG’S EXPORTS A GREATER RELATIVE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS, SHOULD ALSO UNDERPIN THE GROWTH IN EXPORTS TO THE MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE LIKELY TO YIELD A SMALLER DECLINE IN REAL TERMS THAN EARLIER EXPECTED FOR 1994 AS A WHOLE. THE FORECAST RATE OF DECLINE IS THUS ADJUSTED FROM 4% TO 2%. DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOWED CLEAR SIGNS OF- IMPROVEMENT IN RECENT MONTHS. THE EXCHANGE RATE AND DEMAND FACTORS SHOULD HELP TO SUSTAIN THIS TREND. THE ORDERS POSITION AND RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AS FORWARD INDICATORS ALSO SUGGEST IMPROVEMENT IN THE COMING MONTHS.
TAKING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN 1994 IS FORECAST AT 11.4%.
IMPORTS ARE FORECAST TO GROW BY 14.7% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994. FOLLOWING A MARKED INCREASE OF ABOUT 13% IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS, A FURTHER PICK-UP IN GROWTH IN THE FOURTH QUARTER IS EXPECTED. IN ADDITION TO THE CONTINUED ROBUST GROWTH ENVISAGED FOR RE-EXPORTS WHICH UNDERPINS THE FORECAST IMPORT GROWTH, RETAINED IMPORTS ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW THE STRONG UPTREND ESTABLISHED IN THE PAST TWO QUARTERS.
BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF SERVICES ARE FORECAST TO GROW BY 7% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994, AS COMPARED TO THEIR EARLIER FORECAST GROWTH RATES OF 9% AND 8%. THIS ADJUSTMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE SLOWER EXPANSION IN TOURISM SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER. BUT TRADE-RELATED SERVICES AND OTHER EXTERNALLY ORIENTED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE TO UNDERPIN THE PERFORMANCE OF INVISIBLE TRADE.
IN THE DOMESTIC SECTOR, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IN 1994 IS KEPT UNCHANGED AT 7%, AND THAT OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE ALSO KEPT UNCHANGED AT 4.4%. FOLLOWING THE SHARP INCREASE IN CONSUMER SPENDING IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THE FORECAST PREDICATES A LESS RAPID INCREASE IN THE LATTER PART OF THE YEAR. THE CONSOLIDATION IN THE PROPERTY AND STOCK MARKETS COULD HAVE SOME DAMPENING EFFECT ON SENTIMENT IN THE CONSUMER MARKET, IN REGARD TO MAJOR PURCHASES RATHER THAN DAILY NECESSITIES. NEVERTHELESS, CONTINUED FULL EMPLOYMENT AND RISING REAL INCOMES SHOULD STILL BE PROVIDING FIRM SUPPORT TO CONSUMPTION GROWTH.
/ON INVESTMENT .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
ON INVESTMENT SPENDING, EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS FORECAST TO GROW BY 26% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994, WHILE THAT BY.THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS FORECAST TO GROW BY 13% IN REAL TERMS. THESE FORECASTS HAVE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE OUTTURN IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, PARTICULARLY THE MARKED ACCELERATION IN PRIVATE SECTOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY DURING THE PERIOD. TAKING BOTH SECTORS TOGETHER, OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS FORECAST TO GROW BY AROUND 18% IN REAL TERMS IN 1994, UP FROM THE EARLIER FORECAST OF AROUND 15%. INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS ARE THE MAIN CONSTITUENT OF THIS ROBUST GROWTH. AS TO EXPENDITURE ON MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS IN 1994 IS ALSO RAISED, FROM 5.8% TO 10.6%, MAINLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE SHARP INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS IN RECENT QUARTERS. COMBINING ALL RELEVANT COMPONENTS, GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IN 1994 IS FORECAST TO GROW BY ABOUT 11% IN REAL TERMS.
OVERALL, THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GDP IN 1994 IS FORECAST AT 5.7%, SAME AS IN THE AUGUST UPDATE. THE IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND FASTER CAPITAL FORMATION LOCALLY ARE EXPECTED TO BE OFFSET BY INCREASED ABSORPTION OF IMPORTS, GIVEN THE CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE ECONOMY. THE FORECAST ALSO EMBRACES A SIGNIFICANT REPLENISHMENT OF STOCKS TO MAKE UP FOR A LARGE DEPLETION OF STOCKS APPARENT IN THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR.
ON INFLATION, THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE TN THE CPI(A) IS REVISED DOWNWARDS TO 8%, WHILE THAT IN THE GDP DEFLATOR IS KEPT UNCHANGED AT 8%. THE DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT IN THE CPI FORECAST HAS GIVEN REGARD TO THE ACTUAL INFLATION LEVEL SO FAR THIS YEAR. THE PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS, WHICH HAVE THE HEAVIEST WEIGHTING IN THE CPI(A), ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN GENERALLY STABLE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WILL CONTINUE TO AFFECT HOUSING RENTALS, TRANSPORT FARES, AND CHARGES FOR VARIOUS CONSUMER SERVICES. ALSO, IMPORT PRICES ARE EXPECTED TO FACE GREATER UPWARD PRESSURES THEREBY AFFECTING THE PRICES OF SUCH ITEMS AS CLOTHING. THUS NOTWITHSTANDING THE DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT IN THE FORECAST, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IS LIKELY TO STAY RELATIVELY HIGH.
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1994 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS. CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $52 A COPY.
/FORECAST FOR ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
8
FORECAST FOR 1994 AS RELEASED ON 26.8.1994 (%)
CURRENT UPDATE RELEASED ON 25.11.1994 (%)
GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF : •
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 7 7
GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE 4.4 4.4
GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED
CAPITAL FORMATION 7.8 11.2
TRANSFER COSTS OF LAND
AND BUILDINGS 0 -10
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION 15.2 18.3
PRIVATE SECTOR 5 13
PUBLIC SECTOR 30 26
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ MARGIN 0 6
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 5.8 10.6
PRIVATE SECTOR 5 10
PUBLIC SECTOR 35 30
TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS 11 11.4
DOMESTIC EXPORTS -4 -2
RE-EXPORTS 15 15
IMPORTS OF GOODS 12.5 14.7
EXPORTS OF SERVICES 9 7
IMPORTS OF SERVICES 8 7
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) 5.7 5.7
PER CAPITA GDP 4 4. 1
GROWTH RATE IN MONEY TERMS OF :
GDP 14. 1 14.1
PER CAPITA GDP 12.3 12.3
RATE OF INCREASE IN :
GDP DEFLATOR 8 8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) 8.5 8
- - 0 - -
/9
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 9 -
MONETARY AUTHORITY WELCOMES HK ASSOCIATION OF BANKS’ PROPOSAL *****
THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY WELCOMES THE PROPOSAL FROM THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS (HKAB) TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE BANK OF CHINA (BOC) SHOULD ROTATE AS CHAIRMAN BANK OF HKAB, ALONG WITH THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED (HSBC) AND STANDARD CHARTERED BANK (SCB).
CURRENTLY, THE THREE BANKS ARE THE CONTINUING MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEE OF HKAB, BUT ONLY HSBC AND SCB ALTERNATE AS CHAIRMAN BANK EVERY TWO YEARS.
UNDER HKAB’S PROPOSAL, BOC WOULD BE INCLUDED AS A ROTATING CHAIRMAN WITH ITS FIRST TERM TO COMMENCE IN 1996.
IT IS FURTHER PROPOSED BY HKAB THAT THE CHAIRMANSHIP SHOULD ROTATE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS RATHER THAN EVERY TWO YEARS AS AT PRESENT.
THE PROPOSED CHANGES REQUIRE THE ENACTMENT OF AMENDMENTS TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ORDINANCE.
IN SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL, MR JOSEPH YAM, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, SAID: "THIS IS A NATURAL DEVELOPMENT REFLECTING BOC’S INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE BANKING SECTOR. THE BOC GROUP IS THE SECOND LARGEST BANKING GROUP IN HONG KONG AND BOC HAS RECENTLY BECOME THE THIRD NOTE-ISSUING BANK.
"BY ROTATING AS CHAIRMAN BANK, BOC WILL BE AS WELL PLACED AS HSBC AND SCB TO CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING THE OBJECTS OF HKAB. THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY LOOKS FORWARD TO WORKING WITH BOC IN ITS PROPOSED NEW ROLE," HE SAID.
------0-------
70 VIETNAMESE DEPART ON ORDERLY REPATRIATION FLIGHT
*****
A GROUP OF 70 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS RETURNED TO VIETNAM TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE 19TH FLIGHT UNDER THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME (ORP).
THE RETURNEES, COMPRISING 29 MEN, 28 WOMEN, EIGHT BOYS AND FIVE GIRLS, WERE MOSTLY FROM HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE. THE OLDEST WAS 54 AND THE YOUNGEST EIGHT MONTHS.
MOST OF THEM ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN 1988 AND 1989 WITH FIVE OF THEM COMING TO THE TERRITORY IN 1993 AND 1994.
THE GROUP WAS THE LARGEST ON A SINGLE FLIGHT SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN NOVEMBER 1991 AND BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER REPATRIATED ON ORP FLIGHTS TO 985.
/THE RETURNEES .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 10 -
THE RETURNEES WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE AIRPORT EARLY THIS MORNING FOR PRE-DEPARTURE SECURITY CHECKS BEFORE BOARDING THEIR FLIGHT FOR HANOI.
REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, ' THIS MORNING’S OPERATION WENT SMOOTHLY.
SAID HE WAS
THE PLEASED THAT
SCREENED-OUT
"IT REMAINS OUR OBJECTIVE TO REPATRIATE ALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TO VIETNAM. THERE IS NO FUTURE FOR THEM KONG AND THE BEST OPTION FOR THEM IS TO VOLUNTEER TO GO
IN HONG
BACK TO
VIETNAM,” HE SAID.
--------0-----------
MONITORS’ REPORT ON VIETNAMESE ORP OPERATION SUBMITTED TO CS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MONITORS WHO OBSERVED THE ORDERLY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OPERATION THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING HAD SUBMITTED THEIR REPORT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MONITORING TEAM COMPRISED A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, MR ALEXANDER AU, MISS JANE GOODWIN FROM CHRISTIAN ACTION AND MISS SHERMAN TANG FROM OXFAM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS GRATEFUL TO THE, MONITORS FOR OBSERVING THE OPERATION AND PRODUCING 'J HF. REPORT.
-----0-------
GOVT CONTINUES TO MANAGE FINANCES RESPONSIBLY AND PRUDENTLY *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (FRIDAY) ASSURED BUSINESSMEN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MANAGE ITS FINANCES IN A RESPONSIBLE AND PRUDENT MANNER.
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG BUSINESS SUMMIT ’94 TODAY (FRIDAY), SIR HAMISH NOTED THAT WITH CHANGES IN THE LEGISLATURE, SOME BUSINESSMEN MIGHT BECOME UNEASY WHEN A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEGAN DEMANDING MORE WELFARE.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT TO PLOUGH MORE BACK INTO SOCIAL SERVICES, AND INTO HELPING THE LESS FORTUNATE AS THE COMMUNITY GOT BETTER OFF, WAS NOT AN ABANDONMENT OF THE PHILOSOPHY HONG KONG HAD BEEN ADHERING TO.
"THE HONG KONG PHILOSOPHY," HE SAID, "INCLUDES RECOGNITION THAT THE KEY TO ALL ELSE IS ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND HENCE A BUSINESS FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT, AND LOW AND PREDICTABLE TAX SYSTEM.
"IT INCLUDES A FERVENT BELIEF IN THE MERITS OF FREE TRADE AND COMPETITION; AND IN SMALL GOVERNMENT - KEEPING SPENDING UNDER CONTROL, AND HAVING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
/"IT INCLUDES .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
11
"IT INCLUDES ADMIRATION OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS, AND A DESIRE TO EMULATE THEM, NOT TO JEALOUSLY CUT THEM DOWN TO SIZE," HE SAID.
SIR HAMISH SAID THIS BASIC PHILOSOPHY WAS ALSO ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW.
"IT IS A COMPLETE MISREPRESENTATION TO CRITICISE THIS WILLINGNESS TO SPEND SOME OF OUR INCREASING WEALTH ON SOCIAL SERVICES AS MOVING HONG KONG TOWARDS A WELFARE STATE, WITH THE IMPLICATION THAT WE ARE ACCUMULATING WELFARE OBLIGATIONS BEYOND OUR MEANS TO MEET AT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE.
"ON THE CONTRARY, WE HAVE BEEN SCRUPULOUS IN ENSURING THAT WE HAVE ADEQUATE RESERVES - TO HAVE THE SIXTH LARGEST FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDINGS IN THE WORLD HARDLY SUGGESTS A SPENDTHRIFT GOVERNMENT - THAT THE NEW INITIATIVES ARE PROPERLY FUNDED, AND THAT WE ARE NOT LEAVING LARGE BILLS FOR OUR SUCCESSORS.
"OUR FINANCES, AND OUR FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES ARE THE ENVY OF THE WORLD. IT IS MY JOB TO ENSURE THAT THIS CONTINUES TO BE THE CASE," HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
TRANSCRIPT OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARKS
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE REMARKS MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING:
Q: I THINK YOU MIGHT WANT TO COMMENT ON THIS CASE INVOLVING GAMMON BECAUSE PAA INSIDERS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE ADMITTED THAT THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECT THE DECISION TO EXCLUDE OR INCLUDE THIS COMPANY WOULD HAVE ON LEGISLATORS, CHINA WATCHERS AND MEDIA, AND SOME HAVE JUMPED TO A CONCLUSION THAT MEANS THERE MIGHT BE A POLITICAL ANGLE THE DECISION TO EXCLUDE THIS COMPANY. WHAT HAVE YOU TO SAY?
FS : WELL, IT’S ABSURD, FRANKLY. WE HAVE A SITUATION HERE WHERE IF WE AWARD A CONTRACT TO A JARDINE’S COMPANY, WE ARE ACCUSED OF POLITICAL BIAS, IF WE DON’T AWARD A CONTRACT TO JARDINE’S COMPANY, WE’RE ALSO ACCUSED FOR POLITICAL BIAS. YOU ONLY HAVE TO STATE IT LIKE THAT TO REALISE THAT IT’S AN ABSURD SITUATION. I , OF COURSE, AM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PAA, SO I WAS FULLY INVOLVED AND AWARE OF THAT DECISION. IT’S A CONTINUATION OF ENTIRELY NORMAL TENDER PROCEDURE. THE FACT IS, GAMMON’S LIKE ANY OTHER CONTRACTORS, WILL SOMETIMES WIN AND SOMETIMES LOSE. AND IT WILL DO THAT DEPENDING ON HOW GOOD ITS BID IS.
I REALLY DEPLORE THIS ATTEMPT TO POLITICISE TENDER DECISIONS.
Q: SIR HAMISH, ONE OF THE CONCERNS ABOUT IS THE MANAGING CHANGES SOME PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAVE ABOUT THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE, WHAT IS THE LATEST YOU HAVE FROM CHINA THAT THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE WILL BE CONTINUED AFTER 1997 AND ALSO DO YOU SEE ANY SIGNS THAT INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY SPECULATORS WOULD GO OUT FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLARS AND TRY TO MAKE THE .......?
/FS:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 12 -
FS : ACTUALLY, HARDLY ANYONE HAS ANY CONCERN ABOUT LINKED EXCHANGE RATE. I DON’T KNOW WHY IT KEEPS COMING OUT. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND SPOKESMAN FOR CHINA HAVE ALL MADE IT CLEAR INDEED VERY RECENTLY AT THE PWC SEMINAR THAT THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE OF VIEWS WHATSOEVER BETWEEN US ON THAT ISSUE. THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE WILL GO BEYOND 97. THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HERE SUPPORT IT, THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY SUPPORT IT ABSOLUTELY. IT’S BROUGHT PREDICTABILITY AND IT’S BROUGHT STABILITY. SO THAT IS NOT AN ISSUE NOR THERE IS ANY SIGNS OF SPECULATION ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR. IT IS ALSO I MUST SAY FORTUNATE RATHER THAN CLEVER OF ME, BUT IT IS FORTUNATE THAT INTEREST RATES IN THE U.S. ARE GOING UP HENCE IN HONG KONG THEY’RE GOING UP, SO THAT THE ONE DRAWBACK OF THE LINKED RATE WHICH WE’VE ADMITTED FROM THE BEGINNING THAT WE DON’T HAVE ENTIRE CONTROL OVER INTEREST RATES. ITS CURRENTLY NOT A SERIOUS DRAWBACK, THE INTEREST RATES ARE GOING UP, AND THAT WILL HELP, NOT DRAMATICALLY, BUT IT WILL HELP COMBAT INFLATION. SO THAT’S A RATHER WELCOME.
Q: WHAT’RE YOUR COMMENTS ON THE MODERATE INCREASE IN THE MORTGAGE
LOANS?
FS: WELL, AS WITH ALL STATISTICS, ITS DEPEND*ON WHICH FIGURES YOU LOOK AT. THE FIGURE THAT I THOUGHT WAS INTERESTING IS PROPERLY A FAIR REFLECTION OF WHAT’S GOING ON IS THAT THE AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE LOANS uuioinwuiwu io PiuRE UK LESS STABLE. IT’S GONE UP 0.025, WELL SOME INSIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE, SO THE AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE LENDING IS MORE OR LESS STABLE. I THINK THAT’S QUITE A GOOD SIGN. AT THE MOMENT I THINK BOTH ON THE DOMESTIC SIDE AND THE OFFICE SIDE, THINGS ARE GOING ON QUITE WELL, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE. THE RECENT REPORT WHICH WE ISSUED ON OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, I THINK SET OUT FAIRLY CONVINCINGLY THAT THE SUPPLY SITUATION WILL BE INCREASING QUITE NICELY IN THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO. SO I DON’T SEE ANY NEED AT THE MOMENT FOR ANY NEW INITIATIVES ON PROPERTY.
Q: SIR HAMISH , THE GRADUAL INCREASE IN INTEREST RATES HAVE LED THE STOCK MARKET FALL, WILL THIS CHANGES THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OF HONG KONG AND WILL THE GOVERNMENT ADJUST ITS PROJECTION ON INFLATION RATE AND GDP GROWTH?
FS: NO. IT’S A SHORT ANSWER. STOCK MARKETS ARE THEIR NATURE GO UP AND DOWN. IT DOESN’T GREATLY AFFECT OR HARDLY AFFECT AT ALL ECONOMIC GROWTH UNLESS IT’S A DRAMATIC CHANGE. IT DOES AFFECT OF COURSE A BIT THE QUEUE OF COMPANIES WHICH WISH TO RAISE MORE MONEY ON THE STOCK MARKET USUALLY THAT SLOW DOWN A BIT. BUT IN ESSENCE THE ECONOMY GOES ON, AND YOU’LL BE AWARE THAT WE ARE STILL FORECASTING GOOD GROWTH RATES FOR THIS YEAR AND BEYOND.
Q: THE LATEST FIGURES SHOWS RETAIL SERVICE HAD BEEN CONTINUING SLUGGISH AND ACCORDING TO MORGAN ... NOW HONG KONG IS NOW THE MOST EXPENSIVE RETAIL LOCATION IN THE WORLD. ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?
FS: I THINK WE ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE , AND I DON’T THINK IF I CAN ARGUE WITH THAT. AND OF COURSE ITS RELATED TO RENTS. VERY LARGELY RELATED TO RENTS. AND I HOPE AS THE SUPPLY OF NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INCREASES WE WILL SEE SOME ADJUSTMENT THERE. BUT IT IS A CONCERN, WE ARE CERTAINLY NOT AS CHEAP AS A SHOPPERS’ PARADISE AS WE USED TO BE. LAST QUESTION.
/Q: .........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 13 -
Q: has the government finished the list of government property asset AND HANDED IT OVER TO THE CHINESE SIDE. IF NOT WHY, WHAT SORT OF
DIFFICULTIES?
FS‘ I DON’T HAVE AN UPDATE ON THAT. I KNOW THAT WORK HAS BEEN PROCEEDING. AS FAR AS 1 KNOW, IT’S NOT BEEN FINISHED. THANK YOU VERY
MUCH.
--------0-----------
MUCH SCOPE FOR HK TO DEVELOP VIETNAM TRADE TIES *****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, SAID TONIGHT THERE WAS MUCH SCOPE FOR HONG KONG TO FURTHER DEVELOP ITS TRADE AND ECONOMIC TIES WITH VIETNAM.
HE MADE THE COMMENTS ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER LEADING AN ALL-GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION ON A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO HANOI AND HO CHI MINH CITY - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR CHAU DESCRIBED THE VISIT AS VERY SUCCESSFUL.
"VIETNAM IS AT A STAGE IN ITS TRANSFORMATION INTO A MARKET ECONOMY WHERE NOT JUST INVESTMENTS, BUT ALSO EXPERTISE FROM HONG KONG, IN MANY AREAS, COULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING THIS DEVELOPMENT.
"WITH OUR CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE KEY CITIES OF HANOI AND HO CHI MINH CITY COUPLED WITH OUR HIGHLY DEVELOPED PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES, FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR AND SKILLS IN TRADING, INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT, HONG KONG IS IDEALLY PLACED TO BECOME THE GATEWAY FOR VIETNAM," MR CHAU SAID.
HE SAID THERE WAS A GENUINE DESIRE ON THE PART OF THE VIETNAMESE OFFICIALS HE HAD MET TO STRENGTHEN AND DEEPEN RELATIONS WITH HONG KONG.
AT MEETINGS IN BOTH CITIES, THEY HAD SPOKEN OF THE LONGSTANDING TRADING RELATIONS WITH HONG KONG AND HAD EXPRESSED A KEEN INTEREST IN ATTRACTING FURTHER INVESTMENT FROM HONG KONG.
MR CHAU SAID BOTH SIDES AGREED THERE WERE MUTUAL BENEFITS TO BE GAINED FROM DEVELOPING CLOSER RELATIONS.
THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH A VARIETY OF WAYS INCLUDING INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VISITS, IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, OF OFFICIALS FROM THE HONG KONG AND VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENTS.
MR CHAU SAID HE WAS PREPARED TO HELP FACILITATE VISITS SO VIETNAMESE OFFICIALS COULD SEE HOW THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ARRIVED AT DECISIONS RELATING TO A RANGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
/HOWEVER, HE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 14 -
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DID NOT INTERFERE IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL DECISIONS WERE LEFT FOR BUSINESS TO TAKE, ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.
HONG KONG IS ALREADY THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN VIETNAM WITH MORE THAN 200 PROJECTS AND A TOTAL APPROVED INVESTMENT OF SOME US$1.75 BILLION.
DURING HIS MEETINGS, MR CHAU REITERATED HONG KONG’S SERIOUS CONCERN OVER THE PROBLEM INVOLVING 125 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS AND HOPED A SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND QUICKLY.
HE ALSO STRESSED IN GENERAL TERMS THE NEED TO REPATRIATE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE MORE THAN 20,000 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS STILL REMAINING IN HONG KONG, SO THAT VIETNAM’S IMAGE IN HONG KONG WOULD IMPROVE, THEREBY RESULTING IN MORE HONG KONG INVESTMENT IN VIETNAM AND MORE HONG KONG TOURISTS GOING TO VIETNAM.
------0--------
12 MORE HIV-INFECTED CASES CONFIRMED *****
TWELVE MEN WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS BRINGS THE NUMBER OF HIV INFECTED PERSONS IN HONG KONG TO 505.
FOUR NEW AIDS CASES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONFIRMED AIDS CASES IS 122 WITH 71 DEATHS REPORTED.
OF THE 505 HIV-INFECTED, 188 ACQUIRED THE INFECTION THROUGH HOMOSEXUAL OR BISEXUAL SEX AND 199 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.
AS FOR THE REMAINING 40, THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE WAS INADEQUATE FOR CLASSIFICATION.
UNDER THE HIV SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1985, A TOTAL OF 343,226 BLOOD SPECIMENS HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO SCREENED ALL BLOOD DONORS FOR THE ANTIBODY.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 1,490,094 UNITS OF BLOOD HAD BEEN TESTED AND 35 DONORS WERE FOUND POSITIVE.
--------0-----------
/15........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 15 -
RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 » » « » *
THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1994 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL SEEKS TO TRANSFER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RATES BILLING AND COLLECTION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, AND TO ABOLISH HALF-REFUND OF RATES FOR VACANT NON-DOMESTIC PROPERTIES.
IT ALSO PROPOSES A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE RATING SYSTEM.
UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES AND THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES (AS THE COLLECTOR OF RATES) FOR THE BILLING AND COLLECTION OF RATES.
"THIS SEGREGATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES RESULTS IN AN UNNECESSARY AND WASTEFUL DUPLICATION OF EFFORT. RATEPAYERS ARE ALSO OFTEN UNSURE AS TO WHICH DEPARTMENT THEY SHOULD CONTACT IN CASE OF ENQUIRIES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE TRANSFER OF THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RATES BILLING AND COLLECTION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO PROVIDE A ONE-STOP SERVICE FOR RATEPAYERS.
"IT WILL ALSO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE RESOURCES OF THE TREASURY AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
"THE BILL ALSO REMOVES AN ANOMALY UNDER EXISTING LAW WHEREBY HALF-REFUNDS OF RATES CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE IN RESPECT OF VACANT NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES ALTHOUGH REFUNDS FOR VACANT DOMESTIC PREMISES CEASED IN 1974.
"VACANT LAND AND WHERE THE VACANCY RESULTS FROM A COURT ORDER UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FULL REFUND OF RATES.
"FOR THESE PROPERTIES, WE PROPOSE TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO THAT RATEPAYERS CAN CLAIM REFUNDS FOR THE ENTIRE VACANT PERIOD, INSTEAD OF WHOLE CALENDAR MONTHS ONLY.
"WE HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE A NUMBER OF TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO STREAMLINE THE PROCEDURES FOR RATES ASSESSMENT, SERVICE OF NOTICES AND RATING APPEALS.
"FOR INSTANCE, WE PROPOSE TO STANDARDISE THE EFFECTIVE DATE FROM WHICH NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT TYPE, FOR EXAMPLE, DOMESTIC PROPERTIES, NON-DOMESTIC PROPERTIES AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, BECOME LIABLE TO PAYMENT OF RATES.
"UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH EFFECTIVE DATES ARE DETERMINED IS RATHER COMPLICATED AND ADMINISTRATIVELY DIFFICULT.
/"THE PROPOSALS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
"THE PROPOSALS WILL RESULT IN TOTAL SAVINGS OF $4.7 MILLION A YEAR AND THE DELETION OF 12 POSTS IN THE TREASURY AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
"THE PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH HALF-REFUND OF RATES FOR NON-DOMESTIC PROPERTIES IS EXPECTED TO GENERATE ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $94 MILLION A YEAR."
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOY FREE SPEECH: SHA *****
HONG KONG IS A CITY WHERE ITS PEOPLE ENJOY FREE SPEECH AND WHERE DIVERSE OPINIONS CAN BE COMFORTABLY ACCOMMODATED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
ADDRESSING THE 27TH ASSEMBLY OF THE CHINESE-LANGUAGE PRESS INSTITUTE, MR SUEN SAID THIS WAS ALSO BEST DEMONSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT THERE WERE CURRENTLY 78 NEWSPAPERS AND 653 PERIODICALS REGISTERED IN THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING 45 CHINESE LANGUAGE DAILIES.
HE SAID: "THE LARGER PAPERS INCLUDE OVERSEAS CHINESE COMMUNITIES IN THEIR DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS, AND SOME HAVE EDITIONS PRINTED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA.
"HONG KONG IS ALSO THE SOUTHEAST ASIA BASE FOR MANY NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, NEWS AGENCIES AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA."
WHILE THE FREE MARKET POLICY HAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE GROWTH OF THE NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY, THE MEDIA HAD ALSO SPARED NO EFFORT IN REPORTING TO THE COMMUNITY UP-TO-DATE FINANCIAL NEWS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO ENABLE THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO GAIN AN UPPER HAND IN THEIR BUSINESSES, HE SAID.
"THIS CERTAINLY HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
ON THE TRAINING SIDE, MR SUEN SAID THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS GROOMED QUITE A NUMBER OF QUALIFIED PEOPLE FOR THE PROFESSION EVERY YEAR.
UPGRADING COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ARE ALSO CONDUCTED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD AND THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION TO BEEF UP THE STANDARDS OF WORKING JOURNALISTS.
"IN ADDITION, THEY CAN FULLY AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE MANY CHANCES TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS IN ORDER TO BROADEN THEIR HORIZON," HE SAID.
---0
Z17
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
17 -
HK PRAISED FOR PROMOTING COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS *****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS PRAISED YESTERDAY (THURSDAY, GENEVA TIME) IN GENEVA BY MEMBERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL RIGHTS FOR ITS EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PROMOTION AND DISSEMINATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ICESCR).
AFTER LEARNING FROM THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR DANIEL R FUNG, QC, LEADER OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TEAM FORMING PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION, THAT COPIES IN ENGLISH AND IN CHINESE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) AND THE ICESCR WERE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO ALL WALKS OF THE COMMUNITY, A MEMBER OF THE UN COMMITTEE, JUDGE PHILIPPE TEXIER OF FRANCE.SAID HONG KONG "HAD DONE INFINITELY MORE THAN THE 129 SIGNITORIES OF THE ICESCR".
HE FURTHER EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT OTHER TERRITORIES MIGHT FOLLOW SUIT.
ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, PROFESSOR BRUNO SIMMA OF GERMANY, SAID SINCE HE JOINED THE COMMITTEE IN 1987, NO OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORY OR COUNTRY HAD GONE TO SUCH PAINS TO DISSEMINATE COPIES OF THE COVENANT. HE CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR THE EFFORTS.
MR FUNG EARLIER TOLD THE COMMITTEE DURING THE SECOND DAY OF ITS HEARING ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS IN HONG KONG, THAT A LARGE QUANTITY OF THE COVENANTS WERE PRINTED AND MADE AVAILABLE, FREE OF CHARGE, ON DEMAND TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, DISTRICT BOARDS, MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
DURING YESTERDAY’S MEETING, MR FUNG ALSO ANSWERED QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON A RANGE OF ISSUES INCLUDING BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, THE VARIOUS ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BILLS PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DRUG ABUSE AMONG THE YOUNG, CHILD ABUSE AND THE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT VIEWS OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGO) BEFORE REPORTS UNDER THE ICESCR WERE SUBMITTED TO THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE.
AS TO THE QUESTION OF GAUGING NGOS’ VIEWS, MR FUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING WAYS OF ESTABLISHING A FORMALISED SYSTEM TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF NGOS BEFORE SUBMITTING FUTURE REPORTS TO THE UN.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALWAYS VALUED THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE NGOS IN THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG, AND HOPED THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD ENHANCE THE GOVERNMENT’S WORK IN THIS AREA.
BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, THE HEARING WAS EXTENDED FOR A HALF-DAY TODAY (FRIDAY).
---------0-----------
/18........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 18 -
GOVT VALUES NGOS’ VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS *****
THE UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION HAD A USEFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE FINAL HEARING BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS WHICH ENDED TODAY (FRIDAY) IN GENEVA.
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR DANIEL R FUNG, QC, LEADER OF THE HONG KONG TEAM WHICH FORMS PART OF THE UK DELEGATION, SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE UN COMMITTEE NOW HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION CONCERNING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS IN HONG KONG AFTER THE THREE-DAY HEARING.
MR FUNG SAID HE WAS ALSO PLEASED THAT NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOS) FROM HONG KONG HAD HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES.
"I WAS PLEASED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS CONCERNS RAISED BY NGOS ON MONDAY, AND FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS RAISED BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS DURING THEIR MEETINGS WITH THE UK DELEGATION ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND TODAY," HE SAID.
"THIS GAVE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TEAM AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE THE WORK THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD DONE IN THESE AREAS, CLARIFY SOME MISCONCEPTIONS AND PRESENT THE HONG KONG CASE IN THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE," HE ADDED.
MR FUNG ADDED THAT HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE UN COMMITTEE AND SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD STRIVE TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS AS APPROPRIATE.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAD A VERY IMPRESSIVE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, WHICH MUST BE RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN ASIA, THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT COMPLACENT AND WAS AWARE THAT THERE WERE AREAS WHERE IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE.
MR FUNG ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY WORKING TO STRENGTHEN CONTACTS WITH NGOS TO ENSURE THEIR VIEWS WERE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN FUTURE REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE UN.
t "WE ALWAYS VALUE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY NGOS IN THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG AND HOPE THAT . THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD ENHANCE OUR WORK IN THIS AREA," HE SAID.
---------0-----------
/19 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 19 -
TOKYO TOMIN BANK GRANTED LICENCE ♦ » ♦ ♦ *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE TOKYO TOMIN BANK, LTD (TTB) HAD BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
TTB WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1951. IT IS A REGIONAL BANK BASED IN TOKYO WITH 81 BRANCHES IN JAPAN AND AN OVERSEAS BRANCH IN NEW YORK. IT IS THE 55TH LARGEST BANK IN JAPAN AND RANKS 238TH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CAPITAL.
IN HONG KONG, TTB HAS BEEN OPERATING A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 1987. IT ALSO HAS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SUBSIDIARY WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1990.
THE BANK WISHES TO UPGRADE THE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE TO A BRANCH TO OFFER A WIDER RANGE OF BANKING SERVICES TO ITS CLIENTS, WHO HAVE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS IN HONG KONG, CHINA AND OTHER SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.
THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF THE PROPOSED BRANCH INCLUDES CORPORATE FINANCE, LOAN SYNDICATION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS AND SECURITIES INVESTMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN ENTERING THE LOCAL MARKET REFLECTED HONG KONG’S CONTINUED IMPORTANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
THE LICENCE FOR TTB IS THE NINTH BANKING LICENCE GRANTED IN 1994.
THERE ARE NOW 179 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH 147 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE TERRITORY. OF THESE, 42 ARE FROM JAPAN.
------0-------
LANDS TO BE RESUMED FOR AIRPORT RAILWAY WORKS ♦ » * » *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ACQUIRE PRIVATE PROPERTY IN CENTRAL FOR CONSTRUCTING THE CENTRAL SUBWAY WHICH IS AN ESSENTIAL PASSENGER LINK BETWEEN THE EXISTING MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CENTRAL STATION AND THE NEW HONG KONG CENTRAL STATION AT CENTRAL RECLAMATION, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTIFIED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRIVATE LAND TO BE ACQUIRED WAS ONLY A PORTION OF THE UNDERGROUND STRATUM BENEATH EXCHANGE SQUARE IN CENTRAL AND WAS THE MINIMUM NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT.
ANY PERSON ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER RESUMPTION NOTICE.
------0------------
/20 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 20 -
OVER 1,700 OUTLETS FOR SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS
*****
THERE ARE 1,775 OUTLETS IN THE TERRITORY OFFERING CONCESSIONS OR PRIORITY SERVICES TO SENIOR CITIZEN CARD HOLDERS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CERTIFICATE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD SCHEME, HE SAID MORE AND MORE COMPANIES AND ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT LEVEL PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME.
