Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1986 - APR - ENG





 DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SUPPORT FOR BANKS AND EXCHANGE FUND...................... 1

CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1986 ....................... 3

FORSGATE ELECTED UC CHAIRMAN, ELSIE TU IS NEW VICE CHAIRMAN . 3

CHEUNG ELECTED REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ................ 4

U.S. MAKES EA CALL ON NIGHTWEAR.......................... 6

NEED FOR MORE POST-EXPERIENCE MANAGFSffiNT TRAINING ..... 6

REMINDER FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ................... 7

NEW TSUEN MS FOOTBRIDGES PLANNED ........................ 8

NEW WATERWORKS DEPOT AT TAI 0 ........................... 8

CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT RELOCATED ....................... 8

DETAILS OF MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEME ......................... 9

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES THIS MONTH............ 9

BOARD TO DISCUSS CONTROL OF BILLIARD HALLS .............. 10

POSTAL SERVICES TO FINLAND AFFECTED ..................... 10

FINANCIAL NEWS HOURLY ON RTHK............................ 11

PLB RESTRICTION IN SHAM SHUT PO ......................... 11

ROAD CLOSED FOR REPAIRS ................................. 12

FIRING PRACTICE.......................................... I2

WATER STORAGE FIGURE..................................... 13

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

1

SUPPORT FOR BANKS AND EXCHANGE FUND ******

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT TODAY:

+1 WILL RESPOND IN FULL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEEK TO THE POINTS MADE IN THE BUDGET DEBATE ABOUT VARIOUS BANKING AND EXCHANGE FUND MATTERS. IN LIGHT OF SOME COMMENTS REPORTED IN THE PRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS I WANT TO MAKE FOUR POINTS IMMEDIATELY TO REMOVE THE CONFUSION WHICH EXISTS IN CERTAIN QUARTERS.

(1) UNDERLYING STRATEGY OF MINIMUM RISK TO SAFEGUARD ECONOMY

AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, I HAVE BEEN FACED WITH A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS IN THE BANKING SECTOR SINCE END OF 1982. EACH OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS BEEN TACKLED -- AND TACKLED SUCCESSFULLY -- BY THE MEANS MOST APPROPRIATE TO THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM.

OUR UNDERLYING STRATEGY THROUGHOUT HAS BEEN TO MAINTAIN THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG AND ITS FINANCIAL SYSTEM ON WHICH OUR TRADE, INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT DEPEND. WE HAVE DELIBERATELY FOLLOWED A POLICY OF RUNNING THE MINIMUM RISK IN THE SOLUTION TO EACH DIFFICULTY.

OUR PARTICULAR AIM HAS BEEN THE PROTECTION OF THE DEPOSITS OF THE CITIZENS OF HONG KONG AND THE CONFIDENCE OF BANKERS HERE AND INTERNATIONALLY IN OUR BANKING SYSTEM. WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE FIRES AS THEY OCCUR AND WE USE THE APPROPRIATE MEANS TO PUT THEM OUT AT MINIMUM POSSIBLE COST BEFORE THE FIRES CAN SPREAD.

OUR PRIME CONCERN IS NOT WITH SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT BUT RATHER IN MAKING HONG KONG A PLACE WHERE DEPOSITORS LARGE AND SMALL, DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL, CAN INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE.

(2) IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRES IMMEDIATE POWERS

FOR THIS REASON POWERS MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE BANKING COMMISSIONER. IF IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NECESSARY, POWERS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO BE USED IMMEDIATELY. THAT IS WHY THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE GIVES CLEAR POWERS TO BE USED WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONSIDERS THEIR USE APPROPRIATE. EQUALLY, THE BANKING ORDINANCE GIVES THE NECESSARY IMMEDIATE POWERS TO THE BANKING COMMISSIONER.

BANKING SECRECY WHICH IS REQUIRED IN EVERY INTERNATIONAL CENTRE AND SHARE PRICE SENSITIVITY OF INFORMATION MAKE OPEN DEBATE IMPOSSIBLE. BUT IF THIS WAS NOT THE CASE, THERE REMAINS THE PRACTICAL POINT THAT THE EXERCISE OF THE POWERS CANNOT AWAIT A POLICY DEBATE.

/THE financial .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

- 2

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE BANKING COMMISSIONER WOULD RIGHTLY BE CRITICISED IF THEY STOOD AND WATCHED A COLLAPSE LEADING TO A RUN ON SEVERAL BANKS BECAUSE THEY CONSIDERED THEY HAD NO POWERS OR WERE AFRAID TO USE THE POWERS THEY POSSESSED.

(3) PREVENTION OF DIFFICULTIES

WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ACTUAL EVENTS NOT ABOUT THEORETICAL POSSIBILITIES. THE DEBATE SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT THE USE OF POWERS TO DEAL WITH THE FIRE BUT ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION. THE NEW BANKING BILL HAS BEEN PUT FORWARD WITH THESE ISSUES IN MIND.

(4) SUFFICIENCY OF EXCHANGE FUND

IF ANY OF THE CONFUSION ARISES FROM DOUBTS ABOUT THE SIZE

OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, LET ME MAKE THE POSITION CLEAR. THE

SURPLUSES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND -- LET ME EMPHASISE, THE SURPLUSES — ARE HONG KONG’S INNER RESERVES. THESE HAVE BEEN GROWING IN SPITE OF ALL THE DIFFICULTIES AT A VERY SATISFACTORY RATE IN RECENT YEARS AND CONTINUE TO DO SO.

ACTION WE HAVE TAKEN TO SUPPORT SOME BANKS HAS, BY PRESERVING STABILITY, PROTECTED THE EXCHANGE FUND FROM HAVING TO BE USED IN A MORE DIRECT WAY AT A MUCH GREATER COST. IN ANY CASE, IF THE SUM OF ALL THE CONTINGENT LIABILITIES INCURRED IN MAINTAINING ORDER IN THE BANKING SECTOR HAD TO BE MET — WHICH IS MOST UNLIKELY -- THE COST TO THE EXCHANGE FUND WOULD BE MUCH LESS THAN THE GROWTH IN THE SURPLUSES OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

IN OTHER WORDS, THE ACTUAL COST OF THE SUPPORT IS WELL WITHIN THE GROWTH OF THE SURPLUS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WHILE ACTION TAKEN THIS WAY SAVES BOTH A SEVERE POTENTIAL LOSS BY THE FUND AND MORE IMPORTANTLY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DISTRESS.

THE PROOF OF THE SUCCESS OF THIS POLICY IS SEEN IN INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG. INTERNATIONAL BANKS ARE STILL QUEUING TO ENTER HONG KONG AND ONE REASON FOR THIS CONFIDENCE IS THAT INTERNATIONAL BANKERS ARE CONVINCED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL DEAL IMMEDIATELY WITH PROBLEMS AS THEY ARISE AS WOULD ANY OTHER CENTRAL BANK IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRIALISED SOCIETY.+

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT 1986

******

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR DAVID FORD, MET THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AND THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR PAY CLAIMS FOR 1986. THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL ALSO MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.

+THE RESULTS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION’S PAY TREND SURVEY AND THE VIEWS OF THE STAFF SIDES OF THE THREE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS WERE CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THIS MORNING,+ SAID MR FORD. +WE WERE AUTHORISED TO OFFER TO THE STAFF SIDES A PAY AWARD OF 6.96 PER CENT ACROSS THE BOARD.+

THE OFFER WAS ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE STAFF SIDES OF ALL THREE COUNCILS.

THE 6.96 PER CENT INCREASE ALSO APPLIES TO DIRECTORATE OFFICERS. FUNDS FOR THE PAY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE WHOLE CIVIL SERVICE WILL BE SOUGHT AT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ON APRIL 23. IF APPROVED, REVISED SALARIES WILL BE PAID AT THE END OF MAY.

-----o------

FORSGATE ELECTED UC CHAIRMAN, ELSIE TU IS NEW VICE CHAIRMAN * * *

MR H.M.G. GERRY FORSGATE TODAY CROWNED 21 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL WHEN HE WAS CHOSEN AS CHAIRMAN FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS, SUCCEEDING MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.

MR FORSGATE WAS ELECTED BY 19 VOTES TO 10 AGAINST HIS SOLE OPPONENT, MRS ELSIE TU.

HOWEVER, MRS TU WAS HERSELF CHOSEN AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, WINNING BY 18 VOTES TO 10 AGAINST HER SOLE OPPONENT, MR PAO PING-WING.

ONE COUNCILLOR, MRS MARGARET LI, WAS OUT OF HONG KONG, WHILE IN THE ELECTION FOR VICE CHAIRMAN, ONE VOTE WAS DECLARED INVALID.

THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO HAVE SIX NEW CHAIRMEN OF SELECT COMMITTEES, AS FOLLOWS:

/MB PAO .......

TOESD1Y, APRIL 1, 1986

MR PAO PING-WING IS TO CHAIR THE CAPITAL WORKS SELECT mMMlTTFF WITH MRS MARGARET LI AS VICE CHAIRMAN MR HILTON CHeSngIEeIn WILL CHAIR DISTRICT RELATIONS SELECT COMMITTEE (Sr KAM-?ING *S VICE CHAIRMAN) DR RONALD LEUNG, FMVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE (MR TONG KAM—BlU) MR WALTER qin KF FINANCE SELECT COMMITTEE (MR MARVIN CHEUNG) MISS ^hiYEUNG FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE (MR L.H. KWAN) AND MR LEE CHlK™ET, Samets AND STREET TRADERS (MRS ELSIE TO).

CHAIRMEN AND VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE REMAINING SEVEN SELECT COMMITTEES ARE AS FOLLOW:

ADMINISTRATION, DR KIM CHAM (MRS NELLIE FONG) CULTURE, i Au/DFMrF FUNG (MR LO KING—MAN) ENTERTAINMENT, MR STEPncN * FREDERICK K K FUNG) LIBRARIES, MR JOSEPH CHAN (MR Um CHAK^PIU) LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD, MR PETER C.K. CHAN (MR KWAN LIM-HO) MUSEUMS, DR PHILIP KWOK (MR LAM CHAK-PIU) RECREATION, MR HOWARD YOUNG (MR SAMUEL WONG).

- - 0 -

CHEUNG ELECTED REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

* * *

MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY WHEN THE COUNCIL OFFICIALLY CAME INTO BEING.

ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMAN WAS MR NATHAN MA.

THE ELECTION TOOK PLACE JUST BEFORE THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.

MR-CHEUNG AND MR MA HELD SIMILAR POSTS IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WHICH CEASED TO EXIST WHEN ITS ONE-YEAR TERM ENDED ON MARCH 31.

AT ITS INAUGURAL MEETING HELD SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF 36, AGREED TO APPOINT MRS PAMELA TAN, SECRETARY OF THE FORMER PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, AS SECRETARY CF THE FULL COUNCIL.

