港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1995 - SEP

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, September 1,1995

Contents Page No.

Transcript of the Governor's media session .............................. 1

Governor discusses VM issue with visiting US Congressman................. 3

Safety net already in place for the needy and unemployed................. 6

Legislation to promote equal opportunity................................. 8

Civil Service Branch on the Internet.................................... 10

Two Civil Service Salaries Commission members re-appointed.............. 10

Operation smooth for Citybus new routes............................. 11

Day schools to remain closed tomorrow................................... 12

Teacher Recruitment Information Office stands down...................... 12

OZP amended for housing development..................................... 13

Tenders invited for marine vessel service building...................... 14

District Offices to organise election forums............................ 15

Polling starts at Trade Department - for best staff awards.............. 16

Update on landslip incidents associated with typhoon Kent............... 17

Six landslip incidents associated with typhoon Kent..................... 18

No mail services during Mid-Autumn Festival......................... 18

Fresh water cuts in Eastern and Southern districts...................... 19

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 19

Transcript of the Governor’s media session ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The following is a transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hanley, at the airport today (Friday):

Governor: Good evening. I am delighted to welcome Jeremy Hanley as the Minister of State for the Foreign Office on what is his first visit to Hong Kong as the Minister responsible for our affairs in the Foreign Office. This is not of course his first visit to Hong Kong. He was here few years ago. But we'll be looking forward to showing him a good deal of the community and its life over the next five days. We're looking forward to a number of meetings, to talking and listening to what he's got to say. I know that he believes that this is a useful visit as part of the briefing before Mr Qian's visit to London later in the autumn. I think Mr Hanley would like to say a few words to you.

Minister: Governor, thank you very much indeed. I'm looking forward to this visit particularly. I was last here in Hong Kong some seven or eight years ago and I can see already from the air how Hong Kong has changed, how it has advanced and what there is here that needs to be preserved. I look forward very much to working with the Governor, and learning from many people over the next few days as to what Hong Kong is now, and therefore what is so dear to so many people. I look forward also to the future over the next, what is now less than two years, to try to make sure that the good that is Hong Kong can be preserved and to try to make sure that our improving relationships with China continue to bring advantage to the people of Hong Kong. So Governor, thank you very much indeed.

31 ■■ .

Question: Governor, how can you justify the slope stabilisation leads to the closure of Tuen Mun Highway because it is causing traffic inconvenience to the Hong Kong ...?

Governor: I think everybody recognises the extreme inconvenience caused particularly of course to the residents of Tuen Mun by the closure of the Highway. I think that while noting that inconvenience, most of the community would accept that the Government's overwhelming responsibility is to avoid accidents, to avoid anything that could lead to loss of life. And it's, I think, relevant to this difficult issue that there was a rock fall on the road today, which is an indication of the sort of problems that we've got. Both the Chief Secretary and I have been kept in very close touch with the arrangements that are being made, both for increasing the number of ferry services and for increasing the bus services and making special provision for the buses to get through on the Castle Peak Road. But we've asked the Secretary for Works and a group of engineers to visit the Tuen Mun Highway tomorrow to have another look at what's being done and what needs to be done and to report to both Anson Chan and myself as a matter of urgency and to let the District Board members know exactly what the situation is and how quickly the road can be back in service. The District Board members are understandably anxious, reflecting the views of the community and we'll want to keep them fully informed about the situation. We've got an excellent Secretary for Works and he and the Commissioner for Transport will be keeping in touch with the local community.

Question: Do the Tuen Mun residents have to torture another week?

Governor: What we've got to do is to protect the Tuen Mun residents from the consequences of opening the road too early. We didn't take this decision yesterday, the Chief Secretary and I, lightly. We listened to the advice of experts and we obviously had to follow that advice. If we had ignored that advice, and if there had then been an accident leading for example to injury or loss of life, we would have quite properly been pilloried by the community for taking unnecessary risks. So what we've got to do is to be as careful as possible but to get the road back in use as rapidly as we can. We'll spare no effort, we'll spare no expense to do that, I can assure you.

Question: Do you have any plan to visit the district within a few days?

Governor: I'll be talking after the Secretary for Works' visit tomorrow. I'll be talking to him. If he and I think it would be useful to visit Tuen Mun again, for me to visit Tuen Mun again, I'll certainly do so. I was there not very long ago. If it would be useful rather than impeding the work that's got to be done on the Highway, then I'll do that.

Question: The District Board members have requested you to visit the district.

Governor: Unfortunately, my visit to the district might not be quite as useful as the visit of structural engineers. But if it would serve any purpose, I'll certainly go. But what I want first of all is to hear direct from James Blake, the Secretary for Works, tomorrow about the work that's being done and the work that needs to be done.

Question: Mr Hanley, what is your personal view on the Preparatory Committee to be set up and how would the British Government assist that?

Minister: It's an extremely important development. What I'm here for is to listen to the Governor and to discover what he feels of the likely possibilities in the future to prepare for whatever might happen. I'm certain that China will recognise the value both to China and to Hong Kong and the great quality of people here in Hong Kong should be used for the future. I therefore look forward to meeting those people and I hope that I would be agreeing with the Governor's the quality of those who help to run Hong Kong now and I hope in the future.

Question: Mr Hanley, how do you comment on the appointment of Mr Jiang Enzhu as the new ambassador to Britain?

Minister: I have just heard of that myself. If that appointment is confirmed, then indeed there will be a very experienced and wise negotiator who will be present in London to help the negotiations for the coming few months.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Governor discusses VM issue with visiting US Congressman ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, met the visiting US Congressman, Mr Chris Smith, this (Friday) morning and discussed various issues relating to Vietnamese migrants (VMs).

During the meeting, Mr Smith learnt that Hong Kong has since 1975 provided refuge to almost 200,000 asylum seekers from Vietnam and none of the boats arriving Hong Kong shores has ever been turned away.

The territory has spent almost US$900 million on the matter since 1979, in addition to a debt amounting to US$130 million owed to Hong Kong by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Under the Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA), to which the US is a party, all Vietnamese who have undergone the status determination process and found to be refugees should be resettled overseas and those found to be non-refugees should return to Vietnam.

It was explained to Mr Smith that the screening system in Hong Kong was designed together with the UNHCR, who has full access to the screening procedures.

The system consists of two tiers: a first instance screening by Immigration Officers in accordance with the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees 1951 and its 1967 Protocol. Those who have been screened out may then appeal to the Refugee Status Review Board, whose decision is final.

Checks and balances are built into the system. For example, the migrants were fully informed of the screening procedures and were provided with legal and other counselling services by the UNHCR during the whole screening process. The system is constantly reviewed and improved upon, taking into account suggestions by the UNHCR and non-govemment organisations.

The screening procedures have also been the subject of detailed scrutiny by the Law Courts of Hong Kong in a number of cases, and have been found to be reasonable and fair. There has been no accusation whatsoever of corruption of any kind of the screening procedures in Hong Kong.

The procedures are further safeguarded by the safety net of the UNHCR mandate. All negative decisions are reviewed by the UNHCR who may exercise its international mandate and grant refugee status to any migrant if it disagrees with the decision. The UNCHR has exercised its mandate to some 1,540 cases out of a total of about 48,600 screened out cases.

Screening of all the Vietnamese in Hong Kong was completed in October last year.

As for recent allegations that there is a pre-set quota for screening in refugees in Hong Kong, Mr Smith was told that there is absolutely no truth in these allegations and that there is no reason why the Government should do so. As Hong Kong is not a place for resettlement, it would have been in Hong Kong's interest to screen in everyone and push the burden of resettlement to other countries, it was explained.

On the cunent situation in Hong Kong, Mr Smith learnt that there are now about 1,500 refugees in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement. The major issue, however, is the return of 21,000 non-refugees.

Hong Kong prefers to return the VMs through the Voluntary Return Programme operated by the UNHCR but it is obvious that this has to be complemented by the Orderly Repatriation Programme. Over 12,000 VMs returned voluntarily in 1992 and 1993.

Voluntary return, however, dropped in March this year on the eve of the Sixth CPA Steering Committee meeting. After the meeting, at which simplified procedures of clearing the return of the VMs were agreed and were since implemented progressively, over 800 VMs signed up for voluntary return in April and early May.

A majority of these volunteers, however, withdrew from the voluntary return programme when they heard in mid-May about proposals in the US Congress concerning a chance of rescreening. New applications for voluntary repatriation have since dropped to only a handful.

The uncertainty generated by the proposals has clearly engendered a wait-and-see attitude among the Vietnamese. This runs counter to the effort by all parties to bring the VM issue to an honourable ending. The uncertainty should be removed as quickly as possible so that the CPA can be concluded as soon as possible.

Accompanied by the acting Refugee Co-ordinator, Mr Gordon Leung, Mr Smith visited the High Island Detention Centre in the afternoon. Mr Smith was briefed by the management of the Centre and was shown the livelihood of the VMs.

He saw that the VMs lead a community lifestyle, not in prison cells, and are provided with all necessities such as food, medical and dental care, education and other social services. They also have access to television and radio, and there is little restriction on mail or visits.

The UNHCR also operates information centres where information on the latest developments in Vietnam, such as publications and video tapes from Vietnam and overseas, are freely available.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Safety net already in place for the needy and unemployed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong has already had a well-established safety net in place to help those who are in need of financial assistance, including the unemployed.

The existing employment legislation also provides a number of benefits and protection to workers who lost their jobs, said Mr Joseph W P Wong, who has today (Friday) assumed the post of Secretary for Education and Manpower. Speaking at a media session, Mr Wong said he noted that some trade unions had called for the setting up of an unemployment relief assistance scheme.

In response, he explained that workers had already been provided with benefits and protection under the Employment Ordinance, including wages in lieu of notice, contractual end-of-year payment, and severance/long service payments.

Stressing the Government's serious concerns on the unemployment situation, Mr Wong said the Labour Department and the Social Welfare Department were working closely to offer employment service to the unemployed workers and advise them of their entitlements under the Employment Ordinance.

Under normal circumstances, one month's salary is paid in lieu of notice. Workers who have two years' service and are made redundant are qualified for severance payment. Those who have five years' service and are dismissed for reasons other than redundancy are entitled to long service payments. The rate of severance payment or long service payments is two-thirds of the monthly wages for each year of service.

In case the employer is insolvent, workers can get such payments from the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.

For those unemployed persons who might need financial assistance, officers from the two departments will assist them to apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) which comprises not only standard rates to meet basic needs such as food and clothing but also a wide range of special grants to meet specific needs of individuals.

The average monthly CSSA payment now ranges from $2,650 for a one-person household to $8,210 for a four-person household.

All unemployed persons are eligible for CSSA so long as the value of their assets does not exceed the prescribed limit (for cash savings: $26,650 for a single person household and $17,750 for each member of a family) and their income is less than their CSSA entitlement.

Also, there is no need for the applicant to satisfy any qualifying period of unemployment in order to be eligible for CSSA.

Meanwhile, CSSA recipients are encouraged to earn income through work with a view to moving towards self-sufficiency.

To provide an incentive to work, a CSSA recipient's monthly earnings can be disregarded up to a maximum of $1,210 in the calculation of his CSSA entitlement. For certain CSSA recipients who get full-time jobs, their first month income will also be disregarded.

Mr Wong said the Administration's first priority was to help the workers who had lost their jobs to be employed again quickly.

"To this end, the Local Employment Service (LMS) of the Labour Department has been enhanced with the introduction of the Job Matching Programme (JMP) in April this year and this service is available in all nine LMS offices throughout the territory.

"So far, the success rate has been encouraging and we have already found jobs for over 800 job seekers under the programme," he said.

In addition, special outreach teams of the Labour Department are providing on the spot assistance and advice to workers affected by retrenchment.

Another priority area was to ensure that workers possessed the skills to re-enter or remain in the workforce through retraining schemes, Mr Wong said

He pointed out that unemployed workers were given priority in enrolling in retraining courses and the Government was working with employers to set up tailor-made courses to retrain people to fill actual vacancies. "We understand that 1,100 retrainees were successfully placed in the month of July," he noted.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Legislation to promote equal opportunity * * ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong has taken a number of major steps forward in terms of legislation in 1995 to promote equal opportunity and integration into the community for people with a disability.

This is stated by the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Ian Strachan, when he attended the 4th International Abilympics Conference at Perth, Australia, today (Friday).

Delivering a speech on "Anti-discrimination and Equal Opportunity", Mr Strachan said the Hong Kong Government fully subscribed to the principle that people with a disability should enjoy the same basic rights as other members of the community.

"We fully recognise the importance and need to develop legislation in areas such as establishment and safeguarding of human rights; measures to permit full participation by people with a disability; and measures to provide for equalisation of opportunities for all vulnerable groups in community life," he said.

On planned changes in legislation to help persons of intellectual impairment give evidence in court, Mr Strachan said these new measures included the use of Cantonese in court proceedings; special procedures at the trial, for example, judges and lawyers would wear ordinary clothes instead of their usual robes; the giving of evidence by means of a television link; and the use of video recording of statements which can be used as evidence in court.

"In addition, we have completed a review of our Mental Health Ordinance and are drafting proposed amendments to it," he said.

”Our primary aim is to improve the rights and well-being of people with mental handicap and mental illness.”

Mr Strachan said new measures included the setting up of a Guardianship Board to make independent decisions on issues related to guardianship for mentally incapacitated adults; additional provisions on the management of property and financial affairs of mentally handicapped and mentally ill persons; as well as new provisions on consent to medical and dental treatment.

"All these, I am sure, will go a long way towards bringing people with a disability more fully into the community," he said.

Turning to the Disability Discrimination Ordinance which was passed in July, Mr Strachan said it provided a legal means for people with a disability, as well as for their families and carers, a comprehensive system of redress in areas of life in which they might face discrimination, harassment or vilification.

"These areas include employment; education; transport; access to buildings and services; and participation in partnerships, professional organisations, clubs and sports.

"Our aim in drawing up the legislation was to strike a balance between the interests of people with disability and the community as a whole," he said.

Mr Strachan said the provisions of the Ordinance would be enforced by the courts and the Equal Opportunities Commission which would be set up in early 1996.

"The Equal Opportunities Commission will propose Codes of Practice for each sector so that all parties involved will have practical guidelines to follow regarding how they are expected to behave," he said.

"In drawing up these codes, the Commission will consult groups representing people with a disability and the sector concerned."

Apart from the legislative measures, Mr Strachan said the Government released in June the White Paper on Rehabilitation which was a policy document setting out a comprehensive picture of current services and the future direction for the development of rehabilitation policy.

"We believe that this two-pronged approach of developing legislation and policy for people with a disability is vitally important in promoting rights and wellbeing," he added.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Civil Service Branch on the Internet *****

More than 38 million global users of the world-wide communication system Internet will have the access to the latest information from the Civil Service Branch from today (Friday) under a joint project of the Branch and the University of Hong Kong. Information contained in CSB's Home Page on the Internet's World Wide Web includes government job vacancies, facts and policy issues of the Branch and news for the pensioners.

At a demonstration session, the Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service Branch, Mr Chris Jackson, said he expected the prospective applicants of Civil Service posts both in Hong Kong and overseas would find the service very useful.

"We see the Internet as another excellent way of improving our communication with colleagues and the public. It will also be a means of keeping retired civil servants in touch with us," Mr Jackson said.

The Civil Service Branch Home Page will be updated regularly and it also provides a facility for users to communicate directly with the Branch through E-mail in its "Feedback and Suggestion Box".

The Civil Service Branch Home Page is at http://www.hku.hk/hkgcsb.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Two Civil Service Salaries Commission members re-appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government announced today (Friday) that the Governor had re-appointed Mr David W Gairns and Mrs Janie Kaung Lai-chun as members of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service.

The appointments are for a term of two years with effect from October 1, 1995.

Both Mr Gaims and Mrs Kaung have served on the Standing Commission for two years.

Chaired by Sir Sidney Gordon, the Standing Commission advises the Government on the principles and practices governing the pay and conditions of service of the non-directorate civil service other than the disciplined services. Other members include Mr Alexander Au Siu-kee, Dr Wilfred Chan Siu-yuen, Mr Nicholas Chiu Sai-chuen, Mr Lo King-man, Mr David A Morris, Mr Tang Kwai-nang and Professor Robert Ian Tricker.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Operation smooth for Citybus new routes ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Transport Department has set up a special team to monitor the transfer of the 14 routes this (Friday) morning from China Motor Bus to Citybus.

Observers have been deployed to various strategic locations to monitor the operation of both Citybus and CMB.

A spokesman for the Transport Department said: "We have monitored the transfer of these routes and other services by Citybus as well as the operation of CMB starting 5.30 am and through the morning peak hours, so far, they have been operating smoothly and according to their schedules despite the adverse weather.

"There were no long queues observed at bus stops along the new Citybus routes.

"Up to now (as at 9 am) both Citybus and CMB are performing to the required standards.

"The department will deploy survey staff to continue monitor the situation later today and in the coming week to evaluate their performance."

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Day schools to remain closed tomorrow ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Education Department announced today (Friday) that all day schools will remain closed tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

A department spokesman attributed this to an arrangement whereby bisessional schools attend classes on alternate Saturdays.

"As schools are closed today, students of bisessional schools at the start of the school year will not know whether it is their turn to attend school tomorrow, which is Saturday," the spokesman said. "To avoid confusion and difficulties caused to parents, all day schools will remain closed tomorrow morning.

"In reaching the decision, the Education Department has also taken into account traffic situation and the safety of students."

The spokesman said that all schools will resume normal classes on Monday (September 4).

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Teacher Recruitment Information Office stands down ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Education Department’s Teacher Recruitment Information Office (TRIO) stands down today (Friday) as schools have all the teachers in place and are ready for the start of a new school year.

An Education Department spokesman said the TRIO was activated every year between around March and the end of August to help teachers looking for a teaching appointment as well as schools that needed new teachers.

During its period of operation this year, the TRIO attracted 5,194 applications.

Among the applicants, 2,997 are degree holders and 1,126 graduates from the Hong Kong Institute of Education or previous colleges of education. A total of 514 have obtained diplomas from approved post-secondary colleges. To facilitate schools to employ supply teachers to fill vacancies arising during the school year, the TRIO has set up two databases.

The first database contains information about applicants who had indicated in TRIO'S questionnaire that they were willing to serve as supply teachers or to fill vacancies arising during the school year. The second database contains data about applicants whom the TRIO is not sure whether they are prepared to become supply teachers.

Schools are encouraged to fully utilise the databases which are available at the Education Department's district education offices and the department's Special Education section.

The spokesman thanked applicants who have shown interest in joining the teaching profession as well as schools for their readiness in making use of the rich pool of manpower resources contained in TRIO's databank.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

OZP amended for housing development *****

The Town Planning Board today (Friday) announced amendments to the draft Fanling/Sheung Shui Outline Zoning Plan (No. S/FSS/4).

The major amendment to the draft plan is to rezone an area in Area 49, Fanling South from "Industrial" to "Residential (Group A)" for a public rental housing cum Home Ownership Scheme development of 3,500 flats, and to "Govemment/Institution/Community" for the development of educational, health and welfare facilities.

A piece of land to the east of Tin Sum Temporary Housing Area in Area 47 has also been rezoned from "Open Space" to "Residential (Group A)" for private residential development.

The amendment plan (No. S/FSS/5) is available for public inspection until September 22 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, New Territories; and

* North District Office,

third floor, North District Government Offices,

3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, New Territories.

Any person affected by the amendment plan can submit written objection to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board, c/o Planning Department, 13th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road before September 22.

Copies of the amendment plan can be bought from the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, and Kowloon Map Sales Office, 382 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Tenders invited for marine vessel service building *****

The Architectural Services Department is inviting tenders for the construction of a three-storey marine vessel service building with a gross floor area of about 500 square metres at the Marine Police West Division Base in Tai Lam Chung. Facilities to be built include three covered vessel bays, an electrical and mechanical workshop, a storage area, an office and a fitness training room.

Works are expected to start in December for completion in a year.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Architectural Services Department, 34th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway.

Tender offers will close at noon on September 29.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

District Offices to organise election forums

*****

Seven District Offices of the Home Affairs Department will organise election forums to promote the 1995 Legislative Council Elections tomorrow (Saturday).

To enable voters to have a better understanding of the platforms of candidates running in their constituencies, the forums mainly comprise self-introductions by candidates, and question-and-answer sessions and floor discussions involving the public.

Details of the forums are:

Constituency Time Venue Candidate

Hong Kong Island South 3 pm Pui Tak Canossian Primary School, 180 Aberdeen Main Road, Aberdeen Yeung Sum Cheng Kai-nam

New Territories South 2 pm Shek Wai Kok Community Hall, Shek Wai Kok Estate, Tsuen Wan Lam Chi-leung Sin Chung-kai Hui Chiu-fai

Kowloon Central 3 pm Assembly Hall, Centenary Bradbury Centre, Holy Trinity Church, 135 Ma Tau Wai Road, Kowloon City Tsang Yok-sing, Jasper Liu Sing-lee

Kowloon South-west 3 pm Henry G Leong Community Centre, 60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei To Kun-sun, James Chung Yee-fong, Helen Wong Kwok-tung Sit Ho-yin, Kingsley

New Territories North-east

3 pm

Tai Po Civic Centre, Tai Wo Road, l ai Po

Cheung Hok-ming Lee Peng-fei, Allen

Cheung Wing-fai Law Yuk-kai

New Territories 4 pm

East

Sha Tin Central Park Outside Sha Tin Town Hall, Sha Tin

Emily Lau Lau Kong-wah, Ray

Hong Kong

Island

Central

5 pm

Southom Playground. Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

Lam Pei, Peggy Loh Kung-wai, Christine

Attention News Editors:

Media representatives are invited to cover the election forums.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Polling starts at Trade Department - for best staff awards *****

Polling started today (Friday) at the Trade Department as users of its services voted for the staff members who in their eyes should win the department's best staff awards.

A spokesman for the department said the month-long election aimed at promoting the department's performance pledge and reinforcing the awareness of a "client-based" culture.

"Apart from promoting their team spirit and co-operation, it also gives recognition and encouragement to the staff who have been consistently providing meritorious services to the public," he said. Sponsored by the Textile Council of Hong Kong, election for the best staff awards will end on September 30. Staff members of the Trade Department and their relatives may not vote.

Awards will go to the top five officers and two divisions with the highest numbers of votes.

Voting forms can be obtained at Bl, ground, mezzanine, second, third, eighth and 17th floors of the Trade Department Tower at 700, Nathan Road, Kowloon. . Completed forms can be either put into ballot boxes on these floors or sent by fax on 2396 9899.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Update on landslip incidents associated with typhoon Kent ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Geotechnical Engineering Office's (GEO) Emergency Control Centre of the Civil Engineering Department has received 10 reports of landslips between 1 pm yesterday and 4.30 pm today (Friday).

Of these, nine have affected roads and one occurred behind a squatter hut. Most of the incidents involved very small movements of soil or rock and there were no casualties.

Of the incidents, five occurred in the New Territories, one in Kowloon, three on Hong Kong Island and one on Lantau Island.

Up to 4 pm today about 130 mm of rainfall were recorded over the most part of the territory since noon yesterday. More than 200 mm fell in the Tsuen Wan-Sha Tin area.

The GEO Emergency Control Centre was manned at 1 pm yesterday and was stepped down at 4.30 pm today.

Four emergency teams were mobilised to respond to incident reports. Geotechnical engineers inspected the landslide sites and provided advice to other departments with regard to remedial measures. The landslip warning was in force from 6 pm yesterday until 4.30 pm today.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Six landslip incidents associated with typhoon Kent ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Geotechnical Engineering Office's (GEO) Emergency Control Centre of the Civil Engineering Department has received six reports of landslips between 1 pm yesterday and 9 am today (Friday).

Of these, five have affected roads and one occurred behind a squatter hut.. No casualties were reported so far.

Of the incidents, three occurred in the New Territories, one in Kowloon, one on Hong Kong Island and one on Lantau Island. . • i .

Up to 9 am today about 130 millimetres of rainfall were recorded at the Royal Observatory since noon yesterday. More than 120 mm fell over the most part of the territory during the same period. Locally more than 180 mm fell in parts of Hong Kong Island and in the Tsuen Wan-Sha Tin area.

Since the GEO Emergency Control Centre was first manned at 1 pm yesterday, the GEO has mobilised four emergency teams to respond to incident reports. The landslip warning has been in force since 6 pm yesterday.

... ... ,, End/Friday, September 1, 1995

No mail services during Mid-Autumn Festival ♦ * * ♦ ♦

The acting Postmaster General, Miss Nancy Law, announced today (Friday) that there would be no mail delivery during the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 9).

All post offices will be closed on that day.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Fresh water cuts in Eastern and Southern districts

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Fresh water supply to some premises in the Eastern district will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Monday (September 4) to 6 am the following day to facilitate water mains leakage detection. *

The suspension will affect all the premises at 335-391 King's Road, 55-113 and 62-128 Chun Yeung Street, 21-75 and 26-68 Java Road, 64-132 Wharf Road, 2-16 North Point Road and 5-25 Tong Shui Road.

Meanwhile, fresh water supply to some premises in the Southern district will also be temporarily cut off from 10 pm on Tuesday (September 5) to 6 am the next day to facilitate waterworks.

The affected areas will include Chung Hom Kok Road, Cape Road, Cape Drive, Ching Sau Lane, Horizon Drive, Headland Road, South Bay Road, Beach Road, South Bay Close, Belleview Drive, 32-52 and 33-55 Island Road as well as 28-110 and 47-129 Repulse Bay Road.

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Lmillion Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,095 0930 +118

Closing balance in the account 1,186 1000 +118

Change attributable to : 1100 +109

Money market activity +98 1200 +108

LAF today -7 1500 +98

1600 +98

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.2 *-0.1 ♦ 1.9.95

- 20

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.81 2 years 2708 6.06 100.05 6.12

1 month 5.79 3 years 3807 6.16 99.47 6.46

3 months 5.79 5 years 5006 6.60 98.61 7.06

6 months 12 months 5.81 5.85 5 years M501 7.90 101.73 7.59 .

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $16,236 million

Closed September 1, 1995

End/Friday, September 1, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, September 2,1995

Contents Page No,

Modified temporary traffic arrangements for Tuen Mun Road............... 1

The Regiment deserves honours: the Governor............................. 2

ED appeals to schools for co-operation.................................. 3

Election forums to promote LegCo elections.............................. 4

Mid-Autumn Festival holiday reminder.................................... 5

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 6

Sunday, September 3,1995

Contents Page No.

The Governor's "Letter to Hong Kong".................................... 7

Modified temporary traffic arrangements for Tuen Mun Road.............. 10

School heads urged to observe guidelines on LegCo election............. 13

New hotline on candidates' information................................. 14

DSD sets higher targets for performance pledge...................... 15

Land Registry opens new sub-office in Sai Wan Ho....................... 16

Modified temporary traffic arrangements for Tuen Mun Road ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Transport Department announces today (Saturday) that following a review of the temporary traffic arrangements on the first day on the closure of Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Sham Tseng, the Siu Lam Interchange and Sham Tseng Interchange have already been opened for all vehicles on Tuen Mun Road NT-bound proceeding to Castle Peak Road from yesterday evening.

Motorists on Castle Peak Road can also use Sham Tseng interchange to proceed to Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound for Tsuen Wan.

Prohibited zones for all vehicles except buses (franchised and non-franchised) and public light buses from 6.30 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 7.30 pm daily except Sundays and public holidays are in force. They are:

(1) Castle Peak Road between Hoi Wing Road, Sam Shing Hui and Hoi On Road, Tsuen Wan.

(2) Hoi On Road from Castle Peak Road to Hoi Hing Road.

Motorists living along Castle Peak Road are allowed to use the road to leave the prohibited zones at any time, but they are banned from entering the zones from Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun during prohibited period, except via the Siu Lam and Sham Tseng Interchanges. Therefore, they are strongly advised to use public transport and to travel early.

The following special public transport services will also be arranged:

Ferry services:

(1) Tuen Mun - Central service will be strengthened with first departure from Tuen Mun at 6.30 am.

(2) A special Tuen Mun - Tsuen Wan ferry service will be provided at 10-15- minute headway with first departure from Tuen Mun at 6.30 am.

(3) Ferry services below are suspended :

(a) Tsuen Wan - Central via Tsing Yi (because of the low passenger demand, the service between Tsing Yi and Tsuen Wan will be withdrawn)

- 2 -

(b) Tsim Sha Tsui - Mui Wo

(i) Special bus services:

♦ Route 60P between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Sheung Shui KCR Station with first departure from Tuen Mun at 6.30 am.

<•

* Route 39S between Tsuen Wan Ferry and Tsuen Wan MTR Station with first departure from Tsuen Wan Ferry at 7.15 am.

(ii) Existing routes are strengthened : " '*

♦ Route 276 between Tin Shui Wai and Sheung Shui

♦ Route 64K between Yuen Long and Tai Po ’ ■«

♦ Other routes between Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing as necessary.

MTR, KCR and LRT services will be enhanced as necessary. J '»

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995

The Regiment deserves honours: the Governor < ’ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) has earned honours to its dedication of service to Hong Kong, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said.

Speaking at the Disbandment Parade of the Regiment today (Saturday), the Governor said the Regiment had given people the opportunity to show thanks through service for what Hong Kong had given them and had rewarded them with friendships.

He said it had also provided many people training in co-operation and leadership as well as resilience and comradeship.

While praising those who demonstrated most openly their dedication to Hong Kong by defending the territory in 1941, Mr Patten said the Volunteers who had served in the years of peace had not been content to live on the reputation of their forebears.

Throughout the years, the Regiment had devoted its service to handling the arrival of the Vietnamese, serving at the border and providing assistance in times of emergency; he added.

"You have earned honours worthy to stand beside the honours won in battle," the Governor said.

"The Royal Hong Kong Regiment, the Volunteers, passes away, but the memory will live with each of you who have served and the memory will live for as long as there are men and women who take pride in the history of this city."

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995 ji 4 • • . * '

ED appeals to schools for co-operation ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A letter will be issued to all school heads on Monday (September 4) to appeal for their co-operation in applying the school rules flexibly on punctuality in case their students are late during the closure of the Kowloon-bound lanes of Tuen Mun Road, an Education Department spokesman said today (Saturday).

District education officers will repeat this appeal to school management during their school visits starting next week.

The spokesman assures parents that their children would not be penalised if they are late for school because of such exceptional circumstances.

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995

Election forums to promote LegCo elections

*****

District offices of the Home Affairs Department will organise eight election forums tomorrow (Sunday) to promote the forthcoming Legislative Council Elections.

To enable voters to have a better understanding of the candidates running in their respective geographical constituencies, the forums will consist of three parts which are the self-introduction by candidates, question-and-answer sessions and floor discussions involving the audience.

Members of the public are welcome to attend these forums.

Details of the arrangements are:

Constituency lime Venue Candidates

Kowloon North-east 2 pm Assembly Hall, Fung Tak Estate Community Centre, Wong Tai Sin Chan Yuen-han Mak Hoi-wah

Kowloon South 2 pm 6/F, Auxiliary Medical Services Headquarters, 81 Princess Margaret Road, Ho Man Tin Wong Siu-yee Lau Chin-shek

New Territories Central 2 pm Priness Alexandra Community Centre, Tai Wo Ho Road, Tsuen Wan Chan Wai-yip, Albert Tam Tai-on Ng Wai-kwong

New Territories North-west 3 pm Atrium, Yuen Long Plaza, Yuen Long Tang Siu-tong Wong Wai-yin, Zachary

Kowloon South-east 3 pm Podium, Tak Tin Estate, Lam Tin, Kwun Tong Li Wah-ming Tam Yiu-chung

New Territories South-east 3 pm Heng On Community Hall, Ma On Shan, Sha Tin Wan Hon-cheung, William Wong Wang-fat, Andrew Ko Ping-chung, Harold

Hong Kong Island East 8 pm Theatre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan Choy So-yuk Lee Chu-ming, Martin

New Territories North 8 pm Atrium, Wah Ming Estate, Fanling Cheung Hon-chung Wong Sing-chi

Attention News Editors:

Media representatives are invited to cover the election forums.

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995

Mid-Autumn Festival holiday reminder ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The Labour Department today (Saturday) reminded employers that the MidAutumn Festival day (September 9) is one of the 11 statutory holidays for employees.

Under the Employment Ordinance, the statutory holiday for Mid-Autumn Festival should be the day following the festival. However, if the day following the festival was a Sunday, then the statutory holiday should fall on the Mid-Autumn Festival day.

According to the Ordinance, all employees, irrespective of their wage levels, are entitled to statutory holidays and must be paid for the day off if they have worked continuously for the same employer for three months or longer before the statutory holiday.

Holiday pay should be equivalent to an employee's earnings on a full working day and should include basic wages as well as allowances that can be expressed in money terms such as meals and cost of living allowances.

Where the earnings vary from day to day, holiday pay should be the average daily earnings during every complete wage period, which could be between 28 and 31 days, preceding the holiday.

If an employee is required to work on a statutory holiday, he must be given an alternative day off within 60 days before or after that day.

Enquiries about statutory holidays may be made at the Labour Department's General Enquiry Telephone Service on 2717 1771.

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

^Million Time (Hours) Cumulative Change (SMillion)

Opening Balance in the account 1,186 09:30 -125

Closing Balance in the account 1,561 10:00 -125

Change Attributable to: 11:00 -125

Money Market Activity -125 11:30 -125

LAF Today +500

LAF Rate 4.25% Bid/6.25% Offer TWI 122.1 *-0.1* 2.9.95

End/Saturday, September 2, 1995

The Governor's "Letter to Hong Kong" ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Following is the full text of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong's "Letter to Hong Kong" today (Sunday):

Last week was an important one for Hong Kong. Important. Historic. Moving.

We commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Hong Kong.

Was that an event to mark? To remember?

Some people say not. Forget the past, they say. Don't look back. Get on with building the future.

I don't agree.

Those who made our past, made our present and our future, too. They deserve to be remembered. And thanked.

We can learn from them, as well. Remember what they did. Why they did it. That can give us a greater sense of direction - and a greater sense of our duties and responsibilities - today.

We shouldn't seek to dwell in the past, in the twilight world of memories. But we certainly shouldn't forget.

And what were we remembering?

Well, the heroism - for a start - of those who died in the defence and liberation of Hong Kong. Young. Old. Servicemen and women. Civilians.

We were remembering those from all over the world - Britain, Canada, India, Australia - as well as those from home who died for freedom.

We remembered the miseries the whole community suffered during the War. Those interned and those outside the camps. The internees at Argyle Street and . Stanley, North Point and Sham Shui Po. Those who died of starvation. Those who were deported. Those whose villages in the New Territories were flattened. Those who had to bum school books and furniture to cook and stay warm in winter.

And last we remembered those who sailed to Hong Kong to liberate us, and stayed to help begin the job of rebuilding Hong Kong.

Rebuilding a community which was over the coming years to open its arms to wave after wave of refugees from dark events in China.

So we celebrated a remarkable story of human heroism and tenacity. A story which should inspire. Does it inspire us? It certainly inspired those who had come back to Hong Kong - some for the first time in 50 years - to take part in the services, the ceremonies and the receptions.

It was interesting talking to them. The retired nurse who had tried to save another woman's baby - and who met that mother, now well on in years, by astonishing accident across the drinks and the nuts of a British Legion reception. The widows visiting, 50 years on, the graves of young husbands in the typhoon season's driving rain. The old soldiers who recalled where they'd tried to hold the line. The retired education officer, now wheel-chair bound, who talked about the work of the civil service in getting Hong Kong back on its feet after all that bloody horror.

But what interested me most was what those brave survivors had to say about the present, not the past.

Some were back for the first time, literally agog. Others had made a return trip from time to time but were still amazed by the progress since their last visit. The buildings. The cars. The reclamation. The bustle. The way people dressed. The hospitals. The housing. The MTR. The universities. The smell of the harbour, true -but also the smell of success.

Would you, could you, have believed it 50 years ago? Of course not. 10 years ago? Well, hardly then either.

Given the chance by all those heroes, given the freedom, given the opportunity to work and excel in an open society under the rule of law, just look at what's been achieved.

Not easily. Every so often there's been some new volcanic event on our doorstep to survive. Every so often some new so-called crisis of confidence to live through.

But Hong Kong has coped. Hong Kong people have built this city - believing in themselves, believing that men and women can make things better, can create a decent society, given half a chance. That's the sort of self-confidence we need for the future.

There are problems, uncertainties on the horizon. Worries about 1997. About the transition. Worries about the continuing rise in unemployment. About the slowdown in our growth, a slow-down of half a per cent to what I heard someone the other day - he can’t have been in Europe or America recently - call only five per cent.

But we can keep our economy pounding away - creating jobs, creating opportunities, creating real wealth for everyone - if we hold on to the economic fundamentals that have made Hong Kong one of the wonders of the world. Open markets. Sound public finances. Low taxes. Clean government.

I’m determined that the economy that I hand on to my successor in 1997 will be as strongly placed as possible to take continuing advantage of the economic revolution which is sweeping through Asia.

We need to be self-confident about our more fundamental values as well.

Do people admire us just because of the skyscrapers, the classy shops, the export figures? No - they admire us because of all the signs and attributes of a decent, civilised society.

Impartial justice. Professions. Churches. Voluntary organisations. Free speech. A government that has to account for itself. And, yes, open, public, political debate - conducted, let it be said, in a remarkably moderate way.

We're seeing that, just now, in the election campaign for the new Legislative Council. Those elections will be the most democratic - just as Hong Kong was promised would happen in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law - the most democratic in our history.

And will they be, as some suggest, the last free elections in Hong Kong? Of course, they won’t. Just look around you at the people of Hong Kong. And look around other countries too. That idea is absurd.

When 1 was talking to one old veteran last week -he'd lost friends here, and in camps elsewhere - 1 asked him what thoughts he would take away from here. He paused for a moment, and then looked out of the plate glass window of the hotel reception room where we were talking, looked out towards Happy Valley and the high rises and the hills beyond.

"Well", he said, "it speaks for itself really. I'm glad it was all worth it."

Awful, dreadful, as it was, fighting and sacrificing for freedom was worth it.

Freedom, as the memorial says, is never free, but make the most of it and you repay the sacrifice.

So I guess that the best memory of last week, the one that should last, is the knowledge that saluting the past is the best way of giving a thumbs-up to the future. Especially, perhaps, here in Hong Kong.

End/Sunday, September3, 1995

Modified temporary traffic arrangements for Tuen Mun Road *****

The Transport Department announces today (Sunday) that modified temporary traffic and public transport arrangements for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long will be in place tomorrow (Monday).

Some changes in traffic management will be introduced tomorrow following a decision to re-open one traffic lane in the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road between Tuen Mun and Siu Lam.

One lane along Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound will be open to buses, light buses and nanny vans only up to the Sham Tseng Interchange. To make this arrangement possible, the New Territorics-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road between Siu Lam and Sham Tseng will be used for two-way traffic. Castle Peak Road will be re-opened to two-way traffic.

Details of the revised arrangements are as follows:

(1) Castle Peak Road will be re-opened to all traffic in both directions.

(2) Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound between Wong Chu Road and Sham Tseng Interchange, including the Kowloon-bound slip road from Wong Chu Road will be designated as a prohibited zone for all vehicles except buses, nanny vans and light buses from 6 am to 9 pm daily except Sundays and public holidays.

(3) The off-side lane of Tuen Mun Road between Pui To Road slip road and Tuen Hing Road slip road will be designated as a bus and light buses only lane from 6 am to 9 pm daily except Sundays and public holidays.

(4) The Siu Lam and Sham Tseng Interchanges will remain open to all vehicles on Tuen Mun Road NT-bound.

(5) The NT-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road between Siu Lam and Sham Tseng will revert to two-way operation with the middle lane serving as a buffer. The speed limit in this section will be reduced to 50 km per hour.

(6) The Sha Po roundabout has been widened to facilitate vehicle passage.

(7) Special traffic arrangements will be carried out at Au Tau roundabout on the New Territories Circular Road. Turning movements at this roundabout are prohibited except:

* right turn on southbound and left turn on westbound at Au Tau Roundabout;

* left turn on southbound for NT Circular Road to Kam Tin Road at Au Tau Roundabout;

* straight ahead on eastbound for Kam Tin Road to Yuen Long at Au Tau Roundabout.

The above revised traffic arrangements are made after taking into account the views of both the Yuen Long and Tuen Mun District Boards.

Despite these arrangements, the Kowloon-bound traffic is expected to be very congested.

Members of the public are strongly advised to make good use of public transport instead of using their vehicles to help ease the load on congested roads in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long areas.

If needed, private vehicles should pse Tolo Highway and Route TWSK. (two-lane two-way traffic is now in place) to travel between Tsuen Wan-urban Kowloon and Tuen Mun-Yuen Long. They should also start their journey early to avoid heavy traffic. Highways Department has made special effort to fill up all road openings in the area.

The Transport Department and the Police will closely monitor the situation and make necessary modifications. The Police will step up enforcement and provide traffic directions on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Education Department has issued a letter to all school heads to appeal for their co-operation in applying the school rules flexibly on punctuality in case their students are late during the closure of the Kowloon-bound lanes of Tuen Mun Road.

To further assist residents in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, the following special public transport services will be in place:

Ferry services:

(1) The Tuen Mun-Central catamaran service, currently with three vessels, will be strengthened by the addition of seven vessels, making a total of 10. Service will be provided from 6.30 am to 11.30 am at 12 minute frequency.

(2) The Tuen Mun-Central hoverferry service will be strengthened to provide five-minute frequency during the morning peak. Service hours are from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. To improve the queuing situation at Tuen Mun pier, the hoverferry service will operate from a new pontoon outside Miami Gardens near the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier.

(3) The special Tuen Mun-Tsuen Wan ferry service will continue to be provided at 10-15 minutes frequency between 6.15 am and 9 pm.

(4) The Tuen Mun-Wan Chai hoverferry service and Tsuen Wan-Tsing Yi-Central ferry services will continue to be suspended.

With the above special arrangements, the total capacity of the Tuen Mun ferry services will be increased to over 30,000 passengers during the morning peak period.

Bus services:

(1) The following special bus routes will be provided:

* Route 60P between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Sheung Shui K.CR Station with first departure from Tuen Mun at 6.15 am.

♦ Route 39S between Tsuen Wan Ferry and Tsuen Wan MTR Station with first departure from Tsuen Wan Ferry at 6.45 am.

(2) Existing routes are strengthened.

♦ Route 276 between Tin Shui Wai and Sheung Shui Railway Station at a frequency of four minutes.

♦ Route 64K between Yuen Long and Tai Po Railway Station at a frequency of five minutes.

* Other routes between Tucn Mun and Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing as necessary.

(3) KMB Routes diversion in Tuen Mun:

* On leaving Tuen Mun : KMB Routes 60M, 6OX, 6IX, 62X, 260B, 26IB and 26IM will travel via Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Hoi Chu Road, Hoi Wong Road, Wong Chu Road and Tuen Mun Road.

* On reaching Tuen Mun: KMB Routes 60M. 6OX. 6IX, and 62X will travel via Tuen Mun Road, Tuen Hi Road and Tuen Wui Street in lieu of Tuen Mun Road, Wong Chu Road. Hoi Wong Road. Hoi Chu Road, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Hing Road, Tuen Hi Road and Tuen Wui Street.

KMB will operate an additional 60 or more departures for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long routes subject to traffic conditions. LRT will run a feeder bus service between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier while MTR and KCR services will be enhanced as necessary.

End/Sunday, September 3, 1995

School heads urged to observe guidelines on LegCo election *****

School heads are reminded to observe guidelines issued by the Education Department on participation of school pupils in the election activities of candidates in the September 17 Legislative Council election.

An Education Department spokesman said: "In no circumstances should primary or pre-primary pupils be asked to take part in election activities on behalf of individual candidates.

’’For secondary schools, supervisors and principals are advised to consider carefully the appropriateness of such involvement of their pupils before giving consent.

"They are also advised that prior approval of the school management committee should be obtained."

In cases where approval is given to participation by pupils in such activities, school heads and teachers will be expected to observe the following guidelines:

* participation by secondary school students in election activities on behalf of a candidate must be entirely voluntary;

* for students below the age of 18, the written consent of parents or guardians must be obtained beforehand;

* there should be no disruption of the pupils' education, and in no circumstances should normal lessons be interrupted to enable pupils to take part in such activities; and

* in no circumstances should pupils be asked to take part in activities in areas where they may be subject to various elements of danger, including that arising from traffic.

The above points were highlighted in a school circular issued recently.

"Although pupils should be given every encouragement to take an interest in community affairs and current issues and to form their own opinions on such issues, the Education Department has reservations as to the desirability of pupils of a school being collectively and directly involved in election activities on behalf of any individual candidates, whether or not the candidate is connected with the school as a manager, as a head, or as a teacher," the spokesman said.

"These reservations reflect the basic concern that the education of pupils should not be subject to interference or interruption and that pupils' welfare should be safeguarded."

End/Sunday, September 3, 1995

New hotline on candidates' information *****

Members of the public can now make use of a new election hotline (2891 1400) to obtain information on Legislative Council Election candidates' personal particulars and their platforms.

Introduced for the first time, the telephone service is operated on an interactive voice response system whereby callers can select to listen to information of candidates of their choice by taking a few simple steps.

Callers can choose the recorded message in either Cantonese or English.

The hotline service will be operated round-the-clock until the elections end on September 17.

End/Sunday, September 3, 1995

DSD sets higher targets for performance pledge ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has set higher targets for its performance pledge for 1995-96.

A spokesman for the department said today (Sunday) good results had been achieved for the performance standards set for 1994-95.

”We have achieved an 87 per cent success rate in achieving the performance standards set for dealing with complaints of blocked sewers or drains, and a 96 per cent rate for processing applications for drainage connections' for private developments,” he said.

The spokesman pointed out that the DSD had now set a 90 per cent success rate for dealing with blocked sewers or drains, and a 97 per cent rate for processing applications for drainage connection.

"For written enquiries on sewage charging scheme accounts, we have set two working days as the initial response time," he said.

"It is hoped that we would be able to achieve an 80 per cent success rate for this standard."

Elaborating on the performance standards for complaints of blocked sewers or drains, the spokesman said if a complaint was received between 8 am and noon, an onsite investigation would be carried out on the same day.

For complaints received after noon, investigations would be carried out before noon the following day.

However, the spokesman stressed that urgent cases would be handled as soon as possible.

"The public should note that because of the remoteness of some locations, for instance rural New Territories and outlying islands, a longer response time is to be expected." he added.

"In general, rectifying action will be carried out immediately following investigation work, except where heavy plant has to be mobilised or where site constraints render it impossible to proceed immediately."

The department has published a new pamphlet on its enhanced performance pledges for 1995-96. Copies of the bilingual pamphlet are now available at all District Offices of the Home Affairs Department and DSD headquarters on 43rd floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

End/Sunday, Septembers, 1995

Land Registry opens new sub-office in Sai Wan Ho ♦ ♦ * * ♦

The Land Registry will open a sub-office in Sai Wan Ho tomorrow (Monday).

Located on third floor, Marina House, 68 Hing Man Street, the new office will accommodate the Land Registry’s Owners Incorporation Section which was housed at the Queensway Government Offices.

Services provided at the sub-office include receipt and processing of applications for registration of owners corporations in the urban area; search of registers of owners corporations of the urban area; and search of original plans attached to registered instruments relating to land in the urban area.

Enquiries can be made on tel 2967 1278.

End/Sunday, Septembers, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Monday, September 4,1995

Contents Pagfi.No.

Tuen Mun special traffic arrangements continue....................... 1

Passengers situation of NT West during evening peak hours............ 4

Insider dealing found taken place in investment company.............. 4

Showing of videos to inmates......................................... 7

Listing of Mai Po as Ramsar site..................................... 8

Commercial Radio's licence review report completed................... 9

Forum to seek views on industrial safety............................. 10

Eligibility for secondary teaching post adjusted..................... 11

CSD recruitment centre moved......................................... 12

Leaflet on Sex Discrimination Ordinance now available................ 12

An extremely wet August.............................................. 13

Souvenir cover for stamp and coin expo............................... 14

Water storage figure................................................. 14

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations................. 15

Tuen Mun special traffic arrangements continue *****

The Transport Department announces today (Monday) that the modified traffic and transport arrangements for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long will continue tomorrow (Tuesday).

The main features of the scheme are:

(1) the fast lane of Tuen Mun Road New Territories-bound carriageway between Siu Lam and a point outside Hong Kong Garden is converted to Kowloon-bound traffic while the middle lane of this section serves as a buffer;

(2) Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound between Wong Chu Road and Sham Tseng Interchange is designated a prohibited zone for all vehicles except buses and light buses from 6 am to 9 pm daily except Sundays and public holidays;

(3) Castle Peak Road is re-opened for all traffic in both directions; and

(4) the Siu Lam and Sham Tseng interchanges remain open to all vehicles on Tuen Mun Road New Territories-bound en route to Castle Peak Road.

All public and private light buses, including red minibuses and nanny vans, may use the bus-only Kowloon-bound carriageway on Tuen Mun road during the prohibited period from 6 am to 9 pm daily. Outside this period, all vehicles, except red minibuses, may use the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road.

Private motorists may choose to use route Twisk to and from New Territories west while container vehicles are advised to use Tolo Highway and Shing Mun Tunnel to and from the Container Port.

Buses and ferries between Tuen Mun and the urban areas will have adequate capacities to meet public demand with detailed arrangements as follows:

Ferry Services:

(a) Tuen Mun-Central catamaran service will be provided at 12-minute frequency in the morning peak. The first departure will leave Tuen Mun at 6.30 am.

(b) Tuen Mun-Central hoverferry service will be strengthened to provide 5-minute frequency during the morning peak. Service hours are from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. To improve the queuing situation at Tuen Mun Pier, the hoverferry service will be operated from a new pontoon outside Miami Gardens.

(c) The special Tuen Mun-Tsuen Wan ferry service will continue to operate at 10-15 minutes frequency between 6.15 am and 9 pm.

(d) To provide additional vessels for strengthening of services from Tuen Mun to Central/Tsuen Wan, the following services will continue to be suspended:

♦ Tuen Mun-Wan Chai hoverferry service;

* Tuen Mun-Central-Wan Chai ordinary service;

* Tsuen Wan-Tsing Yi-Central ferry service; and

* Central-Cheung Chau/Mui Wo/Peng Chau hoverferry service.

Bus services:

(a) The following special bus routes will be provided:

* Route 6OP between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Sheung Shui KCR Station with first departure from Tuen Mun at 6.15 am; and

♦ Route 39S between Tsuen Wan Ferry and Tsuen Wan MTR Station with first departure from Tsuen Wan Ferry at 6.45 am.

(b) Existing routes are strengthened:

♦ Route 276 between Tin Shui Wai and Sheung Shui Railway Station at a frequency of four minutes;

♦ Route 64K between Yuen Long and Tai Po Railway Station at a frequency of five minutes; and

* Other routes between Tuen Mun and Tsuen Wan/Kwai Tsing as necessary.

On leaving Tuen Mun:

KMB Routes 60M, 6OX, 6IX, 62X, 260B, 26IB and 26IM will travel via Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Hoi Chu Road. Hoi Wong Road, Wong Chu Road and Tuen Mun Road.

On reaching Tuen Mun:

KMB Routes 60M, 60X, 61X and 62X will travel via Tuen Mun Road, Tuen Hi Road and Tuen Wui Road in lieu of Tuen Mun Road, Wong Chu Road, Hoi Wong Road , Hoi Chu Road, Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Hing Road, Tuen Hi Road and Tuen Wui Street.

KMB will operate an additional 60 or more departures for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long routes subjected to traffic conditions. LRT will run a feeder bus service between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier while MTR and KCR services will be enhanced as necessary.

In response to views recently expressed by district board members, improvements have been made on Yuen Long traffic as follows:

♦ Temporary straightening of Sha Po Roundabout to facilitate traffic heading for NT Circular Road;

♦ LRT Routes 507 and 614 have been strengthened to carry 8,000 more passengers in the morning peak hours this morning;

* About 20 additional signs had been placed around Tuen Mun Pier to facilitate passengers queuing. More directional signs could be installed if needed;

♦ KMB had introduced a special service 39S between Tsuen Wan Ferry and Tsuen Wan MTR Station. The service was operated at a frequency of about seven minutes and had carried 3,600 passengers in the morning peak hours. The service period was observed to be adequate.

End/Monday, September 4. 1995

Passengers situation of NT West during evening peak hours

*****

The Transport Department announces that 56,700 bus and ferry passengers were carried from the urban areas to NT West during today's evening peak hours (between 5 pm and 8 pm). The breakdowns are as follows:

(1) Ferries from Central

(2) Ferries from Tsuen Wan

(3) Buses

about 4,000 about 2,700 about 50,000

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Insider dealing found taken place in investment company

*****

The Insider Dealing Tribunal which has been appointed to inquire into possible insider dealings in the shares of Public International Investments Limited (PUL) has completed its task and has submitted its report to the Financial Secretary.

The Tribunal has concluded that insider dealing in PIIL shares has taken place in December 1992. and has identified three individuals as insider dealers in those shares. It is found that their dealings took place with the benefit of inside information about a proposed take-over of PIIL.

The Tribunal also ordered each insider dealer to pay to the Government the full amount of profit gained by the insider dealing, plus financial penalties and also contributions to the expenses of the Inquiry.

In addition, the Tribunal has ordered that the insider dealers shall not be a director or take part in the management of any listed company for three or four years.

The Tribunal's report is now being printed and a separate announcement will be made in due course when the it is available for public sale.

Following is a brief summary of the Tribunal's report:

Introduction

By notices dated February 7, 1994, and September 1, 1994, respectively, the Financial Secretary required the Insider Dealing Tribunal to institute an inquiry in relation to the listed securities of Public International Investments Ltd (PIIL) to determine:

(a) whether insider dealing has taken place in relation to the listed securities of PIIL during November and December 1992;

(b) the identity of every insider dealer, if any, in those securities; and

insider dealing.

The Tribunal has completed its inquiry and submitted a report to the Financial Secretary on August 8.

The Company

PIIL was originally incorporated as Wai Woo Company Limited in July 1964. In August 1972, the company’s name was changed to Wai Woo Estates and Investments Limited when it was listed. In 1973, the company’s name was further changed to PIIL. In July 1993, after the events with which the Tribunal was concerned, its name was changed to First Shanghai Investments Limited.

PIIL was an investment holding company and its activities covered sharemarket investments, stockbroking, insurance, deposit taking and other financial services.

In the course of 1992, PIIL was the subject of a number of take-over approaches. Save for the approach by CEF Capital Ltd which took place during the material times of this inquiry (i.e. in December 1992), none came to fruition.

The Allegations

The allegations involved suspected insider dealing in the listed securities of PIIL by the following individuals:

(a) Mr Don Lau Yuen-leung, who represented the company which acted as adviser to PIIL minority shareholders in relation to the take-over bid; and

(b) Mr Leong Kwok-nyem, who from time to time played a direct role in the affairs of PUL, and who was part of the team that advised and assisted the major shareholder of PIIL in relation to the take-over bid; Mr Leong's wife, Madam Amy Foong Swee-heng, and her office colleague. Miss Chan Kwan-hop.

The allegations were directed at certain transactions of PJIL shares in late 1992.

Findings

The Tribunal also examined transactions in PIIL shares in late 1992 by Mr Goh Chak-wong and Mr Lai Kim-leong, the latter being the General Manager and director of PIIL. The Tribunal concluded that Mr Lai had deliberately misled the Securities and Futures Commission about his interest in PIIL shares, and that he and Mr Goh had sought to mislead the Tribunal about their transactions in those shares, but that on the evidence before the Tribunal, no case of insider dealing had been established against them.

The Tribunal has decided that insider dealing did take place in the listed securities of PIIL in December 1992. It has identified three individuals as insider dealers. They are Mr Leong Kwok-nyem, Madam Amy Foong Swee-heng and Mr Don Lau Yuen-leung.

Orders • I

The Tribunal has made orders against the insider dealers to pay the following amounts:

Mr Don Lau Mr Leong KmA-nyem Madam Amy Foong

(a) profit gained as a result of insider dealing $389,550 $193,670 $193,670

(b) Financial penalty $839,036 $728,445 $242,815

Total $1,928,586 $1,222,115 $736,485

Other Penalties

In addition to imposing the financial penalties, the Tribunal has issued orders prohibiting the insider dealers from being a director of a listed company or being involved in the management of any listed company, as follows:

(a) Mr Don Lau: for a period of three years from September 1, 1995.

(b) Mr Leong Kwok-nyem: for a period of four years from September 1, 1995.

The Tribunal is to send a copy of its report to the professional accounting bodies of which Mr Leong and Madam Foong are members.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Showing of videos to inmates ♦ * * ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries this (Monday) morning on a number of inmates of Stanley Prison protesting against not being allowed to see videos provided by distributors, a spokesman for the Correctional Services Department (CSD) made the following statement:

"The showing of videos to inmates has never been a specific policy of the department. The Prison Rules, which govern the treatment of prisoners, provide only that CSD should organise recreation activities and provide necessary facilities for inmates.

"At present, outdoor activities for inmates include various ball games. As for indoor activities, they include the playing of chess and Chinese billiards, watching television and listening to the radio. The department also provides newspapers and magazines to inmates and inmates can also borrow books from the library.

"During long public holidays, staff of the department also organise outdoor competitions among inmates and other activities.

"For some years, videos were shown to inmates at Stanley Prison through arrangements made by the institution's welfare officer of his own volition as a means to provide recreational entertainment.

"However, in April this year, when the issue of the protection of intellectual property rights arose, it was noted that the showing of videos in penal institutions might infringe on copyright. CSD has since suspended the practice and is seeking clarification on how to obtain licences for video shows within the terms of copyright laws. In the meantime, arrangements have been made made by welfare officers to tape TV programmes to show to inmates.

"However, a few inmates were not satisfied with this arrangement and had through a solicitors' firm sought to re-instate the showing of videos to them. An offer has been made by a video store to provide videos for screening to the group, and this has been rejected.

"It would contravene the principle of equal treatment, under which Hong Kong's penal system operates, if certain prisoners were to be accorded privileges not available to others.

"Even if the offer was extended to all 13,000 inmates, it could not be accepted as the issue of copyright protection still has to be sorted out.

"However, the department would instruct institutional management to resume video screening if they wish, once the licensing issue has been resolved."

End/Monday, September 4,1995

■ ' ./.i . ., .1 .1 ...

...

Listing of Mai Po as Ramsar site ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay has been listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar site).

The Hong Kong Government is committed to conservation and will contribute to a world-wide effort to conserve wetlands of significant ecological, scientific and recreational value.

The approval to list Mai Po as a Ramsar site by the Govemor-in-Council was publicised in March. Upon the Hong Kong Government’s request, the British Government has notified the Ramsar Bureau of the decision.

A government spokesman said today (Monday) the listing is another major step forward in conserving the Mai Po Marshes as a nature reserve and in protecting it against incompatible development. ,

’’The 1,500-hectare wetland is a 'refuelling station’ for migratory birds including many rare and endangered species which rely on it for feeding and resting in their long flight.

"The area is also significant for its conservation value for the number of local animal species it supports. Also, over a dozen invertebrate species new to science have been discovered in the area," he added.

The government also intends to extend the Mai Po Marshes Restricted Area to cover the Inner Deep Bay inter-tidal mudflats under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance. This will further protect the ecological system of this important wetland.