THEY INCLUDE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS COMPANIES, NOODLE SHOPS, HERBAL TEA SHOPS, OPTICAL SHOPS AND PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
"AS ONE OF THE NEW INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE SENIOR CITIZEN CARD SCHEME SINCE MARCH 10, 1994.
"SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS ARE ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS AGED 65 OR ABOVE AT FIRST ISSUE. THE CARD IS A GENERAL RECOGNISED PROOF OF AGE AND WILL FACILITATE SENIOR CITIZENS TO HAVE ACCESS TO CONCESSIONARY FARES, DISCOUNT AND PRIORITY SERVICES," MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 341,000 APPLICATIONS UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER AND 334,000 SENIOR CITIZEN CARDS HAD BEEN ISSUED AND MAILED TO THE APPLICANTS.
"WE ARE ABLE TO PROCESS SO MANY CARDS WITHIN SUCH A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME NOT ONLY BECAUSE WE HAVE A TEAM OF VERY EFFICIENT STAFF, BUT A GROUP OF OVER 70 VERY ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES, WHO HAD DEVOTED THEIR TIME IN HELPING US PROCESS SOME OF THE CARDS," HE ADDED.
MR STRACHAN LATER PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO MORE THAN 50 COMPANIES THAT HAD TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME.
---------0-----------
NO PLAN TO TERMINATE NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION TO TERMINATE NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (NLCDP) AS LONG AS THERE ARE AREAS TO BE SERVED BY THESE TEAMS UNDER THE EXISTING CRITERION AND POLICY.
AT A MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WELFARE SERVICES PANEL, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MRS BRENDA FUNG AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE BACKGROUND AND LATEST DEVELOPMENTS CONCERNING THE SERVICE.
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT NLCDPS WERE INTRODUCED IN THE 1970S TO DEPRIVED AND TRANSIENT COMMUNITIES WHERE THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES WERE INADEQUATE OR NON-EXISTENT.
/THESE TEMPORARY .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 21 -
THESE TEMPORARY COMMUNITIES INCLUDE SQUATTER AREAS, TEMPORARY HOUSING ESTATES, BOAT SQUATTERS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES UNDER REDEVELOPMENT.
"OWING TO THE EXPANSION IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES OVER THE YEARS, THE NUMBER OF AREAS TO BE SERVED BY NLCDPS HAS BEEN ON THE DECLINE," THEY POINTED OUT.
WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT NLCDPS HAVE PLAYED THEIR PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH COMMUNITIES, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SAID SUCH SERVICE HAD TO BE VIEWED AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE DWINDLING NUMBER OF SERVICE TARGETS AND THE INCREASING DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY BUILDING EFFORTS.
QUOTING EXAMPLES OF THE EXPANSION OF WELFARE SERVICES, MR STRACHAN SAID THERE WAS NO TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR STREET SLEEPERS AND NO SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE 70S WHEN NLCDPS WERE INTRODUCED. THERE ARE AT PRESENT 482 PLACES FOR STREET SLEEPERS AND 142 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE OFFICIALS NOTED THAT FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME PROVIDED A LOT OF CHANNELS FOR THE PUBLIC TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION.
IN ADDITION TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH CONSTITUTE A FORUM FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS SERVING AS AN EXTENSIVE AND EFFECTIVE NETWORK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND RESIDENTS AT THE LOCAL GRASS-ROOT LEVEL.
THE OFFICIALS POINTED OUT THAT TO CATER FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY TENANTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ALSO LAUNCHED AN ESTATE LIAISON OFFICER SCHEME WHICH AIMS AT SERVING ELDERLY TENANTS IN SELECTED ESTATES. IT WAS NOTED THAT A TOTAL OF $7.2 MILLION WAS SPENT DURING THE YEAR 1993/94 FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME.
MRS FUNG ADVISED THE PANEL THAT THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH HAD DISCUSSED PROPOSALS FROM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO EXPAND NLCDPS. "DIALOGUE WITH THE COUNCIL ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NLCDPS WILL CONTINUE," SAID MRS FUNG.
--------0-----------
/22 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 22 -
BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS AMENDMENT REGULATION GAZETTED *****
FEES FOR THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND THE EXAMINATION FEE FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE WILL BE REVISED UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) REGULATION 1994 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD IN GENERAL BE SET AT LEVELS SUFFICIENT TO RECOVER THE FULL COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES.
FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY WILL BE REVISED TO $275 AND THE EXAMINATION FEE FOR ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY WILL BE ADJUSTED TO $510.
------0--------
BA PUBLISHES RECORDS OF PUBLIC HEARINGS • *****
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY HAS PRODUCED A RECORD OF THE THREE PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR AS PART OF ITS MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION LICENCES HELD BY ATV AND TVB.
COPIES OF THE RECORD WILL BE PLACED IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES. THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL ENSURE THAT PARTIES WITH A KEEN INTEREST IN THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL RECEIVE COPIES OF THE RECORD.
TUEN MUN ELDERLY HOME OPENS *****
THE GOAL OF GOVERNMENT’S SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLD PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN ENJOY A COMFORTABLE AND DIGNIFIED OLD AGE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR IAN STRACHAN, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARITAS LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IN TUEN MUN THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS A GROWING DEMAND FOR SERVICES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN HONG KONG, MR STRACHAN SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ENDORSED THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY IN OCTOBER.
’’OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WE WILL IMPLEMENT THE 71 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP WHICH WILL COST OVER $800 MILLION.
"WE WILL DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO THE CARE AND THE WELFARE OF OUR ELDERLY CITIZENS," HE SAID.
/POINTING OUT........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 23 -
POINTING OUT THAT THE CARITAS LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME HAD A CAPACITY OF 248 RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR ELDERLY PERSONS, MR STRACHAN SAID THESE PLACES WERE TARGET PROVISIONS MEETING THE GOVERNOR’S PLEDGE OF PROVIDING 5,000 ADDITIONAL CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES BY 1997.
THE CARITAS LI KA SHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME IS THE SECOND HOME FOR THE ELDERLY SUPPORTED BY A GENEROUS DONATION FROM MR LI. A THIRD HOME WILL COME INTO OPERATION IN KOWLOON EARLY NEXT YEAR.
---------0-----------
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENT OPERATORS » * » » «
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAS PUBLISHED A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR OPERATORS OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), SETS OUT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS ON SANITATION AND FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY FOR THE OPERATION OF THESE PREMISES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR CNTA SAID THE CODE WAS ONLY A GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR OPERATORS TO FOLLOW.
HE SAID OTHER ALTERNATIVES MAY ALSO BE ACCEPTABLE IF THEY PROVIDED AN EQUIVALENT LEVEL OF SAFETY.
"INDIVIDUAL OPERATORS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE TYPE OF UPGRADING WORK WHICH HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE THEY CAN BE ISSUED WITH A LICENCE," HE ADDED.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE COVERS A WIDE VARIETY OF AREAS INCLUDING FIRE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION, MEANS OF ESCAPE, KITCHENS, LIGHTING, VENTILATION, PROVISION OF SANITARY REQUIREMENTS AND PLUMBING.
COPIES OF THE CODE ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT CNTA’S OFFICE OF THE LICENSING AUTHORITY ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST WING, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 881 7498.
THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN APRIL THIS YEAR, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A LICENSING SCHEME TO REGULATE THE FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
--------0-----------
/24 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 24 -
RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALL AND PIER AT STANLEY BAY *****
ABOUT 4,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED WILL BE RECLAIMED AND A SEAWALL, A PUBLIC PIER AND A CULVERT OUTFALL WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT STANLEY BAY.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S MA HANG VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT. IT INCLUDES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MURRAY HOUSE, WHICH WOULD ENHANCE THE POPULARITY OF MA HANG VILLAGE AS AN EXTENSION OF THE TOURIST AREA IN STANLEY.
THE SEAWALL WILL PROTECT THE WATERFRONT AGAINST DAMAGE BY THE SEA, ESPECIALLY IN THE VICINITY OF TIN HAU TEMPLE AND TAI WONG TEMPLE.
THE MA HANG VILLAGE REDEVELOPMENT PROVIDES PUBLIC HOUSING AND RELATED COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY WELFARE FACILITIES WHICH IS BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A 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, HONG KONG; THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, ABERDEEN CENTRE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG; AND AT THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICE OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT, FIRST FLOOR, 14 WONG MA KOK ROAD, STANLEY, HONG KONG DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
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 ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE NOVEMBER 25, 1995.
HE SHOULD STATE IN HIS SUBMISSION THE SUM OF MONEY HE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT IN FULL AND FINAL SETTLEMENT OF HIS CLAIM AND SUBMIT SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH HE POSSESSES TO SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIM.
------0-------
ENTRANCE TOWER OF MA WAT WAI A HISTORICAL BUILDING
*****
THE ENTRANCE TOWER OF MA WAT WAI IN LUNG YEUK TAU, FANLING WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) GAZETTED AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
MA WAT WAI IS ONE OF THE FIVE RENOWNED WALLED VILLAGES IN LUNG YEUK TAU ESTABLISHED BY THE TANG CLAN WHOSE ANCESTORS BRANCHED OUT FROM THE MAIN TANG SETTLEMENT IN KAM TIN IN THE 13TH CENTURY.
THE TANGS IN LUNG YEUK TAU, AMONGST THEIR FELLOW CLANSMEN IN THE TERRITORY, HAVE THE STRONGEST CLAIMS TO ROYAL DESCENT. THEY ARE DESCENDANTS FROM THE ELDEST SON OF THE SOUTHERN SONG. (1127-1279) PRINCESS WHO WAS MARRIED TO TANG WAI-KAP, ALIAS CHf-MING, IN KAM TIN.
/A SOUL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 25 -
A SOUL TABLET OF THE PRINCESS IS STILL WORSHIPPED AT THE ALTAR OF THEIR MAIN ANCESTRAL HALL, THE TANG CHUNG-LING ANCESTRAL HALL.
MA WAT WAI WAS BUILT DURING THE QIAN LONG REIGN (1736-1796) AND TOGETHER WITH FOUR OTHER WALLED VILLAGES IN THE AREA, THAT IS, LO WAI, TUNG KOK WAI, WING LING WAI AND SAN WAI (OR KUN LUNG WAI) ARE WIDELY-KNOWN AS THE "FIVE WAIS".
OF THE FIVE WAIS, SAN WAI IS THE FIRST TO HAVE BEEN DECLARED A MONUMENT. ITS GATE TOWER AND WALLS WERE DECLARED AS MONUMENTS IN 1988 AND 1991 RESPECTIVELY.
MA WAT WAI WAS ORIGINALLY A VILLAGE ENCLOSED BY BRICK WALLS ON FOUR SIDES WITH A TOWER AT EACH CORNER.
ROWS OF HOUSES OCCUPIED THE INSIDE OF THE VILLAGE WITH A SHRINE AT THE FARTHEST END TO THE ENTRANCE GATE.
LARGE PARTS OF THE WALLS AND ALL THE CORNER TOWERS, HOWEVER, HAVE EITHER COLLAPSED OR BEEN DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTIONS, LEAVING ONLY THE ENTRANCE GATE AND PART OF THE WALLS.
THE ENTRANCE TOWER IS IN FAIRLY GOOD CONDITION.
IT HAS A FINE FACADE OF GRANITE BLOCKS SURMOUNTED WITH A RED SAND STONE LINTEL CARVED WITH THE CHARACTERS LITERALLY MEANING A PLACE OF LONGEVITY IN CHINESE.
THE DECLARATION OF THE ENTRANCE TOWER OF MA WAT WAI AS A MONUMENT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD AND HAS THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE TANG CLAN IN LUNG YEUK TAU.
RESTORATION OF THE ENTRANCE TOWER WILL COMMENCE SOON WITH FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WORKS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE ANTIQUITIES SECTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENT OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH.
-----------0.--------------
18 APPOINTED TO BEDSPACE APARTMENTS APPEAL BOARD 0 *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED 18 PERSONS TO SIT ON THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS APPEAL BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
A NOTICE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENTS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE BOARD .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 26 -
THE BOARD WILL BE HEADED BY MR CHUNG PUI-LAM. THE OTHER MEMBERS 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 ROBERT MANN
MR LAU CHI-KEUNG
MR CHAN WAH-WAI, DAVID
MR CHEUNG KWOK-HO, RICHARD
MR WONG CHIK-WING
MR WONG FOOK-YUE, DAVID DR WANG WEI-HUNG, ANDREW MR YU SHIU-TIN, PAUL
THE APPEAL BOARD IS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE TO DEAL WITH APPEALS RELATING TO THE LICENSING SCHEME.
THE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN APRIL THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR A LICENSING SYSTEM TO REGULATE THE FIRE AND BUILDING SAFETY OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS.
------0--------
ROADS FOR DRAINAGE CHANNEL MAINTENANCE PROPOSED ♦ * * * »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED CONSTRUCTING NEW ROADS ALONG A PLANNED DRAINAGE CHANNEL FROM TAI KEK TO KAM TIN ROAD IN KAM TIN.
THE NEW ROADS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO KAM TIN RIVER, WILL FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL.
THE ROADWORKS ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF VEHICULAR BRIDGES, FOOTBRIDGES, AND ASSOCIATED EARTH, DRAINAGE AND SLOPE WORKS, AS WELL AS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXISTING FOOTPATHS AND ACCESS ROADS. 0
SOME EXISTING TRACKS, FOOTPATHS, PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES WOULD HAVE TO BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE WORKS. HOWEVER, PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS WOULD BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT:
/* PUBLIC ENQUIRY ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
t PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL;
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NINTH TO 11TH FLOOR, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND
» YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, NO LATER THAN JANUARY 24, 1995, DESCRIBING HIS INTEREST AND MANNER IN WHICH HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- - 0 - -
PARKING METER CHARGES REVISED
» « « « «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 27), THE FEES FOR THE METERED PARKING SPACES ON ROADS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND MONG KOK WILL BE REVISED FROM $2 PER 30 MINUTES TO $2 PER 15 MINUTES OF PARKING TIME.
THE PARKING METERS IN TSIM SHA TSUI ARE AT OBSERVATORY COURT, MINDEN ROW, MINDEN AVENUE, BLENHEIM AVENUE, MODY ROAD, HART AVENUE, CAMERON LANE, HAU FOOK STREET, GRANVILLE ROAD, OBSERVATORY ROAD, AUSTIN AVENUE, CHATHAM COURT, HILLWOOD ROAD, KIMBERLEY STREET, HANKOW ROAD, SALISBURY ROAD POST OFFICE, GRANVILLE CIRCUIT, HAIPHONG ROAD, BRISTOL AVENUE, CORNWALL AVENUE, HANOI ROAD, CARNARVON ROAD, HUMPHREY’S AVENUE, CAMERON ROAD, KIMBERLEY ROAD AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL CAR PARK.
THE METRES AFFECTED IN MONG KOK ARE AT SAI YEE STREET, DUNDAS STREET, KWONG WAH STREET, FA YUEN STREET, SOY STREET, HAK PO STREET, PAK PO STREET, CHANGSHA STREET, SHAN TUNG STREET, KAM FONG STREET, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, TUNG CHOI STREET, NULLAH ROAD, BUTE STREET, PLAYING FIELD ROAD, ARRAN STREET, CEDAR STREET, BOUNDARY STREET, PORTLAND STREET, CANTON ROAD, TAI NAN STREET AND KI LUNG STREET.
- - 0 - -
/28
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 28 -
MULTI-PURPOSE CIVIC CENTRE FOR YUEN LONG » » » » *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-PURPOSE CIVIC CENTRE WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 12,900 SQUARE METRES AT YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE CIVIC CENTRE WILL HAVE A MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM WITH A CAPACITY OF 935 PEOPLE TO CATER PRIMARILY FOR MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, A FOYER FOR EXHIBITIONS, A DANCE AND MUSIC STUDIO, A LECTURE ROOM, A CHINESE RESTAURANT AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1997.
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 JANUARY 6, 1995.
_ _ _ _ 0------
• • -7 ”•>. . ‘ .• J I ~ •
FLUSHING WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST
* * t * t
v.r- • • .
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 27) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORK ON WATER MAINS.
•51 1 •
THE AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON BAY, CHOI HUNG ESTATE, PING SHEK ESTATE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, SHUN TIN ESTATE, SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN, NGAU TAU KOK, KWUN TONG AND CHA KWO LING.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1994
- 29 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
CUMULATIVE
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,487 0930 NIL
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,877 1000 NIL
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 10
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY 4-10 1200 + 10
LAF TODAY + 380 1500 + 10
1600 + 10
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.6 t+0. It 25. 11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.63 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.72 6.66
1 MONTH 4.80 23 MONTHS 3610 4.20 99.96 7.04
3 MONTHS 5.19 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.66 7.35
6 MONTHS 5.60 36 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.43 7.61
12 MONTHS 6.16 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.62 8.21
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 17,973 MN
CLOSED 25 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NO PLANS TO RELEASE ANY MORE VIET MIGRANTS.................. 1
WARWICK REID WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM CORRUPTION MONEY...... 1
UN COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONFIRM ACCURACY OF GOVT PRESS RELEASE..................................................... 3
HK AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION REACH TEXTILES AGREEMENT...... 3
HK'S TARGET OF 11 MILLION TEU MARK IN SIGHT................. 4
CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SIGNIFICANT...................... 4
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED................................... 5
SPORTS DAY FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS........................... 6
FRESH WATER CUTS IN WAN CHAI AND SAI KUNG................... 7
CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY.................................. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 9
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 1 -
NO PLANS TO RELEASE ANY MORE VIET MIGRANTS
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT NO FURTHER VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WOULD BE RELEASED IN RESPONSE TO A SUBMISSION FROM PAM BAKER & CO, SOLICITOR, DATED NOVEMBER 25.
"WE BELIEVE THAT NO ONE IN OUR DETENTION CENTRES IS ILLEGALLY DETAINED AT PRESENT. WE THUS HAVE NO PLANS IN HAND TO RELEASE ANY MORE VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
"WE HAVE REPEATEDLY SAID THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CASE MUST BE EXAMINED IN CONSIDERING WHETHER OR NOT ANY VIETNAMESE MIGRANT CONTINUES TO BE LAWFULLY DETAINED.
"IN REPLY TO PAM BAKER & CO, WE SHALL BE MAKING THIS POINT. THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION OF RELEASING BROAD CATEGORIES OF PERSONS FROM OUR DETENTION CENTRES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A DETAILED REPLY TO PAM BAKER & CO WILL BE SENT ON NOVEMBER 28.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR BRIAN BRESNIHAN, WILL BRIEF MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE SUBJECT AT 3.30 PM TODAY (SATURDAY) IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
------0-------
WARWICK REID WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM CORRUPTION MONEY
*****
IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS RELATING TO THE RECOVERY OF MONEY FROM WARWICK REID, A LEGAL DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) MADE THE FOLLOWING POINTS:
♦ IT IS WRONG TO SAY THAT REID WILL RECEIVE A ’GOLDEN HANDSHAKE". REID WILL NOT BENEFIT IN ANY WAY FROM THE SETTLEMENT OF THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST HIM AND HIS WIFE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
» REID IS NOT "TO BE FREED WITH AN $800,000 PAYOUT”, AS CLAIMED BY ONE NEWSPAPER TODAY. THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDES FOR MRS REID AND HER CHILDREN TO RECEIVE APPROXIMATELY $650,000 AS MAINTENANCE, WHICH IS HALF OF THE ESTIMATED PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE FAMILY HOME IN NEW ZEALAND AFTER DEDUCTING $150,000 OWED TO HER SOLICITORS. THE $650,000 GOES INTO A TRUST, THREE-QUARTERS OF WHICH ARE TO BE HELD FOR THE REID’S THREE CHILDREN WHILE THE REMAINING ONE-QUARTER IS FOR MRS REID. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS NO REASON NOR WISH TO PUNISH REID’S CHILDREN FOR THE SINS OF THEIR FATHER. UNDER THE TERMS OF THE TRUST, REID IS SPECIFICALLY NOT TO RECEIVE ANYTHING.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 2 -
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT MRS REID HAD MADE A CLAIM TO THE WHOLE OF THE HOUSE IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN NEW ZEALAND. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SETTLEMENT WHICH PROVIDED FOR THE PROCEEDS TO BE SPLIT BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND MRS REID AND HER CHILDREN WAS CONSIDERED TO BE MOST REASONABLE, AND ELIMINATED THE NEED FOR FURTHER COSTLY LITIGATION WITH AN UNCERTAIN OUTCOME.
REFERRING TO REPORTS THAT THE REIDS HAD FINANCIALLY BENEFITED BY $1.3 MILLION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS MONEY WAS USED BY MRS REID TO SUPPORT HERSELF AND HER THREE CHILDREN OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
IT INCLUDED AIRFARES FOR MRS REID TO COME TO HONG KONG FROM NEW ZEALAND TO VISIT HER HUSBAND ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
THE MONEY HAD BEEN SPENT, IT IS NOT RECOVERABLE AND MRS REID CANNOT BE PROSECUTED FOR HAVING SPENT IT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS FOR MONEY STILL HELD BY THE REIDS IN TAIWAN, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT BOTH THE REIDS HAD SIGNED A DIRECTION TO THEIR LAWYER IN TAIWAN TO PAY THAT MONEY TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE LAWYER HAS SOUGHT SEPARATE CONFIRMATION THROUGH MRS REID’S SOLICITORS IN NEW ZEALAND THAT HE SHOULD PAI OUT THE MONEY TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
"WE HAVE NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THE CONFIRMATION WILL NOT BE GIVEN. BUT IF IT IS NOT FORTHCOMING, WE WILL TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE REIDS TO ENSURE THAT THEY DO NOT BENEFIT IN ANY WAY.”
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IF THE OVERALL SETTLEMENT WHICH HAD BEEN AGREED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD NOT BEEN REACHED, THEN -
I) REID WOULD HAVE GOT THE TAIWAN MONEY (HK$2.2 MILLION).
Il) WE WOULD HAVE FACED CONTINUED AND PROLONGED LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE REIDS AT THE TAXPAYER’S EXPENSE, WITH NO CERTAINTY OF BEING ABLE TO RECOVER THE ASSETS. INDEED WE MAY HAVE ENDED UP WITH LEGAL COSTS EXCEEDING THE AMOUNT RECOVERED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT IS WORTH EMPHASISING AGAIN THAT -
I) REID GETS NOTHING WHEN HE COMES OUT FROM PRISON;
II) THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GETS ALL ASSETS, AMOUNTING TO HK$7.5 MILLION, SAVE A SMALL SUM SET ASIDE FOR MRS REID AND HER THREE CHILDREN;
III) THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER IS SPARED THE COST OF FURTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS;
IV) THE SETTLEMENT IS CONDITIONED ON THE REIDS MAKING FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE ASSETS. IF ANY UNDISCLOSED ASSETS WERE TO COME TO LIGHT IN THE FUTURE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BRING LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO RECOVER THEM.
--------0-----------
/3 ........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 3 -
UN COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONFIRM ACCURACY OF GOVT PRESS RELEASE
* * * * *
TWO MEMBERS OF THE UN COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS STATED ON FRIDAY (GENEVA TIME) BEING THE LAST DAY OF THE COMMITTEE’S HEARING IN GENEVA THAT THE CONTENTS' OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S PRESS RELEASE ISSUED YESTERDAY WERE ACCURATE.
THE GERMAN DELEGATE, PROFESSOR BRUNO SIMMA, REITERATED THAT THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PUBLICISE THE SECOND PERIODIC REPORT HAD EXCEEDED WHAT HAD BEEN DONE BY ANY OTHER SIGNATORY TO THE COVENANT SINCE THE COMMITTEE STARTED HEARING IN 1987.
THE FRENCH DELEGATE, JUDGE PHILIPPE TEX 1 ER, ALSO STATED EXPRESSLY THAT HE ADHERED TO HIS OBSERVATION YESTERDAY THAT HONG KONG HAD DONE MORE THAN ANY OF THE 129 SIGNATORIES TO THE COVENANT TO PUBLICISE THE PROVISIONS OF THE COVENANT.
------0--------
HK AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION REACH TEXTILES AGREEMENT *****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN BRUSSELS, AN AGREEMENT WAS INITIALLED ON NOVEMBER 25 TO ADJUST THE COMMUNITY QUANTITATIVE LIMITS ON TEXTILES TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EXPECTED ACCESSION OF AUSTRIA, FINLAND, SWEDEN AND NORWAY TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATIONS FROM BRUSSELS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE AND LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, MR KEVIN HO, SAID: "THERE ARE TWO MAIN ASPECTS OF THIS EXERCISE: THE MERGING OF QUOTAS WHERE TRADE IS CURRENTLY UNDER RESTRAINT IN THE ACCEDING COUNTRIES AND THE BRINGING INTO THE ENLARGED EU QUOTA OF TRADE CURRENTLY NOT UNDER RESTRAINT IN THE ACCEDING COUNTRIES."
’’WHILE NOT SATISFIED THAT HONG KONG RECEIVED PROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE EXTENSION OF RESTRAINT, NEVERTHELESS WE WERE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE ADEQUATE QUOTA ADJUSTMENTS TO PRESERVE HONG KONG’S MARKET ACCESS IN THE ENLARGED COMMUNITY.
"I AM PLEASED THAT WE HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION. THIS DOES NOT ONLY PROVIDE CERTAINTY TO THE TRADE BUT ALSO ALLOWS TIME TO PREPARE QUOTA ALLOCATIONS FOR 1995," HE SAID.
QUOTA ADJUSTMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL ACCEDING COUNTRIES WOULD BECOME APPLICABLE ONLY UPON THEIR SUCCESSFUL ACCESSION.
--------0-----------
/4........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
4
HK’S TARGET OF 11 MILLION TEU MARK IN SIGHT *****
ALREADY THE WORLD’S BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT, HONG KONG COULD BE THE FIRST TO BREAK THE 11 MILLION TWENTY-FOOT-EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) A YEAR MARK.
IN JULY, HONG KONG BECAME THE FIRST PORT IN THE WORLD TO HANDLE ONE MILLION TEUS IN A SINGLE MONTH.
JULY’S RECORD THROUGHPUT WAS 1,031,000 TEUS, A 22 PER CENT INCREASE OVER JULY 1993. SINGAPORE, THE WORLD’S SECOND BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT, HANDLED 889,000 TEUS IN THE SAME MONTH, A 12 PER CENT INCREASE.
HONG KONG’S THROUGHPUT TOTAL FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1994 WAS 6.2 MILLION TEUS. THIS WAS A 22 PER CENT GROWTH OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR AND WAS 0.4 MILLION TEUS AHEAD OF SINGAPORE, WHICH SHOWED A 15 PER CENT EXPANSION IN THROUGHPUT FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS TO TOTAL 5.8 MILLION TEUS.
ANALYSTS HAVE POINTED OUT THAT SINGAPORE’S THROUGHPUT TENDS TO REMAIN STEADY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WHILE HONG KONG’S TRADE TENDS TO INCREASE IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
IF ITS CURRENT MOMENTUM CONTINUES, THE TERRITORY SHOULD COME VERY CLOSE TO HANDLING 11 MILLION TEUS BY YEAR’S END.
--------0-----------
CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SIGNIFICANT
*****
CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES HAVE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 1960S, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, NR IAN STRACHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) .
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL FU HENG CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE CUM STUDY/READING ROOM, MR STRACHAN SAID THIS SERVICE HAD UNDOUBTEDLY CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF SOCIETY.
"AS HONG KONG IS ENTERING A PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANT TRANSITION, IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GIVEN SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO BECOME RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY," HE SAID.
ON THE WAY FORWARD FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, MR STRACHAN SAID FOLLOWING THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON REVIEW OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE SERVICES, THERE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE CURRENT OPERATIONAL MODE OF THESE CENTRES.
/"IN ADDITION .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 5 -
"IN ADDITION TO THE FORMING OF INTEGRATED TEAMS WHICH WOULD PROVIDE CENTRE SERVICE, OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK UNDER ONE MANAGEMENT, THOSE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES REMAINING AS NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRES WOULD ALSO ADOPT AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO SERVE THEIR CUSTOMERS," HE SAID.
MR STRACHAN SAID IN ADDITION TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 24, ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED, OLDER YOUTH WOULD ALSO BE SERVED IN THOSE CENTRES.
"BY THE INTEGRATED APPROACH, THE CENTRE MANAGEMENT HAS GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES WHICH COULD BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THE TARGET CLIENTELE LOCALLY.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT, WITH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF COLLEAGUES OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, OUR YOUNGER GENERATION WOULD BE BETTER SERVED, TO BE EQUIPPED WITH BETTER ABILITIES TO MEET WITH FUTURE CHALLENGES," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
EMPLOYEES MUST BE INSURED
EMPLOYERS FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES WOULD FACE HEAVY FINES UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE (ECO), A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION, MRS JENNY CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MRS CHAN SAID THREE SEPARATE COMPANIES HAD RECENTLY BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $40,000 BY THE COURT FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE POLICIES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO WERE INJURED AT WORK.
"EVERY EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR ALL HIS EMPLOYEES TO COVER THE FULL AMOUNT OF HIS LIABILITY UNDER THE ECO AND COMMON LAW.
"THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT AN EMPLOYER CAN FULFILL HIS LEGAL OBLIGATION TO COMPENSATE HIS EMPLOYEES WHO ARE INJURED OR DIE IN A WORK ACCIDENT," SHE SAID.
"THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO EMPLOYERS HIRING BOTH FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME EMPLOYEES. AN EMPLOYER MUST FULFILL THIS LEGAL OBLIGATION EVEN THOUGH HE EMPLOYS JUST ONE EMPLOYEE," SHE ADDED.
SHE ADVISED EMPLOYERS THAT PURCHASING INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES WOULD DO GOOD THAN HARM AS IT WOULD COVER THEIR FULL LIABILITIES UNDER THE LAW.
IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, A WORKER OF THE TOPGEAR ENGINEERING COMPANY IN KWAI CHUNG SUSTAINED INJURIES AT WORK. INVESTIGATIONS BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REVEALED THAT THE COMPANY HAD NOT TAKEN OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR THE INJURED WORKER.
/THE COMPANY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 6 -
THE COMPANY WAS LATER PROSECUTED UNDER THE ECO AND WAS RECENTLY FINED $10,000 IN TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY.
ANOTHER COMPANY, THE FOREFRONT INTERNATIONAL LIMITED IN TSUEN WAN, WAS PROSECUTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR TWO WORKERS WHO WERE INJURED IN SEPARATE ACCIDENTS. IT WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $20,000 IN TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY LAST MONTH.
THE CONTRACTOR OF NGAI FUNG DECORATION COMPANY WAS ALSO FINED $10,000 IN THE SAME MAGISTRACY LAST MONTH FOR FAILING TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY FOR AN EMPLOYEE WHO WAS INJURED AT WORK IN APRIL.
WITH EFFECT FROM AUGUST THIS YEAR, THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR FAILURE TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY IS $25,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT ON SUMMARY CONVICTION.
MRS CHAN 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 NAMES OF THE EMPLOYER AND 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 REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY A NOTICE OF INSURANCE WILL RENDER THE OFFENDER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.
SHE ALSO URGED EMPLOYEES, WHO SUSPECTED THAT THEIR EMPLOYERS HAD NOT TAKEN OUT INSURANCE FOR THEM, TO REPORT TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HOTLINE ON 815 2200.
---------0-----------
SPORTS DAY FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS
*****
A SPORTS DAY TO AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN ATHLETICS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT - ”1994 WAN CHAI DISTRICT ATHLETICS MEET"- JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AIMS TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS AND TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER MR PETER MANN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER MISS VIVIAN KO AND URBAN COUNCILLOR MR WONG HON-CHING WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.30 AM.
/MR MANN .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
MR MANN WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN AN INVITATION FOUR X 100 METRES RELAY, ALONG WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1994 WAN CHAI DISTRICT ATHLETICS MEET AT THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
- - 0 - -
FRESH WATER CUTS IN WAN CHAI AND SAI KUNG * * * » t
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LEAKAGE DETECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE LOCATED AT 298-430 HENNESSY ROAD, 212 -268 AND 251-275 WAN CHAI ROAD, SHARP STREET WEST, CHEUNG WOO LANE, 1-7 LEIGHTON ROAD, 9-30 CANAL ROAD WEST, BOWRINQTON ROAD, CHAN TONG LANE, 1-17 AND 2-18 TIN LOK LANE, 1-47 MORRISON HILL ROAD AND ON LOK LANE.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES IN MANG KUNG UK, HANG HAU WING LUNG ROAD, NG FAI TIN, PAN LONG WAN, SHEUNG YEUNG, HA YEUNG, MIU TSAI, MAU PO, TAI AU MUN, LEUNG FAI TIN, SHEUNG SZE WAN, SIU HANG HAU, TAI HANG HAU, LUNG HA WAN ROAD, TSIU WO, TAI WAN TAU, TAI O MUN ROAD, SHEUNG LAU WAN, TIN WAN TSAI, TIN HA, TAI WONG KUNG, PO TOI O, TAI MIU AU, CLEAR WATER BAY GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB AS WELL AS TIN HAU TEMPLE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 8 -
CAR MARKS SOLD FOR CHARITY * * * * *
NINETY-EIGHT VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS WERE SOLD IN AN AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $2,499,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOK CHARITY AFTER DEDUCTION OF EXPENSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION MARK CC27 AND FC9 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF . $190,000 EACH.
ANOTHER REGISTRATION MARR FR7 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $145,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR GE9931, DL925, GD8219, FC917, GE205, GE8892, GE591, GE1861, CH1029, GE8034,
GE4515, CF1227 AND GF1029.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF
THE MORNING SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GE9931 1,000 CL9788 10,000 GE9388 22,000 XX489 90,000
GE9699 8,000 GE1498 3,000 Bl,8183 10,000 GE1861 1,000
♦CH3300 38,000 *AG3030 35,000 »CC27 190,000 *FC 171 WITHDRAWN
DL925 1,000 GE338 68,000 GE3308 10,000 CH1029 1,000
GD8219 1,000 GE 122 12,000 GE978 20,000 GE301 11,000
FC917 1,000 FM318 22,000 GE8889 19,000 GE448 13,000
GE877 12,000 GE591 1,000 GE6008 25,000 EA807 8,000
*EF737 10,000 *AR656 6,000 *GE303 17,000 *AR727 10,000
GE205 1,000 GE998 130,000 AA4 89 80,000 GE8034 1,000
GE8892 1,000 XX657 20,000 GE6689 10,000 GF807 10,000
GE4515 1,000 GE443 6,000 »DB2626 10,000 GE550 6,000
AV6160 AC489 4,000 CF1227 25,000 GF169 1,000 GE 1029 9,000 1,000 «GE1717 7,000
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
GE8868 18,000 AG1838 20,000 GE2328 13,000 HK1797 80,000
BC8219 2,000 GE228 75,000 GF3168 9,000 GE1689 7,000
♦DB100 40,000 ♦ FC 9 190,000 »GA4 110,000 *ET91 38,000
GE6669 4,000 GE668 85,000 GE1398 8,000 AC379 8,000
GF9388 20,000 GE8893 4,000 GE8 32 32,000 GF2016 3,000
GE893 12,000 AW 1018 8,000 CM1688 31,000 GF925 3,000
AH148 35,000 CL6318 3,000 GE6638 9,000 GF3186 4,000
♦ DA27 50,000 *5683 ’ WITHDRAWN ♦ FR7 145,000 ♦GE161 40,000
GE3363 4,000 GF2818 12,000 GF978 4,000 GE6636 5,000
GF882 30,000 EF807 5,000 CC3778 20,000 BT530 4,000
GF4111 4,000 HK81 1 130,000 ♦AK4747 7,000 ABI 39 56,000
AK910 10,000 GF3089 3,000 CX4 39 2,000 ♦CH5050 27,000
GF812 13,000 CC809 28,000
* SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK (NOT TRANSFERABLE)
THERE WERE NO BIDDERS FOR FC 171 AND 5683.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
PAY BY CHEQUE
/THE VEHICLE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1994
- 9 -
THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARKS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 248TH AND 249TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $357,513,905.