THE MEETING DECIDED THAT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHICH REPLACES THE NEW TERRITORIES LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD AS THE LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA FROM TODAY, SHOULD ADOPT A LICENSING SCHEME BASED ON THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES PREVIOUSLY FOLLOWED BY THE BOARD.

ALSO DECIDED WAS THE ADOPTION OF THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE THAT HAD WORKED EFFECTIVELY FOR THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.

/THE DIHBCTOH .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE, COMPRISING THREE SELECT COMMITTEES AND NINE DISTRICT COMMITTEES, REDUCED THE WORKLOAD AT THE CENTRE AND ENABLE POLICY MATTERS TO BE EXAMINED IN DETAIL AT SELECT COMMITTEE LEVEL.

+IT ALSO PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE IN CATERING FOR THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF THE NINE DISTRICTS AND ALLOWED OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS TO EE RESOLVED AT DISTRICT LEVEL,+ HE SAID.

MR HAMMOND NOTED, HOWEVER, IT MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE SELECT COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT COMMITTEES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE SET UP, IN THE COURSE OF TIME, SOME SUB-COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH SPECIFIC LONG OR SHORT TERM TASKS.

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL RATIFIED THE 1986/87 ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS BODY BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR.

THE TOTAL REVENUE OF THE COUNCIL IS ESTIMATED AT $1 004.4 MILLION WHILE THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED AT $853.6 MILLION.

MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE TIME-TABLE AND PROCEDURE TO ELECT A NEW REPRESENTATIVE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE.

A FRESH ELECTION IS NECESSARY AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER FROM THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD TO VACATE HIS SEAT TODAY WHEN THE PROVISIONAL RC CEASED TO EXIST.

THE COUNCIL ALSO RESOLVED TO DELEGATE CERTAIN OF ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS TO OFFICERS OF ITS EXECUTIVE ARM, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SO THAT DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS MAY CONTINUE ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL.

TO ENABLE MATTERS, WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THE COUNCIL’S ASSUMPTION OF STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ITS PROPER FUNCTIONING, TO BE DEALT WITH AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, IT WAS AGREED TO HOLD TWO MORE MEETINGS THIS MONTH, ON APRIL 15 AND 29.

FROM MAY ONWARDS, THE COUNCIL WILL MEET ONCE A MONTH ON THE FOURTH OR LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON OF EACH MONTH.

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/6........

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 198’6

U.S. MAKES EA CALL ON NIGHTWEAR *****

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION (EA) CALL ON CATEGORY 651 (MAN-MADE FIBRE PYJAMAS AND OTHER NIGHTWEAR).

THIS IS THE FIRST EA CALL MADE BY THE UNITED STATES IN 1986.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HONG KONG/U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED ISSUE OF FURTHER EAS IN THE CATEGORY WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FOR THIS CATEGORY AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION.

- - 0 - -

NEED FOR MORE POST-EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT TRAINING * * * *

THE COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS CALLED ON EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE BETTER AND MORE RELEVANT POST-EXPERIENCE COURSES TO MEET TRAINING NEEDS OF LOCAL MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.

FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE SHOWED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A NEED FOR POST-EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING FOR ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE SURVEY FOUND THAT EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENTS OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS WERE RELATIVELY LOW: MORE THAN HALF THE MANAGERS AND ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF SUPERVISORS IN SURVEYED ESTABLISHMENTS DID NOT GET BEYOND SECONDARY EDUCATION.

MORE THAN 75 PER CENT OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS DID NOT TAKE MANAGEMENT SUBJECTS IN SCHOOLS OR UNIVERSITIES AND ONLY A FEW MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL HAD ATTAINED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, HE ADDED.

THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND THAT MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS INDICATED THEIR WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND RELEVANT MANAGEMENT COURSES IF THEY WERE RELEASED AND COURSE FEES PAID BY THEIR COMPANIES.

/the majority

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

- 7 -

THE MAJORITY WOULD BE WILLING TO ATTEND SHORT INTENSIVE RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES OF NOT MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS.

THE SURVEY FINDINGS ALSO REVEALED THAT MANY MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS RECEIVED IN-COMPANY TRAINING TO UPGRADE AND UPDATE MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

HOWEVER, MANY SAID THAT IN-COMPANY TRAINING WAS INADEQUATE BOTH IN TERMS OF QUANTITY AND QUALITY. IN VIEW OF THIS, THE COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT CURRENT PROGRAMMES OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO MEET THIS DEMAND.

THE 1984 SURVEY REPORT ON TRAINING NEEDS OF MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS IS ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13 PER COPY.

------o-------

REMINDER FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS

******

VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN PAID MONEY DUE TO THEM STILL HAVE TWO DAYS TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM A GOVERNMENT SCHEME.

THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT HAS REMINDED TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS THAT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS APRIL 4.

THE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME, ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER 1985, PROVIDES EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN COMPENSATED BECAUSE THE NEGLIGENT DRIVER’S INSURANCE COMPANY HAS GONE BANKRUPT.

+THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO PAY THIRD PARTIES AN EX-GRATIA AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING THE AMOUNT THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN LEGALLY PAYABLE TO THEM BY THE INSURER HAD THE INSURER BEEN SOLVENT,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT SAID.

+WE BELIEVE THERE IS STILL A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED PAYMENT AND HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR THIS ASSISTANCE,* HE CONTINUED.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS SHOULD APPLY TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS TO ESTABLISH WHETHER THE CLAIMS FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME.

FURTHER INFORMATION IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ON 5-457306, EXT. 206, AND DISTRICT OFFICES MAY ALSO BE CONTACTED FOR ADVICE.

- - - - 0 ---

/8 .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

- 8 -

NEW TSUEN WAN FOOTBRIDGES PLANNED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD TWO COVERED IN TSUEN WAN TO PROVIDE SAFER AND MORE CONVENIENT ROUTES.

FOOTBRIDGES PEDESTRIAN

TMF FOOTBRIDGES ARE TO BE BUILT ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD at KIN MING STREET AND SAI LAU KOK ROAD TO LINK FUK LOI ESTATE AND ITS NEIGHBOURING AREAS TO THE PRIVATE COMMERCIAL - RESIDENTIAL centr™ THE TSUEN WAN MASS transit railway station AND LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.

ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY MAY 26.

-----o------

NEW WATERWORKS DEPOT AT TA I 0 *****

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW WATERWORKS DEPOT AT THE EASTERN END OF LUNG TIN ESTATE AT TAI 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE DEPOT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE IN SHEK TSAI PO STREET WHICH WILL LATER SERVE AS A WATERWORKS CONSUMER SERVICES CENTRE.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

------ 0 ----- . . ,

" CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT RELOCATED * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S NEW CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT AT YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND, WHICH MOVED TO NEW PREMISES LAST WEEK, IS NOW IN OPERATION.

CONSUMERS MAKING REQUESTS FOR SERVICES REGARDING WATER MAINS BURSTS OR THOSE WITH COMPLAINTS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE CAN EITHER CALL AT THE CENTRE OR TELEPHONE 5-9820348.

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/? .....

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1936

9

DETAILS OF MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEME

*****

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE CONNAUGHT ROAD UPGRADING PROJECT WILL BE HELD IN ROOM 911, EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 3).

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND SENIOR ENGINEER IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT, MR KEITH WESTMORELAND, WILL EXPLAIN THIS MAJOR HIGHWAY ENGINEERING SCHEME WHICH WILL HAVE FAR REACHING EFFECTS ON TRAFFIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

- 0 ----------

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES THIS MONTH

*****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN APRIL TO JUNE, 1986.

THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.

ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO WILL BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.

SOME 5 OOO HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.

AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION.

ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS, EACH CARRYING AN IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE TREATED CONFIDENTIALLY AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT.

_----o------

/10 .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

10 -

BOARD TO DISCUSS CONTROL OF BILLIARD HALLS * * * * *

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS AND COMMENT ON THECONTROL OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS AT THEIR FIRST MEETING OF THE 1986-87 SESSION ON THURSDAY (APRIL 3).

THE PAPER IS PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND GIVES AN INSIGHT ON THE SUBJECT. MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE CONTROL AND LICENSING OF SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS WHETHER PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING CONTROLS.

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, WILL ADDRESS MEMBERS ON THE WORK OF THE BOARD DURING THE PAST YEAR AND WHAT PLANS THERE ARE TO FURTHER DEVELOP TSUEN WAN INTO A BETTER

PLACE TO LIVE IN.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO SPEAK ON GENERAL DISTRICT ISSUES WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO COMMUNITY BUILDING, PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

--------o ----------

POSTAL SERVICES TO FINLAND AFFECTED *****

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT DUE TO A STRIKE IN FINLAND AFFECTING POSTAL OPERATIONS, AIR MAIL, AIR PARCEL AND SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO FINLAND HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

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/11 ........

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

11 -

FINANCIAL NEWS HOURLY ON RTHK *****

FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BROADCAST THE LATEST PRICES OF THE 10 LEADING SHARES OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG EVERY HOUR ON CHANNEL ONE IN CHINESE AND CHANNEL THREE IN ENGLISH.

THE HOURLY BROADCAST WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE LATEST GOLD PRICES AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES. THIS WILL ENABLE LISTENERS TO MON ITuR CLOSELY MOVEMENTS OF THE FINANCIAL MARKETS THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

IN ADDITION, CHANNEL ONE WILL INTRODUCE A THREE-MINUTE FINANCIAL NEWS PACKAGE TWICE A DAY, AT 1 PM AND 5.57 PM, FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY. THE 1 PM BROADCAST WILL CONTAIN A ^ESCR PTION CF STOCK MARKET TRADING IN THE MORNING, MORNING CLOSING PR ICEs OF THE 10 MOST ACTIVE STOCKS, OPENING AND MORNING CLOSING PRICES OF GOLD, AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES.

THF EVENING BROADCAST WILL INCLUDE CLOSING PRICES OF THE 10 HOST ACTIVE SHARES A DESCRIPTION OF THE DAY’S TRADING, THE OPEN I Na, CLOSING, HIGHEST AND LOWEST TRADING PRICES OF GOLD, AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES.

BESIDES REPORTING ON THE HANG SENG INDEX, CHANNEL ONE AND CHANNEL THREE WILL ALSO GIVE FIGURES FROM THE NEW HONG KONG STOlK INDEX AS WELL AS INDICES FROM OTHER MAJOR MARKETS, NEW YORK’S DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE, LONDON’S FINANCIAL TIMES INDEX, AND TOKYO’S NIKKI-DJ INDEX.

THE MAIN NEWS BULLETINS OF BOTH CHANNELS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORTS.

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PLB RESTRICTION IN SHAM SHU I PO * * *

KI LUNG STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO, BETWEEN YEN CHOW STREET AND KWEILIN STREET, WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 4). NO PLBS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA.