A comprehensive management plan for the area will be put in place upon the completion of a consultancy study by wetland ecologists. Preparation for the commissioning of the consultancy, which is expected to begin in 1996, is in hand.

The consultancy study will cover creation and restoration of habitats for waterfowl, ecological survey and monitoring, vegetation and wildlife management as well as the establishment of visitor centres and education facilities.

The Director of Agriculture and Fisheries will be the co-ordinator and future management authority of the Mai Po Ramsar site.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Commercial Radio's licence review report completed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A report summarising the views expressed and the major issues raised at the two public hearings for the mid-term review of the licence of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited (CRHK) will be available to the public as from Wednesday (September 6).

The major issues raised at the public hearings concerned the programming strategy of CRHK, performance of programme hosts, allocation of advertising time, reception problems, the role and work of the Broadcasting Authority (BA) and regulation of the licensee.

Both BA and CRHK found the views expressed by members of the public at the hearings useful and valuable in evaluating CRHK's performance against the various statutory requirements and licence conditions.

BA will consolidate all the opinions received and consider them together with all other relevant statistics, information and reports collected and compiled for the purpose of the review before submitting its recommendations to the Govemor-in-Council on the conditions for renewal of the licence in September.

The licence of CRHK was renewed in August 1989 for a term of 12 years expiring in August 2001. The licence carries a condition that it is subject to renewal by the Govemor-in-Council not before August 26 this year.

As an essential part of the mid-term review of the licence of CRHK, the public hearings were to gather public opinion on the performance of the licensee. They also provided a public forum where the licensee could explain and be questioned as to their past performance and their plans for the future.

Copies of the report in Chinese will be available at all District Offices on Wednesday.

The report in English, as well as the Chinese version, will be available at the office of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority at 39th Floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Forum to seek views on industrial safety ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ i.

Representatives from various parties concerned with industrial safety will exchange their views on the Consultation Paper on The Review of Industrial Safety at a forum tomorrow (Tuesday).

The Industrial Safety Review Forum, jointly organised by the Labour Department, the Education and Manpower Branch and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC), will be held from 9.45 am to 4 pm at the Crystal Ballroom, B3 Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The forum panel comprise Assistant Commissioner for Labour, Mr Mak Sai-yiu, Principal Assistant Secretary (Education & Manpower), Mr Herman Cho, as well as representatives from employers, employees and OSHC.

Participants include representatives from trade associations, trade unions, professional institutions and members of the public who are concerned with safety and health at work in Hong Kong.

The Consultation Paper, published on July 18, set out the Government’s recommendations on a wide range of measures and proposals for improving industrial safety.

Interested parties are invited to send their views on the recommendations in writing to the Secretary for Education and Manpower before September 30.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Eligibility for secondary teaching post adjusted *****

Starting this school year, a non-local degree holder with a postgraduate certificate in education obtained from a local university will be eligible for appointment as Graduate Master/Mistress (GM) in aided secondary, caput and bought-place schools, the Education Department announced today (Monday).

A department spokesman said the eligibility is irrespective of whether the nonlocal degree is equivalent to a local degree or not.

The change has been made in accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications.

The new entry requirement takes effect on September 1 and there will be no retrospective effect, the spokesman said.

On appointment as GM, holders of these qualifications will enter the GM pay scale (Master Pay Scale Points 17-33) at Point 19.

The spokesman said: "The existing stipulation in the Code of Aid for Secondary Schools that the qualification required for appointment as a GM is a Bachelor degree from a local university or equivalent will remain unchanged. However, the new entry requirement will be added to the Code of Aid to reflect the change."

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

CSD recruitment centre moved * ♦ * * *

The Correctional Services Department's Hong Kong Island Recruitment Centre has moved from 23rd floor, 12 Harbour Road, Wanchai Tower to the ground floor of the same building.

A spokesman for the department said the new location would make it more convenient for applicants interested in joining the department.

"Applicants can obtain information, attend preliminary interviews and carry out application procedures there," the spokesman said.

Applicants can also make their applications to the department's Mong Kok Recruitment Centre which is located at the Mezzanine floor, Mong Kok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Kowloon.

Enquiries can be made on tel 2582 5161 (Hong Kong Island centre) or 2399 2560 (Mong Kok centre).

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Leaflet on Sex Discrimination Ordinance now available

*****

The Home Affairs Branch (HAB) has published a bilingual leaflet to introduce to the public the main features of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and copies are now available at the District Offices.

An HAB spokesman said today (Monday) that the leaflet provides general information on the objective and scope of the Ordinance and explains the role of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

It also gives general advice as to what a person should do if he or she is sexually discriminated against or harassed.

"The leaflet is written in simple language to make it easier for the public to grasp an outline of the Ordinance and to understand the salient points of the new legislation," the spokesman said.

"It will also enhance public awareness of the meaning of sex discrimination and sexual harassment," he added.

The Sex Discrimination Ordinance, enacted in July, makes it unlawful to sexually harass a person or to discriminate against a person because of his or her sex, marital status and pregnancy.

It specifically covers sexual harassment and sex discrimination in employment, education, provision of goods and services, disposal and management of premises, eligibility to vote for and to be elected or appointed to advisory bodies, activities of clubs and activities of the Government.

Copies of the leaflet are also available at the Marketing Office of the Government Information Services on the 17th floor, Siu On Centre, 176 - 192 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

An extremely wet August *****

August 1995 was the wettest August recorded so far.

The total monthly rainfall of 1,091.1 millimetres was the highest for the month of August and the third highest for any month since records began in Hong Kong in 1884.

According to a report released by the Royal Observatory today (Monday), the month was unusually cloudy with total bright sunshine averaging at 4.5 hours per day.

There were seven days with rainfall over 50 millimetres. Torrential rain fell between August 12 and 14 when 448.3 millimetres were recorded at the Royal Observatory.

The total rainfall of 2,186.4 millimetres accumulated since January 1 this year was 28 per cent above normal.

The August rain was brought about by the active southwesterlies in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Gary which landed near Shantou at the end of July, and by the passages of Severe Tropical Storms Helen and Lois, and Typhoon Kent during August.

August 1995 was also the first August since 1946 when the No. 8 gale or storm signal has to be hoisted twice within a month.

End/Monday, September 4. 1995

Souvenir cover for stamp and coin expo ♦ * * ♦ *

The acting Postmaster General, Miss Nancy Law, announces today (Monday) that a souvenir cover will be issued to commemorate Hong Kong Post Office's participation in the Beijing '95 First International Stamp and Coin Expo to be held in Beijing, China, between September 14 and 18.

The souvenir cover will be placed on sale at all post offices at $2 each as from September 7.

On September 14, hand-back service will be provided at all post offices to official and privately-made covers bearing indication of the event. A special postmark and a cachet for general cancellation purposes will also be introduced on the same day.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Water storage figure ♦ * * * *

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 94.8 per cent of capacity or 555.798 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 567.376 million cubic metres of water, representing 96.8 per cent of capacity.

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

^million Time {hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,561 0930 -353

Closing balance in the account 1,020 1000 -353

Change attributable to : 1100 -353

Money market activity -353 1200 -353

LAF today -188 1500

1600

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 121.9 *-0.2* 4.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.71 2 years 2708 6.06 100.17 6.05

1 month 5.72 3 years 3807 6.16 99.60 6.41

3 months 5.74 5 years 5006 6.60 98.79 7.02

6 months 5.77 5 years M501 7.90 101.97 7.53

12 months 5.80

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $16,620 million

Closed September 4, 1995

End/Monday, September 4, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, September 5,1995

Contents Page No,

Transcript of the Governor................................................ 1

British minister visits Sha Tin........................................... 5

Pleasure vessels not safe to be used as ferries........................... 6

Further improvements to Tuen Mun traffic arrangements..................... 7

Tuen Mun Road traffic keeps moving........................................ 9

New Director of General Grades appointed................................. 10

Inquiries into occupation of quarters by judicial officer............ 11

Statement on NT Land Exchange Entitlements........................... 11

Safety of pupils on school buses......................................... 12

Re-allocation to vote in specified polling stations...................... 13

Draft assessment guidelines for Target Oriented Curriculum............... 14

Three forums to promote LegCo elections.................................. 16

Moon movement during Mid-Autumn Festival................................. 17

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results.............................. 18

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 19

Transcript of the Governor and the FCO Minister's media session ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

• J *

The following is a transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, and the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hanley, after visiting Sha Tin District:

Governor: Good afternoon. I am delighted to have been in Sha Tin again and to have been able to bring Mr Hanley with me on this official visit. Sha Tin was the first district that I visited when I came to Hong Kong. I am delighted to have been able to bring Mr Hanley today to see an old people's home that I opened a few months ago and to talk to the District Board about some of their problems, the environment, traffic and other matters. It's been another very enjoyable visit. I've had two complete rounds of visits to District Boards, my official visits and this is the beginning of the third round which I hope I'll complete in not too long a time.

Question: Mr Governor, why did you take helicopter to here? Because of avoiding traffic jams? And did you ask the helicopter to pass through Tuen Mun?

Governor: I have taken helicopters in Hong Kong pretty regularly, partly because it enables me to fit in more visits outside the centre and I'll continue to do so. If you like me to answer serious questions about Tuen Mun, the traffic problems there, I'll do so.

Question: (On Letter B land exchange)

Governor: I think we will be making a statement about that today following the ExCo meeting.

Question: Would you comment on the traffic problem in Tuen Mun? When do you think it will be cleared up and is the Government at fault?

Governor: We recognised, as I said the other dayt the extreme inconvenience that people in Tuen Mun Who are travelling to Kowlodn or Central to work have had to suffer in the last few days. I think it is fair to say that even without the problems that we've had as a result of the typhoon, traffic and transport have been one of the biggest difficulties and problems that the community in Tuen Mun faces. That's why I made a private visit to Tuen Mun earlier in the summer at the District Officer's invitation in order, for example to see for myself the case on the ground for extending the Western Corridor Railway Spur, not just to Tuen Mun North but to Tuen Mun Central which is something which the District Board have felt very strongly about over the last months and years. I think we should look at both the short term and the long term therefore when they are considering the traffic problem in the Northwest New Territories and in particular in Tuen Mun. I don't think that anybody reasonably believes that it would have been right for us to have risked lives, to have risked individual safety when we're advised by experts about the possibility of landslips and landslides along the Tuen Mun Road. It was unfortunate. It was extremely sad. But I think we were right to take the decisions that we did take on the advice of our engineers, on the advice of our consultants. I'm pleased that the situation has been alleviated by opening, partial opening up Kowloon bound carriageway today and the contractors tell us that they committed all the resources both in terms of personnel and in terms of equipment, all the resources that are required to deal with the question of the safety of slopes as rapidly as possible.

We are getting a daily report and we'll obviously have the situation back to normal as soon as we can. But the longer term problem is that normal isn't satisfactory. That's why we have to continue to improve ferry services which we've been increasing steadily by about 15 per cent, 10 per cent, something between those figures, over the last few years. It's also why we badly need to complete the country park section of Route 3. It's why we need further traffic management and road improvements like the addition of a uphill carriageway on the Tuen Mun Road and the widening of Castle Peak Road. I believe myself that it underlines the case for us getting on as rapidly as we can with the Western Corridor Railway and the spur to Tuen Mun. I want to make it absolutely clear that that is one of our transport priorities. We've been discussing it in the infrastructure co-ordinating committee with our Chinese colleagues and I am sure that completion of that project will be one of the priority tasks of the Chief Executive of the SAR Government. The sooner we can start the work the better. I just want to add that having gone and seen things for myself, I think we need to look very, very carefully at the arguments that residents have put forward for extending the spur from Tuen Mun North to Tuen Mun Central. We've therefore asked the KCR to look at that as a matter of urgency and we will be announcing the results of that as soon as

we can.

Question: .. Tuen Mun Committee, Tuen Mun District Board members instead of coming to Sha Tin and meeting Sha Tin District Board. Are you afraid that there may be a mob, over there?

Governor: No. James Blake, the Secretary for Works, Haider Barma, and other senior officials have been visiting Tuen Mun and when they think it would be sensible for me to do so, I'll go to Tuen Mun. If you are listening to the answer I gave a few moments ago, you would have heard that I went to Tuen Mun to see things for myself earlier in the summer, not just on the transport front. There are some other problems they've got as well, particularly in some of the older estates.

Question: Governor, you mentioned a lot of troubles and inconvenience because of that decision to close the highway. So should any government official apologise for such a decision?

Governor: I don't think anybody should apologise for taking the decision to close the highway. If we haven't closed the highway and people have been injured or killed as a result, then there would have been things to apologise for. And the questions you are asking today would have been very different. But one thing you can't conceivably do, if you have public responsibilities, the one thing that you can't conceivably do is to overlook the technical advice that you are given by your officials. If they are telling you that you could be risking people's lives, do any of you seriously suppose that we would have been right to take those risks, of course we won't.

< ’ *

Question: But do you think that the support of the Transport Department...

Governor: I fully support the decisions they took and they have been working 24 hours a day with the Police to try to sort things out. And we will have things sorted out as soon as we can. But I repeat. I hope people won't ignore that there is a longer term • and more serious problem about transport links to the Northwest New Territories.

Question: .... you have no immediate plans to visit the area affected?

Governor: I'll visit the area affected as soon as the Secretary for Works and the Secretary for Transport and the District Board think it would be sensible. And just conceivably you may think that it would be sensible to do so shortly after the Legislative Council Election campaign.

Question: Mr Hanley, after few days in Hong Kong, what are you going to advise the new Foreign Secretary about Hong Kong in his meeting with the Chinese counterpart?

Minister: The first thing, I am going to advise the Foreign Secretary is to come to Hong Kong.

It is a most remarkable place, I've learned a great deal in the last four days and I am still . > learning. I've met many people yesterday who gave me excellent advice, from the Chief o » Secretary and Financial Secretary, many members of the administration. I've also met many from the business community yesterday. Today I've been very pleased to meet members of the district board and with Mrs Lau. We've met a large number of people who've also given their advice. And today in Sha Tin, I’vd seen for myself what Hong Kong can really achieve in the < • district boards. It is an inspiration, and I'll be leaving Hong Kong after this particular visit, with renewed confidence that Hong Kong will continue, with renewed belief that Hong Kong is very special and renewed belief that we'll settle the outstanding problems, so that confidence in Hong Kong will continue and the people in Hong Kong will continue as well not only with the high degree of autonomy, but it will remain an inspiration to the rest of the world. It's a marvellous place, it must be preserved. .... s>

Question: What is the thing that impressed you most, but not Chinese cooking, I hope?

Minister: Chinese cooking always impresses me as you can see by the size of me. But what has impressed me most is Hong Kong's resilience, its determination to succeed. The changes in ten . years that I've seen have been staggering. I am certainly that the excitement that is Hong Kong >. will continue. And I will do everything which I can together with the Foreign Secretary and the Governor, to make sure that We preserve Hong Kong's very special nature.

•1. ■' •

Question: What is at the top of the list of outstanding problems ... you referred to outstanding problems, what's on the top of the list? i

Minister: Well, there are a number of outstanding problems and I am very pleased indeed that I have the opportunity to discuss with a number of individuals, those matters. And I am very pleased to discuss them with the Governor and members of the administration here and I've said many local representatives of all shades of opinions and it is not so much that and there is only ji. one matter which needs to be addressed more than any other. There are a number of 6 uncertainties - Hong Kong's future, and the people of Hong Kong that deserve those it uncertainties should be resolved. I hope that we can persuade others that it's in not just the interest of the people of Hong Kong, not just in the interest of China or Britain, but of the whole world that Hong Kong should end those uncertainties and that it should continue to flourish.

Question: Do you expect any breakthrough of CT9 by the end of this year, and will you advise ' the Government to offer some office space to the Preparatory Committee as a sign of cooperation or improved Sino-British relations?

Minister: Well, I am not going to make any statements as to what we hope to resolve in the very near future. That is a matter for discussion, but you've mentioned matters which need to be resolved and I would hope that some of these issues can be resolved reasonably quickly. The JLG has made a number of items of progress recently. The Governor has, of course, mentioned to me over the last few days those areas where there have been success, particularly on the Court of Final Appeal. There has been success on a number of issues and I hope that we'll build on that success because it is in the interests of the people of Hong Kong that uncertainty should come to an end. Therefore I look forward to working on those issues over the coming months. Thank You.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

British minister visits Sha Tin *****

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hanley, today (Tuesday) visited Sha Tin to see for himself the latest developments in the area.

Mr Hanley was accompanied by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten; the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau; and the District Officer of Sha Tin, Miss Wong Mei-lin.

The minister and his wife, Verna, first inspected the Hong Kong Society for the Aged's Kwan Fong Nim Chee Home for the Elderly in Yuen Chau Kok where they were warmly greeted by the elderly.

The home, opened in July last year, provides personal and nursing care to about 200 residents mostly aged 65 and above. It was constructed with a $15 million donation from the Kwan Fong Charitable Foundation and now subsidised by the Government.

The Hanleys then toured the Kwong Yuen Estate in Siu Lek Yuen which provide public housing to about 17,000 people and an award-winning commercial centre in the estate. Before leaving, they paid a visit to a family in Kapok House.

Finally, they walked through the Sha Tin New Town Plaza before meeting community leaders and Sha Tin District Board members at a reception.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Pleasure vessels not safe to be used as ferries ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Marine Department appeals to residents in Tuen Mun not to commute in pleasure vessels to Central as such craft are not safe to serve as ferries.

This appeal is issued after handbills were reported to be found in the vicinity of Tuen Mun Ferry Pier, advertising a company is providing a ’’water cab” service at a charge of $80 per person per trip from Tuen Mun to Central.

The advertisement said the company was using pleasure vessels to take passengers and guaranteed that they would arrive in Central before 9 am.

The spokesman said pleasure vessels were not allowed to be used as ferries as their design and safety equipment were not catered for carrying large number of passengers.

"Masters and owners of pleasure vessels are aware that their licensing conditions do not permit them to use their vessels as commercial craft to carry passengers," the spokesman said.

"They violate the licensing conditions as well as the law. The passengers’ journeys to Central will be seriously interrupted as prosecutions will be initiated when these pleasure vessels are intercepted."

The spokesman said to preserve marine safety is a key objective of the Marine Department.

The department has facilitated ferry operators to put on properly certificated catamarans to ply between Tuen Mun and Central.

The Government Fleet Division of the Marine Department has also provided a pontoon for the berthing of these extra catamarans.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

- 7 -

Further improvements to Tuen Mun traffic arrangements ♦ * * * *

A series of new arrangements will be made to further improve traffic and public transport services for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, a Transport Department spokesman said today(Tuesday).

The cycle track along the Sheung Shui-bound San Tin Highway from Au Tau Roundabout to Sha Po Roundabout has been temporarily converted to a traffic lane and will be open tomorrow from 7 am for private cars and taxis only heading for Sheung Shui to further improve traffic flow.

Efforts are being made to widen the section of San Tin Highway Sheung Shui-bound from Fung Kat Heung to Lok Ma Chau. This will provide an additional lane, though temporarily, to help ease the traffic and enable three-lane traffic all the way from Au Tau to Lok Ma Chau.

Works will be carried out immediately for completion within this week.

To encourage more commuters to use the Tuen Mun-Tsuen Wan ferry service, the adult fare for this service will be reduced from $10 to $8 and from $5 to $4 for children with effect from tomorrow (Wednesday).

A contingency measure has also been drawn up by the dcp«. unent to alleviate the pressure on the single lane open for NT-bound traffic on the Tuen Mun Road between Sham Tseng and Siu Lam.

Existing traffic arrangement for Tuen Mun Road and Tuen Mun Town Centre will continue.

Under the scheme, the Kowloon-bound lane on the New ferritorics-bound carriageway between Siu Lam and a point outside Hong Kong Garden, which is currently being used as a prohibited zone except buses and light buses, will be reverted back to NT-bound.

This will give two lanes NT-bound between Sham Tseng and Siu Lam. The scheme will be easy to convert back to contra flow traffic in the later period or before the morning peak hours.

The measure will be implemented only if traffic approaching Sham Tseng is so heavy as to threaten traffic circulation in the Tsuen Wan/Kwai Chung area.

Under this scheme, all Kowloon-bound traffic will have to use Castle Peak Road or via Yuen Long to Tolo Highway.

Meanwhile, the existing public transport services will continue tomorrow:

♦ Special KMB Route 60P and 39S

* Strengthening of KMB Route 64K and 276 for Tai Po and Sheung Shui KCR stations as well as other routes serving between Tuen Mun and Tuen Wan/Kwai Tsing.

♦ Strengthening of KMB routes between Tuen Mun/Yuen Long and the urban areas subject to traffic conditions.

♦ HYF Tuen Mun - Central Catamaran at 10 - 12 minute frequency.

♦ HYF Tuen Mun - Central hoverferry 5-10 minute frequency.

* HYF Tuen Mun - Tsuen Wan ferry 15 - minute frequency.

♦ Strengthening of MTR, KCR and LRT services.

♦ Special LRT feeder bus service between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier.

* Suspension of HYF ferry services:

♦ Tuen Mun - Wan Chai hoverferry

* Tuen Mun - Central - Wan Chai ferry

* Tsuen Wan - Tsing Yi - Central ferry

♦ Central - Cheung Chau/Mui Wo/Peng Chau hoverferry.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Tuen Mun Road traffic keeps moving ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

Tuen Mun Road traffic in both directions moved smoothly in general today (Tuesday), a Transport Department spokesman said.

The bus-only Kowloon-bound carriageway on Tuen Mun Road has been well Utilised with more red minibuses travelling on the Bus-only Lane (BOL).

In off-peak hours, container vehicles were permitted to use BOL at police discretion to relieve congestion on Castle Peak Road.

The travelling times on Tuen Mun Road reflected by KMB 60M in the morning and evening peak hours respectively are 35 - 40 minutes in Tsuen Wan bound, and 35 - 60 minutes in Tuen Mun bound.

Passengers carried by buses and ferries to and from Tuen Mun during the morning and evening peak hours are 72,000 and 35,800 respectively with breakdowns below:

Morning Peak Hours (6 am - 9 am)

Evening Peak Hours (5 pm - 7 pm)

♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

ferries to Central ferries to Tsuen Wan buses from Tuen Mun ferries from Central ferries from Tsuen Wan buses to Tuen Mun

4,800

1,200

66,000

3,800

2,000

30,000

72,000

35,800

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

New Director of General Grades appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Mr Cletus Lau Kwok-hong as the next Director of General Grades in the Civil Service Branch, succeeding Mr Francis Ho.

Mr Lau is currently serving as the Secretary of the Urban Council. He is appointed to the new post on a three-year contract.

Announcing the appointment, a spokesman for the Civil Service Branch said Mr Lau was one of the first directorate officers appointed under a new arrangement to select candidates to fill certain senior directorate posts through in-service competition.

"The selection arrangement is to ensure (hat the widest possible field of candidates are considered," the spokesman explained.

As Director of General Grades, Mr Lau will be responsible to the Secretary for the Civil Service for the management and development of the Executive, Clerical and Secretarial Grades which comprise about 30,000 officers.

Mr Lau will be succeeded by Miss Pauline Wong as the Secretary for the Urban Council and Mr Francis Ho will become the senior Deputy Secretary for Trade and Industry.

Mr Lau joined the Government as an Executive Officer II in 1967 and was promoted to his present rank of Principal Executive Officer in 1990. During his 28 years' service, he has worked in a number of policy branches and departments.

Following is the biographic notes of Mr Lau:

Mr Lau joined the Hong Kong Government as an Executive Officer II in January 1967. He attended an overseas training course in the University of Birmingham, UK, between September 1974 and November 1975.

On return from overseas study, he worked in the then Public Works Department until January 1977 before joining the Independent Commission Against Corruption where he worked for two-and-a-half years.

In May 1984, he was posted to the London Office and worked there until July 1990. His more recent postings included working as an Principal Executive Officer in the Committee of Inquiry on Civil Service Pay Structure and the Marine Department; Clerk to the Legislative Council and his present post as the Secretary of the Urban Council.

Mr Lau is currently an acting Senior Principal Executive Officer.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Inquiries into occupation of quarters by judicial officer ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The following statement is issued in response to the editorial and related news report of the Eastern Express today (Tuesday):

"The Judiciary commenced inquiries as soon as it received notice of allegations of improper conduct by a judicial officer relating to his occupation of government quarters. No action, if such is considered to be called for, can be taken against the officer until these inquiries are completed. As soon as our inquires are completed, whatever action is indicated as appropriate will be taken. These inquiries are being conducted without delay and the outcome will be made public in due course. The Judiciary most strongly refute the wholly irresponsible suggestion that there is any form of cover-up."

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Statement on NT land exchange entitlements * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries about New Territories land exchange entitlements (Letters A/B), a spokesman for the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch said:

"We have been successful in redeeming about 95 per cent of the outstanding commitment since we stopped issuing Letters A/B in 1983.

"We are committed to redeeming by 1997 all Letters A/B by making sufficient land available to absorb the small commitment remaining.

’’However, there is likely to be a small residual commitment - estimated at about two hectares - for which the entitlement holders are untraceable, such as owners died intestate and the estates remain unclaimed.

”In order not to leave the remaining commitment behind as a contingent liability after 1997, the Government is considering legislation to turn the remaining Letters A/B redeemable for cash not land after the legislation comes into force.

"We will discuss these sensible and pragmatic proposals with the Chinese side of the Land Commission."

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Safety of pupils on school buses ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

With the new school year under way. the Education Department has advised school heads, school bus operators, drivers, escorts and parents to observe the department’s guidelines for ensuring the safety of pupils while travelling on school buses.

A spokesman for the Education Department said: "Each pupil should be allocated a seat on the school bus, school private light bus or school hire car according to the capacity permitted by law.

"As prevention is better than cure, teachers and parents should teach pupils to behave well when travelling on a school bus and to board and alight from the vehicle only after it has come to a complete standstill," the spokesman said.

Arrangements should also be made for an adult or a teacher, other than the driver, who knows the pupils well, to escort them during the journey. The escort should be given a name list of the pupils travelling on the car to ensure that no one is missing.

"To avoid confusion, pupils travelling on different school transport vehicles should wear labels of distinct identification," the spokesman said.

The escort should check that the door is properly closed during the journey and take care of the children to ensure that they reach the school safely and arc collected by their parents or guardians on their homeward journey.

The spokesman reminded parents to pay attention to the route, including the pick-up points and times of arrival at these points, and the arrangements for school buses to set down and pick up their children.

At the same time, school bus operators and drivers are advised to make full use of parking facilities and lay-by in schools to set down the school children.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Re-allocation to vote in specified polling stations * * * * *

A spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office today (Tuesday) reminded electors with a difficulty in walking that they might apply for re-allocation to vote for the Legislative Council elections at a polling station specifically designated for them in the district where they live.

The spokesman said 204 of the 493 polling stations open for the LegCo elections would be accessible to electors with a difficulty in walking. Among these accessible stations, 32 will be designated as specified polling stations.

"Such electors, however, if assigned to other polling stations where the entrance/exit is not accessible to them, may apply at least five days before the polling day to the Chief Electoral Officer for re-allocation to vote at a specified polling station," he said.

Applications can be made by calling 2881 7791 or 2881 7562.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Draft assessment guidelines for Target Oriented Curriculum *****

Draft guidelines on assessment under the Target Oriented Curriculum (TOC) will be distributed to schools in early October for three months’ consultation, the Education Department announced today (Tuesday).

Produced by the Co-ordination Committee on Evaluation of TOC, the draft assessment guidelines will cater for Key Stage 1 of the new curriculum, a department spokesman said.

The final version of the guidelines is expected to be ready for distribution to schools in May next year.

The spokesman said the assessment guidelines were intended to enable schools to put into practice the concepts of TOC assessment contained in the Programmes of Study (PoS).

"In the PoS of each subject, there is already a chapter on assessment in which the general principles of TOC assessment arc described. The criteria of TOC assessment, namely, the eight Bands of Performance, arc also listed in the PoS," the spokesman said.

"Therefore, the guidelines should be used in conjunction with the PoS. The guidelines set out the relationship between the various components of TOC and suggest procedures and methods for use by schools."

The draft assessment guidelines comprise three sets of subject-specific guidelines on procedures and methods in the subjects of Chinese, English and mathematics together with a set of general guidelines on issues common to the three subjects. The Chinese and mathematics guidelines arc in Chinese, the English guidelines in English, and the general guidelines in both languages.

The general guidelines show the relationship between assessment targets, bands of performance, assessment objectives and assessment activities. They also give an overview of the assessment procedures including how to plan the learning and assessment activities, how to look for evidence of learning and how to record, summarise and interpret the evidence into reports for parents and schools.

The subject-specific guidelines deal with the details of the assessment procedures, explaining what evidence to look for in assessing a certain assessment objective, how to record the evidence and how to report. They also contain suggested recording and reporting formats.

"User friendliness is our major principle in preparing these documents. Teachers will find that all these suggestions are easy to use," the spokesman said.

"In TOC, the purpose of assessment is to give recognition to what students have learnt. In the process, students gain a sense of achievement and are motivated to learn. Teachers, parents and curriculum developers at large obtain feedback on what students have learnt and how to improve their learning, and in doing so help students to make further progress.

"Teachers look for evidence of student learning in their daily performance, identify weaknesses and strengths to arrive at a profile of student learning.

"TOC assessment is a means to enhance learning and is not an end by itself."

Therefore, the most important thing in TOC assessment is "What's next?" Alter each assessment students should know what their next learning target is and how to learn it. Teachers should know what the next teaching strategy is and parents should know what they can do next to support their child's learning.

Compared with the general assessment practice conventionally in use, TOC assessment requires a more systematic approach, for example, assessment plan, assessment method and formats of recording and reporting.

The spokesman said: "Standardised formats have been proposed but schools and teachers are not expected to make all the changes overnight. They can develop and modify their own assessment system gradually at their own pace and according to their own situation and needs.

"The Education Department will continue to develop documents to support the implementation of TOC assessment, especially in the professional development of teachers, in the form of assessment resource kits.

"We are aware that some teachers are more interested in understanding the concepts and theories of TOC assessment in order to develop their own assessment mechanism."

It was the department's long-term goal that every school should be able to develop their own mechanism in assessment, the spokesman said.

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995 •

Three forums to promote LegCo elections *****

Residents are invited to attend Legislative Council election forums for the Kowloon West, Hong Kong Island West and New Territories South West geographical constituency at 8 pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

These forums are organised by the Sham Shui Po District Office, Central and Western District Office and the Kwai Tsing District Office respectively.

They will enable eligible voters to have a better understanding of the platforms of candidates running in their constituency and will allow candidates to have floor discussions with the public.

Details of the functions are as follows:

Constituency Venue

Candidates

Kowloon West

HK Island West

NT South-west

Lai Kok Community Hall, Lai Kok Estate, Lai Chi Kok

Lecture Hall,

Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan.

Tsing Yi Estate Community Hall Phase II, Tsing Yi Island.

Wong Yin-ping, Fung Kin-kee Fu Shu-wan

Lam Kin-lai Huang Chen-ya Lam kwok-hung

Lee Wing-tat Ting Yin-way

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Moon movement during Mid-Autumn Festival ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Royal Observatory announced today (Tuesday) the times of moonrise, transit and moonset during the Mid-Autumn Festive period:

Friday (September 8)

Moonrise

Transit (meridian passage) direction due south elevation 63 degrees

Moonset (next morning)

5.49 pm

11.52 pm

5.58 am

Saturday (September 9)(Mid-Autumn Festival)

Moonrise

Transit (meridian passage) direction due south (next morning) elevation 68 degrees

Moonset (next morning)

Sunday (September 10)

Moonrise

Transit (meridian passage) direction due south (next morning) elevation 72 degrees

Moonset (next morning)

6.32 pm

0.42 am

6.56 am

7.13 pm

1.31 am

7.52 am

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 5 Sep 95 5 Sep 95

Paper on offer EF bills ’• * ■ / EF bills

Issue number Q536 Y593

Amount applied HK$4,890 MN HK$2,590 MN

Amount allotted HK$ 1,500 MN HKS500 MN

Average yield accepted 5.75 PCT 5.79 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.75 PCT 5.80 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 49 PCT About 36 PCT

Average tender yield 5.77 PCT 5.82 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning September 11,1995

Tender date 12 Sep 95 12 Sep 95

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q537 H573

Issue date 13 Sep 95 13 Sep 95

Maturity date 13 Dec 95 13 Mar 96

Tenor 91 days 182 days

Amount on offer HKS 1,500+300 MN HKS800+160MN

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,020 0930 +182

Closing balance in the account 1,989 1000 +182

Change attributable to : ' 1100 +190

Money market activity +189 1200 +189

LAF today +780 1500 +189

1600 +189

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.2 *+0.3* 5.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.72 2 years 2708 6.06 100.15 6.06

1 month 5.74 3 years 3807 6.16 99.56 6.43

3 months 5.76 5 years 5006 6.60 98.72 7.04

6 months 12 months 5.78 5.81 5 years M501 7.90 101.98 7.53

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $7,793 million

Closed September 5, 1995

End/Tuesday, September 5, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, September 6,1995

Contents Page

Financial Secretary sets out his priorities.............................. 1

Complaint cases update...............................................

Report on VMs escape from detention centre released...................... 3

Kowloon Walled City Park - a model of classical Chinese garden....... 4

Traffic on Tuen Mun Road improving....................................... 6

Display of S6 vacancies in district education offices.................... 7

Welfare payment arrangements for public holidays......................... 8

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 8

Financial Secretary sets out his priorities ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (Wednesday) that his first task as Financial Secretary was to make sure that Hong Kong’s economy went on growing at a steady and sustainable pace.

Speaking at a luncheon meeting of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Mr Tsang said the predictable, consistent and prudential approach to public finances adopted by the Government would remain unchanged.

’’First, the rate of growth in public spending must stay firmly in line with the trend rate of growth of GDP. Second, we must stick to low and predictable taxes, balanced budgets and strong reserves,” he said.

He said the linked exchange rate had given Hong Kong the certainty the economy needed and there would be no adjustments or tinkering of the mechanism.

Mr Tsang said he was every much aware that there was a deep anxiety in the community about unemployment.

"As Financial Secretary, I realise that behind the cold statistics of unemployment are men and women and their families who have lost their jobs, lost their monthly income and are probably worrying about making ends meet.

"There is a clear consensus that the Government should do everything in its power to promote full employment," he said.

He said the Government’s response involved a three-part policy.

‘s

He said the first and most directly useful policy was job counselling and retraining which provided them with the skills they needed to match the jobs available.

Mr Tsang also called on employers and employees to change their attitudes on job placements.

"Rigidities in the labour market are, too often, rigidities in the mind-sets of employers as well as workers," he said.

He said employers, too often, had rigid stereotypes of the "ideal" recruit that are "needed".

"It is no use simply complaining about the difficulties of finding the right person to fill a job. There are plenty of people who, with some retraining, would be able to meet any reasonable requirements," he said.

He said the Government was examining the General Importation of Labour Scheme critically.

"We must not allow a scheme designed to strengthen our economy, by importing labour in areas of shortages, creates opportunities for illegal employment at the expense of our workers.

■ I..

"At the same time, I have to emphasise the clear need for the flexibility to import workers to meet particular requirements. Imported labour has made a major contribution to our past growth and we cannot let a shortage of specific skills or particular types of labour act as a barrier to our future expansion," he said.

Mr Tsang stressed that the overall economy remained sound and vigorous.

"We are forecasting a five per cent real increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and a five per cent real growth is a healthy and sustainable rate of expansion for a mature economy like ours," he said.

Mr Tsang said he saw his primary tasks as Financial Secretary as helping Hong Kong to complete the transition to a service and technology-based economy as well as the transition to Chinese sovereignty and Hong Kong’s future role as a Special Administrative. Region.

"To ensure that we stay ahead of the game, I have set up a Task Force, which I personally chair, comprising key policy secretaries. Its mission is to come up with proposals for new policies and new institutions to promote the service industries," he added.

t-c ■

"As 1997 draws near, we need to achieve closer co-operation with our future 'j' sovereign power, while upholding the commitment to Hong Kong’s separate systems enshrined in the Joint Declaration and promised in the Basic Law," he said.

"The tasks for all of us in the Government is to make a reality of ’one country, two systems’."

Mr Tsang said the Government would develop a close working relationship with the first fully-elected Legislative Council. He would also build on the spirit of co-operation and welcomed the Legislative Council's views on the Budget and other issues.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Complaint cases update

*****

In response to press enquiries, a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said today (Wednesday) that so far the Boundary and Election Commission had received a total of 68 election-related complaints. Thirty-one were about election advertisements (25 on advertisements of functional constituency candidates and six on advertisements of geographical constituency candidates).

Action on 36 cases were completed.

Meanwhile, the Returning Officers received a total of 112 cases of complaints. One hundred and six cases were related to election activities launched by geographical constituency candidates while six were on activities by functional constituency candidates. Of the 106 cases, 88 were on election advertisement. Of the latter six cases, five were on election advertisement.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Report on VMs escape from detention centre released

*****

The report on the escape of 23 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) from Green Island Reception Centre (GIRC) on July 26 was released today (Wednesday), a Government spokesman said.

The report was compiled by the Board of Inquiry appointed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services to investigate into the circumstances of the escape. The thrcc-member Board was chaired by a senior superintendent of the Correctional Services Department.

The Board found that the escape was successful because of a combination of factors including:

* GIRC was not a purpose-built detention facility. The ageing structure of the huts was vulnerable to deliberate tampering:

* Most of the escapees were double-backers who had stayed in GIRC for a long time and were therefore familiar with the overall conditions including the patrol schedule of the staff: and

♦ The terrain of GIRC was such that it created certain unavoidable blind spots for the staff on night duty.

fhe majority of the recaptured VMs claimed they escaped because they had waited in GIRC for too long. Some also complained about the poor living conditions in the detention centre.

The Board found no evidence to suggest laxity or negligence on the part of the staff in the performance of their duty.

The Board recommended that the physical security on the seaward embankment be strengthened by installing expanded metal and that all the walls of the accommodation be reinforced by mantling expanded metal and cement on the outside.

The Board also recommended that GIRC should be restricted to function as a quarantine centre for newly arrived VMs.

The spokesman said following the escape, all VMs detained in GIRC had been transferred to other detention centres and remedial measures had been taken to tackle the problem of blind spots.

’’The Commissioner of Correctional Services is taking action to implement all the other recommendations,” he said.

As at today, a total of 19 escapees have been recaptured and four are still at large. There are only two newly arrived VMs in GIRC now.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Kowloon Walled City Park - a model of classical Chinese garden ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

The Kowloon Walled City Park is a model of excellence of classical Chinese garden, the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, said today (Wednesday).

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the completion of Hong Kong's first authentic Chinese garden, Mr Blake noted: "The experience here is very similar to that in Chatres Cathedral in France. Like the plans of Gothic Cathedrals, a Chinese Garden is a cosmic diagram, revealing a profound and an ancient view of the world and of man’s place in it.

"The sensuous impressions lead on to the cerebral pleasure. It is this pleasure which creates the desire to relax and be held by the Mother Nature."

Mr Blake added that the Architectural Services Department had succeeded in conveying the profound meaning of Chinese philosophy in a three-dimensional form.

"The department has courageously broken away from the limitations of tradition and has addressed a new function and meaning to the classical Chinese garden. It is this new interpretation that gives Kowloon Walled City Park the freshness of design," he added.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, said the adoption of the Jiangnan style in the overall design of the park was unique and represented a breakthrough in traditional park design in Hong Kong.

He noted that the cramped and poorly constructed buildings had been replaced by a well designed Chinese theme park which was a successful blend of the history and atmosphere of the former Walled City.

"The display of the South Gate remnants, with the original stone plaques of the Walled City and the pre-war concrete remains, demonstrates explicitly the evolution of the City site," he said.

"The yamen building, which is one of the very few surviving examples of its kind in South China, has been restored and preserved in-situ. All those significant surviving relics, including stone tablets, cannon, column bases and others, have been salvaged and are now put on display in the park.

"Under the future management of the Urban Council and Urban Services Department, I am sure that this unique theme park will soon establish itself as a landmark in Hong Kong, of which all of us can be proud and which will provide both interest and enjoyment to those who visit it."

The Director of Architectural Services, Mr Kenneth Chan, said the park's design emphasised an integrated development for promoting cultural awareness, education, leisure activities and tourism.

Mr Chan also pointed out that close co-ordination from the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Recreation and Culture Branch and the Urban Council, and the dedication of his project team, had all contributed to the project's success.

"Credit must also go to the experts and master craftsmen of various skills from China, who have offered us valuable technical assistance.

"We are confident that the park will add further international attention to our prosperous city. The vanishing of the squatter area has not brought an end to the history of the Kowloon Walled City. Instead, memories of the past, both good and bad, have been enshrined in the new park," he added.

The park, scheduled to be opened to the public at the end of this year, was officially handed over to the Recreation and Culture Branch today.

The project, starting in August last year, has taken less than 14 months to complete at a cost of $61 million.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Traffic on Tuen Mun Road improving *****

Traffic on Tuen Mun Road in both directions is generally smooth today (Wednesday), a Transport Department spokesman said.

Sheung Shui-bound traffic along San fin Highway has improved following the opening of a temporary lane, which is converted from a cycle track, from Au Tau Roundabout to Sha Po Roundabout.

The temporary lane was closed at 6.30 pm due to low visibility. It will be reopened for private cars and taxis tomorrow' morning at 6 am.

As the Kowloon-bound carriagement of Tuen Mun Road remains partially open, existing special traffic and public transport arrangements for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long will continue tomorrow except for the special LRT feeder bus service Route A57 (serving between Tuen Mun Town Centre and Tuen Mun Ferry Pier) which will be suspended.

The travelling times on Tuen Mun Road as reflected by KMB 60M in the morning and evening peak hours are:

Tuen Mun bound 37 - 104 minutes

Tsuen Wan bound 30 - 107 minutes

The number of bus and ferry passengers to and from Tuen Mun during the morning and evening peak hours are 74,100 and 57,100 respectively with breakdowns below:

Morning Peak Hours (6 am to 9 am) Evening Peak Hours (5 pm to 8 pm)

* Ferries to Central 4,900

* Ferries to Tsuen Wan 1,200

* Buses to Tsuen Wan 68,000

* Ferries from Central 5,000

* Ferries from Tsuen Wan 2,100

* Buses to Tuen Mun 50,000

Total: 74,100 57.100

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Display of S6 vacancies in district education offices

*****

A list showing Secondary 6 vacancies throughout the territory is being displayed at all district education offices for public information until the end of September.

A spokesman for the Education Department said the list of S6 school place vacancies in Hong Kong would be updated weekly.

Secondary 5 leavers with the minimum S6 entry requirement who have not secured an S6 place after the completion of Stage V of the Secondary Six Admission Procedure may apply to the schools with vacancies direct. "But admission will be at the discretion of the schools," the spokesman said.

The current list contains a total of 84 Secondary 6 vacant places.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Welfare payment arrangements for public holidays

*****

Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance under the bank payment system may receive their payments on Friday (September 8) if their pay-days fall on the coming public holidays (September 9 and 10).

A spokesman for the Social Welfare Department said today (Wednesday) that special payment arrangements would also be made for recipients of Social Security Allowance whose pay-days fell on September 9 and 10.

Those who have bank accounts in Hong Kong Bank or Hang Seng Bank will receive their payments on Friday (September 8) whereas those with accounts in other banks will receive their payments next Monday (September 11).

In case of doubt, recipients are advised to contact their social security field units.

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

Time Cumulative change

^million (hours) (imillianj

Opening balance in the account 1,989 0930 -786

Closing balance in the account 1,711 1000 -786

Change attributable to : 1100 -786

Money market activity -783 1200 -783

LAF today +505 1500 -783

1600 -783

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.4 *+0.2* 6.9.95

- 9 -

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.82 2 years 2708 6.06 100.20 6.04

1 month 5.79 3 years 3807 6.16 99.72 6.36

3 months 5.79 5 years 5006 6.60 98.91 6.99

6 months 5.79 5 years M501 7.90 102.16 7.48

12 months 5.83

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $12,411 million

Closed September 6, 1995

End/Wednesday, September 6, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, September 7,1995

Contents Page No,

New Student Health Service................................................. I

Ferry piers in Central relocated........................................... 2

Volume and price movements of external trade in June....................... 3

Platforms in Braille available for the blind.............................. 10

Reminder on handling problem students................................. 11

Traffic situation in Tuen Mun/Yuen Long improving......................... 12

Smooth traffic in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.............................. 13

Proposals to alter the Valuation Lists.................................... 14

Poll cards sent to electors............................................... 15

Prestige Annual Stamp Album soon on sale.................................. 15

Souvenir to promote LegCo elections....................................... 17

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 17

New Student Health Service

*****

The Department of Health announces today (Thursday) the launching of a new Student Health Service which provides a comprehensive range of promotive and preventive health services to students.

Introducing the new service at a press conference, the department's Consultant of Student Health Service, Dr Tse Lai-yin, said all primary day school students could now enrol in the service through their schools.

Dr Tse said: "The Student Health Service is an integrated service with emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and continuity of care.

"The new service, which is free of charge, aims to promote self-reliance and self-care in the maintenance of health through adoption of healthy life-styles.

"The service will also help prevent ill health and detect diseases early through regular health screenings and physical examinations," she said.

On the scope of the service, Dr Tse said: "Each enrolled student will be given an annual appointment to attend a Student Health Service Centre for health ‘programmes which include physical examination, health screening, individual counselling and health education.

"These programmes will identify health problems such as obesity, visual defect and mental stress.

"Students found to have health problems will be referred to the Special Assessment Centre or appropriate medical specialities for further assessment and follow-up," Dr Tse added.

Dr Tse explained that all primary day school students are eligible to join the service and the enrolment exercise will be carried out on an annual basis at the beginning of each school year with assistance from schools.

Letters to parents inviting primary day school students to enrol in the current school year have been sent through schools.

The new service is a centre-based programme. There are seven Student Health Service Centres and one Special Assessment Centre set up at the initial stage.

The Student Health Service will be extended to secondary day school students in September 1996. Upon full implementation, a total of 12 centres and two special assessment centres will be established to provide services for some 900,000 primary and secondary school students.

The introduction of the service to replace the School Medical Service is one of the recommendations of the Working Party on Primary Health Care in 1990 following a review of the prevailing provision of health and medical services for school children.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Ferry piers in Central relocated

* * * ♦ ♦

Passenger ferry facilities in Central will be improved with the completion of another new ferry pier later this month, members of the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Central and Western District Board were told.

At a meeting of the Committee today (Thursday), Chief Engineer (Hong Kong Island Division) of the Territory Development Department, Mr Peter So, said the Tuen Mun ferry and hoverferry service and the Tai O ferry service would be relocated to the new pier No. 5 upon its completion in late September.

"After that, we will then be able to relocate in early October the Lamma ferry service from its current temporary pier near Rumsey Street permanently to the eastern berth of pier No. 6," he said.

Pier No. 5 is one of the six new permanent piers being developed under the Central Reclamation Phase I project, part of the Airport Core Programme (ACP).

The project comprises the reclamation of 20 hectares of land between the Macau Ferry Terminal and the General Post Office Building for the expansion of the Central business area as well as the construction of the Airport Railway's Hong Kong Station.

It also includes reprovisioning of ferry piers along the Central waterfront to ensure continuation of ferry services throughout the reclamation works.

Mr So said more facilities for the new piers were completed and opened to the public last month.

"These include the permanent covered walkway along the promenade and designated lay-bys for taxis, private cars and goods vehicles to set down and pick up their passengers and goods.

"A dual two-lane carriageway linking the new piers with Harbour View Street, together with pedestrian crossings and a temporary covered walkway, will be completed this month prior to the opening of pier No. 5," he said.

On public transport, members were told that the bus terminus adjacent to the new piers was now served by six China Motor Bus routes (Nos. 3A, 4, 25, 91, 94 and 500) and five Citybus routes (Nos. 7, 11, 37, 71 and 511).

The piers are also served by two Green Minibus Bus (GMB) routes (Nos. 54 and 55). An additional new GMB route is being planned by the Transport Department to connect the new piers with Wan Chai north.

"We believe these facilities will be able to serve ferry passengers using the new ferry piers," said Mr So.

"Members of the public will be fully informed of the ferry relocation arrangements and leaflets and notices will be issued to ferry passengers.

"Directional signs will also be put up to guide motorists and ferry passengers," he added.

The relocation of ferry piers in Central will also be discussed by the Island District Board Traffic and Transport Committee at its meeting on September 14.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Volume and price movements of external trade in June

*****

In the first six months of 1995, the volume of re-exports increased by 17% over the same period last year, while the volume of domestic exports increased by 6.7%, according to the statistics released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Taking re-exports and domestic exports together, the volume of total exports increased by 15%. Meanwhile, imports increased by 17% 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 reexports and domestic exports increased by 3.7% and 2.4% respectively. Import prices increased by 5.9%.

Price changes are reflected by changes in unit value indices, which are compiled based on average upit 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 2.4% in the first six months of 1995 over the same period last year.

Comparing June 1995 with June 1994, the volume of re-exports increased by 13%, while that of domestic exports increased by 2.4%. Taken together, the volume of total exports increased by 11%. Meanwhile, the volume of imports grew by 9.1%.

Over the same period of comparison, the prices of re-exports and domestic exports increased by 4.4% and 2.3% respectively. Import prices increased by 6.9%.

The changes in the value, unit value and volume of re-exports by end-use category are shown in Table 1.

Comparing June 1995 with June 1994, the volume of re-exports of all end-use categories recorded increases of various magnitudes: fuels (+65%), capital goods (+23%), foodstuffs (+18%), raw materials and semi-manufactures (+18%), and consumer goods (+5.8%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases in the prices of re-exports were noted of all end-use categories: raw materials and semi-manufactures (+10%), consumer goods (+2.8%), fuels (+2.8%), foodstuffs (+1.7%), and capital goods (+0.7%).

The changes in the value, unit value and volume of domestic exports by principal commodity group are shown in Table 2.

Comparing June 1995 with June 1994, commodity groups which recorded increases in volume of domestic exports included radios of all kinds (+59%); and metal ores and scrap (+36%).

- 5 -

On the other hand, the volume of domestic exports of footwear and textile yam and thread decreased by 74% and 22% respectively.

Commodity groups which recorded increases in domestic export prices included textile made-ups and related articles (+11%); anci metal ores and scrap (+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 16% in June 1995 compared with June 1994.

Significant increases in the import volume were noted of sugar; and meat and meat preparations. However, decreases in the import volume were noted of live poultry; and tea and coffee.

Over the same period of comparison, the import volume of consumer goods increased by 3.4%.

Significant increases in import volume were recorded in miscellaneous made-up articles of textile materials; and cameras, flashlight apparatus and supplies for photography. However, decreases in the import volume were noted of passenger motor cars and tobacco manufactures.

The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures increased by 18% in June 1995 compared with June 1994.

Significant increases in import volume were noted of base metal other than iron and steel; and wood, lumber and cork. However, the import volume of silk fabrics; and watch and clock movements, cases and parts declined.

Imports of fuels decreased by 48% in volume in June 1995 compared with June 1994.

As regards capital goods, the import volume increased by 14% in June 1995 over June 1994.

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 transport equipment however declined.

I /

Comparing June 1995 with June 1994, the import prices of all end-use categories increased : raw materials and semi-manufactures (+10%), capital goods (+6.4%), foodstuffs (+5.9%), consumer goods (+4.4%), and fuels (+4.4%).

Details of the above statistics are published in the June 1995 issue of the "Hong Kong Trade Index Numbers”.

The report will be on sale around September 11 at $14 per copy at either (i) the Government Publications Centre on the ground floor. Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; 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 Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department at 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194; and enquiries on trade indices to the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2582 4918.

Table 1 : Changes in re-exports by end-use category

Comparing JUN 1995 Comparing JAN-JUN 1995 with JUN 1994 with JAN-JUN 1994

End-use category i ' • * •• :.3’ * . % changes % changes

Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume

Foodstuffs 19.3 1.7 18.4 23.8 2.4 22.8

Consumer goods 8.6 2.8 5.8 10.9 2.2 9.1

Raw materials and semi-manufactures 29.4 10.0 17.8 • 33.0 9.1 21.7

Fuels 74.7 2.8 65.0 28.4 4.8 23.1

Capital goods 19.1 0.7 23.0 27.0 0.2 30.2

ALL COMMODITIES 16.9 4.4 13.0 20.3 3.7 16.8

Table 2 : Changes in domestic exports by principal commodity group

Comparing JUN 1995 with JUN 1994 Comparing JAN-JUN 1995 with JAN-JUN 1994

% changes % changes

Unit Unit

Commodity group Value Value Volume Value Value Volume

Clothing 3.6 1.8 2.2 7.8 1.7 6.2

Textile fabrics 3.4 5.0 -1.3 -2.1 4.8 -6.7

Textile yarn and thread -18.5 4.1 -21.8 -4.1 2.1 -6.9

Textile made-ups and related articles 39.9 11.0 22.6 24.4 13.7 8.4

Radios of all kinds 55.0 2.2 59.3 -1.9 0.7 5.3

Electronic components 18.3 3.8 16.4 27.8 4.2 25.3

Footwear -70.7 3.0 -74.2 -54.9 4.0 -57.9

Metal manufactures 13.0 3.8 8.5 8.6 2.5 6.6

Metal ores and scrap 39.7 6.0 36.4 40.7 6.6 31.2

Watches and clocks -10.6 1.7 -13.3 9.8 2.4 5.9

Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -4.5 0.3 -3.8 -4.4 -3.1 -0.5

Domestic electrical appliances -13.8 0.5 -14.8 -13.5 0.9 -14.1

ALL COMMODITIES 4.6 2.3 2.4 9.5 2.4 6.7

Table 3 : Changes In imports by end-use category

Comparing JUN 1995 Comparing JAN-JUN 1995 with JUN 1994 with JAN-JUN 1994

% changes % changes

End-use category Value Unit Value Volume Value Unit Value Volume

• Foodstuffs 22.3 5.9 15.7 21.6 4.9 16.1

Consumer goods 7.5 4.4 3.4 13.6 4.3 9.6

Raw materials and semi-manufactures 29.6 10.2 18.2 32.6 9.2 21.3

Fuels -44.3 4.4 -48.0 2.5 1.6 -0.9

Capital goods 19.0 6.4 14.1 34.5 4.9 29.3

ALL COMMODITIES 16.4 6.9 9.1 24.2 5.9 17.2

End/Thursday, Septembpr 7, 1995

Platforms in Braille available for the blind

*****

Platforms of candidates for the Legislative Council elections are now available in Braille to help blind electors to get to know the candidates.

A spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) said today (Thursday) a total of 30 sets of platforms with Braille text had been produced and were available for loan from district offices or the following voluntary organisations:

* Rehabilitation Alliance Hong Kong;

♦ Society for the Blind; and

♦ Hong Kong Association of the Blind.

In addition to platforms, copies of a leaflet in Braille and cassette tapes introducing the main features of the LegCo elections arc also obtainable from:

♦ Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service Shek Kip Mei Lutheran Centre for the Blind;

♦ Rehabilitation Alliance Hong Kong;

♦ Hong Kong Society for the Blind;

♦ Ebenezer School and Home for the Blind;

♦ Hong Kong Federation of the Blind; and

♦ Pentecostal Holiness Church Ling Kwong Bradbury Centre for the Blind.

The spokesman said blind electors and those who could not read might visit district offices to listen to the tapes.

They may also call the REO hotline 2891 1400 to listen to recorded messages on candidates' personal particulars and platforms. Meanwhile, candidates' data have also been included onto an internet service, the InterServe.

The internet home page location is:

h ttp://www. interserve.com. hk.elect95/main.html

Enquiries on the data may be directed to the Registration and Electoral Office via electronic mail address: reg-electoffice@interserve.com.hk

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Reminder on handling problem students ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

With the new school year under way, the Education Department has re-issued its circular on handling problem students, in particular drawing the attention of schools to its guidelines regarding the expulsion of students and suspension from class.

The department also noted a growing concern over practices by some schools in advising pupils to leave school voluntarily as an alternative to expulsion.

"The Education Department has critically examined the present situation and is of the view that such advice on ’voluntary’ withdrawal is educationally undesirable, and defeats the purposes of providing schools with various resources to promote education for all abilities and to provide free and compulsory education opportunities for all children, including problem children, up to junior secondary level," a spokesman said.

"It is also noted that some parents who have been advised to withdraw their children from schools may not realise that they have the right to refuse such advice."

The spokesman said the Director of Education had clear authority to direct schools to admit students to fill vacant places.

"Schools should provide maximum possible guidance and counselling services to students with learning and behaviour problems. They should not oblige their students to leave school or withdraw ’voluntarily’.’’

The spokesman said schools should not expel students from school solely on the ground that they were academically weak.

Neither should they suspend students from school except under very special circumstances.

"The student in question should be allowed to continue normal schooling, pending the outcome of any investigation into the cause of his misbehaviour by the school and, if necessary, he should be referred for professional advice," the spokesman said.

Schools may suspend problem students from class for a short period of time in order to adjust their behaviour. Students on suspension from class, however, should receive proper supervision and counselling within the school premises; the spokesman said.

The spokesman encouraged schools to adopt the Whole School Approach to Guidance and Discipline, under which all teachers in a school participate actively in assisting students to resolve their problems. Students with more serious problems should be referred to student guidance teachers or school social workers as appropriate for assistance.

Schools should familiarise themselves with various feasible ways of handling problem students who might require professional advice through formal and informal communication with one another and with external services agencies, including the Education Department's Services Division.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Traffic situation in Tuen Mun/Yuen Long improving ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Sheung Shui-bound traffic from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui has improved following the opening of an additional traffic lane on Sheung Shui-bound carriageway of San Tin Highway from Fairview Park Interchange to Shek Wu Wai at 7.30 am this (Thursday) morning, a Transport Department spokesman said.

This will provide a three-lane Sheung Shui-bound carriageway on the New Territories Circular Road from Fairview Park Interchange.

At the same time, a temporary traffic lane, which is converted from a cycle track, from Au Tau to Fung Kat Heung has also contributed to the improved traffic situation in Yuen Long area.

Travelling time from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui has been reduced by 10 minutes as experienced by KMB buses this morning.

Traffic in Tuen Mun Town Centre is congested this morning but the situation has improved since 9.30 am.

Traffic in both directions of Tuen Mun Road is satisfactory while traffic on Castle Peak Road remains heavy but slow moving.

This morning’s travelling times on Tuen Mun Road as reflected by KMB 60M are as follows:

- •’<

46-97 minutes for Tsuen Wan bound

26-54 minutes for Tuen Mun bound

Up to 9 am, a total of 71,100 passengers had been carried by buses and ferries from Tuen Mun to the urban areas with breakdowns below:

1. ferries to Central 5,100

2. ferries to Tsuen Wan 1,000

3. buses from Tuen Mun 65,000

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Smooth traffic in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Traffic is generally smooth in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long today (Thursday), a Transport Department spokesman said.

Vehicular queues in Tuen Mun Town Centre and Castle Peak Road have been reducing since 2 pm this afternoon.

The improved traffic situation was attributed to a number of combined efforts including the opening of a temporary traffic lane from Au Tau roundabout to Fung Kat Heung and an additional traffic lane from Fairview Park Interchange to Shek Wu Wai on the Sheung Shui-bound carriageway of San Tin Highway.

Police assistance and patrol also play an important role in making the traffic moving.

The existing special transport arrangements will continue tomorrow (Friday) for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long residents.