------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS * » * » ♦
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,877 0930 -580
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 567 1000 -580
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 -580
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY -580 1130 -580
LAF TODAY -730 1500
1600
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.6 »+0.0» 26.11.94
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TEACHERS ASSURED OF TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM SUPPORT. 1
ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE SAFETY IN CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS........................................... 2
COUNTRY PARK "CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME" LAUNCHED........... 3
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE NEW VILLAGE ELECTION RULES........... 4
FUND-RAISING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER...................... 5
CALENDAR CARDS TO PROMOTE CHILD CARE..................... 7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
1
TEACHERS ASSURED OF TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM SUPPORT ♦ » * * *
PREPARATORY WORK HAS STARTED ON THE PRODUCTION OF A SERIES OF FOUR VIDEO TAPES TO FAMILIARISE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WITH THE TEACHING METHOD AND TECHNIQUES UNDER THE TARGET ORIENTED CURRICULUM (TOC), CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, DR JULIAN LEUNG, SAID.
THE NEW SERIES, WHICH WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE 11-MINUTE INTRODUCTORY VIDEO TAPE ALREADY PRODUCED FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS AND THE PUBLIC, COMPRISES A TAPE CONCENTRATING ON CONCEPTS AND SALIENT FEATURES FOR TEACHERS AND THREE OTHER SUBJECT-SPECIFIC TAPES TO SHOW TEACHERS OF CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS EXACTLY HOW TO TEACH THE RESPECTIVE SUBJECTS UNDER TOC.
DR LEUNG SAID THE TAPES WITH USEFUL DEMONSTRATIONS OF CLASSROOM TEACHING WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN HELPING TEACHERS FEEL AT HOME WITH TOC.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SERIES WILL BE READY BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1995.
DR LEUNG SAID TEACHERS NEEDED NOT BE WORRIED ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TOC AS THE DEPARTMENT HAD IN HAND A NUMBER OF SUPPORT MEASURES, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF A WEALTH OF TEACHING AND REFERENCE MATERIALS, WEIGHING ABOUT 7 KILOGRAMS PER SET, WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE WRONG TO ASSUME THAT TOC BROUGHT REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OR THAT TOC WAS GOING TO STRAITJACKET EXISTING GOOD PRACTICES IN SCHOOLS.
"QUITE THE CONTRARY, THE PROGRAMMES OF STUDY FOR CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS, WHICH TOC COVERS INITIALLY, EVOLVED FROM THE EXISTING SYLLABUSES WITH WHICH TEACHERS SHOULD BE VERY FAMILIAR,” HE SAID.
"SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS ARE GIVEN A LOT OF LIBERTY TO DESIGN THEIR OWN STRATEGIES ACCORDING TO THEIR AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND STRENGTHS AND NEED NOT BE AFRAID OF ANY ABRUPT CHANGES IMPOSED ON THEM."
EXPERIENCE FROM THE TRYOUT SCHEMES HAS ALSO SHOWN THAT ALTHOUGH THE WORKLOAD IN THE FIRST YEAR OF PRACTISING TOC HAS BEEN INCREASED, WORKLOAD IN THE SECOND YEAR OF PRACTICE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
"IN THE 1993-94 TRYOUT SCHEME, 85 PER CENT OF THE SCHOOLS SAID TEACHERS HAD DESIGNED THEIR OWN TASKS FOR TRYOUT CLASSES AND FELT THAT THEIR PREPARATORY WORK HAD BEEN FRUITFUL, RESULTING IN STUDENTS BEING MQKB INTERESTED IN THEIR LEARNING AND BETTER-MOTIVATED IN CLASS."
DR LEUNG SAID UNLIKE THE TRYOUT STAGES, SCHOOL VISITS BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS IN PHASE I OF IMPLEMENTATION IN 1995-96 WOULD BE MINIMAL AND PRE-ARRANGED, BUT THE OFFICERS WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE AVAILABLE TO GIVE A HELPING HAND WHEN CALLED UPON.
/TRAINING PROGRAMMES .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
- 2 -
TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR SUBJECT CHAIRPERSONS, TOC CO-ORDINATORS AND SUBJECT TEACHERS ARE BEING LAUNCHED. PRIORITY FOR ATTENDING I HE COURSES WILL BE GIVEN TO STAFF OF THE 70 SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING TOC IN SEPTEMBER 1995.
"TO HELP TEACHERS OVERCOME PROBLEMS SPECIFIC TO THEIR OWN SCHOOLS, PART OF THE TRAINING WILL BE SCHOOL-BASED AND OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO HELP TEACHERS SOLVE I HEIR PROBLEMS ON THE SPOT,” DR LEUNG SAID.
EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS HAVE AGREED TO SUBMIT FOR REVIEW BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TOC TEACHING AND LEARNING PACKAGES IN MIDFEBRUARY 1995. A PROVISIONAL LIST OF RECOMMENDED TOC PACKAGES WILL BE ISSUED TO SCHOOLS IN LATE APRIL 1995, DR LEUNG SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT TOC WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PRIMARY 1 CLASSES OF 70 SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1995 AND EXTENDED TO ALL PRIMARY 1 CLASSES IN THE 1996-97 SCHOOL YEAR.
------0-------
ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN To ENHANCE SAFETY IN
CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A ONE-MONTH INSPECTION CAMPAIGN ON CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS NEXT MONTH AS PART OF ITS CONTINUED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY THROUGH ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS.
"ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS HAS DECLINED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE CATERING INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE IS ALWAYS COMMITTED TO BRINGING DOWN FURTHER INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS BY URGING PROPRIETORS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES TO OBSERVE SAFETY REGULATIONS AT WORK," DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR MR TSE MING-SING SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS RECORDED IN THE CATERING INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR TOTALLED 3,381. THIS SHOWED A DROP OF 43 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 5,980 ACCIDENTS REPORTED DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
"PROPRIETORS OF CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS SHOULD MAINTAIN THEIR VIGILANCE ON WORK SAFETY, ESPECIALLY ON FIRE PROTECTION DURING THE DRY SEASON AS THERE WAS A FATAL ACCIDENT IN CONNECTION WITH FIRE IN 1993."
DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER I, FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL MAKE SURPRISE INSPECTIONS TO RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, CAFES AND CANTEENS.
PROSECUTIONS WILL BE TAKEN, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AGAINST PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WHO BREACH THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PROVISIONS.
/HE REMINDED .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
- 3 -
EMPLOYEES VIOLATING THE INDUSTRIAL SAFEIY LAW MA^ BE $50,000 AND JAILED FOR SIX MONTHS.
FINED UP TO
IN THE INTERESTS OF THEIR OWN SAFETY AND HEALTH, ------------------------- rt/Mini X,’ Id I 1 U 1 nxS
ON ALL EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO TOGETHER TO KEEP THE WORKPLACE SAFE.
COMPLY
WITH
MR TSE CALLED LAW AND WORK
--------o-----------
COUNTRY PARK "CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME" LAUNCHED « » » » «
AN ANNUAL "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCHEME, AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST IN AND CONCERN FOR COUNTRY PARKS THROUGH THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN A VARIETY OF CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES, WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON.
TOGETHER WITH THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD (CPB) CHAIRMAN, DR I J HODGKISS AND DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, MR EASON LED A GROUP OF MORE THAN 300 YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN TREE TENDING, DRAINAGE CLEARANCE AND PIT CLEANSING WORK IN THE SAI KUNG WEST COUNTRY PARK.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY, MR EASON DESCRIBED THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PARKS AS HONG KONG’S PRECIOUS NATURAL ASSETS, ATTRACTING SOME 10 MILLION VISITORS EVERY YEAR.
"HOWEVER, THESE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES ARE DELICATE AND REQUIRE THE CO-OPERATION AND CONCERTED EFFORT OF EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY TO PRESERVE THEIR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION VALUE," HE SAID.
MR EASON POINTED OUT THAT FIRE AND LITTER WERE TWO MAJOR HAZARDS THREATENING THE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES.
WHILE NOTING THE INCIDENCE OF HILL FIRES HAD DROPPED OVER YEARS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, HE SAID LITTER WAS STILL A PROBLEM.
LAST YEAR ALONE, SOME 3,500 TONNES OF LITTER WERE LEFT IN COUNTRY PARKS BY VISITORS.
"COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF DISPERSED LITTER IN THE COUNTRY PARKS REQUIRE ENORMOUS MANPOWER RESOURCES WHICH COULD OTHERWISE BE DEPLOYED FOR BETTER USES SUCH AS DEVELOPING NEW COUNTRY PARK FACILITIES.
"IT WOULD MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE IF ALL COUNTRY PARK VISITORS ARE MORE CONSIDERATE TO OTHERS AND CARE FOR OUR COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT.
"ALL OF US CAN HELP KEEP COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND TIDY SIMPLY BY MAKING GOOD USE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF LITTER BINS AND STOCKADES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS, AND BETTER STILL, BY TAKING THEIR LITTER HOME," HE SAID.
/MR EASON .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
4
MR EASON THANKED THE LIONS CLUBS FOR THEIR FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP AND THEIR MEMBERS FOR TAKING THE LEAD TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. HIS COMMENDATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO BOY SCOUTS AND HIKING GROUPS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE SCHEME.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF CPB’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, DR TAM WING-KUN AND DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, MR WILLIAM LEUNG.
FOUR MAJOR ACTIVITIES UNDER THIS YEAR’S SCHEME HAVE BEEN LINED UP BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS UNTIL THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE FIRST TWO PROGRAMMES FOR GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS - GUIDED WALKS IN COUNTRY PARKS AND LITTER COLLECTION EXERCISE - ARE TO BE HELD BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY.
TWO PRIZE-CARRYING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE END OF MARCH AS A FINALE OF THE SCHEME. THESE ACTIVITIES ARE "CLEAN AND GREEN" JINGLE CREATION CONTEST AND A SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION.
FOR DETAILS OF THESE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CALL THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 733 2121.
---------0-----------
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE NEW VILLAGE ELECTION RULES
*****
THE TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TODAY (SUNDAY) LAUNCHED A CAMPAIGN IN SAI KUNG NORTH VILLAGES TO PROMOTE NEW VILLAGE ELECTION RULES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CARNIVAL IN SAP SZE HEUNG VILLAGE, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DANNY TSUI, ENCOURAGED VILLAGERS TO PARTICIPATE IN VILLAGE ELECTIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE STATUTORY ADVISORY BODY TO THE GOVERNMENT ON NEW TERRITORIES AFFAIRS, WAS WELL AWARE OF THE NEED TO REVISE THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE ELECTIONS SYSTEM TO MEET THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY.
IT SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE THAT ALL VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES BE RETURNED ON THE BASIS OF A "ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE" SYSTEM AND THAT BOTH MALE AND FEMALE VILLAGERS REACHING THE AGE OF 18 WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.
AND ALL VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES WILL SERVE A FOUR-YEAR TERM WHICH WILL COINCIDE WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE RURAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES, HE ADDED.
MR TSUI SAID: "THE ADMINISTRATION WELCOMES THE KUK’S CHANGES IN VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE ELECTIONS AND WILL PROVIDE ACTIVE ASSISTANCE IN RUNNING THESE ELECTIONS."
/THE PROMOTIONAL .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
- 5 -
THE PROMOTIONAL DRIVE, ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE AND FUNDED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, INCLUDED SINGING PERFORMANCES, A CIVIC EDUCATION QUIZ COMPETITION AND A BUS PARADE.
HANDBILLS WITH ELECTION MESSAGES WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO VILLAGERS IN THE AREA.
MEANTIME, MR TSUI POINTED OUT THAT WHILE ALL THE 41 VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG NORTH HAD ADOPTED THE NEW VILLAGE ELECTION RULES, NOMINATIONS FOR 35 VILLAGES HAD COMPLETED SO FAR.
"AND ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD FOR 10 OF THEM WHERE MORE THAN ONE CANDIDATE WERE NOMINATED," HE ADDED.
--------0-----------
FUND-RAISING SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER
* * * * «
TWENTY-TWO ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED PERMISSION TO RAISE FUNDS NEXT MONTH (DECEMBER), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THEY WILL EITHER SELL FLAGS, TOKENS OR SIMILAR ITEMS,
OR PLACE DONATION BOXES IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC PLACES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN CALL THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S 866 8123 IN CASE OF DOUBT.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORGANISERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD.
"SELLERS SHOULD DISPLAY THE PERMIT OR CARRY COPIES OF THE PERMIT FOR INSPECTION UPON REQUEST IF THE FUND-RAISING IS MOBILE,” HE SAID.
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," HE ADDED.
PERMITS ARE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR RAISING FUNDS NEXT MONTH:
/FLAG DAY .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
6 -
FLAG DAY
EVENT DATE
ORGANISATION
DECEMBER 3 HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH
DECEMBER 10 SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN
DECEMBER 17 HAVEN OF HOPE HOSPITAL
DECEMBER 24 OXFAM HONG KONG LTD.
DECEMBER 28 THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION LTD.
DECEMBER 31 CHINESE RHENISH CHURCH-HONG KONG SYNOD
PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION
EVENT DATE ORGANISATION
DECEMBER 1 TO 4 TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS'
DECEMBER 3 TO 5 BUDDHA LIGHT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG LTD.
DECEMBER 3 AND 4 HONG KONG COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF.
DECEMBER 4, 11, 18 AND 25 JESUS IS LORD SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (HK) LTD.
DECEMBER 4 AND 11 LAND OF VIRTUE CENTRE LTD.
DECEMBER 4 AND 18 THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF JESUS CHRIST, THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME, ADMINISTRATOR, INC. .
DECEMBER 4 FRIENDS OF THE EARTH (CHARITY) LTD.
DECEMBER 4 PO LEUNG KUK
DECEMBER 4 PEN PAPER EXPRESS CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 4 CHUAN YAN ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 4 BAUHINIA ASSOCIATION
DECEMBER 9 AND 11 SALVATION ARMY
DECEMBER 10, 11 AND 18 SOCIETY FOR COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION LTD.
DECEMBER 10 AND 11 PROJECT OBRIS, INC.
DECEMBER 11 AND 25 WORD FOR THE WORLD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
DECEMBER 11 SOWERS ACTION 0 /7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1994
- 7 -
CALENDAR CARDS TO PROMOTE CHILD CARE
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED 150,000 COPIES OF CALENDAR CARDS FOR THE YEAR 1995 IN AN EFFORT TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF HOME SAFETY.
THE CARDS, WHICH CONVEY A MESSAGE APPEALING TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE FULL USE OF OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE, ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
"CHILDREN SHOULD UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES BE LEFT ALONE AT HOME, EVEN FOR A SHORT WHILE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 135 CHILD CARE CENTRES OFFERING OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE TO FAMILIES WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME," HE SAID.
CHILD CARE CENTRES OFFER TEMPORARY CARE FOR CHILDREN AGED UNDER SIX AT TWO-HOUR, QUARTER-DAY OR WHOLE-DAY BASIS. THE FEE FOR A TWO-HOUR SESSION IS $13.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE SERVICE MAY CALL THE HOTLINE 343 2255 OR THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ON TELEPHONE 836 3114.
"PARENTS HAVING ANY CHILD CARE PROBLEMS CAN SEEK HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S 31 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESUMPTION OF GAS SUPPLIES IN NT.....................>......... 1
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSE TO VIEWS ON GMB SEATING CAPACITY..................................................... 1
NO VM ILLEGALLY DETAINED..................................... 3
TPB TO SEEK JUDICIAL REVIEW.................................. 3
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER 1994....... 3
WAY CLEARED FOR HK'S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES TO MEXICO.............................................. 6
OBJECTIONS TO RATEABLE VALUES HANDLED........................ 7
BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME INVITES ENROLMENT...... 8
WORKING GROUP TO STUDY GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL.............. 9
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S AWARD SCHEME FOR BEST COUNTER STAFF....,................................................... 9
DUKE OF KENT BRIEFED ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROGRESS... 10
FORCES PLAY HOST TO ROYAL VISITOR........................... 11
EDUCATION TV PROGRAMME WINS JAPAN PRIZE..................... 12
CROP PROTECTION SEMINAR ON THURSDAY......................... 13
RELOCATION OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLINIC......................... 13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 14
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS...... 14
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
1
RESUMPTION OF GAS SUPPLIES IN NT
*****
IN ANSWER TO PRESS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DISRUPTION OF GAS SUPPLIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT IT WAS SATISFIED THAT THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY WAS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO RESTORE SUPPLIES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
"IT IS OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT CONTRARY TO EARLIER EXPECTATIONS, A FURTHER 40,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE RECONNECTED BY 6 AM TOMORROW, AND 95 PER CENT OF ALL AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS WILL HAVE THEIR SUPPLY RESTORED BY 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY," HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO PREVENTIVE MEASURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN FACT PREPARING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT GAS MAINS DURING EXCAVATION WORK.
AT PRESENT, THERE IS ONLY VOLUNTARY LIAISON BETWEEN THE GAS COMPANY AND CONTRACTORS OVER THE LOCATION OF PIPES AND THERE ARE NO PROVISIONS IN THE CURRENT GAS LEGISLATION FOR THE GAS AUTHORITY TO PROSECUTE CONTRACTORS.
"THIS IS UNSATISFACTORY AND WE ARE CURRENTLY PREPARING AMENDMENTS TO THE GAS SAFETY ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR A CONTRACTOR NOT TO TAKE REASONABLE MEASURES TO CHECK THE LOCATION OF GAS MAINS AND TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"UNDER A BILL TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY 1995, CONTRACTORS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FINES AND IMPRISONMENT, AND TO MAKE GOOD THE DAMAGE, FOR CARELESS EXCAVATION LEADING TO THE DAMAGE OF GAS MAINS," HE ADDED.
AN INVESTIGATION IS BEING CONDUCTED INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF YESTERDAY’S INCIDENT AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF IT IS FOUND THAT THE CONTRACTOR CONTRAVENED ANY EXISTING LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE EXCAVATION WORK BEING CARRIED OUT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0-----------
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSE TO VIEWS ON GMB SEATING CAPACITY t ♦ * t ♦
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) WELCOMED THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG-KOWLOON-NEW TERRITORIES PUBLIC MAXICAB OPERATORS’ GENERAL ASSOCIATION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED MEASURES TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND CURB PRIVATE VEHICLE GROWTH.
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES ON THE DEPARTMENT’S POSITION ON THE ASSOCIATION’S VIEWS ON SEATING CAPACITY OF GREEN MINIBUSES (GMB), THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE QUESTION OF INCREASING THE SEATING CAPACITY OF GMB WAS DISCUSSED BY THE LEGCO TRANSPORT PANEL IN JULY THIS YEAR.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO MADE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSAL, HE SAID.
/"IN SHORT, ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 2 -
"IN SHORT, WHILE ACCEPTING THAT THE PROPOSAL MAY BENEFIT SOME GMB OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS, THE EFFECT WILL NOT APPLY UNIFORMLY TO ALL GMB OPERATORS AND ALL PASSENGERS IN THE TERRITORY, GIVEN THE VASTLY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY OPERATE.
"THERE MAY ALSO BE ADVERSE IMPLICATIONS FOR OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND OTHER PASSENGERS, FOR EXAMPLE, FRANCHISED BUSES WHICH CARRY 34 PER CENT OF OUR DAILY COMMUTERS."
IN ANY CASE, THE VIEWS AND PROPOSALS OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE TAKEN INTO FULL ACCOUNT IN THE CONSULTATION PROCESS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED MEASURES TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC CONGESTION, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IT WAS TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE TO INCREASE THE SEATING CAPACITY OF GMBS, AND SUCH INCREASE MIGHT HAVE A BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON FARES FOR SOME GMB ROUTES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE THE FOLLOWING DISADVANTAGES:
I. IT WOULD REDUCE THE LEVEL OF PASSENGER COMFORT IN GMBS;
II. IT WOULD CAUSE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AS LONGER TIME FOR KERBSIDE BOARDING AND ALIGHTING ACTIVITIES WILL BE
REQUIRED;
III. GMBS PLAY A SUPPLEMENTARY ROLE IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT HIERARCHY, BY PROVIDING A MORE FREQUENT AND HIGHER QUALITY SERVICE USING SMALLER VEHICLES THAN BUSES. FURTHER INCREASE IN SEATING WOULD ERODE THIS ROLE, BLUR THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN GMBS AND BUSES, AND POSE GREATER COMPETITION TO FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES. SOME ROUTES OPERATED BY THE LATTER WITH MARGINAL VIABILITY AND PARTIAL COMPETITION FROM GMBS MAY HAVE TO BE ABANDONED OR MAY HAVE TO BE INCREASINGLY SUBSIDISED BY OTHER MORE VIABLE ROUTES;
IV. AS A RESULT OF (III), THERE COULD BE GREATER PRESSURE ON BUS FARES, WHICH ARE USED BY THE MAJORITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGERS BELONGING TO THE LOWER INCOME BRACKET; AND
V. FURTHERMORE, THE PACE OF CONVERSION FROM RED MINIBUS (RMB) TO GMB WOULD BE SLOWED DOWN. A NEW GMB ROUTE WHICH REQUIRES, SAY, FIVE 16-SEAT RMBS WOULD ONLY REQUIRE FOUR 20-SEAT RMBS IF SEATING CAPACITY WERE INCREASED. ALSO, IT HAS BEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PRACTICE TO EXERCISE CONSIDERABLE DISCRETION AND FLEXIBILITY TO INTRODUCE GMB ROUTES WHICH PARTLY DUPLICATE FRANCHISED BUS ROUTES, OFTEN BY OVERRULING OBJECTION FROM BUS OPERATORS. THIS IS FOR THE SAKE OF ENHANCING PUBLIC SERVICE WITHOUT SIGNIFICANTLY HURTING THE VIABILITY OF CERTAIN BUS SERVICES SIMPLY BECAUSE THE CAPACITY AND MODE OF OPERATION OF GMBS ARE DIFFERENT. WHILE INCREASING THE SEATING CAPACITY OF GMBS MAY WELL IMPROVE THEIR VIABILITY, TN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTERNAL BALANCE AND RELATIVITIES WITHIN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT HIERARCHY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO APPLY ITS PLANNING CRITERIA IN A MUCH MORE RIGID MANNER - THE OUTCOME WILL BE A NET LOSS TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE A NET GAIN TO GMB OPERATORS.
------0--------
/3 .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 3 -
NO VM ILLEGALLY DETAINED
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY) THAT A LETTER HAD BEEN SENT TO PAM BAKER & CO. IN RESPONSE TO THEIR SUBMISSION OF NOVEMBER 25 REQUESTING THE RELEASE OF FURTHER VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS.
IN THE REPLY, THE GOVERNMENT REITERATED THAT NO VIETNAMESE MIGRANT WAS ILLEGALLY DETAINED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 15, 1994 AND THEIR BELIEF THAT NO ONE WAS NOW ILLEGALLY DETAINED.
"THERE IS THEREFORE NO QUESTION OF ANY FURTHER VIETNAMESE BEING RELEASED FROM DETENTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER FROM PAM BAKER & CO.," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0------
TPB TO SEEK JUDICIAL REVIEW
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS DECIDED TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR LEAVE FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF THE DECISION OF THE TOWN PLANNING APPEAL BOARD TO ALLOW A RESIDENTIAL AND GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT IN NAM SANG WAI WITH CONDITIONS.
THE DEVELOPMENT WAS REJECTED BY THE BOARD UPON REVIEW IN JUNE LAST YEAR. THE APPLICANT LODGED AN APPEAL AGAINST THE BOARD’S DECISION TO THE TOWN PLANNING APPEAL BOARD IN SEPTEMBER OF THE SAME YEAR.
THE APPEAL BOARD CONDUCTED HEARING OF THE APPEAL IN MARCH AND MAY THIS YEAR AND DECIDED TO ALLOW THE APPEAL WITH CONDITIONS IN AUGUST.
-----0-------
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER 1994 *****
BOTH RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW MARKED INCREASES IN OCTOBER 1994 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1993. DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT PICK-UP.
THESE ARE SHOWN IN THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (COMPRISING RE-EXPORTS AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS) INCREASED BY $16.3 BILLION OR 17% TO $112.7 BILLION IN OCTOBER 1994.
/WITHIN TOTAL .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $91.3 BILLION IN OCTOBER 1994, WAS $14.6 BILLION OR 19% HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED, BY $1.7 BILLION OR 8.5% OVER A YEAR EARLIER TO $21.3 BILLION IN OCTOBER.
MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY $22.6 BILLION OR 24% TO $116.2 BILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1994 WAS SMALLER THAN THAT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $3.5 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $2.8 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 3.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, IN OCTOBER 1993.
IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1994, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 12% OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AMONGST THIS, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 15%, WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL ONLY SLIGHTLY BY 1.0%.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 16%.
IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1994, A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $61.4 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.0% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
THIS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $23.7 BILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.7% OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1993.
COMMENTING ON THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID EXPORT PERFORMANCE IMPROVED FURTHER IN OCTOBER.
WHILE THE GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS ACCELERATED, DOMESTIC EXPORTS RECOVERED TO SHOW A NOTABLE INCREASE, HE SAID.
RETAINED IMPORTS REMAINED ROBUST, RISING BY 37% IN OCTOBER OVER A YEAR EARLIER.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WIDENED VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT REQUIRED MONITORING.
A MORE DETAILED ANALYSIS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER 1994, BY COMMODITY AND COUNTRY, WILL BE RELEASED IN MIDDECEMBER.
/PROVISIONAL FIGURES .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
PROVISIONAL FIGURES OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR OCTOBER 1994
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $21,345 million
Re-exports : $91,340 million
Total Exports : S112,685 million
Imports : $116,174 million
Trade balance : -$3,489 million
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Aug 94 to Aug 93 to Change
Latest 3 months Oct 94 Oct 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. Z
Domestic Exports 62,338 (18.9Z) 58,748 +3,589 +6.1
(Z of Total Exports) (20.7Z) + 18.7
Re-exports 266,802 224,807 +41,995
Total Exports 329,140 283,555 +45,585 + 16.1
Imports 339,343 278,661 +60,681 +21.8
Trade balance -10,203 4,894 -15,097
October October Change
Same month last year 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. Z
Domestic Exports 21,345 19,665 +1,680 +8.5
(Z of Total Exports) (18.9Z) (20.4Z)
Re-exports 91,340 76,697 +14,643 + 19.1
Total Exports 112,685 96,362 +16,323 + 16.9
Imports 116,174 93,566 +22,609 +24.2
Trade balance -3,489 2,797 -6,286
October September Change
Last month 1994 1994
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. Z
Domestic Exports 21,345 19,892 +1,453 +7.3
(Z of Total Exports) (18.9Z) (18.4Z)
Re-exports 91,340 88,105 +3,235 +3. 7
Total Exports 112,685 107,996 +4,689 +4.3
Imports 116,174 113,563 +2,611 +2.3
Trade balance -3,489 -5,567 +2,077
Jan-Oct Jan-Oct Change
Calendar year to-date 1994 1993
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. Z
Domestic Exports 181,519 183,300 (21.3Z) -1,731 -1.0
(Z of Total Exports) (18.9Z)
Re-exports 779,123 677,099 +102,024 + 15.1
Total Exports 960,642 860,399 +100,243 + 11.7
Imports 1,022,040 884,078 +137,962 + 15.6
Trade balance -61,398 -23,679 -37,719
Nov 93 to Nov 92 to Change
Last 12 months Oct 94 Oct 93
HKS Mn. HKS Mn. HKS Mn. Z
Domestic Exports 221,245 225,'285 -4,039 -1.8
(Z of Total Exports) (19.3Z) (21.9Z)
Re-exports 925,248 804,688 +120,560 + 15.0
Total Exports 1,146,493 1,029,973 +116,520 + 11.3
Imports 1,210,559 1,059,417 +151,142 + 14.3
Trade balance -64,066 -29,444 -34,621
/6........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
6
WAY CLEARED FOR HK’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES TO MEXICO *****
THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO A LATEST PROPOSAL WHICH THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS DEVISED TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES TO MEXICO.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE MR THOMAS YIU SAID: "THE NEW PROPOSAL IS FOR TRADERS TO ACCOMPANY THEIR RELEVANT EXPORTS TO MEXICO WITH A SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENT WHICH GIVES INFORMATION INCLUDING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE IN HONG KONG.
"THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT THIS DOCUMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHERS THAT WE HAVE ANNOUNCED PREVIOUSLY, WILL ENABLE TRADERS TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE MEXICAN CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS," HE SAID.
SINCE THE MEXICAN NEW CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS CAME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, A NUMBER OF COMPANIES HAVE ENCOUNTERED PROBLEMS IN EXPORTING TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES TO MEXICO.
CONSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DETAINED BECAUSE THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT WANTED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED ON CERTIFICATE OF HONG KONG ORIGIN (CHKO).
MR YIU SAID: "ACCORDING TO OUR EARLIER UNDERSTANDING REACHED WITH THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOR SHIPMENTS OF TEXTILES, APPAREL AND SHOES, THE ONLY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENT OTHER THAN A CHKO REQUIRED IS A FORM SPECIFIED BY THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT, WHICH CAN BE COMPLETED BY THE TRADERS THEMSELVES WITHOUT INVOLVING THE DEPARTMENT OR THE GOVERNMENT APPROVED CERTIFICATION ORGANISATIONS (GACOS).
"WE WERE THEREFORE PUZZLED THAT SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MEXICAN CUSTOMS HAS REQUIRED OUR CHKO TO CONTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -TARIFF NUMBER, INVOICE NUMBER AND ORIGIN CRITERION ACCORDING TO MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES," HE SAID.
"THIS IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS NOT THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO REQUIRE EXPORTING COUNTRIES TO CHANGE THE FORMAT OF THEIR ORIGIN CERTIFICATES.
"WE HAVE PRINCIPLED AND PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH A REQUIREMENT FOR US TO MODIFY HONG KONG’S ORIGIN CERTIFICATE TO INCLUDE ORIGIN DETERMINATION BASED ON MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES, BECAUSE TO DO SO WOULD MEAN IMPLEMENTING MEXICO’S RATHER THAN OUR OWN ORIGIN RULES."
IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE RELEVANT TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MEXICO TO CONTINUE, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT DEVISED AND PUT FORWARD A PRAGMATIC SOLUTION TO THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT.
RATHER THAN CHANGING THE FORMAT OF CHKO, THE GACOS WILL, ON TRADERS’ REQUEST, ISSUE A DOCUMENT CONTAINING INFORMATION ON TARIFF NUMBER, INVOICE NUMBER AND THE RELEVANT MANUFACTURING PROCESSES PERFORMED IN HONG KONG, WHICH SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE CHKO TO FACILITATE MEXICAN CUSTOMS INSPECTION.
/THE TRADE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WAS INFORMED OF THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT’S AGREEMENT TO THE PROPOSAL ON NOVEMBER 19.
’’THIS IS CERTAINLY GOOD NEWS. HOPEFULLY THE DISRUPTED TRADE COULD RESUME IMMEDIATELY,” MR YIU SAID.
HOWEVER, HE REMINDED TRADERS THAT THE VARIOUS DOCUMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS WERE NOT IN THEMSELVES A CERTIFICATION THAT THE PRODUCTS SATISFIED MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES.
"THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES WILL ANALYSE THE INFORMATION DOCUMENTS AND DECIDE ON THE ORIGIN OF GOODS," HE CAUTIONED.
IN THE
"WHILE WE HAVE SOME INFORMATION ON THEIR RULES AND COMPANIES ARE WELCOMED TO CHECK WITH US, TRADERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR IMPORTERS IN MEXICO, OR THE RELEVANT MEXICAN AUTHORITIES, ON HOW TO COMPLY WITH MEXICAN ORIGIN RULES IN ORDER TO AVOID CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
"THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL TAKE IMMEDIATE EFFECT. TRADERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENT THROUGH A CIRCULAR ISSUED TODAY. WE SHALL OF COURSE CONTINUE TO MONITOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND WOULD BE PLEASED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE SHOULD ANY PROBLEMS ARISE IN FUTURE.”
ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1994, THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED NEW CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTS OF MERCHANDISE CLASSIFIED IN SUCH TARIFF ITEMS THAT WERE SUBJECT TO MEXICAN ANTI-DUMPING OR COUNTERVAILING DUTIES.
--------0 - -
OBJECTIONS TO RATEABLE VALUES HANDLED
*****
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT IT HAD DEALT WITH ALL THE 17,625 OBJECTIONS TO THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES THAT WERE RECEIVED IN APRIL AND MAY THIS YEAR.
ABOUT 15 PER CENT WERE REDUCED, THE REMAINDER EITHER BEING CONFIRMED OR WITHDRAWN BY THE OBJECTOR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ASKED ANY RATEPAYER WHO LODGED AN OBJECTION IN APRIL OR MAY THIS YEAR AND WHO HAD NOT YET RECEIVED A NOTICE OF DECISION TO CONTACT MR TSANG TSZE-LAI OF THE DEPARTMENT BY PHONING 805 7734 IMMEDIATELY.
HE ADDED THAT IF THE RATEABLE VALUE HAD BEEN REDUCED AS A RESULT OF THE OBJECTION, THE AMENDMENT TO THE RATEABLE VALUE AND ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THE RATES PAYABLE WOULD BE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
IF RATES PAYABLE ARE REDUCED, FUTURE RATES DEMANDS WILL BE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE CHANGE, HE SAID.
---------0-----------
/8 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 8 -
BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME INVITES ENROLMENT * * * * *
ALL BIOTECHNOLOGY-RELATED COMPANIES AND INSTITUTIONS OPERATING IN HONG KONG ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1995 BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE BIOTECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE PROGRAMME IS A TRAINING SCHEME AIMED AT UPGRADING MANPOWER RESOURCES FOR THE EMERGING BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
’’FIFTEEN UNDERGRADUATE/POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE 1994 BIOTECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME AND ACQUIRED INVALUABLE RESEARCH AND INDUSTRIAL EXPOSURE AT BOTH DOMESTIC AND OVERSEAS ORGANISATIONS.