AT THE SAME TIME, KWEILIN STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TAI NAN STREET WILL BE MADE A PLB RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY. NO PLBS WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1^86

12 -

ROAD CLOSED FOR REPAIRS * * * * *

THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM WYLIE ROAD TO PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 4) TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS ON PRINCESS

MARGARET ROAD.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON WYLIE NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD WILL BE TO WATERLOO ROAD AND PUI CHING ROAD.

ROAD DIVERTED

MOTORISTS ON WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND AND YIM PO FONG STREET SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD VIA WYLIE ROAD SHOULD USE WATERLOO ROAD AND PUI CHING ROAD.

THE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT 20 DAYS.

-------o -

FIRING PRACTICE * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SEVEN DAYS THIS MONTH.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE AREi

DATE TIME

APRIL 14 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM

APRIL 15 (TUESDAY) 1 AM - 11 PM

APRIL 16 (WEDNESDAY) 1 AM - 5 PM

APRIL 24 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 3 PM

APRIL 25 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 3 PM

APRIL 29 (TUESDAY) 6.30 PM - 11.59 PM

APRIL 30 (WEDNESDAY) 12.01 AM - 11.59 PM

- 0 -

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1986

- 13 -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE

*****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 52.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 293.147 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 348.591 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 59.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GENERAL REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS ....................... 1

SENIOR DI.RECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ............................... 2

PUBLIC ROLE IN TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT STRESSED .......... 4

U.S. ANNOUNCES GSP CHANGES ..................................... 5

TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED ............................. 6

SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ....................... 8

CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ........................... 9

REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED .................................... 9

INOCULATION DRIVE FOR TUEN MUN, SHA TIN ........................ 10

TUEN MUN BOARD ELECTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ....................... 11

BOARD COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS ................ 11

EPA PRESS CONFERENCE ........................................... 12

MEET THE MEDIA ................................................. 12

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT ...................... 12

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING .................... 14

CENTRAL, WAN CHAI TRAFFIC CHANGES .............................. 16

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

1

GENERAL REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS X X * X * *

A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE PROCEDURAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RECENT URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN MAY, THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ELECTORAL SERVICES), MR WAN YIU-SING, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

+THIS IS AN IMPORTANT FOLLOW-UP ACTION AFTER EACH ORDINARY ELECTION,+ HE SAID, POINTING OUT THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO REVIEW THE MECHANICS OF THE ELECTIONS TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS.

WITH THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT ASSUMING THE CO-ORDINATING ROLE, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE REVIEW.

OTHER MEMBERS MAY BE CO-OPTED FOR THE DISCUSSION OF SPECIFIC TOPICS, SUCH AS THE INVOLVEMENT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ELECTION ACTIVITIES, MR WAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE REVIEW WORKING PARTY TO HAVE ACCESS TO PUBLIC VIEWS.

+WE ALWAYS TAKE NOTE OF COMMENTS EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA. HOWEVER, THIS TIME WE WOULD ALSO WELCOME WRITTEN SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR IMPROVEMENT ON THE CURRENT ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS.

+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN REST ASSURED THAT ALL THEIR VIEWS WILL BE GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATI ON,+ HE SAID.

MR WAN INDICATED THAT THE REVIEW WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER. HE SAID WHERE APPROPRIATE, NECESSARY AMENDMENTS TO THE ELECTORAL LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN TIME FOR THE MARCH 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

MR WAN URGED THAT WRITTEN COMMENTS BE FORWARDED BY MAY 7 TO HIM AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, HARBOUR CENTRE, 1OTH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

2

SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A FURTHER SERIES OF SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS AND MOVEMENTS AS FOLLOWS:

MR CHAU CHAM-SON WILL BE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS.

MR CHAU HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT SINCE JANUARY 1984.

MR KENNETH KWOK WAI-KAI WILL BE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT. MR KWOK HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT SINCE JANUARY 1986.

MR JOSEPH LEI MENG-CAN WILL BE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES. MR LEI HAS BEEN PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT SINCE JANUARY 1984.

THE APPOINTMENTS WILL TAKE EFFECT ON APRIL 11, 1986 WHEN THE REORGANISATION OF THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED.

DR RICHARD BUTLER, THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR COLIN GREENFIELD AS COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS THIS MONTH.

MR COLIN GREENFIELD WILL BECOME THE GOVERNMENT’S DATA PROCESSING MANAGER.

MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE, CURRENTLY A DEPUTY SECRETARY IN TRANSPORT BRANCH, WILL TAKE OVER FROM DR BUTLER AS THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS FOLLOW:

MR CHAU CHAM-SON, JP

AGED 53. MR CHAU JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JANUARY 1960 AS AN ASSISTANT PLANNING OFFICER. HE SERVED IN VARIOUS SENIOR POSTS IN THE LANDS DEPARTMENT BEFORE BECOMING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER IN 1978. HE WAS APPOINTED ON TRANSFER AS DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN JANUARY 1984.

/mr kenneth •••••••

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

MR KENNETH KWOK WAI-KAI, JP

AGED 54. MR KWOK JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN APRIL 1960 AS AN ENGINEER. HE HAD SERVED IN THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BEFORE HIS POSTING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN 1980. HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT IN JANUARY 1986.

MR JOSEPH LEI MENG-CAN, JP

AGED 55. MR LEI JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JUNE 1955 AS AN ASSISTANT ARCHITECT. HIS CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT ENTIRELY IN THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT IN JANUARY 1984.

DR RICHARD BUTLER, JP

AGED 51. DR BUTLER JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IN JUNE 1970. HE TRANSFERRED TO BECOME AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN APRIL 1974 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN SEPTEMBER 1978. HE HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE FORMER ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCHES, WAS DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) FROM APRIL TO DECEMBER 1982 AND HAS BEEN THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER SINCE JANUARY 1983.

MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE, JP

AGED 51. MR BROADBRIDGE WAS APPOINTED AS CONTROLLER, PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT IN FEBRUARY 1971 AND PAY ADVISER IN FEBRUARY 1973. HE JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C IN AUGUST 1975 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1981. HE WAS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH FROM 1973 TO 1978, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS FROM 1979 TO 1982, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE FROM 1982 TO 1984, AND HAS BEEN A DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT SINCE JANUARY 1985.

MR COLIN GREENFIELD, JP

AGED 49. MR GREENFIELD FIRST SERVED AS AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS FROM SEPTEMBER 1973 TO NOVEMBER 1975, ON SECONDMENT FROM THE UK CIVIL SERVICE. HE JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN MAY 1978 AND HAS SINCE THEN BEEN THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS.

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/4......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

4

PUBLIC ROLE IN TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT STRESSED * * * * *

THE VIEWS OF DISTRICT BOARDS ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ISSUES GREATLY INFLUENCE THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISIONS IN THESE MATTERS, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN AN ADDRESS TO A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF BAYVIEW, HONG KONG, ON THE SUBJECT +PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT+, MR SO SAID THESE INFLUENCES WERE CLEARLY VISIBLE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL CHANNELS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT MEASURES.

THE FORMAL CHANNELS WERE PROVIDED FOR THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) AND THE UMELCO OFF ICE.

EVERY DISTRICT BOARD HAD A TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH SPECIFICALLY EXAMINED AND ADVISED ON DISTRICT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS, BE THEY BIG OR SMALL. AND THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATED THROUGH THEIR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES ON THE BOARDS.

+THE VIEWS OF DISTRICT BOARDS ARE ALWAYS GIVEN GREAT WEIGHT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE ALL SUCH VIEWS ALL THE TIME, THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES WHERE TRANSPORT POLICY, OR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEMES OR SPECIFIC ISSUES SUCH AS LOCATING BUS STOPS OR INSTALLING TRAFFIC LIGHTS WHERE THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INFLUENCE IS CLEARLY VISIBLE,-*- MR SO NOTED.

MEANWHILE, HE SAID, THE TAC, CHAIRED BY AN UNOFFICIAL AND LARGELY MADE UP OF APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FROM ALL STRATA CF SOCIETY, STRUCK A BALANCE BETWEEN THE VIEWS OF TRANSPORT EXPERTS AND THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF CITIZENS WHEN IT ADVISED THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON MATTERS OF TRANSPORT POLICY, MANAGEMENT AND LEGISLATION.

IN ADDITION, ALL MAJOR POLICIES, MEASURES AND LAWS RELATED TO TRANSPORT WERE UNDER THE CLOSE SCRUTINY OF A SPECIAL PANEL WITHIN THE UMELCO OFFICE AND THE PUBLIC COULD ALWAYS MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN TO UMELCO IF THEY WISHED TO EXERT THEIR INFLUENCE.

/ALTERNATIVELY.........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

- 5 -

ALTERNATIVELY, THE PUBLIC COULD MAKE USE OF THE INFORMAL CHANNELS: BY LODGING COMPLAINTS ON TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC MATTERo WITH THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT, THE MEDIA, INCLUDING NEWSPAPERS AND RADIO PHONE-IN PROGRAMMES, OR DIRECTLY WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

MR SO GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS AND PROPOSALS FROM THE PUBLIC WERE ALL ACTED ON WITH SINCERITY BY THE AUTHORITIES AND, QUITE OFTEN, THEY SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING ABOUT CHANGES SO THAT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT MEASURES WERE MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MORE SUITED TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE EXISTING CHANNELS HAD PROVEN THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN GIVING THE PUBLIC A STRONG SAY IN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT MEASURES BOTH AT THE TERRITORIAL AND THE LOCAL LEVEL, BUT SUGGESTIONS ON HOW THESE CHANNELS COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED WERE WELCOME, MR SO CONCLUDED.

-------c ---------

U.S. ANNOUNCES GSP CHANGES

* * * * *

THE UNITED STATES HAS ANNOUNCED SOME CHANGES TO ITS GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP), A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE CHANGES WHICH WILL AFFECT HONG KONG ARE:

*

*

ONE ITEM, TSUS 685.90 (SWITCHBOARD PANELS, ETC), HAS BEEN REDESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE FOR DUTY-FREE GSP STATUS. IMPORTS OF THIS ITEM FROM HONG KONG IN 1985 AMOUNTED TO U.S.$64 MILLION.

TWO ITEMS TSUS 650.87 (SCISSORS SHEARS AND BLADES VALUED NOt OVER 50 CENTS/DOZ), AND TSUS 653.90 (TIN PLATED HOUSEHOLD AND SANITARY WARES, UNENAMELED ETC) WILL NO LONGER BE ELIGIBLE FOR DUTY-FREE GSP STATUS. IMPORTS OF THESE ITEMS FROM HONG KONG IN 1985 WERE U.S.$67 000 AND

U.S.$7 MILLION.

THE CHANGES WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1986.