The travelling times on Tuen Mun Road as reflected by KMB 60M in the morning and evening peak hours are:

Tuen Mun bound

Tsuen Wan bound

26-75 minutes

30 - 97 minutes

The number of bus and ferry passengers to and from Tuen Mun during the morning and evening peak hours are 71,100 and 57,200 respectively with breakdowns below:

Morning Peak Hours (6 am to 9 am)

Evening Peak Hours (5 pm to 8 pm)

* ♦ ♦ *

* ♦

ferries to Central

ferries to Tsuen Wan buses to Tsuen Wan ferries from Central

ferries from Tsuen Wan buses to Tuen Mun

5,100

1,000

65,000

4,500

2,700

50,000

71,100

57,200

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Proposals to alter the Valuation Lists

*****

The Rating and Valuation Department has now dealt with all proposals, received in April and May this year, to alter the rateable values in the Valuation Lists.

A spokesman for the Rating and Valuation Department urged any ratepayer who had not yet received a notice of decision in response to his proposal to immediately contact the department on tel 2805 7666.

The spokesman added that if a rateable value had been altered as a result of a proposal, the amendment to the rateable value and any adjustment to the rates payable will be effective from April 1 this year. Such adjustment, if any, will be made in the rates demands as soon as possible.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

h .

Poll cards sent to electors ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has issued poll cards to all electors informing them about the Legislative Council elections to be held on September 17 (Sunday).

Electors who have not received poll cards by now are requested to contact the REO on 2827 1122.

An REO spokesman said today (Thursday) the card also included such information as the polling hours and the polling station where an elector is to cast his vote.

"While it is not imperative for a voter to bring along the poll card to the polling station, it will certainly facilitate checking their identities and avoid delay if they do so," the spokesman said.

But he added that electors must bring along their Hong Kong identity card when they go to the poll.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Prestige Annual Stamp Album soon on sale

*****

The acting Postmaster General, Miss Nancy Law, announced today (Thursday) that the 1994 Prestige Annual Stamp Album will be on sale on September 12 at the following seven philatelic offices:

♦ General Post Office

♦ Beaconsfield House Post Office

* Peak Post Office

♦ Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office

* Granville Road Post Office

♦ Sha Tin Central Post Office

* Tsuen Wan Post Office

The Album, at $220, is the first of its kind introduced by the Hong Kong Post Office as a prestige philatelic product for collectors.

"It is a complete collection of all the special stamps and definitive stamp sheetlets issued in 1994," Miss Law said.

"It also reproduces all the special postmarks and cachets used in connection with the stamp issues in the year."

Another special feature of the Album is that it contains over 40 attractive colour photographs and illustrations concerning the theme of each special stamp issued with descriptions. Furthermore, it records two major events organised by the Hong Kong Post Office - the successful Hong Kong '94 Stamp Exhibition and the Conference of Commonwealth Postal Administrations.

The Album consists of a book and a separate package of one set each of the following special stamps and stamp sheetlets issued in 1994 to be inserted into the relevant page in the book by the collector:

* Year of the Dog

♦ 150th Anniversary of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force

* Traditional Chinese Festivals

* Commonwealth Games

* Dr James Legge 1815 - 1897

* Hong Kong Corals

♦ Hong Kong Classics Series Nos. 3, 4 & 5 (Stamp sheetlets printed on Crown Agents watermarked paper)

♦ Definitive Stamp Sheetlets Nos. 8&9

The total face value of the postage stamps is $101.50.

Miss Law said: "The Album is ideal both as a gift and for personal collection. A restriction of not more than two Albums per customer will be imposed on September 12. No Advance Order Service or Hand-back Service will be provided."

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Souvenirs to promote LegCo elections ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government has prepared attractive souvenirs to promote the coming Legislative Council Elections which will fall on September 17.

They include coffee mugs, metallic bookmarks, and memo pads. Promotional messages and election logo were printed on these items to appeal to the public to cast vote.

These souvenirs are being distributed to members of the public participating in district events and activities organised by the press, Home Affairs Department and Government Information Services.

End/Thursday, September 7, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

^million Time (hems) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,711 0930 -510

Closing balance in the account 1,703 1000 -510

Change attributable to: 1100 -510

Money market activity -508 1200 -508

LAF today +500 1500 -508

1600 -508

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.3 *-0.1* 7.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes Coupon Price Yield

Terms Yield Term Issue

1 week 5.95 2 years 2708 6.06 100.10 6.09

1 month 5.88 3 years 3807 6.16 99.66 6.39

3 months 5.85 5 years 5006 6.60 98.88 6.99

6 months 5.87 5 years M501 7.90 102.05 7.51

12 months 5.88

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $12,085 million

Closed September?, 1995

End/Thursday, September?, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, September 8,1995

Contents Page No-

Traffic arrangements after re-opening of Tuen Mun Road................... 1

Tuen Mun Road to be reopened............................................. 3

Yuen Long/Tuen Mun traffic keeps improving............................... 4

Information code scheme to be extended................................... 5

Measures to boost hotel development...................................... 6

Regulations to enhance maritime safety gazetted.......................... 7

Children play centre opens at woman's prison............................. 9

Three more historical buildings declared............................. 10

Head of Trade to lead HK team at APEC meeting in HK..................... 12

Good job opportunities for government apprentices....................... 13

Land auction scheduled for the end of September......................... 14

Officials drum support for election and fund raiser..................... 14

/Mid-Autumn Festival..

Contents

Eage No,

Mid-Autumn Festival fire safety advice.................................. 15

Clinics to close on Mid-Autumn Festival................................. 16

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures.................. 16

Tenders invited for road works.......................................... 17

Road works in Siu Lam proposed...................................... 18

DSD looks for sewer construction contractor............................. 19

Sewage services exhibition to continue in Sha Tin....................... 19

Demolition contractors sued for Hotel Fortuna collapse.....,............ 20

Water cuts in several districts......................................... 21

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 22

Traffic arrangements after re-opening of Tuen Mun Road ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ r

Traffic arrangements and public transport services for Tuen Mun and Yuen Long will resume normal with the re-opening of Tuen Mun Road in full with three-lane in each direction before 6 am tomorrow (Saturday), the Transport Department announces today (Friday).

The department has also requested public transport operators to continue providing the necessary extra services for Tuen Mun residents, a spokesman for the department said.

Announcement for the re-opening of Tuen Mun Road was made this afternoon following a final inspection of the stabilisation works of the dangerous slopes along the road.

Traffic arrangements

The Prohibited Zone on Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound from Wong Chu Road to Sham Tseng, including the slip road leading from Wong Chu Road to Tuen Mun Road will be cancelled.

The Bus Only Lane (BOL) on Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound from Pui To Road to Tuen Hing Road will be lifted.

Red minibuses will not be allowed to use Tuen Mun Road.

• «

The BOL on Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound from So Kwu Wat to Sham Tseng will be re-instated effective from 7 am to 9 am daily except Sundays and public holidays.

Only franchised and non-franchised buses will be allowed to use the BOL during the prohibited period. Light buses including nanny vans will not be allowed to use the BOL anymore. However, nanny van operators may apply for a permit from the Transport Department to operate in the BOL.

In connection with the designation of the BOL, the following prohibitions will be re-introduced during the prohibiting period:

♦ Vehicles exceeding three tonnes on Castle Peak Road entering Sham Tseng Interchange to Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound carriageway.

♦ Vehicles on Castle Peak Road entering Siu Lam Interchange to Tuen Mun Road Kowloon-bound carriageway.

However, vehicles on Castle Peak Road can, in any time, use both Siu Lam and Sham Tseng Interchanges to join Tuen Mun Road NT-bound carriageway.

The speed limit of 70 km per hour on Tuen Mun Road between Wong Chu Road and Tsuen Wan will be re-instated except for a section of the Kowloon-bound carriageway from a point about 300 metres before Sham Tseng Interchange to a point about 1,000 metres after the interchange where 50 kilometres per hour will be observed.

The traffic management scheme at Sha Po roundabout will continue to be in force.

However, the temporary traffic management measures at Au Tau roundabout will be cancelled and all traffic movements will be permitted.

Public Transport Services

Apart from normal services, the following public transport arrangements will be in place:

Bus Services

* Route 60P (Tuen Mun Town Centre - Sheung Shui KCR Station) will be maintained until 10 am tomorrow.

* Route 39S (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier - Tsuen Wan MTR Station) will be cancelled consequent upon the cancellation of the ferry service between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun.

♦ Route 276 (Tin Shui Wai - Sheung Shui KCR Station) and Route 64K (Yuen Long - Tai Po Railway Station) will resume normal service level.

However, the service will be strengthened if demand justified.

KMB will continue to operate more than 60 additional departures as before to tie in with the resumption of the morning peak-hour bus-only lane (BOL) on Tuen Mun Road.

Ferry Services

The HYF ferry services will be as followed:

Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan special service will be cancelled.

♦ Tsuen Wan - Central via Tsing Yi (hoverferry and ordinary ferry services) will be re-instated as scheduled.

♦ Tuen Mun - Wan Chai (hoverferry and ordinary services) will be reinstated as scheduled.

* Central - Cheung Chau/Mui Wo/Peng Chau hoverferry services will be re-instated as scheduled on weekdays.

* Tsirn Sha Tsui - Cheung Chau and Mui Wo ordinary ferry services will be re-instated as scheduled.

The Tuen Mun to Central service will be strengthened by the addition of two hoverferries and two catamarans as compared to schedules.

End/Friday, 8 September 1995

Tuen Mun Road to be reopened

*****

The Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, said today (Friday) the immediate slope stabilisation work above the Tsuen Wan-bound carriageway of Tuen Mun Road is expected to complete early tomorrow (Saturday) morning for reopening of the road to three-lane traffic in each direction before 6 am tomorrow.

The decision to reopen the road was made after a review by Mr Blake and the Director of Highways with their technical staff on the ground who made inspection as the slope stabilisation work was carried out.

The Secretary for Transport and the Commissioner for Transport worked closely with Mr Blake and his staff throughout the process.

Mr Blake said: "The work involved the use of heavy equipment for removing unstable rock along the slope edges and special access equipment to enable a thorough geotechnical examination of the rock faces above the road.

"Drilling was also carried out through specific unstable features of the rock faces to install 40-mm diameter steel rods up to 10-metre in length to secure these areas."

To enable the road widening work for the new climbing lanes to proceed with enhanced protection to road users, Mr Blake said: "It will be necessary to provide more space for the installation of safety barriers. This will require the introduction of dual two-lane traffic at two short sections between Tuen Mun and Siu Lam in November. This temporary arrangement will be removed before the end of the year.

"The length of each of the two sections will be about 700 metres. All necessary traffic control measures will be put in place before the dual two-lane operation begins."

The Transport Department and Highways Department will brief the relevant District Boards once proposals for special traffic arrangements are worked out.

Regarding the carriageway widening works between Siu Lam and Shum Tseng, Mr Blake said: "The Director of Highways has received from the contractor proposals which will enable the completion of these works without further risk to road users from the slopes adjacent to the eastbound carriageway."

"These are being considered and the widening works will not begin until the question of risk has been dealt with satisfactorily," he emphasised.

Details of the traffic arrangements for the reopening of Tuen Mun Road will be announced by the Transport Department.

End/F riday, September 8, 1995

Yuen Long/Tuen Mun traffic keeps improving ♦ * * * *

All traffic in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun keeps improving this (Friday) morning as reduced journey time between destination is reported, a Transport Department spokesman said.

No traffic queue has been observed on San Tin Highway since 8 am when the additional Sheung Shui-bound traffic lane of San Tin Highway from Fung Kat Heung to Fairview Park Interchange opens for public use. This widened section makes possible three-lane traffic on the New Territories Circular Road Sheung Shui-bound from Au Tau roundabout and increases the Highway's capacity.

Together with other traffic arrangements at the Au Tau and Sha Po roundabouts, it helps smooth traffic from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui.

Apart from the slow moving NT-bound traffic from Sham Tseng to a point outside Hong Kong Garden where the three lanes merge into one to facilitate the contra-flow arrangement, traffic on Tuen Mun Road is in general smooth. Short queues were spotted in Tuen Mun Town Centre at about 9.15 am but have been reducing since 9.40 am.

Traffic on Castle Peak Road is also improving with traffic moving at a faster pace than previous days.

This morning's travelling times on Tuen Mun Road as reflected by KMB 60M are as follows:

37-60 minutes for Tsuen Wan bound

28-58 minutes for Tuen Mun bound

Up to 9 am, a total of 71,700 passengers were carried by buses and ferries from Tuen Mun to the urban areas with breakdowns below:

1. ferries to Central 5,000

2. ferries to Tsuen Wan 700

3. buses from Tuen Mun 66,000

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Information code scheme to be extended ♦ ♦ * * *

The Government has announced that it will extend the Code on Access to Information to all branches and departments following the success of the six-month pilot scheme which has just been reviewed.

A Government spokesman said today (Friday) that experience gained during the pilot scheme, which began in March, had shown that the Code provided a workable framework to provide access by members of the public to a wide range of information held by the Government.

"Nine departments and branches joined the pilot scheme in March, and a further 12 joined in July," the spokesman said.

"By the end of August, a total of 258 requests for information had been received by the 21 agencies subject to the Code. Only seven of these requests were refused compared with 201 requests which were met either in full or partially."

The Code lays down target times for departments to respond to requests for information and these targets were largely achieved - 93 per cent of all requests were dealt with within 21 days and most (76 per cent of all requests) were dealt with in 10 days or less.

Only 11 requests for information took longer than 21 days to deal with, mostly because of the need to consult with other departments or to seek agreement for the release of information provided by a third party.

The spokesman said other government departments would become subject to the Code as soon as they had the necessary administrative procedures in place, and key staff had received the training necessary to ensure compliance with the Code.

He expected that the Code would be applied to a total of about 55 departments and branches by the end of this year, leaving about 30 more to be brought into the scheme during 1996.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Measures to boost hotel development *****

The Government will introduce measures to boost hotel development, a Government spokesman announced today (Friday).

Having conducted an internal study and examined the consultancy reports commissioned by the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners Ltd, the Government has decided to adjust the plot ratios for hotel developments to bring them into line with that provided for non-domestic uses in the same locality.

Under the new arrangements, the development concessions previously applied to hotel projects will be discontinued.

"We believe that the new practice will create an incentive for developers and stimulate new hotel development," the spokesman said.

The new measures would be implemented on an administrative basis by the issue by the Building Authority of new practice notes. Subsequently changes to the Building (Planning) Regulations will have to be made.

"In addition, as a complementary course of action, the Government has identified two sites which are considered suitable to be zoned specifically for hotel development," the spokesman said. A recommendation will be made to the Town Planning Board.

"It is hoped that the above measures will be welcomed by the industry and help stimulate hotel development," the spokesman said.

Some 14,000 to 16,500 new hotel rooms are required in the next 10 years in order to cope with the forecast demands, according to the Federation of Hong Kong Hotels Owners Ltd and the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Regulations to enhance maritime safety gazetted ♦ * ♦ * *

The Government is introducing a series of regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance to make them fall in line with the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), a Government spokesman said today (Friday).

In light of experience from shipping casualties over the past few years, the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has reviewed regulations relating to ship construction and design.

As a result, a series of changes have been introduced to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

"Hong Kong supports the decision of the IMO in strengthening safety and ship construction." the spokesman said.

As a party to SOLAS and as an associated member of the IMO, Hong Kong is obliged to give effect to these amendments which are reflected in the following regulations published in the Government Gazette today.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built On or Arter 1 September 1984) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 sets out additional requirements for various fire protection and fire fighting installations and equipment including compulsory fitting of sprinkler systems, smoke detection and smoke extraction systems in passenger accommodation spaces.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built Before 25 May 1980) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 and the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Appliances) (Ships Built On or Arter 25 May 1980 But Before 1 September 1984) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 make provisions for additional fire fighting installations and portable equipment for passenger ships and cargo ships, and alternative provisions to the existing requirements for inert gas on chemical tankers and gas carriers.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or Arter 1 September 1984) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 introduces amendments in respect.of oil fuel installations, communication between the navigating bridge and machinery space, and means of escape in passenger ships.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 sets out additional requirements for various fire protection and fire fighting installations and equipment including compulsory fitting of sprinklers, fire alarm and fire detection systems in passenger and service spaces.

The Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Convention and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 introduces additional requirements in respect of watertight bulkheads, double bottoms and access to spaces in the cargo area of oil tankers. Provisions are also included in respect of oil fuel installations, communications between the navigation bridge and machinery spaces and other general precautions.

Meanwhile, the Conference of Contracting Government had adopted, by a resolution, certain amendments to SOLAS 1974.

"These amendments mainly concern radio communications for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and, in addition, shipboard navigational equipment," the spokesman said.

"The amendments will ensure better response to ship and person in distress and hence ensure better safeguards for safety of life at sea.

"Hong Kong supports these objectives and also as SOLAS 1974 applies to Hong Kong, we are obliged to implement these amendments in our legislation," he said.

These new amendments are reflected in the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Navigational Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 1995 which is also published in the Government Gazette today.

The regulation specifies the radar installation requirements for all passenger ships and cargo ships of 300 tons or over and engaged on an international voyage. The Director of Marine may exempt certain ships from compliance.

It adds a new requirement that the radar installation, or at least one of such installations, as the case may be, shall be capable of operating at nine GHz; and provides that homing installation shall be required to be fitted in ships constructed before February 1, 1995 only until February 1, 1999.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Children play centre opens at woman’s prison ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Raymond Lai, today (Friday) opened the Children’s Play Centre at the Tai Lam Centre for Women (TLCW).

Funded by the Dutch Charity Fund and designed by the Playright Children's Playground Association Limited, the centre caters for children who reside in the institution where their mothers are imprisoned and for other children who come to visit their jailed mothers during the half day visit programme.

With a floor area of about 30 square metres, the Play Centre is aimed at providing a stimulating environment for both children and their incarcerated mothers to preserve and strengthen their relationships. This will also enable these mothers to resume their parental responsibilities.

The Centre is located on the upper floor of TLCW hospital. The furniture and equipment are specially selected with particular regard to safety measures - all the comers of these items arc rounded. The toys chosen also aim at the range of developmental needs of infants and young children.

"The new project was initiated by CSD to develop a children's play room for resident infants and children visiting their imprisoned mothers on the extended visit scheme," a spokesman of the department said.

"Over the past years, the children play project has been running smoothly and satisfactory in TLCW. However, the new project would be further enhanced and extended with professional advice," he added.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Three more historical buildings declared *****

The Central Police Station, the Victoria Prison and the former Central Magistracy situated in one of the most historical parts of Central, have been declared as historical buildings today (Friday) under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

Bound by Arbuthnot Road, Hollywood Road, Old Bailey Street and Chancery Lane, the compound represents the former centre of administration, justice, law and order in Hong Kong.

This brings the total number of monuments declared in Hong Kong to 55 so far. The declaration of the three building compounds which has the full support of the Antiquities Advisory Board, is published for general information in today's Gazette. The historical background of the buildings is as follows:

The Central Police Station compound

It comprises a barrack block (built in 1864 and extended in 1905), "A" block (built in 1864), "B" block (built in 1864), Headquarters block (built in 1919). the laundry and medical blocks (built in early 1910s) and a store block (built in 1925).

On April 30, 1841, Captain William Caine was appointed the Chief Magistrate of Hong Kong to be responsible for the maintenance of law and order. His first office was only a matshed. Other police stations which were promptly set up in Central, Aberdeen and Stanley were also temporary structures. The tlrst permanent police building only appeared in 1847.

With the influx of immigrants from China in the 1850s, more police stations were built to cope with the sudden population growth. The headquarters for the force was then constructed in 1864 on the present site adjacent to the Victoria Prison. It initially consisted of a three-storey Barrack Block as sergeants quarters, and two other blocks (A and B) as the residence of the Captain Superintendent of Police and his most senior officers. An additional storey was added to the Barrack Block in 1905.

In 1919, an extension block facing Hollywood Road was erected. It is noted for its brick construction and imposing columns in the entrance hall. This four-storey building is classical in style. The whole of the front and the main architectural features of the back and end elevations were carried out in cement plaster.

The laundry and medical blocks were added in the early 1910s and the final structure, the store block was completed in 1925 as a combined store, armoury, magazine and workshop.

The compound has not functioned as the Police Headquarters since the Second World War. But it is still occupied by the Police as the Hong Kong Island Regional headquarters and a number of its sub-units, including Central District Headquarters and Central Division.

Victoria Prison

It was one of the first buildings constructed of durable materials in 1841.

Some 20 years later, the prison had become so inadequate that prisoners had to be moved to a site on Stonecutters Island and to a hulk anchored between the island and Lai Chi Kok. All these facilities, however, were abandoned three years later when improvement and reconstruction works providing additional accommodation at Victoria were completed.

In 1932, 91 years after the construction of the prison, the Lai Chi Kok Prison, Hong Kong’s second prison, was erected on the Kowloon peninsula to take over the female prisoners, who, until then, had been housed together with their male counterparts in the Victoria Prison.

In 1937, when the Stanley Prison was completed, the Victoria Prison was closed. However, the closure lasted only two years as Stanley proved to be overcrowded from the start and it was therefore decided to recommission the old jail for prisoners on remand.

The centenary of the Victoria Prison in 1941 was marked by the Japanese invasion and occupation. When the war ended in 1945, it was found that most of the buildings had been severely damaged by bombing. Repairs were effected and it was re-opened in 1946.

The former Central Magistracy

The construction of the Central Magistracy commenced in 1913 and was completed in 1914. The site was originally occupied by another Magistracy which was probably erected as early as 1847 but was later demolished to make way for the Central Magistracy.

The walls of the Magistracy are of Canton red brick on lime mortar, faced externally with Amoy bricks. The massive pillars of the facade and other principal features of the building, finished in finely moulded cement-concrete, suggest a Greek-revival style. The main entrance doorway at the high retaining wall facing Arbuthnot Road has fine dressed granite arch and pediment.

The Magistracy was closed on January 13, 1979, and is now used as offices and club premises of the police.

End/Friday, Septembers, 1995

Head of Trade to lead HK team at APEC meeting in HK *****

The Director-General of Trade, Mr Tony Miller, will head a Hong Kong delegation at the 4th Special Session of Senior Officials Meeting for the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) to be held in Hong Kong on September 12 and 13.

Senior Officials of APEC Economies will continue to work on drawing up an ’’action agenda’’ for realising the goal of free and open trade and investment in the region by the year 2020.

The free trade goal was promulgated by the 18 Economic Leaders of APEC at their meeting in Bogor, Indonesia, in November last year.

The meeting, to be held at Hotel Furama, will be preceded by an informal meeting of the Committee on Trade and Investment to be held on Monday (September II), as well as a sub-committee meeting on Standards and Conformance on Sunday (September 10).

Members of the Hong Kong delegation comprise officials from the Trade and Industry Branch, Financial Services Branch, Works Branch, Industry Department, Customs and Excise Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Housing Department, Labour Department, Government Supplies Department and the Trade Department.

Member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Good job opportunities for government apprentices *****

Despite the territory's present "rather high" unemployment rate, there still exists ample job opportunities for graduating government apprentices, a former Legislative Councillor, Mr Tam Yiu-chung, said today (Friday).

Officiating at a graduation ceremony for government craft and technician apprentices, Mr Tam said as a number of major infrastructure projects were in full swing, there were substantial vacancies for technical personnel in the engineering and mechanical field.

Graduating today are 42 craft apprentices and 19 technician apprentices who have acquired a particular skill and are proficient in their own trade.

Mr Tam told the apprentices that their four years of training were well spent.

"Besides building up a solid foundation for the development of your career, what you have learnt will prove to be valuable assets to you as an individual," he said.

He noted that the apprentice training programme comprised on one hand theoretical knowledge and on the other practical skills through on-the-job training.

"So this is not some kind of abstract training but one that can really gives you confidence to operate machine and equipment and handle any fault or breakdown when you take up a job some day," Mr Tam said.

The Government Craft and Technician Apprentice Training Scheme is run by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to provide well-trained craftsmen and technicians for government service, as well as the community.

Since the scheme was launched in 1969, more than 2,800 skilled personnel have completed the training programme.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Land auction scheduled for the end of September ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The public auction of two lots of government land originally scheduled for August 31 will be held in the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui on September 26, starting at 2.30 pm, the government gazette notified today (Friday).

With an area of about 15,300 square metres, the first lot in area 37, Tai Po is designated for private residential use.

Located in Shing Yiu Street, Kwai Chung, the second lot has an area of about 6,525 square metres and is earmarked for industrial and/or godown purposes.

End/Friday, September 8. 1995

Officials drum support for election and fund raiser

*****

A group of senior government officials turned up at the Home Affairs Department (HAD) headquarters today (Friday) in their T-shirts featuring the unmistakable Legislative Council building profile to promote the forthcoming LegCo Elections and the Community Chest's "Dress Casual Day" fund-raising drive.

Among those who showed up in their casual attire to convey some rather serious messages were the acting Chief Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang; the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen; the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng; the Chief Electoral Officer, Mrs Carrie Willis: the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau; directorate officers of the Home Affairs Branch and Department; and district Officers.

Referring to the LegCo election day on September 17, Mr Tsang appealed to voters to "exercise their franchise on that day to ensure that they elect councillors who can truly represent the public and serve the community".

Expressing delight at the record high number of registered voters, Mr Tsang said: "This is solid public support for Hong Kong's electoral system. A fair and open election will give us a new Legislative Council with the credibility to serve and speak for the people."

To help achieve this goal, Mr Tsang noted that the Government had adopted a number of measures, including the lowering of voting age and the introduction of nine new functional constituencies.

Mr Tsang also reminded voters that apart from casting their ballots in the geographical constituencies, they should also vote in their respective functional constituencies.

Meanwhile, promotional activities have been organised by various District Offices to drive home the election messages. These include election forums for candidates in their respective districts, exhibition, vehicle parades, carnivals and distribution of souvenirs.

During today's gathering at HAD headquarters, senior government officials also presented election souvenirs to media representatives covering the event.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Mid-Autumn Festival fire safety advice

*****

Members of the public are reminded to take extra care in handling fire when visiting the countryside during the Mid-Autumn Festival period.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department's Country Parks Protection Officer, Mr Edmond Lam, said today (Friday) that visitors should refrain from releasing any Hung Ming lantern and be extremely careful with barbecue fire and hand-held candlelit lanterns.

According to Mr Lam, the annual Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the high fire risk periods in the year.

He therefore called on members of the public to be alert to the high fire risk when visiting country parks during the festival period.

It is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance and the Country Parks Ordinance to light fire illegally or to release a Hung Ming lantern in a country park or area of open countryside.

"Any person found guilty of illegal lighting fire inside country parks could face a maximum fine of $5,000 and one year's imprisonment," Mr Lam said.

He pointed out that there had been 14 prosecutions against the illegal use of fire in country parks in the past 12 months and offenders were fined a total of $10,610.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Clinics to close on Mid-Autumn Festival ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Department of Health today (Friday) announced that there would be no holiday out-patient clinic service tomorrow (Saturday), which is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures

*****

The Buildings Department is seeking to close three unauthorised structures at the rear lane of 221 to 226 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, for demolition without endangering the occupants and the public.

A notice of was posted at the structures today (Friday) informing the occupants that the Buildings Department would apply for a closure in respect of the structures from the court on November 15.

Acting Chief Building Surveyor, Mr Edmond Li, said the planned closure was part of an exercise to enforce an order issued under the Buildings Ordinance requiring the removal of the illegal structures.

Demolition of the structures will commence once the Closure Order is granted, but Mr Li stressed that no one would be rendered homeless in line with Government policy.

He advised the occupants to approach the Buildings Department if they require assistance in rehousing, adding that the department would put them in touch with the Housing Department for screening and assessment of their eligibility for rehousing.

The Buildings Department has also informed the Social Welfare Department of the planned closure.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Tenders invited for road works ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

The Territory Development Department's New Territories East Development Office is inviting tenders for construction of road works in Tseung Kwan O.

The works comprise the construction of about 3.8 kilometres of roads, a 23-metre wide and 80-metre long road bridge, and eight subways in the north of Tseung Kwan O Town Centre.

The contract period is 27 months and the works are expected to begin in November.

A notice of the tender invitation was gazetted today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars may be obtained from Maunsell Consultants Asia Limited, 4 Fung Wo Lane, Wo Che, Sha Tin.

The tender closing date is noon on October 6.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Road works in Siu Lam proposed *****

The Government has proposed carrying out road works in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun to cater for future traffic load brought about by a proposed private residential development which has been approved by the Government in principle.

The developer of the residential development is required to construct at his own cost a new road and to widen an existing road and footpaths.

During the road works construction period, the existing road and footpaths will be kept in service until the proposed road works are completed to the satisfaction of the Government. The existing local access leading to Siu Lam Village will then be closed and the traffic will be diverted to the new road.

An improved local footpath will be handed back to the Government upon its completion, while the developer will continue to maintain the new road.

A notice on the proposed road works was gazetted today (Friday).

A plan showing the proposed works can be inspected at:

* Central and Western District Office, Public Enquiry Services Centre, ground floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central;

* District Lands Office, Tuen Mun, sixth floor, Tuen Mun Government Offices, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun; and

* Tuen Mun District Office, second floor, Tuen Mun Government Offices, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun.

Any person who wishes to object to the works or the use, or both, should send his objection in writing to the Secretary for Transport, second floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong before November 7, describing his interest and the manner in which he alleges he will be affected by the works or the use.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

DSD looks for sewer construction contractor ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Drainage Services Department is inviting pre-qualification submissions for a contract of constructing major trunk sewers on Hong Kong Island.

The works will include construction of 5.7 kilometres of deep trunk sewers along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island between Western District and Wan Chai.

The sewers, with diameter varying from 900 mm to 1,800 mm, will be laid at depths up to 18 metres.

Construction will be primarily by trenchless methods to minimise disruption, particularly to traffic.

A notice inviting submissions was gazetted today (Friday).

Contractors are invited to apply for pre-qualification documents from Maunsell Consultants Asia Limited, Suite 601, World Commerce Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. The documents should be returned before noon on November 13.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Sewage services exhibition to continue in Sha Tin ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Drainage Services Department's (DSD) roving exhibition on sewage services that was successfully held last month, will continue at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday.

Carrying the theme "Serving the Community", the exhibition introduces the work of the various branches of the department and the services it provides for the public by means of photographs, charts, diagrams, models and a video wall of 16 television sets.

Sewage treatment projects, such as Stage I of the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme, Sewerage Master Plan and the sewage charging scheme, will be on display.

Flood control projects undertaken by the department in the New Territories, including the Shenzhen River Regulation project, as well as the Land Drainage Ordinance, will also be featured at the exhibition.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to get a better idea of sewage collection and the operation of a typical sewage screening plant. They will also have a chance of winning souvenirs by taking part in a stall game at the exhibition.

The exhibition will start from 10 am to 7 pm. It will also be mounted at the following dates and venues:

Venue

Cityplaza Dragon Centre Metroplaza Telford Gardens

Date

September 16 and 17

September 23 and 24

September 30 and October 1

October 5 and 6

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Demolition contractors sued for Hotel Fortuna collapse * * * ♦ ♦

The Buildings Department has prosecuted eight persons, including building professionals, and two companies for offences under the Buildings Ordinance as a result of the collapse of part of the Hotel Fortuna Building in Yau Ma Tei on September 9 last year.

In the incident, six persons were killed and one was injured.

Assistant Director of Buildings, Mr Cheng Wei-dart, said today (Friday) that the defendants are alleged to have permitted the carrying out of demolition works in a manner that had caused injuries to persons. One of them, a registered contractor, is also alleged to have failed to take precautionary measures to ensure safety.

"Demolition is a dangerous operation. All safety rules and procedures must be followed by all parties concerned," Mr Cheng emphasised.

The 10 defendants are authorised person, Arthur Kwok Chi-shun; project architect, Paul Yew Tak-yun; main contractor, Helfer Construction Co Ltd; Director and the main contractor, Chuk Kin-yuen; resident engineer, Lau Chi-sing; competent foreman, Loh Kim-yen; experienced person, Wong Chi-cheong; sub-contractor, Leung Shun Construction Co Ltd; Director and sub-subcontractor, Wong Cheung; and site supervisor, Wong Kin-ting.

Hearing of the case will take place in the South Kowloon Magistracy on October 5 and 12.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Water cuts in several districts ♦ * ♦ * *

Fresh water supply to some premises in the southern district of Hong Kong Island will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Monday (September 11) to 6 am the following day to facilitate water mains leakage detection.

I • I.

The suspension will affect all the premises at 100A and 102 Aberdeen Praya Road, 232-244 Aberdeen Main Road, Yue Fung Street, Yue Lei Street, Yue Wok Street, Yue Ko Street, 40-100 and 45-103 Shek Pai Wan Road, Hing Wo Street, Ka Wo Street, Tang Fung Street, Tin Wan Close, 1-15 and 2-22 Tin Wan Street as well as 2 Tin Wan Hill Road.

Meanwhile, flushing water supply to some premises in Sham Shui Po will be suspended from 10 pm on Monday to 6 am the following day due to the carrying out of water works.

The affected premises are located at Caldecott Road, So Uk Estate, Po On Road, Cheung Fat Street and Upper Pak Tin Estate.

In Tai Wai and Sha Tin, flushing water supply to some premises will also be cut off from 8 pm on Tuesday (September 12) to 8 pm the next day to allow for checking of the supply system.

In Tai Wai, the affected areas will include Mei Lam Estate, May Shing Court, Park View Garden, Mui Lee Temporary Housing Area, Glamour Garden, Grandway Garden, Grandeur Garden, Holford Garden, Tai Wai San Tsuen, Fu Shan Crematorium, Tai Wai Industrial Area, Pristine Villa, Hin Keng Estate, Ka Tin Court, Hin Tin Playground, Hin Tin Public Swimming Pool, Hong Kong School of Motoring, Lung Hang Estate, King Tin Court, Sun Chui Estate, Chun Shek Estate, San Tin Wai Estate, Fung Shing Court, Carado Garden, Golden Lion Garden Phases I and II, Green View Garden, Julimont Garden, Union Hospital, Hin Tai Street, Tin Sum Tsuen, Kak Tin Tsuen, San Tin Tsuen and Lei Uk Tsuen.

In Sha Tin, the suspension will affect Jat Min Chuen, Sha Kok Estate, Pok Hong Estate, Yue Shing Court, Girl Guide Pok Hong Camp Site, Sha Tin Scout Centre, Yi Shing Square, Kong Pui Street, Yuen Chau Kok Road, Regal Riverside Hotel, Belair Garden, City One Shatin, Yue Tin Court, Prince of Wales Hospital, Yuen Chau Kok Clinic, School Child Dental Clinic, SAGE Kwan Fong Nim Chee Home for the Elderly, Chap Wai Kon Street, Yuen Shun Circuit area, Kwong Yuen Estate, Kwong Lam Court, Hong Lam Court, Treasure Floating Restaurant, On King Street, On Muk Street, On Lai Street, On Yiu Street, On Ping Street, On Sum Street, On Kwan Street, On Ming Street and the Administration Building of the Tate's Cairn Tunnel.

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,703 0930 -495

Closing balance in the account 1,078 1000 -495

Change attributable to : 1100 -495

Money market activity -500 1200 -500

LAF today -125 1500 -500

1600 -500

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.6 *+0.3* 8.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.93 2 years 2708 6.06 100.05 6.12

1 month 5.91 3 years 3807 6.16 99.65 6.39

3 months 5.86 5 years 5006 6.60 98.90 6.99

6 months 12 months 5.87 5.91 5 years M501 7.90 102.12 7.49

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $11,707 million

Closed September 8, 1995

End/Friday, September 8, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, September 9,1995

Contents

Page No,

Two election forums in the New Territories.......................................... 1

Sunday, September 10,1995

Contents

Page No,

More schools to adopt Target Oriented Curriculum.......................... 2

Application forms for Primary One places available........................ 3

District Officer urges electors to vote................................... 5

Forum to promote LegCo elections.......................................... 6

Fresh water cuts in Cheung Sha Wan and Sheung Shui........................ 7

Two election forums in the New Territories

*****

Residents are invited to attend Legislative Council election forums for the New Territories South West and New Territories Central geographical constituency organised respectively by the Islands District Office and the Tuen Mun District Office tomorrow (Sunday).

These forums will enable eligible voters to have a better understanding of the platforms of candidates running in their constituency and will allow candidates to have floor discussions with the public.

Details of the functions are as follows:

Constituency Time Venue Candidates

NT South West 10 am On board a HYF ferry which will pick up participants and depart at 10 am sharp at No 6 pier of the Outlying Ferry Pier in Central. The forum will be held on board the ship Ting Yin-wah Lee Wing-tat

NT Central 8 pm On Ting/Y au Oi Community Centre, On Ting Estate, Tuen Mun Chan Wai-yip Tam Tai-on Ng Wai-kwong

Attention News Editors:

Your representatives are invited to cover the election forums tomorrow.

End/Saturday, September 9, 1995

More schools to adopt Target Oriented Curriculum

*****

Some 430 primary schools, representing well over half of the schools participating in the 1996 Primary One Admission exercise, have so far indicated intention to adopt the Target Oriented Curriculum (TOC) in September 1996, an Education Department spokesman said today (Sunday).

The spokesman added that contacts with some schools which expressed worries over TOC had revealed that the schools were, in fact, practising the functions and spirit of TOC.

The spokesman said TOC would be the mainstream curriculum at Primary 1 in the 1996/97 school year and would gradually be extended to higher levels.

He said the Secondary School Places Allocation system in the year 2001 would certainly reflect the switch to the new curriculum when the majority of pupils learning through TOC reached Primary 6 in that year.

"Experience gained in the tryouts of TOC in the last three years showed that pupils learning through TOC are more motivated and responsive in class. Teachers also displayed greater team spirit and are ready to join effort in enhancing pupils' learning.

"Given the demonstrated benefits, it is essential that schools switch to TOC early in order to gain experience and maintain continuity. As a matter of fact, the earlier they switch, the greater benefits it will bring to pupils," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said TOC was designed to address some of the needs of the education system in Hong Kong, for example, downplaying the role of rote learning and encouraging teachers to bring life, interest and active participation into the classroom.

Schools implementing TOC or similar practices will be marked with a letter "T" on the school list for the Primary One Admission exercise for the information of parents.

Information on schools which only decided to practise TOC within the last few days will be displayed at the relevant District Education Offices.

To assist parents to become familiar with TOC, the Education Department will be staging a roving exhibition on TOC at six popular shopping arcades this week. Education Department officers will be on hand to answer any questions from parents.

The venues of the exhibition are: Level 2, Tuen Mun Town Plaza (September 16 and 17); Entrance Arena, Shatin New Town Plaza (September 18 and 19); Exhibition Hall, Lok Fu Shopping Centre Phase I (September 20 and 21); Level 2, Metroplaza, Kwai Fong (September 22 to 24); Shopping Mall, Telford Centre, Kowloon Bay (September 25 and 26); and Centre Bridge, Level 2, Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing (September 27 and 28).

The exhibition opens daily from noon to 7 pm.

End/Sunday, September 10, 1995

Application forms for Primary One places available ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Parents who wish to apply for a Primary One place in public sector schools for their children in September next year under the Primary One Admission System can obtain application forms from September 11 to 29, 1995, a spokesman for the Education Department said.

The spokesman said application for admission to Primary One was open to all Hong Kong belonging children who were bom on or before December 31, 1990 and who were not studying in a primary school or had not been allocated a Primary One place when they were aged six or over.

Parents of children who are attending kindergartens can obtain the application form, a related information leaflet and explanatory notes on how to complete the application form from their kindergartens.

For parents of children not attending kindergartens, the form is available from District Offices (Public Enquiry Service Centre) and offices of the Education Department.

The application form for the 1996 Primary One Admission has been revised in line with the latest development in the computerisation of the information and record system of the Education Department. The new form has been designed with greater clarity and will be easier to complete. Parents are advised that they must use the new form in applying for the 1996 Primary One Admission.

The spokesman stressed that the completed application form together with all relevant documents should be returned within office hours in the period from September 25 to 29 direct to a government or aided primary school in which the parent wishes to apply for a discretionary place. This school may either be within or outside the school net in which the child lives.

But the spokesman said parents were strongly advised to select a neighbourhood school in order to reduce unnecessary transport problems and to take the "Points System" into consideration in selecting the school.

The spokesman emphasised that only one application form should be returned in respect of any one child.

"If parents are found to have applied to more than one government or aided school, their applications will be rendered void and any discretionary place allocated on the basis of such applications will be withdrawn," he said.

The spokesman also requested parents of those children who cannot use Chinese as a learning medium to seek advice from the department's Primary One Admission Unit at second floor, 269 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong on tel 2832 7700 before submitting an application form.

He added that schools receiving too few applications for discretionary places might not be allowed to operate Primary One classes, and in such cases, children already accepted by these schools for discretionary places will have to be subsequently re-allocated to some other schools which have vacancies.

If parents only wish to apply for Central Allocation, they should send in the completed application form with relevant documents to one of the following Collection Centres within office hours during the same period :-

1. Primary One Admission Unit

Lui Kee Education Services Centre

(second floor, 269 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong.)

2. Education Department Kowloon Sub-office (seventh floor, 405 Nathan Road, Kowloon.)

3. Sha Tin District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (first floor, Citylink Plaza, 1 Shatin Station Circuit, Sha Tin, N.T.)

4. Tai Po District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (ground floor, Tai Po Govt. Offices Building, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, N.T.)

5. Tsuen Wan District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (first floor, Tsuen Wan Station Multi-Storey Carpark Building, 174-208 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, N.T.)

6. Tuen Mun District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (second floor, Tuen Mun Govt. Offices Building, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, N.T.)

7. Yuen Long District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (ground floor, Yuen Long District Office Building, 269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, N.T.)

8. North District Office, Public Enquiry Service Centre (ground floor, North District Government Offices, 3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, N.T.)

Parents who wish their children to attend private primary schools or primary schools of the English Schools Foundation should apply to these schools direct since they are not included in the Primary One Admission System.

For up-dated information regarding the different stages of Primary One Admission procedures, parents are welcome to dial the Education Department's automatic telephone enquiry service on 2891 0088.

End/Sunday, September 10, 1995

District Officer urges electors to vote *****

The Wong Tai Sin District Officer, Mr Richard Luk, has called on registered electors to exercise their voting rights by casting their ballots in the upcoming Legislative Council elections in the interest of Hong Kong.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the "1995 Legislative Council Election Carnival" in the district this (Sunday) afternoon, Mr Luk said the public should acquaint themselves with the candidates of their constituencies as well as the voting procedure before election day on September 17.

"It’s your right and responsibility as a citizen to be aware of and have a say in community affairs. The building of an ideal society must start with your active participation," he said.

He added that the direct election of the 60 LegCo seats from various constituencies marked a major step forward in the development of a mature representative government in Hong Kong.

He noted that the main tasks of the Council include studying and formulating laws, controlling public expenses as well as monitoring government policies.

"Issues discussed by LegCo members, such as matters concerning housing, environment, transport, social welfare, education, security, constitutional and economic affairs and a lot more, are all closely related to the everyday life of the community.

"It is thus important for voters to exercise their right in electing legislators who can best represent the area they live in as well as the service sector they belong to," he added.

Mr Luk explained the simple voting procedure. "Simply ’tick' the candidates of your choice from both the geographical and functional constituencies on the ballot papers and put them in the corresponding boxes as instructed at the designated polling station. You would then have performed your civic duty," Mr Luk said.

Today’s carnival was organised by the Wong Tai Sin District Board's Community Building and Social Services Committee with assistance from the Wong Tai Sin District Office and sponsorship from the district board.

The Wong Tai Sin District Office will organise more activities such as bus parade and exhibitions to promote the election day.

End/Sunday, September 10, 1995

Forum to promote LegCo elections ♦ * * * ♦

Residents are invited to attend a Legislative Council election forum for the New Territories South West constituency organised by the Kwai Tsing District Office tomorrow (Monday).

The forum will provide an opportunity for voters to have a better understanding of the platforms of candidates and will allow candidates to field questions from the public.

Candidates running for the constituency are Mr Lee Wing-tat and Mr Ting Yin-wah.

Attention News Editors:

Your representatives are invited to cover the event which will begin at 8 pm at Lok Sin Tong Lau Sai Yan Primary School, Block 1, Lai King Estate, Kwai Chung, NT.

End/Sunday, September 10, 1995

Fresh water cuts in Cheung Sha Wan and Sheung Shui ♦ * * * *

Fresh water supply to some premises in Cheung Sha Wan and Sheung Shui will . be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Wednesday (September 13) and Thursday (September 14) respectively to 6 am the following day to facilitate water mains leakage detection.

The suspension in Cheung Sha Wan will affect all the premises at 481-500 Castle Peak Road, 475-562 Fuk Wa Street, Cheung Wah Street, Un Chau Street and Kwong Cheung Street.

In Sheung Shui, the affected areas will include Kwu Tung, Shek Tsai Leng, Tung Fong, Tong Kok, Fung Kong, Ho Sheung Heung, Tsung Yuen and Ma Tso Lung.

End/Sunday, September 10, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Monday, September 11,1995

Contents Page No,

Transcript of Governor's media session.................................... 1

STI to attend ministerial meeting......................................... 3

Code for education profession relating to LegCo election.................. 4

School transport permits.................................................. 5

1996 Lunar New Year fireworks display approved............................ 6

Water storage figure...................................................... 6

Tender for the 5th issue of 5-year EF notes............................... 7

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 8

Transcript of Governor's media session *****

Following is the transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's media session after a function at Hong Kong Club today (Monday).

Question: Good afternoon, Governor, haven't seen you for a long time.

Governor: You should have come out to Sha Tin last week where you would have seen me and you'll see me again tomorrow afternoon at the Boundary and Election Commission.

Question: I would just want to ask a question, on behalf of them, your reaction to the Han Dongfang affair?

Governor: As you know, Mr Han is in Hong Kong because he was thrown out of China, and because his passport hasn't been returned to him. So we're not responsible. If the Chinese authorities would return Mr Han's passport and let him go back to China that would sort out the issue straight away. And I am sure it would please Mr Han. In the meantime, he's living in Hong Kong and if there are problems, I think the Chinese officials themselves should sort them out.

Question: But the NCNA official criticised the Hong Kong Government for shielding him and let him stay in Hong Kong.

Governor: What do they want to do? I repeat, they threw him out of China, and they took his passport away, so where he is supposed to go?

Question: Can you talk about this debate? What did you tell the British businessmen?

Governor: I’ve had a number of meetings with businessmen over the last three-and-a-half years. I have spoken to most of the chambers of commerce, some of them several times. Sometimes on the record, sometimes off the record. And I was answering questions today about issues like Hong Kong’s competitiveness, about the economic prospects, about the prospects for Hong Kong's autonomy beyond 1997 and setting out a number of arguments with which I think the former Legislative Councillor and all of you would be familiar, because they're all arguments that I’ve put before. My main argument, in reply to questions, was that we do have to be concerned to keep up our international competitiveness. There have been admittedly some encouraging reports recently, the World Economic Forum report, saying that we were the third most competitive economy in the world, the business magazine which said we were the most business-friendly, and the Heritage Foundation are about to produce a report saying that we are the freest economy in the world. But that doesn't that mean we can be complacent. We still got problems to tackle, problems of cost. We've got to ensure that our services develop as rapidly as possible and Donald Tsang, the new Financial Secretary is determined what to do what he can to provide support there, and we've got to hang on to the fundamentals which have given us years of growth, sound public finances, a low taxation, minimal intervention in the economy. So those were the sort of messages that I was spelling out.

Question: What sort of assurances could you give them about the two major problems in Hong Kong, inflation and unemployment?

Governor: I pointed out to them that inflation in the year before I came to Hong Kong, had been running at 13.5 per cent, it's now somewhere between 8.5 and 9.5 per cent. Still too high. It still means that we've got to all we can to bear down on our costs. But certainly some improvements. I think it reflects some of the special nature of our position not least in relation to land and to labour supply. On unemployment, I pointed out that the labour supply in Hong Kong has increased by 4.1 per cent over the last year which is the biggest increase that we’ve seen for the last decade I think. At the same time, the number of people in employment has increased by 2.7 per cent, but the gap between those two has contributed to the rise in unemployment. There have been a lot of people coming back to Hong Kong , having been away before. And I think that has been one of contributory factor to the increase in the labour supply. What we're trying to do through labour market measures like the increase in the provision for our job placing scheme, like the improvements in the retraining, what we are trying is to make the labour market more flexible and to get people back into work as quickly as possible. But we're also reviewing the Labour Importation Scheme and we'll have the results of that in the course of the autumn. One last question.

Question: Many people will say : Why is Mr Patten meeting British businessmen six days or seven days before the elections? Is there sometime going on?

Governor: People would only say that if they were extremely silly and very conspiratorial and I am sure that that doesn't go for any of you. I am meeting British businessmen for the same reasons that I've met American, Australian, French, that I've met businessmen from every part of this community and will go on meeting businessmen. I've spoken to businessmen in public at meetings organised by newspapers and periodicals. I've spoken to businessmen in private at meetings organised by journals and newspapers. So I've met businessmen regularly, will continue to do so and sometimes at their requests it's on record, sometimes at their requests it's off the record. But I say the same thing as you know in public that I say in private and in private that I say in public.

Question: Do you expect... the turnout for this week's elections?

Governor: I hope it will be as encouraging as it was for the District Board and Municipal Council elections. Obviously, the important thing is the number of people who go out to vote. We've got far more people registered to vote. So you've to have only the same turnout rates to see a very large increase in the number of people actually voting. That's by and large what happened in the District Board and Municipal Council elections. I think there's been a lot of interest in these elections and so far as you know the debate has been conducted in a pretty reasonable and moderate way. Thank you very much.

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

STI to attend ministerial meeting ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr Chau Tak-hay, will leave tomorrow (Tuesday) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

The meeting, to be held in Adelaide, Australia, on Thursday and Friday (September 14 and 15), is the second APEC SME Ministerial Meeting. The last one was held in October last year in Osaka, Japan.

Subjects to be discussed include the impact of a free trade environment on SMEs and the major problems encountered by the SMEs. It is expected that the APEC Ministers will endorse a programme of actions to be carried out by APEC to address these problems.

SME Ministers will also exchange views with representatives from the private sector of the APEC economies on issues related to SMEs.

Dr Sara Liao, Mr Hogan Loh and Mr Anthony Au from Hong Kong's business sector will participate in the discussion with Ministers.

While in Adelaide, Mr Chau will hold informal bilateral discussions with some of his counterparts from other APEC economies to exchange views on trade and economic issues of mutual concern. So far, such meetings have been arranged with Australia, Mexico, the USA and Chinese Taipei.

Other government officials accompanying Mr Chau include the Director-General of Industry, Mrs Regina Ip; the Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs, Sydney (Des), Mr Philip Chok; and the Assistant Director-General of Industry, Mr H H Wong.

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

Code for education profession relating to LegCo election ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Council on Professional Conduct in Education has issued a circular to school heads and teachers drawing their attention to sections in the Code for the Education Profession of Hong Kong regarding electioneering activities in schools.

A spokesman for the council noted that with the approach of the Legislative Council elections, some schools might like to organise civic education programmes relating to the elections.

The spokesman reminded school heads and teachers that according to the Code for the Education Profession of Hong Kong, a member of the profession should as far as possible adopt an objective viewpoint in discussing controversial matters with students.

Members of the education profession should encourage students to think independently and to form their own rational judgement based on knowledge.

At the same time, members of the education profession should not take advantage of their professional relationships with students for private gains.

They should teach students to respect different positions and opinions in matters over which public opinion is divided, the spokesman said.

The council believed that observing the relevant sections of the Code would help promote civic education that is balanced, objective and conducive to the development of independent and critical thinking in students, the spokesman added.

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

School transport permits ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries on media reports on the applications for permits for school buses and nanny vans, a Transport Department spokesman said today (Tuesday) that a total of 456 valid permits up to date have been issued to school buses and nanny vans for picking up and setting down school children in restricted zones in the territory.

The successful rates for such applications are 97.1 per cent for 1994 and 88.3 per cent for 1995 (up to Mid-August) (see table below).

The main reasons for rejecting applications are:

(a) alternative location is available nearby

(b) proposed stopping place is being considered as dangerous

obstruction

Permits issued for school buses and nann>Lvans

% of success No of permits applied No of permits approved

94 (Jan - Dec) 97.1% 581 564

95 (Jan - Mid-Aug) 349 308

88.3%

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

1996 Lunar New Year fireworks display approved *****

The Fireworks Vetting Committee has endorsed an application from Li & Fung (1937) Limited to stage a fireworks display of 25 to 30 minutes during the Lunar New Year in 1996, a spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch announced today (Monday).

The display will be staged over Victoria Harbour from 8 pm on February 20, 1996 (Tuesday), the second day of the Lunar New Year.

“In case of inclement weather, the display will be postponed to the following day (February 21, 1996), which is the third day of the Lunar New Year," the spokesman said.

The coming display will be the 15th Lunar New Year fireworks display sponsored by the private sector since 1982. As in the past, the Urban Council will coorganise the event.

"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.

End/Monday. September 11.1995

Water storage figure *****

Storage in Hong Kong's reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 95.1 per cent of capacity or 557.580 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 570.507 million cubic metres of water, representing 97.3 per cent of capacity.

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

- 7 -

Tender for the 5th issue of 5-year EF notes *****

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announces today (Monday) that the tender for the fifth issue of 5-year Exchange Fund Notes will be held on September 18 for settlement on September 19.

Similar to the previous issue, an amount of $500 million 5-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 September 19, 2000, and will carry interest at the rate of 6.25% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears.

Members of the public who wish to tender for the Notes may do so through any of the Market Makers or Recognised Dealers on the published list which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority at 30th floor, 3 Garden Road, Hong Kong, (or Tel 2878 8150). Each tender must be for an amount of $50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

7 t

Tender information for the fifth issue of 5-Year Exchange Fund Notes:

Issue Number : 5009

Tender Date and Time : Monday 18 September 1995,9.30 am to 10.30 am

Issue and Settlement Date : Tuesday 19 September 1995

Amount on Offer : $500 million plus an additional $100 million as reserve stock for the Monetary Authority

Maturity : Five years

Maturity Date : 19 September 2000

Interest Rate : 6.95% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears

Interest Payment Dates : 19 Mar 1996, 19 Sept 1996, 19 Mar 1997, 19 Sept 1997, 19 Mar 1998,21 Sept 1998,

• 19 Mar 1999, 20 Sept 1999, 20 Mar 2000, 19 Sept 2000

Tender Amount

Other details

: 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

: Please see Information Memorandum published or approach Market Makers or Recognised Dealers

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

I long Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

^million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,078 0930 + 126

Closing balance in the account 1,293 1000 + 126

Change attributable to : 1100 + 126

Money market activity + 130 1200 + 130

LAF today +85 1500 + 130

1600 + 130

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TW1 122.4 *-0.2* 11.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes Coupon Price Yield

Terms Yield Term Issue

1 week 5.85 2 years 2708 6.06 100.14 6.07

1 month 5.85 3 years 3807 6.16 99.72 6.36

3 months 5.85 5 years 5006 6.60 98.97 6.97

6 months 5.85 5 years M501 7.90 102.19 7.47

12 months 5.88

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $6,863 million

Closed September 11, 1995

End/Monday, September 11, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, September 12,1995

Transcript of the Governor’s media session................................. 1

Hong Kong and China are partners in growth: FS............................. 4

External trade statistics for July by country and commodity................ 6

Governor sees training of polling staff.............................. 16

Over half of job seekers placed under job matching scheme................. 16

Results on population survey in new towns published....................... 17

Air Quality Report for August........................................ 18

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures.................... 19

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results............................... 20

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 21

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 a training session for Legislative Council Elections polling staff today (Tuesday):

Governor: I'd like to congratulate the Boundary and Election Commission and their executive arm, the Registration and Electoral Office, for having once again carried through the initial arrangements for our elections here in Hong Kong so superbly efficiently. As you know, we've had two rounds of elections during the last year. First of all for the District Boards and then for the Municipal Councils. In both those elections, we had a record number of people registered. We had record numbers of people turning out to vote. We had a record number of candidates, and a record number of people participating in the electoral process. Now we come to the third in these elections, an important milestone in Hong Kong's development, the first time that Legislative Council has been wholly elected and it's been wholly elected in a fair and open way. The fairness and the openness and the credibility of the whole process have I think been guaranteed by the way that the Commission and the REO have carried out their duties. We know that there's a record number of people registered for these elections. We know that there was 70,000 people for example registered to vote in the functional constituencies last time and that there is now well over 3 million and that there are over two and a half million people registered to vote in the geographical constituencies. We also know that there is a record number of candidates in the elections. So I hope that people will turn out on Sunday and vote in the elections so that they can help shape their own present and future. Last, I'd just like to thank the 14,000 civil servants who are involved on Sunday in manning polling stations and helping with the count. They are doing a very important job and as ever with the Hong Kong civil service, they are doing it extremely competently and with integrity and dedication.

Question: Mr Governor, will you expect record polling rate this Sunday?

Governor: 1 am always reluctant to predict the number of people who vote. All I'll say is that's certainly what happened in the District Board and Municipal Councils. Because the number of people registered to vote has gone up so sharply, we've now got about two thirds of the people of Hong Kong registered to vote, who are eligible that is, because of that, if you have the same turnout rate as you had in the past, you got a huge increase in the number voting. If we have the same sort of turnout as happened in the last Legislative Council elections, that would involve about a quarter of a million more people voting. But we'll see what happens. I think the actual campaign has suggested that there is a lot of intelligent interest in the outcome. I think as you know, the campaign has also been conducted so far with considerable moderation, without any signs of extremism and 1 hope that will continue until polling day.

Question: What do you say to the cynics who claim these elections are meaningless because LegCo won't last beyond .... is selected?

Governor: You could have said exactly the same thing about the District Board elections and the Municipal Council elections given some of the threats that have been made. But in those elections in the first 50 per cent more people voted than in the previous one and the other's 40 per cent more people voted than the previous elections. These elections matter. Hong Kong was promised by China and Britain that a steady process of democratisation would underpin all the guarantees that were made about Hong Kong's future as an open, plural, prosperous, free society. And these elections are part of that process. Nobody doubts, nobody disputes they are fair and open. I very much hope that every body will take account of the result and will dedicate themselves to working with the Legislative Council. I hope that threats of dismantling the Legislative Council can be put on one side. If that were to happen, then those who did it would have to explain themselves not just to the people of Hong Kong which is the most important tiling, but to the international community. I think it would be a very curious way of starting off Chinese sovereignty in Hong Kong by dismantling the assembly which represents the opinions of Hong Kong people.

Question: How about a very low turnout rate for the new functional constituencies because a recent study found that voters, many of them do not know about the candidates?

Governor: In nine of the old functional constituencies, there's been no turnout at all because there hasn't been an election. I don't criticise the candidates. But there's no election at all. I prefer to see constituencies where there is an election, where people do put their opinions against one another and I'll be wanting to compare the turnout, the number of people voting in the functional constituencies this time with the number of people who voted in the functional constituencies last time. There are about 15 times as many people registered to vote in the functional constituencies as happened last time. I think that's a very good thing. As for knowing about your candidates, we are doing some advertising towards the end of this week and everybody who goes into a polling station as you will have seen if they don't know their candidate will be able to open a brochure in front of them which will give them all the electoral leaflets of their candidates in their own functional constituencies so they can check up on the identity of their functional constituency candidates and they'll doubtless make a choice between them.