’’MOST OF LAST YEAR’S CO-SPONSORING COMPANIES HAVE ALREADY DECIDED TO JOIN THIS PROGRAMME AGAIN THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE PREVIOUS GROUP OF INTERNS.
’’AFTER A REVIEW OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME, THE COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED TO ORGANISE A SIMILAR INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME IN 1995," MR YOUNG SAID.
ON THE ARRANGEMENT FOR FUNDING, HE SAID CO-SPONSORING COMPANIES AND INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROGRAMMES.
"MONTHLY REMUNERATION RATES OF $7,000 AND $10,650 WILL BE PAYABLE TO UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE INTERNS RESPECTIVELY. THE COMMITTEE WILL SPONSOR 50 PER CENT OF THE REMUNERATION FOR ALL INTERNS,’’ MR YOUNG SAID.
"A TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO ONE ROUND-TRIP ECONOMY CLASS AIR TICKET BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE OVERSEAS DESTINATION OR A CASH ALLOWANCE OF $1,000 FOR INTERNS POSTED WITHIN GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND AN INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ALL PARTICIPATING TERTIARY STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE INTERNSHIP PERIOD WILL BE SPONSORED BY THE COMMITTEE.
"FOR OVERSEAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES, CO-SPONSORING COMPANIES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR INTERNS THROUGHOUT THE INTERNSHIP PERIOD," MR YOUNG SAID.
ENROLMENT WILL BE INVITED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR. SELECTION OF CANDIDATES FROM LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH CO-SPONSORING COMPANIES. THE PROGRAMME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
INTERESTED COMPANIES AND INSTITUTIONS SHOULD CONTACT MR D C CHEUNG OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON TEL 737 2206 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
/9 ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
9 -
WORKING GROUP TO STUDY GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL
*****
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS AGREED TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW THE ISSUE OF ESTABLISHING A GENERAL TEACHING COUNCIL IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE COMMISSION’S MEETING THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION, PROFESSOR ROSIE YOUNG, SAID THE MEETING STUDIED A PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY THE COUNCIL ON PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN EDUCATION AND DECIDED THAT THE COMMISSION SHOULD SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE ISSUE.
THE COMMISSION ALSO EXAMINED THE OUTCOME OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WORKING GROUP REPORT ON LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.
"WE RECEIVED OVER 90 SUBMISSIONS, COVERING A VERY WIDE RANGE OF, VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS. THERE WAS ONLY TIME TODAY FOR A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION, AND WE SHALL CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AT THE NEXT MEETING IN DECEMBER," PROFESSOR YOUNG SAID.
---------0 - -
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S AWARD SCHEME FOR BEST COUNTER STAFF *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS TO LAUNCH A BEST LICENSING SERVICE AWARD NEXT MONTH FOR THE COUNTER STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING DIVISION, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, DR ERNEST LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THIS EVENT, SECOND OF ITS KIND, DEMONSTRATES OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE CUSTOMER SERVICE THROUGH ENCOURAGING GOOD QUALITY WORK FROM STAFF AND GIVING RECOGNITION TO THOSE WHO PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE AWARD SCHEME, DR LEE SAID: "THE COUNTER STAFF HAVE MADE A LOT OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME ON LICENSING SERVICES TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS."
THE SECOND PHASE OF PERFORMANCE PLEDGE SCHEME ANNOUNCED RECENTLY COVERS MORE SERVICES RANGING FROM LICENSING TO VEHICLE EXAMINATION MATTERS, HE SAID.
ON LICENSING SERVICES, HE SAID: "WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADHERE TO THE PLEDGED WAITING TIME DESPITE THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR LICENSING SERVICES."
ON THE WORK OF THE 40-MEMBER CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUPS, HE SAID MEMBERS HAD MADE SOUND SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING LICENSING SERVICES AND MANY OF THE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
/"FEEDBACK FROM .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 10 -
’’FEEDBACK FROM OUR CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMER LIAISON GROUPS AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING. OUR STAFF HAVE BEEN DOING A JOLLY GOOD JOB,” HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO SHOW THE DEPARTMENT’S APPRECIATION, WE ARE GOING TO LAUNCH A BEST LICENSING SERVICE AWARD OF 1994 FOR THE COUNTER STAFF IN THE LICENSING DIVISION FROM DECEMBER 1 TO 31. THIS AWARD SCHEME IS SPONSORED BY THE SHELL HONG KONG LIMITED," HE ADDED.
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO COME TO THE LICENSING OFFICES FOR LICENSING OR DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENT SERVICES WILL BE INVITED TO COMPLETE A NOMINATION FORM ON THE BEST COUNTER STAFF AND PUT IT IN A SPECIAL BALLOT BOX LOCATED PROMINENTLY IN THESE OFFICES.
THE BEST 10 COUNTER STAFF SO ELECTED WILL EACH BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND A MEAL COUPON. NOMINATORS WILL ENTER A LUCKY DRAW IN WHICH 20 LUCKY ONES WILL EACH BE AWARDED A PETROL COUPON WORTH $500.
THERE WILL BE A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE AWARD WINNERS ON JANUARY 14 NEXT YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR FOR HONG KONG AND MACAU SHELL COMPANIES FOR CHINA AND HONG KONG, MR ROBERT YOUNG, SAID THE COMPANY WAS HONOURED TO BE ABLE TO SPONSOR THE BEST LICENSING SERVICE AWARD.
’’THE AWARD AIMS TO ENCOURAGE A BETTER STANDARD OF SERVICE BY CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
HE URGED ALL PARTIES TO FULLY SUPPORT THE EVENT SO ‘THAT THE GOAL IN IMPROVING SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC COULD BE ACHIEVED.
---------0-----------
DUKE OF KENT BRIEFED ON AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROGRESS ♦ * * * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF KENT WAS TODAY (MONDAY) BRIEFED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE 10 AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME PROJECTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, THE DUKE ARRIVED AT THE TS1NG MA BRIDGE SITE ON MA WAN, WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR K C YEUNG, ON THE WORK PROGRESS OF THE TS1NG MA AND KAP SHUI MUN BRIDGES.
HE WAS ALSO SHOWN HOW THE TWO MAIN CABLES OF THE TSING MA SUSPENSION BRIDGE, EACH OF 1.1 METRES IN DIAMETERS, WERE BEING SPUN BETWEEN MA WAN AND TSING YI ISLANDS.
THIS WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO THE NEW AIRPORT SITE AT CHEK LAP KOK WHERE THE DUKE WAS BRIEFED BY MR DOUGLAS OAKERVEE, PROJECT DIRECTOR OF THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY.
---------0-----------
/Il .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
11
FORCES PLAY HOST TO ROYAL VISITOR
*****
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT WILL BE THE GUEST OF BRITISH FORCES HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
THE DUCHESS HAS ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO BE PATRON OF THE HONG KONG LOCALLY ENLISTED PERSONNEL TRUST, A FUND LAUNCHED LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE GARRISON’S CHINESE EX-SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN HARDSHIP, DISTRESS OR POVERTY AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997.
IN HER ROLE AS PATRON, THE DUCHESS WILL VISIT STONECUTTERS ISLAND TO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE TRUST AND TO MEET THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM IT.
SHE WILL TOUR A DISPLAY OF STANDS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES PERFORMED BY THE SOLDIERS OF THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS AND LATER VISIT HMS TAMAR TO SEE THE LOCALLY-ENLISTED SAILORS OF THE HONG KONG SQUADRON AT WORK.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, AS DEPUTY COLONEL-IN-CH IEF OF THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS, THE DUCHESS WILL VISIT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS IN CENTRAL TO BE INTRODUCED TO THE CORPS IN HONG KONG.
*******
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISITS OF THE DUCHESS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING THE VISIT TO THE ROYAL LOGISTIC CORPS AT THE PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE GURADROOY NO LATER THAN 9.45 AM. THERE WILL BE NO ADMITTANCE AFTER THIS TIME.
A FERRY WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO STONECUTTERS ISLAND FOR THE VISIT OF THE DUCHESS TO THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS AND THE ROYAL NAVY. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES USING THIS FACILITY SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE GUARDROOM, PRINCE OF WALES BARRACKS NO LATER THAN 1 PM.
---------0-----------
/12........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 12 -
EDUCATION TV PROGRAMME WINS JAPAN PRIZE
*****
A NEW EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMME "LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY", BROADCAST IN THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WON INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION IN THE 21ST JAPAN PRIZE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME CONTEST ORGANISED BY NHK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE PROGRAMME, JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, ENTERED INTO A FIERCE COMPETITION WITH 143 PROGRAMMES FROM 34 COUNTRIES.
• THE 25-MINUTE PROGRAMME WON THE SPECIAL JURY PRIZE FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY AND CONTENT, HE SAID.
"LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY" PORTRAYS THE EXPERIENCE OF FOUR ELDERLY PERSONS THROUGH THEIR INTERACTION WITH FAMILY MEMBERS.
IT REFLECTS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ELDERLY PEOPLE AND THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN TERMS OF ATTITUDE, DISPOSITION, THINKING AND REACTION TO INCIDENTS IN LIFE.
ALSO DEPICTED IS THAT MOST FAMILY DISPUTES AND PROBLEMS COME FROM THE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING AND FAILURE TO COMPROMISE BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES.
'll,.
THROUGH WATCHING THE PROGRAMME, IT IS HOPED THAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN TO RECOGNISE THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ELDERLY TOWARDS THE FAMILY AND SOCIETY AND REPAY THEM WITH LOVE, RESPECT, CARE, CONCERN AND UNDERSTANDING.
THE PROGRAMME IS PRODUCED BY MISS GLORIA FAN OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION SECTION, AND DIRECTED BY MR SIDNEY WONG OF THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE AWARD WAS PRESENTED IN TOKYO, JAPAN, ON NOVEMBER 17.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND VIEWING OF THE PROGRAMME ’LOVE AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY” AT THE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION CENTRE, 79 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON TONG, AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
---------0-----------
/13........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
- 13 -
CROP PROTECTION SEMINAR ON THURSDAY *****
LOCAL CROP FARMERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY INTERESTED IN ENHANCING THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES IN AGRICULTURAL CULTIVATION ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 1).
ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE CROP PROTECTION SEMINAR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL STATION, LIN TONG MEI, SHEUNG SHUI.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED BY AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS MISS WENDY KO AND MR CLIVE LAU. BOTH ARE SPECIALISED IN PEST AND DISEASES INVESTIGATORY AND CONTROL WORK. OTHER PANELISTS INCLUDE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANT PROTECTION SECTION.
THE SEMINAR COMPRISES OF LECTURES BY SPEAKERS, A SLIDE SHOW, FIELD DEMONSTRATION AND PRACTICES, WHICH WILL ALSO BE FOLLOWED BY PANEL DISCUSSIONS.
MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN THE WORKSHOP INCLUDE: BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF DIAMONDBACK MOTH BY THE USE OF PHEROMONE AND BT; INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT OF ASIAN CORN BORER, AND THE FIELD RECOGNITION AND CONTROL OF COMMON PESTS AND DISEASES ON VEGETABLES.
THE SAFETY IN PESTICIDE APPLICATION, PRECAUTIONS IN SPRAYING PESTICIDES AND THE CHOICE OF SUITABLE AND EFFECTIVE SPRAYERS AS WELL AS THEIR MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
AS THE SEMINAR CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE 80 PARTICIPANTS, THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD REGISTER EARLY WITH THE TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL STATION. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE DIRECTED TO THE STATION ON TEL 679 4354.
------0--------
RELOCATION OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLINIC
*****
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCES THAT THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLINIC HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO SHAUKEIWAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, FOURTH FLOOR, 8 CHAI WAN ROAD, SHAU KEI WAN, HONG KONG.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE CLINIC ARE: 8.30 AM TO 12.45 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY AND 1.45 PM TO 4.45 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS CLINIC COULD BE REACHED ON TEL 513 0465.
---------0-----------
/14........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1994
14
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
♦ * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 84.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 497.021 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 466.500 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 79.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 567 0930 + 675
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,541 1000 + 675
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 + 690
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY + 674 1200 + 691
LAF TODAY + 300 1500 + 691
1600 + 674
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.7 *+0.1* 28 .11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.71 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.70 6.67
1 MONTH 4.86 24 MONTHS 2611 6.90 99.94 7.05
3 MONTHS 5.20 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.62 7.37
6 MONTHS 5.60 35 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.37 7.63
12 MONTHS 6.18 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.52 8.24
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 15,771 MN
CLOSED 28 NOVEMBER 1994
0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29,1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO APPROVES TAXI FARE INCREASES........................... 1
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM TO VISIT BEIJING........................ 2
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ASSETS........................ 2
40,000 PRIMARY 1 DISCRETIONARY PLACES TAKEN.......,......... 2
EFFORTS TO KEEP PEOPLE UPDATED OF ACP PROGRESS.............. 3
HONG KONG REGISTERS ITS 100TH CIVIL AIRCRAFT................ 4
HONG KONG ATTRACTIVE TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS.................. 5
ED STAFF RECOGNISED FOR GOOD SERVICE........................ 6
NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IN KWUN TONG...................... 8
FLUSHING WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND MONG KOK......................................................... 8
CLOSURE OF TO KWA WAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT.............. 8
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS................. 9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS..... 10
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
1
EXCO APPROVES TAXI FARE INCREASES *****
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED FARE INCREASES FOR URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
THE FARE INCREASES, BY A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF 11.27 PER CENT FOR URBAN TAXIS AND 10.47 PER CENT FOR TAXIS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.
UNDER THE NEW FAKE STRUCTURE, FLAGFALL CHARGES FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES FOR AN URBAN TAXI WILL INCREASE FROM $11.50 TO $13, AND FOR A NEW TERRITORIES TAXI FROM $10 TO $11.
FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.2 KILOMETRE, THE FARES FOR BOTH URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WILL GO UP BY 10 CENTS TO $1.1 AND $1 RESPECTIVELY.
THE WAITING TIME CHARGE WILL RISE BY 10 CENTS PER MINUTE TO $1.1 FOR URBAN TAXI AND $1 FOR A NEW TERRITORIES TAXI.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IN CONSIDERING THE FARE INCREASE APPLICATIONS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASE IN OPERATING COSTS, THE LEVEL AND QUALITY OF TAXI SERVICES, THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN TAXIS AND OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND PUBLIC ACCEPTABILITY.
THE EXCO ALSO NOTED THAT IN RECENT MONTHS THERE HAD BEEN A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES SUCH AS "REFUSING HIRE" AND THAT THE ISSUE OF 400 NEW TAXI LICENCES WAS EXPECTED FURTHER TO IMPROVE TAXI AVAILABILITY AND REDUCE PASSENGER WAITING TIME.
AT THE SAME TIME EXCO HAS APPROVED A NEW REGULATION TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR FIVE TAXI OFFENCES FROM $5,000 TO $10,000 IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT EFFECT. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE NEW REGULATION WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 9 THIS YEAR.
THE FIVE TAXI OFFENCES WHICH WILL CARRY HIGHER FINES ARE REFUSING HIRE, SOLICITING PASSENGERS, OVERCHARGING, REFUSING TO DRIVE 'IT' A SPECIFIC DESTINATION, AND FAILURE TO TAKE THE MOST DIRECT PRACTICABLE ROUTE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASE IN PENALTIES WAS ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS A MEASURE TO DETER TAXI MALPRACTICES. THIS WAS SUPPORTED BY THE TRANSPORT PANEL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE POLICE HAD STEPPED UP ACTION AGAINST TAXI MALPRACTICES. IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, ABOUT 2,500 TAXI DRIVERS WERE PROSECUTED FOR TAXI MALPRACTICES AND 39 HAD BEEN DISQUALIFIED FROM DRIVING TAXIS FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
---------0-----------
/2 ........
2
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM TO VISIT BEIJING
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A TEAM OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WOULD BE LEAVING FOR BEIJING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO HAVE A FURTHER MEETING WITH THE CHINESE SIDE ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO CO-ORDINATE PLANNING ON CROSS-BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.
THE TEAxM WILL COMPRISE THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR TONY EASON; THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA; THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, DR PETER PUN; THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS, MR STEPHEN LAM; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS MISS MARGARET FONG; AND THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER, MR C K MAK.
-----0-------
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PROPERTY ASSETS
*****
IN RESPONSE TO PRESS ENQUIRIES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT A LIST OF PROPERTY ASSETS HAD BEEN COMPILED AND A COPY HAD BEEN PASSED TO THE CHINESE SIDE THROUGH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP OFFICE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS IN OCTOBER THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PREPARE A LIST OF ITS PROPERTY ASSETS AND HAND IT OVER TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
-----0-------
40,000 PRIMARY 1 DISCRETIONARY PLACES TAKEN *****
ABOUT 40,000 OUT OF 66,700 APPLICANTS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN
OBTAINING A DISCRETIONARY PRIMARY 1 PLACE AT GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
RESULTS FOR SCHOOL ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 1995 WILL BE RELEASED BY THESE SCHOOLS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION (POA) SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL COULD ADMIT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 65 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL PRIMARY 1 PLACES AT ITS OWN DISCRETION.
"THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT OF PLACES WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WHETHER OR NOT THEIR CHILDREN HAD BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL, PARENTS SHOULD GO BACK TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY HAD APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM OR SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED.
/REGISTRATION OF .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
3
REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 5 AND 6 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
"PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRIMARY 1 PLACE ARE ADVISED TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS PARENT’S COPY OF THE APPLICATION FORM FOR PRIMARY 1 ADMISSION AND THE NUMBER OF PHOTOS TO BE BROUGHT ALONG TO THE SCHOOL," HE SAID.
REGISTRATION OF THE CHILI) WITH THE SCHOOL WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT.
PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL, OR THROUGH THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TEL 572 4383 TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
"IF THEY FAIL TO DO THIS, THEY WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BECAUSE OF OVER-SUBSCRIPTION, SOME CHILDREN MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO SECURE A PRIMARY 1 PLACE AT THIS STAGE.
PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO ONLY INTEND TO TAKE PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, WILL BE INFORMED BY LETTER IN LATE FEBRUARY OR EARLY MARCH 1995 TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT FOR CHOICE OF SCHOOLS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ALLOCATE A PRIMARY 1 PLACE TO IHEIR CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARENTAL CHOICES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
DETAILED PROCEDURE OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED
LATER.
---------0-----------
EFFORTS TO KEEP PEOPLE UPDATED OF ACP PROGRESS
*****
THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECTS CO-ORDINATION OFFICE (NAPCO) IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF BOAT TOURS AROUND THE AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME (ACP) PROJECTS AREAS TO UPDATE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES WITH THE LATEST ACP DEVELOPMENTS.
A TOTAL OF 10 URBAN COUNCILLORS AND 96 MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON JOINED A FOUR-HOUR BOAT TOUR TODAY (TUESDAY) AND SAW THE EXCELLENT PHYSICAL PROGRESS THAT HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 10 ACP PROJECTS.
MEMBERS WERE FIRST GIVEN AN OVERALL BRIEFING ON THE ACP BY THE DIRECTOR OF NAPCO, MR BILLY LAM. THIS WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY BRIEFINGS BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RESPECTIVE PROJECT OFFICES ON THE PROGRESS OF INDIVIDUAL ACP PROJECTS.
"THE ACP WILL BRING ABOUT A MAJOR CHANGE TO HONG KONG'S INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES AND PHYSICAL LAY-OUT IN THE YEARS AHEAD. AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE ACP PROJECTS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND CONCERNED PARTIES ARE KEPT INFORMED OF THE LATEST WORK PROGRESS," MR LAM SAID.
/"THIS WILL .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
4
’’THIS WILL CERTAINLY HELP THEM TO BOOST UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE ACP AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH IN IHE \ EARS AHEAD," HE SAID.
LAST WEEK, 52 CONSUL-GENERALS AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVES WERE TAKEN OUT ON A BOAT TOUR AROUND THE SITES, MR LAM SAID.
"LATER THIS WEEK, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BOAT TOUR FOR MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
AS PART OF THE OVERALL EFFORT TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED ABOUT THE ACP, NAPCO HAS ALSO HELD A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"ABOUT 90,000 PEOPLE HAVE ATTENDED THE SIX EXHIBITIONS HELD SO FAR IN LOK FU, WAN CHAI, TSUEN WAN, TAI KOO SHING, TUEN MUN AND CAUSEWAY BAY,” HE SAID.
"FOUR MORE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD FROM NOW UNTIL MARCH NEXT YEAR . ’’
------0-------
HONG KONG REGISTERS ITS I00TH CIVIL AIRCRAFT * ♦ » ♦ ♦
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF A SECOND AIRBUS 340-200 FROM TOULOUSE TODAY (TUESDAY), HONG KONG WILL HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME A TOTAL OF 100 CIVIL-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT.
THE TWO AIRBUS 340 AIRCRAFT, TOGETHER WITH SEVEN AIRBUS 320S, 39 BOEING 747S, 18 LOCKHEED 101 IS, 20 HELICOPTERS OF VARIOUS TYPES AND 14 OTHERS COMPRISING MAINLY CLUB AND PRIVATELY OWNED AIRCRAFT, WILL BRING THE NUMBER OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT TO THE CENTURY MARK.
THE NEW AIRBUS 340-200 CARRYING REGISTRATION MARK VR-HMS BELONGS TO CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS WHICH IS A HONG KONG-LICENSED AIR OPERATOR. IT WILL ALSO BECOME CATHAY’S 56TH AIRCRAFT.
THE OTHER HONG KONG AIRLINES OPERATING HONG KONG-REGISTERED CIVIL AIRCRAFT INCLUDE HONG KONG DRAGON AIRLINES LIMITED AND AHK AIR HONG KONG LIMITED WHICH IS BASICALLY AN ALL-CARGO COMPANY.
ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT CIVIL AIRCRAFT OWNER IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FLYING SERVICE WHICH PROVIDES SHORT-RANGE AND LONG-RANGE SEARCH AND RESCUE SERVICES, POLICE SUPPORT, MEDICAL EVACUATION AND COMMUNICATIONS FLIGHTS FOR THE GOVERNMENT. ITS FLEET COMPRISES EIGHT SIKORSKY S76 AND TWO S70 HELICOPTERS, TWO BEECH SUPER KING AIR AND TWO SLINGSBY T67M-200.
THE HONG KONG AVIATION CLUB ALSO REGISTERS WITH THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT A TOTAL OF THREE CESSNAS AND ONE SLINGSBY FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT OF THE SMALLER TYPES, PROVIDING FLYING TRAINING AND RECREATIONAL FLYING FOR PRIVATE PILOTS.
/HELISERVICES (HK) .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
5
HELISERVICES (HK) LIMITED OPERATES THREE AEROSPATIALE SA315B, ONE AS350BA AND ONE AS355H HELICOPTERS LOCALLY FOR PASSENGER CHARTER AND AERIAL WORK.
A NUMBER OF CORPORATIONS HAVE ALSO REGISTERED A TOTAL OF EIGHT PRIVATE AIRCRAFT AND HELICOPTERS IN HONG KONG. THE OWNERS AND AIRCRAFT TYPES ARE LISTED IN THE CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTER ADMINISTERED BY THE SAFETY REGULATION DIVISION OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
---------0-----------
HONG KONG ATTRACTIVE TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS
*****
HONG KONG OFFERS ABUNDANT ATTRACTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS INVESTORS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF INDUSTRY, MR DOMINIC LAW, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT AN INVESTMENT PROMOTION SEMINAR IN OSAKA, JAPAN, MR LAW SAID HONG KONG, STRATEGICALLY LOCATED IN THE HUB OF EAST ASIA AND AT THE DOORSTEP OF CHINA, IS THE IDEAL LOCATION TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE HUGE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
"TO ILLUSTRATE, 11 OF HONG KONG’S TOP 20 TRADING PARTNERS ARE FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION," HE SAID.
IN 1993, HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE WITH ECONOMIES IN THE REGION GREW BY 13 PER CENT. FROM JANUARY TO AUGUST THIS YEAR, THERE WAS ANOTHER 13 PER CENT GROWTH.
"THE ACCUMULATION OF MANAGEMENT KNOW-HOW AND CONTACTS WITH EMERGING MARKETS IN ASIA MAKES HONG KONG AN EXCELLENT LAUNCH-PAD FOR THESE MARKETS.
"THIS HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY MANY MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT SOME 1,500 OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAVE SET UP REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND REPRESENTATIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR LAW SAID CONSISTENT WITH HONG KONG’S FREE MARKET SPIRIT, THE GOVERNMENT TREATED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES EXACTLY THE SAME AND IMPOSED NO EXPORT QUOTA, PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT OR MATERIAL SOURCING RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN INVESTORS.
"IN ADDITION, HONG KONG HAS A PRO-BUSINESS, LOW AND SIMPLE TAX SYSTEM AND A HIGHLY EDUCATED, ADAPTABLE, TRAINABLE AND PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE," HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE JAPANESE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG UP TO 1993 AMOUNTED TO ABOUT US$12.7 BILLION, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF TOTAL JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA.
JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS DIVERSIFIED, RANGING FROM TOURISM, RETAILING, TRADING, BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, TO MANUFACTURING.
/"INDEED, HONG ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
6
“INDEED, HONG KONG HAS LONG BEEN A VERY ATTRACTIVE PLACE EOR JAPANESE PEOPLE AND COMPANIES WHERE THEY CAN SAEELY AND EASILY INVEST AND DO BUSINESS.
“FOR EXAMPLE, JAPAN IS THE LARGEST FOREIGN INVESTOR IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN HONG KONG. THERE ARE ABOUT 1,800 JAPANESE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, AND THAT NUMBER CONTINUES TO INCREASE,” HE ADDED.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR LAW SAID HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN A SEPARATE ECONOMIC ENTITY AFTER 1997.
AS A HIGHLY AUTONOMOUS SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY, AND THE BORDER BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA WOULD CONTINUE TO EXIST, HE SAID.
HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A SEPARATE MEMBER OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION (WTO) IN DUE COURSE, HE ADDED.
“ALL THIS IS PROVIDED FOR IN BOTH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND THE BASIC LAW FOR THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF HONG KONG WHICH WILL COME INTO BEING IN JULY 1997 .
“AND IT IS WHOLLY RIGHT THAT IT SHOULD BE SO, FOR IT IS BY REMAINING AN AUTONOMOUS TRADING PARTNER AND A SEPARATE ECONOMIC FORCE THAT HONG KONG CAN BEST RETAIN ITS DYNAMISM, BUILD ON ITS CURRENT ROLE AND CONTINUE TO BE OF BENEFIT TO ITSELF AND TO CHINA,” MR LAW SAID.
------0--------
EI) STAFF RECOGNISED FOR GOOD SERVICE
*****
THE QUALITY SERVICE OF AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF MEMBER HAS PAID OFF AFTER HE HAS WON TWO CONSECUTIVE AWARDS FROM THE DEPARTMENT IN 1993/94.
THE STAFF IS MR LAI CHI-KWONG, WORKMAN II OF TSEUNG KWAN O GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WHO IS AWARDED BOTH THE FOURTH QUARTERLY AND ANNUAL AWARDS.
THE HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND INITIATIVE OF MR LAI TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE RECOGNISED UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME FOR GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD LAST WEEK, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DOMINIC S W WONG, PRESENTED ANNUAL STAFF INCENTIVE AWARDS, A 999.9 GOLD CARD AT A COST OF $1,000, TO MR LAI AND MR TSE YUE-LEUNG, WORKMAN II OF ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
IN THE FOURTH QUARTERLY AWARDS, MR LAI CHI-KWONG AND TWO OTHER STAFF MEMBERS, MR WOO KAR-FOO, A WORKMAN AT TSEUNG KWAN O GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MISS MA SUET-FONG, A CLERK AT THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION.
/THEY EACH ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
7
THEY EACH RECEIVED A MERITORIOUS CERTIFICATE, A PHOTO-STAND AND A WATCH EMBOSSED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LOGO.
IN PRESENTING THE AWARDS, MR WONG COMPLIMENTED THE WINNERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGE OF WORK, COMPETENCE, COURTESY, APPEARANCE AND EXTRA EFFORT TO HELP CUSTOMERS.
THE TWO ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS SAID ENHANCING CUSTOMER SERVICE COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH CLOSE CO-OPERATION AMONG STAFF AND BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH CUSTOMERS. THEY ALSO AGREED THAT THEY WERE HIGHLY MOTIVATED BY THEIR SECTION HEADS UNDER THE STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME.
MR LAI CHI-KWONG, KNOWN AS CAPTAIN COOK, LOST HIS RIGHT HAND IN AN ACCIDENT, HAS BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR 11 YEARS.
MR LAI’S PHYSICAL DEFECT DOES NOT HAMPER HIS PERFORMANCE IN THE LEAST. INSTEAD, HE ACTS ON HIS OWN INITIATIVE TO TAKE UP EXTRA DUTIES AND UNPLEASANT ASSIGNMENTS.
ANOTHER ANNUAL AWARDEE, MR TSE YUE-LEUNG, A WORKMAN AT ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT SCHOOL, WAS RECOMMENDED FOR HIS EFFORT IN PROVIDING A BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE STUDENTS.
QUARTERLY AWARDEE, MR WOO KAR-FOO, WAS GIVEN CREDIT FOR HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN PREPARING FOR A GOOD START OF THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED TSEUNG KWAN O GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT.
HE WAS ALSO NOMINATED FOR HIS HELPFULNESS AND COURTESY IN HANDLING ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
MISS MA SUET-FONG, WINNER IN THE FOURTH QUARTERLY AWARD, IS A CLERK AT THE AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCES LIBRARY OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION. SHE HAS BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR 13 YEARS.
SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR HER PATIENCE AND COURTESY IN HANDLING CUSTOMER ENQUIRIES. SHE ALSO ANTICIPATES CUSTOMER NEEDS AND RESPONDS QUICKLY, ACCURATELY AND PLEASANTLY.
THE STAFF INCENTIVE AWARD SCHEME PROMOTES THE GOVERNOR’S CALL FOR A CLIENT-BASED CULTURE IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
NOMINATIONS ARE CALLED FOR AND WINNERS ARE SELECTED EVERY THREE MONTHS TO ENHANCE AWARENESS ABOUT GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GIVE RECOGNITION TO MERITORIOUS SERVICE AND ESTABLISH ROLE MODELS OF HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
A TOTAL OF 76 NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE NOVEMBER 1993. FIFTEEN NOMINEES WERE SELECTED FOR THE QUARTERLY AWARDS AND TWO FOR THE ANNUAL AWARDS.
------0-------
/8 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
8 NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IN KWUN TONG *****
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS PLYING BETWEEN SHUN LEE AND TSUI PING (KAI LIM ROAD) WILL START OPERATION ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 1), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE ROUTE NO.47 WILL TRAVEL VIA LEE ON ROAD, SAN LEE STREET, SHUN CHING STREET, SHUN KING STREET, SHUN ON ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD, HIP WO STREET, TSUI PING ROAD AND KAI LIM ROAD.
IT WILL RUN EROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY IN 12 TO 15-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE EARE EOR EACH TRIP IS $4.
--------0-----------
FLUSHING WATER CUTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND MONG KOK
*****
FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO ALL THE PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS.
MEANWHILE, IN ORDER TO CONNECT WATER MAINS, FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) TO « AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, TONG MI ROAD, CHERRY STREET AND THE SEAFRONT.
------0--------
CLOSURE OF TO KWA WAN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT
* ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE AN UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE IN TO KWA WAN SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE USED EOR DWELLING IS LOCATED ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING IN 19 WING KWONG STREET.
A NOTICE APPLYING FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MARCH 24, 1995 HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE PREMISES.
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS ISSUED.
---------0-----------
/9 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
9
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY TENDER RESULTS *****
TENDER DATE 29 NOV 94 29 NOV 94
PAPER ON OFFER 1 EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q448 Y496
AMOUNT APPLIED HK$5,000 MN HK$2,590 MN
AMOUNT ALLOTTED HK$1,500 MN HKS500 MN
AVERAGE YIELD ACCEPTED 5.33 PCT 6.35 PCT
HIGHEST YIELD ACCEPTED 5.35 PCT 6.38 PCT
PRO RATA RATIO ABOUT 42 PCT ABOUT 10 PCT
AVERAGE TENDER YIELD 5.36 PCT 6.40 PCT
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
TENDERS TO BE HELD IN THE WEEK BEGINNING 5 DEC 1994-
TENDER DATE 6 DEC 94 6 DEC 94
PAPER ON OFFER EF BILLS EF BILLS
ISSUE NUMBER Q449 H479
ISSUE DATE 7 DEC 94 7 DEC 94
MATURITY DATE 8 MAR 95 7 JUN 95
TENOR 91 DAYS 182 DAYS
AMOUNT ON OFFER HK$1,500 MN + 300 MN HKS800 + 160 MN
------0-------
/10........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1994
- 10 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE
( $ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY LAF TODAY 1 1 ,541 ,282 + 181 -440 0930 1000 1100 1200 1500 1600 + 50 + 150 + 180 + 181 + 181 + 181
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 1 .< 21.6 * -0.1* 29 .11.94
EF BILLS TERMS. YIELD 1 WEEK 4.97 1 MONTH 4.99 3 MONTHS 5.30 6 MONTHS 5.68 12 MONTHS 6.27 TOTAL TURNOVER OF HONG KONG EF TERM 18 MONTHS 24 MONTHS 29 MONTHS 35 MONTHS 58 MONTHS BILLS AND MONETARY AUTHORITY NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD 2605 6.35 99.57 6.77 2611 6.90 99.71 7.18 3704 6.15 97.40 7.48 3710 7.25 99.12 7.73 5909 7.45 97.23 8.32 BONDS - 20,307 MN
CLOSED 29 NOVEMBER 1994
--------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RECOMMENDATIONS ON KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT TO BE 1
IMPLEMENTED RAPIDLY...................................
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION............... 2
FINDINGS ON KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE ACCEPTED............. 5
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR'S MEDIA SESSION................... 6
1995 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY APPROVED........... 6
ADDITIONAL RUNWAY EXIT FOR AIRPORT....................... 7
FURTHER STEPS TO PROTECT MARINE ENVIRONMENT.............. 7
COMMUNITY BUILDING ESSENTIAL FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: RS 9
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1994.................... 10
POLYTECHNIC (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL TO BE GAZETTED................................................ 13
MID-TERM REVIEW OF RADIO LICENCE........................ 13
HONG KONG - THE PREMIER BROADCASTING HUB IN ASIA........ 13
GOVERNOR TOURS KWUN TONG................................ 15
TWO LOTS TO LET......................................... 15
WIT SCHEME IMPROVES EFFICIENCY.......................... 16
FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS CONCERT.................. 17
266 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME VOLUNTARILY.................. 17
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS....