COMMENTING ON THE CHANGES, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY AROSE FROM AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SCHEME. UNDER THE REVIEW, BENEFICIARY TERRITORIES WOULD BE DENIED DUTY-FREE STATUS IN ITEMS FOR WHICH IMPORTS FROM THE TERRITORY COMPRISED MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS OR U.S.$70 MILLION.

/CONSIDERATION IS .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

CONSIDERATION IS ALSO GIVEN TO REDESIGNATING ITEMS WHICH HAVE EXCEEDED THESE LIMITS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, BUT WHICH NO LONGER EXCEED THEM.

THE SPOKESMAN WELCOMED THE REDESIGNATION OF TSUS 685.90 (SWITCHBOARD PANELS, ETC). HE SAID THAT IN MARCH THIS YEAR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAD REQUESTED REDESIGNATION OF THIS AND OTHER ITEMS WHERE TRADE HAD FALLEN BELOW THE RELEVANT 50 PER CENT OR U.S.$70 MILLION LEVELS.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A FURTHER U.S.$515 MILLION OF TRADE IN ITEMS WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE SCHEME AND WHICH NOW FELL BELOW THE RELEVANT LEVELS HAD NOT BEEN REDESIGNATED.

HE SAIDs +THE U.S. PRESIDENT HAS DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY

NOT TO REINSTATE SUCH ITEMS FOR DUTY-FREE TREATMENT UNDER THE GSP. IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT DECISIONS IN THIS REGARD ARE MADE ON

THE BASIS OF A COUNTRY’S LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT, ITS COMPETITIVENESS IN A SPECIFIC PRODUCT AND THE OVERALL ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES.+

+WE ARE NATURALLY DISAPPOINTED THAT ONLY ONE ITEM WAS REDESIGNATED. WE WILL MAKE FURTHER REQUESTS FOR REDESIGNATION CF RELEVANT ITEMS AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME.+

PUTTING THE CHANGES IN PERSPECTIVE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TOTAL IMPORTS OF GSP ITEMS FROM HONG KONG IN 1985 AMOUNTED TO U.S.$3 726 MILLION. OF THIS, TRADE AMOUNTING TO U.S.$2 517 MILLION WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR DUTY-FREE STATUS, AND TRADE AMOUNTING U.S. $1 208 MILLION WAS ELIGIBLE FOR DUTY-FREE STATUS UNDER THE GSP PROGRAMME.

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TAX CERTIFICATE INTEREST INCREASED *****

AS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.36 PER CENT (TAX FREE).

NOTICE OF THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.36 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID.

/INTEREST IS .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

- 7 -

INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE, HE SAID.

THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986.

CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:

8.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 5, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1984;

8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 31, 1984 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 28, 1984;

7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 28, 1984 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 28, 1984 ;

7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 28, 1984 AND BEFORE JANUARY 16, 1985;

6.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 16, 1985 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1985;

5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 30, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1985 5

5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 24, 1985;

4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985;

4.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1985 ;

3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;

3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;

2.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 ; AND

3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986.

/BUT ALWAYS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

8 -

BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT

OF TAX.

EXAMPLE: Si OOO CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON APRIL 3, 1986, MAY 3, 1986 AND JUNE 3, 1986 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JULY 2, 1986 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

ON $ 1000, APRIL 3, 1986 TO JULY 2, 1986 - 10.80 3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT S3.60 PER MONTH

ON Si 000, MAY 3, 1986 TO JULY 2, 1986 - 7.20

2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT S3.60 PER MONTH

ON Si 000, JUNE 3, 1986 TO JULY 2, 1986 - 3.60

1 COMPLETE MONTH AT S3.60 PER MONTH ------

$21.60

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SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT *****

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS TO CONDUCT A SURVEY ABOUT OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.

TWO PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES ARE:

* TO UPDATE THE DEPARTMENT'S DATA ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, IN TERMS OF CAPITAL DEPLOYED, EMPLOYMENT CREATED, NEW OR IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCED, PRODUCTS AND EXPORT PROSPECTS; AND

* TO ASSESS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF HONG KONG AS A LOCATION FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID INFORMATION FROM THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL RUN FROM APRIL TO JULY, IS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT IN PERFORMING ITS ROLE OF ADVISING GOVERNMENT OF ANY CHANGES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH BUSINESSES MAY EFFICIENTLY AND PROFITABLY BE CARRIED ON.

IT ALSO HELPS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FURTHER OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, HE ADDED.

/THE SURVEY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

9 -

THE SURVEY HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT EVERY TWO TO THREE YEARS SINCE 1969.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TARGET RESPONDENTS WERE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS THAT WERE WHOLLY OR PARTLY OWNED BY COMPANIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG? LOCAL COMPANIES WHOSE PARENT COMPANIES WERE OUTSIDE HONG KONG; OR PERSONS WHO WERE NOT PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.

THE SPOKESMAN REQUESTED ALL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST IN THE SURVEY AND INVITED THEM TO APPROACH MRS DOROTHY CHOW ON 3-7222567 CR MISS CONSTANCE CHEN ON 3-7222460 FOR A COPY OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ONE FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

INFORMATION GATHERED IN THE SURVEY WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE, HE ADDED.

REPORTS WOULD BE PREPARED IN SUCH A WAY THAT IDENTIFICATION CF INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. ALL QUESTIONNAIRES WOULD BE DESTROYED ONCE THE REPORTS WERE FINALISED.

- 0-----------

CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT * * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER CF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF ADJACENT TO FLATS A AND B ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT 1-5, SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, TO ENABLE DEMOLITION.

THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1984, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON APRIL 29 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.

■-----0-------

REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF SEABANC FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

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/1C......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

10 -

INOCULATION DRIVE FOR TUEN MUN, SHA TIN

* * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE WITH ITS VIGOROUS ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION CAMPAIGN THIS MONTH IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE DRIVE WAS PART OF STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PREVENT THE RESURGENCE OF THE DEADLY DISEASE IN HONG KONG.

♦THE DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS WILL VISIT VILLAGES IN TUEN MUN FROM APRIL 7 TO 18 AND SHA TIN FROM APRIL 16 TO 25,+ HE SAID.

THE TUEN MUN VILLAGES INCLUDE CHING CHUEN WAI, CHUNG UK TSUEN, FUK HANG TSUEN, HO TIN TSUEN, LAM TEI, LAM TEI SAN TSUEN, SUN FUNG WAI, AND WO PING SAN TSUEN.

VILLAGES IN SHA TIN ARE PAT TSZ WO, KWAI TEI, LOK LO HA, KAU TO, HO TUNG LAU, CHEK NAI PING, MA NIU TSUEN, KWUN YAM SHAN, MAU TAT, SHAP Yl WAT, TIU TSO NGAM AND FU YUNG PIT.

DOG OWNERS IN THESE VILLAGES SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE MOBILE SERVICE TO HAVE THEIR PETS INOCULATED.

+ INOCULATION OF DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OLD IS COMPULSORY UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS ORDINANCE. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SINCE THE LAST RABIES OUTBREAK IN AUGUST 1984, A TOTAL OF 45 872 DOGS HAD BEEN INOCULATED OR RE-INOCULATED.

APART FROM INOCULATION THE DEPARTMENT STRICTLY ENFORCES OTHER ANTI-RABIES MEASURES INCLUDING THE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, STRAY DOG CONTROL AND COMPULSORY DETENTION AND OBSERVATION OF ANIMALS WHICH HAD BITTEN PEOPLE.

+SINCE APRIL LAST YEAR THE RABIES INFECTED AREA HAS BEEN CONFINED TO THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA IN WHICH INTENSIVE OPERATIONS ARE STILL BEING CARRIED OUT INCLUDING HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VISITS TO ENSURE ALL DOGS ARE INOCULATED AND LICENSED.

+IN ADDITION, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED IN OR OUT OF THE INFECTED AREA WITHOUT PERMISSION,+ HE SAID.

DOG OWNERS ARE URGED TO HAVE THEIR DOGS IMMUNISED AND TO EXERCISE CONTROL OVER THEIR PETS AT ALL TIMES. DOG INOCULATION SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT KENNELS IN VICTORIA ROAD IN HONG KONG, SUNG WONG TOI IN KOWLOON AND SHEK WU HUI AND SHA TIN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

0--------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

11

TUEN MUN BOARD ELECTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN X X X X X X

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD HELD A SPECIAL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ELECT THE CHAIRMEN OF ITS SIX COMMITTEES FOR 1986-87.

THE CHAIRMEN, WHO WERE ELECTED UNOPPOSED, AND THEIR COMMITTEES AREj MR YIP HING-CHUNG, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY; MADAM WAN SHUI-LING, CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS; MR TSO SHUI-WAI, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT; MR WONG KIN-HONG, FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLICITY; MR SO SHIU-SHING, SOCIAL SERVICES; AND MR YEUNG ME I-KONG, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT.

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BOARD COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS ft ft ft ft ft

MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) DISCUSS THE REPORT OF A SURVEY ON OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS CARRIED OUT BY ITS CONCERN GROUP.

MORE THAN 7 OOO QUESTIONNAIRES WERE SENT TO PARENTS I N THE DISTRICT, THROUGH SCHOOLS, TO ASCERTAIN THEIR VIEWS AND CONCERN^. THE SURVEY LASTED FOR TWO MONTHS.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE BOARD’S KET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME AND DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S PART CIPATION IN THE COMING CONFERENCE ON YOUTH POLICIES IK PERSPECTIVE.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE «€ETIWG OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN D TOMORROW {THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFtCE ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF THE HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

/12 .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

12

EPA PRESS CONFERENCE * * * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE CODISPOSAL OF TOXIC HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT PASTES WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 4).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

------0 -------

MEET THE MEDIA * * *

rR

IN

tup NPuil Y-FLECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, St £“^0^ (Thursday)

THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD

HOUSE, CENTRAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------o-------

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT * x * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY ON SATURDAY (SpR IL 5) AND SUNDAY (APRIL 6) FOR THE RUGBY TOURNAMENT HELD AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM.

THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 9 AM ON SATURDAY AND WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED ?t Ground 7.30 PM. THE same measures will be effected again on SUNDAY FROM 8 AM TO AROUND 7 PMt

/• CAROLINE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

- 13 -

* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LINK ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES FOR LOCAL ACCESS.

* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; BUT VEHICLES MAY STILL PROCEED TO ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL CARPARK FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD.

* LINK ROAD BETWEEN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND HAPPY VIEW TERRACE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONEWAY UPHILL. VEHICLES LEAVING THE UPPER SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND LEIGHTON HILL WILL HAVE TO PROCEED DOWN TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD VIA BROADWOOD ROAD.

* AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST MATCH, ONLY COACHES AND BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE NORTHBOUND EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD FOR STACKING PURPOSE.

IN ADDITION, MATHESON STREET, RUSSELL STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST WILL BE PROHIBITED TO LEARNER DRIVERS BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON THESE TWO DAYS. ALL LEARNER DRIVERS WILL ALSO NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND INTO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND, OR TO ENTER TUNG LO WAN ROAD FROM CAUSEWAY ROAD.