Question: There are more and more pregnant women coming from China to give births in Hong Kong, what do you think the government can do to solve this problem?

Governor: We have to work extremely hard as we have been doing to deal with illegal immigration. I think that the snake-heads who are organising this awful trade in human beings are involved in an utterly deplorable activity. It puts the lives and the wellbeing of women and of children at risk, and I can assure you we'll take the firmest possible actions to deal with it. We do of course, recognise the importance of bringing in more rapidly through our quota system, those who will in due course after 1997 have a right to be in Hong Kong and, that's why we've increased the quota from 105 to 150. But of course, many of those who've brought in by these illegal trade won't have any right to be in Hong Kong. And I think that needs to be recognised.

Question: Are you at all discourage ... stake ... this is basically the result of your reform so you are anxious about what happens that they come up ... there is a ... vote turnout? Is there a lot of stake here for you personally?

Governor: I think there is a lot of state for the community in both the District Boards and the Municipal Councils. We had the largest number of people ever voting for those levels of representative government. I hope the same is true for the Legislative Council elections. But these arrangements were agreed by the people of Hong Kong. They were agreed by the Legislative Council. They weren't imposed by the Governor. They were the result of a debate with the community and with weeks of debate, months of debate in the Legislative Council. So this is the proposal which the last legislature agreed on. I think they're sensible proposals, I think they're fair proposals, and I think there'll produce a broadly based and credible Legislative Council.

Question: A number of candidates say that they are willing and prepared to join the provisional Legislative Council if they are elected, how do you comment on this?

Governor: There is no need for a provisional Legislative Council. Hong Kong is going to elect a very good Legislative Council on Sunday.

Question: Are you confident this won't be the last democratic elections held in Hong Kong?

Governor: Look around Hong Kong, look at Hong Kong's success, look at the level of education in Hong Kong, look at the sophisticated way in which Hong Kong dominates one market after another around the world. Nobody can seriously suppose that this will be the last free elections in Hong Kong. Whatever the threats, whatever the foot-stamping, Hong Kong is grown up. Hong Kong has developed a civic consciousness. Britain has made promises to Hong Kong, China has made promises to Hong Kong. Hong Kong deserves for those promises to be kept. But I am absolutely convinced that nobody can turn back the momentum behind the development of the institutions of a free society in Hong Kong operating under the rule of law. One more question.

- 4 -

Question: Mr Patten, do you agree that the influx of pregnant Ils has become so serious that it is some how out of control?

Governor: No, I don’t think it is out of control. But 1 think that we need to continue to work extremely hard to pick up illegal immigrants who’ve got into Hong Kong and who are working and to prevent other illegal immigrants coming into the community. ' You have seen that the police have recently undertaken a number of successful operations to round up illegal immigrants and we’ll continue to treat them firmly. I think the community expects that just as it expects us to deal as humanely as possible with those who have a right to be in Hong Kong. One more question.

Question: What happen if many of the elected members of the LegCo join the provisional government?

Governor: What you’ve always wonderfully imaginative about in Hong Kong is asking the most difficult hypothetical question you can. I prefer to deal with what’s actually happening rather than what you hypothesise might happen. Governing Hong Kong is quite difficult enough without imagining improbable hypothesis. I am sure that those who command the greatest support in the community in these elections will want to make the best possible success of a Legislative Council which will be the first one elected by everybody in Hong Kong, the first in which everybody’s being elected, the first which can point to as broad a body of public support, and this is this Legislative Council will be able to do. Thank you very much.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Hong Kong and China are partners in growth: FS *****

Hong Kong and China are an ideal partnership for growth, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said this (Tuesday) evening.

In a dinner speech to the Hong Kong Management Association, Mr Tsang outlined the various aspects of this partnership.

•

“For example, in 1994, realised direct investment by Hong Kong companies in China amounted to some US$20 billion, more than 20 times the level of a decade ago.

"On a cumulative basis, our realised direct investment in China is now estimated at US$60 billion, accounting for three-fifths of China's total," he said.

"Industrial investment primarily involving outward processing arrangements still predominates, although in recent years Hong Kong companies have increasingly extended the scope of their investment to other sectors such as hotels, restaurants, retail trade, real estate, and infrastructural facilities including - notably - highways, ports, electricity generation plants and telecommunications."

He added that a recent estimate by Chinese officials put the total number of Chinese workers engaged by Hong Kong companies in Guangdong Province at over four million.

Mr Tsang said by entering into extensive outward processing arrangements across the border, Hong Kong had contributed substantially to China's and, in particular, Guangdong's industrialisation process.

"Our other investments in China have also helped the economic restructuring and development in the locations concerned.

"On the other hand, the industrial production capacity of Hong Kong is effectively multiplied manifold, as the four million Chinese workers are a de facto expansion of our own manufacturing workforce," he said.

In the opposite direction, he said, China had likewise raised substantially its stake in Hong Kong, which was evidenced by a doubling of its total direct investment in the territory form an estimate of US$10 billion by end-1990 to some US$20 billion by end-1994.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong and China were also close partners on the financial front and cross-border financial flows had shown a marked increase over the years.

"As an indication, the external liabilities to China of our authorised institutions grew markedly, by an average of 47 per cent per annum between 1980 and 1994.

"The external claims of our authorised institutions on China recorded a less rapid, but still substantial increase of 28 per cent per annum," he said.

Besides tapping funds from Hong Kong's banking sector, Mr Tsang said, China was also utilising the territory's securities market.

"At present, 17 state-owned enterprises in China have listed their H shares on our Stock Exchange, raising total capital of over $20 billion," he said.

Mr Tsang said the Chinese and Hong Kong economies had become interwoven.

"In the process, China has become a major player in world trade and is now one of the largest economies. The standard of living of its people has improved impressively. GDP growth continues at a robust 8-9 per cent in real terms.

"Hong Kong has contributed to, and benefited from, these massive changes. Our per capita GDP now exceeds that of many developed economies such as Canada, Australia and several EC members," he said.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was a Chinese city imbued with traditional Chinese values and strengths. The stress on education, hard work, the importance of the family.

"On top of this we have added a cosmopolitan overlay. We have not been shy to borrow the best ideas from around the world and adapt them to our own needs.

"The rule of law. the concept of an individual with both rights and responsibilities. An impartial administrative machinery with appropriate checks and balances. Nowhere else do different cultures come together so effectively," he said.

He said this unique blend made Hong Kong the ideal interface between China and the rest of the world.

"And it promises great things for both partners in future. In 20 years' time, China - with support from Hong Kong - will be well on the way to becoming the world's largest economy. And Hong Kong - with support from China - will be the world's business capital," he said.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

External trade statistics for July by country and commodity

*****

The Census and Statistics Department today (Tuesday) released detailed statistics on external trade with breakdown by country/territory and commodity for July 1995.

The value of re-exports continued to increase notably, by 19% over a year earlier to $100.1 billion in July 1995.

Comparing July 1995 with July 1994, the value of re-exports to all of the main destinations showed increases of various magnitudes: Singapore (+38%), Netherlands (+30%), France (+29%), Taiwan (+29%), Japan (+28%), the United Kingdom (+25%), China (+18%), South Korea (+18%), Germany (+12%) and the United States (+9.5%).

Changes in the value of Hong Kong's re-exports to ten main destinations are shown in Table 1.

The value of re-exports in the first seven months of 1995 was $615.3 billion, 20% higher than that in the same period in 1994.

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, the value of re-exports to all main destinations showed increases, of various magnitudes: Singapore (+35%), Japan (+28%), Taiwan (+25%), France (+25%), the Netherlands (+24%), China (+21%), the United States (+15%), South Korea (+14%), the United Kingdom (+14%) and Germany (+7.7%).

Table 2 shows changes in the value of re-exports of ten principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, increases of various magnitudes were recorded in the value of re-exports of most principal commodity divisions.

More notable increases were registered for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $18.6 billion or 43%); telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $13.3 billion or 26%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $12.2 billion or 20%); office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $11.6 billion or 60%); textiles (by $9.2 billion or 20%); and plastics in primary forms (by $6.6 billion or 61%).

Over the same period, re-exports of clothing fell by $1.2 billion, representing a small decrease of 2.3% over a year earlier.

The value of domestic exports in July 1995, at $22.1 billion, increased by 8.4% over a year earlier.

Comparing July 1995 with July 1994, the value of domestic exports to most of the main destinations showed increases of various magnitudes: Taiwan (+55%). Japan (+23%), France (+21%). the Netherlands (+18%), the United Kingdom (+11%), Singapore (+6.6%), China (+5.5%), Canada (+4.9%) and the United States (+4.5%).

However, the value of domestic exports to Germany decreased marginally, by 0.7%.

Changes in the value of domestic exports to ten main destinations are shown in Table 3.

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, the value of domestic exports to most main destinations showed increases of various magnitudes: Taiwan (+33%), France (+25%), Japan (+24%), the Netherlands (+14%), Canada (+9.6%), China (+7.3%), the United Kingdom (+6.8%), Singapore (+6.5%) and the United States (+5.4%).

However, the value of domestic exports to Germany decreased marginally, by 0.7%.

Taking all destinations together, the value of domestic exports in the first seven months of 1995, at $130.2 billion, increased markedly, by 9.3% over the same period in 1994.

Table 4 shows changes in the value of domestic exports of ten principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, increases in the value of domestic exports were registered for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $3.5 billion or 25%); clothing (by $2.7 billion or 7.4%); office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $1.4 billion or 15%); photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $1.1 billion or 13%); and miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths* wares (by $601 million or 5.6%).

Over the same period, decreases in the value of domestic exports were recorded for telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $484 million or 7.3%); and textiles (by $139 million or 1.7%).

The value of imports continued to increase substantially, by 22% over a year earlier to $133.8 billion in July 1995.

Changes in the value of imports from ten main suppliers are shown in Table 5.

Comparing July 1995 with July 1994, the value of imports from all main suppliers showed increases of various magnitudes: France (+157%), Malaysia (+61%), the United States (+43%), the United Kingdom (+33%), Taiwan (+26%), China (+19%), Germany (+17%), South Korea (+16%), Japan (+12%) and Singapore (+7.4%).

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, the value of imports from all main suppliers showed increases of various magnitudes: France (+93%), Malaysia (+46%), the United States (+32%), South Korea (+31%), Singapore (+28%), Taiwan (+25%), the United Kingdom (+23%), Germany (+22%), Japan (+19%) and China (+19%).

The value of imports in the first seven months of 1995, at $845.2 billion, increased markedly, by 24% over the same period in 1994.

Table 6 shows changes in the value of imports of ten principal commodity divisions.

Comparing the first seven months of 1995 with the same period in 1994, increases were recorded in the value of imports of most principal commodity divisions.

More notable increases were registered for electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof (by $28.5 billion or 39%); telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment (by $16.1 billion or 25%); office machines and automatic data processing machines (by $12.5 billion or 50%); textiles (by $11.1 billion or 16%); miscellaneous manufactured articles consisting mainly of baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods (by $9.8 billion or 21%); photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks (by $6.4 billion or 22%); and general industrial machinery and equipment, and machine parts (by $3.7 billion or 16%).

Over the same period, a small decrease in the value of imports was recorded for road vehicles (by $811 million or 2.9%).

All the trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison.

A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external trade for July 1995 will be released in early October.

Detailed trade statistics analysed by commodity and by country/territory are published in trade statistics reports.

The July issue of the "Hong Kong External Trade" with detailed analyses on the performance of Hong Kong's external trade in July 1995 will be on sale at $122 per copy at around September 20.

The report can be purchased at either (i) the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or (ii) the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Enquiries regarding regular subscription to this report may be directed to the Publications (Sales) Office, 28th Floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Tel 2598 8194; and enquiries on trade statistics to the Census and Statistics Department, Tel 2582 4915.

TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS __________________ _______________________——- । j.

DESTINATION • JUL 1995 (HKD MH.) JUL 95 OVER JUL 94 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 95 OVER JAN-JUL 94 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 33,105 + 18.5 217,632 ♦ 21.4

UNITED STATES 22,838 + 9.5 127,637 • * 15.0 ;

JAPAN 5,887 + 28.5 35,806 ♦ 28.1

GERMANY 4,063 + 11.9 24,760 + 7.7

UNITED KINGDOM 2,891 + 25.4 16,517 + 13.6

TAIWAN 2,326 + 28.5 15,711 + 25.5

SINGAPORE 2,381 + 38.1 14,439 + 34.6

SOUTH KOREA 1,687 + 17.6 10,974 + 14.0

FRANCE 1,546 + 29.4 9,426 + 25.4

NETHERLANDS 1,564 + 29.7 9,289 + 24.1

TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JUL 95 OVER JUL 94 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 95 OVER JAN-JUL 94 (% CHANGE)

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 14,352 + 21.7 73,785 + 19.7

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,599 + 21.8 64,862 + 25.7

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,696 + 41.4 61,871 + 43.1

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 7,867 * 13.0 54,417 * 20.4

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,025 - 1.0 48,735 - 2.3

FOOTWEAR 5,861 + 10.2 34,888 + 13.2

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 4,485 + 44.8 30,864 + 60.4

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4,180 + 24.9 27,360 + 24.9

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS 3,303 + 16.9 20,323 + 17.5

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 2,601 * 54.4 17,463 + 60.8

TABLE 3 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAIN DESTINATIONS

JUL JUL 95 JAN-JUL JAN-JUL 95

DESTINATION 1995 OVER 1995 OVER

JUL 94 JAN-JUL 94

(HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE) (HKD Mn.) (% CHANGE)

CHINA 5,705 + 5.5 36,365 + 7.3

UNITED STATES 6,130 + 4.5 32,871 + 5.4

SINGAPORE 1,055 + 6.6 7,180 + 6.5

GERMANY 1,392 - 0.7 6,970 - 0.7

JAPAN 1,064 + 23.5 6,905 + 24.2

UNITED KINGDOM 1,105 * 11.1 5,855 + 6.8

TAIWAN 708 + 55.1 4,324 + 33.5

NETHERLANDS 654 + 17.9 3,037 + 14.1

CANADA 499 + 4.9 2,492 + 9.6

FRANCE 326 + 21.4 1,799 + 25.2

TABLE 4 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JUL 95 OVER JUL 94 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 95 OVER JAN-JUL 94 (% CHANGE)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 8,483 + 6.1 39,747 ♦ 7.4

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,744 + 32.6 17,173 + 25.4

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS' WARES) 1,829 + 13.5 11,292 + 5.6

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 1,436 - 3.0 10,808 + 15.5

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,467 + 16.8 9,515 * 13.0

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,180 - 1.8 8,235 - 1.7

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,023 + 2.7 6,132 - 7.3

MANUFACTURES OF METALS 412 - 1.7 2,705 ♦ 3.9

PLASTICS IN PRIMARY FORMS 320 + 10.4 2,595 + 23.2

PAPER, PAPERBOARD, AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD 283 - 0.7 1,706 ♦ 7.8

TABLE 5 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAIN SUPPLIERS

SUPPLIER JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JUL 95 OVER JUL 94 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 95 OVER JAN-JUL 94 (% CHANGE)

CHINA 49,379 * 18.6 298,574 + 19.1

JAPAN 19,632 + 11.9 129,214 + 19.1

TAIWAN 11,200 * 25.5 73,689 + 25.2

UNITED STATES 10,905 + 43.1 65,299 + 31.8

SINGAPORE 6,132 + 7.4 43,377 + 28.3

SOUTH KOREA 5,833 + 16.0 43,064 + 30.9

GERMANY 2,864 + 17.0 18,917 + 22.0

FRANCE 3,186 +157.2 17,280 + 93.1

UNITED KINGDOM 2,651 + 32.6 16,758 + 23.4

MALAYSIA 2,710 + 61.0 16,232 + 45.7

TABLE 6 : IMPORTS OF TEN PRINCIPAL COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY DIVISION JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JUL 95 OVER JUL 94 (% CHANGE) JAN-JUL 1995 (HKD Mn.) JAN-JUL 95 OVER JAN-JUL 94 (% CHANGE)

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 16,178 * 36.3 101,948 + 38.8

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 13,120 + 24.7 80,195 + 25.1

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10,595 + 10.5 78,477 + 16.5

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 10,683 * 27.7 56,782 + 20.9

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9,260 + 1.4 52,660 + 2.6

OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES 6,180 + 47.8 37,512 + 50.1

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5,389 + 25.2 35,974 + 21.5

FOOTWEAR 4,858 + 10.3 30,425 + 12.7 •

ROAD VEHICLES 3,745 - 22.0 27,537 - 2.9

GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS 3,430 - 3.4 26,547 + 15.9

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Governor sees training of polling staff * * * ♦ ♦

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, today (Tuesday) saw how a training session for polling staff of the Legislative Council elections was conducted.

Mr Patten looked on with interest the presiding officers practising the sealing of ballot boxes. He was accompanied by the Chairman of the Boundary and Election Commission, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing.

Earlier, Mr Patten saw a demonstration of the computer-assisted vote and counting procedure for the election committee constituency, including the validation process.

He also viewed mock polling booths and exhibits of electoral documents.

After a brief discussion with the presiding officers, the Governor observed a briefing for polling staff in session.

The Registration and Electoral Office has organised six half-day training sessions for the 11,000 polling staff and the first of which was held yesterday (Monday).

The sessions are aimed at providing detailed instructions to the staff on polling procedures on the election day.

All presiding officers were given separate, intensive and hands-on training.

The last of the sessions will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Over half of job seekers placed under job matching scheme ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong today (Tuesday) said he was delighted to learn that the Job Matching Programme (JMP) operated by the Labour Department was able to find jobs for over half of the registrants.

Speaking to the press after visiting the Local Employment Services (LES) Office at Centre Point, Wan Chai, Mr Wong said JMP's placement rate had been high with over 1,000 people already being placed in new jobs with monthly salaries ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 since the scheme started in April.

He noted that JMP was extended to all nine LES offices only in August and within a month, over 400 registrants were able to find new jobs.

"The JMP has proved to be of great assistance to job-seekers and since there are still plenty of vacancies registered with the Labour Department, I urged those who seek jobs to come forward and register with the LES offices," he said.

The Government has produced an API (Announcement for the Public Interest) to be broadcast in local TV stations from tomorrow (Wednesday) to promote JMP which provided special help to unemployed workers over 30 years old to find jobs through in-depth interviews and counselling plus active job-matching and referrals.

Where training needs are identified, the registrants will be referred to retraining courses.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Results on population survey in new towns published *****

The Planning Department has published a report entitled "Population Survey in New Towns and Rural Areas, 1994".

The report summarises the findings of a survey conducted by a research company commissioned by the department last year to collect information on the characteristics of households and population in private permanent housing developments in the New Territories.

The survey covered some 7,000 households in private permanent housing in four new towns, namely Tsing Yi, Tseung Kwan O, Tin Shui Wai and Ma On Shan, and five major private housing developments outside new towns.

The five developments include Fairview Park, Palm Springs, Hong Lok Yuen, Marina Cove and Discovery Bay.

The report is now on sale at $30 a copy at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Air Quality Report for August *****

The Environmental Protection Department today (Tuesday) released air quality information for August.

The purpose of the announcement is 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/Westem 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 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 August, there were no exceedances of the 24-hour Air Quality Objective (AQO) values at any of the three sites. Mong Kok station recorded the highest concentration of air pollutants, with the 24-hour average NO2 approaching 90% of the corresponding AQO on August 25.

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, and by the atmospheric 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.

Attention News Editors:

For further information on this air quality report, please contact Mr S W Pang on 2594 6413.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures

*****

The Buildings Department is seeking to close the unauthorised structures on a ninth floor flat roof of Western House at 164 - 170 Des Voeux Road West and 30 - 32 Sai Woo Lane in Hong Kong for demolition without endangering the occupants and the public.

A notice was posted at the structures today (Tuesday) informing the occupants that the department would apply for a closure of the structures from the court on November 8.

Demolition of the structures would commence once a Closure Order was granted, Mr Li added.

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results

*****

Tender date 12 Sept 1995 12 Sept 1995

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q537 H573

Amount applied HK$4,110 MN HK$3,290 MN

Amount allotted HK$l,500MN HKS800MN

Average yield accepted 5.83 PCT 5.82 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.84 PCT 5.83 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 47 PCT About 36 PCT

Average tender yield 5.85 PCT 5.85 PCT Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning 18 Sept, 1995

Tender date 18 Sept 1995 19 Sept 1995

Paper on offer EF notes EF bills

Issue number 5009 Q538

Issue date % 19 Sept 1995 20 Sept 1995

Maturity date 19 Sept 2000 20 Dec 1995

Tenor 5 years 91 days

Amount on offer HKS500+100MN HK$ 1,500+300 MN

Coupon 6.95 PCT

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

Smillion Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,293 0930 -83

Closing balance in the account 1,962 1000 -83

Change attributable to : 1100 -83

Money market activity -81 1200 -81

LAF today +750 1500 -81

1600 -81

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.7 *+0.3* 12.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.83 2 years 2708 6.06 100.14 6.07

1 month 5.84 3 years 3807 6.16 99.76 6.35

3 months 5.85 5 years 5006 6.60 99.03 6.96

6 months 5.85 5 years M501 7.90 102.18 7.45

12 months 5.87

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $7,137 million

Closed September 12, 1995

End/Tuesday, September 12, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, September 13,1995

Contents Page No.

Report on Use of Chinese in Civil Service released....................... 1

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership Promotion.................................... 5

HK to host international rehabilitation conference....................... 7

London beats to the tune of vibrant Hong Kong............................ 9

Secrecy of ballot stressed........................................... 11

No exit polls results should be announced............................... 12

Blood samples only needed to build up DNA database...................... 12

Night closure of Kwai Chung Road and Tsuen Wan Road.................. 13

CSD's response to Shek Pik Prison strike................................ 14

Over 6,700 agreements lodged with Land Registry in August............... 15

Give HIV-affected community a helping hand.............................. 16

Most Improved Primary Pupils Award Scheme............................... 17

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures............... 18

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 18

Report on Use of Chinese in Civil Service released ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Working Group on The Use of Chinese in The Civil Service today (Wednesday) published its report which recommended a package of proactive measures to encourage the greater use of Chinese within the Government.

Releasing the report, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Michael Sze, who is also the Chairman of the Working Group, pointed out that the Working Group, throughout its deliberations was conscious of the importance of not detracting from the need to maintain a good English language standard in the civil service.

"It is also mindful to ensure that the legitimate policy of furthering the use of Chinese will not be misused to the disadvantage of overseas officers who have contributed greatly and are capable of contributing to public service in Hong Kong," Mr Sze said.

Noting that the development of a biliterate (English and Chinese) and trilingual (English, Cantonese and Putonghua) civil service was a longer term objective, Mr Sze said it was not appropriate to set an artificial timetable to achieve the goals.

He pointed out that the Working Group’s recommendations which did not require additional resources or authorisation had already been implemented immediately. They include:

♦ From August 1 this year, a pass in Chinese at Grade E in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) will be required for appointment to all grades with entry requirement at five passes in the HKCEE or higher qualifications.

* Staff report of officers with maximum salary point at MPS 25 or below, can be written in either Chinese or English.

♦ All incoming correspondence in Chinese should be answered direct in Chinese.

♦ A standard Chinese memo form should be used by departments.

♦ The Civil Service Training Centre will publish guides on the format and samples of good Chinese writing. The first guide will be issued in December.

♦ Pilot schemes have been implemented in the Housing Department and Home Affairs Department to develop practical steps to promote, on a systematic basis, the wider use of Chinese on the ground.

To implement other recommendations of the report, a consolidated bid for $131 million would be put forward in the 1996-97 draft estimates to purchase computer hardware and software for Chinese word processing, Mr Sze said.

Existing secretarial staff will be encouraged and facilitated to provide Chinese word processing services while the guides to appointment to the various secretarial grades will be strengthened to include Chinese word processing as a skill that the secretarial staff is expected to acquire.

In view of the priority given to developing a biliterate and trilingual civil service, the Chinese Language Division (CLD) will be hived off from the Office of the Director of Administration to become an independent agency and policy responsibility for Chinese language will be transferred to the Secretary for the Civil Service.

With the upgrading of CLD’s status, staff resources at the senior level will be strengthened and the post of Commissioner for Chinese Language will be retitled as Commissioner for Official Languages and it will be upgraded from an Administrative Officer Staff Grade ’C’ post to a Staff Grade 'B’ post.

’’The purpose is to give it a clear identity and a more authoritative status to assume a strategic and co-ordinating role in developing the language capability of the civil service,” Mr Sze said.

The Working Group will be transformed into a steering committee with the task to advise and steer the revamped CLD and to identify further steps to improve the Chinese capability of the civil service.

On training, the report pointed out that Government’s aim should be to train as many officers as possible. However, given resources constraints, priority should be given to those officers who have operational needs and it should start from the top down.

With this in mind, the Working Group recommended that:

♦ All new appointees to the Administrative Officer grade will be required to attend a compulsory Chinese writing course in the first year of service. Administrative Officers who require brushing up in their Chinese writing skills will be given training by 1997;

♦ Training opportunities for local departmental officers and Executive Officers who have to use written Chinese regularly in their daily work will be substantially enhanced;

♦ Short modular courses will be introduced for departmental staff to improve their proficiency in written Chinese;

♦ Basic Putonghua training will be provided to all serving local Administrative Officers by 1997. Training opportunities will also be provided for them to raise their proficiency to the standard of advanced Putonghua during the period;

♦ Putonghua training will be widely available to local departmental officers and Executive Officers to meet operational needs and to create a nucleus of officers who have to use Putonghua in official contacts with PRC officials;

♦ Self-learning packages are being distributed on a wider scale to staff who are also entitled to attend guidance sessions.

♦ Overseas permanent and pensionable officers in the Administrative grade who have opted to remain in service after 1997 will be given priority in intensive training in Cantonese and where practical, written Chinese;

♦ Overseas departmental officers will be given Cantonese training based on operational needs.

In addition, heads of departments are encouraged to arrange their own in-house Cantonese training courses for overseas officers bn a more intensive basis.

Mr Sze said the standard of Chinese in day-to-day use should not be set inordinately high.

"Considerations such as proper form and fluency of style should not, initially, be given as much emphasis in internal communication as they should be in official publications and documents," he said.

On communication within the Government, Mr Sze pointed out that internal minuting and correspondence could be written in Chinese provided that it was done with common sense and good faith.

"Parties to the communication should be conversant in the language and there should not be any unnecessary demand for translation service," he added.

The Working Group was set up in March this year. Sub groups were formed to tackle specific areas of work such as technical support and training.

During the deliberations, the Secretary for the Civil Service wrote to Policy Secretaries and Heads of Department regularly to keep them informed of the progress and to invite input from them.

Attention News Editors:

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Michael Sze, who chaired the Working Group on The Use of Chinese in The Civil Service, will meet the media this afternoon (Wednesday) to answer questions on the Report. The session will be held at 4 pm at Room 1026, West Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road.

The Report is now available for collection from the Reception, GIS Newsroom, sixth floor, Beaconsfield House, 4 Queen's Road Central. The summary of the Report will be transmitted through the GNIS.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership Promotion

*****

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, will lead a high-powered business delegation to Japan this month in the biggest promotion Hong Kong has ever staged in the country.

The promotion, "Hong Kong-Japan Partnership", will centre on three major cities - Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. The week-long promotion will last from September 25 to 29.

Announcing details of the event today (Wednesday), a government spokesman said the delegation comprised some 30 top people from the private and public sectors. The business leaders will speak to business seminars and workshop sessions.

The business seminars will cover a range of topics, including "Japan and Hong Kong - A New Business Momentum", "Hong Kong - A Springboard to China and the Asia Pacific", "Hong Kong's Services Economy: Unique Strengths and Opportunities", and "A Japanese Corporate View of Hong Kong as a Regional Hub". The workshop sessions will deal specifically with Hong Kong as an international financial centre; a high-tech manufacturing centre; the new airport and other infrastructure projects; and Hong Kong's tourism.

As delegation leader, Mrs Chan will deliver keynote speeches at special business luncheons in all three cities as well as meeting senior Japanese political and business leaders.

"Japan is our third largest trading partner after China and USA and the second largest external investor in the territory. There are about 25,000 Japanese living in Hong Kong, making it one of the largest expatriate groups here. Investment from Japan covers almost every sector of our economy, from manufacturing and financial services to retailing and construction. Hong Kong is also a favourite destination for Japanese tourists.

"The Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourist Association are co-organising the promotion with the Hong Kong Government. We also have the backing of major Hong Kong corporations including the Chevalier Group, HongkongBank, Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, the Sino Group, Yaohan, Cathay Pacific - as well as the Japanese Consulate-General and the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hong Kong Japanese Club," the spokesman said.

The Japanese Government and the business community in Japan have also pledged their support for the promotion through the Hong Kong Government's Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo.

The spokesman said that in addition to the business seminars, the promotion would include cultural shows featuring young performers from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts; a film festival; exhibitions of paintings; an architectural exhibition highlighting 1 long Kong's town planning; a fashion show; store promotions; food festivals; and a pop concert which will be telecast live in Japan and Hong Kong.

During the past few years. Hong Kong has staged major promotions in Canada. Europe and the United States.

Programme Highlights

The promotion opens on September 25 in Tokyo where an exhibition called "City Growth in Hong Kong" will be held. It aims at giving an overview of how Hong Kong utilises its limited land area through effective urban planning and innovative architectural design.

The Hong Kong Tourist Association will stage a "Hong Kong Wonders" exhibition - a multi-faceted presentation of sights and sounds, shopping and touring that are in store for visitors to Hong Kong.

A cultural performance by members of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and popular singer Roman Tam will be staged in the evening.

On the evening of September 26, the Tokyo International Film Festival opens with a premiere of the award-winning Hong Kong production. He's A Woman, She's A Man. The leading actor and actresses, Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing, Anita Yuen Wing-yee and Carina Lau Kar-ling, will be present at the premiere. The film and nine others from Hong Kong have also been selected to be shown in a two-week Hong Kong Film Festival in Osaka.

For the fashion-conscious, the latest works by leading Hong Kong designers will be highlighted at a gala dinner in an Osaka hotel on September 27.

A promotion entitled "Hello Hong Kong" will open at Sogo Department Store to showcase the designs.

Also in Osaka, an exhibition of some 65 Chinese paintings by noted artists opens on September 28, while another display of contemporary Hong Kong paintings unveils in Fukuoka on September 29.

The promotion will culminate in a pop concert produced by HK-TVB and NHK featuring Hong Kong and Japanese singers to be staged in the 1,800-seat Symphony Hall of ACROS in Fukuoka on September 29. Singers from Hong Kong will include Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok, Alan Tam, Roman Tam, Sally Yeh, Shirley Kwan and Natalas Chan. Singers from Japan will include Tanimura Shinji, Saijo Hideki and Nakamori Akina. The concert will be broadcast nation-wide by NHK in Japan and satellited to Hong Kong for broadcast on Jade channel by HK-TVB.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

HK to host international rehabilitation conference *****

Hong Kong has been successful in its bid to host the 11th Asian and Pacific Regional Conference of Rehabilitation International in 1998 which will be organised by the Joint Council for the Physically and Mentally Disabled with firm support of the Government.

This was announced by the Deputy Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mr Bob Wilson, during the 10th Regional Conference being held in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (Wednesday).

Mr Wilson told the participants he was confident that Hong Kong would rise to the challenge in what would then be its new status as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

Addressing the gathering on "The role of legislation in meeting rehabilitation goals", Mr Wilson said 1995 had been a milestone year for Hong Kong which marked significant progress in promoting the integration of people with a disability into the community. It has also been an especially fruitful year in the areas of policy formulation and legislation.

On policy formulation, the Hong Kong Government had published a White ,.4, Paper in June setting out a comprehensive description of the current services, plans for their expansion and the future direction of its rehabilitation policy.

As regards legislation, the Government had enacted the Disability Discrimination Ordinance in July giving people with a disability the power under the law to obtain redress against those who harass or discriminate against them. In the same month, amendments were made to two existing laws which made the courts less stressful and intimidating for people with a disability.

The Government was also working on a major up-dating of the Mental Health Ordinance to improve the protection of the rights of mentally handicapped and mentally ill people, he said.

"This progress in policy formulation and legislation reflects the importance placed by the Hong Kong Government on rehabilitation," he stated.

"The law we have enacted provides for people with a disability, as well as for their families and carers, a comprehensive system of redress in areas of life in which they may face discrimination, harassment or vilification.

"In other words, the law is comprehensive in its scope which it needs to be if we are to achieve integration for people with a disability."

However, Mr Wilson was quick to point out that the drawing up of the law was not a solution in itself. It is only one element of the solution.

"Lasting change can be brought about only by improving our services and educating the public to understand the needs of people with a disability and to accept them warmly into our community," he said. • u

k f

Turning to the White Paper which set out the overall rehabilitation policy objectives, Mr Wilson highlighted three areas:

♦ By means of stringent anti-epidemic measures and surveillance, the Government had kept the incidence of most communicable and disabling diseases to very low levels in Hong Kong. A comprehensive immunisation programme afforded solid protection against infections such as measles, rubella and hepatitis B.

* A full range of rehabilitation services was provided for people with a disability to make the most of their physical, mental and social capabilities, including early education and training; school age education; medical rehabilitation; employment and vocational rehabilitation and transport. The Government was also reviewing the Design Manual on Access for the Disabled to help developers plan and construct more accessible buildings.

* To promote public awareness and understanding of people with a disability, a total of about $34 million had been allocated to strengthen public education activities between 1994 and 1997. On top of this, the Government would spend about another $1.5 million each year to enhance public awareness of their rights under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.

The Government would also be spending about $7.4 billion this year on capital and recurrent expenditure alone to improve rehabilitation services.

Mr Wilson said: "In Hong Kong, we have moved closer to the goal of integration. We want to see the law and our public education programmes complementing each other. We want to see them bring about conciliation, not confrontation.

"We believe the Government, the disability groups and those who may be affected by the Ordinance all need to work together to help people with disability to build, in the words of our White Paper, 'a better tomorrow for all'." he concluded.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

London beats to the tune of vibrant Hong Kong *****

Hong Kong in Hyde Park, one of the biggest outdoor events to be staged in London this summer, will be held over the weekend (September 16 and 17).

Thousands of Londoners and visitors to the city are expected to throng the 14-acre site in the Royal Park where the two-day festival will be staged. Organised by the Hong Kong Government Office in London. Hong Kong in Hyde Park will feature a wide variety of events and activities that will capture the vitality and excitement of the territory.

Billed as a day out for the family with something for everyone, the festival will project Hong Kong's vibrant social, cultural and business life. Among the attractions will be the much acclaimed Hong Kong: City of Vision exhibition, highlighting some of the territory's architectural masterpieces and development projects.

After viewing the exhibition in a specially constructed marquee, visitors will be taken on a tour of Hong Kong through a series of promotional videos on tourism, Hong Kong's economic success and business opportunities, and the lifestyles of her people on a bank of television monitors. Staff from the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Industrial Promotions Unit of the Industry Department will also be on hand to distribute literature and answer questions from the public.

Capturing the sporting and cultural aspects of life in the territory will be a series of Dragon Boat races on the Serpentine. Teams from around the world, including Holland, Sweden, Canada, a Filipina all women's crew and the United Kingdom will compete over the two days for prizes and championship medals.

Entertaining the crowds throughout the two days will be the Pipe Band of the Royal Hong Kong Police who, along with a brass quintet from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, are being specially flown in from Hong Kong for the festival. A feature of the Pipe Band's participation in the festival will be when they join forces for the very first time with Britain's Metropolitan Police Band to give a performance on Sunday (September 17).

To add to the cultural extravaganza will be artists and performers drawn from the Hong Kong Chinese community in the UK. Included among them are traditional Chinese dance and theatre groups, Tai Chi and martial arts experts, story-tellers, and for the first time in Britain, performances by eight "lions" and one "dragon".

Games and competitions, and specially designated play areas for children to try their skills at mask making and Chinese calligraphy and paintings will add to the carnival atmosphere of the festival.

Giving that special Hong Kong touch to the event will be food stalls selling Chinese delicacies. Arts and crafts stalls too will be spread around the 14-acre site selling Chinese trinkets and other items.

Hong Kong Commissioner, Sir David Ford, who will formally open the Hong Kong in Hyde Park festival on Saturday (September 16), said: "This weekend in Hyde Park we bring together elements of the traditional and modem to present the success and vitality of Hong Kong. I hope every one who visits Hyde Park will have a really enjoyable time and take away with them some of the excitement and vibrancy of Hong Kong."

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Secrecy of ballot stressed ♦ * * * ♦

In response to press enquiries, a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said today (Wednesday) every measure would be taken to ensure the secrecy of vote in the coming Legislative Council elections.

He was referring to concerns that the votes cast at polling stations with a small number of functional constituency voters might be identified.

"Before the votes are counted, ballot papers from not less than two polling stations will first be mixed.

"In this way no one can tell which ballot papers are cast at which polling stations," the spokesman said.

As a further measure to safeguard the secrecy of vote, ballot papers marked by voters in polling stations with less than five electors registered in any constituency would be sealed by a red waiver.

They would remain sealed until after the ballot papers from not less than two polling stations were mixed, he said.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

No exit polls results should be announced ♦ * ♦ * *

The Chairman of the Boundary and Election Commission (BEC), Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, today (Wednesday) urged all pollsters and broadcasters to observe the BEC guidelines not to announce results of exit polls in respect of the geographical and functional constituencies before the close of all the polls for the Legislative Council elections at midnight.

Mr Justice Woo said voting behaviour might be affected by any early release of the exit poll results.

"The smaller the electorate, the more vulnerable it may be to external influence.

"The credibility of the election results should not be placed in any doubt," he

said.

The Chairman said the Commission saw no compelling need for the public to be apprised of the exit poll results before the polls closed to justify an arrangement which might cast doubt on the election results.

He warned that BEC would take a very serious view on any breach, and non-compliance might very well be publicly censured.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Blood samples only needed to build up DNA database *****

Referring to recent media reports concerning the Government Laboratory using blood samples obtained from the Family Planning Association (FPA) and the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC), a spokesman for the Laboratory said today (Wednesday) that the Laboratory had no interest in knowing the identity or personal data of any donor who provided blood samples used by it.

"We do not need or want to know who these donors are. Our only interest in having the samples is to build up our DNA population frequency database for research and reference purposes. From this anonymous database, the Laboratory can calculate the odds of any two blood samples matching.

"In civil and criminal cases where the Laboratory may be called upon to provide expert scientific evidence, such statistical information assists the courts in making their decisions.

“We understand that the FPA and HKRC obtained permission from each of the donors before they provided the samples to us. These samples are identified only by a code number,” he said.

"I think clients of the FPA and HKRC can rest assured that their identities are kept confidential and that their rights are respected," the spokesman stressed.

The spokesman also noted that legal advice obtained by the Laboratory had confirmed where samples were supplied with the donors’ consent, there was no infringement of the Bill of Rights.

"Since the start of this exercise, our procedures have fully protected the anonymity of the donors involved. Since the legislation was passed, we have taken even greater care to avoid infringing anyone's rights," he said.

As regards media reports which said the Government Laboratory had "demanded" samples from FPA or obtained them "secretly" by "cheating" or by "tapping" into the FPA's records, the spokesman said they were totally inaccurate.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Night closure of Kwai Chung Road and Tsuen Wan Road ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Part of the New Territories-bound carriageways of Kwai Chung Road and Tsuen Wan Road will be temporarily closed for three nights to facilitate works on the Route 3 project in Kwai Chung, a Transport Department spokesman said today (Wednesday).

The closure will be between 00.01 am to 6 am on September 15, 17 and 18.

The road sections affected are:

* NT-bound carriageway of Kwai Chung Road from Lai Chi Kok Bridge to Container Port Road South near Lai King Catholic Secondary School.

* NT-bound carriageway of Tsuen Wan Road from its junction with Kwai Chung Road to the up ramp of Kwai Tsing Interchange.

* NT-bound slip road of Container Port Road South from the northbound carriageway of Kwai Chung Road to Kwai Tai Road; and

* NT-bound carriageway of the flyover from Ching Cheung Road to Kwai Chung Road.

Motorists on NT-bound carriageways of Kwai Chung Road and Ching Cheung Road heading for Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan arc advised to use Container Port Road South.

A total of 31 KMB routes below will be diverted. They are:

Route Nos 30X, 33A, 35A, 36A, 37, 38A, 40, 41, 41 A, 42A, 43C, 44, 46X, 47S, 48S, 52X, 58X. 59A, 59X, 60X, 6IX, 66, 66X, 67X, 68. 68A, 68X, 69X, 234X, 238X and 606S.

Bus stops on Kwai Chung Road northbound near Princess Margaret Hospital Interchange and near the up ramp of Tsuen Wan Road will be suspended and a temporary bus stop will be provided on Lai King Hill Road near the Lai King MTR Station.

Kowloon-bound traffic on Kwai Chung Road will not be affected.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

CSD's response to Shek Pik Prison strike ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries about the strike in protest against the integration of some Vietnamese prisoners to the general population at Shek Pik Prison, a spokesman for the Correctional Services Department made the following statement: "On September 12 (Tuesday) a group of prisoners refused to work or worked slowly in order to show their dissatisfaction toward the management in arranging Vietnamese prisoners working with them.

"During labour commencement, 98 prisoners refused to work whereas prisoners of other work groups slowed down their pace of work.

"Despite active counselling by the management, the prisoners continued their 'protest' and eventually 343 prisoners were separated and located in their respective wards.

"The inmates were informed that it is the department's policy that no prisoner would be segregated without good reason or on grounds of ethnic origin.

"This (Wednesday) morning, 319 prisoners (including the 98 inmates who have been put on report for disciplinary action) refused to carry out work as instructed by the management.

"They were issued with warnings that if their action continued they will all be disciplined. Subsequently, all prisoners returned to work."

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Over 6,700 agreements lodged with Land Registry in August * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A total of 6,762 sale and purchase agreements for building units, which include both residential and non-residential properties, were lodged with the Land Registry last month (August 1995).

The figure represents a decrease of 23.7 per cent from that of July this year, and an 6.4 per cent increase compared with August last year.

The total consideration of these agreements is $18.54 billion, down by 12.5 per cent and 10 per cent as compared with the amounts for July 1995 and August 1994 respectively.

The figures are contained in the monthly statistics released today (Wednesday) 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 July 1995 and August 1994 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 statistics generally relate to land transactions executed up to four weeks prior to their submission for registration, as there is usually a time lag between the execution of deeds and their lodgement for registration.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Give HIV-affected community a helping hand *****

The public should help people living with AIDS or HIV lead a normal social life within the community as a whole, Mrs Patten said this (Wednesday) evening.

"It is very important for us all to do something practical to help people who are living with AIDS or HIV; to ease their fears and their sense of isolation, and to educate the general public into being more compassionate and understanding," she stressed.

Speaking at the opening of the HIV Information and Drop-In Centre, Mrs Patten said that the centre was an excellent example of such action.

With the help of the centre, people with AIDS or HIV did not have to hide themselves and suffer discrimination because of their condition, she said.

The centre also served as a place for the HIV-affected community and its families to meet and draw strength from one another as well as to acquire information that they might find helpful.

It also educated the public about HIV and AIDS so that they will accept people with AIDS and help these people to lead a normal social life, Mrs Patten added.

She hoped that the public could be encouraged to drop in to the centre to learn more about the HIV-affected community.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Most Improved Primary Pupils Award Scheme

*****

The Director of Education, Mr W K Lam, will officiate at the Most Improved Primary Pupils Award Scheme Launching Ceremony on Friday (September 15).

The scheme is organised by the Education Department, the Yan Chai Hospital, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Po Leung Kuk and the Subsidised Primary Schools Council.

It is aimed at encouraging primary pupils to develop fully their individual potential by giving due recognition to those who have achieved the best all-round improvement over a period of time.

Also officiating at the ceremony will be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yan Chai Hospital, Mr Kwok Chi-leung; the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Mr Willie Lui Pok-shek; and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Po Leung Kuk, Mr Tan Giok-sie.

Ms Cheng Kit-wan, headmistress of Yaumati Catholic Primary School, will speak on her own experience about the scheme at the ceremony.

Attention News Editors:

You are invited to send representatives to cover the Most Improved Primary Pupils Award Scheme Launching Ceremony to be held at Marina Room, second floor, Excelsior Hotel, Causeway Bay, at 3 pm on Friday (September 15).

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Buildings Department seeks to close illegal structures ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

The Buildings Department is seeking to close two unauthorised structures on the rooftop of 188, Sai Yeung Choi Street South in Kowloon for demolition without endangering the occupiers and the public.

A notice was posted at the structures today (Wednesday) informing the occupiers that the Buildings Department would apply for a closure in respect of the structures from the court on November 29.

Acting Chief Building Surveyor Mr Leung Shiu-hong said the planned closure was part of an exercise to enforce an order issued under the Buildings Ordinance requiring removal of the illegal structures.

Demolition of the structures would start once the closure order was granted, but Mr Leung stressed that no one would be rendered homeless in line with the Government's policy.

He advised the occupiers to approach the Buildings Department if they require assistance in rehousing, adding that the department would put them in touch with the Housing Department for screening and assessment of their eligibility for rehousing.

The Buildings Department has also informed the Social Welfare Department of the planned closure.

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * ♦ ♦ * ♦

Cumulative

Time change

$ million (hours) (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,962 0930 -752

Closing balance in the account 1,985 1000 -755

Change attributable to : 1100 -755

Money market activity -762 1200 -757

LAF today +785 1500 -757

1600 -762

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.9 *+0.2* 13.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.83 2 years 2708 6.06 100.21 6.03

1 month 5.83 3 years 3807 6.16 99.86 6.31

3 months 5.83 5 years 5006 6.60 99.22 6.91

6 months 12 months 5.83 5.85 5 years M501 7.90 102.38 7.42

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $10,022 million

Closed September 13, 1995

End/Wednesday, September 13, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, September 15,1995

Contents Page No,

Study of marine traffic and optimum water usage launched............ 1

STI attends ministerial meeting in Australia........................ 3

SCA urges voters to cast their vote on Sunday....................... 4

Exhibition on harbour reclamations.................................. 6

Point system on electrical workers a success........................ 7

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works........................... 8

Drainage Authority Area plan published.............................. 9

Flood protection works for Sha Po Tsuen............................ 10

Berthing facilities for refuse transfer vessels.................... 10

Improvement of water supply to Central and Western.............. 11

Roving education exhibition opens tomorrow......................... 12

Education Sunday to mark new school year........................... 13

Hong Kong man jailed for possessing forged passports............... 13

Manufacturer fined for making false export statement............... 14

Closure of Shuen Wan landfill................................... 15

Fresh water cut in Wan Chai..................................... 15

Buildings Department seeks to close unauthorised works............. 16

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations............... 16

Study of marine traffic and optimum water usage launched

♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Marine Department today (Friday) embarks on one of the most comprehensive studies of marine traffic and the optimum use of marine waters undertaken anywhere in the world to date.

At a contract-signing ceremony marking the commencement of the Marine Activities, Associated Risk Assessment and Development of a Future Strategy for the Optimum Usage of Hong Kong Waters Study (MARAD Study), the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, said the study had the considerable task of examining the present strategy for water area utilisation and vessel traffic movement throughout Hong Kong.

Mr Dale said: "A detailed survey of present-day activities and trends would be undertaken together with a long-term forecast of the needs for both commercial and pleasure activities in our waters.

"From this will be derived an optimum strategy for usage of our limited water areas, taking account of cunent and future environmental impact," he noted..

The recent rapid economic growth in the Pearl River was the catalyst for the dramatic rise in the numbers, and changes in patterns, of marine traffic experienced over the last few years.

In strictly statistical terms the number of vessel movements through the port of Hong Kong, which is often referred to as the world's busiest port, was 384,000 in 1994, delivering a throughput of 147 million tons of cargo and over 21 million passengers.

Growth in marine traffic activity has been most pronounced in Hong Kong's western waters reflecting the strategic shift of the port to the west.

The resulting high density of commercial shipping activities dictates that all available space in the western harbour and beyond is designated for specific uses associated with services to ships such as anchorages, fairways, mooring areas and typhoon shelters.

These areas are subject to a high degree of management control to ensure a high level of safety standards is maintained, while maximising utilisation of facilities and efficient movement of vessels.

The central and eastern harbours have long ago ceased to play a major role in cargo movements. The eastern waters of Hong Kong, with its many islands, remain a popular and safe marine playground, where commercial activities do not conflict with pleasure boating.

Mr Dale pointed out that in the light of these changes the need to review and if necessary change Hong Kong's long-term marine traffic and strategic water area management strategy was recognised.

The long-term strategy for the milestone years 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011 will:*

(a) provide a navigational risk assessment of Hong Kong waters; " • ■ •' ' f’ • • • . ■' . i.'l. ’

(b) define more clearly the objectives for the optimum use of this limited resource and maintain the image of Hong Kong as a safe port in respect of commercial, tourist and recreational marine activities;

(c) provide a broader picture of how port developments and the change in commercial shipping patterns will integrate with other growing demands on water space such as recreation and tourism; and

(d) enable easier explanation of these developments to the marine community and public at large.

The general objective of the MARAD Study is to assess present and future levels of marine navigational risk in the waters of Hong Kong, and having regard to these levels draw up medium to long-term plans to mitigate identified risk and establish the best usage of Hong Kong waters.

The study will be conducted in three phases and is expected to be completed in 15 months.

The three phases are:

Phase I - Field study of existing marine traffic activities and risk assessment

Phase II - Marine planning studies to sectorise areas of port activities and establish traffic flow patterns

Phase III - Marine planning studies to analyse the results obtained from Phases I and II and to establish the best usage of Hong Kong waters.

Mr Dale congratulated Au Posford Consultants Ltd, in association with Rotterdam Municipal Port Management, Marine Safety Rotterdam, Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd and Axis Environmental Consultants Ltd, for putting a fine technical package at a competitive price.

Mr Dale is confident that in 15 months' time the consultancy team, with the support of the Marine Department staff, and guidance through the members of the Port Development Board Committee for Strategic Planning for Hong Kong Waters, will have achieved the target of a sustainable long-term strategy for the development of Hong Kong's marine activities.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

STI attends ministerial meeting in Australia *****

The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr Chau Tak-hay, has participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) held in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday and today (September 14 and 15).

The meeting, chaired by the Minister for Small Business, Customs and Construction of Australia, Senator Chris Schacht, was attended by 18 APEC economies, namely, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and the United States.

At the meeting, member economies shared their experience in tackling problems and challenges faced by SMEs in adjusting to an increasingly globalised and free trade environment.

Mr Chau said: "For a basically high-cost, high-skill economy such as Hong Kong, the key to the continued success of SMEs lies in productivity enhancement, covering both increasing operational efficiency and increasing the value we add to our products.

"In the case of Hong Kong," Mr Chau added: "SMEs represent 98 per cent of our enterprises. SMEs are not just a business sector, but are the bedrock of our economy."

The meeting's Joint Ministers/Private Sector session provided a useful opportunity for ministers to exchange views with private sector representatives on how to tackle problems and challenges faced by SMEs and to facilitate the further development of SMEs.

The SME ministers endorsed a program of actions in a number of areas, namely human resources development, information access, technology and technology sharing, financing and market access. This Action Program will be presented to APEC Ministers and Economic Leaders.

At the end of the meeting, the SME ministers issued a Joint Statement reaffirming the role and importance of SMEs and the proposed SMEs Action Program which will be submitted to the APEC economic leaders for endorsement in November.

•

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

SCA urges voters to cast their vote on Sunday ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, today (Friday) urged registered voters to turn up at the polling station near their home on Sunday (September 17) to cast their vote in the elections, which will return Hong Kong's first fully-elected Legislative Council.

"This time we have a record number of 2.57 million registered voters, of whom 1.15 million are also voters for the functional constituencies. We also have a record number of 138 candidates for the geographical, functional and Election Committee elections," he said. .

"The voting procedures are simple and easy. Most voters, including those who are eligible to cast more than one vote, will only need to visit a polling station once."

Speaking at a luncheon meeting of Po Leung Kuk's Board of Directors, Mr Ng said the elections would be conducted in a fair and open manner to safeguard the credibility of the Legislative Council they returned.

"To achieve this end, the electorate has been expanded by lowering the voting age and introducing nine new functional constituencies, which give all working persons a second vote. The number of voters in the old functional constituencies has also increased," he said.

On the voting procedures, Mr Ng said voters should have already received a poll card from the Registration and Electoral Office, giving details of their respective constituency and polling station.

"Voters can call the 24-hour hotline 2827 1122 should they have any queries about the poll card. Another hotline, 2891 1400, is available for voters who wish to know more about the platforms of the candidates," he said.

"At the polling station, a voter registered in a geographical constituency will be issued a white ballot paper, while a voter registered in a functional constituency will be given a coloured ballot paper. Those who are registered in both will be issued with a white and a coloured ballot paper at the same time.

"The voter should simply put a tick on the ballot paper in the circle opposite the name of the candidate of his choice, and then fold up the ballot paper so as to conceal the vote.

"He should then put the folded white ballot paper into the white ballot box, and if applicable, the folded coloured ballot paper into the red ballot box," he said.

Mr Ng added that although a voter was required to produce only his identity card to cast a vote, it would a help to speed up the work of the polling staff if he could also produce his poll card.

To arouse residents' attention to the importance of the elections, Mr Ng said a $21 million publicity campaign had been held in the past three months.

"Emphasis has been placed not just on familiarising electors with the voting arrangements, but also to help them to know more about the candidates so that a wise choice could be made.

"The massive campaign includes five APIs (Annoucements in the Public Interest), six designs of posters, mobile exhibitions, advertisements, mailing of 'introduction to candidates' to electors, as well as a series of election forums both in the districts and on radio and television," said Mr Ng.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Exhibition on harbour reclamations ♦ * ♦ * ♦

Members of the public will be able to see how harbour reclamations help shape the future development of Hong Kong as an international trade and financial centre in a roving exhibition commencing next Monday (September 18).

The exhibition will feature good illustrations and photographs of how the territory gains land from sea to improve the living environment, to satisfy the needs for housing and other infrastructure and to sustain the economic growth.

Visitors will also be able to gain an overview of how harbour reclamations in the early days helped Hong Kong to prosper and how the public will benefit from current and future reclamation projects that will help solve the overcrowding problem in older urban areas and provide more amenity facilities such as waterfront promenades for public enjoyment.

The exhibition will provide answers to points of concern raised by some quarters of the community, notably the effects of harbour reclamations on land supply, environment, and navigational safety.

On top of panel displays, there will be a short film to be shown on a full-size video wall and models of the future look of the harbour.

Visitors will be able to take home leaflets showing the major reclamation projects and explaining why Hong Kong needs to proceed with the reclamation programme as it always did in the past 150 years to satisfy the incessant demand for land.

The exhibition will take place at six shopping centres over the next five weeks as follows:

Venue

Ocean Terminal Metroplaza Times Square Lok Fu Shopping Centre II Telford Centre Pacific Place

September 18-22

September 23 - 28

September 30 - October 5

October 6-10

October 8-13

October 18-22

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Point system on electrical workers a success ♦ * ♦ * ♦

The point system introduced by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to monitor the performance of registered electrical workers and contractors has been a great success.

This was stated by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Hugh Phillipson, at the 11th Annual General Meeting and Inauguration Ceremony of Officials of the Hong Kong Electrical Contractors' Association this (Friday) evening.

The Performance Monitoring Point System was implemented in April last year to ensure that electrical works are undertaken by electrical workers and contractors in compliance with the Electricity Ordinance, in particular, the Electricity (Wiring) Regulations.

Mr Phillipson noted that up to now, demerit points had been recorded against about 3,300 registered electrical workers and contractors who had committed mistakes in their electrical works.

"EMSD has issued warning letters to about 200 of these registered persons requesting them to improve their performance and informing them that otherwise disciplinary action will be taken against them," he said.

Under the system, if a registered electrical worker or contractor is found to be negligent in his work or has failed to perform his statutory duties satisfactorily, demerit points would be recorded against him.

The number of demerit points recorded depends on the severity of the case.

Based on the monitoring results, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services will either issue a warning notice to the registered electrical contractor or worker concerned, or arrange a site inspection with him.

The Director will only take disciplinary action against negligent workers or contractors, based on the evidence collected during the on-site inspection.

End/Friday, September 15,1995

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Civil Engineering Department is inviting tenders for upgrading 30 slopes and retaining walls throughout the territory under its accelerated Landslip Preventive Measures (LPM) Programme.

The works are expected to commence in mid-November for completion in two years.

The Chief Geotechnical Engineer of the department’s Geotechnical Engineering Office, Mr Allan Watkins, said the contract for the upgrading works was the second one to be let in 1995-96.

He recalled that the Secretary for Works had announced earlier this year that the government's programme to upgrade government-owned man-made slopes listed in the 1977 Slope Catalogue would be completed by the year 2000 at a cost of some $1.3 billion.

Mr Watkins said at least four contracts per year were expected to be let over the five-year duration of the programme.

"Studies of private slopes and retaining walls have also been accelerated considerably and that over 200 slopes will be studied in the 1995-96 year.

"A statutory notice will be served by the Buildings Department requiring owners to carry out upgrading works if the studies revealed that a slope or a retaining wall is not up to the required standards," he added.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Chief Geotechnical Engineer/Works, Geotechnical Engineering Office, 10th floor, Civil Engineering Building, 101 Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon.

Tender offer will close at noon on October 6.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Drainage Authority Area plan published

*****

The Govemor-in-Council has approved a Drainage Authority Area plan for Yuen Long, Kam Tin and Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Basin.

The approved plan delineates "Drainage Authority Area" in Yuen Long, Kam Tin and Ngau Tam Mei Drainage Basin covering Shap Pat Heung, Ping Shan, Fairview Park, Ngau Tam Mei, Nam Sang Wai, Pat Heung, Kam Tin and Yuen Long Town.

. V •

This Drainage Authority Area is approximately 90 square kilometres. About 44 kilometres of watercourses within this drainage basin are designated as main watercourses and shown on the approved plan.

The approved plan was published in the gazette today (Friday).

Upon the publication of the notice, the Land Drainage Ordinance will apply with respect to the Drainage Authority Area and main watercourses designated in the approved plan.

Any person who is interested in viewing the approved plan may do so at the following offices during office hours:

♦ Drainage Services Department, Headquarters, 43rd floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai;

♦ Land Drainage Division, Drainage Services Department, 11th floor, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei;

♦ Yuen Long District Office, Yuen Long District Office Building, 269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long;

♦ Land Registry, 28th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, and

* Yuen Long New Territories Land Registry, seventh floor, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Flood protection works for Sha Po Tsuen ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will carry out village flood protection works in Kam Tin to protect Sha Po Tsuen from flooding.

The works include construction of an earth bund, a pumping station, a flood storage pond and a drainage channel around Sha Po Tsuen.

The project is part of stage one of the Village Flood Protection for Yuen Long, Kam Tin and Ngau Tam Mei.

The contract is scheduled to begin in February next year for completion in 24 months.

A notice inviting tenders for the works was gazetted today (Friday).

Tender forms and further particulars may be obtained from the office of the Chief Engineer, Drainage Projects Division, DSD, 44th floor, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

The tender closing date is noon on October 13.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Berthing facilities for refuse transfer vessels ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The government intends to carry out works within an area of about 1,860 square metres of foreshore and sea-bed at Tai Kwai Wan, Cheung Chau to provide berthing facilities and marine access for the refuse transfer vessels that will operate at the Cheung Chau Station of the outlying islands transfer facilities.