18
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
1
RECOMMENDATIONS ON KWUN LUNG LAU INCIDENT
TO BE IMPLEMENTED RAPIDLY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL STUDY THE REPORT PREPARED BY PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU TRAGEDY AND WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE, THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT, MR PATTEN SAID THAT ONE REASON WHY THE GOVERNMENT MUST DO THAT WAS IN ORDER TO TRY TO ENSURE TRAGEDIES LIKE THAT NOT HAPPENING AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
"WE OWE IT NOT ONLY TO THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TRAGEDY A FEW MONTHS AGO. WE ALSO OWE IT TO ALL THOSE WHO MAY BE WORRIED ABOUT SLOPES IN THEIR VICINITY OR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND WHEN IT RAINS HEAVILY IN HONG KONG, START TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THEM," HE ADDED.
MR PATTEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL TO PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN FOR THE WORK HE HAD DONE, FOR HIS THOROUGHNESS AND FOR HIS SPEED IN COMPLETING THE REPORT.
IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION ABOUT A REQUEST BY SOME LEGCO MEMBERS FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO RECEIVE ALL VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS REMAINING IN HONG KONG BY 1997, THE GOVERNOR SAID: "I THINK IT’S VERY UNHELPFUL FOR ANYONE TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION TO VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS THAT IF THEY STAY IN HONG KONG, AT SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE, THEY WILL BE GIVEN RIGHT OF ABODE IN EUROPE OR NORTH AMERICA OR AUSTRALIA OR ANYWHERE ELSE.
"THAT’S ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO STAY WHICH IS THE LAST THING WE SHOULD WANT TO DO. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF PEOPLE GETTING RIGHT OF ABODE ELSEWHERE IF THEY SIMPLY HANG ON IN THE CAMPS. WE WANT THOSE PEOPLE TO RETURN TO VIETNAM. THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL WHY THEY SHOULDN’T DO SO."
MR PATTEN SAID EVERYBODY TALKED ABOUT VIETNAM QUITE PROPERLY AS THE NEXT TIGER ECONOMY IN ASIA. AND HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN, BANKERS, AND INVESTORS WERE INVESTING HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN VIETNAM WHERE THE ECONOMY WAS STARTING TO PICK UP SPEED.
"SO, THERE’S NO REASON AT ALL WHY VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SHOULDN’T RETURN HOME," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
"44,000 OF THEM HAVE GONE BACK SINCE 1989. WE’VE GOT A MUCH BETTER RECORD OF RETURNING MIGRANTS THAN ANY OF THE OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HAVE SIGNED UP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF ACTION AND I THINK THAT ALL OF US IN THE COMMUNITY WANT TO SEE THE REMAINING MIGRANTS RETURN HOME AND THEY SHOULDN’T BE GIVEN FALSE PROMISES OR EXPECTATIONS OF THINGS THAT SIMPLY AREN’T GOING TO HAPPEN."
------0------------
/2 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994 - 2 -
TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION *****
THE FOLLOWING IS A TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEDIA SESSION BY THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN AFTER VISITING KWUN TONG DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON:-
GOVERNOR: I AM PLEASED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO VISIT KWUN TONG AGAIN. I’VE BEEN HERE ON A NUMBER OF PREVIOUS VISITS. MY LAST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS IN THE SUMMER OF 1993 WHEN A NUMBER OF YOU, I THINK, CAME WITH ME TO A COUPLE OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS. I AM PLEASED THAT BOTH THOSE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WILL HAVE BEEN REMOVED BY NEXT SUMMER AND THE RESIDENTS REHOUSED. EIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF THOSE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN THE DISTRICT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REHOUSED BY NEXT SUMMER BUT THERE ARE STILL HOUSING PROBLEMS IN KWUN TONG. I WENT TO SEE ONE OF THE OLDER BLOCKS TODAY, ONE OF THOSE THAT WERE BUILT IN 1967 WHEN WE WERE JUST BEGINNING THE MASS PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG, AND WHEN WE WERE BEGINNING THE SECOND STAGE, AND, I THINK, THAT’S A REMINDER OF HOW MUCH WE STILL HAVE TO DO. WE’VE GOT PROBLEMS IN RENOVATION AND MODERNISATION AND WE’VE GOT TO REPLACE SOME OF OUR BLOCKS WITH COMPLETELY NEW BLOCKS. I WAS STRUCK BY SOME OF
THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS THAT RESIDENTS IN THAT PARTICULAR BLOCK
REFERRED TO ME. I THINK THIS IS THE VISIT WHICH HAS CONTAINED THE LARGEST NUMBER OF PETITIONS APART FROM THOSE THAT I RECEIVED IN THE
RUN-UP TO THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, WHICH IS A REMINDER OF HOW
LIVELY DISCUSSION IS IN THE DISTRICT AND I’VE BEEN VERY PLEASED THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS BROUGHT A NUMBER OF ISSUES TO MY PERSONAL ATTENTION INCLUDING HER CONCERN AND THAT OF A NUMBER OF OTHER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ABOUT THE TOO EASY AVAILABILITY OF PORNOGRAPHIC LITERATURE NOT ONLY IN THIS DISTRICT BUT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG. IT’S ACTUALLY A SUBJECT WHICH WE TALKED ABOUT BRIEFLY IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS WEEK, A SUBJECT WHICH A NUMBER OF MEMBERS FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT, IT’S ONE THAT ROSANNA WONG HAS RAISED PUBLICLY AND PRIVATELY ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS AND I THINK IT’S A SUBJECT WHICH WE IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. I THINK THERE IS CONCERN BOTH ABOUT PORNOGRAPHIC LITERATURE AND ABOUT LITERATURE AND VIDEOS AND FILMS CONTAINING EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE WHICH CAN HAVE SUCH A CORROSIVE IMPACT ON A COMMUNITY AS WE’VE SEEN IN NORTH AMERICA AND ELSEWHERE. WE DON’T WANT THAT SORT OF THING HERE.
QUESTION: SOME LEGCO MEMBERS HAVE JUST REQUESTED THE BRITISH
GOVERNMENT TO RECEIVE ALL THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO REMAIN IN HONG KONG BY 1997. DO YOU THINK THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO IT?
/GOVERNOR .......
'WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994 - 3 - kT f,,'
GOVERNOR: I THINK IT’S VERY UNHELPFUL flfOR ANYONE TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION TO VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS THAT IF THEY STAY IN HONG KONG, AT SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE, THEY WILL BE GIVEN RIGHT OF ABODE IN EUROPE OR NORTH AMERICA OR AUSTRALIA OR ANYWHERE ELSE. THAT’S ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO STAY WHICH IS THE LAST THING WE SHOULD WANT TO DO. THERE IS NO QUESTION OF PEOPLE GETTING RIGHT OF ABODE ELSEWHERE IF THEY SIMPLY HANG ON IN THE CAMPS. WE WANT THOSE PEOPLE TO RETURN TO VIETNAM. THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL WHY THEY SHOULDN’T DO SO. 1 WAS INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS JOB WITH THE UNHCR IN LOOKING AT SOME OF THEIR OPERATIONS AND PLACES LIKE MOZAMBIQUE AND SOMALIA AND ETHIOPIA WHERE PEOPLE IN THE CAMPS WERE WORRIED ABOUT RETURNING TO BATTLE-TORN PARTS OF THE WORLD. THAT’S NOT THE SITUATION IN VIETNAM. EVERYBODY TALKS ABOUT VIETNAM QUITE PROPERLY AS THE NEXT TIGER ECONOMY IN ASIA. HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN, HONG KONG BANKERS, HONG KONG INVESTORS ARE INVESTING HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN VIETNAM WHERE THE ECONOMY IS STARTING TO PICK UP SPEED. SO, THERE’S NO REASON AT ALL WHY VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS SHOULDN’T RETURN HOME. 44 000 OF THEM HAVE GONE BACK SINCE 1989. WE’VE GOT A MUCH BETTER RECORD OF RETURNING MIGRANTS THAN ANY OF THE OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HAVE SIGNED UP TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF ACTION AND I THINK THAT ALL OF US IN THE COMMUNITY WANT TO SEE THE REMAINING MIGRANTS RETURN HOME AND THEY SHOULDN’T BE GIVEN FALSE PROMISES OR EXPECTATIONS OF THINGS THAT SIMPLY AREN’T GOING TO HAPPEN.
QUESTION: IS THERE ANY SECRET DEAL BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND MR WARWICK REID BECAUSE OF THE, CRITICISED AS THE.... ARRANGEMENT OF HIS DEPORTATION TO NEW ZEALAND? IS IT SOMETHING THAT IS SECRETIVE AND SHOULDN’T TELL THE PUBLIC?
GOVERNOR: NO, I’VE RARELY BEEN IN MY LIFE ANYWHERE WHERE THERE WAS MORE TALK OF SECRET DEALS THAN WHERE IT WAS LESS POSSIBLE TO ACTUALLY MAKE A SECRET DEAL EVEN IF YOU WANTED TO DO SO BECAUSE OF THE ENTHUSIASTIC ACTIVITIES OF OUR FREE PRESS. THE MONEY WHICH YOU WERE REFERRING TO HAS GONE INTO A TRUST FUND FOR MR REID’S WIFE AND FAMILY AND WON’T BE TOUCHED BY HIM. I HOPE THAT WHAT’S HAPPENED IS THE END OF AN EPISODE IN OUR LEGAL HISTORY WHICH WE WANT TO SEE AN END OF.
QUESTION: THAT IS A PRECEDENT FOR THE CIVIL SERVANT’S CASE, WOULD IT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE, CIVIL SERVANTS TO ENGAGE IN SOME CORRUPTION ACTIVITIES?
GOVERNOR: I DON’T THINK THAT MANY CIVIL SERVANTS WANT TO SPEND SEVERAL YEARS INSIDE. I DON’T MEAN INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT. I MEAN LOCKED UP.
’QUESTION: TALKING BACK TO THE VIETNAMESE AGAIN. THE REFUGEE CONCERN GROUP IS GOING TO...... THEY THINK THEY’RE GOING TO FILE HABEAS
MiCORPUS. IS THE GOVERNMENT VERY CONFIDENT IT’S GOING TO COPE?
/GOVERNOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
GOVERNOR: WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE WHO’S IN THE CAMP IS LEGALLY HELD. IF THERE ARE CHALLENGES TO ANY INDIVIDUALS, WE WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THEM. I JUST WANT TO REPEAT. THIS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN EXTREMELY TOLERANT IN THE WAY THAT IT’S DEALT WITH THE SERIOUS PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO IN MANY CASES GOT HERE, TOUCHING DOWN, GOING ON SHORE ELSEWHERE ON ROUTE, LET’S NO^ FORGET THAT, THEY ARRIVE IN HONG KONG IN VERY LARGE NUMBERS AND WE HAVE COPED WITH THE PROBLEM EXTRAORDINARILY WELL, FIRMLY BUT FAIRLY. SOME OF THOSE WHO USED TO CRITICISE HONG KONG NOW FIND THEMSELVES FACING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND I THINK THEY ARE MORE UNDERSTANDING NOW OF THE WAY WE’VE DEALT WITH THINGS HERE. THE JOB WHICH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE TO DO, THE JOB WHICH THE POLICE HAVE TO DO WHEN THEY ARE MOVING VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS IS NOT A PLEASANT ONE. IT’S NOT A NICE ONE. THERE ARE SOMETIME MISTAKES BUT BY AND LARGE, WE’VE LEARNED FROM THOSE MISTAKES AND WE DO THE JOB AS WELL AS ANYBODY IN THE WORLD WOULD DO IT. IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE CAMPS HAS FALLEN FROM 65 000 TO ABOUT 25 000. ONE OF THE REASONS WHY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VOLUNTEERING TO GO HOME WHEN THEY’VE BEEN SCREENED OUT IS BECAUSE WE’VE ALSO BEEN RUNNING THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. THIS YEAR, THE MANDATORY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME WAS SUSPENDED FOR A FEW MONTHS FOR REASONS WHICH YOU ALL UNDERSTAND AND I THINK ONE RESULT OF THAT WAS THAT VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION FIGURES FELL DURING THAT PERIOD. NOW WE’VE STARTED THE MANDATORY PROGRAMME AGAIN. WE INTEND TO CONTINUE THE MANDATORY PROGRAMME AND UNDER THAT PROGRAMME, 1 000 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY RETURNED HOME. I THINK THAT THE MANDATORY PROGRAMME IS ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO RETURN HOME VOLUNTARILY. 260 RETURN HOME TODAY. WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT A FURTHER 800 WILL BE RETURNING IN DECEMBER. THAT’S HOW WE INTEND TO CONTINUE, TAKING A FIRM LINE BUT A FAIR LINE AND THAT IS THE SORT OF DECENT AND COMPETENT WAY IN WHICH PEOPLE WOULD EXPECT US IN HONG KONG TO DEAL WITH THE VERY DIFFICULT PROBLEM, WHICH THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN VERY LONG SUFFERING IN DEALING WITH.
QUESTION: MR PATTEN, HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE KWUN LUNG LAU REPORT TODAY? /
GOVERNOR: I HAD A BRIEF DISCUSSION WITH PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN 'ABOUT IT AT 2.15 THIS AFTERNOON. HE CAME AND PRESENTED ME WITH A COPY OF THE REPORT AND GAVE ME A BRIEF ON THE MAIN FINDINGS AND ON HIS RECOMMENDATIONS. I’D LIKE TO SAY THREE THINGS. FIRST OF ALL, THE GOVERNMENT AND, INDEED, THE WHOLE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL TO PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN FOR THE WORK THAT HE’S DONE, FOR HIS THOROUGHNESS AND FOR HIS SPEED. HE KNOWS A GREAT DEAL ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF LANDSLIDES IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF HIS PAST EXPERIENCE IN HELPING US COPE WITH THE PROBLEM PARTICULARLY IN THE 1970S. HE IS AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERT IN THIS AREA AND I WAS VERY PLEASED THAT HE AGREED TO UNDERTAKE THIS ONEROUS WORK. SECONDLY AND OBVIOUSLY, I AND JAMES BLAKE AND OTHERS HAVE ONLY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A CURSORY LOOK, A QUICK LOOK AT THE REPORT BUT WE MUST OBVIOUSLY DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE AND WE INTEND TO DO THAT. WE’LL STUDY THE REPORT AND THEN WE WILL IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS AS FAST AS WE CAN.THIRDLY, ONE REASON WHY WE MUST DO THAT IS IN ORDER TO TRY TO ENSURE TRAGEDIES LIKE THAT NOT HAPPENING AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. WE OWE IT NOT ONLY TO THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE TRAGEDY A FEW MONTHS AGO, WE ALSO OWE IT TO ALL THOSE WHO MAY BE WORRIED ABOUT SLOPES IN THEIR OWN VICINITY OR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND WHEN IT RAINS HEAVILY IN HONG KONG, START TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES FOR THEM. SO, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WE’LL BE IMPLEMENTING THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BUT, SINCE I’VE ONLY HAD ABOUT TWENTY FIVE MINUTES WITH PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN TO LOOK AT THE REPORT, I AM SURE YOU WON’T EXPECT ME TO SAY MORE IN DETAIL.
/QUESTION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
5 -
QUESTION’: MR GOVERNOR, YOUR RECENT GO-TO-SILENCE IS INTERPRETED BY SOMEONE AS THE GESTURE OR IMAGE OF A LAME DUCK OF THE BRITISH COLONY.....
GOVERNOR: FIRST OF ALL, I, IN THE LAST WEEK, HAVE PROPERLY GIVEN FOUR OR FIVE SPEECHES IN PUBLIC WHICH HASN’T SEEMED VERY MUCH SILENCE TO ME. SECONDLY, I AM ACCUSTOMED TO BEING ACCUSED AT THE SAME TIME, SOMETIME DURING THE SAME PRESS CONFERENCE, SOMETIME IN THE SAME EDITION OF A NEWSPAPER, OF ON THE.ONE HAND DOING TOO MUCH IN THE LAST 1,000 DAYS OF BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY, SECONDLY, OF BEING A LAME DUCK. I AM CERTAINLY NOT THE LATTER. I DON’T THINK THERE ARE-ANY LAME DUCKS IN HONG KONG BUT THERE ARE CERTAINLY A FEW SICK PARROTS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
------0-----------
FINDINGS ON KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE ACCEPTED
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS, MR JAMES BLAKE, SAID THE FINDINGS OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE INVESTIGATION WERE ACCEPTED.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
MR BLAKE SAID THE TRAGIC INCIDENT CAME ABOUT DUE TO A NUMBER OF KEY EVENTS IN COMBINATION, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THE OLD MASONRY WALL WAS APPRECIABLY THINNER THAN USUAL FOR WALLS OF THIS TYPE.
"GIVEN THE TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, CLIMATE AND DENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAMME OF SLOPE MANAGEMENT IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE RISK OF SLOPE FAILURE AT AN ACCEPTABLY LOW LEVEL.
"THE KWUN LUNG LAU REVIEW FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING LOOKED INTO AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN PARALLEL CONDUCTED ITS REVIEW ON THE POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY OF MEANS TO IMPROVE SLOPE SAFETY. IT WILL SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO EXCO BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
"IN THE MEANTIME, WE CANNOT COMMENT ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TRAGEDY WHICH WILL COME WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CORONER WHEN THE DEATH INQUEST COMMENCES TOMORROW," MR BLAKE ADDED.
--------0-----------
/6........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
6
TRANSCRIPT OF GOVERNOR’S MEDIA SESSION
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, SPEAKING TO THE NEWS MEDIA AFTER PROFESSOR NORBERT MORGENSTERN PRESENTED TO HIM THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIP REPORT THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY):
GOVERNOR: ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, INDEED ON BEHALF OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, I LIKE TO THANK PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN VERY WARMLY INDEED FOR PRODUCING THIS REPORT ON THE KWUN LUNG LAU LANDSLIDE SO QUICKLY AND SO COMPREHENSIVELY. OBVIOUSLY WE WILL WANT TO STUDY THE REPORT AS FAST AS WE CAN AND TO IMPLEMENT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS SO THAT WE CAN, IF POSSIBLE, AVOID ANY SIMILAR DISASTERS IN THE FUTURE. I REPEAT WE ARE GRATEFUL TO PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN WHO KNOWS A GREAT DEAL ABOUT SOME OF THE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS WE HAVE IN BUILDING AREA IN HONG KONG. HE HAS HELPED US IN THE PAST AND I AM DELIGHTED THAT HE’S BEEN ABLE TO HELP US AGAIN. WE OBVIOUSLY OWE IT TO THOSE WHO SUFFERED IN THE LANDSLIDE IN THAT TRAGEDY TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT WE MAKE SAFE SITES WHEREVER POSSIBLE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. WE KNOW THAT PROFESSOR MORGENSTERN IS GIVING A PRESS CONFERENCE LATER ON THIS AFTERNOON WHEN HE WILL BE ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS. ONCE AGAIN I AM VERY PLEASED WHAT HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO DO.
---------0-----------
1995 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY APPROVED
*****
THE FIREWORKS VETTING COMMITTEE HAS ENDORSED AN APPLICATION FROM THE BEIJING JUNEFIELD REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED TO STAGE A 23-MINUTE FIREWORKS DISPLAY DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN 1995 A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SPONSOR IS A SUBSIDIARY OF JUNEFIELD WHICH IS A REGISTERED HONG KONG COMPANY,
(HOLDINGS) LIMITED
"THE DISPLAY WILL BE STAGED OVER VICTORIA HARBOUR FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1995, THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE DISPLAY WILL BE POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1995, WHICH IS THE THIRD DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE COMING DISPLAY WILL BE THE 14TH LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY SPONSORED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR SINCE 1982. AS ON SIMILAR PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE INVITED TO CO-ORGANISE
WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT WITH THIS SPONSORSHIP, THE COMMUNITY WILL ONCE AGAIN BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE SPECTACLE OF A FIREWORKS DISPLAY DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
7 -
ADDITIONAL RUNWAY EXIT FOR AIRPORT *****
AN ADDITIONAL RUNWAY EXIT WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO SHORTEN THE AVERAGE RUNWAY OCCUPATION TIME BY AIRCRAFT AND THEREBY INCREASE THE RUNWAY CAPACITY BY ACCOMMODATING ON AVERAGE ONE ADDITIONAL FLIGHT MOVEMENT PER HOUR.
TO REALISE THIS OBJECTIVE, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL APPLY TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR AN ALLOCATION OF $11.5 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRCRAFT PAVEMENT AND THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL TAXIWAY LIGHTS.
AT A PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING HELD THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, MEMBERS HAD ACCEPTED THE PROJECT IN PRINCIPLE SUBJECT TO FORMAL APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LATER NEXT MONTH (DECEMBER).
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE TWO EXISTING EXITS AT THE SEAWARD END OF THE RUNWAY AT THE AIRPORT BUT THEY ARE NOT LOCATED IN AN OPTIMUM POSITION.
THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE AIRPORT TO MATCH THE RUNWAY CAPACITY BY UPGRADING AND REPLACING EQUIPMENT FOR AIR NAVIGATIONAL AIDS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, AS WELL AS EXPANDING THE RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM.
THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL RUNWAY EXIT WILL COMPLEMENT THE IMPROVED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, AND WILL HELP INCREASE RUNWAY CAPACITY TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMAND FOR AIR TRAFFIC.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT WITH THE NEW RUNWAY EXIT AND THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL IMPROVEMENTS NOW UNDERWAY, AN AVERAGE OF ONE ADDITIONAL FLIGHT PER HOUR CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.
THE PROPOSED WORKS IS SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
FURTHER STEPS TO PROTECT MARINE ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING A FURTHER STEP WHICH AIMS AT ELIMINATING POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT BY OIL AND MARINE POLLUTION, ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR JOHN TSE YAN-CH1, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) AND PARTY ANNEX I AND II TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PREVENTION OF POLLUTION FROM SHIPS 1973 (MARPOL), HONG KONG IS OBLIGED TO ADOPT IMO’S DECISION AND ADHERE TO MARPOL REQUIREMENTS AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE," MR TSE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF OIL POLLUTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 AND MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (DANGEROUS GOODS AND MARINE POLLUTANTS) REGULATION TO INCORPORATED THE AMENDED VERSION OF THE ANNEX I TO MARPOL AND TO IMPLEMENT MARPOL ANNEX III.
/THE MARPOL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
8
THE MARPOL WAS ADOPTED BY THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL MARITIME CONSULTATIVE ORGANISATION, THE PREDECESSOR TO THE IMO, TO ELIMINATE DELIBERATE AND NEGLIGENT POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT BY OIL AND OTHER HARMFUL SUBSTANCES AND TO MINIMISE ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OF SUCH SUBSTANCES.
IT HAS FIVE ANNEXES, EACH STIPULATING CONTROLS SPECIFIC TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OF POLLUTANTS.
* ANNEX I DEALS WITH POLLUTION BY OIL FROM SHIPS;
» ANNEX II DEALS WITH NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES CARRIED IN BULK;
* ANNEX III DEALS WITH HARMFUL SUBSTANCE CARRIED BY SEA IN PACKAGED FORM;
* ANNEX IV DEALS WITH SEWAGE; AND
* ANNEX V DEALS WITH GARBAGE.
"ANNEX I OF THE CONVENTION IS APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG THROUGH THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION OF OIL POLLUTION ) REGULATION MADE UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ORDINANCE," MR TSE SAID.
ANNEX II IS IMPLEMENTED THROUGH MERCHANT SHIPPING (CONTROL OF POLLUTION BY NOXIOUS LIQUID SUBSTANCES IN BULK) REGULATION.
IN A RECENT REVIEW, THE IMO ADOPTED CERTAIN AMENDMENT TO MARPOL ANNEX I. THEY COVER NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR OIL POLLUTION EMERGENCY PLANS, NEW REQUIREMENTS DESIGN STANDARDS OF OIL TANKERS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTING EQUIPMENT.
"THE PROPOSED MERCHANT SHIPPING (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1994 WILL COVER THESE NEW REQUIREMENTS," MR TSE SAID.
ANNEX III OF THE MARPOL AIMS TO PREVENT POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT BY REGULATING THE CARRIAGE BY SHIPS OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN PACKAGED FORM.
THESE SUBSTANCES ARE REGULATED AS MARINE POLLUTANTS THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DANGEROUS GOODS (IMDG) CODE, WHICH LAYS OUT SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PACKAGES CONTAINING HARMFUL SUBSTANCES; MARKING AND LABELLING WITH REGARD TO DURABILITY AND IDENTIFICATION OF HARMFUL SUBSTANCES; AND DOCUMENTATION AND STOWAGE REQUIREMENTS.
THOSE SECTIONS OF THE IMDG CODE RELATING TO CARRIAGE BY SEA OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN BULK OR PACKAGED FORM ARE ALREADY IMPLEMENTED IN HONG KONG BY THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (DANGEROUS GOODS) REGULATIONS.
"TO IMPLEMENT THOSE SECTIONS OF THE CODE RELATING MARPOL ANNEX III POLLUTANTS, THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO INTRODUCE NEW LEGISLATION TO CONSOLIDATE THE EXISTING REQUIREMENTS AND EXTEND COVERAGE TO MARINE POLLUTANTS," MR TSE SAID.
/"THE IMPLEMENTATION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
9
"THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND WILL ALSO REDUCE POLLUTION HAZARDS WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS," HE ADDED.
THE TWO REGULATIONS, WHICH GIVE EFFECT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMENDED ANNEX I AND ANNEX III TO MARPOL, WILL APPLY TO HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS WHEREVER THEY MAY BE AND TO ALL SHIPS ANYWHERE WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS.
THEY WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) AND WILL BE EFFECTIVE ON THE DAY OF GAZETTAL.
------0--------
COMMUNITY BUILDING ESSENTIAL FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION: RS *****
COMMUNITY BUILDING IS AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG, KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES, MR JOSEPH WONG, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING .
SPEAKING AT THIS YEAR’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHILE THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE STATUTORY BODIES WITH THE ROLE OF MONITORING GOVERNMENT POLICIES AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
HE SAID DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT BOARDS WORKED TOGETHER TO DEVISE MEASURES THAT WERE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
IN THIS WAY, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFICIENCY IN MANAGING DISTRICT AFFAIRS WOULD BE GREATLY ENHANCED.
MR WONG STRESSED THAT DBS WERE THE CENTRAL ELEMENT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING.
HE SAID: "DISTRICT OFFICES ASSIST IN THE SETTING UP OF VARIOUS TYPES OF DISTRICT BODIES SUCH AS AREA COMMITTEES (ACS), MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MACS) AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OCS)."
MR WONG NOTED THAT ACS HAD EXPRESSED INVALUABLE VIEWS ON ISSUES INVOLVING PEOPLE'S LIVELIHOOD AND SUCH OPINIONS HAD LED TO MARKED IMPROVEMENTS IN THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND LAW AND ORDER IN THEIR DISTRICTS.
MACS AND OCS, MEANWHILE, ALSO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN MAINTAINING A DESIRABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND ACHIEVING EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
MR WONG SAID, IN ADDITION TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, DISTRICT OFFICERS ALSO INVITED LOCAL PEOPLE WITH VARIOUS ABILITIES TO SIT ON NUMEROUS COMMITTEES.
FOR EXAMPLE, VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAVE CONSIDERABLY HELPED POLICE COMBAT (RIME IN THE DISTRICT.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
10
TURNING TO THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE, MR WONG SAID IT ORGANISED A LOT OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AND PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE BASIC LAW.
THE ANNUAL SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL, FOR INSTANCE, WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING HONG KONG PEOPLE GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS THROUGH EXHIBITIONS AND FUN GAMES.
MR WONG SAID: "ALL OF THESE COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN DOING A GREAT DEAL IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND IN ENCOURAGING PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICTS AFFAIRS."
YET ANOTHER IMPORTANT ROLE OF DISTRICT OFFICES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID, WAS TO JOINTLY ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO INCREASE PEOPLE’S SENSE OF BELONGING TO THEIR DISTRICTS.
MR WONG CITED THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL AS "AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE" OF COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT.
THE FESTIVAL, HE ADDED, HAD BEEN ON-GOING FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS.
THIS YEAR’S SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL LAST FOR 40 DAYS UNTIL JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR WITH A RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT TO CATER TO TASTES OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
THESE WILL INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW ON OPENING NIGHT, KARAOKE SINGING COMPETITION, A SPORTS DAY AND DANCE COMPETITIONS.
--------0-----------
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1994 *****
THERE HAS BEEN A SMALL MOVEMENT FROM SAVINGS DEPOSITS INTO TIME DEPOSITS, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY.
THIS PROBABLY REFLECTS THE REMOVAL OF SOME INTEREST RATE CAPS ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.
DEPOSITS
THE GROWTH OF TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS MODERATED FROM 2.4% IN SEPTEMBER TO 0.3% IN OCTOBER.
THERE WAS A MODEST SWITCH FROM HONG KONG DOLLAR SAVINGS DEPOSITS INTO HONG KONG DOLLAR TIME DEPOSITS IN OCTOBER.
THE FORMER FELL BY 2.3% WHILE THE LATTER RECORDED A 1.5% GROWTH. THE SWITCHING WAS LIKELY TO BE RELATED TO THE REMOVAL OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS’ INTEREST RATE RULES ON HONG KONG DEPOSITS (FOR DEPOSITS FIXED FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH) EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1.
/FOREIGN CURRENCY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
11
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS, A SUBSTITUTE FOR SMALL-SIZED HONG KONG DOLLAR TIME DEPOSITS BEFORE THE REMOVAL OF INTEREST RATE CAPS, WHICH HAD BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY DURING RECENT MONTHS, RECORDED A MARGINAL DECLINE.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY THE SAME RATE AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SHARES IN TOTAL DEPOSITS REMAINED AT 52% AND 48%.
THE RISE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WAS TOTALLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS, POSSIBLY BECAUSE OF THE APPRECIATION OF MAJOR THIRD CURRENCIES AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR AND HENCE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 1.3% IN OCTOBER COMPARED WITH A 0.2% DECLINE IN SEPTEMBER.
THE INCREASE WAS DUE TO GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS. THESE GREW BY 1.8%, AT LEAST PARTLY REFLECTING THE APPRECIATION OF MAJOR NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCIES.
THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS, ON THE OTHER HAND, CONTINUED TO MODERATE.
ITS MONTHLY GROWTH SLIPPED FROM 1.4% IN AUGUST TO 0.8% AND 0.4% IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY.
IN PARTICULAR, THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG OTHER THAN FOR TRADE FINANCING, OF WHICH MORTGAGE LOANS ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT A QUARTER, SLOWED DOWN FROM 1.0% IN SEPTEMBER TO 0.4% IN OCTOBER.
MONEY SUPPLY
NOTES AND COINS IN CIRCULATION AS WELL AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS HAD STABLE GROWTH OF 0.3% AND 1.0% IN OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. CONSEQUENTLY, HK$M1 RECORDED A STEADY INCREASE OF 0.8%.
WITH SUBDUED GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR CREDIT, BOTH HK$M2 AND HK$M3 RECORDED LOW GROWTH OF 0.1% IN OCTOBER.
AS THERE HAD BEEN RAPID GROWTH OF HK$M3 IN OCTOBER 1993, REFLECTING A LARGE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING, THE HK$M3 ANNUAL GROWTH RATE FELL MARKEDLY TO 13.6% FROM 25.7% IN SEPTEMBER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER PRESS ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS AND PUBLICATIONS SECTION, HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY, ON TEL 878 8261.
/TABLE 1 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
12
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - OCTOBER 1994.
Oct 1994 Earlier months (% change to Oct 1994) (HKSmn)
Sep 1994 Jul 1994 Oct 1993
Money Supply
Ml - HKS Foreign currency Total M2-HKS© Foreign currency* Total M3 - HKS@ Foreign currency* Total 170,325 17,163 187,488 1,059315 871,130 1,930,445 1,076,015 930,731 2,006,747 169,027 ( 17,199 ( 186326 ( 1.058,768 ( 867,600 ( 1,926,368 ( 1.075,378 ( 926,316*( 2,001,694 ( 03 ) -0.2 ) 0.7 ) 0.1) 0.4) 0.2 ) 0.1) 0.5) 0.3) 162,423 ( 19,669 ( 182,092 ( 1,021,827 ( 852345 ( 1374,072 ( 1.038,712 ( 903.24S ( 1,941.960 ( 4.9) -12.7 ) 3.0) 3.7) 2.2 ) 3.0) 3.6) 3.0) 3.3) 203,878 ( 18,746 ( 222,624 ( 930,390 ( 840,923 ( 1,771.312 ( 946,987 ( 876,183 ( 1,823,169 ( -163 ) -8.4) -15.8 ) 13.9 ) 3.6) 9.0 ) 13.6 ) 6.2) 10.1 )
Notes and coins in circulation of which held by public 74,088 65349 74.160 ( 65,326 ( -0.1) 0.3) 73,468 ( 64,932 ( 0.8.) 1.0) 68,752 ( 60,462 ( 7.8) 8.4)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits Total Savings deposits Total Time deposits with licensed banks Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks Total Time deposits with deposit - taking companies HKS deposits© Demand deposits Saving deposits Time deposits© USS deposits* Other foreign currency deposits* All deposits 121,940 400,461 1.306325 34.260 19332 986,997 104,776 276,653 605368 473,130 422390 1382.417 120.900 ( 408.734 ( 1392.690 ( 34.369 ( 19,389 ( 983,724 ( 103,701 ( 283.197 ( 596,826 ( 475,328 ( 417,031 ( 1376,082 ( 0.9 ) -2.0) 1.0) -0.3 ) 0.7) 0.3) 1.0) -2.3) 1.5) -0.5 ) 1.3) 0.3) 117.161 ( 411.259 ( 1.241.415 ( 33,407 ( 16,391 ( 944.704 ( 97.492 ( 282.389 ( 564.823 ( 471,038 ( 403.891 ( 1319.633 ( 4.1 ) -2-6 ) 5.2) 2.6) 19.2 ) 4-5) 7.5) -2.0 ) 7.2 ) 0.4 ) 4.6 ) 3.5) 162,161 ( 410,358 ( 1,117326 ( 28.043 ( 17.417 ( 871,171 ( 143,416 ( 270,189 ( 457367 ( 412,990 ( 451.644 ( 1.735 305 ( -24.8 ) -2.4) 16.9 ) 22.2 ) 12.1 ) 13.3 ) -26.9 ) 14) 32.3) 14.6 ) -6.5) 8.4)
Foreign currency swap deposits 101,976 102,003 ( -0.0 ) 95.992 ( 6.2) 68,274 ( 49.4 )
Total Loans and advances V;
To finance H.K.‘s visible trade To finance merchandising trade not touching H.IC- Other loans for use in U.K. Other loans for use outside U.K. Other loans where the place of use is not known Loans in HKS Loans in foreign currencies Total loans and advances 126.917 13.496 1,233.996 1330.654 45374 1.095.744 2,155.193 3.250.937 126.444 < 13,179 ( 1324.179 ( 1.799395 ( 45.037 ( 1.091.008 ( 2.117.427 ( 3.208.434 ( ns ' 2-n 0.8 ) 1.7) 1.9) 0.4 ) 1.8) ■ 13) I21.8J3 ( 12.099 ( 1.199.000 ( 1.806.688 ( 45.894 ( . 1.067.694 ( 2.117.800 ( 3.185.494 ( 4.2) 11.5) 2.9 ) 1.3) -0.0 ) 2.6 ) 1.8) 2 1 ), 103.056 ( 12,079 ( 1.107.082 ( 1.616,305 ( 41378 ( 990.694 ( 1.889.406 ( 2380.100 ( 23.2 ) 11.7) 11.5) 13.3 ) 10.3 ) 10.6 ) 14.1 ) 129 )
• 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 forcicn currency swap deposits . ,<• j-h,- ,nd ...mi-US
@ Adjusted to include foreign currency s«p deposits. Starling front April 1991. s»ap depos.ls can further be broken down .nlo US dollar
dollar foreign currency swap deposits.