ON-STREET CAR PARKING SPACES ON SUN WUI ROAD, STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED DAILY BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON BOTH DAYS.

HOWEVER, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT AT SUN WUI ROAD AS DIRECTED BY THE POLICE.

0 -------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

14

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING

******

SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN KOWLOON, THE CHANGES ARE:

* WING MING STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM ON APRIL 5 TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

* THE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN YEE KUK WEST STREET, YU CHAU WEST STREET, KING LAM STREET, WING HONG STREET, TAI NAN WEST STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 AM ON APRIL 5 TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

* MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY ABOVE CHING CHEUNG ROAD SHOULD USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK WEST STREET AND KING LAM STREET.

* GRAVE-SWEEPERS WISHING TO VISIT HAMMER HILL CEMETERY IN WONG TAI SIN ARE ADVISED TO USE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.

DETAILS OF ARRANGEMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE:

ROAD CLOSURE

* BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON APRIL 5, 6, 13 AND 20, WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO PRIVATE CARS AND COACHES (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES) EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEARSES, FRANCHISED BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS CARRYING PASSENGERS.

* BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION FROM TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) TO WO HOP SHEK ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT KMB BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES. AT THE SAME TIME, FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD (THE ROAD LEADING FROM TAI PO ROAD TO PAK FUK TSUEN) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT KMB BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND RESIDENTS FOR LOCAL ACCESS. THE FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT AT ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5 WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT KMB BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

* FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM ON APRIL 5 AND 6, LO WAI ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI BUS TERMINUS AND YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES. DURING THE CLOSURE. THE LO WAI TERMINAL POINT FOR NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81 AND 81M WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.

THE ?JEW ...........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

15 -

THE NEW ACCESS ROAD TO TSUEN

WAN CEMETERY AT THE END OF WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON

WING SHUN STREET, KWAI CHUNG

EXCEPT HEARSES AND EMERGENCY ---------

APRIL 5, 6 AND 13. THE JUNCTION OF WING SHUN STREET, KWAI HEI STREET AND KWAI YUE STREET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED. GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE OLD ACCESS ROAD FROM TEXACO ROAD TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY AS THE ACCESS ROAD HAS BEEN TURNED INTO A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND IS NOT

SAFE FOR PUBLIC USE.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES

*

ON APRIL 5, 6 AND 13, KCR WILL STRENGTHEN ITS SERV CES. TRAIN SERVICES WILL OPERATE FROM FANLING AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVAL FROM ABOUT 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 6 PM-AND AT 7.5 MINUTES FREQUENCY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM.

* ON APRIL 5, 6, 13 AND 20, A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE ROUTE 70R WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK AT ABOUT THREE-MINUTE INTERVAL.

> ANOTHER SPECIAL BUS SERVICE ROUTE 70S WILL OPERATE BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND WO HOP SHEK VIA TOLO HIGHWAY AT SIX-MINUTE INTERVAL ON APRIL 5, 6, 13 AND 20.

* KMB ROUTES 69, 70 AND 73 WILL ALSO STEP UP SERVICES.

* GRAVE-SWEEPERS WISHING TO GO TO SANDY RIDGE CAN TAKE THE REGULAR BUS SERVICE ROUTE 73K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SAN UK LING OR THE TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU.

X PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS CARRYING PASSENGERS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS AND WAITING WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

PARKING FACILITIES

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEN GOING TO CEMETERIES AS THERE WILL BE NO PARKING FACILITIES IN THE VICINITY OF WO HOP SHEK WHILE PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING (ON LOK TSUEN) AND AROUND TSUEN WAN CEMETERY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED.

IN ADDITION, PRIVATE CARS, PRIVATE COACHES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR KILOMETRE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE JUNCTION

LIGHT BUSES AND PRIVATE PASSENGERS AND WITHIN ONE BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD TAI

WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD.

/motorists .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 19'

16

HOP

MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM THE SOUTH WISHING TO VISIT WO SHEK SHOULD USE TAI PO ROAD TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) AT HONG LOK

YUEN.

GRAVE-SWEEPERS FROM FANLING KCR STATION WISHING TO GO TO WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY ON FOOT SHOULD FOLLOW THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE FROM FANLING KCR STATION, FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, TAI PO ROAD, WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD.

-----0-----

CENTRAL, WAN CHAI TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * *

FIVE ROAD SECTIONS IN CENTRAL WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM STARTING 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 4).

THE ROAD SECTIONS ARE:

* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT PLACE AND ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH EDINBURGH PLACE ?

M CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;

M EDINBURGH PLACE FROM ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION;

* EDINBURGH PLACE FROM ITS MIDDLE JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND

K THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EDINBURGH PLACE FROM ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING DAILY 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM GOODS VEHICLE RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT PLACE TO ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH EDINBURGH PLACE WILL BE LIFTED.

/ALSO FROM .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1986

- 1? -

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHA Is

* nwETuc1cT!Y 24-H0UR PROHIBITED ZONE ™E SLIP R0AD CONNECTING INNER GLOUCESTER

AND GLOUCESTER ROAD AT A POINT ABOUT 18

METRES WEST OF FENWICK STREET WILL BE LIFTED.

* THE EXISTING DAILY 24-HOUR PROHIBITED ZONE ON THE KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FENWICK STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL ALSO BE LIFTED.

* TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS ON HARCOURT ROAD, THE SLIP ROAD CONNECTING INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD AND HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.

TRAFFIC ON INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD HEADING FOR HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE SLIP ROAD ,NNER GLOUCESTER ROAD AND GLOUCESTER

ROAD AT A POINT ABOUT 18 METRES WEST OF FENWICK

STREET.

- c -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIP EDWARD PRAISES CONTRIBUTION BY ENGINEERS ............... 1

GREAT DEAL OF SUPPORT PROVIDED FOR INDUSTRY — SIR DAVID .... 1

ENGINEERING CENTRE OPENING A COMMITMENT TO FUTURE........... 3

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO A.iRIVE ON WEDNESDAY ................. 3

MAJOR PROJECT TO UPGRADE CONNAUGHT ROAD .................... 8

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES IN CENTRAL ..................... 10

JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS KOWLOON PARK DEVELOPMENT ..............   12

GOVERNOR TO SEE WAN CHAI DEVELOPMENTS ...................

REGISTRATION REVOKED ...................................... 15

MORE DESIGN PERSONNEL NEEDED FOR EXPORT GROWTH ............ 15

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM TRENCH FUND .................. 16

PERMIT SYSTEM IN IMO ABERDEEN MARKET ...................... 17

OLD ACCESS TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY CLOSED ................... 17

REMINDER ON CHING MING TRAFFIC PLAN FOR HK ISLAND.......... 18

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

1

SIR EDWARD PRAISES CONTRIBUTION BY ENGINEERS *****

THE CONTRIBUTION BY ENGINEERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODERN CITY OF HONG KONG WAS IMMENSE AND THERE WAS SCARCELY AN ASPECT OF OUR LIFE WHICH WAS NOT DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY WHAT THEY DID, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT ENGINEERING WAS AN IMPORTANT PROFESSION IN HONG KONG.

+THE COMMUNITY WILL CONTINUE TO DEPEND ON THEIR EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN CREATING AN EVEN BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE FUTURE.*

AS PATRON OF THE INSTITUTION, SIR EDWARD SAID THE OPENING OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS WAS AN OCCASION OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE AS IT WAS HELD DURING ITS 1OTH ANNIVERSARY AND WAS THE CULMINATION OF A LONG FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN.

HE ADDED THAT HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE INSTITUTION, WITH ITS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEW HOME AND +AMPLE SPACE FOR ACTIVITIES*, WOULD MAKE ITSELF READY AND ABLE TO FACE UP TO NEW RESPONSIBILITIES THAT LAY AHEAD.

-- _ _ o - -

GREAT DEAL OF SUPPORT PROVIDED FOR INDUSTRY — SIR DAVID

*****

AN INDUSTRIAL BANK IN ITSELR.IS ^JECeSSARYJHIN^I^THE

BANKING SECTOR IS HEALTHY, THE CHIEF JONES,' SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE LAI CHI KOK ENGINEERING CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, SIR DAVID SAID BANKS AND PRIVATE INDUSTRIES SHOULD ARRANGE THEIR OWN FINANCING.

HE DEAL OF HELP — NOW THE

POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROVIDING A VERY GREAT SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY. +BUT IT IS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF FROM OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND DESIGN INNOVATION CENTRE AND SO ON.

+BUT IF ALL THAT SUPPORT WE GIVE TO THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR NEEDS UPDATING AND RE-EXAMINING, WE ARE PREPARED TO DO THAT.*

/SIR DAVID .......

THURSDAY, APRIL J, 1986

2

SIR DAVID ADDED THAT HE HAD NOT HEARD ANY SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO AN INDUSTRIAL BANK.

BUT SOME MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD MADE VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS IN THEIR SPEECHES LAST WEEK FOR GREATER EFFORTS TO BE MADE TO IMPROVE OUR PRODUCTIVITY AND THE INPUT INTO OUR INDUSTRY.

HE SAID ALL THE THINGS MENTIONED BY THE MEMBERS WOULD BE CONSIDERED DURING THE NEXT WEEK OR CO AND A REPLY BE GIVEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE FINAL DEBATE ON THE APPROPRI ATI ON

BILL.

ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO SET UP A CENTRAL BANK, SIR DAVID SAID WITH REGARD TO THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN GENERAL THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD MAKE A FURTHER STATEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEEK.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON REPORTS THAT THE GOVERNOR WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME MEMBERS OF ADVISORY BOARDS, SIR DAVID SAID: + l WOULD SAY THAT’S NONSENSE.+

HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD ALWAYS TAKEN A GREAT INTEREST IN THE ADVISORY BOARDS. +IT IS AFTER ALL THE GOVERNOR WHO APPOINTS THE ADVISORY BOARDS.

+HE PERSONALLY MAKES THE SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARDS.*

SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE ADVISORY BOARDS ASSUMED A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY AS WE BECAME A MORE COMPLEX SOCIETY.