Works include modifying about 55 metres of sloping seawall to vertical seawall, constructing a mooring dolphin, carrying out protective works for an existing water mains with a diameter of 500 millimetres to the north of the site, and dredging the sea-bed.

It is expected that the works will commence in early next year for completion by mid-1997.

The extent of the area affected is described in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

Any person who considers 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 November 15.

The notice (in both English and Chinese) together with its related plan can be seen on notice boards posted near the site.

The plan can also be seen at the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, (where copies can be purchased on order); the Islands District Office, 20th floor, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, and the Cheung Chau Sub-office of the Islands District Office, ground floor, 22 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Improvement of water supply to Central and Western

*****

The Water Supplies Department is inviting tenders for the laying of fresh and salt water mains in Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun.

The mains measures a total length of 7,150 metres and range from 400 to 800 millimetres in diameter.

The project forms part of a scheme aiming at improving salt and fresh water supply to the Central and Western districts on Hong Kong Island.

It is anticipated that works will commence in December for completion in about 24 months.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Water Supplies Department, Immigration Tower, 44th floor, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Tenders will close at noon on October 13.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Roving education exhibition opens tomorrow *****

An Education Department roving exhibition dotted with lively, colourful cartoons will open tomorrow (Saturday) to demonstrate to parents and teachers the merits of the Target Oriented Curriculum (TOC) which encourages teachers to bring life, interest and active participation into the classroom.

The exhibition at Level 2, Tuen Mun Town Plaza Phase I, will feature the concept and merits of the new curriculum, assessment and reporting, along with feedback from parents and pilot schools.

The roving exhibition is the second on TOC, and is aimed at introducing the curriculum to parents who have to choose discretionary school places for their children this month in order to enter Primary 1 in September next year.

A total of 439 schools have already indicated intention to adopt TOC in Primary' 1 in the 1996-97 school year. The Government has said the secondary school places allocation system will be modified in 2001 to follow the development of TOC.

The list of schools adopting TOC in September 1996 will be available for viewing at the exhibition. Leaflets will be distributed and Education Department officers will be on hand to answer questions from parents.

A video on TOC will also be shown at the exhibition.

The venues of the exhibition are: Level 2, Tuen Mun Town Plaza (September 16 and 17); Entrance Arena, Shatin New Town Plaza (September 18 and 19); Exhibition Hall. Lok Fu Shopping Centre Phase I (September 20 and 21): Level 2, Metroplaza, Kwai Fong (September 22 to 24); Shopping Mall, Telford Centre, Kowloon Bay (September 25 and 26); and Centre Bridge, Level 2, Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing (September 27 and 28).

The exhibition opens daily from 12 noon to 7 pm.

A spokesman for the Education Department urged parents who have to choose a primary school for their children, as well as teachers, to visit the exhibition.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Education Sunday to mark new school year

*****

Special church services to mark the start of the new school year will be held on September 17 which has been designated Education Sunday.

An Education Department spokesman said teachers and students are welcome to attend the services at the follow'ing churches:

♦ Catholic Cathedral, 16 Caine Road, Hong Kong. (Chinese Service) 11 am

* St John’s Cathedral, Garden Road, Hong Kong. (English Service) 11.30 am

♦ St Teresa's Church, 258 Prince Edward Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon. (English Service) 11.15 am

♦ Holy Trinity Church, 135 Ma Tau Chung Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon. (Chinese Service) 11 am

Attending the service will be the Director of Education, Mr W K Lam (Catholic Cathedral); the Deputy Director of Education, Miss Elaine Chung (St John's Cathedral); Assistant Director of Education, Mr Kwan Shu-tsun (St Teresa's Church); and Assistant Director of Education, Mr David Pun (Holy Trinity Church).

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Hong Kong man jailed for possessing forged passports ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

A spokesman for the Immigration Department confirmed that a Hong Kong resident was sentenced to two years' jail by the District Court today (Friday) for possession of forged travel documents.

The man, aged 27, was arrested by immigration investigators on May 30 at the check-in counter of Kai Tak Airport.

He was found carrying three photo-substituted Hong Kong British passports and was intended to escort three PRC nationals to seek illegal entry to the United States.

Upon enquiries, the man admitted he was paid $6,000 to accompany the three mainlanders to USA by using the three forged passports.

He appeared in the District Court today and pleaded guilty to offences of possession of forged travel documents. He was sentenced to two years'jail.

A spokesman for the Immigration Department said: "It is an offence in law to have in possession of forged, false or unlawfully altered travel documents. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction, the maximum penalty will be a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 14 years."

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Manufacturer fined for making false export statement *****

A garment manufacturer was fined a total of $474,000 at the North Kowloon Magistracy today (Friday) after pleading guilty to three counts of making a false statement in an application for export licence.

The goods involved were over 900 dozen ladies' knitted cardigans valued at $1.89 million for export to the United States of America.

The court heard that an investigation by officers of the Customs and Excise Department revealed that in August and September 1993. High Peak Knitters Limited had arranged the goods to be manufactured in China. However, in order to facilitate the obtaining of Hong Kong export licences, the company made false representation on three applications for export licences that the goods were of Hong Kong origin.

End/Friday. September 15. 1995

Closure ofShuen Wan landfill

♦ * * * ♦

Shuen Wan landfill in Tai Po will be closed for restoration starting Monday (September 18).

Located in the vicinity of Tai Po new town, the landfill started receiving wastes from the northeastern part of the New Territories since 1973.

Acting Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Wong Szc-hoi, said: "Shuen Wan landfill is one of the old landfills which were constructed at a time when landfill technology and environmental requirements were less developed and demanding than those of today.

"It is therefore the Government's intention to close existing sub-standard landfills as early as possible and to have them replaced by environmentally acceptable strategic landfills."

The Shuen Wan landfill was decommissioned in stages starting from June this year. And from next Monday, wastes currently delivered to the landfill will be diverted to the North East New Territories landfill, which is a newly commissioned strategic landfill.

Together with the West New Territories and South East New Territories landfills opened in 1993 and 1994 respectively, the three strategic landfills form the new disposal outlets for solid wastes in Hong Kong.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Fresh water cut in Wan Chai ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

Fresh water supply to some premises in Wan Chai will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Monday (September 18) to 6 am the following day to facilitate water mains leakage detection.

The affected areas will include 250-254 Gloucester Road, 440-468A Jaffe Road, 441-483 and 442-484 Lockhart Road, 439-481 Hennessy Road as well as 8 and 17-29 Percival Street.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Buildings Department seeks to close unauthorised works ♦ * ♦ ♦ *

The Buildings Department is seeking to close the unauthorised building works on the second floor of No 166 Yee Kuk Street in Kowloon for demolition without endangering the occupiers and the public.

A notice was posted at the structures today (Friday) informing the occupiers that the department would apply for a closure order in respect of the structures from the court on October 31.

Chief Building Surveyor, Mr Leung Shiu-hong, said the planned closure was part of an exercise to enforce an order issued under the Buildings Ordinance requiring removal of the illegal structures.

Demolition of the structures would commence once the order was granted, but Mr Leung stressed that no one would be rendered homeless in line with the Government's policy.

The Buildings Department has also informed the Social Welfare Department of planned closure.

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * * * * ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,166 0930 +41

Closing balance in the account 2,176 1000 +41

Change attributable to : 1100 +41

Money market activity +39 1200 +39

LAF today +971 1500 +39

1600 +39

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 123.2 *+0.0* 15.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes Coupon Price Yield

Terms Yield Term Issue

1 week 5.80 2 years 2708 6.06 100.29 5.98

1 month 5.80 3 years 3807 6.16 99.96 6.27

3 months 5.79 5 years 5006 6.60 99.46 6.84

6 months 5.79 5 years M501 7.90 102.69 7.34

12 months 5.79

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $8,597 million

Closed September 15, 1995

End/Friday, September 15, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, September 16,1995

Contents

fagfi-No.

Transcript of the Governor's media session ................................ 1

Call for more support in heritage preservation............................. 2

Tai Po District Officer calls for maximum voter participation.............. 4

Electors reminded to vote tomorrow......................................... 5

Young people urged to become volunteers...............................

Automatic answering system for airport enquiries........................... 8

CED vital to HK's economy: Governor........................................ 8

The weather of August...................................................... 9

Education Sunday to mark new school year.................................. 14

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations...................... 14

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 officiating at a Customs and Excise passing out parade today (Saturday).

Governor: I am delighted to have been able to come to this passing out parade. I wanted to underline my gratitude for the work done by Customs and Excise and to emphasise as well what an important role Customs and Excise plays for the whole community. You’d have seen with the enthusiastic young officers on parade today. What an excellent service we’ve got. Perhaps I can add one other thing. Tomorrow is a historic day, here in Hong Kong. Nothing will ever be able to erase it. I think it marks another important stage in the maturing of our community. Tomorrow comes after a campaign for the Legislative Council elections which I think has been marked by moderation and good sense. People have pursued their different points of view and their arguments very enthusiastically, very rigorously. Everybody, whatever their opinion has been involved in the election process. But unlike the situation in some other places, the whole thing has been carried through with considerable civility and considerable maturity. I think that is a mark of how comfortable Hong Kong is with the arrangements that we've put in place and how Hong Kong can take these things comfortably in its stride. Obviously we all hope that as many people as possible express their civic views tomorrow and discharge their responsibilities. Obviously, none of us know who’s going to win the various closely contested races, but I hope that we’ll see emerge in these elections a vigorous Legislative Council with which the administration can work in co-operation and harmony over the next years.

Question: What do you expect the voting rate?

Governor: I don't know. Anybody who tells they know is kidding. What we had in both the Municipal Councils and the District Board Elections was larger numbers of people voting than have ever voted before for those elections. The number of people registered to vote has gone up dramatically. It's gone up from about 50 per cent when we had the last Legislative Council elections to 65 per cent today. So if you have the same percentage turnout, it means a lot more people have voted. But obviously I hope that as many people will vote as possible and I repeat that, I am sure that we will see emerge from tomorrow a good, effective, representative body which can work with government in the interests of the whole community. What are challenges that we face in the next years and I think that a co-operative relationship between the administration and the Legislative Council will be an important element in tackling some of those problems.

Question: You said you want legislature to have a good co-operation with the administration. Actually will be consider to appoint some new legislators as Exco members...

Governor: I don’t think that it's sensible to focus the entire discussion about the relationship between the Administration and the Legislative Council on the question of appointments to the Executive Council. Obviously, I'll consider the position after the election results. I happen to think that if I've got a very good Executive Council at the moment and that I've had Executive Councillor who represent every shade of opinion in the community. But we'll look at the whole question of the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature after the election results but it covers far more, far more than the question solely of the membership of the Executive Council.

Question: Some foreign media have categorised the elections as a pointless exercise, What is the point do you think the election is going to make?

Governor: I don't think that we are conducting these elections for foreign media and any foreign media who say that don't understand Hong Kong very well. There are hundreds of thousands of people here in Hong Kong tomorrow who will be doing what they are entitled to do and expressing in the ballot box their views about the future of this community. There is nothing pointless about that. It's an important part of Hong Kong's history and it's an important part of the foundations of Hong Kong as a free and plural society and any media who made those sort of criticisms are talking through their heads.

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

Call for more support in heritage preservation ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The successful declaration of the University Hall, Hung Hing Ying Building and Tang Chi Ngong Building of the University of Hong Kong as historical buildings marks a new stage of co-operation between the Government and the University, the Secretary for Recreation and Culture. Mr James So. said.

Speaking at a ceremony this (Saturday) morning, Mr So said the preservation of the three buildings was made possible through the enthusiastic support of the Council of the University of Hong Kong.

He described the University itself as a repository of historical buildings which comprised a number of distinguished examples of Western architecture including the Main Building declared in 1984 and the three buildings now being declared.

"With the continued support of the University, members of the public are given the opportunity to appreciate the splendour of the historical buildings within its campus and the important role the University has played in providing education for our younger generations for the advancement of learning and in so doing contributing to the prosperity of our community.

"I hope that other buildings within the campus, including Bethanie, the Old Halls and the Fung Ping Shan Building could be similarly declared and protected in the near future," Mr So said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Mr David Lung, paid tribute to Mr So for his full support in heritage preservation work.

"During his four years of service in the Recreation and Culture Branch, 14 historical items have been declared under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, and the first heritage trail in Hong Kong was established.

"In addition, the Antiquities and Monuments Office has been greatly strengthened and a large number of other important and meaningful heritage projects like the Kowloon Walled City Park, a territory-wide historical building survey, several •conferences on various heritage topics, a popular television series on local heritage and a wide range of education programmes on heritage have been launched," Mr Lung said.

Earlier, in his welcoming speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Wang Gungwu, told the gathering that with increasing education and respect for the environment, Hong Kong was now more than ever aware of the need to preserve something from the bygone days of its history.

He pointed out that declaring only the exteriors of the three buildings would enable the University to make whatever changes and adaptations to the interiors it saw fit in future while at the same time maintaining the essential and overall architectural face.

"I think this is a compromise which will ensure that these trusted and much loved buildings will continue to play their vital role in today's Hong Kong and its leading university, but at the same time over future years also continue to remind students and staff in the most vivid way of living and still functioning heritage of the Hong Kong of the past," Professor Wang added.

The declaration of the three university buildings yesterday (Friday) brings the total number of declared monuments in Hong Kong to 58.

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

Tai Po District Officer calls for maximum voter participation ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

All registered voters are urged to exercise their civic rights by casting their ballots for the candidate of their choice in the Legislative Council elections tomorrow (Sunday).

Speaking at an Election Carnival being staged at Tai Po Playground, Heung Sze Hui Street, Tai Po, the Tai Po District Officer, Mr Danny Tsui said: "Voters who are registered in both the geographical as well as the functional constituencies should exercise their rights to cast two ballots for the candidates of their choice."

He reminded voters to cast their ballots at their designated polling stations which will open from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm.

The carnival activities, preceded by an opening ceremony, include singing performances, game stalls and an exhibition, all had an election theme and were well attended by Tai Po residents.

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

Electors reminded to vote tomorrow ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Registration and Election Office (REO) today (Saturday) reminded all registered electors that elections for the geographical, functional and the Election Committee constituencies in the Legislative Council elections will be held tomorrow (Sunday).

An REO spokesman said an elector was only required to bring along his identity card to the polling station. However, it would facilitate the checking if he could also bring along the poll card sent to him.

’’Electors who lost their poll cards can still cast their votes," he said.

A total of 495 polling stations will be opened on the polling day.

The Regional Council (RC) functional constituency (FC) and the Election Committee Constituency will each have a central polling station at the RC chamber, Sha Tin, and the International Trademark, Kowloon Bay, respectively.

The polling for the geographical constituency (GC) and FC (except the Regional Council FC) elections will be from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm.

Regional Council FC voters can cast their votes from 2.30 pm to 10.30 pm, while Election Committee constituency voters from 7.30 am to midnight.

’’The ballot is secret. No one can force a person to vote or not to vote for any particular candidate and no one is required to tell which candidate he has voted for or is going to vote for," the spokesman said.

Electors registered only for the geographical constituency (GC) will be issued one ballot paper whereas those registered for both the GC and FC will be issued two, one for the GC and one for the FC.

"If an elector is eligible for two votes, the polling staff will inform him of the FC in which he is registered to vote," the spokesman said.

A white cardboard will be issued to electors who have received only one ballot paper and a red cardboard will be issued to those who have received two.

This arrangement is to ensure that no ballot paper will be taken out of the polling station.

The spokesman reminded electors that they should mark a "tick" sign in the circle space opposite the name of the candidate for whom he wished to vote.

For the Labour FC, which has two vacancies to fill, two "ticks" may be marked against two candidates' names of the elector's choice.

The elector should then fold the ballot paper(s) to conceal the mark and come out of the polling booth.

The folded ballot paper(s) should then be put into the ballot box in the presence of the polling staff, the white GC ballot paper into the white ballot box, the coloured FC ballot paper into the red ballot box.

The elector should then return the cardboard to the polling staff and leave the polling station.

A total of 32 specified polling stations will be open for the physically handicapped electors who need to go to an accessible polling station to vote. These stations are part of the 204 polling stations accessible to the physically handicapped electors.

A total of 129 candidates will vie for 51 scats. Nine candidates were elected uncontested.

Tomorrow, the three members of the Boundary and Election Commission (BEC) will visit polling stations throughout the territory to supervise the conduct of the elections.

"It is the responsibility for the BEC to ensure that elections are to be conducted openly, honestly and fairly," the spokesman said.

End/Saturday. September 16, 1995

Young people urged to become volunteers * * * * *

Young people in Hong Kong are urged to contribute back to the society by becoming volunteers.

Speaking at the 24th anniversary ball of the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps yesterday (Friday ) evening, the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Ian Strachan, said volunteering was an important means through which young people could express their concerns and be involved in making Hong Kong a better place.

"Young people arc the future of I long Kong. As 1 long Kong enters a period of significant transition, it is particularly important that young people are given the support and opportunities to prepare them to be responsible members of society.

"Government's resources are being invested to meet our young people's needs and aspirations," Mr Strachan added.

He praised the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps for contributing towards the healthy development of young people, particularly in developing discipline, sense of responsibility, self-respect and commitment to serve the community.

On volunteering programmes in the Social Welfare Department, Mr Strachan said his department had been organising the Opportunities for Youth Scheme for 20 years.

"The objectives of the Scheme are to provide opportunities and funds for young people to realise their planned projects which are conducive to their personal and social development and to benefit the community.

"Every year we present awards to outstanding volunteers. The department also started two years ago an Overseas Exchange Programme for Outstanding Youth Volunteers." Mr Strachan said.

He said 14 local youth volunteers selected for their remarkable volunteering efforts would represent Hong Kong on an exchange tour to Singapore and Malaysia at the end of September to share their experiences with their overseas counterparts.

End/Saturday. September 16. 1995

Automatic answering system for airport enquiries

*****

To further improve customers services, starting from Monday (September 18), the Hong Kong International Airport will use an automatic system to answer telephone enquiries.

The new system not only can give out information on flight movements and services available at the airport, it can also transfer calls automatically to the airlines and organisations concerned.

Keeping the present telephone enquiry 2769 7531, the new system consists of six auto-hunting lines and can be accessed through tone dialling telephones. It can provide information either in English, Chinese or Putonghua.

The facility will be implemented into two stages.

At the initial stage, the system will provide information concerning airlines, airport facilities, airport concessionaires and other government departments at the airport.

Information on flight movements and check-in areas will be provided in the second stage, which is expected to be ready by early next year. However, prior to the completion of work, such enquiries can also be automatically transferred to the airlines concerned.

End/Saturday, September 16. 1995

CED vital to I IK's economy: Governor *****

The Customs and Excise Department helps to win lor Hong Kong the reputation of honouring international trading obligations and fulfilling its commitments on the protection of intellectual property, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said.

"This is of vital importance-for the health of Hong Kong's community and for the lasting well being of our economy," he stressed.

Speaking at the passing-out parade of Nos 60 and 61 Inspector Induction Course and Nos 216-220 Customs Officer Induction Course this (Saturday) morning, Mr Patten said custom officers worked to defend Hong Kong’s interests.

They help to protect the public from narcotics, to safeguard community revenues and to protect consumers' rights.

The Governor expressed hopes that they could maintain Hong Kong's reputation and serve the community with discipline and integrity.

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

The weather of August ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

August was extremely wet. The total rainfall of 1,090.1 millimetres was the highest for the month of August and the third highest for any month since records began in Hong Kong in 1884. The month was unusually cloudy with total bright sunshine averaging at 4.5 hours per day.

There were seven days with rainfall over 50 millimetres. Torrential rain fell on August 12 to 14 when 448.3 millimetres were recorded at the Royal Observatory.

With monthly rainfall of about two point eight times the August normal of 391.4 millimetres, accumulated rainfall over the first eight months of 1995 amounted to 2,186.4 millimetres which was 28 per cent above the normal for the same period.

The August rain was mostly brought about by active southwesterlies in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Gary which made landfall near Shantou at the end of July, and by the passages of Severe Tropical Storm Helen, Severe Tropical Storm Lois and Typhoon Kent during August. It was also the first August since 1946 when the No 8 Gale or Storm Signal had to be hoisted twice within the month.

Under the influence of an unstable south westerlies in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Gary, the first two days of the month were cloudy with heavy showers. Torrential rain and thunderstorms affected Hong Kong on August 3.

Between 150 and 300 millimetres were recorded in most parts of the territory and more than 30 reports of flooding and 17 landslips were received. The weather remained unsettled with heavy thundery showers until August 6 and 7 when rain cased off.

With the establishment of a ridge of high pressure over the south China coast, local weather turned generally fine from August 8 to 10.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Helen entered the South China Sea and caused local winds to strengthen and weather to deteriorate on August 11. As Helen, now a severe tropical storm, approached Hong Kong, stormy weather set in the next day.

Gale force winds and torrential rain battered the territory and necessitated the hoisting of No 8 Gale or Storm Signal. Daily rainfall of 242.4 millimetres was recorded at the Royal Observatory. More than 30 persons were injured in storm-related incidents.

Although Helen made landfall over Guangdong on August 12, its fury still affected the coastal areas of Guangdong the following day. Locally, around 60 cases of landslips reports were received.

Among the many reported landslides, the two most disastrous were the one at Chai Wan where a teenager was crashed to death by a wall of rocks and mud, and the other at Nam Long Shan where boat yards were buried under thousand tonnes of mud killing two persons and injuring four.

Widespread heavy rain and thunderstorms continued to affect the territory on August 14. A Thai International flight encountered turbulence on the approach to the Hong Kong International Airport. Forty-seven passengers and crew were hospitalised. Temperatures were lowered to the month's minimum of 23.1 degrees during a heavy downpour that afternoon.

Weather started to improve on August 15 and a generally fine spell lasted until August 23. Heavy showers and thunderstorms developed over Guangdong and drifted south across the territory in the afternoon of August 24. One person in Discovery Bay was reportedly killed by lightning.

It was fine and very hot on August 25 with the month's highest temperature of 33.9 degrees reached that afternoon. There were frequent showers the next day but also sunny periods.

The extensive circulation of Severe Tropical Storm Lois brought rain and squalls to Hong Kong on August 27. Rain began to ease off in the afternoon of August 28 and the weather became fine apart from brief showers the next day.

Local weather was fine with long periods of sunshine on August 30. At the same time, Typhoon Kent was moving quickly towards the coast of Guangdong.

It brought stormy weather to Hong Kong the next day when over a hundred millimetres of rainfall was recorded. The No 8 Gale or Storm Signal had to be hoisted and five people were injured in floods, landslides and traffic accidents.

There were seven tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in the month of August. Details of the issuance/hoisting and cancellation/lowering of various wamings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1.1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal of August are tabulated in Table 1.2.

Table 1.1 Warnings and signals in August 1995

Warnings / Signals Effective date and time

Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals

Name of T C Signal No

Helen 1 3 8 NE 8 NW 8SW 3 9 Aug 1600 - 11 Aug 0545 11 Aug 0545 - 11 Aug 2230 11 Aug 2230- 12 Aug 0430 12 Aug 0430 - 12 Aug 0945 12 Aug 0945 - 12 Aug 1415 12 Aug 1415- 12 Aug 1730

Irving 1 18 Aug 1230- 19 Aug 2345

Lois 1 27 Aug 1315-28 Aug 0935

Kent 1 3 8 NW 8 SW 3 30 Aug 1200-31 Aug 0400 31 Aug 0400-31 Aug 1300 31 Aug 1300-31 Aug 1645 31 Aug 1645 - 31 Aug 2100 31 Aug 2100- 1 Sep 0015

Rainstorm Warnings

Red Red 12 Aug 1710- 12 Aug 1830 13 Aug 0030- 13 Aug 0400

Landslip Warnings 3 Aug 1130 - 6 Aug 0900 12 Aug 0800 - 15 Aug 1445

Flood Warnings 31 Aug 1800- 1 Sep 1630 3 Aug 0005 - 3 Aug 2100 5 Aug 0825 - 5 Aug 1145 12 Aug 0445 - 12 Aug 1830 12 Aug 2350 - 13 Aug 0630 13 Aug 0850- 13 Aug 1200 14 Aug 0150 - 14 Aug 1035 14 Aug 1230- 15 Aug 0615 24 Aug 1320-24 Aug 1530 25 Aug 1725-25 Aug 1845 26 Aug 2130-27 Aug 0130 31 Aug 1630- 1 Sep 0200

Thunderstorm Warnings 31 Jul 2300- 1 Aug 0800 1 Aug 1215- 1 Aug 1315 2 Aug 0915- 2 Aug 1215 2 Aug 2215- 3 Aug 0615 3 Aug 0645 - 4 Aug 0600 4 Aug 0940 - 4 Aug 1640 4 Aug 2330- 5 Aug 1230 5 Aug 1420 - 5 Aug 1620 7 Aug 1100- 7 Aug 1500 12 Aug 1640 - 13 Aug 0600 13 Aug 0830- 13 Aug 1400 14 Aug 0000 - 14 Aug 1700 14 Aug 2200- 15 Aug 0600 24 Aug 1315-24 Aug 1615 24 Aug 1745-24 Aug 1945 25 Aug 1410-25 Aug 2000 26 Aug 2120-27 Aug 0800 31 Aug 1645 - 31 Aug 1945 31 Aug 2200- 1 Sep 0800

Table 1.2 Figures and Departures from Normal - August 1995

Total Bright Sunshine 139.2 hours; 67.8 hours below normal

Mean Daily Global Solar Radiation 12.77 MJ/SQM; 4.84 MJ/SQM below normal

Total Rainfall 1090.1 mm; 698.7 mm above normal

Mean Cloud Amount 78%; 12% above normal

Mean Relative Humidity 86%; 5% above normal

Mean Daily Maximum Temperature 29.9 Degree Celsius; below normal

Mean Air Temperature 27.4 Degree Celsius; 1.0 Degree Celsius below normal

Mean Daily Minimum Temperature 25.3 Degree Celsius; 1.0 Degree Celsius below normal

Mean Dew Point 24.7 Degree Celsius; 0.1 Degree Celsius below normal

Total Evaporation 106.0 mm ; 50.9 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.

End/Saturday, September 16,1995

Education Sunday to mark new school year ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Special church services to mark the start of the new school year will be held tomorrow (September 17) which has been designated Education Sunday.

An Education Department spokesman said teachers and students are welcome to attend the services at the following churches:

* Catholic Cathedral, 16 Caine Road, Hong Kong. (Chinese Service) 11 am

* St John's Cathedral, Garden Road, Hong Kong. (English Service) 11.30 am

* St Teresa's Church, 258 Prince Edward Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon. (English Service) 11.15 am

* Holy Trinity Church, 135 Ma Tau Chung Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon. (Chinese Service) 11 am

Attending the service will be the Director of Education, Mr W K Lam (Catholic Cathedral); the Deputy Director of Education, Miss Elaine Chung (St John’s Cathedral); Assistant Director of Education, Mr Kwan Shu-tsun (St Teresa’s Church); and Assistant Director of Education, Mr David Pun (Holy Trinity Church).

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change ($ million)

Opening balance in the account 2,176 09:30 -330

Closing balance in the account 1,741 10:00 -330

Change attributable to: 11:00 -330

Money market activity -330 11:30 -330

LAF today -105 15:00

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 123.5 *+0.3* 16.9.95

End/Saturday, September 16, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Sunday, September 17,1995

Contents Page No.

Transcript of the Governor's media session at Press Centre................. 1

Transcript of the Governor's media session................................. 4

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's media session.......................... 6

Elections acceptable to the people: Governor............................... 7

Historic elections going well: Governor.................................... 8

Voter turnout encouraging: CS.............................................. 9

Very important day for Hong Kong: FS....................................... 9

BEC chairman urges electors to update information......................... 10

SCA looks forward to increased turnout................................ 11

Elections smooth and orderly: SCA......................................... 11

Come out for this meaningful election: SHA................................ 12

$ 14.2M allocated to language projects................................ 13

Education roving exhibition moves to Sha Tin.............................. 13

Water cuts in Kwun Tong and Aberdeen...................................... 14

- 1 -

Transcript of the Governor’s media session at Press Centre * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Following is the transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after inspecting vote-counting facilities and the Press Centre at the International Trademart, Kowloon Bay, at 6 pm today (Sunday):

Governor: Hullo, I'm very pleased to see this extremely efficient and up-to-date organisation. I've taken part in a few general elections in Britain and I'm bound to say I have never seen anything quite as competently organised and modem and up-to-date as this. I was also very pleased this morning to see at polling stations the same high level of efficiency that we've come to expect in our elections, thanks to the Boundary and Election Commission and the work of the REO. There's still over four hours left to vote so I very much hope that those who are on the register and haven't yet turned out to vote will do so this evening. The weather is still good, so there's no excuse for staying at home. I hope that as many people as possible will turn out and take their civic responsibilities seriously and vote in these important elections. Already I think about 70,000 more people have voted in the geographical constituencies than at the same time in 1991 and of course the figures for the functional constituencies are hugely greater than in 1991. But I'd still like to see more people turning out and I hope that will happen during the course of the evening.

Question: Inaudible

Governor: Clearly these are open and fair elections and I think they're proving extremely acceptable to the people of Hong Kong so to that extent yes, I think it is a vindication of the decisions taken by the Legislative Council in 1993 and 1994 with, of course, a lead being given by the Government. What I think needs to be underlined once again is how Hong Kong takes these developments in its stride. As I have said before we've had a moderate sensible campaign. Today people are going about their civic responsibilities in a moderate and sensible way. Why should we expect anything else in Hong Kong because this a sophisticated, well-educated community.

Question: Inaudible

Governor: I think, first of that you'll recall that after the District Board and Municipal elections you pressed us, among others so did the Legislative Council, to modernise and clean up our electoral register as rapidly as possible. We've done that, we've done that according to the statutory procedures so that it's as up-to-date as possible. If people have complaints that they were left off the register despite several attempts to contact them, then they can take up those complaints in the usual way but I think in comparison with some of the things we've seen elsewhere on polling day, any problems today have been pretty minor by comparison. And I repeat, they're a consequence of us doing what the community expected, which is not only to get more people on to the electoral register but to make sure that the electoral register was as accurate and up-to-date as possible. I commented on Xinhua's characteristically unhelpful remarks at lunchtime today. I think it's quite extraordinary when the people of Hong Kong are going through an election procedure like today, when they are doing what was promised to them, when they're engaged in the most credible and broadly based election in Hong Kong's history, to denounce the whole process as Xinhua did this morning. I don't think it's a very sensitive way of trying to win hearts and minds in Hong Kong and all of us wish they were more intent on doing that but I'm not surprised by it.

Question: Inaudible

Governor: Well, I think that there are two lots of figures one should be looking at. Looking in both the geographical and the functional constituencies, one is the percentage turnout, the other is the total number of people voting. Because we have been successful in increasing the number of people on the electoral register by over 600,000, in order to have the same percentage turnout rate as last time, you have to have a huge increase in the total number of people voting. We have seen an increase of about 70,000 so far, which I'm delighted about. In other words, about 15 per cent more people have turned out at this stage than in 1991 but obviously I'd like to see the figures even higher and I'd like to see us getting as close to a million as we can by the end of the day. ,7

Question: Inaudible

Governor: I'm old enough in the arts of politics to know that that is an interesting question but one which it would be extremely foolish for me to reply to. What I would like to see, and what anybody would like to see, is as many people as possible voting. I'm pleased that so many more have voted than happened last time. After all, there were a lot of very dire predictions that very few would vote a couple of years ago, but obviously in the next four hours I hope that the figures will increase even more rapidly and we'll get as high a turnout and as high an absolute number of people voting as possible. I think one of the things that's interesting, though you're not, I admit, strictly comparing like with like, is to see the huge number of people who have voted so far in the functional constituencies. If you compare the number voting in the functional constituencies with the number who voted last time, I think you get some idea of how much more broadly based this Legislative Council is going to be than its predecessor.

Question: Inaudible

Governor: I'd say to them that the best way of ensuring that Hong Kong gets the steady process of democratisation which it was promised is to take advantage today of the opportunity of voting. We're not talking about speeding up that process of democratisation. What we're talking about is ensuring that each step along the road is a genuine step, is a genuine and open election, rather than an election which -1 think I recall the remark - gives you the result you wanted before the election took place. That's not an election and I hope that Xinhua will recognise that what people in Hong Kong want is free and fair elections and they want everyone, the present sovereign and the ftiture sovereign power, to live up to the promises that were made to them. One more question.

Reporter: In the functional constituencies, those huge gaps in the turnout rates ... 60 per cent in the labour sector and maybe 10 per cent for doctors, why do you think that is?

Governor: I don't know, it may have something to do with the nature of he functional constituency and it may have something to do with how well-known the candidates are in the functional constituencies. But I think the latest figure I saw was that well over 200,000 people had so far voted in the functional constituencies. In the last 1991 Legislative Council elections, I think I'm right in saying the total vote in all the contested functional constituency elections was just over 20,000, so we're seeing a lot of people turning out and there are obviously some ding-dong battles going on in those functional constituencies. I think that all those of you who are on the late shift tonight and watching the count and watching the results come in will have some pretty exciting contests to watch. Thanks very much indeed.

Question: Inaudible

Governor: Have you ever looked at how the American Senate works?

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

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 a polling station in Sheung Shui today (Sunday):

Governor: I'd just like to say two things. First of all, I'd like to express my gratitude and the Administration's gratitude to everyone in the media, in radio, in television and in the newspapers, who's encouraged the community to come out and vote today. I am grateful for the efforts that you've made. I am also particularly grateful for the work being done by 14,000 civil servants today in polling stations like this who are making a complicated system as easy and efficient as possible. I think as I said after visiting the REO last week, they are doing a superb job. You've only got to see inside to see how they are helping people through the process and it's working extremely smoothly and I am sure will throughout the day.

Question: How do you feel about the rating?

Governor: About the turnout? It's about the same as it was so far in the District Board and Municipal Council elections. We've got a much bigger electoral register. It's up by about 600,000. So even though the turnout rate is about the same as last time, it means that so far, I think over 20,000 more people have voted. I guess that's the pattern you will see through the day. If this is like the District Boards and Municipal Councils, that you will see the percentage turnout rate fluctuating either side of the average for the last elections, but the actual number of people voting will probably be much higher. It certainly is so far. The last figures I saw suggested that 180,000 people have voted so far, against 160,000 at a similar time in the last Legislative Council elections.

Question: What's your reaction to Xinhua's statement this morning that they would abolish the Legislative Council. They put out a statement just after the poll is open.

Governor: I haven't got anything to add to what I've said before. It seems to me to be an astonishing way of trying to win the hearts and minds in Hong Kong to say at the moment when the people of Hong Kong are taking part in the most credible and democratic elections in our history that you are going to give the whole thing the thumbs-down. I think that they should think again. And I certainly think they should get a little more into tune with what people in Hong Kong can do.

Question: ... there is a little like the referendum on the .. of Hong Kong about now. You see that a referendum can..

Governor: I hope that the tenure of these candidates will be for four years. These are credible, fair elections, they're the most open elections in Hong Kong's history and I am sure everybody will hope that the legislature that will emerge as a result of today's historic events, carried out its responsibilities for its full term. That would be clearly the sensible thing to do. I am sure in that the way they vote today, people are thinking not just of the short term, not just of next week's problems and next month's problems. I am sure they're expressing a view about the sort of place they want Hong Kong to be. And I think most people want Hong Kong to be an open, plural society and want both the present sovereign and the future sovereign powers to live up to the promises that have been given to the people of Hong Kong in good faith, that there would be a steady process of democratisation in the territory. One more question.

Question: There is fighting at one of the polling station ... what is your comment?

Governor: My comment is that after the District Boards and Municipal Councils elections, there is quite a lot of pressure from the media and from the Legislative Council that we should clean up the electoral register and remove people who won't be any more at that particular address. At the same time, we've tried to encourage more people to get on to the electoral register that is precisely what we've done. We've gone through a fair and reasonable process, people have had the opportunity if they think that they have been wrongly excluded from the register, of complaining to the REO, the Registration and Electoral Office which has done a terrific job and I am sure we'll handle any complaints appropriately. O.K.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Transcript of the Chief Secretary’s media session ♦ * * * ♦

.. IJ z«z

Following is the transcript of the media session by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, after touring the International Trademart Press Centre today (Sunday).

Question: Mrs Chan, in Yuen Long a group of people tried to ... into the polling station but they hadn't registered. What does that say about the organisations of this election?

CS: In general, I think we devoted substantial resources both in manpower, equipment and other things to ensure that this election would be conducted in a transparent, orderly fashion and so far, as far as I can ascertain, the voting has been conducted in a very calm, very responsible maimer. If there are specific incidents in specific polling stations, then we have responsible officers who will sort out these difficulties. I do not anticipate any problems. ■<

Question: How do you account for the low turnout compared to last time?

CS: I think it's a little too early to say that it's a low turnout. I've just said that in percentage terms, of course, it's slightly lower compared with 1991 but I don't think the emphasis should be placed on the percentage turnout, it should be placed on the total number of voters who have so far turned out to vote and as I said, we have 180,000 already having cast their votes, which is higher than the numbers in 1991. It's now only just past noon so there are still plenty of hours and I would urge all the registered voters to turn out to vote for their choice.

Question: Do you think voter sentiment has been affected by the threat by China to dismantle the new LegCo in 1997?

CS: I think the number of voters who have turned out actually to vote so far is encouraging but we have to see what happens in the remaining hours before the polling stations close. Okay? Thanks.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Elections acceptable to the people: Governor

* * * * *

The fair and open Legislative Council elections have been proving extremely acceptable to the people of Hong Kong, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said after inspecting the vote-counting facilities and the Press Centre at the International Trademart in Kowloon Bay this (Sunday) evening.

"I think it is a vindication of the decisions taken by the Legislative Council in 1993 and 1994 with, of course, a lead being given by the Government," he said.

"What I think needs to be underlined once again is how Hong Kong takes these developments in its stride.

"As I have said before we've had a moderate sensible campaign. Today people are going about their civic responsibilities in a moderate and sensible way.

"Why should we expect anything else in Hong Kong because this is a sophisticated, well-educated community?"

Noting that the weather was still good, Mr Patten said he hoped that as many people as possible would take their civic responsibility seriously and vote.

Mr Patten said there were two lots of figures to be looking at.

"Looking in both the geographical and the functional constituencies, one is a percentage turnout, the other is the total number of people voting," he said.

With an increase of over 600,000 in the number of people on the electoral register, Mr Patten said a huge increase in the total number of people voting would be required in order to achieve the same percentage turnout rate as in the previous election.

"We have seen an increase of about 70,000 so far, which I'm delighted about.

"In other words, about 15 per cent more people have turned out at this stage than in 1991 but obviously I'd like to see the figures even higher and I'd like to see us getting as close to a million as we can by the end of the day," said the Governor.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Historic elections going well: Governor * * * * *

The most open elections in Hong Kong's history were going extremely smoothly, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said after visiting a polling station in Sheung Shui today (Sunday).

• »v • ' • f' ■

He thanked the news media for encouraging the community to vote and praised the work being done by 14,000 civil servants in polling stations across the territory.

The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) was doing a superb job, he said.

"You've only got to see inside to see how they are helping people through the process and it's working extremely smoothly," Mr Patten said.

The Governor said the voter turnout was about the same rate as at the same point in the District Board and Municipal Council elections.

However, the electoral register was about 600,000 larger so an extra 20,000 people or more had voted during the morning, he said.

The actual number of people voting over the day would probably be much higher than at previous elections.

"These are credible, fair elections, they're the most open elections in Hong Kong's history and I am sure everybody will hope that the legislature that will emerge as a result of today's historic events, carries out its responsibilities for its full term," Mr Patten said.

"I am sure in that the way they vote today, people are thinking not just of the short term, not just of next week's problems and next month's problems. I am sure they're expressing a view about the sort of place they want Hong Kong to be.

"And I think most people want Hong Kong to be an open, plural society and want both the present sovereign and the future sovereign powers to live up to the promises that have been given to the people of Hong Kong in good faith, that there would be a steady process of democratisation in the territory."

Asked about reported problems at some polling booths, Mr Patten said the voter registration process had been fair and reasonable.

People who thought they had been wrongly excluded from the register could complain to the REO which would handle each case appropriately.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Voter turnout encouraging: CS *****

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, said she was encouraged by the total number of people who had voted up to noon when she toured the press centre at the International Trademart in Kowloon Bay today (Sunday).

"In general, I think we devoted substantial resources both in manpower, equipment and other things to ensure that this election would be conducted in a transparent, orderly fashion," Mrs Chan said.

"As far as I can ascertain, the voting has been conducted in a very calm, very responsible manner. I do not anticipate any problems."

Mrs Chan said 180,000 people had already voted, which was a higher figure than at the same stage of the 1991 election.

"It’s now only just past noon so there are still plenty of hours and 1 would urge all the registered voters to turn out to vote," she said, declaring that the turnout so far was encouraging.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Very important day for Hong Kong: FS *****

It is a very important day for Hong Kong in terms of the number of registered electors and the number of participating candidates, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, said today (Sunday).

"We have the highest-ever figures," he said after casting his vote at the German Swiss International School on the Peak.

Mr Tsang stressed that everyone should come out as soon as possible to perform their duties as electors and at the same time elect someone who could represent their own interests and represent the interests of Hong Kong in a long term.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General, Mr Jeremy Mathews, also said he hoped as many people as possible would get out and vote.

He said: "I hope as many people as possible would seize the opportunity to get out and to vote because it really counts.

"You've got to be really in it." • • w

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

BEC chairman urges electors to update information

*****

The Chairman of the Boundary and Election Commission, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, today (Sunday) urges electors to update their registration information with the Registration and Electoral Office without delay.

Mr Justice Woo made the remarks after a number of people were turned away from two polling stations in Yuen Long and Tai Po after finding their names were not on the Electoral Roll.

The office confirmed that the names of some 110,000 former electors were deleted from the Register because they had not responded to REO's written enquiry during the vetting exercise conducted during January and March this year to improve the accuracy of the voter register.

The Chairman said information of some 1.4 million electors were updated during the exercise.

He explained that electors whose information was suspected to be outdated in the vetting exercise were sent written inquiry and given one month to confirm their up to date particulars.

If they did not respond, then, their names would be included in the Proposed Omission List in the Provisional Register published on June 21 and they were given a statutory appeal period to lodge claims or objections.

Mr Justice Woo said it was only after this procedural safeguard, and when no further response was received would their names be deleted from the Final Register published in August.

End/Sunday. September 17, 1995

SCA looks forward to increased turnout *****

The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, was out early today (Sunday) to cast his vote at a polling station in Causeway Bay.

After leaving the station at Kung Lee College in Tai Hang Drive, Mr Ng urged people to vote and looked forward to an increased turnout in the Legislative Council election.

Mr Ng said the last two elections, the District Board elections last September and the Municipal Council election in March, showed a higher turnout than for previous polls.

"We look forward to the same pattern this time," he said.

"What we are striving at today is to elect a representative Legislative Council who can represent Hong Kong people, who arc returned in an open and fair manner."

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Elections smooth and orderly: SCA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The whole electoral system has been designed with the objective of an orderly, a smooth, an open and a fair election in mind.

"And so far if you look at it across the board generally, it has been a very smooth and orderly election," the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, said today (Sunday) after touring a polling station in Kwun Tong.

"Hong Kong people are pragmatic. They realised that this is an opportunity. This is an opportunity for a fair and open election. And they certainly would make the best use of this opportunity.

"And if you look at the turnout in absolute number, it's more than that in 1991," he said.

Commenting on the complaints received. Mr Ng said there had been a few isolated incidents.

"Obviously we do not want any disorderly proceedings at the polling station and in the election process," he said.

"But generally my understanding was that the complaints received so far are minor and a lot of them have been dealt with fairly satisfactorily on the spot." he added.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Come out for this meaningful election: SHA ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, called on registered voters to turn out for the "very meaningful" Legislative Council election today (Sunday).

After casting his vote in the Shan Kwong Road polling station this morning, Mr Suen said voters should take this opportunity to select someone who could represent them and take their interests to heart.

"There are many hours of the day left for people to come out and I take this opportunity to appeal to them to come out for this very meaningful election," he said.

"We hope that they will be able to come out in large numbers so that we would exceed the turnout rate which we achieved last time.

"We hope that we would be able to achieve more than 40 per cent of the turnout rate."

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

$14.2M allocated to language projects *****

Funds totalling $14.42 million have been approved for the first batch of 10 language improvement projects among 98 applications in the second allocation exercise of the Language Fund.

Of the 10 successful applications which are aimed at improving language proficiency of teachers, students and members of the public, nine are on Chinese language and one is on English language.

"There is a good combination of research projects, learning packages, curriculum and student activity projects," an Education Department spokesman said.

"They all meet the stringent criteria set by the Language Fund Advisory Committee and should be a great help in raising language standards, enhancing existing efforts and meeting temporary shortfalls in language teaching resources."

The spokesman noted that three of the successful bidders encourage parents to read together with their children so as to assist them to cultivate a reading habit and brush up their language skills.

There is also a proposal on the production of a multi-media software package for the learning of Chinese characters and words for use by primary school pupils.

Invitation for the third allocation exercise of the Language Fund will close on September 30.

End/Sunday. September 17, 1995

Education roving exhibition moves to Sha Tin

*****

The Education Department's roving exhibition on Target Oriented Curriculum (TOC) will move to the Entrance Arena of Sha Tin New Town Plaza tomorrow (Monday).

The exhibition, which is dotted with lively, colourful cartoons, shows parents and teachers the merits of the new curriculum which encourages teachers to bring life, interest and active participation into the classroom.

It features the concept and merits of the new curriculum, assessment and reporting, along with feedback from parents and pilot schools.

It is the second roving exhibition on TOC, and is aimed at introducing the curriculum to parents who have to choose discretionary school places for their children this month in order to enter Primary 1 in September 1996.

A total of 439 schools have already indicated intention to adopt TOC in Primary 1 in the 1996-97 school year. The Government has said the secondary school places allocation system will be modified in 2001 to follow the development of TOC.

The list of schools adopting TOC in September next year will be available for viewing at the exhibition. Leaflets will be distributed and Education Department officers will be on hand to answer questions from parents.

A video on TOC will also be shown at the exhibition which opens daily from 12 noon to 7 pm.

The venues of the exhibition are: Entrance Arena, Shatin New Town Plaza (September 18 and 19); Exhibition Hall, Lok Fu Shopping Centre Phase I (September 20 and 21); Level 2, Metroplaza, Kwai Fong (September 22 to 24); Shopping Mall, Telford Centre, Kowloon Bay (September 25 and 26); and Centre Bridge, Level 2, Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing (September 27 and 28).

A spokesman for the Education Department urges parents who have to choose a primary school for their children, as well as teachers, to visit the exhibition.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

Water cuts in Kwun Tong and Aberdeen ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

Fresh water supply to some premises in Kwun Tong will be temporarily suspended from 11 pm on Wednesday (September 20) to 6 am the following day to facilitate water mains leakage detection.

The suspension will affect all the premises in Kwun Tong Road, Hong Ning Road. Kung Lok Road, Tung Ming Street, Hang On Street, Luen On Street, Yee On Street, Ming Chi Street, Horse Shoe Lane, 297-375 Ngau Tau Kok Road and Lotus Tower.

Flushing water supply to all premises in Aberdeen, Tin Wan and Shum Wan will also be suspended from 10 am to 3 pm on Thursday (September 21) because of maintenance works.

The areas affected will include all the premises bounded by Tin Wan Hill Road, Yue Kwong Road and Aberdeen Praya Road, those along Shum Wan Road, Welfare Road, Nam Long Shan Road as well as Shek Pai Wan Estate.

End/Sunday, September 17, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, September 19,1995

Contents Page No,

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's media session....................... 1

Consultation on diesel to petrol proposals begins....................... 2

BEC to review counting system........................................... 3

Results of 1995 Survey of the Foreign Exchange Market in HK............. 4

Excellent progress on the Airport Core Programme....................... 10

STI to attend economic summit in Singapore.......................... 11

Commandos abseil 'Mount Everest' for charity........................... 12

Vulnerable to landslides area in Lei Yue Mun adjusted.................. 13

Shenzhen meeting on new rail passenger crossing........................ 14

Works start on sewage treatment plant.................................. 14

ACP contract awarded for new airport................................ 15

New District Officer for Tuen Mun District............................. 16

Lands Department achieves performance targets.......................... 16

Sixty-three pollution convictions in August............................ I7

Water storage figure................................................

Flushing water cut in Kowloon East..................................... 18

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results......................... 19

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations................... 20

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's media session *****

The following is the transcript of the media session by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, after attending a function in Central this (Tuesday) afternoon:

CS: This is the first opportunity I have to talk with you all following the elections. I want to say that I warmly welcome the results of the elections. I think the elections on the whole were conducted in a very orderly fashion. We've devoted, as I said, substantial resources to ensuring its success of these historic elections, and I think the events have proven that the resources were very, very well spent. I have written to congratulate to all those who have been elected and I myself and my colleagues look forward greatly to working with all members of the Legislative Council in the next session. We have a very, very busy year ahead of us, for example, in the legislative programme, we already have 60 items of draft legislation which we would hope to put through in the first half of the coming session and clearly we will wish to discuss these items with members. I very much look forward to constructive dialogue and constructive partnership with all members of the Legislative Council. I am sure all members will work for the wider interests of the Hong Kong community and will also work to ensure a smooth transition.

Question: How do you comment on the Chinese saying that the election's results are not being fair and...

CS: Well, I've just said myself, I consider that the election was conducted in a very orderly manner and was clearly very transparent, open and fair. There was on the whole, a very good turnout. I don't think you should just consider the percentage turnout rate. You should look at the total number of people who actually participated in voting and we had a substantial number increase compared with the 1991 election. And we now have a broad cross- section of people from different walks of life represented in the Legislative Council and I am sure this would assist the Government in considering various proposals, particularly those proposals which will affect people's livelihood. As I said, I reiterate we very much look forward to working with the new Legislative Council.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Consultation on diesel to petrol proposals begins *****

The Government announced today (Tuesday) for public consultation proposals to encourage early conversion of light duty diesel vehicles to cleaner petrol vehicles as further measures to fight the air pollution problem.

The main features of the conversion scheme were outlined by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Bowen Leung, at a press conference as follows:

(a) Financial incentives will be provided to encourage operators of light duty diesel vehicles to have an early conversion from diesel to petrol and to minimise the cost impact to both users and operators. They are as follows:

* Reduce petrol duty for taxis, public light buses and small school buses. In the first year of conversion the petrol duty for these vehicles will be only $0.10 per litre compared with the general petrol duty of $5.25.

♦ Waive first registration tax for petrol taxis and petrol public light buses during the five-year conversion period.

* Reduce first registration taxes for petrol light vans, small trucks and small buses, ranging from a 55 per cent discount in the first year to 11 per cent in the fifth year.

* Reduce annual licence fees for all light duty petrol vehicles other than private cars, ranging from a 100 per cent discount in the first year to 20 per cent in the fifth year.

(b) All light duty diesel vehicles of four tonnes and below, including taxis, public light buses, small buses, light vans and small trucks, will be replaced by petrol vehicles within five years. This means that new diesel vehicles of four tonnes and below will not be registered, preferably from an early date, say in late 1996. After a five-year conversion period, no light duty diesel vehicles will be licensed.

In parallel, the Government proposes to impose more stringent emission control on medium and heavy goods vehicles, coaches and large buses which have to continue using diesel. Mr Leung said: "The scheme will reduce diesel emissions significantly and bring about immediate and visible improvement to our air quality.

"We need early action to contain pollution from diesel emissions because of its adverse impact on our health and the environment.

"Diesel vehicles emit high levels of Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP), which may cause various respiratory illnesses and cancer.

"RSP concentrations in many of the busy urban areas consistently exceed the acceptable level. Because of our large population and growing economic activities, the problem will worsen if we do not act quickly to contain it.

"In working out our proposals, we took great care to minimise disruption to public transport users and operators.

"The proposed fiscal measures in favour of petrol taxi and public light bus operators will keep passenger fare increases resulting from the switch mild and gradual, within 1-2 per cent a year.

"It is now time to act towards cleaner air for ourselves and our future generations," Mr Leung said.

A leaflet and a consultative document on the diesel to petrol scheme will be available for collection at petrol filling stations and District Offices later this week.

Views on the proposals should be sent to Planning, Environment and Lands Branch (Environment Division), Room 2006 Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong before the end of consultation on December 31, 1995.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

BEC to review counting system ♦ * * * *

The Chairman of the Boundary and Election Commission, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, today (Tuesday) said the Commission would review the counting system to identify areas for improvement to prevent human errors in the counting of votes.

"Human errors may sometimes be made in any process, but it is imperative that we try to avoid such mistakes," he said.

Mr Justice Woo made these remarks after meeting Mr Tam Yiu-chung, a candidate of the Legislative Council elections, on the discrepancy in the vote records for the Kowloon South-east constituency.

The Chairman said there was a miscalculation in the counting record sheet for the constituency.

"There was apparently a mistake in that the correct sum of 28,009 votes for number one candidate was recorded as 29,009 votes.

"I don't think there is any inherent weakness in the counting system. From the evidence before me it appears that there has been purely a miscalculation," he said, adding that it was only an isolated incident.

"I am satisfied that for the time being that there was no material difference to the result of the election in question."

Mr Justice Woo advised Mr Tam that he should carefully consider all relevant factors in his case to see whether they would have substantially affected the election result and to consider whether to lodge an election petition.

According to the electoral law, a candidate may present an election petition within two months after the publication of the election result if he finds any material irregularity relating to that election or poll or count in respect of that election

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Results of 1995 Survey of the Foreign Exchange Market in HK

* ♦ * * ♦

The net daily turnover in the foreign exchange market in Hong Kong amounted to US$91 billion on the average day in April 1995, according to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

This represents almost 50% growth over the turnover of US$61 Bn recorded in April 1992 and 14% average annual growth rate.

The Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr Joseph Yam, says: "It is gratifying to see the Hong Kong foreign exchange market growing even more rapidly in the last three years than during the previous three." The survey is part of a global survey coordinated by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) every three years.

Hong Kong participated for the first time in the 1989 survey. The 1995 survey is the third in which Hong Kong participated.

The survey covered all authorised institutions in Hong Kong, which included 178 licensed banks, 62 restricted licence banks and 136 deposit taking companies.

A total of 26 countries participate in the cunent survey, viz Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Many of the other participating countries will also release their results today. BIS would be prepared to publish preliminary global foreign exchange turnover data in October. In the previous two rounds, the survey collected only turnover data on the foreign exchange market, including spot deals, forward contracts, options and futures.

However, in view of the rapidly growing derivatives activities, BIS has expanded the cunent survey to cover a wider scope of derivatives activities.

Besides currency derivatives, derivatives on interest rates, equities and commodities are covered.

Many countries hope to release information from this part of the survey in November and full global results are scheduled for release by BIS in 1996.

Currency composition

The most commonly traded currency pairs were US Dollar against Japanese Yen (29% of daily net turnover) and US Dollar against Deutschemark (25%). The share of HK dollar against US dollar transactions ranked third at 16%. The pattern was in general similar to that in April 1992.

Type of transactions

Reflecting a growing sophistication in the foreign exchange market, spot turnover grew only moderately but forwards (including both outright forwards and foreign exchange swaps) registered a phenomenal growth, with net turnover almost double that of three years ago. The share of forwards out of the daily net turnover accordingly rose significantly to 61% in April 1995 from 47% in April 1992.

- 6 -

The increase in the turnover of forwards was mainly contributed by the transactions in USD/JPY, USD/HKD and USD/DEM.

The majority of forward transactions (including both outright forwards and foreign exchange swaps) were very short term in nature. Nearly three quarters of the transactions had maturity less than seven days and slightly over a quarter between seven days and one year. Very few had maturity over one year.

Counterparty analysis

A large majority of the net turnover in April 1995 was conducted with overseas banks or financial institutions (74% of net turnover as compared to 68% in April 1992). Transactions involving local counterparties accounted for a quarter of the total, slightly below the 30% in 1992. 15% of these were transactions between authorised institutions in Hong Kong, 2% with local financial institutions and 8% with local non-financial customers.

35% of transactions were conducted through brokers in April 1995, compared to 31% in April 1992.

Market concentration

Foreign banks accounted for 85% of gross turnover and locally incorporated Ais for the remaining 15%, about the same as in April 1992.

.. it ' . li

Foreign exchange trading is fairly concentrated. The top 10 players accounted for over half the gross turnover and the top 30 for 80%.

Attention News Editors:

For further enquiries, please contact the Press and Publications Section of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on tel 2878 8261. ■

. ■ .Ji V . ■ ■

■f- • :.t < , ...

Table 1 : Net turnover in foreign exchange by authorized institutions - Currency composition

(USS equivalent, Billion)

Currencies 1 Average daily net turnover1” % share

Apr 1992 Apr 1995 % change over 1992 Apr 1992 Apr 1995

Hong Kong dollar against: y ‘ .ft

- US dollar 8.2 14.3 73.4 13.5 15.7

- Others 0.6 1.0 79.3 0.9 1.1

Subtotal 8.8 15.3 73.8 14.5 16.9

US dollar against: i

- Deutschemark 16.3 22.8 40.0 26.8 25.2

- Japanese yen 15.7 26.1 66.6 25.7 28.7

- Swiss franc 2.8 3.6 29.5 4.6 4.0

- Pound sterling 6.2 6.1 -0.5 10.1 6.8

- Australian dollar 1.5 2.7 84.6 2.4 3.0

- Canadian dollar 1.9 1.5 -23.3 3.2 1.6

- Others(2) 2.4 7.6 220.4 3.9 8.3

Subtotal 46.7 70.5 50.9 76.7 77.6

Cross currencies0*:

- Japanese yen / Deutschemark 1.4 2.2 57.3 2.3 2.4

- Pound sterling / Deutschemark 2.0 1.0 -50.5 3.4 1.1

- Others 1.9 1.8 -5.6 3.2 2.0

Subtotal 5.4 5.0 -6.4 8.8 5.5

TOTAL 60.9 90.8 49.1 100.0 100.0

Note : (1) The net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions.

(2) For Apr 1995, "Others" include Malaysian Ringgit, the average daily turnover of which amounted to USS 1.3 Bn and accounted for 1.4 % share, corresponding figures for 1992 are not available.

(3) Direct trading between two currencies not involving the US dollar or the Hong Kong dollar.

(4) Net turnover by currency composition was not available for 1989.

(5) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

UX .4.