Note ; 1. Restricted licence banks* and ’deposit - taking companies’ were known as licensed deposit - taking compamcs’ and registered deposit - taking companies’respectively before 1 February 1990.
2. Data may not be added to total due to rounding.
- - 0 - -
/13.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 13 -
POLYTECHNIC (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL TO BE GAZETTED ******
THE POLYTECHNIC (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO AMEND SEVERAL ORDINANCES RELEVANT TO THE CONFERRAL OF QUALIFICATIONS OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTION AFTER IT HAS BECOME AN UNIVERSITY.
THE BILL SEEKS TO REPLACE THE OLD TITLE OF THE INSTITUTION WITH ITS NEW UNIVERSITY NAME IN THE FOLLOWING LEGISLATION: THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, PENSION (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC) ORDINANCE, THE LEGAL PRACTITIONER ORDINANCE, THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS ORDINANCE.
THE BILL WILL BE GAZETTED THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2).
------0--------
MID-TERM REVIEW OF RADIO LICENCE « » » » *
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (BA) HAS DECIDED THAT ITS MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE RADIO LICENCE HELD BY COMMERCIAL RADIO, TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN 1995, WILL BE SIMILAR IN APPROACH AND SCOPE TO THE CURRENT MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE COMMERCIAL TV LICENCES OF ATV AND TVB.
THE BA WILL CONDUCT A RADIO BROADCASTING SURVEY IN LATE 1994 TO EARLY 1995 TO HELP IT DETERMINE PUBLIC PREFERENCES AND LISTENING HABITS AND VIEWS ON THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF RADIO PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES.
THE BA ALSO DECIDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS, AND IT WILL ORGANISE ONE OR MORE PUBLIC HEARINGS TO FACILITATE THE OBTAINING OF FEEDBACK ON COMMERCIAL RADIO’S PERFORMANCE SINCE ITS LICENCE WAS GRANTED IN 1989.
HONG KONG - THE PREMIER BROADCASTING HUB IN ASIA *****
HONG KONG IS PROBABLY THE PREMIER BROADCASTING HUB IN ASIA AND A LEADING TELEVISION PROGRAMME AND FILM PRODUCTION CENTRE IN THE FAR EAST, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE FIRST MIP SCREENINGS AND CONFERENCES IN THE FAR EAST, MR SO SAID HONG KONG WAS A MEETING POINT BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, WHERE THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND KNOW-HOW OF THE WEST FUSED SUCCESSFULLY WITH THE DRIVE, ENTREPRENEUR!ALISM AND CULTURAL RICHNESS OF THE EAST,TO PRODUCE WHAT WAS, IN MANY WAYS, A UNIQUELY ENTERPRISING ECONOMY AND HUGELY SUCCESSFUL AND DYNAMIC MARKET PLACE.
/FOUNDED ON .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
14
FOUNDED ON FREE TRADE AND THE RULE OF LAW, SUPPORTED BY A FAVOURABLE LAISSEZ-FAIRE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE TERRITORY SAT, FAVOURED BY GEOGRAPHY, AS A GATEWAY TO THE LARGEST BUDDING MARKET IN THE WORLD, HE SAID.
"IT IS NO ACCIDENT THAT HONG KONG IS PLAYING SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BROADCASTING IN THE REGION AND HAS LED THE WAY IN PIONEERING THE INTRODUCTION OF SIGNIFICANT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TELEVISION FIELD WHICH AFFECT THE WHOLE OF ASIA," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TELEVISION IN ASIA, MR SO NOTED THE REVOLUTION IN TELEVISION IN ASIA ORIGINATED FROM HONG KONG.
MR SO SAID THE VISION AND DARING OF THE FOUNDERS OF STAR TV, COMBINED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S FORWARD LOOKING BROADCASTING POLICY, JOINED TO CREATE A CATALYST THAT ALMOST OVERNIGHT REVOLUTIONISED TELEVISION VIEWING TO OVER HALF OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION.
"IT CUTS ACROSS THE TRADITIONAL BOTTLENECKS OF STATE PROVIDED TELEVISION VIEWING, WHERE THIS WAS NORMALLY THE CASE, AND OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW WORLD TO THE PEOPLES OF THIS REGION.
"RECENT FIGURES INDICATE THE STAR CHANNELS ARE RECEIVED IN 53 COUNTRIES BY SOME 220 MILLION VIEWERS," MR SO SAID.
MR SO NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD ALSO PLAYED A CATALYSING ROLE IN BRINGING SUBSCRIPTION TV POSSIBLE IN THE REGION IN VERY SHORT TIME.
HE SAID STAR TV’S FREE-TO-A1R BROADCASTS HAD MADE ASIAN GOVERNMENTS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IMPROVING THE BROADCASTING INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, SO AS NOT TO LOSE THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE.
CABLE SYSTEMS, BOTH OFFICIALLY AND COMMERCIALLY PROVIDED, HAVE SPRUNG UP ALL OVER ASIA, HE SAID.
"SO THE SOLUTION TO SATELLITE SUBSCRIPTION TV IN THE REGION IS SIMPLE.
"SINCE IT IS THE CABLE OPERATORS WHO NEED THE PROGRAMMING TO INCREASE THEIR SUBSCRIBER BASE AND ARE THE ONES WHO CAN PAY SUBSCRIPTIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS, THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE SATELLITE TV OPERATORS TO TARGET THE INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDERS," MR SO EXPLAINED.
A COMBINATION OF SUBSCRIPTION SATELLITE TEAMED UP WITH LOCALISED CABLE SYSTEMS THEREFORE SEEMED TO BE THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE FOR TELEVISION IN ASIA AND HONG KONG CONTINUED TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THIS REGARD, MR SO SAID.
ON TELEVISION PROGRAMME PRODUCTION, MR SO SAID HONG KONG HAD ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST SOPHISTICATED FILM AND TV PRODUCTION INDUSTRIES OUTSIDE OF HOLLYWOOD.
IT PRODUCED SOME 41,000 HOURS OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND 430 FILMS A YEAR AND HAD THE LARGEST LIBRARY STOCK OF CHINESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING IN THE WORLD.
/MR SO ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
15
MR SO NOTED TVB AND ATV ’ S PROGRAMMES WERE SOLD TO CABLE OPERATORS IN CHINA, TAIWAN, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, AS WELL AS THE U.S., CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.
"IT IS NOT SURPRISING, THEREFORE, THAT HONG KONG IS A SUCCESSFUL MARKET PLACE FOR PROGRAMMING," HE ADDED.
------0--------
GOVERNOR TOURS KWUN TONG
*****
THE GOVERNOR, THE RT HON CHRISTOPHER PATTEN, TOURED KWUN TONG DISTRICT THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON FOR AN UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
AT HIS FIRST STOP AT THE BUDDHIST SUM MA SHUI YING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE ELDERLY, MR PATTEN WAS INFORMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED INSTITUTION CARES FOR MORE THAN 200 SENIOR CITIZENS.
AT LAM TIN ESTATE, HE VISITED A FAMILY LIVING IN ONE OF THE HOUSING BLOCKS.
ON HIS ARRIVAL AT A LOOKOUT POINT IN HONG PAK COURT, THE GOVERNOR WAS GIVEN AN UPDATE OF THE TYPES OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE ESTATE.
MR PATTEN THEN PROCEEDED TO THE POK 01 HOSPITAL CHAN HSU FONG LAM DAY NURSERY IN KWONG TIN ESTATE - A DAY CARE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, MR PATTEN MET WITH KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DISTRICT BODIES AT A RECEPTION AT THE LAM TIN (SOUTH) INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS WALKABOUT BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG, KOWLOON/NEW TERRITORIES, MR JOSEPH WONG, AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WONG HON-HO.
------0-------
TWO LOTS TO LET * « ♦ » ♦
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST LOT, LOCATED AT TSING YI ROAD, AREA 17, TSING YI, HAS AN AREA OF 1,950 SQUARE METRES FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILORS.
’ . • ■ >l. • . •
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
COVERING AN AREA OF 1,810 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND LOT, LOCATED AT KONG PUI STREET, AREA 5B, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, NEW TERRITORIES, IS ALSO FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT VANS.
/THE TENANCY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
16
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
CLOSING DATES FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR THE TWO LOTS ARE NOON ON DECEMBER 9 AND DECEMBER 16 RESPECTIVELY.
TENDER FORMS, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KWAI TSING AND SHA TIN; THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
TENDER PLANS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THESE OFFICES.
------0--------
WIT SCHEME IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
*****
THE WORK IMPROVEMENT TEAM (WIT) SCHEME OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (EMSD) HAS HELPED TO ENHANCE THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR, MR HUGH PHILLIPSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF EMSD’S THIRD ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF THE WIT AND STAFF SUGGESTION SCHEME AT THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM THIS AFTERNOON, MR PHILLIPSON SAID SINCE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED THREE YEARS AGO, A LARGE NUMBER OF PROJECTS HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AND IMPLEMENTED.
HE NOTED THAT 13 NEW WITS WERE SET UP IN THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DIVISION TOWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR.
"I AM PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO SEE THAT EACH OF THESE TEAMS HAS ALREADY COMPLETED ITS FIRST CASE STUDY.
"ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE HAVE GONE A LONG WAY TOWARDS ENHANCING OUR SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS," MR PHILLIPSON SAID.
ON THE STAFF SUGGESTION SCHEME, MR PHILLIPSON SAID HE HAD RECEIVED 26 SUGGESTIONS, A NUMBER WHICH HAD INCREASED YEAR BY YEAR.
POINTING OUT THAT CONSIDERABLE HARD WORK AND DEVOTION HAD GONE INTO THESE PROJECTS, MR PHILLIPSON SAID ALL THE STAFF’S EFFORTS WERE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND HE WAS SURE THEY WOULD ALL PROVIDE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO EMSD’S FUTURE BUSINESS.
THE WIT SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AT THE EMSD’S WORKS DIVISION AT THE END OF 1991 ON A TRIAL BASIS.
THE CONCEPT OF THE SCHEME IS SETTING UP VOLUNTARY TEAMS AMONG EMPLOYEES WHOSE WORKS ARE OF A SIMILAR NATURE.
THROUGH REGULAR MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES, TEAM MEMBERS 1N1TATED DISCUSSIONS AND STUDIES PROBLEMS IN THE AREA OF THEIR WORK WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THEIR PRODUCTIVITY.
/THE MANAGEMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
17
THE MANAGEMENT STAFF, ON THE OTHER HAND, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING AND GUIDANCE WORK.
APART FROM PROVIDING TEAM MEMBERS ADEQUATE TRAINING, THEY MADE ARRANGEMENT FOR THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS TO ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THE ENTIRE CONCEPT AND TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS.
------0--------
FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS CONCERT
* * * » »
A FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS CONCERT FEATURING "FIGHT CRIME STAR" MR ANDY LAU WILL BE STAGED AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 4 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE CONCERT AIMS TO DISSEMINATE FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR YOUNGSTERS.
THE SPECIAL EVENT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND WARNER MUSIC HK LTD.
FRIENDS OF MR ANDY LAU AND DISC JOCKEYS FROM RADIO TWO OF RTHK WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE PERFORMANCE.
SOME OF THE FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE AT 2 O’BRIEN ROAD. TICKETS ARE DISTRIBUTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THE CONCERT IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND HUTCHISON TELEPHONE CO. LTD.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 835 1970.
------0-------
266 VIETNAMESE RETURN HOME VOLUNTARILY * » * * t
A GROUP OF 266 VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES.
COMPRISING 98 MEN, 77 WOMEN, 48 BOYS AND 43 GIRLS, THEY WERE THE 220TH BATCH TO GO BACK UNDER THE PROGRAMME.
THE GROUP BROUGHT TO 4,789 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE MIGRANTS WHO HAD RETURNED VOLUNTARILY THIS YEAR, AND TO 43,402 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF RETURNEES SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN MARCH 1989.
---------0-----------
718........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
18 -
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS *****
$ MILLION TIME (HOURS) CUMULATIVE CHANGE ($ MILLION)
OPENING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 1,282 0930 -679
CLOSING BALANCE IN THE ACCOUNT 2,904 1000 +1,079
CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO : 1100 +2,329
MONEY MARKET ACTIVITY +2,032 1200 +2,229
LAF TODAY -410 1500 +2,234
1600 +2,032
LAF RATE 3.75% BID/5.75% OFFER TWI 121.7 ♦ + 0.1* 30.11.94
HONG KONG MONETARY AUTHORITY
EF BILLS EF NOTES/HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BONDS
TERMS YIELD TERM ISSUE COUPON PRICE YIELD
1 WEEK 4.93 18 MONTHS 2605 6.35 99.48 6.84
1 MONTH 4.99 24 MONTHS 2611 6.90 99.58 7.26
3 MONTHS 5.36 29 MONTHS 3704 6.15 97.30 7.53
6 MONTHS 5.75 35 MONTHS 3710 7.25 99.00 7.78
12 MONTHS 6.44 58 MONTHS 5909 7.45 97.06 8.36
TOTAL TURNOVER OF BILLS AND BONDS - 30,442 MN
CLOSED 30 NOVEMBER 1994
---------0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 842 8777
SUPPLEMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
MOTION DEBATE ON STOCK FUTURES CONTRACT...................... 1
PRISONERS' EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL......................... 7
MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) BILL.......................... 8
OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS (COMPENSATION) BILL.................... 9
SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES BILL......................... 10
REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE HOSPITALS........................... 13
PUBLIC STATEMENTS BY CIVIL SERVANTS......................... 15
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME.................................... 16
SHOP EXTORTION REPORTS...................................... 17
POLICE REVIEW REPORT AVAILABLE NEXT YEAR.................... 18
OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS' JOB APPLICATIONS.................... 19
/SUBSIDY TO
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SUBSIDY TO YOUTH AND ELDERLY CENTRES...................... 21
ENFORCEMENT OF TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE................................................. 22
FIXED TELECOM NETWORKS.................................... 24
GOVERNMENT NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT INFLATION................. 25
USE OF CAR PARKS.......................................... 27
NUMBER OF DIRECTORATE OFFICERS............................ 29
COURT WAITING TIMES REDUCED............................... 29
RECOGNITION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTION DEGREES............... 31
WRITS OF POSSESSION EXECUTED UNDER COURT ORDER............ 33
KMB RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS............................... 35
24-HOUR CLEARANCE SERVICE AT BORDER..................... 36
OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES................................ 37
BUS LANES................................................. 37
STONECUTTERS NAVAL BASE CONTRACT.......................... 39
LEGCO PASSES MOTION ON STOCK FUTURES...................... 40
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
MOTION DEBATE ON STOCK FUTURES CONTRACT
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND, IN THE MOTION DEBATE ON STOCK FUTURES CONTRACT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
LET ME SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT FROM THE OUTSET ON THE WORDING OF THIS MOTION. IT IS INACCURATE AND WIDE OF THE MARK IN ALMOST EVERY MATERIAL RESPECT. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT INVOLVED, AS THIS MOTION SUGGESTS, IN DECIDING ON THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS TO THE EXCHANGES. AS LONG AS NEW PRODUCTS MEET THE APPROPRIATE STATUTORY DEFINITIONS, QUESTIONS OF WHETHER TO HAVE THEM, WHAT THEY SHOULD BE AND WHEN AND HOW TO INTRODUCE THEM ARE ENTIRELY MATTERS WITHIN THE DISCRETION OF THE RESPECTIVE EXCHANGES, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE APPROVAL OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AS TO THE REGULATORY AND RISK MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS.
IT IS QUITE WRONG THEREFORE TO SUGGEST THAT IT IS GOVERNMENT'S DECISION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE INTRODUCED. IT IS NOT. INDEED THE PRODUCT HAS NOT YET BEEN INTRODUCED AT ALL. THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS ANNOUNCED THE PRODUCT BUT DOES NOT INTEND TO INTRODUCE IT UNTIL AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE ON WHICH IT HAS NOW EMBARKED. AT THE TIME THIS MOTION WAS PUT DOWN, THEREFORE, THE SUGGESTION THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN FULL CONSULTATION WAS PREMATURE. A NUMBER OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE TODAY LAID EMPHASIS ON THE DESIRABILITY OF CONSULTATION. I AM GLAD THEREFORE THAT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE IS CONDUCTING A THOROUGH EXERCISE AND WILL CAREFULLY ASSESS THE COMMENTS AND REACTIONS BEFORE FINALISING THE DETAILS AND INTRODUCING THE PRODUCT. WHATEVER THE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS, IT IS ALWAYS WISE TO PREPARE THE GROUND CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH MATTERS OF THIS NATURE AND IT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE AFTER THE EVENT TO CONCLUDE THAT MATTERS COULD HAVE BEEN HANDLED BETTER. IT WOULD CLEARLY BE WRONG, HOWEVER, TO ADOPT A MOTION CONDEMNING GOVERNMENT FOR INTRODUCING A PRODUCT ON THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WITHOUT CONSULTATION, AT A TIME WHEN THE RESPONSIBLE BODY, THE EXCHANGE AND NOT THE GOVERNMENT, WAS ACTUALLY CONDUCTING SUCH CONSULTATION PRIOR TO INTRODUCTION OF ITS PRODUCT.
/A FURTHER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
2 -
A FURTHER POINT ON THE WORDING OF THE MOTION CONCERNS THE SUPPOSED REQUIREMENT TO ASSESS CRITICALLY THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF THE PRODUCT. THIS AGAIN IS MISLEADING. IT IS NOT FOR GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT SUCH AN ASSESSMENT ITSELF BUT RATHER FOR THE EXCHANGE AND THE SFC TO DO SO. THIS THEY HAVE DONE AND ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT ACCORDINGLY. THEIR ASSESSMENT RELATES TO THREE QUITE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RISK. LET ME EXPLAIN THESE TYPES OF RISK AND THE SEPARATE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THEM. FIRST OF ALL IS THE COMMERCIAL RISK THAT ANY COMMERCIAL OPERATION HAS TO ACCEPT IN DECIDING TO LAUNCH A NEW PRODUCT ONTO THE RELEVANT MARKET. THIS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON THE EXERCISE OF COMMERCIAL JUDGEMENT : THE CONSEQUENT SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE PRODUCT WILL BE ENTIRELY DOWN TO THE ORGANISATION CONCERNED, IN THIS CASE THE FUTURES EXCHANGE. CLEARLY THEY MUST CARRY OUT THEIR OWN CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF THE PRODUCT, AND IT IS APPARENT THAT THEY HAVE DONE SO. THEY HAVE ALSO TAKEN THE VIEW THAT THE PRODUCT WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG MARKET, A VIEW THAT HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE SFC. DERIVATIVES SUCH AS THESE ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS THAT MUST BE AVAILABLE IN A MODERN, SOPHISTICATED FINANCIAL CENTRE, PARTICULARLY ONE LIKE HONG KONG THAT ASPIRES TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP ITS FUND MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY IN • THE FACE OF COMPETITIVE CHALLENGES FROM ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION.
SECONDLY IS THE RISK TO THE INDIVIDUAL INVESTOR WHEN HE DECIDES TO BUY OR SELL ANY PARTICULAR INVESTMENT PRODUCT. THIS ’’INVESTMENT RISK” IS ENTIRELY A MATTER FOR THE INVESTOR AND HIS OR HER BROKER TO ASSESS. IT IS THE BROKER’S OBLIGATION TO EXERCISE DUE DILIGENCE IN ENSURING THE SUITABILITY OF THE INVESTMENT FOR THE CLIENT. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXCHANGE, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SFC, IS TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE RELEVANT FACTS ABOUT THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL LOSSES IN TRADING SUCH A PRODUCT, ARE FULLY DISCLOSED AND AVAILABLE TO INVESTORS. THIS WILL ALREADY BE THE CASE IN RESPECT OF STOCK FUTURES, BUT IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT THIS IS A SPECIALISED LEVERAGED PRODUCT DESIGNED MAINLY FOR THE USE OF PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS AS HEDGING INSTRUMENTS. SMALL INVESTORS AND OTHERS WHO DO NOT WELL UNDERSTAND THE RISKS INVOLVED MIGHT WELL BE ADVISED TO AVOID THEM, AND THAT SHOULD APPLY EQUALLY TO STOCK OPTIONS AS IT DOES TO FUTURES AND OTHER SUCH PRODUCTS. HEALTH WARNINGS ARE ISSUED FROM TIME TO TIME IN RESPECT OF ALL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND CLEARLY THAT MUST BE DONE AT THE INCEPTION OF ANY NEW PRODUCT.
/THE THIRD ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
3
THE THIRD TYPE OF RISK WHICH ARISES WITH ANY INVESTMENT PRODUCT IS SYSTEMIC RISK, THAT IS THE RISK TO THE MARKET SYSTEMS INHERENT IN TRADING, CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT. THIS IS THE TYPE OF RISK THAT IS THE FOCUS AND PURPOSE OF THE RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OPERATED BY THE EXCHANGES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SFC. THESE SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY OVERHAULED AND REFORMED SINCE THE EVENTS OF 1987, A REFORM PROCESS THAT INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SFC ITSELF. TODAY HONG KONG'S RISK MANAGEMENT IS WIDELY RECOGNISED AS BEING SOUND, WELL-RUN AND FULLY UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. INDEED THIS IS ONE OF THE MORE IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT HAS ENCOURAGED SO MANY INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS TO RE-ENTER OUR MARKET IN RECENT YEARS. THE RISK MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED FOR STOCK FUTURES ARE BASED ON THE TRIED AND TESTED SYSTEMS ALREADY APPLIED SUCCESSFULLY TO INDEX FUTURES. THE SFC, AS THE MARKET REGULATOR, IS FULLY SATISFIED THAT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS THE ABILITY, THE EXPERIENCE AND THE RIGHT PROCEDURES TO HANDLE THE SYSTEMIC RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRADING OF STOCK FUTURES. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE SFC HAS, HOWEVER, EXPRESSED A PREFERENCE FOR AN ADDITIONAL ASPECT OF REGULATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT, NAMELY THE APPLICATION OF POSITION LIMITS, TO HAVE THE STATUTORY BACKING OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE IN ORDER THAT CRIMINAL SANCTIONS WILL APPLY TO THOSE WHO BREACH THE LIMITS AND THUS TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION TO INVESTORS. THE CONSEQUENT DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO ADD THE NAME OF THIS PRODUCT TO THE SCHEDULE OF THE ORDINANCE REPRESENTS GOVERNMENT’S ONLY, AND NECESSARILY VERY LIMITED, INVOLVEMENT IN WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY A MARKET DEVELOPMENT MATTER. THIS MINOR LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT IS NOT A PREREQUISITE TO THE TRADING OF THE PRODUCT, WHICH NEEDS ONLY THE APPROVAL OF THE SFC, BUT IT DOES REPRESENT THE REGULATOR’S CONCERN THAT THE LEVEL OF REGULATION AND RISK MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE.
I HAVE GONE TO SOME LENGTH TO CLARIFY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DIFFERENT PARTIES FOR THE CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF AN INVESTMENT PRODUCT IN ORDER TO ILLUSTRATE THE CONFUSION AND OVER-SIMPLIFICATION THAT UNDERLIES THE WORDING OF THIS MOTION.
LET ME NOW TURN TO SOME OF THE OTHER POINTS WHICH HAVE COME UP ON THIS SUBJECT, INCLUDING IN TODAY’S DEBATE.
FIRST ARE THE SUGGESTIONS THAT STOCK FUTURES WOULD INCREASE THE VOLATILITY OF SHARE PRICES, AFFECT THE CASH MARKET’S ABILITY TO RAISE CAPITAL AND COMPETE WITH STOCK OPTIONS. ON VOLATILITY, THE EXPERIENCE OF TRADING SIMILAR PRODUCTS ELSEWHERE AND THE WEIGHT OF EXPERT OPINION, BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, DO NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSITION THAT DERIVATIVE TRADING SERVES TO INCREASE VOLATILITY IN THE CASH MARKET. ON THE CONTRARY, IT HAS BEEN SHOWN THAT DERIVATIVES TEND TO INCREASE THE OVERALL LIQUIDITY, WHICH IN TURN SERVES TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF MARKET ACTIVITY GENERALLY. AS REGARDS COMPETITION WITH SECURITIES AND STOCK OPTIONS, THE PRODUCTS OUGHT NOT TO COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER SINCE THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT RISK PROFILE AND WILL SATISFY THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF INVESTORS. THE EVIDENCE OF THIS IS ALREADY CLEARLY VISIBLE IN THE FUTURES EXCHANGE ITSELF : THE PREEXISTENCE OF HANG SENG INDEX FUTURES HAS NOT DETRACTED FROM THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET FOR HANG SENG INDEX OPTIONS SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LATTER IN MARCH 1993. NOR, CONVERSELY, HAVE INDEX OPTIONS DETRACTED FROM THE MARKET FOR THE INDEX FUTURES. THERE IS ROOM FOR THE TWO PRODUCTS TO CO-EXIST AS THERE WILL BE FOR STOCK FUTURES AND STOCK OPTIONS. NOR WOULD THE STOCK EXCHANGE PROCEED WITH STOCK OPTIONS, AS IT HAS NOW COMMITTED TO DO, IF IT THOUGHT THAT CONCERNS OF CONSEQUENTIAL EFFECTS ON THE CASH MARKET WERE WELL-FOUNDED.
/SOME HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
SOME HAVE ALLEGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN "TOO HASTY AND POSITIVE” IN PROMOTING THE PRODUCT. I HAVE DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CRITICISM MR PRESIDENT. THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY IS TO SUPPORT MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCT INNOVATION ON BOTH EXCHANGES. WE WILL BE NO LESS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT STOCK OPTIONS ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO NECESSARY REASON FOR THEM TO BE INTRODUCED AT THE SAME TIME. WK WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST THE REGULATOR IN EXERCISING HIS REGULATORY FUNCTIONS AS FAR AS NEW FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ARE CONCERNED. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONFINED TO MAKING THE NECESSARY CHANGES TO SCHEDULE 1 OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE TO FACILITATE BETTER REGULATION OF STOCK FUTURES. THERE IS THEREFORE NO QUESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS INTERVENING IN THE LAUNCHING OR PROMOTION OF THE PRODUCT, RATHER WE ARE ENCOURAGING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IN GENERAL.
IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE WORRIES OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE ABOUT COMPETITION FROM OTHER MARKETS WERE UNFOUNDED SINCE SUCH MARKETS SIMPLY CANNOT TRADE A FUTURES CONTRACT ON HONG KONG STOCKS WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE IN HONG KONG. THOSE SUPPORTING THIS ARGUMENT, I MUST SAY, HAVE GROSSLY UNDER-ESTIMATED THE COMPETITIVENESS OF EXCHANGES ELSEWHERE.
THERE ARE PLENTY OF EXAMPLES SHOWING THAT THE TRADING OF DERIVATIVES CAN BE CONDUCTED WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE HOME MARKET FOR THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES. SIMEX IN SINGAPORE HAS ALREADY PROVEN ITS WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY SUCCESSFULLY TO TRADE PRODUCTS SUCH AS FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON NIKKEI STOCK AVERAGE, FUTURES ON JAPANESE GOVERNMENT BONDS, ETC. DESPITE THE ACTIVE AND VOCAL OPPOSITION OF THE TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE. SYDNEY HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED, PUBLICLY AND IN WRITING, ITS INTENTION TO TRADE FUTURES ON INDIVIDUAL INTERNATIONAL STOCKS. OTHER MARKETS ARE ALSO KNOWN TO BE DEVELOPING STOCK FUTURES AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THEY ARE TRADED AROUND THE WORLD. HONG KONG SHOULD NOT ALLOW ITSELF TO FALL BEHIND.
IT HAS FURTHER BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF STOCK FUTURES IN EFFECT ENCOURAGES INVESTORS TO BECOME MORE SPECULATIVE. SOME HAVE EVEN DESCRIBED THE PRODUCT AS A "GAMBLING INSTRUMENT”. SUCH KIND OF LABELLING IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO A RATIONAL DISCUSSION ON THE ISSUE.
AS WITH ALL OTHER INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS, INCLUDING SECURITIES THEMSELVES, STOCK FUTURES CAN HAVE A SPECULATIVE ANGLE. BUT THE MERE FACT THAT SOME INVESTORS MAY USE AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPECULATION SHOULD NOT BE A REASON FOR NOT DEVELOPING OUR MARKET. OTHERWISE, WE WOULD HAVE TO BAN INVESTMENT PRODUCTS FROM TRADING IN HONG KONG ALTOGETHER, WHICH IS PLAINLY ABSURD.
THE HONOURABLE CHIM PUI-CHUNG HAS ASKED FOR AN UNDERTAKING FROM THE GOVERNMENT THAT, SHOULD STOCK FUTURES LEAD TO A COLLAPSE OF THE FUTURES MARKET, OTHER SECTORS OF OUR FINANCIAL MARKETS SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO BAIL OUT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE.
/FIRST, WE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
5 -
FIRST, WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE TRADING OF STOCK FUTURES WILL LEAD TO A REPEAT OF THE 1987 INCIDENT. WHILE THE 1987 EXPERIENCE IS STILL VIVIDLY IN OUR MIND, ONE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THE RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVAMPED SINCE THE CRASH. THE EXCHANGE NOW ADOPTS SOPHISTICATED RISK MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND ARRANGEMENTS AND THE SYSTEM IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND CONSERVATIVE BY. THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY. THE EXCHANGE’S ABILITY TO HANDLE EXCEPTIONAL MARKET FLUCTUATIONS HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY DEMONSTRATED, MOST RECENTLY BY THE MAJOR ADJUSTMENT OF OUR MARKET ONLY LAST WEEK, WHEN THE HANG SENG INDEX LOST ABOUT 6% WITHIN THE FIRST 15 MINUTES OF A TRADING DAY. INTRA-DAY MARGIN CALLS MADE BY THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WERE, AS USUAL, ALL PROMPTLY MET.
I MUST REITERATE THAT THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, IN EXAMINING THE STOCK FUTURES PLAN, HAS SATISFIED ITSELF THAT THE CURRENT RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE FUTLRES EXCHANGE CAN ADEQUATELY COPE WITH THE SYSTEMIC RISKS ARISING FROM THE PRODUCT. DURING THE CONSULTATION, ALL INTERESTED PARTIES HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SCRUTINISE THE DETAILED PROPOSALS. SO FAR, NO CONCRETE ARGUMENTS HAVE BEEN ADVANCED TO SUBSTANTIATE ANY ALLEGED INADEQUACY IN THE SYSTEM.
IN A WAY, THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH AN EXCELLENT RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ALREADY ADDRESSES THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY SOME MARKET PRACTITIONERS, THAT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE SHOULD ITSELF BE ABLE TO ABSORB FINANCIAL LOSSES TO THE MARKET ARISING FROM THE PRODUCT, EVEN UNDER VERY TAXING CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CHANCES OF A REPETITION OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE ON THE SCALE WHICH OCCURRED IN 1987 ARE NOW VERY REMOTE AND ALL OUR EFFORTS IN THE REFORMS OF RECENT YEARS HAVE BEEN TO REDUCE THEM TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. WHAT WOULD BE DONE IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ANYTHING SIMILAR OCCURRING IN FUTURE .WOULD NECESSARILY HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE PROBLEM. NO RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT COULD EVER GIVE ANY BLANKET ASSURANCES TO RESCUE THE MARKET OR TO USE ANY PARTICULAR METHOD TO DO SO. IN PRINCIPLE, HOWEVER, EACH MARKET INSTITUTION, THE STOCK EXCHANGE, THE CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, SHOULD HAVE, AND DOES HAVE, ITS OWN SUBSTANTIAL RESERVE FUND TO PROVIDE A CUSHION AGAINST ANY FAILURE ARISING FROM ITS OWN OPERATIONS.
MR PRESIDENT, SOME HAVE CRITICISED THE FACT THAT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE CHOSE TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY AT THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PHASE. AS POINTED OUT ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS RECENTLY, THIS PROCEDURE WAS FOLLOWED BECAUSE THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WAS AWARE THAT OTHER MARKETS WERE DEVELOPING SIMILAR PRODUCTS USING HONG KONG LISTED STOCKS AS THE UNDERLYING SECURITIES. PRE-MATURE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PLAN COULD HAVE RESULTED IN OTHER MARKETS SPEEDING UP THEIR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND THUS FRUSTRATING THE EFFORTS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE. HONOURABLE MEMBERS SHOULD NOTE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT COMPETITION WITH HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL EXCHANGES WITH AN AGGRESSIVE TRACK RECORD OF TRADING INTERNATIONALISED PRODUCTS. IT IS ONLY PRUDENT NOT TO TAKE SUCH A COMPETITIVE THREAT LIGHTLY.
/AS I .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994-
6
AS I HAVE ALREADY POINTED OUT, THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THE FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS NOT YET INTRODUCED THE PRODUCT. IT IS DISCUSSING THE DETAILS WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND IS GAUGING THE VIEWS OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES ON THE MATTER. THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE MARKET BEFORE FIRMING UP THE DETAILS OF THE PRODUCT.
SOME HAVE URGED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRODUCT SHOULD BE DEFERRED PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE’S DISCUSSION WITH THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES. AS I SAID, THE PRODUCT HAS NOT YET BEEN INTRODUCED, AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL NOT INTRODUCE IT UNTIL IT HAS COMPLETED ITS CONSULTATION AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMENTS OF THE MARKET. ONLY THEN WILL IT FINALISE THE DATE FOR LAUNCHING THE PRODUCT. HOWEVER, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND THE NEED TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE, THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW IS THAT THE EXCHANGE SHOULD INTRODUCE THE PRODUCT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, CONSISTENT WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO CONSULT AND WITH THE SATISFACTION OF THE SFC. SO FAR, HOWEVER, THE SFC HAS EXPRESSED NO REGULATORY CONCERN THAT WOULD JUSTIFY FURTHER DELAY.
MR PRESIDENT, DR THE HONOURABLE PHILIP WONG EXPRESSED THE OPINION THAT WE SHOULD LEAVE IT TO OTHER MARKETS TO TRADE SUCH HIGH RISK PRODUCTS. THIS ARGUMENT IS BASED ON THE MISGUIDED ASSUMPTION THAT THE PRODUCT IS BOUND TO CREATE A PROBLEM FOR THE LOCAL MARKET. IT SHOULD BE CLEAR FROM ALL THAT I HAVE SAID SO FAR THAT SUCH "PERCEIVED THREATS" ARE NOT SUPPORTED B\ ANY OBJECTIVE AND RATIONAL CONSIDERATION OF THE CASE.