ON THE QUESTION OF MONITORING OIL PRICES, HE SAID THE OIL INDUSTRY WAS AT PRESENT IN A DIALOGUE WITH MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. +THEY ARE STRONGLY DEFENDING THE COMPETITVENESS OF HONG KONG’S OIL PRICES AND ARE EXPLAINING THAT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS.*

ASKED ABOUT THE NATIONALITY BILL, HE SAID HE HAD NOT HAD ANY SPECIFIC NEWS ABOUT THE BILL.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

5

ENGINEERING CENTRE OPENING A COMMITMENT TO FUTURE

*****

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LAI CHI KOK ENGINEERING CENTRE FOR HONG KONG TELEPHONE IS YET ANOTHER STRIKING INSTANCE OF LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID: +THE RAPID GROWTH OF TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES IS A WORLD-WIDE PHENOMENON AND, THANKS TO THE FARSIGHTEDNESS OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, HONG KONG HAS SHARED IN THIS DEVELOPMENT, AND HAS NOT ONLY KEPT UP WITH THE TIMES BUT IN MANY INSTANCES WE ARE AHEAD OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

+TODAY, WITH ALMOST TAO AND A QUARTER MILLION TELEPHONE LINES CONNECTED TO THE TELEPHONE NETWORK, OR AN AVERAGE OF TWO TELEPHONES FOR EVERY FIVE PEOPLE, HONG KONG HAS THE HIGHEST TELEPHONE DENSITY IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD, AND VERY FEW PEOPLE REALISE THAT BENEATH THE PAVEMENTS OF HONG KONG WE HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST URBAN OPTICAL FIBRE NETWORKS IN THE WORLD.+

SIR DAVID SAID THE TELEPHONE WAS NOT ONLY PART OF OUR WAY OF LIFE BUT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE SPEED AND SUCCESS OF OUR COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS AND NOT ONLY WERE THE CHANGING NEEDS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY BEING MET, THE CONVENIENCE AND CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT IN OUR TELEPHONE SYSTEM WAS ENJOYED BY EVERYONE.

SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THE TELEPHONE COMPANY AND CABLE AND WIRELESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATION GROUP ON THE OPENING OF THE NEW ENGINEERING CENTRE.

-------0 - -

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO ARRIVE ON WEDNESDAY ******

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PR INCESS AL.EXANDRA, AS . J/^HONG*1

GENERAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, FOR A SIX-DAY VISIT.

ArrnMPAMiFn RY HER HUSBAND THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, PRINCESS ai cyaJSX W^L TAKE PART IN A NUMBER OF POLICE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING A CEREMONY FOR COMMISSIONING THREE POLICE LAUNCHES AND THE OPENING $F THE POLICE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB, BOUNDARY STREET.

/SHE WILL .......

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

SHE WILL ALSO VISIT THE RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION BRADBURY CENTRE, JOHN F. KENNEDY RED CROSS CENTRE AND HMS TAMAR.

THE ROYAL COUPLE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON MONDAY, APRIL 14.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FIXED PRESS POSITIONS THE ROYAL PARTY’S VISIT.

WILL BE SET UP FOR MEDIA COVERAGE OF

ONLY ACCREDITED MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WITH APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE PRESS POSITIONS.

A COPY OF MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE VISIT TOGETHER WITH APPLICATION FORMS FOR PRESS BADGES HAS BEEN BOXED.

VISIT OF HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA

PRESS ARRANGEMENTS

ACCREDITATION

ALL MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA COVERING THE PROGRAMME HAVE TO BE ACCREDITED SPECIALLY FOR THE VISIT. NORMAL NEWS MEDIA IDENTIFICATION ALONE WILL BE INSUFFICIENT TO GAIN ACCESS TO OFFICIAL PRESS POSITIONS.

IDENTIFICATION OF ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE BY LAPEL BADGES. THE APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGE MUST BE WORN FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL FUNCTION TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE POSITIONS.

ON OCCASIONS WHERE IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO USE A POOL SYSTEM, PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY GIS AND FILM FOOTAGE BY RTHK WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES, TV STATIONS AND PERIODICALS.

/APPLICATION FOHM .......

THURSDAY, APRIL J, 1?86

APPLICATION FORM

THE APPLICATION FORM FOR ACCREDITATION AT EACH POSITION PROVIDED FOR THE VISIT IS BOXED. EDITORS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE GIS DUTY OFFICER, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BY 12 NOON ON MONDAY, APRIL 7, AT THE LATEST. APPROPRIATE LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ISSUED BY GIS OFFICERS TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ON THE SPOT BEFORE EACH FUNCTION BEGINS.

USE OF FLASH LIGHTS AND TELE-LENSES

EDITORS ARE ADVISED THAT FLASH LIGHTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED AND MAY NOT BE PERMITTED WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS.

TELE-LENSES WILL BE NECESSARY FOR SOME EVENTS.

GENERAL

EDITORS ARE ADVISED TO RETAIN THE DETAILED PRESS ARRANGEMENTS ATTACHED FOR BRIEFING THEIR REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSIGNED TO COVER THE VARIOUS FUNCTIONS. FURTHER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM ON THE 6TH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

YOU ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT ALL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING HRH’S PUBLIC FUNCTIONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH SECURITY CHECKS.

PRESS FACILITIES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

ARRIVAL

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AND THE HON ANGUS OGILVY WILL ARRIVE AT 9.35 PM ON BOARD FLIGHT CX712. THEY WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE.

THERE WILL BE ONE FIXED PRESS POSITION AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PIER. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 8.30 PM. THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE PRESS POSITION BY GIS OFFICERS.

/Thursday, ........

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

- 6 -

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

COMMISSIONING OF POLICE LAUNCHES

THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY FOR POLICE LAUNCHES NO. 82, 83 AND 84 WILL BE HELD AT JOSS HOUSE BAY BETWEEN 2.15 PM AND 3.45 PM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 11.45 AM AT QUEEN’S PIER FROM WHERE A PRESS LAUNCH WILL LEAVE FOR JOSS HOUSE BAY AT 12.15 PM.

ACCREDITED REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL BE CONFINED TO THE PRESS LAUNCH WHICH WILL BE MANOEUVRED TO VANTAGE POINTS FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THE EVENT.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

UMELCO LUNCHEON

THE ROYAL COUPLE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL ARRIVE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING AT JACKSON ROAD AT 1 PM.

THERE WILL BE A FIXED PRESS POSITION OUTSIDE THE LEGCO BUILDING FOR ACCREDITED PRESS MEMBERS TO COVER HRH’S ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE JACKSON ROAD MAIN ENTRANCE BY 12.30 PM.

OPENING OF POLICE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB, BOUNDARY STREET

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM.

A FIXED PRESS POSITION WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO MUST ARRIVE AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CLUBHOUSE BY 3.15 PM. BECAUSE OF SPACE LIMITATIONS, PRESS MEMBERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO COVER THE TOUR OF THE CLUBHOUSE BY PRINCESS ALEXANDRA. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TOUR WILL BE ISSUED BY GIS AFTERWARDS.

/SATURDAY, APRIL 12.......

"HU RS DAY, APRIL J, 1?86

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION BRADBURY CENTRE AND JOHN F. KENNEDY RED CROSS CENTRE

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WILL ARRIVE AT THE BRADBURY CENTRE AT KING’S PARK RISE AND THE JOHN F. KENNEDY RED CROSS CENTRE, SANDY BAY, AT 10.05 AM AND 11.15 AM RESPECTIVELY.

A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK IN CENTRAL AT 8.45 AM FOR THE BRADBURY CENTRE WHERE FIXED POSITIONS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.

THE SAME PRESS COACH WILL TAKE MEDIA MEMBERS FROM THE BRADBURY CENTRE TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY RED CROSS CENTRE.

NEWS EDITORS ARE ADVISED TO ASSIGN THE SAME REPORTER/ PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE TWO EVENTS.

MONDAY, APRIL 14

HMS TAMAR

HRH WILL ARRIVE AT HMS TAMAR AT 12.05 PM TO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE CREW OF HMS PEACOCK, A PATROL CRAFT WHICH WAS NAMED BY HER IN 1984.

ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE MAIN GATE OF HMS TAMAR AT 11.15 AM WHEN THEY WILL BE ESCORTED TO A FIXED PRESS POSITION.

DEPARTURE

THE ROYAL PARTY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG AT 10 PM ON FLIGHT BA20.

A FIXED POSITION WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TERMINAL PIER FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 9 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL ESCORT THEM TO THE PRESS POSITION.

— _ _ o-

/8.......

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

8

MAJOR PROJECT TO UPGRADE CONNAUGHT ROAD

*****

WITHIN THREE YEARS IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO DRIVE FROM CHAI WAN TO WESTERN IN MINUTES WITHOUT ENCOUNTERING A SINGLE TRAFFIC LIGHT OR OTHER HOLD UP.

THAT WILL BE THE END RESULT OF ROAD WORKS, COSTING MORE THAN $600 MILLION, ABOUT TO START ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND ALREADY UNDERWAY IN WAN CHAI. BUT THE THREE-YEAR PROJECT WILL BE FRAUGHT WITH MORE THAN THE USUAL ENGINEERING PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN ROAD UPGRADING.

THE IMPROVEMENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE ON CONNAUGHT ROAD, WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON ONE OF THE BUSIEST TRAFFIC CORRIDORS IN THE TERRITORY, THROUGH THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICT AND OVER AN AREA THAT IS A MAZE OF MAJOR WATER MAINS, ELECTRICITY CABLES, TELEPHONE CABLES AND OTHER UTILITIES.

THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THE OVERALL PROJECT, SENIOR HIGHWAYS ENGINEER, HONG KONG REGION, MR KEITH WESTMORELAND, SAID* +THROUGHOUT THE WORK WE INTEND TO KEEP TRAFFIC FLOWING AND NOT INTERRUPT ANY OF THE UTILITY SERVICES. THEORETICALLY THERE SHOULD BE NO TRAFFIC DISRUPTION, BUT WE KNOW THAT IN PRACTICE IT WON’T WORK LIKE THAT.

+THERE WILL BE SOME INCONVENIENCE, BUT, GIVEN THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH WE HAVE TO WORK IN HONG KONG, THAT’S INEVITABLE. HOWEVER, THE ALTERNATIVE TO CARRYING OUT THESE VITAL IMPROVEMENTS IS TRAFFIC CHAOS ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WITHIN THREE TO FOUR YEARS.*

PLANNING FOR THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT STARTED FOUR YEARS AGO, WHEN CONSULTANTS PETER Y.S. PUN AND ASSOCIATES CARRIED OUT FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL DISTRICT. THE SCHEME TO UPGRADE CONNAUGHT ROAD WAS A RECOMMENDATION IN THAT STUDY,' AND THE CONSULTANTS HAVE OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS DEVELOPED THE SCHEME IN DETAIL.

+THIS SCHEME IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE A FREE-FLOW, THROUGH-ROUTE BY THE GRADE SEPARATION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM LOCAL TRAFFIC AT MAJOR JUNCTIONS,* SAID MR WESTMORELAND.

IT INVOLVES TWO MAJOR CONTRACTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE LET SHORTLY. THESE ARE:

* AN IMPROVED HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, AN UNDERPASS AT PEDDER STREET AND A FOOTBRIDGE AT POTTINGER STREET. THIS IS A $185 MILLION SCHEME AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY.

/• A FLYOVER ........