TABI.XLS

Table 2 : Net turnover in foreign exchange transaction by authorized institutions - Transaction analysis

(USS equivalent, billion)

Type of transaction Average daily net turnover0* % share

Apr 1989 Apr 1992 % change over 1989 Apr 1995 % change over 1992 Apr 1989 Apr 1992 Apr 1995

Spot 30.1 31.7 5.5 34.5 8.8 61.2 52 1 38.0

Forward 18.9 28.6 51.3 55.7 94.6 38.5 47.0 61.3

- Outright forward N.A. 1.8 N.A. 2.9 59.1 N.A. 3.0 3.2

- Swap N.A. 26.8 N.A. 52.7 97.1 N.A. 43.9 58.1

Options and futures contracts 0.2 0.6 248.4 0.6 11.6 0.3 0.9 0.7

TOTAL 49.1 60.9 23.9 90.8 49.1 100.0 100.0 100.0

Note : (1) The net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions (2) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

(3) N.A. - Not available

TABI XLS

Table 3 : Net turnover in foreign exchange transaction by authorized institutions - Counterparty analysis

(US$ equivalent, billion)

Counterparty Average daily net turnover*0 % share

Apr 1989 Apr 1992 % change over 1989 Apr 1995 % change over 1992 Apr 1989 Apr 1992 Apr 1995

Interbank 43.7 53.6. 22.6 80 5 50.2 89.0 880 88.6

- with authorized institutions 10.9 12.1 111 137 134 22.2 19.9 15.1

in Hong Kong - with foreign exchange market 32.8 41 5 26.4 668 609 66.8 68.1 73.5

dealers and financial institutions abroad

Non-bank sector 5.4 6.7 24.3 103 532 11.0 III 11.4

- with other financial institutions 0.8 1.5 80.7 2.1 42.4 1.7 2.5 2.4

in Hong Kong - with customers in Hong Kong ) 4.6 4.8 ) 14.0 7.1 48.0 ) 93 7.9 78

- with customers abroad ) 0.4 ) II 1500 ) 07 1.2

TOTAL 49.1 60.9 23.9 908 49.1 1000 1000 100.0

Note : (I) The net turnover figure is obtained after adjusting for double reporting between authorized institutions.

(2) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding.

(3) Figures for 1989 and 1992 did not include options and futures contracts which were not classified by counterparty in the questionnaire.

(4) N.A. - Not available

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

TABI XLS

Excellent progress on the Airport Core Programme

* * ♦ ♦ ♦

Excellent progress had been made on all 10 Airport Core Programme (ACP) projects, the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, said today (Tuesday).

Mr Blake today visited the Route 3 Cheung Ching Tunnel and Rambler Channel Bridge, part of the road network being developed in the ACP.

He noted that another significant stage of Route 3 construction had been reached with the linking of the Rambler Channel Bridge to the Cheung Ching Tunnel.

The link was achieved last month after the placement of the final precast concrete segments of the Tsing Yi side spans of the Rambler Channel Bridge. These segments were the last of some 900 segments, that had been precast in a yard in Kwai Chung.

Today, Mr Blake was driven through the 1.6 kilometres long Cheung Ching Tunnel to reach the Rambler Channel Bridge.

The 500 metres long Rambler Channel Bridge spans the busy marine channel between Tsing Yi Island and Kwai Chung and is linked to the Cheung Ching Tunnel on the Tsing Yi side and the Kwai Chung Viaduct on the Kwai Chung side by a further 700 metres of elevated road structure.

The bridge was constructed by the balanced cantilever method using a launching girder to erect the concrete segments. This technique enabled the bridge deck segments to be erected without the need to build temporary supports from the ground or the sea thus eliminating the need for road or sea channel closures.

The concrete segments were erected progressively outwards from each supporting pier and joined together by high tensile steel tendons with epoxy glue placed between the adjoining segments. This construction technique is relatively new in Hong Kong and has been used only once before on the Kwun Tong Bypass project.

The Rambler Channel Bridge is being built by Dragages-BSG-Penta Joint Venture under a $670 million contract awarded by the Highways Department in June 1993.

Work is progressing smoothly and the bridge is on target for completion in mid-1996.

After visiting the site, Mr Blake said the excellent progress on these two ACP contracts reflected the good momentum that had been maintained on the ACP as a whole.

’’Looking back over the past four years as I come to the end of my terms of office, it is pleasing to be here today for another of the major milestones that have been achieved by various ACP projects in the last 12 months.

’’Major milestones achieved in the past year include the completion of the land formation of the 1,248-hectare airport platform at Chek Lap Kok. the first bridge link built between Chek Lap Kok and Tung Chung, the sinking of the first batch of airport railway immersed tube tunnel units, the commencement of main span construction for both Tsing Ma and Kap Shui Mun bridges, as well as the nearly completed reclamation works at West Kowloon.

“Work on the 10 projects are about 39 per cent complete. The seven government projects and the Western Harbour Crossing will be completed on target by mid-1997. The new airport is targeted to open in April 1998 while the airport railway is set to begin operations by June 1998,” he said.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

STI to attend economic summit in Singapore *****

The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr T H Chau, will leave tomorrow (Wednesday) for Singapore to participate in the Europe/East Asia Economic Summit as a guest of the World Economic Forum, the organiser of the meeting which will be held from September 20 to 22.

The meeting will be jointly opened by Senior Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister of Norway Ms Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director of the World Economic Forum Ms Colette Mathur and Chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board Mr Philip Yeo.

During the meeting, Mr Chau will speak at a plenary session on "Trade: what policies are needed to shift from confrontation to constructive competition? What are the responsibilities of European and Asian countries?" Mr Chau will also speak at a Hong Kong lunch, which he will co-host with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

The summit, whose aim is to promote economic and business links between Europe and East Asia, has been established as a key event for government officials, business leaders and experts from these two regions.

This is the fourth time that the meeting is being held, after the first two meetings in Hong Kong in 1992 and 1993 and the 1994 meeting in Singapore.

Mr Chau will return to Hong Kong on Saturday (September 23).

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Commandos abseil 'Mount Everest’ for charity *****

At 10 am tomorrow (Wednesday), nine Royal Marine’s commandos from HMS Tamar naval base will abseil (rappel) over 8,481 metres - the equivalent height of Mount Everest - down the 100 metre west face of the Prince of Wales Building in Central to raise fund for the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, Sandy Bay, and Wireless for the Blind.

Royal Marines currently hold the world abseiling records for:

(1) The longest abseil: 1,105.5 metres down Boulby Potash Mine in England, set on November 2, 1993;

(2) The greatest distance: 72.42 kilometres, completed by a team of 10 abseiling 1,382 times down Plymouth’s Civic Centre in England, set on May 22, 1993; and

(3) The longest descent down a building: 446.5 metres from the Space Deck of Toronto’s CN Tower in Canada, set on June 1, 1992.

Attention News Editors:

You are invited to send representatives to a press facility at which it will be possible to photograph and film the marines abseiling and conduct interviews.

Members of the press should arrive at 9.15 am at the main gate of the Prince of Wales Barracks in Central.

Those wishing to support this charitable event may sponsor a descent by a JSPRS information officer for $200.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Vulnerable to landslides area in Lei Yue Mun adjusted ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

The demarcation of structures in the Lei Yue Mun Squatter Area vulnerable to landslides has been adjusted to exclude about 40 huts from the initial list of some 400.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) has re-assessed the demarcation in response to requests by residents.

Staff from Kwun Tong District Office (DO), Housing Department (HD) and GEO have started door-to-door visits to structures retracted from the vulnerable zone to explain to residents the changes with the assurance that HD will honour the offers of rehousing.

The Deputy Director of Home Affairs, Ms Sandra Lee, who also headed an inter-departmental group on the issue, said today (Tuesday): "The Government is very concerned about the safety of the affected residents and urges them to accept the rehousing offers as a long term solution.

"For their own safety, residents are strongly advised to leave their homes temporarily in times of heavy rains and inclement weather. The Kwun 1 ong DO is ready to open temporary shelters to the affected residents whenever needed." she said.

At present, HD has confirmed the rehousing eligibility of 312 households and all of them have been offered either public rental housing or temporary housing accommodation according to their eligibilities. Forty-three have formally accepted the rehousing offers so far.

"The HD will honour all the rehousing offers while the GEO will continue to make inspection of slopes if there are any causes for concern," Ms Lee added.

For further information or seeking temporary refuge, residents can contact the Kwun Tong District Office on 2341 6315.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Shenzhen meeting on new rail passenger crossing

*****

The Secretary for Transport, Mr Haider Barma, will lead a Hong Kong delegation to Shenzhen on Thursday (September 21) to attend the first meeting of the Working Group on a new rail passenger crossing at Lok Ma Chau.

The Working Group has been set up under the Infrastructure Co-ordinating Committee following the third plenary meeting of the Committee in Beijing in August this year.

The Hong Kong delegation comprises representatives from the Transport Branch, Constitutional Affairs Branch, Highways Department, Customs and Excise Department, Immigration Department, the Police and Planning Department.

The Chinese side is headed by the Deputy Director of the Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, Mr Zhang Qingping.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Works start on sewage treatment plant *****

The Drainage Services Department has started works on a sewage screening plant and a submarine outfall in Sandy Bay, Pok Fu Lam, to improve the sewage treatment facilities there.

The contract for the $57.9 million works was signed today (Tuesday) by the Assistant Director of Drainage Services (Projects and Development), Mr Clement Lau, and a representative of the contractor, Penta-Ocean Construction Company Limited.

Mr Lau said the sewage screening plant was designed to provide preliminary sewage treatment facilities to handle an average daily sewage flow of 8,900 cubic metres.

"The treated effluent will then be discharged at offshore water through a 500 mm diameter, 650-meter long subarmarine outfall," he said.

At present, the sewerage system of the Pok Fu Lam district is divided into a number of independent sewer networks.

Some sewer networks discharge raw sewage directly into the sea while others are connected to local septic tanks with effluent being discharged first into the stormwater system and finally into the sea near the East Lamma Channel.

"These sewerage, sewage treatment and disposal arrangement are inadequate and adversely affecting the quality of the water.

"Upon the completion of the sewage screening plant and submarine outfall project in 36 months, the situation will be improved," Mr Lau said.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

ACP contract awarded for new airport ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

The Government has awarded another Airport Core Programme (ACP) contract for the supply and installation of a weather radar display system for the new airport at Chek Lap Kok .

The contract, valued at $1.9 million, was awarded by the Royal Observatory to SIGMET Incorporation of the United States.

The system will automatically acquire data from the long range weather radar of the Royal Observatory located at Tate’s Cairn and generate and display radar images for use by weather forecasters at the new airport’s Meteorological Office. This will enable forecasters to monitor rain areas in the vicinity of Hong Kong and facilitate the issue of hazardous weather warnings for the airport.

The system will also provide radar data via a local area network to the Aviation Meteorological Data Processing System which will integrate weather data and disseminate meteorological information to various users at the new airport.

Work will start later this month for completion in August next year.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

New District Officer for Tuen Mun District *****

Mr Patrick Chan Chi-king will take up his post as the new Tuen Mun District Officer tomorrow (Wednesday).

Mr Chan, 37, joined the Government in 1978 and was promoted to the rank of Senior Administrative Officer last year.

He has served in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, Civil Service Branch, Security Branch and the Trade and Industry Branch. His last posting was as Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Lands Department achieves performance targets *****

The Director of Lands, Mr Robert Pope, today (Tuesday) said his department had achieved nearly 100 per cent of its performance pledges announced in July last year.

He pointed out that his department’s achievement was particularly good in the case of New Territories small houses with 1,340 cases executed in a year - almost three times the target of 500.

Mr Pope was very pleased with the targets achieved, adding that this achievement was attributable to the concerted efforts of his staff. He thanked them for their hard work in meeting the targets.

He also announced two new pledges for the coming 12 months for the issue of Certificates of Compliance and processing of development plans under lease conditions.

On the pledge relating to the execution of New Territories small houses, it has been revised from 500 to 1,000 cases.

Mr Pope reiterated that his department would continue to provide a high quality service to the community and his staff would continue to do their best to achieve the standards and targets they had pledged.

Copies of the Lands Department's achievements and leaflets on the new Performance Pledges starting this month are available from all the 14 District Lands Offices and the Map Sales Offices in the urban and New Territories areas.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Sixty-three pollution convictions in August ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A total of 63 convictions were recorded in the courts last month for breaching anti-pollution legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department.

Among them, 16 were convictions made .under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO), 18 under the Noise Pollution Control Ordinance (NCO), 19 under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO), three under the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (OLPO) and seven under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

The fines ranged from $2,000 to $100,000. Macole Limited was given the maximum fine of $100,000 for failing to comply with the requirement of a Noise Abatement Notice.

Enquiries on specific cases can be directed to the following officers:

Case Officer Tel

Cases 19, 54, 55, 59, 60 Mr Dick Rootham 2707 7501

Cases 1,20,21,38-43 Mr Murray Luo 2411 9601

Cases 2-12, 22-27, 44-52, 56-58 Mr Patrick Lei 2685 1133

Cases 28, 29, 53

Mr Franklin Chung

2417 6074

Cases 13-18, 30-37

Ms Betty Cheung

2402 5201

Cases 61-63

Mr Raymond Leung

2594 6401

However, enquiries on general issues should be directed to the department’s Media Relations Unit.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Water storage figure ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Storage in Hong Kong’s reservoirs at 9 am today (Tuesday) stood at 95.2 per cent of capacity or 557.963 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 571.799 million cubic metres of water, representing 97.6 per cent of capacity.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Flushing water cut in Kowloon East ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

Flushing water supply to most premises in Kowloon East will be temporarily suspended from 9 pm on Friday (September 22) to 7 am the following day to facilitate maintenance work.

The affected areas will include San Po Kong, Ngau Chi Wan, Choi Hung Estate, Choi Wan Estate, Ping Shek Estate, United Christian Hospital, Shun Lee Estate, Shun Tin Estate, fihun On Estate, Shun Chi Court, Shun Lee Tsuen Temporary Housing Area, Ngau Tai i Kok, Lok Wah Estate, Jordan Valley, Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong, Lam Tin, Sau Ma’a Ping and Cha Kwo Ling.

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tender date 19 Sept 95

Paper on offer EF bills ■ ■ L-

Issue number Q538

Amount applied HK$4,720 MN

Amount allotted HK$ 1,500 MN

Average yield accepted 5.81 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.81 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 59 PCT

Average tender yield 5.82 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the Tender date week beginning 22 Sept 1995 26 Sept 95 26 Sept 95

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q539 H574

Issue date 27 Sept 95 27 Sept 95

Maturity date 27 Dec 95 27 Mar 96

Tenor 91 days 182 days

Amount on offer HK$ 1,500+300 MN HKS800+300 MN

End/Tuesday. September 19. 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change ($million)

Opening balance in the account 2,073 0930 -721

Closing balance in the account 2,336 1000 -721

Change attributable to: 1100 -721

Money market activity -724 1200 -715

LAF today +987 1500 -715

1600 -724

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 123.4 *+0.0* 19.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.85 2 years 2708 6.06 100.21 6.03

1 month 5.81 3 years 3807 6.16 99.82 6.32

3 months 5.80 5 years 5006 6.95 100.33 6.99

6 months 12 months 5.81 5.81 5 years M501 7.90 102.44 7.40

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $13,011 million

Closed September 19, 1995

End/Tuesday, September 19, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, September 20,1995

Contents Page No.

Transcript of the Governor's media session................................ 1

Hong Kong, the 5th largest foreign exchange trading centre................ 4

Feasibility study for south east Kowloon development...................... 6

Vietnamese migrants urged to face reality................................. 8

Statement to refute criticisms by Tobacco Institute...................... 10

Taxi/PLB operators won't be worse off................................ 11

Insider Dealing Tribunal report on PIIL now on sale...................... 12

Display of S6 vacancies in district education offices.................... 13

Blood Donation Campaign in Eastern District.............................. 14

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 14

Transcript of the Governor's media session *****

The following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's meet-the-media session after visiting Li Po Chun United College and Jockey Club Ti-I College today:

Governor: I am delighted that I have been able to visit Ti-I College and Li Po Chun College this afternoon, particularly since I am the patron of the United World College, and I am pleased to see what a good education both colleges are providing.

Question: Governor, the democrats are already drawing up plans for private member’s Bill to stop the importation of labour scheme. How do you intend to deal with that, given that they are the majority nowaday?

Governor: I'll be looking forward to discussions with representatives of the Democratic Party and of the other parties as well. And what we are all obviously looking for is a cooperative approach in ensuring that Hong Kong continues to be extremely well governed.

Question: On the co-operation between Government and LegCo there's a lot of talk in the past about setting up a committee of some sort....is that a bit of ping-pong in this issue?

Governor: No. There is no ping-pong although I played rather good ping-pong earlier this afternoon. We are going to be talking about these matters and other matters with the political parties with their representative over the next couple of weeks and I am sure that they will be as keen as the administration is to find ways in which we can improve our cooperation. As I have said before, I don't think that the vote on Sunday could be interpreted by anyone as a vote against the fundamentals which have ensured Hong Kong's success. Obviously there are individual legislators who have different views about how we can best carry things forward. We want to do that in a cooperative way. I am entirely relaxed about the best ways of doing it. But I am sure that legislators will want to be positive on their side as we will want to be. In the past, I have made proposals about how we could improve the cooperation between the executive and the legislature. I made proposals in 1992 which at that stage legislators weren't too keen on. I am not sure whether they'll want to look at that again but the first thing for me to do and the first thing for Anson and Donald and others to do is to talk to the political groups and the independent members, and that's what we'll be doing in the next few weeks.

Question: You must have some new ideas.

->,T < ■

Governor: I think the best place to explore ideas is with the political groups themselves.

Question: But what have you got to offer to the parties, especially at a time when there is such a high rate of unemployment and the Government insists that the importation of labour scheme won't be stopped.

Governor: We got a record of success over the last decades which has produced one of the best growth rates in the region and one of the most satisfactory economic performances. We do have some problems today. The ones which I think most concern people are continuing high degree, high rate of inflation, though inflation has come down from the 13 and a half per cent in the year before I came to Hong Kong. And we have unemployment which has gone up to, what is for Hong Kong, an unfortunately high level, though internationally it wouldn't be regarded as that. We have already taken a number of measures directed towards labour market problems, improving the jobmatching scheme, improving retraining, no new quota under the importation of labour scheme, and we have undertaken to review that scheme and obviously we'll be discussing the outcome with legislators and with the community. What I don't think anybody would want us to do is to change any of the fundamentals which have made for Hong Kong's success in the past, like low taxes and proper control over public spending. But we have got an excellent Financial Secretary, who I am sure will have just as good a record as his predecessor.

Question: On retraining, isn't it time to review the retraining board, given that there is a falling number of applicants to this retraining board?

Governor: I think we have been open-minded about how we can improve our retraining and how we can try to ensure that more of those who are retrained get jobs which last. That obviously is the fundamental objective. Retraining should help our economy to be more competitive and it's got to be, we got to ensure that it meets the needs which employers actually have. There is one point which has been brought up by the Government Economist and others and that is that the total number of people in the labour market over the last year has risen by the highest amount in our recent economic history and the problems we've had on the unemployment front have been because the total number in the labour market has risen faster than the number of jobs which has become available. The number who has risen is partly of course a result of people coming back to Hong Kong. It's partly a result of demographic factors, partly a result of immigrants from China. There are a number of reasons for it. But I don't think that anybody seriously supposes that the only issue that we have to look at is the importation of labour scheme. That's one of the issues but not the only one.

Question: Governor, are you going to offer sort of alternatives concerning cooperation between the Government and also LegCo. Say, appointing LegCo members to ExCo.

Governor: I’m going to discuss these issues with Legislative Council members. I think that’s the right way of doing it.

Question: Governor, ... investigate why some people are registered...but not even allow those people to vote. Is that something ...

Governor: There are procedures laid down if people have complaints involving both the Boundary and Election Commission and subsequently matters can be taken to court as well. It’s all established. It’s all there on the statute book and if any candidate has complaints, I'm sure that he will be well advised by his or her lawyers as to how to take their complaints forward.

Question: Do you agree that this is ...

Governor: Of course not. Everybody knows that the elections were carried out extremely fairly. There’s a bit of united front propaganda directed at this particular area. I guess it has something to do with the result of the elections, not to do with the way the elections were carried out. We all know that the Boundary and Election Commission and the REO did a first class job. as good as could have been done in any community in the world.

Question: But it ends up with some miscounting of votes.

Governor: It ended up with one or two discrepancies. One of them was dealt with I think very clearly by the Boundary and Election Commission yesterday which I think resulted in the winning candidate having a larger majority.

Question: There are some polls suggesting that young people of Hong Kong are very concerned about post 1997. What messages do you have for young people?

Governor: I think that they should be confident that Hong Kong will survive as a prosperous, open, decent society provided that they, as well as older people in Hong Kong commit themselves enthusiastically to the values which have made Hong Kong so successful in the past. I think it's increasingly clear to all of us that people in Hong Kong value their freedom, value their way of life and a lot of them seem to be saying last weekend that they want that way of life to continue. I am sure it will continue provided people are committed to it continue. 1 said when I first spoke to Hong Kong students in Canada that I thought it would be a mark of our success and of the success of the SAR Government after 1997 if those young people came back to Hong Kong to make their lives and to contribute to the community rather than thinking they should do so outside Hong Kong. I think that's a challenge for all of us and one which I hope we can rise to.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Hong Kong, the 5th largest foreign exchange trading centre ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong has become the fifth largest centre for foreign exchange trading, up from the sixth in 1992, according to a series of surveys conducted by central banks and monetary authorities under the auspices of the Bank of International Settlements (BIS).

Hong Kong overtook Switzerland to clinch the fifth position after the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Singapore.

The net daily turnover in the Hong Kong foreign exchange market was US$91 billion on the average day in April 1995. This represents almost 50 per cent growth over the turnover of US$61 billion recorded in April 1992 and 14 per cent average annual growth rate. This growth rate is higher than in most other centres.

"We are pleased to see that Hong Kong has moved one notch up in the global survey. Our foreign exchange market is growing robustly. This further strengthens our position as an international financial centre,” said the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang.

The BIS survey is conducted every three years and a report on the consolidated global results on foreign exchange trading will be issued in October.

This year the BIS survey has been expanded to include derivatives on interest rates, equities and commodities. Information on this part of the survey is expected to be released in November and full global results covering both parts of the survey are scheduled for release by BIS next year.

Most financial centres reported that the bulk of the increase in trading came from short-term foreign exchange swaps, which was also the case in Hong Kong. Generally about two-thirds to three-quarters of transactions were with foreign banks, again similar to Hong Kong. Dollar-yen and dollar-mark were the major type of transactions in global markets.

Ano££

1995 turnover* 1992 turnover* % change

(US$ billion per day) (USS billion per day)

United Kingdom 464 290 60

United States 244 167 46

Japan 161 120 34

Singapore 105 74 43

Hong Kong 91 61 49

Switzerland 86 66 30

Germany 80 57 40

France 58 33 76

Australia 40 30 36

Canada 30 23 36 ‘

Italy 30 19 58

Belgium 28 16 76

Netherlands 26 21 30

Sweden 21 18 15

Total of above 1464 995 47

* net of local double-counting but not adjusted for cross-border double counting. Source: Reports on Bloomberg and Reuters

Attention News Editors:

A more detailed breakdown on the Hong Kong survey results was released on September 19 and is available from the Press and Publications Section, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, tel 2878 8261.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Feasibility study for south east Kowloon development ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Territory Development Department (TDD) has appointed a consultancy company to carry out a $75-million feasibility study on the development of south east Kowloon.

The consultancy agreement for the study was signed at a ceremony today (Wednesday) by the Director of Territory Development, Mr Lee Shing-see, and a representative of Manusell Consultants Asia Limited, Mr Francis Bong.

The study will last for 20 months, involving a total area of about 940 hectares that is as large as the Kowloon Peninsula.

The scope of this comprehensive study covers a wide variety of aspects including urban planning, environment, transport, marine, engineering, costing and programming.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Mr Lee said the study aimed at preparing an updated outline master development plan for south east Kowloon.

’’The Consultants will draw up development programmes for the early development packages of the Kai Tak Airport site and the proposed Kowloon Bay Reclamation.

“Also, the Consultants will look into the temporary use of the land evacuated after relocation of the existing airport to Chek Lap Kok and identify short and long term solutions to the water pollution problems at Kowloon Bay,” he said.

The study will give special attention to the creation of large open spaces and recreational facilities with attractive waterfront landscaping features.

South east Kowloon is expected to become a "city within a city" that can accommodate an estimated population of 285,000 and offer about 110,000 jobs on the new development area.

Mr Lee noted that many people had urged the Government to improve the water conditions of Kowloon Bay and the environmental conditions of the older urban areas adjacent to Kai Tak Airport.

"In this study, our consultants will propose short and long term solutions to these problems," he said.

The cumulative effects of the Kowloon Bay Reclamation and other known and foreseeable reclamations in Victoria Harbour will also be assessed.

Mr Lee said after the Kowloon Bay Reclamation was completed, the notorious water pollution problem in this area would be over.

Referring to concerns on harbour reclamation expressed by some people recently, Mr Lee explained that harbour reclamations had a long history dating back to 1887 and that since the 1950s more and more land had been formed by harbour reclamations to meet both economic and population growth.

"The Government acknowledges these concerns as very real ones. Therefore in the past 15 years, several major studies have been undertaken to ensure that the impacts of new harbour reclamations on our Victoria Harbour will be will within acceptable limits," he said.

Apart from those major studies, Mr Lee added, comprehensive studies were also undertaken for each reclamation project to address such basic issues as urban planning, landscaping, transport, environmental impact assessment, marine navigation and engineering.

Meanwhile, Mr Lee said he had reservations on the opinions that harbour reclamations should cease because of a lot of available land in the New Territories.

He explained that harbour reclamations provided land that primarily aimed at improving the living conditions of the urban area.

"These reclamations will provide land as 'solutions spaces' to accommodate those tenants affected by urban restructuring, reserve land for strategic infrastructure projects, form secondary commercial centres to take pressure off the built-up central business district and provide land for much needed public housing.

"The land in the New Territories would largely meet other objectives which are not necessarily the same as those in the urban area.

"We will implement both new town developments and new reclamations in the urban area concurrently. There are no grounds to give up harbour reclamations," Mr Lee stressed.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Vietnamese migrants urged to face reality

*****

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Raymond Lai Ming-kee, today (Wednesday) urged Vietnamese migrants detained in Hong Kong to face the reality that having been screened out as refugees, their final destination was Vietnam.

Speaking at a Rotary Club lunch meeting, Mr Lai said the sooner the Vietnamese accept this, the sooner they could get on with their lives and put an end to the violence and escapes.

He said the Correctional Services Department would continue to carry out the task of looking after the Vietnamese migrants to the best of its ability.

"That task has become increasingly difficult as the nature of the Vietnamese migrant population has changed and when something go wrong, the focus is on us. For the most part, what we do goes unnoticed," said Mr Lai.

"We are facing a fundamental change in the type of person we are being asked to look after," he added.

The Commissioner said for the Vietnamese boat people who were misinformed that they could obtained a "ticket" to the West had spent six wasted years of their lives behind a fence because they did not qualify as refugees.

Children had been forced to grow up without the benefits of a normal childhood while their parents waited and hoped, only to face the awful reality that they had made a terrible mistake, he said.

Then along came someone to tell them that all might not be lost and not to believe what they were told about having to return to Vietnam.

With this, they started to hope again and were convinced that if they remain in Hong Kong long enough they would vindicate the decision which was made years ago.

They would resist, as strongly as they could, any measure to send them back to Vietnam, said Mr Lai.

"I will not question the motives of those who mislead the Vietnamese, though I personally can not see what benefit it is to anyone to persuade people to continue voluntarily a life behind barbed wire," said the Commissioner.

He pointed out that initially the Vietnamese migrants were content to sit and wait for screening.

’’The service we provided was care and custody, keeping family groups together in a community setting with as little interference from the management as possible.

"Now that they are screened out, they have nothing to lose by resisting," said the Commissioner.

"The physical structure of the detention centres, the management regime, the level of staff provided, none of these are suitable for dealing with a population of discontented people who are prepared to undertake any action to resist the inevitable repatriation.

"If that means escape, then so be it. If that means non co-operation, so be it. If that means violence, so be it. All of these tactics have been, and will probably continue to be used by the Vietnamese migrants to resist repatriation," said Mr Lai.

The Commissioner noted that scenes of violent resistance this year had not been witnessed in Hong Kong for decades.

"Nor is this one-off phenomenon. The occurrence of violent resistance to transfers and repatriation is now the norm. Now accusations fly as to who started it -an argument which I do not propose to get into.

"The truth of the matter is, however, that as long as the Vietnamese continue to believe there is even the remotest chance of resettlement, they will resist repatriation," he said.

Mr Lai said some pressure groups supporting the Vietnamese migrants had alleged that the Vietnamese no longer trust either the camp management nor the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while others have mislead them into believing they would be resettled.

"How many times have false hope been given to them? How many times have people, either inside or outside Hong Kong, hinted that things may change? How many times have these people been right? None.

"On not a single occasion has any rumour, proposed policy change, proposed law, any legal action, any judicial review ever changed the reality for the overwhelming majority of Vietnamese migrants," said Mr Lai.

"As long as some people, for whatever reason, continue to peddle the myth that the Fifth Cavalry will one day come and rescue the Vietnamese migrants and carry them off to California, the Vietnamese migrants will continue to cling to the false hope of resettlement, and that leads to escapes, non co-operation and violence," the Commissioner added.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

- - Statement to refute criticisms by Tobacco Institute

- ♦ ♦ * ♦ *

The following is a statement issued by the Health and Welfare Branch to refute the Tobacco Institute of Hong Kong Ltd.'s criticisms against the Government’s proposed ban on tobacco advertising:

"It has been Government's declared policy to discourage smoking since 1975. In 1982, the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap 371) was enacted to introduce various measures to control the use, sale and promotion of tobacco products.

"The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance is reviewed regularly, having regard to changing world trends and local public views. In order to support the World Health Organisation's call for a 'Tobacco-advertising-free Region by the Year 2000', we propose to introduce further anti-smoking legislation to prohibit:

* direct advertising in printed media and display advertisements; and

* indirect advertising through the use of tobacco brand-names on non-

tobacco products.

"These proposals are the second part of a package of measures on which the public and the industry were consulted in 1992. We are consulting the industry again now. The industry's claim that the legislation is being pushed through rapidly and without consultation is untrue.

"According to the World Health Organisation, smoking is now the world's number one killer and the single largest preventable cause of death. It has been found to be a major cause of heart disease and lung cancer - the two main causes of death in the developed world.

"Recent researches showed that the children's positive attitudes to smoking were strongly associated with their perceived attractiveness of cigarette advertisements.

"Subject to the Bill being ready, it will be submitted to ExCo in November and introduced into LegCo in December 1995.

"Hong Kong is fortunate to enjoy a low incidence of smoking. We have less illness and death from smoking than many other countries. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that it stays that way. It is both appropriate and necessary to protect the community from the harmful effects of smoking."

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Taxi/PLB operators won't be worse off * * ♦ ♦ ♦

A Government spokesman today (Wednesday) reiterated that existing taxi and public light bus (PLB) operators would not be worse off under the proposed diesel to petrol scheme which had fully taken into account their concern about cost increases.

He said: "In working out our proposals, the Government took great care to incorporate sufficient financial incentives to encourage an early switch to the cleaner alternative, to minimise the cost impact to both the operators and their passengers, and to .ensure that those operators with diesel taxis and PLBs will not be any worse off financially than they are at present.

"Taxi and PLB operators will be able to enjoy a total exemption in first registration tax for the switch to cleaner petrol vehicles during the five-year conversion period.

"There will also be great discounts in the petrol duty, lowering to only 10 cents a litre in the first year of conversion compared with the existing duty of $5.25/litre and also in annual licence fees ranging from 100 per cent in the first year to 20 per cent in the fifth year.

"These concessions will keep the operating cost increases including maintenance costs related to the switch to a modest one per cent a year during the five-year conversion period and to two per cent in the subsequent five years. The increases will be absorbed in fare adjustments."

The spokesman also reiterated that early action was required to combat pollution from diesel vehicles primarily because of the increasing health risk posed by the high levels of emissions of Respirable Suspended Particulates (RSP) that caused various respiratory illnesses and probably contribute to cancer. Besides, RSP has an adverse effect on the environment and cleaning costs.

"We have considered carefully all other options including stringent emission standards, clean fuel and an inspection programme for light duty diesel vehicles. But none of these options by themselves would be able to bring the emission level down to the target we want to achieve.

"RSP concentrations in the congested urban area are now consistently higher than our target level. The problem is worsening because of the continuing increase in the usage of our congested road space by taxis and PLBs and other diesel vehicles."

Commenting on a remark that petrol emissions may also cause cancer, the spokesman said: ”We are aware that benzene is a known carcinogen. Since 1992, we have been addressing this issue by requiring that all new petrol vehicles to be fitted with catalytic converters which virtually eliminate benzene emissions.

’’Also, the oil companies have agreed to keep the benzene content in our petrol within the international standard.

"There is a consensus between the Government and the community that we must do something quickly to contain pollution from diesel emissions.

"Our proposals will bring about early improvement to air quality by gradually phasing out light duty diesel vehicles with cleaner modem petrol vehicles which emit neither RSP nor benzene that may affect our health," the spokesman said.

"Japan has also started a programme of phasing out older diesels in designated urban areas," he noted.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Insider Dealing Tribunal report on PIIL now on sale ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The report of the Insider Dealing Tribunal on Public International Investments Ltd (PIIL) is now on sale, a Tribunal spokesman announced today (Wednesday).

Earlier the Tribunal concluded that insider dealing in PIIL shares took place in December 1992 and had identified three individuals as insider dealers in those shares.

The Tribunal has ordered the insider dealers to pay to the Government the full amount of profit gained by the insider dealing, plus financial penalties and contributions to the expenses of the inquiry.

In addition, the Tribunal has ordered that the insider dealers shall not be a director or take part in the management of any listed company for three or four years.

Copies of the report, at $160 each, are now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Display of S6 vacancies in district education offices

*****

The Education Department reminded students that a list showing Secondary 6 vacancies throughout the territory is being displayed at all district education offices for public information until the end of September.

A spokesman for the department said the list of S6 school place vacancies was updated weekly.

"Secondary 5 leavers with the minimum S6 entry requirement who have not secured an S6 place after the completion of Stage V of the Secondary Six Admission Procedure may apply to the schools with vacancies direct. But admission will be at the discretion of the schools," he said.

The current list contains details about 113 Secondary 6 vacant places.

District Vacancies

Central & Western 7

Wan Chai 2

Eastern 5

Southern 1

Mong Kok 1

Sham Shui Po 6

Kowloon City 15

Wong Tai Sin 3

Kwun Tong 5

Kwai Tsing 24

Tuen Mun

Tsuen Wan 1

North 5

Sha Tin 1

Sai Kung 1

Islands 35

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Blood Donation Campaign in Eastern District

*****

Two blood donation exercises will be held on Friday and Saturday (September 22 and 23) to facilitate residents in the Eastern District to donate blood.

As a joint campaign between the Eastern District Board and the Hong Kong Red Cross, two facilities will be set up to collect blood from members of the public under the supervision of trained staff from the Red Cross. The particulars are listed as follows:

Date: Friday (September 22)

Time: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm

Address: District Board Conference Room, 11th floor, Eastern Law Courts Building, 29 Tai On Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong.

Date: Saturday (September 23)

Time: 2 pm to 5 pm

Address: Chai Wan Community Centre,

230 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 2,336 0930 -899

Closing balance in the account 1,777 1000 -899

Change attributable to: 1100 -899

Money market activity -904 1200 -904

LAF today +345 1500 -904

1600 -904

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 123.4 *+0.0* 20.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.86 2 years 2708 6.06 100.26 6.00

1 month 5.82 3 years 3807 6.16 99.90 6.29

3 months 5.82 5 years 5006 6.95 100.43 6.96

6 months 12 months 5.82 5.82 5 years M501 7.90 102.44 7.40

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $13,846 million

Closed September 20, 1995

End/Wednesday, September 20, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Thursday, September 21,1995

Contents Page No.

The Governor's question-and-answer session............................... 1

Hope to work successfully with new LegCo: Governor....................... 4

Electoral system sound: Mr Justice Woo................................... 5

STI speaks at economic summit............................................ 6

Consumer Price Indices for August........................................ 7

More input from private sector urged for govt's work on APEC............ 13

Enrolment of TCM practitioners begins................................... 15

Territory Development Director to brief PWC sub-group................... 16

Opportunities for a challenging career in the Government................ 16

Value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in July...................... 18

Community centre to improve hospital medical care....................... 20

Tide Tables for Hong Kong published..................................... 21

Souvenir stamp sheetlet on victory celebration issued................... 21

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................... 22

The Governor's question-and-answer session *****

Following is the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's question-and-answer session after his speech at the "Corporate Citizenship in Asia Pacific" Conference organised by the Council on Foundations today (Thursday):

Question: Thank you very much, Governor, a very impressive speech. I am one of the frequent visitors to Hong Kong. I like Hong Kong very much but the question I have is, I guess maybe too broad, but Great Britain is known to have the so-called British disease. Hong Kong, I think, is a very successful economy. What is the difference between Britain and Hong Kong? How have British people been so successful in bringing about this very prosperous economy?

Governor: I think that Hong Kong's success has been based on an extraordinary, almost chemical combination of Chinese virtues and hard work and values which certainly in the past were associated with British economic success too. Adam Smith, after all, was British. Not English - but then no one's perfect. A good Scot.

I think that Hong Kong has worked so extraordinarily well because it's had all the guts and drive of a refugee community. A bit like New York a century ago, I guess. It's had the entrepreneurial nous and guts of Cantonese, Shanghainese, refugees. And three-quarters of the people who live in Hong Kong are refugees from events in China, or the family of refugees from events in China. Combine that energy, that drive, that hard work, that commitment to getting on, to education, to doing better for yourself, combine all that with a framework made up of the rule of law, of the values of an open society like a free press, and add to the mix the most open market economy in the world, and you explain why it is that today, with just six million people, Hong Kong is the fifth largest trading community in the world. It explains why we've managed the social revolution which Hong Kong represents, and the best sort of revolution. There have been a few revolutions in the region but the one in Hong Kong is, I think, the most benign of all.

I am, as part of my responsibilities - some think it a little excessive or even self-indulgent -1 am the Chancellor of every tertiary education institution in Hong Kong; I've got more caps and gowns than any other human being. And typically, when I am handing out degrees at university congregations between 60% and 70% of the young people taking their degree come from public housing estates. Typically, only about 6% of them come from backgrounds where either parent went to tertiary education themselves. It's just an example, when people talk about the social responsibility of a market economy - you know look at Hong Kong! We're not without our problems, but all the, I think, best arguments for market economics, you find here.

Now, if you're asking me where Britain has occasionally gone wrong - though the economy in Britain is going much better at the moment - if you ask me where things have gone wrong, I may start to sound like a former Chairman of the Conservative Party, so I'd better avoid that temptation. But if you were to ask a completely unbiased, objective witness like, say, Margaret Thatcher, who is a great admirer and supporter of Hong Kong, she would say because for too long during the post-war years Britain forgot about some of those simple truths of market economics: about balancing the books, about not spending money you haven't got, etc, etc. And I think, if I may add a footnote, that she is very largely right.

Question: I'm also one of those English people who have been here for some 12 years, although I don't think I'm perfect either. I address my comment today as the Chairman of the Travel & Tourism Education Programme. This is a programme that I will be addressing the group here about this afternoon that as a corporate community spirit we have brought to Hong Kong with several other market leaders. Today there are some two-and-a-half-thousand students going into a Travel & Tourism Education Programme which lasts for some two years and is being held in some 40 schools. At what point in time does the Government take over the responsibility for funding and running this type of programme and relieve it from private enterprise to move their money on to something else?

Governor: It's obviously not just a question for Hong Kong but a more general question. I've never myself believed that it was necessarily the case that once seed grants from corporate donors or from private individuals produced a successful thriving programme, that the taxpayer should necessarily take over the cost. And I feel that increasingly strongly because I happen to believe that the major problem which is going to be faced by virtually all the OECD economies in the next few years is how to reduce the share of national income taken by the state. I'm not customarily regarded as a very right-wing Tory but I feel that increasingly strongly. Partly, I have to say, as a result of my experiences in Asia. And here in Hong Kong I think that we've long taken the view that if the private sector takes on a responsibility, if you can fund things through the price mechanism or through private donation, there isn't any powerful argument why the state should do it instead. It's not to say that government in Hong Kong doesn't intervene and doesn't intervene with taxpayers' money. If you look at the scale of public housing in Hong Kong and the contribution that that has made to Hong Kong's health and stability, it's plainly the case that this isn't just a capitalist laboratory. So I think, without going into the details of the programme you mention, I don't myself think that it is necessarily the case that as soon as a corporately funded programme achieves lift-off, government should take it over and take over the responsibility for it.

I suppose that the extraordinary and extraordinarily successful role of the Jockey Club here in Hong Kong, is in a sense an example of the philosophy that I have enunciated. In a lot of other communities I guess the success of the Jockey Club and the resources which it deploys, it.makes decisions about, in support of community endeavours, would have encouraged governments to bump-up tax on gambling and simply wipe out the enterprise which was doing what some centralists think government should do. Well, we haven't done that. Gambling makes a huge contribution to Hong Kong's revenues but thank God, we still have an autonomous Jockey Club providing a great deal of support to community organisations, to community endeavours right across the board, from ensuring that more people can play golf without having to shell out a fortune, to the most important and pioneering sorts of social work in the community.

I'm sorry it's not a very comfortable message, maybe, for corporate donors that once you've got something off the ground you can't stand back from it but it reflects my own observations on the scene.

Question: Governor Patten, what is your personal attitude towards the AIDS problem that we face in Asia, and is Hong Kong prepared to really do something to fight it? My name is Vichai (phonetic) from Thailand.

Governor: From 1986 to 1989 I was Britain's Aid Overseas Development Minister and quite centrally involved in the development of WHO programmes to cope with the pandemic of AIDS in Africa, programmes that were largely the inspiration of an extraordinary American doctor of great originality and drive called Jonathan Man. And in those days there were quite a lot of people who used to say, "Well, you know AIDS is a problem in the developed countries and we know that AIDS is a huge problem in Africa, but Asia is okay." Well, we know that AIDS is a problem for the whole world, that there is no part of it which is okay and I just hope that we can ensure that AIDS doesn't become as horrendous a problem as I've seen in African countries, like for example Uganda, like Zambia, like parts of Kenya. It's important that we support the World Health Organisation and other efforts. And if I may just add a parenthesis to that: one of the best ways we can help those international organisations is by standing back from the politicisation or nationalisation of appointments and promotions in them. I think one of the smaller but more damaging scandals in international politics is the extent to which some of those really important appointments in international organisations are the subject of political trade.

Here in Hong Kong we have developed, inside and outside government, both educational and caring programmes for those who are HIV positive or suffering from AIDS. I hope that our health education efforts will contain the, thankfully, small numbers of those who are suffering and that we will be able to develop increasingly humane attitudes to those who suffer from AIDS, not least in the area of hospice care. We've developed the Hospice movement in which personally I'm extremely interested, over the last three years but still need to do more in the area of hospice care for those who are victims of AIDS. I hope that before and after 1997 we can make our contribution to the development of programmes in the rest of Asia, not least through sharing experiences. But I do think it is important for all of us, if we are to develop effective programmes, to avoid being sanctimonious on the issue, even if we can't always entirely avoid an element of being judgmental creeping in to the argument or the debate. I know what a big problem you face in Thailand and I hope that the efforts which I know you are making meet with success and that you can show other Asian communities how to avoid the same problems. Thank you very much.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Hope to work successfully with new LegCo: Governor

*****

It is the intention and the hope of the Government to work successfully with the new Legislative Council, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said today (Thursday).

Speaking at the Corporate Citizenship in Asia Pacific Conference organised by the Council on Foundations, the Governor stressed that while it would involve a certain amount of give and take on both side, he was hoping to forge a harmonious relationship with the newly elected Members.

"I hope that we will be able to work with them as creatively as possible in the interest of the whole community," he said.

Mr Patten pointed out that it was the first time Hong Kong had a Legislative Council chosen entirely by the electorate and said it was the "milestone in Hong Kong's political development".

It had been conducted smoothly and calmly, he observed: "The number of votes cast in our elections last Sunday (September 17) was hugely greater than in any previous election.

"I think that the votes last week were votes for Hong Kong's way of life. I think they were votes for ensuring that the guarantees of the future of that way of life are acted upon in the next few years," said Mr Patten.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Electoral system sound: Mr Justice Woo ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Chairman of the Boundary and Election Commission, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, today (Thursday) stressed that the electoral system was sound.

The Chairman also dispersed doubts that the system might be discredited because of a miscalculation in the counting record of the Kowloon South-east constituency in Sunday's Legislative Council Elections. "It was only an isolated incident and I don't think there is any inherent weakness in the system," he said.

The staff of the Registration and Electoral Office have conducted a thorough check of the arithermatical accuracy of all the available counting records and confirmed that the calculations of the votes counted in respect of all the constituencies other than the Kowloon South-east are correct.

The Chairman said the Commission would review the arrangements to tighten up procedures and introduce more checks and balances to enhance the integrity, transparency and the credibility of the system.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

STI speaks at economic summit *****

The Secretary for Trade and Industry, Mr T H Chau, today (Thursday) urged governments to get rid of their fixation on getting reciprocal trade benefits and concessions from their trading partners in formulating trade and investment policies.

Mr Chau made the remarks at the Europe/East Asia Economic Summit organised by the World Economic Forum which was being held in Singapore between September 20 to 22.

Commenting on the policies needed to shift from confrontation to constructive competition in international trade, and what European and Asian countries could do to help, Mr Chau said governments must look first for domestic causes for domestic problems, rather than blaming their trading partners.

’’Those that run persistent budget deficits should not be surprised to find their global trade balances going into the red. Those with chronic high rates of unemployment should look first at rigidities in their labour markets before blaming others for their woes.” Mr Chau said.

Mr Chau argued that in formulating their trade and investment policies, governments must recognised that in a globalised economy it was increasingly artificial and irrelevant to economic realities to label a product with a nationality. Rather, it was the opening up of one’s market for trade and investment that could bring real economic benefits.

"Governments should recognise that barriers to trade and investment hurt those who impose them first. Open economies benefit from their openness more than anyone else," Mr Chau said.

Commenting on the actions required to consolidate the success of the Uruguay Round (UR), Mr Chau said World Trade Organisation (WTO) members must focus on building up the authority of the WTO.

"This depends above all on the commitment of members to its fundamental principles," he said.

Equally important are for governments to get on rapidly with the unfinished business of the UR, and with the faithful and preferably accelerated implementation of the UR commitments.

Mr Chau regretted that some UR commitments had only been observed in letter, rather than in spirit, and urged for more initiatives to accelerate, not postpone, the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Mr Chau will return to Hong Kong on Saturday (September 23).

End/Thursday. September 21, 1995

Consumer Price Indices for August * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The year-on-year rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index (A) moderated further to 8.3% in August 1995, from 8.9% in June and 8.5% in July. This is shown in the latest Consumer Price Indices released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

The rates of increase in the Consumer Price Index (B) and the Hang Seng CPI also moderated to 9% and 9.8% respectively in August 1995. They were slower than the corresponding increases of 9.2% and 10.1% in July.

The Composite CPI, which is compiled based on the combined expenditure pattern of all households, thus also showed a slower year-on-year increase of 9% in August, against 9.2% in July.

Commenting on the CPI figures, a government spokesman said: "The further moderation in consumer price inflation in August was mainly due to slower rates of increase in private housing rentals, and in the prices of outerclothing and fresh fruit. "Affected by the adverse weather conditions, prices of vegetables surged in August. But as there was a similar upsurge in vegetable prices in August last year, the price change on a year-on-year comparison basis had not raised the CPI much."

Comparing August 1995 with August 1994, relatively faster price increases than the overall average were recorded for housing (12.5% in the CPI(A), 14.2% in the CPI(B) and 13.6% in the Composite CPI); miscellaneous services (11.3%, 10.8% and 10.4%); and miscellaneous goods (8.9%, 7.7% and 8.1%).

On the other hand, relatively slower price increases than the overall average were recorded for durable goods (4.2% in the CPI(A), 4.4% in the CPI(B) and 4.5% in the Composite CPI); clothing and footwear (4.5%, 5% and 7.6%); food (excluding meals bought away from home) (4.9%, 5.6% and 5.3%); alcoholic drinks and tobacco (7%, 6.3% and 6.6%); transport (7.1%, 7.4% and 7.1%); meals bought away from home (7.3%, 7.2% and 7.1%); and fuel and light (7.7%, 7.8% and 7.4%).

Comparing August 1995 with July 1995, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) increased by 1.4% and 1% respectively. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 1%.

Taking the first eight months together, the increase in the CPI(A) averaged at 9.1% over a year earlier. The corresponding increases for the CPI(B) and Composite CPI were 9.7% and 9.5%.

For the three months ended August 1995, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 8.6% and 9.3% respectively over a year earlier. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 9.2%.

For the 12 months ended August 1995, the CPI(A) and CPI(B) were, on average, higher by 8.9% and 9.5% respectively than in the preceding 12-month period. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 9.4%.

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 0.7% per month during the three months ended August 1995. The corresponding increase for the Composite CPI was 0.7%.

Further details are shown in tables 1-2 and charts 1-4.

More details are given in the "Consumer Price Index Report" for August 1995, which is available at $23 per copy from the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; or from the Publications Unit 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, 28th floor, Siu On Centre, 188 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

For enquiries about the indices, please telephone the Consumer Price Index Section of the Census and Statistics Department on 2805 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 Consumer Price Indices and Rates of Increase for August 1995 (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 = 100)

Coipcnent CPI (A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Ccnposite CPI

Index for Aug 95 % change over Aug 94 Index for Aug 95 % change over Aug 94 Index for Aug 95 % change over Aug 94 Index for Aug 95 % change over Aug 94

Food 156.5 +6.2 156.9 +6.5 157.9 +6.3 156.9 +6.3

Meals bought away from home 163.9 +7.3 163.4 +7.2 163.5 +6.5 163.6 +7.1

Food, excluding meals bought away from bane 149.0 +4.9 147.8 +5.6 148.5 +5.9 148.5 +5.3

Housing 187.2 +12.5 192.7 +14.2 199.8 +14.0 193.2 +13.6

Fuel and light 134.2 +7.7 133.7 +7.8 132.3 +6.3 133.6 +7.4

Alcoholic drinks and tobacco 199.4 +7.0 188.3 +6.3 182.7 +5.9 193.1 +6.6

Clothing and footwear 146.0 +4.5 149.0 +5.0 160.4 +12.9 152.1 +7.6

Durable goods 117.3 +4.2 116.5 +4.4 122.6 +5.0 118.5 +4.5

Miscellaneous goods 142.1 +8.9 137.7 +7.7 135.4 +7.5 138.7 +8.1

Transport 160.3 +7.1 159.4 +7.4 157.6 +6.6 159.2 +7.1

Miscellaneous services 174.7 +11.3 168.7 +10.8 156.0 +8.8 166.7 +10.4

All items 162.0 +8.3 163.1 +9.0 166.6 +9.8 163.6 +9.0

Monthly ocnsuner price indices are ccnpiled ai the basis of (a) expenditure patterns of relevant households and (b) prices collected currently in the month. The expenditure patterns underlying the 1989/90-based consumer price indices are based cn those patterns derived f ran the 1989/90 Household Expenditure Survey. The CPI (A) is based cn the expenditure pattern of abait 5C% of households in Heng Kong, which had an average monthly expenditure of $2,500-$9,999 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to $3,900-$16,000 at 1995 prices). The CPI(B) is based cn the expenditure pattern of the next 30% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $10,000-817,499 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to $16,000-$28,500 at 1995 prices). The Hang Seng CPI is based cn the expenditure pattern of the next 10% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of $17,500-$37,499 in 1989/90(broadly equivalent to $28,500-$61,000 at 1995 prices).

Whereas the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI are based cn the expenditure patterns of groups of households with different magnitudes of household expenditure, the Composite CPI is ccnpiled based cn the expenditure pattern of all these households taken together. Thus, while the CPI (A), CPI(B) and Hang Seng CPI show the inpact of consumer price changes on different groups of households, the Ctnposite CPI shows the inpact of consumer price changes cn the household sector generally.

Table 2 Consumer Price Indices for August 1992 - August ..1995, (Oct. 89 - Sep. 90 a 100)

Year/month CPI(A) CPI(B) Hang Seng CPI Oorgposite CPI

1992 August September 125.6 128.3 125.9 127.9 125.8 127.5 125.8 128.0

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 February March 131.8 132.4 132.0 131.6 132.2 132.2 131.5 132.0 133.1 131.7 132.2 . 132.4

April 133.5 133.9 134.5 133.9

May June 134.5 134.8 136.3 135.1

• 136.0 135.9 137.1 136.3

July August 135.8 136.1 136.9 136.2

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 May June 143.8 144.8 147.9 145.2

145.0 146.1 150.0 146.7

146.2 146.9 151.0 147.7

July 147.3 147.9 150.5 148.3

August September 149.6 150.3 . 149.6 150.8 151.7 153.4 150.1 151.3

October 151.1 152.2 155.3 152.6

November 151.4 153.1 157.3 153.5 154.8

December 153.0 154.3 158.1

1995 January February March 154.1 155.4 156.1 155.3 156.6 157.4 158.2 159.0 159.7 155.6 156.7 157.5

April May June 157.6 158.1 159.2 159.2 159.9 161.1 162.3 164.2 165.6 159.4 160.4 161.6

July August 159.8 162.0 161.5 163.1 165.7 166.6 161.9 163.6

Chart 1 Year-on-year Rates of Increase inCPI(A)

Chart 2 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in CPI(B)

Chart 3 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Hang Seng CPI

Chart 4 Year-on-year Rates of Increase in Composite CPI

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

More input from private sector urged for govt’s work on APEC *****

A senior Trade Department official today (Thursday) called on the private business sector to provide more input to help ensure that the Government's work in the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum would better meet the needs and aspiration of the community.

"Our work will be totally futile and irrelevant if it brings no benefits to the private sector," said Assistant Director-General of Trade, Mrs Rebecca Lai, while addressing a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Kowloon.

"For example, professionals and manufacturers would no doubt have come across problems arising from different quality and product standards and changing rules of origin administered by various authorities," she said.

"What APEC has started as a first step is to work towards mutual recognition and later harmonisation of these standards and rules will hopefully remove the uncertainty and hustle."

Mrs Lai said toys and food products were among the first pilot sectors being examined by APEC experts and also a tariff database on CD ROM on all 18 APEC member economies had already been produced.

"An examination of competitive policy and anti-dumping practice we hope will eventually lead to a more competitive environment and the removal of distorting and harassing tools such as anti-dumping," she added.

To ensure that all this work was relevant to the business sector, Mrs Lai strongly urged businessmen and professionals to make their views known to the Government through all available channels such as chambers of commerce and professional associations.

"We also consult the Trade Advisory Board regularly on our work in APEC and encourage individual participation at various APEC fora on trade promotion, transportation, telecommunications, infrastructure development, etc," she said.

Mrs Lai said during 1995. senior officials of APEC had held a series of meetings working diligently on an action agenda on how free trade goal could be achieved.

She said the Action Agenda would contain three pillars of APEC work - trade and investment liberalisation, facilitation, and co-operation.

"It will set out the general principles under which liberalisation and facilitation should take place. Having done this, the Action Agenda will also spell out specific areas in which liberalisation and facilitation need to be pursued," she said.

"Most prominent of course is the reduction and eventual elimination of all tariffs. Equally important is the removal of non-tariff barriers, deregulations, liberalisation of the service sectors, harmonisation of standards, simplification of customs procedures, production of a competitive environment open to all players and so on."

Under each of these areas where APEC members were able to arrive at consensus on collective actions, Mrs Lai said these actions would be clearly spelt out in terms of short, medium and long-term targets.

"Where actions require individual member economies to remove tariff and nontariff barriers or to deregulate certain parts of their economies, guidelines will be included in the Action Agenda for member economies to draw up their respective individual action plans for presentation to Ministers at the Manila Ministerial Meeting in late 1996."

Mrs Lai dispelled the myth that APEC was "a party of extravagant celebration", and said she saw the acronym APEC as standing for "a place to explore commonality", "a place to establish consensus" and "a place to enhance co-operation".

However, she cautioned that APEC, or World Trade Organisation, or indeed any multilateral talks, were no panacea to trade barriers and trade wars.

"Protectionism is still around. Pressure is high on politicians of other member economies from their different constituencies to adopt various trade harassments and distortion measures. Each member economy has its own domestic problems and sensitive sectors to deal with," she said.

"What Hong Kong should continue to do is to endeavour to keep government away from our businessmen. Our job as government should rather be to fight for a competitive environment for Hong Kong, and in the Asian Pacific Region and beyond."

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Enrolment of TCM practitioners begins ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ •

The Preparatory Committee on Chinese Medicine (PCCM) announces the launching of an enrolment exercise for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners from tomorrow (Friday). The exercise will last for four months until January 21, 1996.

Speaking at a press conference today (Thursday), the Chairman of the TCM Practitioner Sub-Committee of PCCM, Mr Cheung Tai-chiu, said: "The enrolment exercise aims at obtaining information on local TCM practitioners, such as number, modes of training, qualifications and practice profile.

"The exercise is essentially a statistical survey on TCM practitioners and should not be confused with statutory registration."

Mr Cheung pointed out that the general survey was targeted at both full-time and part-time TCM practitioners in Hong Kong, including herbalists, bone-setters and acupuncturists.

To be eligible for enrolment, one must be a Hong Kong resident and be either a full/part time local TCM practitioner practising the profession or engaging in TCM education prior to January 1, 1995 or a holder of a graduation diploma issued by a TCM training institution. Documentary support for such claims is required.

Also speaking at the press conference, the acting Deputy Director of Health. Dr Lam Ping-yan, said the information collected would be used by the PCCM as the basis for formulating future registration criteria. He, therefore, encouraged all eligible I'CM practitioners to actively participate in the exercise.

Enrolment forms will be available from tomorrow at all District Offices and the PCCM Secretariat on 17th floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. For enquiries, please call the Secretariat on tel 2961 8660.

Completed forms should be sent by hand or by mail to the PCCM Secretariat on or before January 21, 1996.

Mr Cheung added that the Sub-Committee would notify each applicant in writing as to whether his/her application was accepted. In case of objection, the PCCM's decision will be final.

End/Thursday, September 21.1995

Territory Development Director to brief PWC sub-group * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to press enquiries, a Government spokesman confirmed today (Thursday) that at the invitation of the Preliminary Working Committee Economic Sub-group, the Director of Territory Development, Mr Lee Shing-see, will lead a team of officials to provide a briefing to the sub- group in Zhuhai tomorrow (Friday).

The briefing will be on major infrastructure projects in Hong Kong with tentative start dates between 1997 and 1999.

Other officials in the team are Mr Tam Po-yiu of Planning Department, Mr Roger Parry of Port Development Board, Mr Wong Wah-lun and Mr Mak Chai-kwong of Highways Department, Mr Michael Arnold of Finance Branch and an interpreter.

End/Thursday, September 21,1995

Opportunities for a challenging career in the Government ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

University graduates who intend to pursue a challenging career in the public service should watch out for the recruitment advertisement for the five civil service grades to be published in newspapers on September 23 and 30.

The five civil service grades inviting are: Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Labour Officer II, Assistant Trade Officer II and Management Services Officer II.

Administrative Officers are responsible for the formulation and implementation of government policies, co-ordination and planning of public programmes, and the management and control of resources. They are generalist managers occupying key posts of different natures in Secretariat Branches and government departments throughout their career.

Executive Officers II are deployed in various secretariat branches and government departments to provide administrative functions in support of departmental management's objectives and activities, resource planning and control as well as human resource management and community relations.

Assistant Labour Officers II in Labour Department provide employment services to job seekers and employers; provide careers advisory service to students; process claims for employees' compensation; assist in promotion of good labour management relations; and enforce labour legislation.