IN ANY EVENT, DERIVATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IS A GLOBAL PHENOMENON. TO ALLOW SUCH POTENTIAL LOCAL BUSINESS TO DRIFT OFF-SHORE SIMPLY RUNS CONTRARY TO OUR POLICY OF MAINTAINING THE GENERAL COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR MARKET AND THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE VIS-‘-VIS OTHER MARKETS KEEN TO ENHANCE THEIR OWN ATTRACTIVENESS TO INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS.
MR PRESIDENT, IT IS CLEAR FROM ALL THE FOREGOING THAT WHATEVER THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF STOCK FUTURES, THE WORDING OF THIS MOTION IS MISPLACED AND INAPPROPRIATE. TO CARRY THE MOTION WOULD SEND AN UNFORTUNATE MESSAGE TO THE MARKET THAT THE LEGISLATURE BELIEVES THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTERVENE IN MARKET DEVELOPMENT EVEN IF THE REGULATOR IS SATISFIED WITH THE RISK MANAGEMENT AND INVESTOR PROTECTION ASPECTS. THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CAPITAL MARKETS IN THE WORLD HAS BEEN BUILT ON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, OUR POLICY OF FREE MARKET OPERATION WITH THE MINIMUM INTERVENTION FROM GOVERNMENT. THIS POLICY HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL. THERE IS NO REASON TO ABANDON THIS POLICY, AS WOULD BE IMPLIED IF MEMBERS WERE TO SUPPORT THE MOTION AND TAKE STEPS TO SUBJECT MARKET OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES TO GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, THUS STIFLING ANY MARKET INITIATIVES.
IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, MR PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION IS NOT IN A POSITION TO SUPPORT THE MOTION. I WOULD URGE HONOURABLE MEMBERS TO JOIN THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS IN VOTING AGAINST IT.
- - 0 - -
/7........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
7
PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL , * * » » «
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)!
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL BE READ A SECOND TIME. THIS BILL SEEKS TO ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND TO HELP PRISONERS WHO WISH TO PURSUE ACADEMIC COURSES WHILE IN PRISON.
HONG KONG HAS A PENAL SYSTEM WHICH PLACES EMPHASIS ON REHABILITATION. AS PART OF THEIR REHABILITATION , PRISONERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURSUE ACADEMIC AND VOCATIONAL STUDIES TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR REINTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY UPON RELEASE. THIS IS BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT PRISONERS WITH BETTER EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL SKILLS ARE BETTER ABLE TO REINTEGRATE SUCCESSFULLY INTO SOCIETY UPON THEIR RELEASE.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS DEVELOPED DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES OF EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR INMATES AS PART OF THE REHABILITATION PROCESS. YOUNG OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21 ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES CONDUCTED IN THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY ARE OFFERED TO ADULT OFFENDERS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. THESE ARE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF REMEDIAL' CLASSES, CORRESPONDENCE COURSES AND SPECIAL SELF-STUDY COURSES. IN 1993, 420 PRISONERS WERE ENROLLED IN CORRESPONDENCE COURSES; 93 IN TECHNICAL COURSES AND 29 IN EXTERNAL DEGREE COURSES. THE RESULTS OF ADULT AND YOUNG OFFENDERS IN EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS ARE VERY ENCOURAGING. IN 1993, THEY ACHIEVED AN 81% PASS RATE IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, AND BETWEEN 60% AND 70% PASS RATE IN MOST OF THE SUBJECTS IN THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXAMINATION. THESE RATES ARE BETTER THAN THOSE ACHIEVED BY STUDENTS IN OPEN SOCIETY.
IN VIEW OF THE BENEFITS TO PRISONERS OF PURSUING ACADEMIC STUDIES, EVERY ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ENCOURAGE MORE PRISONERS TO STUDY. LIBRARY BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL PENAL INSTITUTIONS, WHILE PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME TEACHERS ARE RECRUITED TO CONDUCT CLASSES AND TO ASSIST PRISONERS IN THEIR SELF-STUDY COURSES.
HOWEVER, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF EACH AND EVERY PRISONER. IT IS WITH THIS IN MIND THAT I PUT FORWARD THE PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND BILL. UNDER THIS BILL, A PRISONERS’ EDUCATION TRUST FUND WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL RESOURSES TO PRISONERS FOR ACADEMIC STUDIES. IT WILL ALSO BE USED TO SET UP EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, SUCH AS A LANGUAGE LABORATORY AND A COMPUTER ROOM, FOR PRISONERS’ USE. THE FUND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL PRISONERS, ALTHOUGH IT IS INTENDED PRIMARILY TO ASSIST THOSE ADULT PRISONERS WITH NO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO THEM.
/THE COMMISSIONER .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 8 -
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WILL BE THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, AND A TRUST FUND COMMITTEE WILL*BE SET UP TO MANAGE THE FUND. TO ADVISE ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE FUND, I WILL APPOINT AN INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
MR PRESIDENT, FOR PRISONERS, EDUCATION IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR REHABILITATION AND EVENTUAL REINTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY. I THEREFORE COMMEND THIS BILL TO THE COUNCIL.
------0-------
MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) BILL * * ♦ ♦ ♦
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN MOVING THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THAT THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) BILL BE READ A SECOND TIME.
THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO
(A) LOCALISE THOSE ITEMS OF UK MERCHANT SHIPPING LEGISLATION WHICH APPLY TO HONG KONG; AND
(B) TO CONSOLIDATE EXISTING HONG KONG LEGISLATION WHICH REGULATES THE EMPLOYMENT AND CONDITIONS OF WORK OF SEAFARERS,
INTO ONE SINGLE ENACTMENT. THIS IS PART OF AN ON-GOING LOCALISATION OF LAWS EXERCISE WHICH AIMS TO ENSURE THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF LAWS WILL CONTINUE AFTER 1997. THE SYSTEMATIC LOCALISATION OF MERCHANT SHIPPING LEGISLATION HAS BEEN UNDERWAY FOR SOME YEARS. THE PROCESS INVOLVES THE ENACTMENT OF PRIMARY AND SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION ADDRESSING SUCH ISSUES AS MARINE POLLUTION, SHIPPING SAFETY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
THE SEAFARERS BILL IS IN 15 PARTS. IT IS DRAWN UP WITH THE VIEW TO ACHIEVING FOUR OBJECTIVES -
(A) IT CONSOLIDATES EXISTING HONG KONG LAWS RELATING TO THE EMPLOYMENT AND CONDITIONS OF WORK OF SEAFARERS, INCLUDING THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITMENT OF SEAMEN) ORDINANCE;
(B) IT REPEALS CERTAIN UK ENACTMENTS WHICH APPLY TO HONG KONG, IN PARTICULAR, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (HONG KONG) ORDER 1936, AND OTHER RELATED STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS;
(C) IT PROVIDES POWERS TO MAKE, IN HONG KONG, REGULATIONS EQUIVALENT TO THOSE MADE UNDER THE UK MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT 1970; AND
/(D) IT MODERNISES ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 9 -
(D) IT MODERNISES AND RATIONALISES THE LAW RELATING TO SEAFARERS SO THAT IT BECOMES FULLY COMPLEMENTARY TO THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (REGISTRATION) ORDINANCE WHICH ESTABLISHED THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
MR PRESIDENT, SEAFARING IS A LONG ESTABLISHED PROFESSION. HONG KONG NOW HAS A VERY COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF LAWS DEALING WITH THE EMPLOYMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF SEAFARERS. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES WHICH ARE WIDELY RECOGNISED AND PRACTISED IN OTHER MAJOR MARITIME JURISDICTIONS. IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE CONTINUE ALL THESE EXISTING WELL PROVEN ARRANGEMENTS AFTER 1997 SO THAT WE CAN MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S POSITION AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR MARITIME CENTRES. THE BILL WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE THAT END.
--------0-----------
OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS (COMPENSATION) BILL t % * * t
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS (COMPENSATION) BILL LN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):’
MR PRESIDENT,
I MOVE THE SECOND READING OF THE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS (COMPENSATION) BILL.
THE BILL SEEKS TO SET UP A SCHEME FOR COMPENSATING EMPLOYEES SUFFERING FROM OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE NOISE IN THE WORKPLACE, AND TO ESTABLISH THE OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS COMPENSATION BOARD TO ADMINISTER THE SCHEME. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION, AN APPLICANT SHOULD BE SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANTIAL HEARING LOSS WHICH AMOUNTS TO SEVERE DIFFICULTY IN UNDERSTANDING HUMAN SPEECH AND MUST HAVE AT LEAST TEN YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT IN SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATIONS IN HONG KONG. BESIDES, HE SHOULD HAVE A PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT IN A SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATION WITHIN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION.
IN ADDITION, A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN UNDER CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT IN A SPECIFIED NOISY OCCUPATION WITHIN THE 24 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCHEME WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION IF HE FULFILS THE OTHER DISABILITY AND OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. THE INTENTION IS TO COVER PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN NOISY OCCUPATIONS BUT HAVE LEFT SUCH EMPLOYMENT IN THE PERIOD OF TWO YEARS BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCHEME.
/REGARDING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 10 -
REGARDING THE DETERMINATION AND PAYMENT OK COMPENSATION, WE PROPOSE THAT THE COMPUTATION OF COMPENSATION FOR OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS SHOULD FOLLOW THE FORMULA FOR COMPENSATING PERMANENT INCAPACITY UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE. COMPENSATION WOULD BE PAID A LUMP SUM PAYMENT CALCULATED ACCORDING TO AN APPLICANT’S AGE, EARNINGS AND DEGREE OF PERMANENT INCAPACITY. UNDER THE SCHEME, TOTAL DEAFNESS, AS AN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE, WOULD BE EQUATED TO 60% PHYSICAL INCAPACITY.
AS TO THE FUNDING OF THE SCHEME, WE PROPOSE THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED ON THE BASIS OF COLLECTIVE LIABILITY OF EMPLOYERS. THE REASON IS THAT OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS DEVELOPS OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TRACK DOWN ALL PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING COMPENSATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY BASIS.
AN OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS COMPENSATION FUND, TO BE FINANCED BY A 1.5% LEVY ON EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIUMS, WILL BE ESTABLISHED TO PAY COMPENSATION TO ELIGIBLE CLAIMANTS. GOVERNMENT, AS AN EMPLOYER, WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND. TO ENABLE CLAIMANTS TO RECEIVE THEIR COMPENSATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE WITHOUT AWAITING THE BUILD-UP OF INCOME FOR THE FUND, GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INJECT $100 MILLION AS START-UP FUND AND TO PROVIDE A FURTHER $115 MILLION INTEREST FREE LOAN TO THE FUND.
I SHOULD EMPHASISE THAT THIS COMPENSATION SCHEME IS ONLY A REMEDIAL MEASURE FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM ’ OF OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS. AS AN ESTABLISHED POLICY, THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL DEAFNESS. EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO REDUCE NOISE AT SOURCE IN THE WORKPLACE AND TO PROVIDE EAR PROTECTORS TO EMPLOYEES. EMPLOYEES ALSO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY UNDER THE LAW TO USE EAR PROTECTORS WHEN THEY ARE LIKELY TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE NOISE AT THE WORKPLACE. IN PARALLEL WITH ENFORCEMENT ACTION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION ON HEARING CONSERVATION. WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL, MEASURES WILL CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN TO INCULCATE AN AWARENESS AMONG EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARING PROTECTION.
-----0-------
SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES BILL
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR
ALISTAIR APSREY, IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
MR PRESIDENT,
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR WONG AND MEMBERS OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE FOR . THEIR THOROUGH STUDY OF THE SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES BILL. THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS WHICH I AM GOING TO MOVE LATER THIS AFTERNOON ARE THE AGREED OUTCOME OF DISCUSSIONS IN THE BILLS COMMITTEE.
/THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
THE BILL SEEKS'TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES INDUSTRY THROUGH A LICENSING SYSTEM ON TWO LEVELS, THE GRANTING OF PERMITS TO SECURITY PERSONNEL AND THE LICENSING OF SECURITY COMPANIES. IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE THE CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR ISSUING LICENCES AND PERMITS, AND TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES. I AM PLEASED THAT THESE BASIC PRINCIPLES HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE. THERE WERE NONETHELESS CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE BILL WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION BY THE BILLS COMMITTEE.
ONE QUESTION WHICH WAS RAISED WAS WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE AN UPPER AGE LIMIT FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL, IN PARTICULAR THOSE WORKING IN SINGLE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. SECURITY PERSONNEL, BY THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK, REQUIRE ALERTNESS, VIGILANCE, PERSONAL COMMITMENT, AND FITNESS FOR THE JOB. AN UPPER AGE LIMIT MAY WELL BE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES. WHETHER AN UPPER AGE LIMIT IS NECESSARY FOR PARTICULAR SECURITY DUTIES SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE INDEPENDENT SECURITY AND GUARDING SERVICES INDUSTRY AUTHORITY TO BE SET UP FOLLOWING ENACTMENT OF THE BILL. IT IS CERTAINLY’ NOT OUR INTENTION TO DEPRIVE EXISTING WATCHMEN AND CARETAKERS OF THEIR ABILITY TO WORK WHILE THEY ARE FIT TO DO SO. BUT WE MUST RECALL THAT THE PURPOSE OF REGULATING THE SECURITY INDUSTRY IS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS AND THE SERVICE WHICH THE PUBLIC IS ENTITLED TO EXPECT. IT IS NOT THE PURPOSE OF THIS LAW TO PROVIDE INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY, WORTHY THOUGH THAT PURPOSE IS. NEVERTHELESS, TO ADDRESS THE.CONCERN OF SOME MEMBERS OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE ON THE IMPACT OF AN UPPER AGE LIMIT FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL WORKING IN SINGLE DOMESTIC BUILDINGS AND GIVEN THE GENERALLY SENTRY NATURE OF THEIR PARTICULAR DUTIES, WE WILL PROPOSE TO THE AUTHORITY THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE A FIXED AGE LIMIT FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL WORKING IN SUCH BUILDINGS. RATHER, WHEN SUCH SECURITY PERSONNEL REACH A CERTAIN AGE, THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO TAKE AND PASS A REGULAR MEDICAL EXAMINATION TO SHOW THAT THEY ARE FIT TO UNDERTAKE THEIR DUTIES.
SOME BILLS COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE CRITERIA FOR ISSUING PERMITS, WHICH SPECIFY DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL ENGAGING IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECURITY WORK, SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THIS COUNCIL’S SCRUTINY. WE AU( EPT THIS. THE CRITERIA FOR ISSUING PERMITS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THIS COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
THE QUESTION WAS ALSO RAISED WHETHER THE TERM "CONTROLLER" SHOULD BE REDEFINED IN THE BILL. SOME MEMBERS POINTED OUT THAT THE DIFFICULTIES CAUSED BY THE PRESENT DEFINITION AROSE FROM THE FACT THAT IT RELIED ON THE DEFINITION OF "CONTROLLER" IN THE BANKING ORDINANCE, WHICH WAS THE SAME FOR ALL REFERENCES TO "CONTROLLER" IN THAT ORDINANCE. THIS LACK OF UNIFORMITY THEN INTRODUCED UNCERTAINTY INTO WHAT THE TERM MEANT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS BILL. WE AGREE WITH THIS AND HAVE REDEFINED THE TERM. I AM PLEASED THAT Till- REVISED DEFINITION OF "CONTROLLER" HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE.
/THERE WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 12 -
THERE WAS ALSO DISCUSSION IN THE BILLS-COMMITTEE OE WHETHER APPEALS UNDER THE BILL COULD BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD SET UP IN JULY THIS YEAR. WE CONSIDER THIS APPROPRIATE BECAUSE THE NATURE OE APPEALS UNDER THE BILL EALLS WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD; BECAUSE THE MAJOR PROVISIONS FOR THE APPEAL BOARD UNDER THIS BILL ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD; AND BECAUSE IT WILL BE MORE EFFICIENT IF THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD HEARS THIS APPEAL AS IT HAS ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED AND IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SET UP ANOTHER BOARD OF SIMILAR NATURE AND COMPOSITION. I AM PLEASED THAT THIS ALSO HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE BILLS COMMITTEE.
MR PRESIDENT, I BELIEVE IT WILL BE HELPFUL IF I WILL AT THIS STAGE EXPLAIN BRIEFLY TO THE AMENDMENTS WHICH I WILL MOVE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE. THE FIRST AMENDMENT RELATES TO CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL. SINCE APPEALS UNDER THE BILL WILL BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SET UP AN APPEAL BOARD UNDER THIS BILL. WE THEREFORE PROPOSE TO DELETE THE DEFINITION OF ’APPEAL BOARD’ IN CLAUSE 2. WE ALSO PROPOSE TO AMEND CLAUSE 26(1) TO SPECIFY THAT APPEALS UNDER THE BILL WILL BE MADE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS BOARD; TO DELETE CLAUSES 26(2) AND 27 TO 30, WHICH PROVIDE FOR DETAILS OF THE APPEAL BOARD UNDER THE BILL; AND TO DELETE THE REFERENCE TO APPEAL BOARD AND ITS CHAIRMAN UNDER CLAUSE 35.
CLAUSE 6 PROVIDES FOR THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY. SUBCLAUSE 6(1) PROVIDES THAT THE AUTHORITY CAN SPECIFY THE CRITERIA THAT MUST BE SATISFIED BY A PERSON BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MAY, WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY, ISSUE A PERMIT TO HIM. SOME MEMBERS CONSIDER IT NOT NECESSARY TO INCLUDE THE PHRASE ’WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY’ IN THIS SUB-CLAUSE BECAUSE CLAUSE 14 HAS ALREADY PROVIDED THAT AN APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT SHALL BE MADE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. I ACCEPT THESE POINTS AND WILL PROPOSE TO DELETE THE PHRASE. I WILL ALSO PROPOSE, AS I HAVE EARLIER EXPLAINED, TO CREATE A NEW SUB-CLAUSE 6(3) TO PROVIDE THAT THE CRITERIA FOR ISSUING PERMITS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THIS COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL. HOWEVER, TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY FOR AMENDING THE CRITERIA, WE PROPOSE THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE IN A FORM OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
IN RESPECT OF CLAUSE 21(6), THE TERM OF "CONTROLLER” WILL BE REDEFINED TO AVOID UNCERTAINTY.
WE ALSO PROPOSE TO REPLACE THE AMOUNT OF FINES SPECIFIED IN CLAUSES 35(1), (2) AND (3) WITH THE EQUIVALENT FINE LEVELS AS SET OUT IN THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ORDINANCE.
THE LAST AMENDMENT, TO ITEM 1 OF SCHEDULE 3, MAKES A NUMBERING CORRECTION.
MR PRESIDENT, WITH THESE REMARKS, I RECOMMEND THE BILL TO MEMBERS.
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT.
/13 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE HOSPITALS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUl-SHfNG AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN REGARD TO PRIVATE HOSPITALS BUILT UNDER LAND GRANTS BY
THE GOVERNMENT FREE OF PREMIUM, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE CRITERIA FOR MAKING SUCH LAND GRANT FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING PRIVATE HOSPITALS;
(B) OF THE MECHANISM THROUGH WHICH THE OPERATION OF SUCH HOSPITALS IS MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT THEY MEET THE STANDARDS SET BY THE GOVERNMENT; AND
(C) WHETHER ANY STANDARDS OR GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP TO GOVERN THE RATIO BETWEEN MED 1CAL/NURSI NG STAFF AND BEDS IN SUCH HOSPITALS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THERE ARE 13 PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG, OF WHICH NINE ARE NON-PROFITMAKING AND FOUR ARE PROFITMAKING. ONLY NON-PROFITMAKING HOSPITALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT OF LAND AT NOMINAL PREMIUM.
THE CONDITIONS FOR GRANTING LAND TO NON-PROFITMAKING PRIVATE HOSPITALS ARE :
(A) THE PROPOSAL MUST CONFORM WITH LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS;
(B) IT MUST REPRESENT FULL USE OF THE SITE APPLIED FOR; AND
(C) THE APPLICANT IS FINANCIALLY CAPABLE OF COMPLETING THE
PROJECT.
THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE LAND IS GRANTED PROHIBIT THE GRANTEE FROM ASSIGNING, MORTGAGING AND SUBLETTING THE LAND FOR PROFIT. THE GRANTEE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO COMMENCE TO OPERATE THE HOSPITAL BY A STIPULATED DATE.
/ONLY A
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 14 -
ONLY A HOSPITAL AND SUCH ANCILLARY FACILITIES AS APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS MAY BE BUILT ON THE GRANTED SITE. BUILDING PLANS FOR THE HOSPITAL MUST BE.APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND ANY SUBSEQUENT MAJOR CHANGES'TO THE BUILDINGS OR USE OF FACILITIES ALSO REQUIRE THE DIRECTOR’S APPROVAL BEFORE FORMAL SUBMISSION TO THE BUILDING AUTHORITY. IF THE GRANT CEASES TO SERVE ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE, THE SITE WILL BE TAKEN BACK BY GOVERNMENT.
SINCE 1981, PRIVATE NON-PROFITMAKING HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO SET ASIDE NOT LESS THAT 20% OF THEIR BEDS TO BE LOW-CHARGE BEDS, TO WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MAY BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT REFER PATIENTS, OTHER THAN CHRONIC LONG-TERM CASES.
PRIVATE HOSPITALS ARE REQUIRED UNDER THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP 165) TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS RELATING TO ACCOMMODATION, STAFFING AND EQUIPMENT. THEY ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO OTHER STATUTORY CONTROLS INCLUDING REGISTRATION OF MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL, AND REQUIREMENTS AS MAY BE IMPOSED BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS LIKE FIRE SAFETY, BUILDING REQUIREMENTS AND DANGEROUS GOOD STORAGE.
AFTER THE LICENCE IS GRANTED, THE HOSPITAL WILL CONTINUE) TO BE MONITORED THROUGH THE VARIOUS ORDINANCES WHICH ARE IN FORCE. IN ADDITION, THE HOSPITALS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT REGULAR STATISTICS AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND THE INSTITUTIONS WILL BE INSPECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BEFORE RENEWAL OF LICENCE AND AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
ALL PRIVATE HOSPITALS, WHETHER IN RECEIPT OF LAND GRANT OR NOT, ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO COMPLY WITH THE "GUIDE TO HOSPITAL STANDARDS" WHICH WAS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH IN APRIL 1992.
THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF STAFFING FOR A HOSPITAL DEPENDS ON THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF SERVICE PROVIDED, THE CASE-MIX AND THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED. ACCORDINGLY IT IS CONSIDERED NOT PRACTICAL TO IMPOSE A RIGID STAFFING RATIO ON PRIVATE HOSPITALS. THESE HOSPITALS ARE ALLOWED TO EXERCISE DISCRETION AND FLEXIBILITY TO DEPLOY HUMAN RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PATIENTS SUBJECT TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH.
--------0-----------
/15 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 15 -
PUBLIC STATEMENTS BY CIVIL SERVANTS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON NGA1 SH1U-K1T AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCAL INSPECTORS ASSOCIATION WAS EARLIER REPRIMANDED BY THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE POLICE FORCE FOR MAKING A PUBLIC STATEMENT APPEALING FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE DEATH PENALTY. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHETHER THERE ARE ANY INTERNAL GUIDELINES RESTRICTING THE OPEN EXPRESSION OF OPINION BY CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS OR INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANTS; AND
(B) IF THE ANSWER TO (A) IS IN THE AFFIRMATIVE, WHAT FACTORS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AS THE BASIS FOR FORMULATING SUCH GUIDELINES?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THERE ARE NO GUIDELINES ISSUED TO CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS RESTRICTING THEM FROM MAKING PUBLIC STATEMENTS. HOWEVER, AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS, INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVANTS MAY NOT PUBLISH ANYTHING WHICH MAY REASONABLY BE REGARDED AS A POLITICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. THE DEFINITION OF ’PUBLISH’ INCLUDES MAKING PUBLIC BY INTERVIEWS AND SPEECHES, BY LETTERS AND ARTICLES IN THE PRESS, OR BY TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ON RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROVISION IS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH PUBLICATIONS DO NOT :
(A) CONFLICT WITH THE INTERESTS OF THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED;
(B) BRING THE DEPARTMENT, OR THE CIVIL SERVICE GENERALLY, INTO DISREPUTE; AND
(C) BRING INTO QUESTION THE IMPARTIALITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
---------0----------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 16 -
OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME
♦ » » ♦ *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JIMMY MCGREGOR AND A REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE REMARKS MADE RECENTLY BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE NCNA WHICH SUGGESTED THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSED OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) HOW THE GOVERNMENT WILL ASSESS THE POSITION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE PROPOSED SCHEME; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSED SCHEME OR CONSIDER OTHER ALTERNATIVES OF PROVIDING THE TERRITORY’S ELDERLY CITIZENS WITH AN INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
ON 15 DECEMBER 1993 I ANNOUNCED IN THIS COUNCIL THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD PURSUE AN OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME SUBJECT TO THREE PROVISOS, ONE OF WHICH IS CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT BEFORE REACHING A DECISION. THE FORUM FOR SUCH CONSULTATION SHOULD BE THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP. IT IS THROUGH DISCUSSIONS AT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP THAT GOVERNMENT WILL ASSESS THE VIEWS OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE PROPOSED SCHEME. WE REMAIN READY TO DISCUSS WITH THEM DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME AND TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUIRED.
TURNING TO THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION, GOVERNMENT IS STILL ANALYSING AND EVALUATING THE WIDE SPECTRUM OF PUBLIC OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MORE THAN 6,000 SUBMISSIONS THAT WE RECEIVED IN THE CONSULTATION PERIOD. WE ARE THEREFORE NOT YET IN THE POSITION TO ANNOUNCE A DECISION ON THE WAY AHEAD.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 17 -
SHOP EXTORTION REPORTS » « » * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW AND A REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF REPORTS OF EXTORTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE BY BUSINESSES AND SHOPS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS; OF THESE, HOW MANY ARE TRIAD RELATED;
(B) OF THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS RESULTING FROM THESE REPORTS; AND
(C) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO STEP UP PUBLICITY ACTION TO STAMP OUT SUCH ACTIVITIES SO AS TO DETER CRIMINAL ELEMENTS FROM FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO VICTIMIZE INNOCENT BUSINESS OPERATIVES AND OWNERS?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
THE NUMBER OF REPORTS.OF EXTORTION MADE TO THE POLICE BY BUSINESSES AND SHOPS IN 1991 WAS 92, OF WHICH 63 WERE TRIAD-RELATED; IN 1992, IT WAS 108, OF WHICH 86 WERE TRIAD-RELATED; IN 1993, IT WAS 87, OF WHICH 59 WERE TRIAD-RELATED; AND IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1994, IT WAS 70, OF WHICH 57 WERE TRIAD-RELATED.
WE DO NOT HAVE STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS RESULTING FROM THESE REPORTS. HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED IN RELATION TO THESE REPORTS IN 1991 WAS 60, OF WHOM 59 WERE CHARGED WITH BLACKMAIL; IN 1992, IT WAS 67, OF WHOM 66 WERE CHARGED WITH BLACKMAIL; IN 1993, IT WAS 101, ALL OF WHOM WERE CHARGED WITH BLACKMAIL; AND IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1994, IT WAS 58, ALL OF WHOM WERE CHARGED WITH BLACKMAIL.
THE POLICE CONDUCT REGULAR VISITS TO BUSINESS OPERATORS AND OWNERS, TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO REPORT CASES OF EXTORTION AND TO OBTAIN THEIR COOPERATION IN COMBATING SUCH ACTIVITIES. THE GOVERNMENT CONDUCTS REGULAR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS AGAINST ALL TRIAD-RELATED CRIME, INCLUDING EXTORTION, THROUGH TELEVISION AND RADIO, POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND MOBILE DISPLAYS. THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN THEMES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
- - 0---------
718........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994 .
18 -
POLICE REVIEW REPORT AVAILABLE NEXT
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON JAMES TO BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
YEAR
KUN-SUN AND A REPLY
IN THE LEGISLATIVE
QUESTION : WITH REGARD TO THE REPORT ON THE COMMAND STRUCTURE AND MANNING LEVEL REVIEW OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WHICH WAS COMPLETED AFTER A TWO-YEAR STUDY, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL
(A) WHEN WILL THE DETAILS OF THE REPORT BE DISCLOSED, SO THAT THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL CAN HAVE SPECIFIC AND ACCURATE INFORMATION FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION AND WILL THUS BE ABLE TO REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO RELEASE DETAILS OF THE REPORT IS WHEN IT APPLIES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE MEASURES RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT; IF SO, WHAT THE REASONS ARE AND WHETHER THE REPORT WILL BE PROMULGATED IN FULL THEN?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE POLICE MANAGEMENT REVIEW, WHICH SEEKS TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT WHICH THE FORCE NEEDS TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS, CONSISTS OF SOME 42 DETAILED REPORTS. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLICE FORCE, INCLUDING THE SCOPE FOR FURTHER CIV1 LIANISATION AND GREATER USE OF TECHNOLOGY. WE ARE FINALISING OUR STUDY OF ALL THESE REPORTS, AND WOULD EXPECT TO HAVE REACHED OUR CONCLUSIONS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. WE WILL THEN BE READY TO REPORT TO THIS COUNCIL, PROBABLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR. AT THAT STAGE, WE WILL MAKE AVAILABLE THE DETAILED REPORTS.
- - 0 - -
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 19 -
OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS’ JOB APPLICATIONS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE APPLIED TO WORK IN THE TERRITORY, AND THE NUMBER OF SUCH APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED, IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS;
(B) OF THE NATIONALITIES OF THOSE OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS WHERE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED;
(C) WHETHER THERE ARE ANY QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR; AND
(D) OF THE CRITERIA USED FOR APPROVING OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS TO WORK IN THE TERRITORY?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) OUR CURRENT STATISTICS DO NOT CONTAIN A BREAKDOWN BY PROFESSIONS. THE BEST POSSIBLE INFORMATION WE CAN PROVIDE IS THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT (EXCLUDING APPLICATIONS TO WORK AS DOMESTIC HELPERS, AND AS SKILLED LABOURS UNDER THE GENERAL IMPORTATION OF LABOUR SCHEME OR THE AIRPORT SCHEME) FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS
APPLICATION APPROVAL
1991 17,547 12,867
1992 18,525 13,859
1993 22,019 17,202
/(B) A BREAKDOWN .........
- 20 -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
(B) A BREAKDOWN BY THE NATIONALITIES OF THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS IS SHOWN BELOW
1991 1992 1993
— — — — — — — — _ _ _ —
AUSTRALIAN 617 652 1042
CANADIAN . 330 409 491
FILIPINO 859 968 1147
GERMAN 391 385 521
INDIAN 546 479 697
JAPANESE 1991 2368 2508
KOREAN(S) 472 559 644
SINGAPORE 418 456 605
TAIWANESE 699 813 1 122
USA 1632 1661 2229
OTHERS 4912 5109 6196
TOTAL 12867 13859 17202
(C) THE EMPLOYMENT OF THESE EXPATRIATES ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY QUOTA. HOWEVER, THE EMPLOYERS HAVE TO JUSTIFY THE NEED FOR RECRUITMENT FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
(D) THE POLICY GOVERNING THE ENTRY FOR EMPLOYMENT IS THAT THE APPLICANT MUST POSSESS A SPECIAL SKILL, KNOWLEDGE, OR EXPERIENCE OF VALUE TO AND NOT READILY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, OR THAT HE IS IN A POSITION TO MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG. CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO WHETHER THE APPLICANT’S QUALIFICATIONS OR EXPERIENCE IS RELEVANT TO THE POSITION OFFERED. IT IS ALSO OF IMPORTANCE THAT HE WILL BE PAID THE GOING MARKET RATE. THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE LOCAL WORKFORCE WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO UNFAIR COMPETITION FROM OVERSEAS.
- - 0 - -
/21
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
21
SUBSIDY TO YOUTH AND ELDERLY CENTRES *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MRS KATHERINE FOK, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AT PRESENT,q THE OPERATING COSTS OF YOUTH CENTRES RUN BY SUBVENTED NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS ARE FULLY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHEREAS SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY RUN BY THESE ORGANISATIONS ARE GRANTED SUBSIDY TO MEET 80 PER CENT OF THEIR OPERATING COSTS. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
\ ■ z
(A) OF THE REASONS FOR THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LEVEL OF SUBSIDY GIVEN TO THESE TWO TYPES OF SERVICE CENTRES;
(B) WHETHER THE CURRENT SUBVENTION POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED IN ORDER TO DISPEL ANY PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT NEGLECTING THE WELL-BEING OF ELDERLY PEOPLE; AND
(C) OF THE RESPECTIVE UTILISATION RATES OF YOUTH CENTRES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS?
REPLY:
THE REPLY IS AS FOLLOWS:
(A) DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUBVENTION FOR THE TWO SERVICES WERE BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A MAJOR REVIEW ON WELFARE SUBVENTIONS CONDUCTED IN 1981'. YOUTH
CENTRES, WHICH AIM TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, WERE PLACED UNDER THOSE
SERVICES WHICH RECEIVE 100 PER CENT SUBVENTION. FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, WHICH PROVIDE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY, WAS FIXED AT 70 PER CENT OF THE OPERATING COSTS. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS RAISED TO 80 PER CENT IN 1990 IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING ROLE THE CENTRES PLAYED IN MEETING THE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE.
(B) THE WORKING GROUP ON THE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS RECOMMENDED THAT A SEPARATE CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF SOCIAL CENTRES BE
CONDUCTED. THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF SUBVENTION FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THIS STUDY. IT SHOULD BE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF 100 PER CENT SUBVENTION TO SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD CONSTITUTE A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE TO THE SUBVENTION POLICY AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO CONSIDER THE IMPLICATIONS IN DETAIL.
/(C) YOUTH CENTRES ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 22 -
(C) YOUTH CENTRES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE NO FIXED CAPACITY. UTILISATION RATES OF THE TWO SERVICES IN TERMS OF AVERAGE ATTENDANCE PER SESSION IN THE LAST THREE YEARS ARE AS FOLLOWS :
AVERAGE AVERAGE
MEMBERSHIP ATTENDANCE
TYPE OF SERVICE NO. OF CENTRES PER MONTH PER SESSION
SOCIAL CENTRES 91/92 123 321 50
FOR 92/93 126 335 54
THE ELDERLY 93/94 137 360 55
YOUTH 91/92 48 603 68
CENTRES 92/93 44 631 77
93/94 41 593 72
---------0-----------
ENFORCEMENT OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T H CHAU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS SAFETY ORDINANCE CAME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1, 1993, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SAMPLES OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS TESTED FROM JULY 1, 1993 TO JUNE 30, 1994;
(B) OF THE PROPORTION OF THE NUMBER OF TESTED SAMPLES TO THE NUMBER OF ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN THE LOCAL MARKET IN THE SAME PERIOD;
(C) OF THE RESPECTIVE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROHIBITION NOTICES AND RECALL NOTICES SERVED IN THE SAME PERIOD;
(D) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS IN THE SAME PERIOD, HOW MANY OF SUCH PROSECUTIONS HAVE RESULTED IN CONVICTION AND WHAT IS THE HIGHEST, LOWEST AND AVERAGE PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE COURT; AND
(E) WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER PROVIDING MORE MANPOWER TO CARRY OUT SPOT CHECKS SO AS TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT MEASURES?