THURSDAY, APRIL J, 19»6

9

M A FLYOVER AT RUMSEY STREET AND FOOTBRIDGES AT MORRISON STREET AND TUNG HING LANE. WORK ON THIS $165 MILLION CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER.

TWO FURTHER CONTRACTS WILL FOLLOW. THESE ARE:

* CONVERTING CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST INTO A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND PROVIDING FOOTBRIDGES AT EASTERN STREET, WESTERN STREET, WATER STREET AND HILL ROAD. WORK ON THIS $45 MILLION CONTRACT WILL START IN 1987.

* EXTENDING THE CONNAUGHT ROAD WALKWAY EASTWARD AT A COST OF $25 MILLION. WORK ON THIS WILL START IN 1988.

THE WORKS WILL AFFECT MORE THAN JUST TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS. FOR INSTANCE, THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WILL MEAN THE RELOCATION OF THE ’POOR MAN’S NIGHT CLUB’ BY THE OLD MACAU FERRY PIER. THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE BY THE STAR FERRY WILL BE MOVED TWICE: ONCE TO A TEMPORARY SITE, NEARER TO THE STAR FERRY WHILE THE SUBWAY TO THE FERRY TERMINAL IS EXTENDED, THEN AGAIN TO A PERMANENT SITE ABOVE THE NEWLY EXTENDED SUBWAY.

DURING DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHEME, THE CONSULTANTS HAVE USED THE LATEST COMPUTER-AIDED DRAUGHTING TECHNIQUES TO PREPARE PLANS OF EXISTING AND FUTURE ROAD LAYOUTS AND OF UNDERGROUND GAS, ELECTRICITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATIONS AND FOUL AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE INSTALLATIONS.

MANY TRIAL PITS HAVE BEEN DUG TO CONFIRM THE POSITION OF SERVICES, AND COMPUTER-BASED RECORDS AMENDED IN THE LIGHT OF INFORMATION OBTAINED. THIS MAPPING HAS BEEN RECORDED IN +LAYERS+, ALLOWING PREPARATION OF DRAWINGS TO ANY SCALE TO INCLUDE ANY COMBINATION OF STORED INFORMATION.

ALL THIS WORK HAS ENSURED THAT THE DETAILED DESIGN OF THE NEW STRUCTURES IS ARRANGED TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO EXISTING UTILITIES AND TO FIT WITHIN THE RESTRICTED SPACE AVAILABLE.

OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS THE CONSULTANTS AND THEIR TRAFFIC SUB-CONSULTANTS, THE MVA CONSULTANCY, HAVE HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE POLICE, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, CHINA MOTOR BUS, HONG KONG TRAMWAYS AND OTHERS INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC PLANNING, AND VARIOUS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES HAVE BEGUN AND OTHERS WILL BE INTRODUCED WHILE CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY.

THE GREATEST TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WILL BE CAUSED BY THE BUILDING OF THE PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS. THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL HAVE TO BE MOVED CLOSER TO THE SEAFRONT TO CREATE WORKING ROOM. THIS WILL INVOLVE DEMOLISHING ONE BAY OF THE STAR FERRY CARPARK, MOVING THE JOCKEY CLUB BETTING CENTRE AND EXTENDING THE STAR FERRY SUBWAY SO THE WIDENED CARRIAGEWAY CAN BE BUILT OVER THE TOP OF THE SUBWAY. THROUGHOUT THE WORK THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED IN EACH DIRECTION ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD.

/THE CONNAUGHT ........

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

10

THE CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME IS NOT THE ONLY ONE BEING UNDERTAKEN. LESS COSTLY, LESS OBVIOUS, BUT NO LESS IMPORTANT, A SCHEME HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY CONSULTANTS PALMER AND TURNER (HONG KONG) ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION. THIS WILL ALSO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN WAN CHAI SOUTH OF GLOUCESTER ROAD, PARTICULARLY ON LOCKHART ROAD, AND PROVIDE AN EASTBOUND BY-PASS TO CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL QUEUES.

COSTING A TOTAL OF $105 MILLION AND DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1987, THE SCHEME INCLUDES:

(1) A FLYOVER AT FENWICK PIER STREET GIVING A DIRECT TWO-LANE EXIT FROM THE RECLAMATION TO HARCOURT ROAD I

(2) A FLYOVER AT TONNOCHY ROAD GIVING DIRECT TWO-LANE ENTRY TO THE RECLAMATION FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND ?

(3) A FLYOVER AT HUNG HING ROAD PROVIDING A ONE-LANE EXIT TO GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND EAST OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS, THUS BYPASSING TUNNEL QUEUES?

AND

(4) A SEAFRONT ROAD PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE EAST-WEST ROUTE WITHIN THE RECLAMATION AND AT THE SAME TIME AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO GLOUCESTER ROAD.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME WILL BE FOOTBRIDGES AT O’BRIEN ROAD, FENWICK PIER STREET, STEWART ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD, WAN SHING STREET, WAN CHAI FERRY PIER AT SEAFRONT ROAD? THE WIDENING OF THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND EXTENSIONS TO FENWICK PIER STREET AND WAN SHING STREET.

MR WESTMORELAND SAID THAT WHEN THE TWO SCHEMES IN CONNAUGHT ROAD AND WAN CHAI ARE COMPLETED TRAFFIC WILL HAVE AN UNINTERRUPTED FLOW FROM CHAI WAN TO WESTERN.

-------o----------

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES IN CENTRAL

*****

A SERIES OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL AS PART OF THE ADVANCE WORK TO COPE WITH THE UPGRADING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JULY.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR ANTHONY ELLIOT, SENIOR ENGINEER (PROJECTS) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ENGINEERING HONG KONG DIVISION, TODAY (APRIL 3).

/TO BE •••••••

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

11

TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES, THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES COMPRISE ROAD REALIGNMENTS, TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS, IMPROVEMENTS TO LINKING OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES, RELOCATION OF TRAM AND BUS STOPS AND IMPOSITION OF URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS.

THE AREAS AFFECTED INCLUDE ADMIRALTY, CHATER ROAD, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, POK FU LAM ROAD AND WYNDHAM STREET.

+ALL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES ARE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN EXISTING TRAFFIC CAPACITY AND MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC,+ MR ELLIOT SAID.

AS A START THIS MONTH, PEAK HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED ON BOTH SIDES OF PEDDER STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

MEANWHILE, THE PRESENT PEAK HOUR NO-STOPPING ZONE ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND FROM MURRAY ROAD TO THE LAYBY OUTSIDE WORLD WIDE HOUSE WILL BE UPGRADED TO A 7 AM TO 7 PM NO-STOPPING ZONE. LAYBYS WILL BE PROVIDED AT CLUB STREET AND ICE HOUSE STREET FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING PURPOSES.

IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF CLUB STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND AND THE CORRESPONDING SECTION OF JACKSON ROAD ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

WESTBOUND BUSES ON CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 103 WILL BE REROUTED TO TURN LEFT FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO CLUB STREET AND THEN TURN LEFT AGAIN TO CHATER ROAD INSTEAD OF USING JACKSON ROAD.

IN MAY, SIGNALISED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ACROSS DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL NEAR BANK STREET AND WEST OF ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE COMMISSIONED.

THE TRAM STOP AT DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND EAST OF ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE MOVED TO THE WEST OF BANK STREET. BY JUNE, ANOTHER TRAM STOP AT DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND OUTSIDE NO. 23 WILL BE RELOCATED TO OUTSIDE WORLD WIDE HOUSE.

IN AUGUST, THE ROUTE I NG OF EASTBOUND BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 23A, 24, 40M AND CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 103 IN CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED.

/HR ELLIOT .......

THURSDAY, APRIL J, 1986

12 -

MR ELLIOT SAID FURTHER DETAILS AND THE EXACT DATES OF IMPLEMENTING THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE AND THE PUBLIC IS REQUESTED TO WATCH OUT FOR THESE CHANGES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MAPS AND SCHEDULES ON GENERAL TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION LATER TODAY.

--------0----------

JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS KOWLOON PARK DEVELOPMENT * * *

PLANS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON PARK INTO A MAGNIFICENT SPORTS AND RECREATION VENUE IN THE HEART OF TSIM SHA TSUI WERE ANNOUNCED AT A JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY.

THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL COST UPWARD OF $300 MILLION, WILL BE FUNDED SOLELY BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. ON COMPLETION, THE PROJECT WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.

TAKING PART IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE GENERAL SIR JOHN ARCHER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE JOCKEY CLUB, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL, MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE AND MR SIMON KWAN, THE PROJECT ARCHITECT.

SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE, SIR JOHN SAID: +THE DEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON PARK IS VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH OTHER JOGKEY CLUB DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST. THESE HAVE INCLUDED THE LAND RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF VICTORIA PARK WHICH TOOK PLACE SOME 30 YEARS AGO.

+MORE RECENTLY, OCEAN PARK, PENFOLD PARK AND THE BUILDING OF MORE THAN 10 JOCKEY CLUB SWIMMING POOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL IN THE COMMUNITY.*

/THE 14-HECTARE .......

2hURSDAY, APRIL J, 1986

THE 14-HECTARE KOWLOON PARK, FORMERLY KNOWN AS WHITFIELD BARRACKS, WAS HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN 1969 FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A RECREATION AREA.

SINCE THEN, VARIOUS FACILITIES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED WITH URBAN COUNCIL RESOURCES INCLUDING A CHINESE GARDEN, AN AVIARY, A SUNKEN GARDEN AND A FITNESS TRAIL ALL OF WHICH WILL BE UP-GRADED WITH ADDITIONAL PLANTING AND NEW DECORATIVE FINISHES. THE EXISTING MINI-SOCCER AND BASKETBALL PITCHES WILL BE RE-LOCATED INTO THE NORTHERN END OF THE PARK AND BE UP-GRADED WITH IMPROVED PLAYING SURFACES, AND HAVE ACCESS TO CHANGING AND OTHER FACILITIES.

THE NEW OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO BE FULLY FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WILL DIVIDE THE PARK INTO TWO MAIN SECTIONS, AN ACTIVE RECREATION AREA AND A LANDSCAPED PASSIVE RECREATION AREA.

THE NEW FACILITIES IN THE PARK ARE PLANNED TO CONSIST OF:

AN OLYMPIC POOL COMPLEX INCLUDING

DI VING/TRAINI NG FACILITIES COMBINED WITH AN INDOOR/OUTDOOR RESORT POOL. THERE WILL ALSO BE A 1 500-SPECTATOR STAND, RESTAURANT, FITNESS CENTRE ALL LINKED THROUGH AN ARCADE CONTAINING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES TO A SPORTS HALL WITH FACILITIES FOR MULTI-PURPOSE USE AND SQUASH COURTS.