Assistant Trade Officers II work either in Department of Trade or Industry and assist in research and analysis of trade and industry matters, licensing and control management, design and development of computer systems, and industrial promotion. The job may require them to attend overseas conferences, to assist in overseas negotiations, or to be posted to work in Hong Kong Government's overseas offices.

Management Services Officers II provide management services such as management consultancies, organisation reviews, value for money studies, and office automation studies. They also conduct assignments on office accommodation planning and use of modem office equipment.

"We are looking for young talent who are committed to serve the people of Hong Kong. Candidates selected to fill the posts must be sensitive to the needs of the community and be able to make sensible judgements," a spokesman for the Civil Service said today (Thursday).

"They should also be dynamic in their character and be innovative in solving problems. A civil service career is a demanding yet rewarding one. It provides job satisfaction to people who are dedicated to serve the community, particularly at this important time in Hong Kong's history," the spokesman said.

Vacancies for these five grades will be advertised in two English and two Chinese dailies and a Chinese evening daily. The closing date for applications will be on October 14.

A longer period of three weeks is allowed for lodging the applications in order to give more time for final-year undergraduates to apply for the vacancies. As in last year, applicants applying for more than one grade need to fill in only one application form.

Candidates who possess a degree from a university in Hong Kong, or equivalent qualifications, will be eligible to apply. Undergraduates who are taking their final degree examinations in summer 1996 may also apply. Diploma holders and matriculants with relevant experience may be considered exceptionally for the Management Services Officer II.

”A Common Recruitment Examination will be held for the five grades on December 2. In line with our aim for a biliterate (Chinese and English) civil service, a test on the use of Chinese language has been added to this year’s examination,” the spokesman said.

The examination comprises three papers. English Paper (two hours) and Chinese Paper (two hours) are to test candidates on the use of English and Chinese languages and to assess their analytical power and problem-solving ability. Aptitude Test Paper (1 hour 15 minutes) is to assess candidates’ logical thinking and their ability in the interpretation of statistics. The total examination time for the three papers is 5 hours and 15 minutes.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Value of manufacturers’ orders-on-hand in July ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The value of manufacturers’ orders-on-hand for local production in July 1995 increased by 6% over a year earlier, according to the provisional results of a monthly survey released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Comparing July 1995 with July 1994, significant increases in the value of outstanding orders were recorded in the electrical products industry (+20%) and the electronic products industry (+19%). A moderate increase in the value of orders was also recorded in the wearing apparel industry (+5%).

On the other hand, decreases in the value of orders were recorded in the plastic products industry (-13%), the textiles industry (-10%), the printing and publishing industry (-7%) and the fabricated metal industry (-4%).

Compared with June 1995, and bearing in mind that this comparison may be affected by seasonal factors, the value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in July 1995 showed little change.

The Monthly Survey of Orders-on-hand covers a sample of some 300 manufacturing firms engaging 50 or more workers.

Manufacturers’ orders-on-hand refer to orders and parts of orders received 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.

A spokesman of the department pointed out that caution should be exercised in interpreting the manufacturers’ orders-on-hand figures in a single month. Instead, the trend movement of the series as displayed over a wider span of time points should be looked at.

The survey report for July 1995, at $6 a copy, is now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, ground floor, Queensway, and at the Census and Statistics Department Publications Unit, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai.

Enquiries about the survey results may be made to the Industrial Production Statistics Section of the Census and Statistics Department on 2805 6441.

The following table shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the value of orders-on-hand in different manufacturing industries:

Percentage changes in the value of orders-on-hand in

June 1995 over June 1994 July 1995 over July 1994

(Revised) (Provisional)

All industries covered in the survey +8 +6

* Wearing apparel +4 +5

♦ Textiles -6 -10

* Electronic products +22 +19

* Electrical products +22 +20

♦ Fabricated metal products -21 -4

♦ Plastic products -13 -13

* Printing and publishing + 18 -7

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Community centre to improve hospital medical care * ♦ * * ♦

The Tuen Mun Hospital Community Services Centre was officially opened today (Thursday) by the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, who said it marks the beginning of a new era for the hospital in attending to the needs of residents in the region through its diversification of services.

Mrs Lau pointed out that the centre will not only cater to the needs of the patients, but also in a wide range of services to their families and anyone else from among the 600,000 people in Northwest New Territories. These services include psychological assessment, health education, counselling, patient support group, patient referral and dealing with enquiries.

The Centre will also provide an avenue for volunteers to donate their time and use their expertise to assist patients in their rehabilitation process and introduce a "patient care ambassador" scheme, Mrs Lau said.

The setting-up of the Centre in July last year, made possible by a donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will encourage a better rapport between the medical practitioners and the community at large, she added.

Tuen Mun Hospital was established in March 1990 and has more than 20 specialist clinical units with over 1,600 beds.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Tide Tables for Hong Kong published

.,_,*«***

The "Tide Tables for Hong Kong 1996" has been published and now on sale at the Government Publications Centre, Marine Department Headquarters and Royal Observatory Headquarters.

These tables list the predicted heights and times of daily high and low waters at eight locations - Chi Ma Wan, Ko Lau Wan, Lok On Pai, Quarry Bay, Tai O, Tai Po Kau, Tsim Bei Tsui and Waglan Island. Phases of the moon are also given. At $11 a copy, this bilingual publication provides an informative reference on tides in Hong Kong.

Engineers, shipping and wharfing companies, container terminal operators, yachtsmen, fishing and water sports enthusiasts should find these tables very useful.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Souvenir stamp sheetlet on victory celebration issued ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The acting Postmaster General, Miss Nancy Law, today (Thursday) announces that the Hong Kong Classics Series No 6 definitive stamp sheetlet will be issued on October 9.

1995 is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The sheetlet depicts a sepia photograph of the victory celebration by the Cenotaph on October 9, 1945, on a day with bright sunshine and happy crowds. "The stamp sheetlet will be issued exactly 50 years after the memorable victory celebration when tribute was paid to Hong Kong's liberators - both the living and the dead," said Miss Law.

"The sheetlet, cancelled with the postmark of October 9, 1995, makes a meaningful collection."

The two stamps reproduced on the sheetlet were issued on August 29, 1946, to mark the liberation of Hong Kong. They were designed by Mr W E Jones when he was prisoner of war in Stanley Camp.

The sheetlet, which will be available at all post offices at $10 each, is designed by Mr Gideon Lai Wai-kwan and printed by Joh Enschede, the Netherlands.

A maximum restriction of 20 sheetlets per customer queuing will be imposed on October 9. No advance order service will be provided.

Official souvenir cover at $1 each will be placed on sale at all post offices as from October 2 and hand-back service will be provided at all post offices on October 9 to official and privately-made covers bearing an indication of the event.

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,777 0930 -340

Closing balance in the account 1,817 1000 -340

Change attributable to: 1100 -340

Money market activity -340 1200 -340

LAF today +380 1500 -340

1600 -340

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.6 *-0.8* 21.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.95 2 years 2708 6.06 100.23 6.01

1 month 5.88 3 years 3807 6.16 99.88 6.30

3 months 5.85 5 years 5006 6.95 100.35 6.98

6 months 12 months 5.84 5.84 5 years M501 7.90 102.38 7.42

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $12,930 million

Closed September 21, 1995

End/Thursday, September 21, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 2842 8777

Monday, September 25, 1995

Contents Page No,

Transcript of the Governor's media session................................ 1

Hong Kong's future is optimistic: Governor................................ 3

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership promotion launched............................ 4

Active HK participation in economic meeting in Beijing.................... 6

China visit useful and meaningful......................................... 7

Environmental study report for Route 5.................................... 7

GEO publishes guide to slope maintenance.................................. 8

No wage increase for foreign domestic helpers........................ 10

1993 annual economic surveys reports now on sale......................... 10

Field workers recruitment for 1996 Population By-census.................. 11

Water storage figure..................................................... 12

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 13

Transcript of the Governor’s media session

*****

Following is a transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten’s question-and-answer session after his speech at the Peat Marwick Conference today (Monday):

Question: Governor, what is your reaction - the British Home Secretary has rejected your suggestion for granting passports to three million people in Hong Kong - what do you have to say?

Governor: I’m not very surprised. He set out his views courteously and firmly. I think the Labour Party have expressed similar views. The British Government’s and the Labour Party’s position seems to have remained the same. Our position has been the same. For example, we had a debate in the Legislative Council last October and the Secretary for Security on that occasion set out the Government’s policy. The three official members - because we then had votes in the Legislative Council - voted in favour of the motion on the subject and I repeated the same thoughts on Friday.

Question: But will you be pushing hard for it?

Governor: Well, for several years under my predecessor and under my governorship we’ve had quite a long agenda of nationality issues of which obviously the basic one since David Wilson first put it forward has been about BDTC passport holders. But there have been others as well, including the position of war widows, and the position of the ethnic minorities, and those are on the agenda whenever we have the relevant meetings, either in London or here.

Question: Mr Patten, for those who say it would change the nature of British society to allow three-and-a-half-million Hong Kong Chinese the right of abode in Britain, what do you say to people like that?

Governor: I say, listen to what I said last Friday and what others have said. I set out what has been consistently the Hong Kong Government's position and it would be, I guess, surprising if I didn’t do so. I think people would have been more surprised if, last Friday, I’d announced a U-turn, but I guess that it was a slow news week-end.

Question: Were you surprised by the virulence of the response of some sections of British politics to your comments?

Governor: I was surprised that nobody seemed to know that had been the Hong Kong Government's position for the last six years, since we've stated it often enough and usually stated it without it getting the gratifying degree of attention which it received over the week-end. Nobody, I think, believes that because citizens of the European Union could go and live in the United Kingdom that 260 million are going to arrive there next Monday morning. But those are all arguments that we've had out before. It's for me to go on putting Hong Kong's case as Governor of Hong Kong and I'll continue to do so. But I think all of us recognise the arguments that are put on the other side.

Question: But do you think your suggestion will only give an unrealistic hope to Hong Kong people?

Governor: I think it would have been regarded by the Hong Kong people as pretty odd if at this stage in 1995, after six years in which we've been putting this argument, we suddenly dropped it. I think the Hong Kong people are pretty realistic about the prospects. All of us are pretty realistic about the prospects but it doesn't mean that we can simply walk away from the argument.

Question: Would you describe statements like ’having travelling Chinamen in Britain' as racist and have these reactions by Members of Parliament even surprised you in Britain?

Governor: I've been in politics long enough not to be surprised by anything.

Question: At the time when you go back to England will you voice the same opinions?

Governor: Well, I've voiced them consistently when I've been back to England since 1992. On most of my visits, not all, but on most of my visits we've had on the agenda issues involving nationality, particularly of course the question of the war widows and the question of ethnic minorities. And we made some progress on the war widows -not as much as Jack Edwards would have liked - we made a bit of progress on that. And I hope we can make progress on other matters and we will continue to argue them.

Question: Do you think your suggestion will make the meetings between Mr Qian Qichen and Mr Major more difficult?

Governor: No. I'm sure Mr Qian Qichen is well briefed and knows what the policy of the Hong Kong Government is.

Question: Just for the record, Governor, could you restate and clarify exactly what your position is please?

Governor: My position is exactly the same as the position of the Hong Kong Government has been since 1989 which was set out very clearly in the Legislative Council last autumn.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Hong Kong’s future is optimistic: Governor ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

It is hugely in China's interest that Hong Kong should continue to succeed, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said today (Monday).

Speaking at the Peat Marwick Conference and stressing that he was optimistic about Hong Kong's future, Mr Patten pointed out that China was now the biggest investor in the territory, with investments probably equal to around US$20 billion. "So China wants Hong Kong to succeed in strictly commercial and financial terms," he said.

It also wanted Hong Kong to succeed so that it could demonstrate to the world that it was perfectly capable of running Hong Kong as successfully as it had run by Britain, he added.

"But above all, I'm optimistic about Hong Kong because of the people of Hong Kong, extraordinarily resilient people who had to take a great deal in their stride in the last 45 - 50 years and I'm sure will manage 1997 without too much difficulty," said the Governor.

On the Legislative Council elections which took place on September 17, Mr Patten said the Government was committed to co-operating, hopefully constructively, with the new LegCo.

"It will involve a good deal of give-and-take but we are looking forward to the challenge," he said, adding that he was of the view the vote cast at the elections was a vote for Hong Kong.

"It was a vote for Hong Kong's way of life, the way of life of an open, free society," said the Governor.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership promotion launched

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, today (Monday) launched the Hong Kong-Japan partnership promotion in Tokyo with a non-stop round of appointments, including a meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Tomiichi Murayama.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister reconfirmed Japan’s interest in Hong Kong.

Mrs Chan said later that Mr Murayama and his other ministerial colleagues were obviously concerned about the preparations for the transition. She was able to brief him on the latest developments in Hong Kong, including the results of the Legislative Council elections held 10 days ago.

The Chief Secretary said she was confident that Hong Kong's present way of life would continue much the same after the transition in 1997 because of the commitments given by Britain and China to implementing the Joint Declaration and Basic Law.

Mrs Chan also called on the Minister for Construction, Mr Yoshiro Mori, the Minister for Finance, Mr Masayoshi Takemura, and the Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Yasuo Fukuda.

Earlier in the day, she had a meeting with Mr Toshiki Kaifu, who is president of the New Frontier Party, one of the main opposition parties in the Japanese parliament the Diet.

At a breakfast meeting with about 50 leading Japanese and Hong Kong businessmen and officials, Mrs Chan reiterated her confidence in Hong Kong’s future.

She briefed the businessmen on Hong Kong's economy, the political situation, Hong Kong's relations with China and the measures being implemented to pave the way for a smooth transition to Chinese sovereignty.

The Chief Secretary noted that the first questions raised by the businessmen concerned the impact on Hong Kong of the change in sovereignty in 1997.

However, she firmly believed that if all the necessary legal and administrative measures were put in place, to provide a high degree of autonomy as promised in the Joint Declaration and Basic Law, then there would be a smooth transition.

She said in the remaining 600 or so days of the transition there would be close co-operation between Britain, China and Hong Kong on outstanding issues.

Already several key problems had been resolved in recent months, such as the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal and the financing agreement for the new airport. There has also been an increasing exchange of views on the civil service and other major transitional matters.

Mrs Chan told the businessmen that while there had been a recent slow down in the economy, Hong Kong’s economic fundamentals remained strong and the gross domestic products growth in the medium term should be around five per cent for the year.

Outside in the streets of Tokyo, the Hong Kong-Japan Partnership promotion got off to a colourful start with streamers, banners and balloons popping on stage for the opening of the Hong Kong Wonders exhibition at Sony Plaza.

And in another typical Hong Kong scene-setter, a lion dance coupled with the traditional Japanese ceremony of breaking the wooden barrel, opened the Hong Kong architecture exhibition.

The exhibition - which is being held in the architecturally striking forum of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings - features models, maps, designs and plans of some of Hong Kong's outstanding projects for the future.

Tomorrow, the business sessions get under way in Tokyo with major seminars co-sponsored with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and workshop session in the afternoon covering specialised areas including Hong Kong's financial services, the new airport and other infrastructure projects, tourism and Hong Kong's high tech manufacturing.

The Chief Secretary will give a keynote speech at a luncheon following the morning plenary session and later will address the Japan National Press Club.

The delegation will fly to Osaka later in the evening.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Active HK participation in economic meeting in Beijing ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong will actively participate in the 11th General Meeting of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC XI) to be held on September 27 - 29 in Beijing.

The theme of the PECC XI is ’’Asia-Pacific Initiatives for Global Prosperity: Trade Liberalisation and Development Co-operation”.

Leading the Hong Kong delegation is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Co-operation (IIKCPEC), Mr William Fung, Group Managing Director of Li & Fung Limited.

Also attending the meeting will be the Secretary-General of the HKCPEC and Assistant Director-General of Trade, Mrs Rebecca Lai, as well as 30 other participants from the business, academic and government sectors.

Speakers from Hong* Kong to the PECC XI include Managing Director of Bankers Trust Company, Dr William Overholt; Director of Research and Planning of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd, Mr Matthew I larrison; Managing Director of Varitronix International Limited, Dr York Liao; Director of Dah Chong Hong Ltd, Mr Chu Hon-fai; Project Manager of Rabobank Hong Kong Branch, Mr Roger Bradshaw; Dean of Faculty of Business of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Richard Ho; and Senior Assistant Director (Regulatory) of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority, Mr Anthony Wong.

The PECC XI will be preceded by a Standing Committee meeting to be held tomorrow (September 26), and a Co-ordinating Group meeting today (Monday) which discusses the policy issues and determines the work program of the PECC respectively.

PECC is a non-governmental organisation set up in 1980 with the purpose of developing closer co-operation among economies in the region in trade and economic policy issues.

Currently, PECC has a membership of 22 member committees representing the economies of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, the Pacific Island Nations and Vietnam. Hong Kong became a member of the PECC in May 1991.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

China visit useful and meaningful *****

A Labour Department delegation, led by the Commissioner for Labour. Mr Stephen Ip. returned to Hong Kong last (Sunday) night after a seven-day visit to China.

The delegation, comprising senior officers from Labour Department's employment, labour relations, factory inspectorate and employees' compensation divisions, met China's Vice-minister, Ministry of Labour, Mr Zhu Jiazhen. and other senior labour ministry officials during their visit in Beijing early last week.

They then visited Shanghai where they met a group of senior officials from the Shanghai Municipal Labour Bureau, led by its Deputy Director, Mr Xu Huqing.

Describing the trip as very useful and meaningful, the Commissioner for Labour said views on various labour matters were exchanged during the visit to Beijing and Shanghai.

"We are glad to have been invited by the Chinese Government to visit China. It is a good thing to have regular contacts with our counterparts in China to keep each other briefed on the latest labour situations and to share experience on labour issues." Mr Ip said.

Other delegation members from the Labour Department included Assistant Commissioner. Mr William Siu. Chief Labour Officer. Mr James Yeung. Deputy Chief Factory Inspector. Mr Mak Hung-kae and Senior Labour Officer. Ms Jennie Chor.

End/Monday. September 25. 1995

Environmental study report for Route 5 *****

The Government is proposing to complete the remaining section of Route 5 from Shek Wai Kok to Chai Wan Kok and will take into accounts the noise impact on the nearby environment.

The works include the construction of a dual 2-lane carriageway trunk road from Tsuen Kam Interchange to Castle Peak Road at its junction with Tsuen King Circuit, and the upgrading of a section of Castle Peak Road between Tsuen King Circuit and Tuen Mun Road to a dual 4-lanc trunk road carriageway.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had conducted an Environmental Review for the project in 1992 and recommended that an Environmental Impact Assessment Study should be carried out to provide information on the extent of the ecological, noise, air quality, water quality and visual impacts resulting from the proposed road works and to recommend practical mitigation measures to minimise the potential impacts.

The Study was started in September 1993 and completed in March this year. It had identified that about 4,300 dwellings and two schools will be affected by traffic noise to an unacceptance level once the road extension is in use.

To ameliorate the future traffic noise problem, a package of direct technical remedies costing $266 Million in the form of open-textured road surface, road enclosures, partial enclosures and noise barriers will be incorporated in the project proposal.

The final report and executive summary have been issued. The reports can be seen at the five public reference libraries of the Urban and Regional councils.

The report, at $500 a copy, and the summary, free of charge, are also available at the Major Works Project Management Office of Highways Department, third floor. Ho Man Tin Government Offices. 88 Chung Hau Street, Ho Man fin. Kowloon.

End/Monday. September 25, 1995

GEO publishes guide to slope maintenance * * * * *

The Geotechnical Engineering Office of the Civil Engineering Department has published a guide to slope maintenance entitled Geoguide 5.

Geoguide 5 presents a recommended standard of good practice for the maintenance of man-made slopes and retaining walls in Hong Kong.

Standards for the maintenance of slopes were given in the Geotechnical Manual for Slopes, the second edition of which was published in 1984. Experience gained over the intervening years has shown the need for revision. Thus, the main changes are embodied in chapters 3 and 4 of Geoguide 5.

The acting Principal Government Geotechnical Engineer, Mr John Massey, said: "The Geoguide is aimed at professional geotechnical engineers, although it will also be useful to the general public, many of whom carry responsibility for slope maintenance as owners of property.

"The general public may refer to an abridged version of this Geoguide: Layman's Guide to Slope Maintenance, to be published by the GEO next month to provide simplified guidance on matters related to slope maintenance.

"To ensure that the Geoguide would be considered a consensus document by interested parties in Hong Kong, the draft versions were widely circulated to professional bodies, property management companies, property development firms, consulting engineers, contractors, academics and Government departments for public comments in April 1994 and April 1995.

"Many individuals and organisations made very useful comments, which have been adopted to a large extent in finalising this Geoguide," he added.

Mr Massey reminded the public of the importance of slope maintenance.

"If a slope or retaining wall is not maintained, it will deteriorate and a landslip may occur. This could result in injury to persons or damage to property. If this happens, suffering and hardship may result and great expense may be incurred in reinstating the ground and making it safe," he said.

Geoguide 5 is now available at the Government Publications Centre at $30 per copy. The Layman's Guide to Slope Maintenance will be available free of charge at the District Offices from mid-October 1995.

End/Monday. September 25, 1995

No wage increase for foreign domestic helpers * * * ♦ *

The Government announced today (Monday) that there would be no change in the minimum wage requirement for the employment of foreign domestic helpers.

"After studying the relevant statistics of the wage movements of local workers, we consider that the minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers of $3,750 a month remains appropriate, and that there is no case for an increase in the immediate future. We shall, however, continue to monitor the wage trend", said a government spokesman.

At present there are more than 152,000 foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong, mostly from the Philippines.

End/Monday. September 25, 1995

1993 annual economic surveys reports now on sale *****

The following five reports on the 1993 annual economic surveys have recently been published by the Census and Statistics Department and are now on sale:

* Report on 1993 Survey of Industrial Production($48);

* Report on 1993 Survey of Building, Construction and Real Estate Sectors ($34);

* Report on 1993 Survey of Wholesale, Retail and Import and Export Trades, Restaurants and Ilotels ($51):

* Report on 1993 Survey of Transport and Related Services ($30); and

♦ Report on 1993 Survey of Storage, Communication, Financing, Insurance and Business Services ($42).

These reports are bilingual publications in English and Chinese. They contain a wide range of statistics on the structural and operating characteristics of various economic activities for the reference year 1993, based on data collected from establishments engaged in those activities.

Examples of statistical items included in the reports are:

♦ number of establishments, number of persons engaged;

♦ compensation of employees;

♦ gross output, sales of goods, business receipts and other income;

♦ value added (a measure of contribution to gross domestic product);

* purchases of goods and materials;

♦ other operating expenses; and

♦ gross additions to fixed assets;

Apart from statistics relating to the year 1993, the reports also contain summary statistics for the year 1991 and 1992 to facilitate comparison in recent years.

The statistics contain in the reports are useful to both the Government and the private sector in formulating policies and making decisions.

Copies of the reports may be purchased at the Government Publications Centre of the Information Services Department, Low Block, ground floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong; and the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Field workers recruitment for 1996 Population By-census ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Data on the population of Hong Kong to be collected in the 1996 Population By-census next March were vital to the planning of services of the Government, the Assistant Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Dr C M Luk, said at a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Victoria today (Monday).

The 1996 Population By-census will be conducted from March 16 to 24 next year. About one-seventh of all households in Hong Kong will be selected for enumeration.

Some 7,800 temporary field workers will be mobilised to carry out the field work. The recruitment programme, which has already begun and will run till midOctober, is targeted at school teachers, Secondary 6 and post-secondary institutes students.

To facilitate teachers and Secondary 6 students to participate in the work, the Education Department has recommended the inclusion of by-census holidays in both primary’ and secondary schools.

"The work is interesting and highly meaningful. For those who participate in the operation of the by-census, the work will certainly enrich their inter-personal skills through working with their counterparts for the project, boost their confidence in communication through interviews, enhance their understanding of society, and above all, enable them to serve the community," Dr Luk said.

During the nine-day by-census operation period, enumerators will visit selected households throughout the territory to obtain from each household member information including age, sex, marital status, place of birth, educational attainment, occupation, income and place of study or place of work.

Dr Luk assured that information collected in the by-census which related to any individual persons or households would be treated in strict confidence in accordance with the stipulations in the Census and Statistics Ordinance.

Enquiries about details of the recruitment can be directed to the Census and Statistics Department on 2590 8761 or 2590 8910.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Water storage figure * * * * *

- ■ ' * • *'■’•>* ■

Storage in Hong Kong’s reservoirs at 9 am today (Monday) stood at 95.3 per cent of capacity or 558.617 million cubic metres.

This time last year the reservoirs contained 574.729 million cubic metres of water, representing 98.1 per cent of capacity.

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 1,396 0930 +603

Closing balance in the account 2,017 1000 +603

Change attributable to: 1100 +603

Money market activity +1001 1200 +573

LAF today -380 1500 + 1006

1600 +1001

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.2 *+0.0* 25.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.76 2 years 2708 6.06 100.16 6.05

1 month 5.74 3 years 3807 6.16 99.70 6.37

3 months 5.70 5 years 5009 6.95 100.03 7.06

6 months 12 months 5.73 5.77 5 years M501 7.90 102.17 7.47

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $30,767 million

Closed September 25, 1995

End/Monday, September 25, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Tuesday, September 26,1995

Contents Eag.eJ\o

Hong Kong helps maintain regional stablility.......................... 1

Hong Kong offers abundant investment opportunities.......................... 2

Interest rate deregulation and inner reserves.............................. 4

New Director of Education appointed......................................... 6

Code of Access to Information further extended........................ 8

Two lots of land sold for $368 million................................ 9

Quarterly drug figures released....................................... 9

Provisional statistics of retail sales for July....................... 11

Land Survey Ordinance will take effect early next year................ 14

EPD to commission indoor air quality study............................ 15

Two language fund projects launched................................... 16

Hong Kong to celebrate World Maritime Day............................. 18

Monthly Digest of Statistics for September published.................. 20

Job bazaars to assist job-seekers..................................... 21

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results........................... 22

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations.................. 23

Hong Kong helps maintain regional stability

*****

Hong Kong plays a vital part in keeping the Asia-Pacific region stable by helping to generate prosperity, and it will continue in the 21st century to do what it does now.

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, said this in Japan today (Tuesday) when talking on "Hong Kong and Japan partnership into the Pacific century" during the Hong Kong-Japan Partnership Promotion. Hong Kong has contributed significantly in the modernisation of China with its huge investment and is helping the country to bring its systems and its standards up to international standard.

It has also provided a conduit for investment, trade and travel between Taiwan and the mainland.

On top of that, Hong Kong's businessmen have been investing actively in Vietnam and in the Philippines.

Mrs Chan cited the countries emerged from the former Soviet bloc as examples, the governments of which found it hard to meet the new economic ambitions of the people. This has led to political turbulence.

"That has not happened in this region largely, I believe, because emerging countries in this region have had access to the financial resources and the entrepreneurial talent necessary to get things moving. "But will Hong Kong be able to continue in the 21st century to do what it does today? My answer is an unequivocal yes."

She said investment and services in China would not only continue but would grow. Five years ago Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product was the equivalent of 20 per cent of China's GDP.

"Today our GDP is equivalent of 26 per cent of China's," she said.

"Hong Kong is the hub, and its position is strengthening not diminishing."

The Chief Secretary noted that soon after the transfer of sovereignty, Hong Kong would open Asia's largest convention centre and welcome 3,000 delegates to the World Bank/IMF 1997 Annual Meeting.

And a new airport will open with a capacity of 35 million passengers a year rising to 87 million when the second runway is completed at the turn of the century.

Mrs Chan admitted that it was not without worries as the reversion of sovereignty to China in 1997 was a unique challenge with no parallel.

"It is no secret that, since 1989, we have had problems. Problems getting agreements between China and Hong Kong on matters of vital importance for Hong Kong," she said.

With the approach of 1997 the climate was improving, she added, and some important agreements had been made.

"In June, China and Britain agreed on the establishment of a Court of Final Appeal for Hong Kong, to be operational on the first day of the new Hong Kong, 1 July 1997. Legislation has since been passed, and preparations are now underway." Final agreement on the financing arrangements for the new airport has been made, enabling the airport corporation to raise loans from international banks to complete the remaining construction work.

Mrs Chan said during her visit to China in early July, she was assured of the importance China attached to Hong Kong civil service.

"The Chinese want Hong Kong civil servants (including expatriate staff) to remain at their posts; they do no want any upheaval or an exodus in 1997 any more than we do," Mrs Chan said.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Hong Kong offers abundant investment opportunities ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong as a base for technology-intensive manufacturing offers abundant opportunities to overseas investors in high-tech manufacturing, the Director-General of Industry, Mrs Regina Ip, said today (Tuesday).

Addressing some 200 business leaders at an investment promotion workshop in Tokyo, Japan, Mrs Ip said Hong Kong's manufacturing sector had undergone major restructuring in the past decade.

"It has moved away from low-cost, low-skilled manufacturing towards high value-added manufacturing and serving as the manufacturing-control Centre for production in the Asia Pacific region.

"Taking advantage of China's open door policy in the late seventies, manufacturers in Hong Kong have moved the cost-sensitive production activities across the border to southern China, thereby releasing the resources in Hong Kong for higher technology and higher value-added operations, such as product design, research and development, material and component sourcing, product testing and quality control, management, financing, marketing, and packaging," she said.

Mrs Ip said the complementary or the strategic fit between Hong Kong and China had contributed towards the continued improvement in Hong Kong's industrial productivity and growing product sophistication, in addition to enhancing its competitiveness in the world markets.

"For example, with only half the size of the manufacturing workforce ten years ago, Hong Kong produced 44 per cent more in real terms in 1994 when compared to the situation in 1985. During the same period, productivity has increased by 11 per cent per annum," she said.

She called on those investors who wish to exploit the vast market potential in China to emulate the successful partnership between Hong Kong and China by locating their cost-sensitive operations in China and controlling these operations from Hong Kong to capitalise on its technology capability, efficient management and marketing flair.

"Furthermore, Hong Kong manufacturers, with their close ties to world markets and high productivity, are among the world's most reliable OEM (original equipment manufacture) and ODM (original design manufacture) partners," she said.

The Director-General of Industry said Hong Kong's attractions were well recognised by overseas investors. Hong Kong has received substantial investments from Japan, the United States and China in its manufacturing sector.

The size of overseas direct investment has increased steadily at an average annual growth rate of 15 per cent in the past nine years. Japan has become the largest investor in Hong Kong's manufacturing industries, accounting for about one-third of the total US$5.2 billion at the end of 1993.

"Reflecting the recognition of Hong Kong's growing strengths in technology, the majority of these investments are in the sectors of electronics, electrical products, textiles and high-quality clothing.

"In addition, some 1,850 overseas companies have chosen Hong Kong as their regional headquarters and offices. Among them, 348 are Japanese companies," she said.

Mrs Ip is participating in the Hong Kong Promotion in Japan, "Hong Kong -Japan Partnership", by giving key-note speeches on Hong Kong’s investment opportunities for Japanese manufacturers at investment promotion workshops in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.

Guest speakers at the workshops in the three cities will include Japanese investor as well as manufacturers from Hong Kong. They are the Chairman of Epson Precision (HK) Ltd, Mr K Kikuchi; Chairman and Chief Executive of the Gold Peak Group, Mr Victor Lo; Chief Executive of Central Textiles, Mr Alex Woo; and Chairman and Chief Executive of VTech Holdings Ltd, Mr Allan Wong.

Apart from the investment promotion workshops, an exhibition will be mounted at each of the three cities to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths as a technology-driven manufacturing base and to showcase the companies which have been granted the Hong Kong Award for Industry since 1989 for their excellence in various aspects of industrial performance.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Interest rate deregulation and inner reserves ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government has decided today (Tuesday) that the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) should be requested to take a further step in deregulating time deposits governed by the Interest Rate Rules (IRR). This would remove the interest rate cap on all time deposits fixed for seven days or with a call or notice period of seven days.

While the Government continues to believe that deregulation is in the best longterm interests of the banking system, its objective remains to strike a balance between more competition and the need to preserve the stability of the banking and monetary systems.

It has therefore decided that there should be no further move below seven days and that the current programme of deregulation should come to an end.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) also announced today that it will recommend the disclosure of balance sheet inner reserves in the banks’ 1995 accounts.

In commenting on the Government’s decision, acting Chief Executive of HKMA, Mr David Carse, said: "The latest step means that all the recognised maturity brackets specified in the IRR will have been deregulated with the exception of 24-hour call deposits. This accounts for over 99% of the time deposits that were subject to the IRR."

Time deposits of less than $500,000 and with a maturity of less than seven days (including 24-hour call deposits) will remain subject to the IRR.

Very few deposits currently fall within this category, but by leaving it subject to the IRR a ’'firewall” will be created to serve as a buffer between deregulated time deposits and current and savings accounts.

• • •

This should avoid any potentially destabilising migration of deposits and is consistent with the Government's previously stated position that there should be no deregulation of current and savings accounts for the time being.

The Consumer Council has indicated that it accepts the "firewall" concept. There is however some difference of opinion over the thickness of the firewall.

The Consumer Council would have preferred that only deposits below 72 hours should continue to be subject to the IRR. The Government looked very carefully at this option which would have created a new maturity bracket, but considers that seven days is a more natural and logical place at which to stop.

This will leave a thicker firewall, while enabling small depositors to gain access to market rates of interest at only a small cost in terms of loss of liquidity.

The Government's decision follows a review by HKMA of the first two stages of deregulation. HKMA’s review concludes that the banking sector has so far absorbed the effects of deregulation well.

However, it also noted that the more volatile international environment (as demonstrated particularly by the Mexican crisis) and the negative perception of influential international analysts on the impact of further deregulation have reinforced the need for caution.

HKMA will discuss with HKAB when the interest rate cap on 7-day deposits will be lifted.

HKMA's decision to recommend disclosure of balance sheet inner reserves in the banks' 1995 accounts was made following a review which took account of such factors as the market reaction to the disclosure of transfers to inner reserves in the banks' 1994 accounts and the views of market analysts, auditors and the banks themselves.

The review concluded that the existing disclosures in the 1994 accounts had already prepared the way for disclosure of balance sheet inner reserves and that this further step could be safely undertaken. The banks consulted by HKMA raised no objection to making the disclosure in their 1995 accounts.

’’The size and significance of the inner reserves of individual banks should be put into perspective,” said Mr Carse.

’’Inner reserves are only one component of the total capital base of local banks. The principal measure of capital strength which we use is the capital adequacy ratio which banks are required to maintain under the Banking Ordinance. On this measure, all banks in Hong Kong are well above international standards.

"The deregulation which we have undertaken so far (including the step announced today) and the improvements in financial disclosure which we have made in the 1994 and 1995 accounts, have gone a long way to improving the liberalisation and transparency of the Hong Kong banking system," Mr Carse concluded.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

New Director of Education appointed ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Government today (Tuesday) announced the appointment of Mrs Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping, currently Director of Buildings, as the Director of Education, succeeding Mr W K Lam when he takes up the appointment as Secretary for the Civil Service (Designate) next January.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, said: "Helen Yu has led the Buildings Department with great skill at a time when it has been frequently under the spotlight. She has a wealth of experience in many areas of the Government and brings with her enthusiasm, a determination and will to achieve her mission."

The successor to Mrs Yu will be selected from eligible officers in the Lands and Works groups of departments, in common with recent practice in these departments.

Brief biographical notes of Mrs Helen Yu and Mr W K Lam are as follows:

Mr Lam Woon-kwongJJ2

Aged 44. Mr Lam joined the Administrative Service in 1974 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in 1995.

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 became Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service from 1991 to 1993 and Deputy Secretary for Education and Manpower from 1993 to 1994.

He took up his present appointment as Director of Education in December 1994 and will become Secretary for the Civil Service in early 1996.

Mrs Helen Yu Lai Ching-ping. JP

Aged 54. Mrs Yu first joined the civil service in 1965. She became an Administrative Officer in 1968 and rose to her present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in February 1995.

She spent the early part of her career in the Administrative Service in the former Social Services Branch and Home Affairs Department.

She left the Administrative Service in 1975 to join the ICAC where she later became Head of the Community Relations Department in charge of its programme of public education. She re-joined the service in 1980 and was posted to the London Office where she stayed until 1984.

On return from London, she held a number of senior positions including Deputy Director of Urban Services from 1984 to 1989, Deputy Director of the former Hospital Services Department from 1989 to 1990, Deputy Secretary for Health and Welfare from 1990 to early 1993 and Secretary-General of the Office of the Members of the Legislative Council from 1993 to 1994.

She took up her present appointment as Director of Buildings in January 1994.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Code of Access to Information further extended ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

Another 15 government departments will become subject to the Code on Access to Information next Monday (October 2).

A government spokesman said today (Tuesday) that the extension of the Code's coverage, from 21 to 36 departments, followed a review of the Code's operation since it was introduced in March.

"Under the Code, anyone can seek information or copies of records held by government departments," he said.

"A department can only refuse to provide copies of records in strictly defined circumstances, which must be explained in the event of a refusal.

"Anyone who thinks that a department's refusal to provide information contravenes the Code can ask for a review, or can complain to the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints."

The spokesman said during the first six months of the Code's operation it had been used to make 258 requests. Of these, 93 per cent had been dealt with in less than 21 days.

The additional departments to come under the Code in October will be the Buildings, Drainage Services, Fire Services, Legal, Planning, Regional Services, Territory Development and Urban Services Departments, the Government Laboratory, the Government Land Transport and Government Property Agencies, the Land Registry, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority, Radio Television Hong Kong and the Royal Observatory.

Copies of the Code on Access to Information are available free of charge from any District Office or from any of the government departments to which it applies.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Two lots of land sold for $368 million ♦ * * * ♦

Two lots of government land were sold for a total of $368 million at a public auction held by the Lands Department this (Tuesday) afternoon.

The first lot, located in Area 37, Tai Po, was bought by Perfect Idea Ltd at $280 million, with bidding opening at $230 million.

With an area of 15,300 square metres, the lot is designated for residential use.

The developer has to complete a gross floor area of not less than 7,344 square metres on or before September 30, 1999.

The second lot, located in Shing Yiu Street, Kwai Chung, was sold to Brigadier Company Ltd at $88 million, with bidding at opening the same price. This 6,525-square-metre lot is for industrial or godown use.

The developer has to complete a gross floor area of not less than 29,360 square metres on or before September 30, 1998.

Held in the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, the auction was conducted by Government Land Agent, Mr Francis H K Ng.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Quarterly drug figures released

*****

The number of drug abusers of all ages reported to the Government's Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) in the second quarter of this year has decreased by 9.7 per cent to 7,096 from 7,856 in the corresponding period last year, the quarterly drug statistics revealed today (Tuesday).

This is the second consecutive quarter which registers a decrease in the figure, following a drop of 7.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

The second quarter statistics showed that among the drug abusers reported, 1,037 were reported to CRDA for the first time while 6,059 were previously reported, representing decreases of 25.4 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively.

For drug abusers under the age of 21, the total number of individuals reported is down by 15.6 per cent to 1,452 from 1,721 in the same quarter last year.

Among them, 522 were reported for the first time and 930 were previously reported. These represented a decrease of 37.6 per cent and an increase of 5.2 per cent respectively against the corresponding figures in the same period last year.

The statistics were presented to and discussed by the Action Committee Against Narcotics at its meeting held this afternoon.

•

Committee members noted that there was an increase in the percentage of female drug abusers of all ages from 9.3 per cent (733) to 11.1 per cent (786) and for those under 21 from 18.9 per cent (326) to 20.7 (301) per cent.

The most common reasons for drug taking attributed by reported abusers under 21 were peer pressure, curiosity, to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal and to relieve boredom/depression/anxiety.

The drugs commonly abused by youngsters remained heroin (74.6 per cent), cannabis (15.8 per cent) and cough medicines (9.3 per cent).

On the treatment front, the second quarter of this year saw an increase of 7.7 per cent to 3,877 in the number of persons admitted to the three main government-funded treatment programmes as compared with the same period last year.

Of them, 1,050 or 27.1 per cent were first-time admissions, representing an increase of 4.8 per cent over the corresponding quarter last year.

The increase in new admissions was highest for the under-21 group in the methadone treatment programme, by 27.5 per cent.

This was followed by the programmes run by the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers, by 19 per cent for those under 21.

A decrease of 2.1 per cent for this age group was however noted for new admissions to Drug Addiction Treatment Centres of the Correctional Services Department.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Provisional statistics of retail sales for July ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

According to the provisional figures released today (Tuesday) by the Census and Statistics Department, the value of total retail sales in July 1995, estimated at $17.5 billion, increased by 2% when compared with July 1994. After discounting the effect of price changes over the period, total retail sales dropped by 4% in volume.

The moderate decline in volume of total retail sales in July 1995 continued to be attributable mainly to a significant drop in sales of motor vehicles, by 53% in value or by 57% in volume.

Sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco, and of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also went down, both by 1% in value. In terms of volume, they decreased by 6% and 4% respectively.

Meanwhile, sales of other consumer durable goods and fuels increased by 4% and 1% respectively in value, but decreased by 1% and 5% respectively in volume. Sales in department stores went up by 5% in value but decreased by 4% in volume.

Nevertheless, there were still notable increases in sales of clothing and footwear (21% in value and 9% in volume) and miscellaneous consumer goods (17% in value and 12% in volume). These were faster than the corresponding growth rates in June. Sales in supermarkets rose by 11% in value and 4% in volume.

Compared with June 1995 (but bearing in mind that this comparison may be affected by seasonal factors), total retail sales in July 1995 increased by 6% in both value and volume.

Comparing the period from January to July 1995 with the same period in 1994, total retail sales rose by 5% in value, but dropped by 1% in volume.

The volume of retail sales is derived from the value of retail sales after adjusting for price changes. The relevant components of the Consumer Price Index are used as deflators.

Table 1 presents the revised total retail sales figure for June 1995 and the provisional figure for July 1995.

Table 2 shows the value and volume indices of retail sales in June and July 1995 for all retail- outlets and by type of retail outlet, with average retail sales from October 1989 to September 1990 taken as 100.

- 12 -

Comparisons of the July 1995 results with those for June 1995 and those for July 1994, as well as comparisons of retail sales in the period from January to July 1995 with the same period in 1994 are also given.

The report containing the analysis of the July 1995 results is now on sale at $4 per copy at the Government Publications Centre, Queensway Government Offices, ground floor, Low Block, 66 Queensway; and the Publications Unit 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 2802 1258.

- 13 -

TABLE 1 : TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Sales for July 1995 (Provisional Figure) = HK$17,525.0 million

for June 1995 (Revised Figure) * HKS16,530.3 million

-------------------------------------------------------------------------—.................. ■'

TABLE 2 : VALUE ANO VOLUME INDICES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JUNE 1995 AMD JULY 1995

(Monthly average of Oct 89 - Sept 90 « 100)

Type of Outlet Type of index Index number July 1995 compared with June 1995 July 1995 compared with July 1994 Jan -Jul 1995 compared with

June 1995 (Revised figures) July 1995 (Provisional figures)

Jan -Jul 1994

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL OUTLETS (Points) (Points) (Points) (X) (Points) (X) (Points) (X)

Value 176.0 186.6 ♦10.6 ♦6.0 ♦3.9 ♦2.1 ♦8.7 ♦5.0

(B) BY TYPE OF RETAIL OUTLETS. Volume 129.5 137.5 ♦7.9 ♦6.1 •5.7 -4.0 -1.9 •1.4

Food, alcoholic drinks Value 134.4 138.0 ♦3.6 ♦2.7 -1.9 -1.4 ♦5.8 ♦4.4

and tobacco (other than supermarkets) Volume 97.2 99.2 ♦2.0 ♦2.0 -5.8 •5.5 -2.8 •2.7

Supermarkets p Value 176.4 175.1 -1.3 -0.7 ♦17.4 ♦ 11.1 ♦10.7 ♦6.9

Vo I line 116.6 115.5 -1.1 -0.9 ♦4.0 ♦3.6 •0.9 -0.8

Fuels Value 183.4 184.6 ♦ 1.2 ♦0.7 ♦ 1.2 ♦0.6 ♦11.7 ♦8.0

Volume 119.9 120.7 ♦0.8 ' *0.7 -5.7 -4.5 ♦0.2 ♦0.2

/'.r Clothing, footwear and Value 262.1 302.9 ♦40.8 ♦15.6 ♦52.4 ♦20.9 ♦35.2 ♦144

allied products Volune 163.0 194.9 ♦31.9 ♦19.6 ♦15.8 ♦8.8 ♦5.4 ♦3.1

Consumer durable goods Value 148.9 134.9 -14.1 -9.4 •52.0 -27.8 -22.2 -12.1

Volume 119.8 108.1 -11.7 -9.8 -43.9 -28.9 -24.0 -15.6

- Motor vehicles Value 118.5 114.5 -4.0 -3.4 -130.9 -53.3 •51.8 -27.1

and parts Volune 78.8 76.5 •2.2 -2.9 •103.4 -57.5 -48.1 -34.0

- Consumer durable Value 171.0 149.6 -21.3 -12.5 ♦5.1 ♦3.5 -0.7 •0.4

goods other than motor vehicles and parts Volune 149.6 131.0 -18.6 -12.4 -0.8 -0.6 •6.6 •4.1

Department stores Value 144.9 164.2 ♦19.3 ♦13.3 ♦8.4 ♦5.4 ♦7.5 ♦5.0

Volume 95.5 111.8 ♦ 16.3 ♦17.0 -5.1 -4.3 -4.5 -3.9

Jewellery, watches Value 170.6 167.7 -2.9 -1.7 •1.2 -0.7 ♦9.5 ♦5.5

and clocks, and valuable gifts Volune 157.8 153.8 -4.0 -2.5 -5.8 -3.6 ♦6.3 ♦3.8

Other consumer goods Value 219.6 264.3 ♦44.7 ♦20.4 ♦38.5 ♦ 17.1 ♦30.4 ♦ 16.0

not elsewhere classified Volune -•.i.ij 165.6 200.5 ♦34.9 ♦21.1 ♦21.4 ♦11.9 ♦15.8 ♦ 10.4

NOTE : $ Not including supermarkets operating in department stores. The underlined figures were rounded up to 5.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Land Survey Ordinance will take effect early next year ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Starting from mid-January next year, conveyance or other instrument in writing effecting a division of land and delivered to the Land Registry for registration should be accompanied by a land boundary plan signed and certified by an authorised land surveyor.

This is required under the new Land Survey Ordinance which will become operational on January 15 next year.

Announcing details of the ordinance at a press conference today (Tuesday), Principal Government Land Surveyor, Mr Leung Shou-chun, said the ordinance dealt only with division of land but without provisions to amend errors in old land boundary plans.

Furthermore, the ordinance would not apply to division of land effected by a will or judgment and the granting of probate in respect of a will or judgment but would apply upon transfer of title of the divided lots.

Mr Leung said under the ordinance, land owners or their agents would have to engage authorised land surveyors, who should be fully qualified professionals with experience in land boundary surveys in Hong Kong, to carry out a survey for subdivision.

An authorised land surveyor who certified the land boundary plan for the division should deposit with the Land Survey Authority a duplicate of the plan and the corresponding survey record plan not later than seven days after the deed had been delivered into the Land Registry for registration.

The Land Survey Authority, namely the Director of Lands or effectively the Principal Government Land Surveyor to whom the Director has delegated his functions under the ordinance, will check the plans for compliance with a Code of Practice and will forward the plans to the respective District Survey Office for record and information.

Mr Leung stressed that the final responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of the land boundary plans rested with the authorised land surveyors. If a plan did not comply with the Code of Practice, the authorised land surveyor would be required to make the necessary amendments. Failure to do so is an offence under the law.

Mr Leung also pointed out that there was no provision in the ordinance for the Land Survey Authority to amend the original land boundary plan registered with the Land Registry. However, he advised land owners, for their own benefit, to submit an amended land boundary plan for registration with the Land Registry.

- 15 -

"This will give them better protection and will obviate problems and delay with the District Land Offices in subsequent land administrative processing.

"It will also help the Land Registry to maintain a good and reliable record that will match with that of the Land Survey Authority," he said.

The new ordinance will enable land owners to enjoy the benefits of an improved land record system, and will provide efficiency and security for land deals, Mr Leung added.

A Land Survey (Fees) Regulation and a Disciplinary Procedure Regulation will be submitted to the Legislative Council for approval in October.

As soon as the two regulations are approved, suitable and qualified applicants will be registered as authorised land surveyors with effect from January 1 next year. Following that, a list of authorised land surveyors will be available from the Land Survey Authority and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors.

There will be no mandatory scale of fee for land boundary surveys, but the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors will have a set of recommended fees available for sale to the public.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

EPD to commission indoor air quality study ♦ ♦ * * ♦

The Environmental Protection Department today (Tuesday) signed a $9 million contract with the EHS Consultants Ltd for a study on indoor air pollution in offices and public places.

"The study, which will start next month, will involve surveys on various building/premises types with a view to determining the extent of indoor air pollution problem in Hong Kong," Principal Environmental Protection Officer Mr Tse Chin-wan said.

The consultants will gather information on the levels of major indoor air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable suspended particulates, microbial contaminants and volatile organic compounds.

They will also assess the contribution of various causes and indoor sources, including human activities, building materials, office equipment and air conditioning ducts/units, to indoor air pollution.

"The consultants will then identify cost-effective mitigation measures for reducing indoor air pollution and its risks to public health," Mr Tse said.

He said improperly designed or maintained ventilation and air-conditioning systems in buildings with few openable windows allowed potential for air pollutants to recirculate and to build up their concentrations.

"If an indoor air pollution problem occurs, occupants might experience health problems including lethargy, stuffy or running nose, headache, eye and throat irritation and chest tightness, which are commonly termed as the 'Sick Building Syndrome'," he said.

"The World Health Organisation has suggested that potentially one-third of modem commercial buildings can be affected by indoor air pollution problem.

"Therefore we want to find out the extent of the indoor air pollution problem in Hong Kong and whether it is necessary to put it under some form of control," Mr Tse said.

The study is expected to complete by mid-1997.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Two language fund projects launched ♦ * * * ♦

The Education Department with the assistance of the British Council today (Tuesday) launched two English language improvement projects under the sponsorship of the Government's $300 million Language Fund.

The projects included the 60-hour Primary English Teachers Oral Proficiency courses for the school year 1995/96 and a 30-week Look Ahead Television English series to be broadcast on Cable TV.

Addressing a reception to mark the launch, the Deputy Director of Education, Miss Elaine Chung, underlined the importance of language as the key to communication and learning.

She said the Government had always taken a pro-active approach to improving standards of English and Chinese, including Putonghua, among students. Measures include curriculum renewal, teacher training, additional facilities and resources, bridging courses and medium of instruction policy.

"Specific measures to enhance English language skills include employment of native English speakers, extra-curricular programmes, Extensive Reading Schemes, summer camps, etc. In the 1994/95 school year, Education Department spent a total of $205.8 million specifically to improve language proficiency in the school sector," she said.

"The creation of a $300 million Language Fund represents yet another government initiative to pool together the expertise and experience in the community to uplift language standards."

Miss Chung stressed the importance of ensuring that students in Hong Kong have the opportunity to develop effective communication skills in Chinese and English.

"Language proficiency will allow them to continue the learning process throughout their adult lives. Furthermore. Hong Kong will lose its cutting edge as a highly competitive international business centre and gateway to China if our students are not fully bilingual."

Also speaking at the reception, the chairman of the Language Fund Advisory Committee, Professor Rosie Young, said the Language Fund had so far approved grants for 56 projects totalling $87 million.

"In a few days' time, that is by the 30th of September, applications for the third Language Fund allocation exercise will officially be closed," she said.

Professor Young called on everybody concerned, including language teacher trainers, resource developers and researchers among others, to support this important mission.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Hong Kong to celebrate World Maritime Day *****

Hong Kong will join some 152 maritime administrations around the world to celebrate World Maritime Day 1995, the Director of Marine, Mr lan Dale, announced today (Tuesday).

Being an associate member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Hong Kong wholeheartedly supported the actions taken by IMO in its endeavours towards safer ships and cleaner seas, Mr Dale said on the eve of Hong Kong's World Maritime Day 1995.

IMO is an United Nations agency dealing with international shipping and its members are celebrating the World Maritime Day 1995 during the week of September 25 to 29.

The annual event was first held on March 17, 1978, to mark the date of entry into force in 1958 of the convention establishing IMO and since then the organisation uses the occasion every year to publicise its work.

The theme of this year's World Maritime Day is "50th Anniversary of the United Nations: IMO's Achievements and Challenges".

"Hong Kong will continue to be in the forefront of maritime administrations which adopt internationally ratified maritime safety conventions," said Mr Dale.

He noted that just recently Hong Kong had completed another round of legislative amendments to the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance to bring local regulations in ship construction and design in line with internationally ratified maritime safety standards.

In a message marking World Maritime Day 1995, the Secretary-General of IMO, Mr William O'Neil, said IMO was established by means of a convention which was adopted under the auspices of the United Nations in 1948 and today has 152 member states.

"Its most important treaties cover more than 98 per cent of world shipping," said Mr O'Neil.

IMO succeeded in winning the support of the maritime world by being pragmatic, effective and above all by concentrating on the technical issues related to safety at sea and the prevention of pollution from ships.

"IMO’s priorities are often described in the slogan ’safer shipping and cleaner oceans',” Mr O'Neil stressed.

Noting that nobody could predict precisely what would happen in the shipping world during the next few years, Mr O'Neil said there were indications that, from a safety point of view, IMO should be especially vigilant.

He said until recently, the indications were that IMO's efforts to improve safety and reduce pollution were paying off.

The rate of serious casualties was falling and the amount of oil and other pollutants entering the sea was decreasing quite dramatically.

"But recently there has been a disturbing rise in accidents and our fear is, if nothing is done, that the progress we have diligently fought for over the last few decades will be lost," said Mr O'Neil.

To avert the this danger, IMO has taken a number of actions:

♦ set up a special sub-committee to improve the way IMO regulations are implemented by flag states;

♦ encouraged the establishment of regional port state control arrangements so that all countries which have ratified IMO conventions and have the right to inspect foreign ships to make sure that they meet IMO requirements and can do this more effectively;

♦ adopted a new mandatory International Safety Management Code to improve standards of management and especially to make sure that safety and environmental issues are never overlooked or ignored; and

♦ adopted amendments recently to the convention dealing with standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers. The convention has been modernised and restructured, but most important of all, new provisions have been introduced which will help to make sure that the convention is properly implemented.

When these and other measures were added together they made an impressive package that should make a significant contribution to safety and pollution prevention in the years to come, Mr O'Neil said.

End/Tuesday, September 26. 1995

Monthly Digest of Statistics for September published » * * * ♦

Two feature articles, entitled "Trends of Infant Mortality in Hong Kong, 1946-1994" and "River Trade Cargo Statistics 1994", are published in the September issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics.

The former article describes the trends of infant mortality in Hong Kong from 1946 to 1994. Sex differentials and major causes of infant deaths are analysed and reasons for the decline in infant mortality and scope for further improvements are also discussed.

In recent years, river trade activities have been playing an increasingly important role in Hong Kong trade. This development is closely associated with the economic growth in the Pearl River Delta region. An analysis of river trade cargo statistics for 1994 is provided in the latter article.

The September 1995 issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics is available at $50 a copy (not including postage).

It contains all information about Hong Kong's latest situation regarding economic growth, the labour market, inflation and many other social and economic issues that have important impact on business and everyday life.

The publication can be purchased at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.

It can also be bought at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Regular subscription can be arranged with the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department on 2598 8194.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Job bazaars to assist job-seekers ♦ * * * *

The Labour Department will organise two job bazaars on September 28 and October 3 to help job-seekers including retrainees find jobs.

Organised by the department's Employment Services Division and sponsored by the Employees Retraining Board (ERB), the bazaars will provide a chance for employers and job-seekers to discuss job vacancies and employment conditions in the trades concerned.

About 15 employers from different trades including hotel, catering, department store, retail, supermarket, trade, communications, airline, medical, electronics, security and property management will be participating in the bazaars.

They will brief job-seekers on their respective trades and select suitable persons for interview on the spot or on a later date.

There will also be talks by the ERB and participating organisations on the Employees Retraining Scheme.

The first bazaar will be held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Exhibition Hall and the second at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Exhibition Hall. Both bazaars will open from 11 am to 5.30 pm.

Hong Kong residents, especially those aged 30 or above and are looking for a job, are welcome to visit the bazaars.

Four similar bazaars organised by the department last year were well-received and had attracted a total of more than 9,300 visitors.

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority tender results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Tender date 26 Sept 1995 26 Sept 1995

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q539 H574

Amount applied HK$3,740 MN HK$3,548 MN

Amount allotted HK$l,500MN HKS800 MN

Average yield accepted 5.69 PCT 5.70 PCT

Highest yield accepted 5.70 PCT 5.70 PCT

Pro rata ratio About 34 PCT About 73 PCT

Average tender yield 5.70 PCT 5.72 PCT

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Tenders to be held in the week beginning 2 Oct, 1995

Tender date 3 Oct 1995 3 Oct 1995

Paper on offer EF bills EF bills

Issue number Q540 Y594

Issue date 4 Oct 1995 4 Oct 1995 .

Maturity date 3 Jan 1996 2 Oct 1996

Tenor 91 days 364 days

Amount on offer HK$ 1,500+300 MN HKS5OO+15OMN

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 2,017 0930 +385

Closing balance in the account 2,402 1000 +385

Change attributable to : 1100 +385

Money market activity +400 1200 +400

LAF today -15 1500 +400

1600 +400

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.3 *+0.1 ♦ 26.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.68 2 years 2708 6.06 100.17 6.05

1 month 5.69 3 years 3807 6.16 99.68 6.38

3 months 5.70 5 years 5009 6.95 99.92 7.09

6 months 12 months 5.72 5.74 5 years M501 7.90 102.03 7.51

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $20,328 million

Closed September 26, 1995

End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Wednesday, September 27,1995

Contents Page No.

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership moves to Osaka................................ 1

Public and new airport work projects well on track........................ 3

Cantonese language restrictions on Star TV to be lifted................... 5

"Green" Christmas cards from Marine Department this year.................. 5

Changes of office hours for collection of BN(O) passports................. 6

Farewell parade for retiring fire chief................................... 8

New TV programme to feature civil service................................. 8

Special Topics Report No 12 on social statistics published................ 9

San Francisco debut of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra............... 9

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 10

Hong Kong-Japan Partnership moves to Osaka ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Osaka, Japan's second largest city, was treated to a taste of Hong Kong that early morning shoppers may long remember - the sight and sounds of a Hong Kong lion dance through one of the city's major department stores.

The noisy and colourful ceremony marked the start of the Hong Kong-Japan Partnership promotion in Osaka. It was just one of the events in a day highlighted by consumer-oriented promotions and programmes coupled with intensive business seminars at which some of Hong Kong's leading businessmen are participating.

In officially opening the "Hello Hong Kong" promotion in the Sogo department store, the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, mentioned the dominant role Japanese companies played in Hong Kong's department store market.

"The fact that some of these companies have chosen to establish their Asian regional base in Hong Kong is another vote of confident in our future," she said.

Mrs Chan said Hong Kong made products were becoming increasingly attractive to Japanese consumers because of their good quality, attractive design and packaging, and their value for money - which was one of the most important factors for shoppers anywhere.

In addition to a whole range of products on sale, the promotion also features Chinese finger painting, rainbow calligraphy, fortune telling and chocolate carving.

The store promotion was arranged in conjunction with the Trade Development Council as a feature of the Hong Kong-Japan Partnership programme in Osaka.