/REPLY : .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 23 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
IN THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1993 TO JUNE 30, 1994, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SENT 1,835 SAMPLES OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS TO THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR TESTING.
WE HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF ITEMS OF TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN THE LOCAL MARKET. THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IDENTIFIES POTENTIAL UNSAFE TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS BASED ON COMPLAINTS OR INFORMATION RECEIVED. THE DEPARTMENT HAS DEVELOPED ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT AND REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES OF TARGET TOYS AND CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS ARE SELECTED FOR TESTING THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH THE SAFETY STANDARDS PRESCRIBED IN THE ORDINANCE.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, 76 PROHIBITION NOTICES AND TWO RECALL NOTICES WERE SERVED.
TWO IMPORTERS OF UNSAFE TOYS WERE PROSECUTED AND CONVICTED. THEY WERE FINED $1,500 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY.
WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN JULY 1993, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED A DEDICATED TEAM OF 11 OFFICERS TO ENFORCE THE ORDINANCE. IN JUNE 1994 ANOTHER TEAM OF 11 OFFICERS WAS CREATED TO STRENGTHEN THE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS. WE WILL KEEP UNDER REVIEW WHETHER ADDITIONAL ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES ARE REQUIRED FOR THE BETTER PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS.
--------0-----------
Z24 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 24 -
FIXED TELECOM NETWORKS
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ALBERT CHAN WAI-YIP AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GORDON SIU, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO LICENSE THREE CONSORTIA TO OPERATE FIXED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) HOW IT CAN ENSURE THAT THE THREE CONSORTIA WILL START THEIR SERVICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN A FAIR AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT; AND
(B) WHAT IS THE PROGRESS IN THE NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE THREE CONSORTIA AND HONG KONG TELECOM ON THE SETTING UP OF A JOINT NETWORK?
REPLY:
MR PRESIDENT,
THE FIXED TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK SERVICES (FTNS) LICENCES TO BE GRANTED TO THE FOUR OPERATORS, INCLUDING HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, TO PROVIDE COMPETITIVE LOCAL FIXED NETWORK SERVICES AFTER THE EXPIRY OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE’S MONOPOLY ON JUNE 30, 1995 WILL INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF COMPETITIVE SAFEGUARDS TO PROMOTE AND ENFORCE FAIR COMPETITION. THESE INCLUDE :
- OBLIGATIONS ON EACH OPERATOR TO INTERCONNECT WITH ALL OTHER NETWORKS EFFICIENTLY, PROMPTLY AND ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS; IN THE EVENT OF DISPUTE, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY (TA) IS EMPOWERED TO INTERVENE AND DETERMINE FAIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INTERCONNECTION.
- DETAILED PROVISIONS TO PROTECT CONSUMER INTERESTS TOGETHER WITH POWERS FOR THE TA TO PROHIBIT ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES SUCH AS COLLUSION BETWEEN OPERATORS, BUNDLING OF SERVICES TO RESTRICT CONSUMER CHOICE, ABUSE OF MARKET POWER, PREDATORY PRICING, DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES, ETC.
- REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE TELEPHONE NUMBERING PLAN ADMINISTERED BY THE TA TO ENSURE FAIR ALLOCATION AND USE OF TELEPHONE NUMBERS BY THE FOUR COMPETING OPERATORS.
- ARRANGEMENTS TO ENFORCE THE PRICE CAPPING OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE’S BASIC CHARGES AND TO REQUIRE ANY OPERATOR WHO IS IN A DOMINANT POSITION TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO SUBMIT THE CHARGES FOR THAT SERVICE FOR APPROVAL BY THE TA.
/IN ADDITION, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 25 -
IN ADDITION, TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW OPERATORS WILL INTRODUCE THEIR SERVICES EXPEDITIOUSLY ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN GRANTED THE LICENCES, SPECIAL CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THEIR LICENCES COMMITTING THEM TO A SPECIFIC PROGRAMME OF INVESTMENT AND NETWORK ROLL-OUT. AS A CONDITION FOR THE GRANT OF THEIR LICENCES THE NEW OPERATORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE OUT A PERFORMANCE BOND WHICH WILL BE FORFEITED IF THEY FAIL TO MEET COMMITMENTS WITHOUT A VALID REASON. ALL FOUR LICENCES WILL BE MADE PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN GRANTED.
AS REGARDS INTERCONNECTION, THE FOUR OPERATORS ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO REACH AGREEMENT THROUGH COMMERCIAL NEGOTIATION. THIS IS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY TO REACH INTERCONNECTION ARRANGEMENTS THAT BEST MEET THEIR INDIVIDUAL OPERATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS. SHOULD THE NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, OR THE AGREEMENTS REACHED BETWEEN ANY OF THE OPERATORS BE DEEMED TO BE ANTICOMPETITIVE OR AGAINST CONSUMER INTERESTS, THE TA IS EMPOWERED UNDER THE TELECOMMUNICATION ORDINANCE (CAP 106) AND IN THE LICENCE CONDITIONS TO INTERVENE AND DETERMINE FAIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INTERCONNECTION. THE TA IS MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF THE INTERCONNECTION NEGOTIATIONS CLOSELY AND WILL CONSIDER TAKING A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IF HE FEELS THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE NOT PROCEEDING SATISFACTORILY.
--------0-----------
GOVERNMENT NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT INFLATION
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DAVID LI KWOK-PO AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR HAMISH MACLEOD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE CORE INFLATION (EXCLUDING SUCH ITEMS AS FOOD AND ENERGY) DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1994 HAS REMAINED STABILISED AT 9.1 PER CENT, SUGGESTING THAT INFLATION MAY NOT BE SUBSIDING DESPITE RECENT MODERATIONS IN THE INFLATION RATE. WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE CONCRETE ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO TACKLE INFLATION AS A MEANS OF MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS IN THE REGION?
/ANSWER: .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 26 -
ANSWER:
PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF ON-GOING RESOURCE LIMITATIONS, THE UNDERLYING INFLATIONARY PRESSURES IN THE ECONOMY REMAIN STRONG NOTWITHSTANDING THE RECENT EASING IN THE INFLATION RATE AS FOOD PRICES SETTLE TO A NORMAL LEVEL. THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE COMPONENTS IN THE LATEST CONSUMER PRICE INDICES. IN GENERAL, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN MOSTLY BY THE DOMESTICALLY-ORIENTED COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOUSING, CONSUMER SERVICES AND TRANSPORT, THE PRICES OR COSTS OF WHICH CONTINUE TO RISE FASTER THAN AVERAGE. IMPORTED INFLATION SEEMS TO HAVE INCREASED IN RELATIVE SIGNIFICANCE MORE RECENTLY, AS REFLECTED BY THE MORE RAPID INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF CLOTHING AND MISCELLANEOUS CONSUMER GOODS WHICH ARE LARGELY IMPORTED. BUT RELATIVE TO DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION, IMPORTED INFLATION IS STILL OF ONLY MINOR INFLUENCE.'
IT IS CLEAR THAT DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION IS CLOSELY LINKED TO CONSTRAINTS IN THE KEY RESOURCES, NOTABLY LAND AND LABOUR. MEASURES TO ALLEVIATE THE RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS WILL THEREFORE NOT ONLY HELP TO ALLEVIATE INFLATION, BUT WILL ALSO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY, THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMPETITIVENESS.
ON LAND RESOURCES, THE TWO REPORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TASK FORCE HAVE LED TO CONSCIOUS ACTION BEING TAKEN, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOUSING BRANCH, TO ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HOUSING AND LAND TO MEET DEMAND. UP TO 120 HECTARES OF NEW LAND HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED OVER AND ABOVE THE NORMAL LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEDIUM TO LONGER TERM. AS TO COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, ADDITIONAL LAND FOR OFFICE PREMISES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AND ALONG THE AIRPORT RAILWAY. MOREOVER, THE NEW CATEGORY OF INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE (I/O) BUILDING PROJECTS WILL PROVIDE A COMPLEMENTARY SOURCE OF SUPPLY OF NEW OFFICE SPACE. IN GENERAL, WHERE DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE LODGED THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEE TO IT THAT THEY ARE PROCESSED EXPEDITIOUSLY.
ON LABOUR RESOURCES, ALTHOUGH THE ECONOMY IS CURRENTLY BENEFITING FROM A FASTER INCREASE IN THE LABOUR FORCE DUE TO MORE FORMER EMIGRANTS RETURNING AND MORE EXPATRIATES COMING TO HONG KONG, THE DEMAND FOR LABOUR IS PERSISTENTLY STRONG GIVING A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET OVERALL. FOR THE LONGER TERM, RAISING LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OFFERS THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE LABOUR SHORTAGE. BUT IN THE INTERIM, ADDITIONAL LABOUR SUPPLIES FROM IMPORTED SOURCES ARE HELPFUL. THIS IS INDEED THE CASE WITH OUR AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME, WHERE THE MASSIVE WORKLOAD AND THE TIGHT TIME SCHEDULE, ALONG WITH AN ALREADY HEAVILY LOADED CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AT PRESENT, DICTATE THAT A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF IMPORTED LABOUR WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENSURE SMOOTH AND TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS. WE BRING IN FOREIGN WORKERS JUDICIOUSLY ACCORDING TO NEED, AND IN A CONTROLLED MANNER SO THAT THE INTEREST OF LOCAL WORKERS WILL NOT BE UNDULY AFFECTED. INASMUCH AS A LESS CONSTRAINED LABOUR SUPPLY CAN HELP TO ENHANCE CAPACITY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND LOWER INFLATION, THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WILL BENEFIT.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 27 -
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO STRIVES TO AVOID TAKING MEASURES WHICH COULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF AGGRAVATING INFLATION. OUR BUDGETARY GUIDELINE OF KEEPING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE GROWTH IN LINE WITH THE TREND RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH HAS THIS CRUCIAL CONSIDERATION IN MIND. MOREOVER, NECESSARY INCREASES IN GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES ARE SPREAD OUT TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, WITH THE LIKELY IMPACT ON INFLATION ASSESSED IN EACH CASE.
HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS AS A MAJOR BUSINESS CENTRE IN THE REGION HINGES ON MANY FACTORS. THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IS ONE AMONGST MANY IMPORTANT FACTORS. MEASURES ON THE SUPPLY OR RESOURCE SIDE ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN ADDRESSING IT. BUT HONG KONG DOES POSSESS ATTRACTIVENESS ON MANY OTHER SCORES - OUR BASICALLY NONINTERVENTIONIST POLICY ON BUSINESS, A LOW AND SIMPLE TAX SYSTEM, SOUND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT, OUR EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES, OUR ENTREPRENEURSHIP, OUR COMPETENT WORKFORCE, ETC - UPON WHICH OUR COMPETITIVENESS IS UNDERPINNED. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THESE FACTORS, JUST AS IT IS NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT INFLATION, IN THE INTEREST OF MAINTAINING AND WHEREVER POSSIBLE IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF HONG KONG.
-----0---------
USE OF CAR PARKS *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON STEVEN POON KWOE-LIM AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IT WAS LEARNT THAT SHOOTING OCCURRED IN THE COURSE OF A POLICE OPERATION CARRIED OUT RECENTLY IN THE CAR PARK OF A BUILDING IN KOWLOON TONG WHICH WAS SUSPECTED OF BEING USED BY A VEHICLE-STEALING SYNDICATE FOR PARKING STOLEN VEHICLES. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHETHER THE USE OF PARKING SPACES IN CAR PARKS INSIDE BUILDINGS FOR PARKING STOLEN VEHICLES BY VEHICLESTEALING SYNDICATES IS A COMMON PHENOMENON; AND WHAT ARE THE STATISTICS ON SUCH CASES FOR THE PAST 12 MONTHS;
(B) WHETHER, IN THE LIGHT OF SUCH CASES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DRAW UP GUIDELINES AND DISTRIBUTE THEM TO BUILDING OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND COMMITTEES TO ASSIST THEIR MANAGEMENT OFFICES IN MONITORING THE USE OF CAR PARKS INSIDE THEIR BUILDINGS; AND
(C) WHETHER THE POLICE HAS PUBLICISED ANY ADVICE IN ITS RADIO OR TELEVISION PROGRAMMES (SUCH AS "POLICE MAGAZINE") ON HOW BUILDING MANAGEMENT OFFICES SHOULD HANDLE SUCH CASES?
/REPLY : .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 28 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CAR PARKS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ARE COMMONLY USED BY CAR THEFT SYNDICATES FOR PARKING STOLEN VEHICLES. THE CASE REFERRED TO IN THE QUESTION WAS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT IS UNLIKELY THAT CAR THEFT SYNDICATES WOULD RENT PRIVATE PARKING SPACES, AS THE RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COULD HELP THE POLICE TO TRACE THEM. THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANY OTHER SUCH CASES IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
(B) THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE POLICE FORCE OFFERS GUIDANCE TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES TO ENSURE VEHICLE AND CAR PARK SECURITY. SUCH ADVICE, IN THE FORM OF A CAR PARK SECURITY MANUAL DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CARPARK OPERATORS’ ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO OPERATORS OF PRIVATE AND COMMERCIAL CAR PARKS.
THE POLICE PROVIDE REGULAR ADVICE TO CAR PARK OPERATORS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES ON CRIME PREVENTION AND SPECIFICALLY, ON SECURITY IN CAR PARKS. THIS INCLUDES THE POSSIBLE USE OF CAR PARKS IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS FOR CRIMINAL PURPOSES. PUBLICITY BY THE POLICE TO COMBAT CAR THEFT IN CAR PARKS HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES. THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED SECURITY MEASURES BY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICES AND CAR PARK OPERATORS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE POLICE, HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OVERALL DECLINE IN CAR THEFTS OVER THE PAST YEAR.
- - 0 - -
/29
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
NUMBER OE DIRECTORATE OFFICERS * t » * *
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MICHAEL SZE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF:
(A) THE NUMBER OF LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE OFFICERS AT THE
DIRECTORATE LEVEL IN EACH OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND
POLICY BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT; AND
(B) THE NUMBER AND NAME OF LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE
DIRECTORATE STAFF AT THE DEPARTMENT HEAD/DEPUTY
DEPARTMENT HEAD AND THE SECRETARY/DEPUTY SECRETARY LEVELS IN EACH OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS AND POLICY BRANCHES?
ANSWER:
WITH REFERENCE TO (A), THERE WERE 740 LOCAL AND 419 EXPATRIATE OFFICERS AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL IN THE GOVERNMENT AS AT I JULY 1994 (THE LATEST AVAILABLE FIGURES), COMPRISING A TOTAL OF 1,159 OFFICERS. A BREAKDOWN OF THESE OFFICERS BY DEPARTMENTS AND POLICY BRANCHES IS AT ANNEX 1.
WITH REFERENCE TO (B), THERE WERE AS AT 24 NOVEMBER 1994, 178 OFFICERS AT BRANCH SECRETARY/HEAD OF DEPARTMENT AND DEPUTY SECRETARY/DEPUTY HEAD OE’ DEPARTMENT LEVEL. OF THESE, 118 ARE LOCAL AND 60 EXPATRIATE OFFICERS. A NAME LIST OF THESE OFFICERS BY DEPARTMENTS AND POLICY BRANCHES IS AT ANNEX 2. THESE INCLUDE OFFICERS BOTH SUBSTANTIVE AND ACTING.
- - 0 - -
COURT WAITING TIMES REDUCED * * « » »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON EMILY LAU WAI-HI NG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : AT THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON MARCH
18, 1994, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, IN HER CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, REQUESTED THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT TO REFER THE QUESTION RAISED AT THE MEETING ABOUT STATISTICS ON THE WORKING HOURS OF JUDGES TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO REPLY, BUT SO FAR NO REPLY HAD BEEN RECEIVED. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
/(A) WHEN WILL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
30
(A) WHEN WILL THE CHIEF JUSTICE BE ABLE TO PRODUCE SUCH STATISTICS; AND
(B) WHAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO SHORTEN THE RESPECTIVE WAITING TIME EOR CASES TO BE HEARD IN THE HIGH COURT, DISTRICT COURTS AND MAGISTRACIES?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) FOLLOWING THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON MARCH 18, 1994, THE JUDICIARY HAS CONDUCTED A
SURVEY OF THE WORKING HOURS OF JUDGES OF THE HIGH COURT AND DISTRICT COURT. THE FINDINGS ARE BEING ANALYSED AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RESULTS SHORTLY.
(B) THE JUDICIARY HAS TAKEN A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO REDUCE COURT WAITING TIMES IN THE HIGH COURT, THE DISTRICT COURTS AND THE MAGISTRATES’ COURTS, INCLUDING -
(1) LAUNCHING A SECOND CRIMINAL RUNNING LIST IN THE HIGH COURT AND IN THE DISTRICT COURT AS FROM JULY 1, 1994 AND SEPTEMBER 26, 1994,
RESPECTIVELY;
(II) INTRODUCING A PILOT SCHEME FOR A COMPUTERISED AUDIO RECORDING AND TRANSCRIPT PRODUCTION SERVICE FOR THE DISTRICT COURT WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 7, 1994. THE SCHEME AIMS TO RELIEVE DISTRICT JUDGES OF THE NEED TO TAKE HANDWRITTEN NOTES OF PROCEEDINGS THEMSELVES,
THEREBY SPEEDING UP HEARINGS;
(III) INTRODUCING A PILOT SCHEME FOR HEARING PERSONAL INJURIES CASES IN THE HIGH COURT WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 17, 1994. ALL CASES IN . CONTRACT OR TORT WHERE A CLAIM IS MADE FOR DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES MAY NOW BE ASSIGNED TO THE LIST;
(IV) DESIGNATING A HIGH COURT JUDGE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LISTING MATTERS IN THE HIGH COURT AS FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1994;
(V) APPOINTING 13 BARRISTERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE TO SIT AS DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES, EACH FOR ABOUT A MONTH, SINCE THIS SUMMER; AND
/(VI) APPOINTING ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
31 -
(VI) APPOINTING THREE TEMPORARY MAGISTRATES TO EASE THE PRESSURE ON THE MAGISTRATE’S COURTS AND TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING CASELOAD.
AS A RESULT, THE COURT WAITING TIMES AT DIFFERENT LEVELS HAVE REDUCED CONSIDERABLY. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEREAS IN 1993 IT TOOK AN AVERAGE OF SEVEN MONTHS FOR A CRIMINAL CASE TO COME TO TRIAL LN THE HIGH COURT FROM THE FILING OF AN INDICTMENT, THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME HAS NOW DROPPED TO SLIGHTLY OVER FIVE MONTHS. INDEED, FOR CASES ON THE CRIMINAL RUNNING LIST, THE WAITING TIME IS ONLY DOWN TO SLIGHTLY OVER TWO MONTHS. AS REGARDS THE DISTRICT COURT, THE WAITING TIME FOR CIVIL CASES FELL SIGNIFICANTLY FROM AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 420 DAYS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR TO 177 DAYS IN OCTOBER. CONTINUING EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE JUDICIARY ON ALL FRONTS TO KEEP COURT WAITING TIMES WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS.
---------0-----------
RECOGNITION OF TERTIARY INSTITUTION DEGREES
*****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRY TANG YING-YEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : IN VIEW OF THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC OVER THE RECOGNITION OF DEGREES AWARDED BY THE 560 ACCREDITED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN MAINLAND CHINA, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER :
(A) CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO ALTERING THE CURRENT CONSULTATIVE ROLE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION, WHICH IS LIMITED TO THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH OVERSEAS ACCREDITATION ORGANISATIONS ONLY, BY EXTENDING ITS ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY TO COVER OVERSEAS TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS (INCLUDING THOSE IN MAINLAND CHINA AND TAIWAN); IF SO, IN WHAT WAY THIS WILL BE DONE; IF NOT, WHAT THE REASONS ARE, AND WHAT ARRANGEMENTS THE GOVERNMENT WILL ADOPT TO ASSESS THE STANDARD OF ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS OBTAINED FROM THESE INSTITUTIONS; AND
(B) ANY GRADUATES FROM TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS RECOGNISED IN MAINLAND CHINA HAVE APPLIED FOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTS AND TEACHING POSTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN THE TERRITORY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; IF SO, WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICANTS AND HOW MANY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATIONS, AND WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA ADOPTED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TEACHER EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS IN ASSESSING THEIR QUALIFICATIONS; IE NOT, WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR REJECTING THESE APPLICATIONS?
/REPLY : .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 32 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A)
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION (HKCAA) ACTS AS AN INDEPENDENT ACCREDITING AUTHORITY TO ASSESS THE STANDARDS OF DEGREE PROGRAMMES OFFERED OR TO BE OFFERED BY LOCAL NON-UNIVERS1TY TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. IT ALSO PROVIDES ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON THE COMPARABILITY OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION SYSTEMS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR A LOCAL ACCREDITING AUTHORITY TO ACCREDIT COURSES THAT ARE OFFERED AND APPROVED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD. THERE IS NO PLAN, THEREFORE, TO EXTEND THE HKCAA’S ACCREDITING AUTHORITY TO COVER NON-LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
THE RECOGNITION OF NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS ARE MATTERS IN WHICH THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES, AND EMPLOYERS ARE FREE TO EXERCISE THEIR OWN DISCRETION ON THE BASIS OF THEIR OWN ACADEMIC, PROFESSIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT NEEDS. HKCAA IS, HOWEVER, A USEFUL SOURCE OF INFORMATION TO FACILITATE ASSESSMENT OF THE STANDARD OF NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVIL SERVICE.
(B) ON APPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL SERVICE POSTS, GOVERNMENT DOES NOT KEEP A RECORD ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS WHO HOLD QUALIFICATIONS FROM A PARTICULAR COUNTRY. IN GENERAL, ASSESSMENT OF NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS ARE MADE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS HAVING REGARD TO THE STANDING OF THE ISSUING INSTITUTION, THE CONTENT OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME, AS WELL AS THE ADVICE FROM THE ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY CONCERNED OR THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL BODIES, WHERE SUCH ADVICE IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY. THE BENCHMARK IS WHETHER THE NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATION IS OF A COMPARABLE STANDARD TO THAT OF A LOCAL QUALIFICATION.
AS REGARDS APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHER POSTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AGAIN NO SEPARATE RECORD IS KEPT ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS WHO HOLD NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS ONLY. IN GENERAL, HOLDERS OF NON-LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS THAT ARE NOT REGARDED AS OF A COMPARABLE STANDARD TO LOCAL QUALIFICATIONS MAY BECOME TEACHERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR EITHER -
(I) THROUGH COMPLETING A POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION OR DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION AT A LOCAL UNIVERSITY, THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF WHICH WILL ENABLE THE PERSON TO BECOME A NON-GRADUATE TEACHER IN LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS. CURRENTLY THERE ARE 25 SUCH PERSONS HOLDING PRC DEGREES SO EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR; OR
/(II) THROUGH PASSING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 33 -
(II) THROUGH PASSING THE NON-GRADUATE TEACHER QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT (NGTQA) SCHEME, FOLLOWING WHICH THE PERSON CAN BE EMPLOYED AS A CERTIFICATED MASTER OR MISTRESS IN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS. ACCORDING TO QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN 1993 AND 1994, OF THOSE CANDIDATES WHO SUCCEEDED IN THE NGTQA SCHEME IN THOSE YEARS AND WHO HOLD POST-SECONDARY AND DEGREE QUALIFICATIONS FROM PRC INSTITUTIONS, 30 AND 15 RESPECTIVELY WERE IN EMPLOYMENT AS TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS; OR
(III) THROUGH DIRECT EMPLOYMENT BY AIDED SCHOOLS TO TEACH SPECIFIC SUBJECTS SUCH AS PUTONGHUA, MUSIC OR PHYSICAL EDUCATION. THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR GOVERNMENT SALARY SUBSIDY BECAUSE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT UNDER THE RELEVANT CODE OF AID. IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW MANY SUCH nvpqnHS are SO EMPLOYED.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TEACHER EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION DOES NOT ASSESS INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS. HOWEVER, IT WILL SHORTLY FORWARD TO GOVERNMENT ITS ADVICE CONCERNING THE POST-GRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR APPOINTMENT AS GRADUATE TEACHERS IN LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
-------0--------
WRITS OF POSSESSION EXECUTED UNDER COURT ORDER
* t * * »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW LIANG SHUK-YEE AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING :
(A) WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES WHICH BAILIFFS HAVE TO FOLLOW WHEN REGISTERING ITEMS COLLECTED IN THE COURSE OF TAKING POSSESSION OF PREMISES; AND
(B) WHETHER THERE ARE ANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST BAILIFFS FOR NOT CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES PROPERLY IN THE PAST THREE YEARS; IF SO, WIIAT IS THE NUMBER OF SUCH COMPLAINTS?
/REPLY : .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 34 -
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) IN EXECUTING WRITS OF POSSESSION, BAILIFFS ACT UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE, CAP 7, AND RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT, CAP 4, AND FOLLOW STRICTLY ORDERS MADE BY THE COURT. THERE ARE ALSO ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF SEIZURE OF GOODS AND TAKING OF INVENTORIES OF SEIZED GOODS -
(I) BAILIFFS SHOULD TAKE DETAILED INVENTORY AND MAKE APPRAISAL OF ALL GOODS AND CHATTELS OF THE JUDGMENT DEBTOR ON THE PREMISES;
(II) IF RECOVERY OF RENT OR MESNE PROFIT IS INCLUDED IN THE WRIT OF POSSESSION, BAILIFFS ARE EMPOWERED TO SEIZE GOODS AND CHATTELS, UP TO THE AMOUNT CLAIMED PLUS THE ESTIMATED COST OF EXECUTION, INCLUDING POSSESSION GUARD FEES AND EXPENSES OF AUCTIONEERS;
(III) PERSONAL. CLOTHING, BEDDING AND TOOLS OF TRADE OF JUDGMENT DEBTORS ARE NORMALLY EXEMPT FROM SEIZURE; AND
(IV) IF THE APPRAISED VALUE OF SEIZEABLE GOODS AND CHATTELS FALLS BELOW THE ESTIMATED COSTS OF EXECUTION, BAILIFFS WILL SEEK INSTRUCTIONS FROM JUDGMENT CREDITORS OR LANDLORDS AS TO WHETHER SEIZURE SHOULD STILL BE EFFECTED.
(B) IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, BAILIFFS MADE A TOTAL OF 75,000 ATTEMPTS OF EXECUTION OF ORDERS AND WARRANTS. TWO COMPLAINTS INVOLVING BAILIFFS WERE INVESTIGATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS. ONE OF THEM WAS FOUND PARTIALLY SUBSTANTIATED AND THE OTHER WAS FOUND NOT SUBSTANTIATED. THERE WERE FIVE OTHER COMPLAINTS WHICH WERE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED BETWEEN THE COMPLAINANTS AND THE JUDICIARY. MOST OF THESE COMPLAINTS WERE DUE TO MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE BAILIFFS, IN PARTICULAR THE SCOPE AND LIMITS OF THEIR POWERS.
/35 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 35 -
KMB RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS t * * i »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON FRED LI WAH-M1NG AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE 23 OF ITS URBAN BUS ROUTES TO 13 ROUTES WILL AFFECT PASSENGERS IN THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO USE MORE EXPENSIVE MODES OF TRANSPORT, CHANGE BUSES MORE FREQUENTLY OR PAY HIGHER FARES. IN VIEW OF THIS, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL OF THE FOLLOWING -
(A) THE ACTUAL EFFECTS OF THE RESTRUCTURING ON THE PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON THE ORIGINAL 23 ROUTES, SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS AFFECTED ON EACH ROUTE, THE NUMBER OF BUS STOPS TO BE ADDED OR CANCELLED ON EACH ROUTE AFTER RESTRUCTURING AND ITS FARE CHANGES;
(B) THE CRITERIA USED BY. THE GOVERNMENT IN EXAMINING THE RESTRUCTURING PLAN AND WHETHER MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL RF CONSULTED; AND
(C) WHAT CORRESPONDING MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE TO REDRESS THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED TO THE PUBLIC AS A RESULT OF THE RESTRUCTURING, SUCH AS INTRODUCING NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE AFFECTED AREAS?
REPLY :
MR PRESIDENT,
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED (KMB) HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE IN CONDUCTING A THOROUGH REVIEW OF ITS BUS SERVICES IN URBAN KOWLOON AND HAS COME UP WITH A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO RESTRUCTURE 23 ROUTES. ITS RECOMMENDATION IS TO RATIONALISE SERVICES WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING OPERATING EFFICIENCY, FREQUENCIES, ROUTEINGS AND SERVICE QUALITY.
KMB HAS ADVISED THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE EXISTING 160,000 PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON THESE 23 ROUTES EACH DAY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED. MOST RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS INVOLVE ROUTE COMBINATIONS WHICH DO NOT NECESSARILY MEAN A CUT IN SERVICE. ON THE CONTRARY, THOSE USING THE RESTRUCTURED ROUTES WOULD FIND THE SERVICES MORE FREQUENT AND RELIABLE AND SOME PASSENGERS WOULD ENJOY LOWER SECTION FARES. THERE WOULD ALSO BE EXTENSIONS ON SOME ROUTES TO PROVIDE NEW LINKS. SONE ROUTES WOULD BE UPGRADED I'O AIR-CONDITIONED SERVICES. IF THE RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS ARE IMPLEMENTED, THERE WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN OPERATING COSTS FOR KMB AND LESS PRESSURE ON KMB BUS FARES.
/KMB IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
- 36 -
KMB IS NOW CONSULTING RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS ON THESE PROPOSALS AND WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT LOCAL VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS. AT THE SAME TIME, KMB HAS ALSO SUBMITTED ITS PROPOSALS TO THE ADMINISTRATION. WE WILL AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF KMB’S CONSULTATION EXERCISE WITH DISTRICT BOARDS BEFORE PROCESSING THESE PROPOSALS AND, IN THIS RESPECT, WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FOLLOWING FACTORS -
(A) THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC;
(B) GENERAL IMPACT ON CURRENT FARE AND SERVICE LEVELS;
(C) MORE BALANCED ALLOCATION AND MORE EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF BUS RESOURCES;
(D) FREQUENCY AND CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT RESULTING FROM RESTRUCTURED SERVICES; AND
(E) THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES, EG GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES, TO SUPPLEMENT REVISED BUS SCHEDULES.
THE ADMINISTRATION WILL ALSO BRIEF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PANEL ON TRANSPORT ON THE RESTRUCTURING PROPOSALS, AND FULLY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BEFORE ANY DECISIONS ARE MADE.
------0--------
24-HOUR CLEARANCE SERVICE AT BORDER *****
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY' THE HON T1K CHI-YUEN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION t REGARDING THE INTRODUCTION OF 24-HOUR CLEARANCE SERVICE FOR GOODS VEHICLES AT THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING POINT, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INTRODUCING SIMILAR ARRANGEMENT AT OTHER BORDER CROSSING POINTS?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
THERE IS AT PRESENT NO DEMAND FOR' OPEN 1 NG THE MAN KAM TO AND THE SHA TAU KOK BORDER ROAD CROSSINGS ROUND THE (LOCK AND WE HAVE NO PLANS TO DO SO. HOWEVER, IN REVIEWING THE 24-HOUR SERVICE AT THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING POINT EARLY NEXT YEAR TOGETHER WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, WE WILL CONSIDER TUI' NEED FOR AND THE FEASIBILITY’ OF EXTENDING THE OVERNIGHT FACILITIES AT THAT CROSSING POINT TO VEHICLES WITH PERMITS TO USE THE FACILITIES AT MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK,
---------0 - -
/37 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
37
OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES
* * t * t
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON ZACHARY WONG WAI-YIN AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR MICHAEL SUEN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING BETTING CENTRES OPERATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG
JOCKEY CLUB, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM THIS COUNCIL :
(A) WHAT IS THE EXISTING NUMBER OF OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY; WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS LAID DOWN ANY LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF SUCH CENTRES, AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY PLAN TO RELAX THE LIMIT; AND
(B) WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL OF THE JOCKEY CLUB TO SET UP MOBILE BETTING CENTRES?
REPLY
MY REPLY IS AS FOLLOWS :
(A) AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 124 OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IN HONG KONG. THE TOTAL LIMIT LAID DOWN BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IS 134. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE ANY PLAN TO RELAX THE LIMIT.
(B) THE GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR NOT RECEIVED ANY APPLICATION FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB TO SET UP MOBILE BETTING CENTRES.
- - 0 - -
BUS LANES ♦ ♦ »
FOLLOWING IS A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE WING-TAT AND A WRITTEN REPLY BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HAIDER BARMA, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
QUESTION : REGARDING THE BUS LANES ISSUE, WILL THE GOVERNMENT INFORM
THIS COUNCIL :
(A) OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BUS LANES IN USE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY;
(B) WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING MORE BUS LANES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS; AND
/(C) OF THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1994
(C) OF THE AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF TRAVELLING TIME SAVED BY BUSES RUNNING ON BUS LANES AS COMPARED WITH THOSE NOT USING SUCH LANES?
REPLY
MR PRESIDENT,
(A) AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 65 BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES IN OPERATION, INCLUDING 49 BUS ONLY LANES. THESE CAN BE USED BY.BOTH FRANCHISED AND PRIVATE BUSES, INCLUDING SCHOOL BUSES AND RESIDENTIAL COACHES.
(B) THE REVIEW OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND, IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY TO GIVE PRIORITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, NEW BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES ARE PROVIDED WHENEVER PRACTICAL. SIX NEW BUS ONLY LANES WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE END OF THE YEAR AND ANOTHER 12 BUS PRIORITY SCHEMES ARE NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION. DISTRICT BOARDS ARE CONSULTED ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES, FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING A BUS ONLY LANE ON TUEN MUN ROAD.
(C) IT IS DIFFICULT TO BE SPECIFIC ABOUT THE TIME SAVED BY BUSES, SINCE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO HAVE BUS ONLY LANES FOR ENTIRE ROUTES I.E. FROM ONE DESTINATION TO ANOTHER. MUCH DEPENDS ON THE LENGTH OF LANES, THE LOCAL TRAFFIC SITUATION AND THE EXTENT OF CONGESTION. AS A ROUGH INDICATION IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE TIME SAVED IS ABOUT TWO TO THREE MINUTES PER KILOMETRE. AS EXAMPLES, THE 2.5 KM BUS ONLY LANE IN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD REDUCES BUS JOURNEY TIMES DURING PEAK HOURS FROM 15 TO EIGHT MINUTES, AND THE 1.4 KM BUS ONLY LANE IN POK FU LAM ROAD REDUCES JOURNEY TIMES DURING PEAK HOURS FROM 19 TO EIGHT MINUTES.
- - 0 - -
/39
[Missing pages in the original document]