The Chief Secretary also had a meeting with the Chairman of the influential Kansai Association of Corporate Executives, Mr Yoshihisa Akiyama.

During the discussions, Mr Akiyama indicated that the Kansai region wanted to further strengthen its business ties with Hong Kong following the establishment of a Business Partner relationship in 1988. He believed this partnership could be expanded with annual meetings between business executives from Kansai and Hong Kong, similar to an arrangement recently forged with Shanghai.

The Chief Secretary later gave a keynote address to more than 600 businessmen at a special luncheon at the conclusion of the seminar.

She again emphasised the importance of the Hong Kong-Japan partnership.

"We have a strong common interest in the maintenance of peace and security in this region. We both depend on open markets, free trade, free shipping lanes.

* ' ' /

"We both believe in hard work, family loyalties, the rule of law, the rights and freedoms of the individual and the importance of clean business practices," Mrs Chan said.

In response to a question on the subject of freedom of expression in Hong Kong, Mrs Chan said she was aware of concerns that freedom of expression and freedom of the press might be curtailed after 1997.

However, she made it clear that the Hong Kong Government attached great importance to these "most treasured and most fundamental of freedoms".

She said they were based on the foundation of the rule of law, an independent judiciary and a credible legislature "all of which we have either in place or hope to ' strengthen between now and 1997".

Mrs Chan pointed out that the Government was engaged in an exercise to remove laws which would be inconsistent with Hong Kong's Bill of Rights and inconsistent with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which would continue to apply to Hong Kong after 1997 under the Joint Declaration and Basic Law.

This evening, Mrs Chan will open the Hong Kong film festival in Osaka which has attracted the attention of hundreds of movie fans with the presence of stars such as Leslie Cheung, Anita Yuen and Carina Lau.

Later tonight the Chief Secretary will speak at a gala dinner which will include a fashion show featuring the creations of some of Hong Kong's young innovative designers.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

- 3 -

Public and new airport work projects well on track

*****

The Public Works Programme and the Airport Core Programme are well on track to provide better and more infrastructural facilities for the betterment of Hong Kong, the Secretary for Works, Mr James Blake, said today (Wednesday).

Speaking at a press conference prior to his retirement, Mr Blake said: "It is gratifying to see that during my four years in office, capital works expenditure grew by 40 per cent in real terms to $30 billion in 1994-95.

"This represents a 10 per cent annual growth which is set to continue as a firm indication of Government's commitment to invest vigorously in the future of Hong Kong."

On the Airport Core Programme, Mr Blake was confident that the seven projects directly funded by the Government together with the Western Harbour Crossing would be completed before June 30, 1997.

"Works on the Chek Lap Kok new airport are expected to be substantially complete by mid-1997 and those for the Airport Railway by April 1998.

"It remains our target to open the new airport in April 1998 and the Airport Railway in June 1998," he said.

Mr Blake was glad to see significant improvement in the Works Group's performance to meet the expenditure targets.

"For two consecutive years in 93-94 and 94-95, we were able to spend 95 per cent of the budgeted expenditure compared with a 30 per cent underspending in 91-92.

"This has been made possible by a revamp of the monitoring and management system that enables us to detect and rectify more quickly deviations from the original targets.

"We have also put in place a system to enable independent public organisations to act as government agents for the construction and management of major projects under the close monitoring and control of the Government.

"The procedure has been adopted in the construction of the North District Hospital, and Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the extension of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre," said Mr Blake.

- 4 -

7‘"? ’ ’ ' ■ ■. • ■ ■A 0? ?

Looking back at the last four years, Mr Blake described his job as very fruitful and rewarding.

He said: "There is now greater public input into the Works Policy through the Construction Advisory Board (CAB) with representation from developers, contractors, professional bodies and academic institutions."

CAB is now working towards enhancing safety and other quality standards of the construction industry in Hong Kong.

Mr Blake noted significant progress had been made in instilling in the construction industry a better culture of safety through a "stick and carrot" approach.

"We are now more pro-active in promoting site safety by introducing award schemes for site staff and contractors and more stringent safety requirements in the tender procedure.

"At the same time, we have raised penalties for government contractors who do not pay enough attention on safety. They are now liable to removal from the Government's approved list of contractors for repeated breach of safety requirements.

In his review, Mr Blake gave an update on some of the major projects being undertaken by the Works Group departments as follows:

* Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme - Works are progressing well on the construction of the sewage collection system and the Stonecutters Island treatment works. The target date of completion is mid-1997.

♦ Landslip Preventive Measures - A substantial increase in resources has been allocated to bring forward the Landslip Preventive Measures Programme by 10 years to 2000 and to widen the scope to cover roadside slopes.

♦ Flood Control in Northwest New Territories - In parallel with the Shenzhen River regulation work, a $3.6 billion scheme to improve drainage and to protect low-lying villages in NW-NT from flooding is now well underway for completion by stages over the next seven years.

♦ Tung Chung New Town - The development of Tung Chung as the ninth new town for a population of 200,000 in 201 O's is progressing satisfactorily.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

- 5 -

Cantonese language restrictions on Star TV to be lifted ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Govemor-in-Council has given approval to lift the Cantonese language restrictions on Star TV’s Star Plus and Chinese channels.

This follows the recommendations of the Television Broadcasting Review in 1994, which was endorsed by the Govemor-in-Council, that the Cantonese restrictions should be lifted.

The Cantonese language restrictions on Star TV's three other channels, ie, the International News Channel, the Music Channel and the Sports Channel, have been removed since October 1993 following the 1992 Television Broadcasting Review. Hutchvision's Licence has been amended to implement the Governor-in-Council's latest decision.

The Broadcasting Authority has been consulted and has expressed support for the removal of the restrictions.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

"Green” Christmas cards from Marine Department this year ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Marine Department's latest green initiative will make a major change to the tradition of sending Christmas cards to its local customers.

From Christmas this year the department will send corporate seasonal greetings to them through newspaper advertisements.

"Staff of my department have been discussing how we can be more environmentally friendly during the Christmas season." the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, said today (Wednesday).

"They have made a number of suggestions ranging from not sending any form of greeting to our local customers to producing in-house designed Christmas card using recycled paper.

"We believe we should maintain the tradition of giving local Christmas greetings to our clients during the festive season but not through sending thousands of cards," he said.

It has now been decided that the department will send corporate Christmas greetings through newspaper advertisements. Individual officers can of course also include words of greeting in business memo and letters during the festive season.

"We cannot be sure how much paper we will save but we believe it is definitely a move in the right direction," Mr Dale said.

The Marine Department actively pursues green office practices and is continuing looking for environmentally friendly changes to its systems.

Mr Dale hopes his department's initiative will raise the public awareness of being more environmental friendly, particularly during the festive season.

"Not only is paper saved. Just imagine the secretaries' time that is saved using electronic typewriters or computers to prepare the cards for sending.

"It may be a drop in the ocean in terms of the world as a whole but nevertheless is saving some of our natural resources," he said.

The Marine Department will publish corporate Christmas greetings in some local newspapers nearer to Christmas but will continue this year at least to send cards to overseas contacts as they will not have access to local newspapers.

"We are looking at other alternatives to greet our overseas clients, on internet perhaps, when it becomes more accessible to a wider audience," Mr Dale said.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

Changes of office hours for collection of BN(O) passports ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The working hours of the Travel Documents (Passport) Section of some Immigration offices will be revised with effect from next Monday (October 2) to facilitate the collection of BN(O) passports.

A spokesman for the Immigration Department said today (Wednesday) the change of office hours would be applicable at the Immigration Headquarters in Wan Chai and nine Immigration branch offices.

The revised arrangements for the collection of BN(O) passports will be as follows:

- 7 -

Working hours

(except public holidays)

Monday to Friday: normal office hours

Saturday: office hours will be extended to 3 pm

Offices concerned

(i) Travel Documents (Passport) Section

(ii) Immigration - East Kowloon Office

(iii) Immigration - West Kowloon Office

(iv) Immigration - Sha Tin Office

(v) Immigration - Tai Po Office

(vi) Immigration - Fanling Office

(vii) Immigration - Tsuen Wan Office

(viii) Immigration - Tuen Mun Office

(ix) Immigration - Yuen Long Office

(x) Hong Kong Island Re-entry Permit and Passport Issuing Office

The revised arrangement will run for a two-month trial period and will be reviewed in end November.

The spokesman said: "The revised arrangements will better utilise our resources.

’’Applicants who have been notified to collect their BN(O) passports are reminded that for their convenience, they should pick up their passports at the specified office within two months from the date when the passport is ready for collection. ’’They may be required to collect their passports at another office if they do not do so within the specified period.”

For enquiry, members of the public may telephone 2824 6111 or fax 2877 7711.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

Farewell parade for retiring fire chief ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Staff of the Fire Services Department will bid farewell to their retiring Director, Mr Jerry Lam Chek-yuen, in the form of a grand parade at 10.30 am tomorrow (Thursday) at Sha Tin Fire Station. Mr Lam will retire on October 1 after 39 years of service with the Government - 37 of which being with the Fire Services Department.

On parade will be 180 fire and ambulance members from six commands and nine different kinds of appliances and ambulances.

About 400 guests from government departments, local organisations, Chinese and overseas fire brigades will attend the ceremony.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

New TV programme to feature civil service *****

The Efficiency Unit (EU) of the Government Secretariat, in co-operation with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), has produced a new 13-episode documentary programme entitled "The New Working Generation".

Featuring personality profiles of officers from various government departments, the programme aims at enhancing the public’s knowledge of the service scope and daily works of civil servants.

It will be screened at 7.30 pm every Saturday on TVB Jade Channel, starting this Saturday (September 30).

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

- 9 -

Special Topics Report No 12 on social statistics published * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Special Topics Report No 12 on social statistics is published today (Wednesday). It contains the findings of six special enquiries conducted by the Census and Statistics Department via the General Household Survey in different periods between August 1993 and October 1994.

The six topics included in the report are domestic helpers; family life education; hawker situation and hawker patronage behaviour; heritage preservation; organ donation; and taxi boarding location.

The report is now on sale at $40 a copy at the Government Publications Centre, Ground Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, and at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

San Francisco debut of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra *****

The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra made its San Francisco debut last (Tuesday) evening in front of 2,700 audiences at the renowned Davies Symphony Hall. The performance is the second leg of its 16-day, first-ever Northern American concert tour.

The Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs in the United States of America, Mr Barrie Wiggham, flew in from Washington DC to join hundreds of the Philharmonic's former Hong Kong fans to greet the Orchestra with enthusiasm.

Leading the 106-member Orchestra is British Music Director David Atherton and joining them for the Prokofiev Piano Concerto #3 is Edith Chen, who won the prestigious Iva Pogorclich International Solo Piano Competition in 1993.

After the concert in San Francisco, the Orchestra will travel to the State Capital of California. Sacramento, today for another performance before giving six other concerts in cities in Southern California and Canada.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

- 10 -

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations * * * ♦ ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 2,402 0930 +6

Closing balance in the account 1,971 1000 +6

Change attributable to : 1100 +6

Money market activity -2 1200 +6

LAF today -429 1500 -2

1600 -2

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.3 *+0.0* 27.9.95

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes

Terms Yield Term Issue Coupon Price Yield

1 week 5.82 2 years 2708 6.06 100.13 6.07

1 month 5.77 3 years 3807 6.16 99.64 6.40

3 months 5.75 5 years 5009 6.95 99.84 7.11

6 months 12 months 5.75 5.77 5 years M501 7.90 101.84 7.56

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $15,214 million

Closed September 27, 1995

End/Wednesday, September 27, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Friday, September 29,1995

Contents Page No.

WTO rules in Hong Kong's favour in textiles cases........................... 1

Obscene and indecent articles law soon to take effect....................... 2

Hong Kong promotion ends on high note....................................... 3

Sound institutions essential to Hong Kong's future: Governor................ 5

Environmental impacts link with public dump controllable.................... 5

Monetary statistics for August 1995 ........................................ 6

Security Branch in touch with police over THAs incident..................... 9

FS visits Hong Kong International Airport................................... 9

Closer contacts between Hong Kong and Macau marine officials........... 11

General Household Survey to be conducted................................... 12

/Hong Kong.......

Contents

Page No,

Hong Kong takes active part in PECC meeting in Beijing................... 13

Transeurasian expedition landrovers leave for London................. 15

Civic Education Exhibition moves to Wong Tai Sin......................... 16

Appointments to travel industry fund management board.................... 17

Licence of Fukutoku Bank revoked......................................... 18

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works............................ 18

Tenders invited for Fanling site......................................... 19

New pier plans for patrol launch......................................... 20

Construction of ferry berths on Lamma Island............................. 21

Pre-qualification submissions invited for sludge disposal................ 21

Tenders invited for water mains laying in Tseung Kwan O.................. 22

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations..................... 23

WTO rules in Hong Kong's favour in textiles case ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Textiles Monitoring Body (TMB) in Geneva has ruled in Hong Kong's favour in a case over the United States' call on Hong Kong’s exports of Category 440 (wool woven shirts and blouses).

"The TMB has reached a consensus recommendation that under the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), calls cannot be made on products already under restraint, and that since Hong Kong's Category 440 is already under US restraint, the US call is not justified," said Deputy Director-General of Trade, Mr Thomas Yiu, today (Friday).

?’ . . J • • i • ■ • ■

"This is precisely the position we took in our bilateral consultations with the US, and at the TMB meeting," stressed Mr Yiu, who was the head the Hong Kong delegation attending the TMB discussion on the case held this week.

"The TMB also reached a consensus recommendation that since the call was not justified, the US should rescind the measure. We are naturally pleased with the ruling.

"The ATC represents the liberalisation of textiles trade, and provides for a 10-year phased-programme for the complete abolition of textiles export limits.

"The TMB is tasked to monitor the implementation of the Agreement. Its work is essential in providing guidance through this transition, and in ensuring the full realisation of the liberalisation programme.

"That TMB is able to reach a definite ruling in the present case clearly demonstrates its effectiveness and capability."

As to whether the ruling meant that the US restraint imposed on Hong Kong’s Category 440 would now be lifted, Mr Yiu said: "Under the ATC members have a responsibility to endeavour to accept in full the TMB's recommendations. We hope that the US will lift the restraint as soon as possible.

"So far the limit imposed by the US has not had any real impact on our trade. As at September 28 we have licensed only 1,084 dozens of Category 440 exports, whereas the limit imposed by the US is 3,688 dozens."

Under ATC, in specified circumstances a Member may make a call on imports of a particular product to provide transitional safeguard for its relevant domestic industry.

In April, US made a call on Hong Kong's Category 440. After two rounds of consultations in Washington, the two sides failed to reach agreement. In July, US unilaterally imposed a limit for this year's Category 440 imports from Hong Kong.

In accordance with ATC, the US action was notified to TMB for review and recommendation. Both US and Hong Kong were invited by TMB to attend the review conducted this week.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Obscene and indecent articles law soon to take effect ♦ ♦♦♦♦

The Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles (Amendment) Ordinance 1995 which was enacted on July 28 will commence operation on October 20.

A notice to this effect was published in the Gazette today (Friday).

The ordinance stipulates that:

♦ all indecent articles should be sealed in transparent wrappers except those with indecent covers, which must be sealed in opaque wrappers;

♦ all indecent articles should display a warning notice no less than 20 per cent of its size on both of its front and back cover. If opaque wrapper is used, the warning notice should also be displayed on both the front and back cover of the opaque wrapper;

♦ publishers of indecent articles should print their name, telephone number

and business address on either side of the covers of the indecent article;

♦ the maximum fine for illegal publication of indecent articles is increased from $200,000 to $400,000. A maximum fine of $800,000 is also created for repeated convictions;

♦ Police officers and inspectors of the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority are empowered to seize, in public places, indecent articles which are published or displayed in breach of the law;

- 3 -

♦ the minimum number of adjudicators is increased from two to four at Obscene Articles Tribunal (OAT) full hearings lodged under section 15 to review the interim classification of articles, and under section 17 to reconsider previously classified articles;

♦ an adjudicator who has sat on the interim hearing of an article would be disqualified from becoming a member of the tribunal to review or reconsider the same article al a full hearing; and

♦ the OAT should identify, at both interim and full hearings, part or parts of an article which give rise to an ’’obscene” or "indecent" classification.

However, a spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch said the implementation of the requirement for the OAT to identify, at both interim and full hearings, part or parts of an article which give rise to an "obscene" or "indecent" classification, would be deferred.

"This is because the Judiciary will have to seek the creation of one magistrate post and to make accommodation and equipment available in order to discharge this duty.

"The proposed creation will go through a procedure of approval. It is expected that when an additional magistrate is in place by the end of the year, this particular provision will then commence," he said.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Hong Kong promotion ends on high note ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, said this (Friday) afternoon that she believed the visit of the Hong Kong delegation to Japan for the special week-long promotion had been able to allay the concerns of Japanese political leaders and businessmen over the future of Hong Kong.

Speaking at the end of the main business functions, she said the fact that leading Hong Kong businessmen and senior government officials were able to address these concerns in person had helped a great deal.

"However, what has also been very encouraging is the ready appreciation and recognition on the part for Japanese leaders, both in politics and in the business sector, that Japan has in interest in ensuring Hong Kong’s continuing prosperity and stability because of their very substantial investments in Hong Kong. And that is most encouraging," Mrs Chan said.

The Chief Secretary said she was quite overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception the Hong Kong delegation had received.

The Promotion draws to a close in the southern city of Fukuoka tonight with a pop concert which will be telecast live throughout Japan and Hong Kong and featuring such stars as Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok and Sally Yeh and Japanese artists including Shinji Tanimura, Hideki Saiijo and Akina Nakamori.

Mrs Chan said the response to the business seminars and workshops in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka had been extremely good, attracting a total of about two and a half thousand businessmen.

The four workshops dealing with financial services, the airport and other infrastructure projects, tourism and high-tech manufacturing had also been packed with business leaders wanting to get more detailed information on specific areas of interest.

"In general. Japanese businessmen are extremely optimistic about our economic prospects. But their concern centres on what Hong Kong will be like after 1997 and in particular whether Hong Kong can remain as it is after sovereignty reverts to China.

"We have been able to reassure them that we are doing everything we possibly can in co-operation with China to ensure there is a smooth transition," Mrs Chan said.

Earlier today, the Chief Secretary had meetings with the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Mr Wataru Aso, and the Mayor of Fukuoka City, Mr Keiichi Kuwhara, before giving a keynote speech at the final business luncheon.

Following a press conference, Mrs Chan officially opened an exhibition of Contemporary Hong Kong Paintings featuring the works of 42 well-known artists, including her mother, Fang Zhao-ling.

During the opening ceremony, she said cultural activities played an important role in enhancing the quality of life in any community.

? ’ ». >

’’And this is certainly true in Hong Kong where we aim for an environment in which diversity, freedom of expression and artistic creation can thrive," said the Chief Secretary. . »

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Sound institutions essential to Hong Kong’s future: Governor

* * ♦ ♦ ♦

Hong Kong needs and deserves a set of healthy, responsive institutions to face the new challenges of the future, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said.

Speaking at the Chinese National Day Reception this (Friday) evening, Mr Patten said the Government had provided Hong Kong with the institutional framework necessary for a decent, dynamic and mature society.

He said the rule of law which was fairly and equally delivered to all, and a clean, efficient administration answerable to the community and responsive to community aspirations contributed to such a framework.

The Governor also noted that the Legislative Council elections and other recent developments, particularly the important agreements this summer between Britain and China on the Court of Final Appeal, had given Hong Kong an institutional blueprint which carried with it the confidence and the hopes of Hong Kong people.

"Now, more than ever, Hong Kong's progression is one of partnership with

China.

"A partnership from which both have already drawn enormous benefits, and which promises to each so much more," Mr Patten said.

The partnership was captured by the visionary concept of "one country, two systems" and was expressed more fully in the Joint Declaration, he added.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Environmental impacts link with public dump controllable ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Environmental impacts associated with the proposed Green Island Public Dump (GIPD) can be controlled within established standards and guidelines through proper works designs and implementation of mitigation measures.

It is stated in the final report of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for GIPD, which was recently endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment.

A spokesman for the Civil Engineering Department said the findings and recommendations of the study released today (Friday) had also been accepted by the Interdepartmental Environmental Study Management Group of the Government.

•

The consultancy EIA study was commissioned by the department to assess the environmental impacts that may arise from the proposed GIPD.

“Inert construction wastes will be collected at three marine barging points at Aldrich Bay, Quarry Bay and old Kennedy Town Incinerator Plant site and delivered by barges to the GIPD for disposal,” the spokesman said.

The department will ensure that all recommendations of the study relevant to the current proposal will be implemented.

The proposed GIPD, which will occupy part of the Sulphur Channel between Hong Kong Island and Green Island, will provide the only facility for public dumping on Hong Kong Island in the period from 1997 to 2003.

The dump, covering an area of 37 hectares with a potential capacity of seven million cubic metres over a period of seven years, is a key component of the Government’s public dumping strategy.

The final report of the EIA study for the proposed GIPD is now available for public inspection at all public reference libraries of the Urban and Regional councils and also at the public enquiry centre of the Eastern District Office, Southern District as well as the Central and Western District Office.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Monetary statistics for August 1995 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

According to statistics published today (Friday) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits accelerated in August 1995, while growth in total loans and advances continued to fall.

Deposits

Total deposits grew by 1.0% in August, up from 0.4% in July. This was made up of a 0.9% rise in HK$ deposits and a 1.1% rise in foreign currency deposits during the month.

The reported increase in HK$ deposits was the result of a 19.1% rise in demand deposits in August.

The demand deposits figure was however upwardly distorted to the extent that some cheques deposited on August 31 were credited to payees' accounts but were not debited from payers' accounts due to the typhoon on that day. The figures for demand deposits were therefore inflated due to this double counting.

s * ,

Savings deposits fell by 1.2% in August, while time deposits fell by 0.8%.

Swap deposits fell by a further 4.8% in August, leading to a cumulative loss of 44.5% since November 1994.

Supported by a 2.2% rise in USS deposits, foreign currency deposits rose by 1.1% in August, compared to the 0.9% fall in July.

Loans and Advances

Total outstanding loans and advances fell by 3.8% in August, continuing the 0.1% fall in July.

The fall was due to a decline in the growth in HK$ loans from 1.2% in July to 0.6% in August, together with a 5.8% fall in foreign currency loans resulting from the negative valuation effect as the HKS strengthened along with the USS against other major currencies during the month.

Loans for domestic use rose by 0.7% in August, moderating from the 1.6% growth in July, while loans for trade financing fell by 1.1% in the month, compared to the 1.0% increase in July.

Money Supply

HKSM1 rose by 11.4% in August, boosted by the 19.1% increase in demand deposits due to the typhoon on August 31. HKSM2 and HKSM3 both grew by 0.9% in August.

Attention News Editors:

For further enquiries, please contact the Press and Publications Section, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, on tel 2878 8261.

TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - AUGUST 1995

Aug 1995

Money Supply

Ml - HKS . 188404

Foreign currency 18336

Total 2°7-340

M2 - HKS@ 1221456

Foreign currency* 983361

Total 2-204-917

M3 - HKS@ 1238359

Foreign currency* 1,047,651

Total

Noles and coins in circulation 78355

of which held by public 69,360

Total Deposits

Total Demand deposits 137,980

Total Savings deposits 411459

Total Time deposits with licensed banks 1439,344

Total Time deposits with restricted licence banks 38,468

Total Time deposits with deposit -taking companies 18325

HKS deposits® 1,136270

Demand deposits 119,144

Saving deposits 282,669

Time deposits® 734,457

USS deposits' 511,735

Other foreign currency deposits* 498,173

All deposits 2.146,178

Foreign currency swap deposits 57,716

Total Loans and advances

To finance H.K.’s visible trade 157,183

To finance merchandising trade not touching H.K. 18389

Other loans for use in H.K. 1,364,488

Other loans for use outside H.K. 2,124,128

Other loans where the place of use is not known 39,090

Loans in HKS 1212,052

Loans in foreign currencies 2,491,727

Total loans and advances 3,703,779

Jul 1995 Earlier months (% change to Aug 1995) Aug 1994 (HKSmn'

May 1995

169,186 ( 11.4 ) 166,090 ( 13.5 ) 167.724 ( 12.4 )

16,923 ( 11.3 ) 17490 ( 7.1 ) 18,458 ( 2.0 )

186,109 ( 11.4 ) 183.681 ( 12.9 ) 186,182 ( 11.4 )

1210,400 ( 0.9 ) 1,162416 ( 5.1 ) 1.034 433 ( 18.1 )

971,704 ( 1.2 ) 977444 ( 0.6 ) 866261 ( 13.5 )

2,182,104 ( 1.0) 2.140,060 ( 3.0 ) 1.900,795 ( 16.0 )

1228,039 ( 0.9 ) 1.180.067 ( 5.0 ) 1.051,495 ( 17.8 )

1.035380 ( 1.1 ) 1.040352 ( o-7 ) 922274 ( 13.6 )

2263,919 ( 1.0 ) 2220.919 ( 3.0 ) 1.973,769 ( 15.8 )

78.298 ( 0-1 ) 78286 ( 0.1 ) 73,924 ( 6.0 )

69,145 ( 0-3 ) 69.325 ( 0.1 ) 65,029 ( 6.7 )

116,963 ( 18.0 ) 114356 ( 20.7 ) 121,152 ( 13.9 )

408331 ( 0.8 ) 398.265 ( 3.3 ) 406,305 ( 1.3 )

1441,603 ( -0.1 ) 1415.621 ( 1.6 ) 1271,328 ( 21.1 )

38,627 ( -0.4 ) 38410 ( -0.1 ) 34215 ( 12.4 )

19,128 ( -1.6 ) 20.037 ( -6.0 ) 17.497 ( 7.6 )

1,126,130 ( 0.9 ) 1.081250 ( 5.1 ) 960463 ( 18.3 )

100,041 ( 19.1 ) 96,766 ( 23.1 ) 102.695 ( 16.0 )

286,052 ( -1.2 ) 271493 ( 4.1 ) 279211 ( 1.2 )

740,037 ( -0.8 ) 712391 ( 3.0 ) 578,658 ( 26.9 )

500,655 ( 2.2 ) 509.055 ( 0.5 ) 476.794 ( 7.3 )

497367 ( 0.1 ) 496,485 ( 0.3 ) 413.140 ( 20.6 )

2.124.652 ( 1.0) 2.086,790 ( 2.8 ) 1350.498 ( 16.0 )

60496 ( -4.8 ) 64.678 ( -10.8 ) 99.353 ( -41.9 )

158,776 ( -1.0 ) 153,156 ( 2.6 ) 123462 ( 27.2 )

19215 ( -1.7 ) 18,182 ( 3.9 ) 12.788 ( 47.7 )

1352,165 ( 0.9 ) 1328.117 ( 2.7 ) 1212,480 ( 12.5 )

2279377 ( -6.8 ) 2237.674 ( -5.1 ) 1319,875 ( 16.7 )

40,619 ( -3.8 ) 41.717 ( -6.3 ) 45,463 ( — 14.0 )

1205359 ( 0.6 ) 1.180216 ( 2.7 ) 1.082318 ( 12.0 )

2,644,793 ( -5.8 ) 2498.630 ( -4.1 ) 2.131350 ( 16.9 )

3,850,151 ( -3.8 ) 3.778.846 ( -2.0 ) 3.214.168 ( 15.2 )

* Adjusted to exclude foreign currency swap deposits. @ Adjusted to include foreign currency swap deposits.

Note : Data may not add up to total due to rounding.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Security Branch in touch with police over THAs incident ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

In response to media enquiries, a Security Branch spokesman said today (Friday) that the Branch is very concerned about the incident yesterday at the Kai Cheung and Kai Lok Temporary Housing Areas and is in touch with the Police on details of the occurrence.

At present, the incident is being investigated by the Police. An appeal has been made to anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward and co-operate with the Police, or to provide photographs or videos which contain footage of the incident, so that investigation can be completed as early as possible.

Any complaint of the use of excessive force by the Police will be investigated thoroughly by the Complaints Against Police Office and monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

FS visits Hong Kong International Airport ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, today (Friday) visited the Hong Kong International Airport to see for himself how the Civil Aviation Department has coped with the increase in air traffic.

He was given a briefing by the acting Director of Civil Aviation, Mr Richard Siegel, on the fiinctions and responsibilities of the department before visiting various facilities in the Air Traffic Control Tower, Passenger Terminal Building and the Airfield.

Mr Tsang was informed of the various measures taken by the department to meet air traffic demand, which has been growing at a rate of more than 10 per cent a year over the past decade.

These measures include increasing the runway capacity by upgrading air traffic control facilities, building an additional taxiway exit to reduce runway occupancy time, increasing the number of aircraft parking bays from 51 to 69, and adding 26 slots a day in the existing operating hours.

"We are doing our best to continue to enhance the handling capability of Kai Tak to cope with the growing air traffic demand," Mr Tsang said.

"The continued efficiency of the airport contributes to the further development of our economy and serves our community, including the travelling public, businessmen, manufacturers, as well as a large number of overseas tourists who visit the territory," he added.

Last year, more than 9.3 million visitors came to Hong Kong by air, contributing to a total visitor spending of $64 billion and creating jobs for more than 200,000 people. In 1994, a total of $448 billion worth of cargo was shipped into and out of Hong Kong by air.

Hong Kong International Airport is now the fourth busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers.

In July this year, its annual passenger throughput reached 26.4 million, well exceeding the terminal design capacity of 24 million passengers.

At present, there are 63 airlines providing about 3,000 flights to some 100 destinations worldwide each week.

Mr Tsang said: "Efficient air links were one of the reasons why so many companies have chosen Hong Kong as their base."

During his tour of the airport, Mr Tsang visited the Air Traffic Control Tower. He agreed that more sophisticated radar equipment should be added to enable more efficient use of the airspace.

At the passenger terminal building, he inspected passenger and baggage security screening systems and the departure immigration control points.

He also saw the newly-installed Interline Baggage Sorting System and a wide-range of equipment and vehicles used for operational purposes at the airfield.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Closer contacts between Hong Kong and Macau marine officials * * * * ♦

Ways to cope with increasing marine traffic between Hong Kong and Macau was discussed at a meeting between the Marine Department and its counterpart in Macau today (Friday).

As part of an on-going contacts between the two maritime administrations, the Director of Marine, Mr Ian Dale, and two principal marine officers, Mr Lo Kwok-tai and Mr Roger Tupper, left Hong Kong this morning to meet Macau officials.

Both parties agreed that the passenger profile and the traffic pattern may change following the operation of the airport in Macau later this year.

Mr Dale said his department was reviewing the baggage handling system at the international ferry terminals as it was expected there would be more passengers carrying bulky luggage.

"We are looking into the feasibility of installing mechanical baggage handling facility at the Macau Ferry Terminal and at the same time working closely with the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department and ferry operators to revise the current passenger and luggage handling practices," Mr Dale said.

The two maritime administrations also discussed security arrangements at the international ferry terminals and on board ferries.

"The Marine Department is not directly involved in anti-smuggling duties. However, as the manager of the international ferry terminals, we are naturally concerned about the effect such illegal activities may have on passenger safety," Mr Dale said.

Metal detecting devices have been installed at the departure halls of the terminals in Hong Kong.

Earlier in their visit, the Hong Kong maritime officials visited the control tower at the ferry terminals in Macau. They will return by ferry leaving Macau at 3.30 pm.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

General Household Survey to be conducted ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Census and Statistics Department continues to conduct the General Household Survey during the quarter from October to December 1995.

The Survey, conducted on a continuous basis, collects information on employment, unemployment and underemployment, and the general social characteristics of the population.

In addition, questions on Hong Kong residents working in China, labour mobility, domestic helpers, Hong Kong residents married in China and their fertility, taxi waiting time, Hong Kong residents' expenditure abroad and household expenditure on rent will be included in this round of the Survey.

Each quarter, about 20,300 living quarters from all districts, are selected using a scientifically designed sample for participation in the Survey. To measure more accurately changes in the socio-economic characteristics of the population, the survey adopts an overlapping sample design such that about half of the households enumerated in a given quarter are the same as those enumerated in the preceding quarter.

An official letter, in both Chinese and English, has been sent to the sampled households to explain the purpose of the survey and to seek their voluntary cooperation.

Officers of the department will contact the households concerned to collect the required information. When visiting households, they carry with them a Government Identity Card and a certificate for conducting the Survey. They will make such documents available for inspection by households to confirm their identities.

To make it more convenient for both the households and the department, the sampled households could telephone the Department to make prior appointment for visit by the interviewers.

The General Household Survey is conducted under Part III A of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Chapter 316 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as notified in the General Notice No. 212 in the Gazette of January 19, 1990.

In accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance, data relating to individual persons or households collected will be kept confidential and will not be released to the public, any private organisations or other Government departments.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Hong Kong takes active part in PECC meeting in Beijing ♦ * * ♦ *

Hong Kong has participated actively in the three-day 11th General Meeting of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECCX1) ending today (Friday) in Beijing.

More than 30 participants from business, academic and government sectors have attended the current meeting. The number of participants was a record since Hong Kong was admitted as a full member of PECC in 1991.

A total of seven participants, all from Hong Kong, were speakers at the meeting. They were:

♦ Dr William Overholt - Managing Director, Bankers Trust Company, who has spoken at a luncheon on "China : An Emerging Economic Powerhouse";

* Mr Matthew Harrison - Director, Research and Planning, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, spoke at a luncheon on "Asian Stock Markets : Investing in Equities";

♦ Dr York Liao - Managing Director, Varitronix International Limited, spoke at Plenary II on "Asia-Pacific Dynamics: Trade, Investment and Business Opportunities";

* Mr Anthony Wong - Senior Assistant Director (Regulatory), Office of the Telecommunications Authority, spoke in the Concurrent Session on Telecommunications on "Deregulating and Improving Markel Access";

* Professor Richard Ho - Dean of Faculty of Business, City University of Hong Kong, participated as panellist in the Concurrent Session on Financial and Capital Markets on the session on "Financial Markets and Institutions: Guidelines for Emerging Economies";

* Mr Chu 1 lon-fai - Director, Dah Chong I long Ltd. spoke at the Food and Agriculture Forum on "Opportunities for Growth in the Pacific Food System"; and

* Mr Roger Bradshaw - Project Manager, Rabobank. Hong Kong, spoken at the Food and Agriculture Forum on the finance aspect of macroeconomics affecting the regional food system as a general outlook for the Pacific.

The Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Co- operation (HKCPEC), established in March 1990 to co-ordinate the territory's participation and input to PECC, has increased in membership over the years to keep in pace with the greater diversity of activities of PECC.

Appointments to HKCPEC are approved by the Financial Secretary in Hong Kong. The current term of membership, comprising a total of 22 members, is made up of nine from the business sector, eight from the government and five from the academia. Ten members took part in the PECC XI General Meeting.

Besides the PECC XI, Hong Kong has been an active participant in the task force/project activities of the PECC, including the following:

♦ Pacific Economic Outlook (PEO) - Hong Kong has been an active participant in the PEO. On the part of Forecast, a Hong Kong Forecaster contributes the economic forecast of the local economy which forms a separate chapter as in the case of the major economies, in the annual PEO publication containing the economic forecasts of economies in the region. Representatives from the tripartite sectors rotate to be the Hong Kong Forecaster on a two year basis. Mr Kwok Kwok-chuen, Chief Economist (NE Asia), Standard Chartered Bank, is the Hong Kong Forecaster for 1995-96 and 1996-97. Professor Liu Pak-wai, Chairman, Economies Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, the immediate former forecaster, was just announced at PECC Plenary to have made the most accurate forecast of GDP for 1994-95.

As regards the other part of the PEO, the Structural Project, Mr Lee Jark-pui, Director, Lippo Limited, is Hong Kong's representative in the International Advisory Group which Mr Tang Kwong-yiu, Government Economist and his colleagues in the Financial Services Branch have worked on collecting data and analysis to prepare for the economy's paper on each topic developed under the Project.

* Financial Markets Development Project - A local Financial Markets Development Project Committee has been set up, chaired by Professor Richard Ho and comprises tripartite membership. Hong Kong has undertaken to work on a research on the topic 'The Role of Fund Management Industry in Boosting Economic Growth'. In the last project meeting held in May 1995 in Chicago, Professor Richard Ho, Mrs Lessie Wei, Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and a representative from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority attended the meeting.

* Trade Policy Forum - In the Seventh Trade Policy Forum held in Chinese Taipei in April 1995, there were five participants from Hong Kong and one of them presented a paper on the implementation of WTO : anti-dumping agreement.

* Air Transport Meeting - Senior officials from the Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragon Airlines and an Assistant Director of the Civil Aviation Department attended the meeting and the latter made a presentation on 'Impact of Regulatory Systems on Air Transport Services'.

* In the field of Science and Technology, Dr James Liu, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Industrial Technology Co-operation Council is Hong Kong's representative to the International Advisory Group of the Science and Technology (S&T) Task Force. He just attended the S&T Task Force meeting on September 28 in Beijing.

In addition, Hong Kong will further contribute to PECC's work by offering to host the next Standing Committee and Co-ordination Group meeting in Hong Kong in April next year. The Standing Committee deals with the policy issues of PECC while the Co-ordinating Group determines its program priorities.

Hong Kong will be seconding a Senior Directorate Officer of the Civil Service to PECC Secretariat to take up the post of the Director-General starting early next year for a term of three years. Hong Kong will remain as a separate member committee of the PECC after 1997.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Transcurasian expedition landrovers leave for London • ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

At 11 am on Sunday (October 1), the Landrover Discovery and two Landrover Defenders of the TransEurAsian Expedition 1995 will leave the main gate of the Prince of Wales Barracks in Central on their 15,000-mile, 10-week journey to London across 13 countries.

The expedition, to raise money for Oxfam Hong Kong, Project Orbis and the Hong Kong Adventure Corps, consists of eight men and three women drawn from the former Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Hong Kong Military Service Corps.

They will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Kestrel Simson, the former Commanding Officer of The Volunteers.

Attention News Editors:

You are invited to cover the event. Facility will be provided at which it will be possible to photograph the expedition leaving the Prince of Wales Barracks and driving south towards Connaught Road Central.

Members of the press should be in position opposite and outside the Barrack's main gate by 10.50 am. There will be no access given to the Barracks.

Lieutenant Colonel Simson will make a short statement and answer a few questions before the departure.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Civic Education Exhibition moves to Wong Tai Sin ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Civic Education Exhibition 1995, which explores the rights and protections enshrined in the newly passed Sex Discrimination Ordinance and Disability Discrimination Ordinance, will move to Lok Fu Shopping Centre in Wong Tai Sin tomorrow (Saturday).

Members of the public should not miss the chance to visit the exhibition which has been well received when it was first held in mid-August in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Organised by the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education, the display aims to illustrate its work theme for this year: "Equal Opportunities and Elimination of Discrimination".

Exhibits depicting the major principles of the two new anti-discrimination laws, together with two electronic quiz games on the subject, will be featured in the venue.

Videos on world children borrowed from the Hong Kong Committee for United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will be screened to let visitors learn more about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was extended to Hong Kong in October last year.

Coupled with this is an eye-catching four-metre long mechanical set-up, in which some movable cartoon figures will spell out the basic rights of children.

Another interesting demonstration will focus on the Basic Law to familiarise the public with their rights and obligations under the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.

Other highlights are the winning entries of the Cartoon/Illustration Competition on Equal Opportunities and Elimination of Discrimination, and the top three Outstanding Civic Education Projects for 1994-95.

The exhibition will be open for two days from 10 am to 6.30 pm. Admission is free and gifts will be available for participants.

Attention News Editors:

Your representatives are invited to cover the Civic Education Exhibition 1995 which will be open from 10 am tomorrow (Saturday) at the atrium on UG 2, Lok Fu Shopping Centre, Phase 2, Wong Tai Sin.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Appointments to travel industry fund management board ♦ ♦ * ♦ *

The Government announced in today’s (Friday) Gazette appointments to the Travel Industry Compensation Fund Management Board. Dr James Kung Ziang-mien has been re-appointed Chairman of the Management Board for a period of two years from October 15, 1995.

All the other existing non-official members have been re-appointed for the same period. They are Mrs Pamela Chan, Mr Colin Chau, Mr Frank Chen, Mr Simon Hau Suk-kei, Mr Anthony Hung, Mr Tam Kai-on and Mr Patrick Yeung.

’’The chairman and members of the Management Board, with their experience and standing in their respective fields, have played a valuable role in formulating investment strategies for the Travel Industry Compensation Fund,” a government spokesman said.

"The re-appointment for a term of two years will provide continuity for the management board to oversee its investment strategy in its early years," he added.

The Travel Industry Compensation Fund Management Board was established on October 15, 1993 under the Travel Agents Ordinance. Its function is to hold, manage and apply the Fund in accordance with provisions in the Ordinance.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Licence of Fukutoku Bank revoked ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A government spokesman said today (Friday) that the banking licence of the Fukutoku Bank Ltd has been revoked.

The Fukutoku Bank, which is incorporated in Japan, has been operating in Hong Kong as a licensed bank since 1992. As part of its restructuring plan, it has decided to close its branch in Hong Kong and New York and to focus on the domestic market.

The spokesman said the bank's decision to cease business in Hong Kong merely reflects its corporate strategy.

"There is continuing interest of foreign banks entering the local market. Five new licences have been granted since the beginning of 1995." he said.

There are now 182 licensed banks in Hong Kong, of which 151 are incorporated outside the territory.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Tenders invited for slope upgrading works

*****

The Civil Engineering Department is inviting tenders for upgrading 30 slopes and retaining walls throughout the territory under its accelerated Landslip Preventive Measures (LPM) Programme.

The works are expected to start in early December for completion in two years.

The Chief Geotechnical Engineer of the department’s Geotechnical Engineering Office, Mr Allan Watkins, pointed out that the contract for the upgrading works was the third one to be offered under the accelerated LPM programme this year.

He recalled that the announcement by the Secretary for Works earlier this year that the Government's programme to upgrade government-owned man-made slopes listed in the 1977 Slope Catalogue would be completed by the year 2000 at a cost of some $1.3 billion.

Mr Watkins said at least four contracts per year were expected to be let over the five-year duration of the programme.

"Studies of private slopes and retaining walls have also been accelerated considerably and that over 200 slopes will be studied in the year 1995/96.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Chief Geotechnical Engineer/Works, Geotechnical Engineering Office, I Oth floor, Civil Engineering Building, 101 Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon.

Tender offer will close at noon on October 20, 1995.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Tenders invited for Fanling site ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Department is inviting cash tenders in Letter A/B or cash for a 11,288-square-metre site in Fanling, New Territories, for commercial/residential purposes.

Details of the tender notice are published in the Gazette today (Friday).

A spokesman for the Lands Department said tenders could be submitted on the basis of Letter A/B or Cash or both but first consideration would be given to Letter A/B tenders.

"In the event that no Letter A/B tender is received, cash tender will be considered," he said.

The spokesman added that there were no restrictions on the eligibility of cash tenderers.

The site, originally earmarked for commercial purpose, has failed to attract bidders at an auction in January this year. It has now been rezoned for commercial/residential purposes.

Tenders will close at noon on October 27 (Friday).

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

New pier plans for patrol launch

*****

The Government intends to construct a pier with a catwalk and demolish an existing one within an area of about 4,400 square metres of foreshore and sea-bed at the east of Gemini Point in Tsuen Wan.

The pier will be used to provide berthing facility for patrol launch of the Marine Traffic Control station at Ma Wan.

Work is scheduled to commence in March next year for completion in January 1997.

The extent of the area affected is described in a notice published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).

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 before November 29.

The notice (in both English and Chinese) together with its related plans can be seen on the notice boards posted near the site.

The plan can also be seen at the Lands Department Survey and Mapping Office, 14th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road (where copies can be purchased on order), and at the Tsuen Wan District Office, first floor, Tsuen Wan Station Multi-storey Carpark Building, 174 - 208 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Construction of ferry berths on Lamma Island ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

.... ■< J,. >J> l,.t ; . ■ ' •

The Civil Engineering Department (CED) is inviting tenders for the construction of ferry berths at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island.

The works comprise the construction of an approximately 75-metre long piled-deck type public pier with two berths and a roof cover.

A spokesman for the CED said: "Upon completion, one berth of the pier will be used non-exclusively by the ferries of Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Company Limited and the other berth will be for public use.

"To enhance the aesthetical appearance of the pier structure, a lively wingshaped roof cover design is adopted instead of the conventional flat roof type. The structure will become a prominent feature and add touristic value to the island," he added.

Construction is expected to start in January 1996 and will take about 18 months to complete.

The works have been designed by Port Works Division of the Civil Engineering Office, CED. The division will also supervise the construction.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Chief Engineer, Port Works Division, Civil Engineering Office, CED, fifth floor, Civil Engineering Building, 101 Princess Margaret Road, Kowloon,

Tender offers will close at noon on October 27.

.. '■

. .. , . . ?H :>:» >■.- .

End/Friday, September 29,1995 • 1

Pre-qualification submissions invited for sludge disposal

*****

The Drainage Services Department is inviting pre-qualification submissions for a contract for collecting and disposing sewage sludge for the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works for a period of five years.

The treatment works is under construction.

The contract will include the design, construction, provision, operation and maintenance of related facilities and mobile plants, as well as transportation of sewage sludge to landfills.

A notice inviting submissions was gazetted today (Friday).

Contractors are invited to apply for pre-qualification documents from the project's consultant, Montgomery Watson Hong Kong Limited, at 1911 Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay.

The closing date for applications is noon on November 10.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Tenders invited for water mains laying in Tseung Kwan O ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Water Supplies Department is inviting tenders for laying 1.5 kilometres of fresh water mains in Tseung Kwan O.

Works are expected to start in December for completion in about 18 months.

On completion, the existing supply system will be expanded to meet the increasing demand for water in the new town.

Tender forms and further particulars can be obtained from the Water Supplies Department, 44th floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Tender offers will close at noon on October 20.

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

*****

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change (Smillion)

Opening balance in the account 2,406 0930 NIL

Closing balance in the account 2,769 1000 NIL

Change attributable to : 1100 NIL

Money market activity +698 1200 +2

LAF today -335 1500 +2

1600 +698

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 121.7 ♦-0.4* 29.9.95 '

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

EF bills EF notes Coupon Price Yield

Terms Yield Term Issue

1 week 5.81 2 years 2708 6.06 100.10 6.09

1 month 5.75 3 years 3807 6.16 99.59 6.42

3 months 5.74 5 years 5009 6.95 99.80 7.12

6 months 5.75 5 years M501 7.90 101.95 7.53

12 months 5.76

Total turnover of EF bills and notes - $7,901 million

Closed September 29, 1995

End/Friday, September 29, 1995

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 2842 8777

Saturday, September 30,1995

Contents

Page No.

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's remarks.................................. 1

New Hong Kong/US air services arrangements agreed............................ 1

Consultation period on urban renewal to be extended.......................... 3

Firing practice in October................................................... 3

Fund-raising schedule for October............................................ 4

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations......................... 5

Sunday, October 1,1995

Contents

Page No.

Governor's "Letter to Hong Kong"............................................ 6

Warning on stealing water from public fire services......................... 8

Seminar on prevention of drug abuse......................................... 9

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's remarks

*****

The following is the transcript of remarks made by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, at the airport this (Saturday) evening on her return to Hong Kong after participating in the Hong Kong-Japan Partnership promotion:

Chief Secretary: Good evening every one. I am glad to be back. We've had very successful one week tour of Japan, visiting Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. Members of the Hong Kong team had a very very warm reception. There was a very enthusiastic response to all the events that we organised. As you know, I met with the Prime Minister, Mr Murayama, other senior Japanese officials as well as leading members of the Japanese community. There is considerable interest in Hong Kong, in how we are faring at present, how we are preparing for the transition and particular concern about life in Hong Kong after 1997. We were able on this occasion to take the opportunity to address specific concerns, particularly in giving assurance that Hong Kong will remain unchanged, that the rule of law will continue, that we will have a credible legislature and that our systems and basic freedoms will be retained after 1997. The Prime Minister and his senior colleagues as well as business leaders assured us that they will continue to be interested in investing in Hong Kong, they find Hong Kong a very good place to live in and work in and to invest in and provided that we remain largely as we are now after 1997 Japan will continue to invest in Hong Kong.

End/Saturday, September 30, 1995

New Hong Kong/US air services arrangements agreed

*****

A new expansionary Hong Kong/US air services traffic rights package was agreed yesterday (Friday) in Hong Kong after four days of negotiations. Discussion on the text of an air services agreement (ASA) has also concluded.

It is expected that ASA will be formally confirmed soon for submission to the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group.

The traffic rights are contained in a Memorandum of Understanding which takes immediate effect. The Air Services Agreement itself requires clearance by the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group prior to signature.

As a result of the understanding reached yesterday, new traffic rights for both Hong Kong and US carriers will become immediately available. These include:

* opportunities for new direct routings between up to 14 US cities and Hong Kong;

♦ significantly increased rights for the airlines of both sides to carry both passengers and cargo to third countries.

All sides expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the talks, which is expected to widen consumer choice and provide a stable framework for the future development of US/Hong Kong air services.

The acting Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Leo Kwan, welcomed the news.

He said: "The traffic rights package announced today is both balanced and expansionary, and represents the culmination of eight years of negotiations. It provides exciting opportunities for our airlines to fly to new points in the USA.

"We expect a range of new passenger and cargo routes to be launched soon by the airlines of both sides which will strengthen Hong Kong's position as the preeminent aviation hub in this region up to and beyond 1997."

Elaborating on points of interest to US carriers, the Director of the State Department's Office of Aviation Negotiations and Chairman of the US Delegation, Mr Edward O'Donnell, said: "The new stand alone agreement will provide the stability in this important aviation relationship that US carriers, shippers and travellers require."

Referring to the significant new opportunities under the agreement, Mr O'Donnell said: "US cargo carriers are looking forward to bringing new services to Hong Kong’s trading community.

"We are also glad that another piece of United Airline's soon-to-begin Round-the-World service has fallen into place with this agreement."

End/Saturday, September 30, 1995

Consultation period on urban renewal to be extended

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A spokesman for the Planning, Environment and Lands Branch announced today (Saturday) that the public consultation on the urban renewal policy would be extended by one month to end on November 15.

■ I • .......

The Branch issued the "Urban Renewal: Public Consultation Document" in July, outlining a comprehensive package of proposals to expedite the urban renewal process, to invite comments from the public.

Concerned organisations including the Legislative Council, district boards and relevant professional bodies have been consulted.

Upon the request of Legislative Councillors, the spokesman said the Government decided to extend the consultation exercise by one month to allow the new Legislative Council to be consulted.

"Moreover, many individuals and organisations have requested for more time to think through the Government's proposals given the complexity and importance of the issue," the spokesman said.

"We welcome all views on the issue, the pace of which has a profound impact on the quality of life of the community."

End/Saturday, September 30,1995

Firing practice in October

*****

Firing practice will take place at the Ha Tsuen/Castle Peak Range on two days this 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

October 30 (Monday)

October 31 (Tuesday)

Time

8 am-11.59 pm midnight - 4.30 pm

End/Saturday, September 30, 1995

Fund-raising schedule for October ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

• •

Seven organisations have been granted permission to raise funds next month (October), a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department said today (Saturday).

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 2343 2255 in case of doubt.

Any organisation planning to hold activities involving collection of money or sale or exchange for donation of badges, tokens or similar articles in a public place for charitable purposes should apply for a public subscription permit from the Social Welfare Department.

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:

Elag_Day

Event Date Organisation

October 7 Po Leung Kuk

October 14 Hong Kong Sports Association for the Mentally Handicapped

October 21 The Society of Homes for the Handicapped

October 28 Chinese Rhenish Church - Hong Kong Synod

Public Subscription

Event Day Organisation

October 1,8, 15, Jesus is Lord School of Ministry (HK) Ltd

22 & 29

October 1 Oxfam Hong Kong

October 14 Land of Virtue Centre Ltd

End/Saturday, September 30, 1995

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations ♦ * * * ♦

$ million Time (hours) Cumulative change ($ million)

Opening balance in the account 2,769 09:30 NIL

Closing balance in the account 2,194 10:00 NIL

Change attributable to: 11:00 NIL

Money market activity NIL 11:30 NIL

LAF today -575 15:00

LAF rate 4.25% bid/6.25% offer TWI 122.0 *+0.3* 30.9.95

End/Saturday, September 30, 1995

Governor’s ’’Letter to Hong Kong” *****

Following is the full text of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's broadcast on RTHK's "Letter to Hong Kong" this (Sunday) morning:

Do you have the feeling that anything revolutionary has happened in the last few weeks? That Hong Kong has been convulsed by change? That the ground has shifted, as in some great geological disaster, beneath our feet?

You don’t feel any of that? Things still seem pretty normal to you? Well, they do to me as well. September has been a momentous month, but not exactly earth-shattering.

That must come as quite a shock to some people. They predicted that the much promised, steady, not-too-fast, not-too-slow demoralisation of Hong Kong would at best see us falling flat on our face, and at worst that it would bring havoc and turmoil.

They said that about our District Board elections. But no havoc.

They said it again about our Municipal Council elections. No turmoil then, either.

And two Sundays ago, we carried through the first elections for a wholly elected Legislative Council. And once again Hong Kong people took it in their stride. A free people exercising their freedom responsibly and maturely.

Three things struck me about the elections.

First, sometimes it’s said that no one in Hong Kong is really all that interested in politics. Well, frankly, no one anywhere is all that interested in politics. People in Hong Kong are about as interested in politics as people anywhere else. Which is to say that if you ask them whether they want to be consulted a bit more or a bit less about their destiny, about the way the community is run on their behalf, they opt for a bit more say.

The international magazine, "The Economist", had a fascinating little chart in their edition last week showing how Hong Kong people have gradually, but enthusiastically, come to exercise their civic rights. It noted that in 1981 just over 6,000 - yes, that was 6,000 - votes were cast, whereas over the last year about 3 million votes have been dropped into the territory’s ballot boxes.

The second thing that impressed me about our elections was - once again - the moderation and decency of the campaign and of the comments afterwards. Big issues discussed without rancour. Vigorous debate conducted courteously. I shall always recall the dignity and good grace of some of the losing speeches. Magnanimity isn't always easy in victory; it's a good deal more difficult in defeat. Yet we saw and heard it here in abundance. And, of course, we listened to many of the winners accepting, with a touch of humility, the huge responsibility that goes with electoral success. There's been no crowing since the elections. No auction of promises that none of us will be able to afford. Those of us who've experienced elections in other countries might sometimes compare and contrast the much less responsible behaviour we've often seen elsewhere.

My third impression is about the consistency of Hong Kong's voters. In 1991, just after Tiananmen, a bit over 60% of voters supported those usually regarded as the most pro-democracy candidates. "A flash in the pan", some people said. Well, four years on - and once again about the same proportion have backed the same candidates. Opinion in Hong Kong doesn't seem to budge very much, despite all the ups and downs of the last 4 years.

But it's worth noting that united front candidates did quite well, too - as did some Liberals and independents. So the new Legislative Council will represent the whole community, every shade of opinion in it. Everyone took part in the elections, and the result is a credible, broadly-based legislature.

Hong Kong has once again shown its maturity. But what happens next? Will these elections bring good government to a halt? Or will we be able to demonstrate that we can give Hong Kong what it was promised, specifically in 1984, "a firmly based democratic administration".

That is what we are determined to do. It's our job in this government to give a lead, and to take the final responsibility. But we want to work constructively and in partnership with legislators, playing our part in a shared endeavour for the good of the whole community. We'll discuss. Listen. Try to persuade. That's what happens in good government. There's give and take. But, naturally, at the end of the day the buck stops with me, with Anson Chan and Donald Tsang, and with our senior officials. Make no mistake, we are confident that we can rise to the challenges ahead, as successfully as the whole community has met those of the last few years.

The votes two weeks ago weren't votes for irresponsibility. They weren't votes for endless political punch-ups. They were votes for Hong Kong's much promised high degree of autonomy. Votes for Hong Kong's way of life. And votes for the formula on which our success has been built.

Business-friendly government with a heart. Low taxes. Prudent spending. The link to the US dollar. Growing help for the needy, the sick, the disabled. Better education. Safe homes and streets.

We know that there are some issues which worried more and more people as the election campaign unfolded. That's what the legislators and political parties have been telling me this week. Above all, worries about unemployment. It may be low by international standards. But it's high by ours. And for everyone who loses a job, that means 100% unemployment - at least until another decent employment opportunity comes along. So perhaps more than any other measure, we've got to work with legislators to make sure that we can create more jobs, good jobs, that will last.

In a complex society like ours that's not just a matter for the planners and economists. There's that intangible factor called confidence, too. If we in Hong Kong can demonstrate convincingly, as I believe we can, that democratic advance and good government can go hand-in-hand, that, more than almost anything else, will convince investors here and in the rest of the world that Hong Kong is still the best place to put your money. And the jobs, the growth and the prosperity will continue to follow.

How much that would be helped if Chinese officials w ould show for their part that the best way of learning about Hong Kong, about our success and how to safeguard it, is to talk to the people who most clearly represent the majority views of the community. Talk to others certainly. But it doesn't make sense to exclude the men and women that Hong Kong votes for. They're the best people to tell you what this place is really thinking.

Sooner or later the talking will have to start. So let's make it sooner. That's what the people want. And it's not really much to ask. about 600 days from the handover, is it?

End/Sunday, October 1, 1995

Warning on stealing water from public fire services * ♦ ♦ * ♦

fhe Water Supplies Department today (Sunday) wants the public that it is an offence to tamper with and steal water from public fire service installations.

The warning is issued following three recent court cases involving such offences.

In the first case, a Kwai Chung metal electroplating operator was caught red-handed by the department's prosecution staff while drawing water from a fire service installation for his own use. He was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $1,200 for the water misused.

In the other two cases, the operators of a Kwun Tong factory canteen and a Kowloon City restaurant were convicted of altering the fire service installations for food preparation. They were each fined $1,500 in addition to a charge of $250 for the water misused.

End/Sunday, October 1, 1995

Seminar on prevention of drug abuse ♦ * * * ♦

Members of the public are invited to join a seminar on October 14 which aims to allow parents, teachers and social workers to share ideas on the prevention of teenage drug abuse.

Organised by the Kwun Tong District Fight Crime Committee and sponsored by the Kwun Tong District Board, the seminar will be held from 2 pm and 5 pm in the Kwun Tong Community Centre at 17 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong.

Participants are free to join the small group discussions with experienced teachers, social workers and representatives from voluntary agencies.

Topics will include an introduction to various types of drugs, reasons for teenagers becoming drug abusers, ways to help youngsters stay away from drugs and how to lead a normal life after rehabilitation.

A former drug addict who had overcome the problem successfully and eventually became a deputy chief executive of the Wu Oi Christian Centre, Mr Lee Fai-ping, will talk about his own experience at the seminar which will be conducted in Cantonese.

Application forms are now available at the Kwun Tong District Office on the ground floor of Kwun Tong District Branch Offices Building, 6 Tung Yan Street, or at the Yau Tong Sub-office on the ground floor of Ko Yuen House, Ko Yee Estate, Yau Tong.

Completed forms should reach the Yau Tong Sub-office by post or fax, 2717 1225, before October 6.

For enquiries, please contact the Yau Tong Sub-office on 2775 0211.

End/Sunday, October 1, 1995

Daily Information Bulletin - 1990s - 1995 - SEP - ENG