AN OUTDOOR FUN POOL COMPLEX TO BE A VERSION OF OCEAN PARK’S WATER WORLD BUT DESIGNED FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE. THIS IS TO BE LANDSCAPED TO MAKE IT AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN AREA WHEN NOT IN USE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

TWO NEW CHILDRENS’ PLAYGROUNDS OF A TYPE NEVER BEFORE BUILT IN HONG KONG. THEY WILL INCLUDE A SUBTERRANEAN, ELECTRONICALLY-OPERATED ADVENTURE’ TUNNEL AND ’TREE HOUSES’ OF AN EXCITING NEW DESIGN .

LANDSCAPED GARDENS WITH A BIRD LAKE, WATER FEATURES, A SCULPTURE AREA, A MAZE, ROOF GARDENS OVER THE PARK LANE SHOPS, A LONG SHADED LOGGIA LEADING TO A PIAZZA AND ARENA, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PERFORMANCES, FAIRS, SCHOOL EVENTS AND SEASONAL SHOWS.

/THE CONSTRUCTION .......

THURSDAY, APRIL J, 1986

14

THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITE WORK WILL BE PHASED TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO USERS OF THE EXISTING PARK AREAS INCLUDING THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY.

THE NEW PARK DEVELOPMENT IS SCHEDULED FOR FULL COMPLETION BY CHINESE NEW YEAR 1989, BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT MANY OF THE NEW FACILITIES WILL BECOME PROGRESSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM JULY 1988.

SPECIAL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE DESIGN TO PRESERVE THE EXISTING TREES, INCLUDING THE STATELY BANYANS NEAR AUSTIN AND HAIPHONG ROADS, AS WELL AS ATTEMPTING TO CREATE A NEW UNIQUE IDENTITY FOR WHAT WILL BECOME HONG KONG’S PREMIER PUBLIC PARK.

THE JOINT ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS ARE THE HONG KONG-BASED SIMON KWAN AND ASSOCIATES AND UK-BASED DEREK WALKER AND ASSOCIATES.

-------o----------

GOVERNOR TO SEE WAN CHAI DEVELOPMENTS

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL VISIT WAN CHAI TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO SEE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU; WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.

SIR EDWARD WILL ALSO MEET WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT THE END OF THE TOUR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TOUR. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE ENTRANCE OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT AT 98 KENNEDY ROAD BY 3 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

/15........

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

15

REGISTRATION REVOKED

* * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ASEAN RESOURCES FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

-----o------

MORE DESIGN PERSONNEL NEEDED FOR EXPORT GROWTH X X X * X

ABOUT 10 000 PEOPLE WERE ENGAGED IN VARIOUS DESIGN JOBS IN THE NINE ECONOMIC SECTORS AND EIGHT MAJOR INDUSTRIES AT THE END OF 1984, ACCORDING TO FINDINGS OF THE FIRST SURVEY ON

MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS.

THAT ABOUT 800 ADDITIONAL DESIGN

IN THE FOLLOWING 12 MONTHS, REPRESENT! EIGHT PER CENT OF THE WORKFORCE.

IT WAS ALSO ESTIMATED PERSONNEL WOULD BE REQUIRED AN OVERALL GROWTH OF ABOUT

NG

THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION CF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN DECEMBER 1984, IS TO HELP EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS PLAN DESIGN COURSES AND EMPLOYERS IN THE TRAINING OF DESIGN PERSONNEL.

A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID DESIGN PERSONNEL WERE EMPLOYED IN A WIDE SPECTRUM OF ECONOMIC SECTORS LINKED NOT ONLY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY BUT ALSO OVERSEAS MARKETS.

THE COMMITTEE ANTICIPATED THAT THESE OVERSEAS MARKETS WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW AND MORE DESIGN PERSONNEL WOULD BE NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS OVERSEAS.

TAKING THESE FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION, THE COMMITTEE FORECAST THAT THE WORKFORCE, CLASSIFIED INTO THE LEVELS OF SENIOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, DESIGN PRACTITIONER AND DESIGN SUPPORT I NG STAFF, WOULD GROW BY 2.5 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COMMITTEE URGED EMPLOYERS IN THE ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS TO TRAIN 680 SENIOR DESIGN MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND DESIGN PRACTITIONERS AS WELL AS 320 DESIGN SUPPORTING STAFF ANNUALLY TO

MEET MANPOWER NEEDS.

THE REPORT ON 1984 SURVEY OF MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN PERSONNEL IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $14 PER COPY.

------0 ------

/16.......

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

16

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM TRENCH FUND

*****

ORGANISATIONS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR RECREATIONAL, SPORTING, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES CAN NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION.

THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, WILL DISBURSE $1 MILLION FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR.

A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID PROJECTS SHOULD BE PRINCIPALLY FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, AND BENEFIT A LARGE SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE.

THEY SHOULD ALSO BE SPECIFICALLY OF THE +BRICK AND MORTAR+ TYPE, AND BE OF PERMANENT OR LONG-TERM BENEFIT.

TO ENSURE THAT A REASONABLE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS IS APPROVED EACH YEAR, GRANTS REQUESTED SHOULD NOT EXCEED $200 □□□ EACH, AND MORE EXPENSIVE PROJECTS WILL BE CONSIDERED ON A STRICTER BASIS.

HOWEVER, EACH CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS MERITS AS TO WHETHER IT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED IN FULL OR IN PART.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THE INITIATION OF PROJECTS BY NEw AGENCIES WHICH MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION OR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER MAJOR SOURCES.

REQUESTS FROM SCHOOLS SHOULD GENERALLY BE REFERRED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR COMMENT AND, SIMILARLY, APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS PERTAINING TO NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT SPONSORING DEPARTMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES, AND THE OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, 11 TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN MAY 7, 1986.

/17........

Hl SDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

1?

PERMIT SYSTEM IN FMO ABERDEEN MARKET * * * * *

THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (FMO) IS TO INTRODUCE A PERMIT SYSTEM AS FROM MAY 16 IN THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TO RESTRICT ENTRY INTO THE SORTING FLOOR DURING MARKETING HOURS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A FMO SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOVE AIMED AT ENSURING THAT ORDERLY MARKETING PRACTICES PREVAILED AND AT PREVENTING ABUSE THROUGH THE MANIPULATION OF WHOLESALE PROCEDURES BY UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS.

HE SAID! +THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SYSTEM IS IN LINE WITH THE THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUP ON GANGS.

+IN FACT, A SIMILAR SYSTEM HAS ALREADY BEEN IN PRACTICE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET FOR FOUR YEARS AND IS WORKING SATISFACTORILY. THIS ALLOWS PERMIT HOLDERS ACCESS TO THE SORTING FLOOR TO INSPECT THE FISH.+

THE FMO ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO INTRODUCE THE PERMIT SYSTEM IN THE ABERDEEN MARKET ON APRIL 1. ACCORDINGLY, MARKET USERS, OTHER THAN FISHERMEN, WHO MAY HAVE A NEED FOR SUCH A PERMIT WERE INVITED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS.

+ IN VIEW OF

STILL NOT HANDED

THE FACT THAT SOME OF THE REGISTERED BUYERS HAVE 51 ill nui nANucu IN THEIR APPLICATIONS, IT HAS THEREFORE BEEN DECIDED TO DEFER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE SYSTEM IN THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TO MAY 16,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THIS DECISION WAS FINAL AND URGED FISH BUYERS AND OTHER USERS TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

CLARIFYING A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE USE OF THE PERMIT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE PERMIT IS NOT FOR PURCHASE PURPOSES. INTENDING BUYERS WITH OR WITHOUT PERMITS SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY FISH IN THE NORMAL WAY.+

OLD ACCESS TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY CLOSED

*****

LEADING FROM TEXACO ROAD TO THE TSUEN

WAN CEMETERY HA^BEE^CLOSED SINCE THE END OF FEBRUARY TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSI NG Yl NORTH BRIDGE.

MOTORISTS FROM KOWLOON WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE CEMETERY SHOULD USE KWAI CHUNG ROAD, CONTAINER PORT ROAD, KWAI TAI ROAD, KWAI TSING ROAD, KWAI TAI ROAD, KWAI YUE STREET, WING SHUN STREET AND THE UNNAMED NEW ACCESS ROAD.

GRAVE-SWEEPERS VISITING THE CEMETERY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHOULD TAKE THE MTR AND GET OFF AT KWAI FONG STATION. THEY SHOULD THEN WALK ALONG KWAI FUK ROAD, TURN LEFT ONTO KWAI HEI STREET, TURN RIGHT ONTO WING SHUN STREET AND ONTO THE NEW ACCESS ROAD.

-------c

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1986

- 18 -

REMINDER ON CHING MING TRAFFIC PLAN FOR HK ISLAND * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON SATURDAY (APRIL 5), SUNDAY (APRIL 6) AND APRIL 13 ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.

DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS.

* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND CREMATORIUM FROM CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE RESTRICTED TO HEARSES AND VEHICLES CARRYING PASSENGERS TO SERVICES AT THE CREMATORIUM.

K THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE CHAI WAN CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD MAY BE CLOSED WITHOUT NOTICE, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.

* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND SHEK 0 ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

* LIN SHING ROAD BETWEEN WAN TSUI ROAD AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

X WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE.

* NO PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ALONG CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, WAH HA STREET AND THE SECTION OF SHEK 0 ROAD BETWEEN CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM ROAD.

* CONSORT RISE IN POK FU LAM WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD.

* PEEL RISE NEAR THE ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM SHEK PAI WAN ROAD TO THE CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

CMB WILL OPERATE ADDITIONAL SERVICES ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. ROUTE 57 FROM CENTRAL BUS STATION TO CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) WILL RUN FROM 7 AM TO 5.52 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES, WHILE 89 BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS TO CHAI WAN CEMETERY VIA CHAI WAN MTR STATION (CIRCULAR) WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF FIVE MINUTES.

CMB ROUTES 80, 81, 81M, 82, 83, 84, 780 AND CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 106, AND GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES 16M AND 18M WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURE AND RE-ROUTE I NG MEASURES IN CHAI WAN.

CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON APPROACH ROADS TO CEMETERIES AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS IF POSSIBLE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MARIA TAM APPOINTED TAC CHAIRMAN ........................... 1

GOVERNOR SEES CHANGING ENVIRONMENT IN WAN CHAI ............. 3

SIR EDWARD PLEASED WITH ADVISORY BOARDS .................

PROTECTION SOUGHT FOR NAMING DISHONEST TRADERS ............. 6

NEW LEGISLATION ON MARINE FEES AND CHARGES ................. 7

JANUARY RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS OUT .................... 8

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON CODISPOSAL OF WASTES UNDERWAY ....... 12

BY-ELECTIONS FOR TWO DISTRICTS NEXT MONTH ................. 13

BILL SEEKS UPDATE OF TREATMENT CENTRE LAW  ................ 14

BETTER FACILITIES FOR TRAINING OF NURSES.......-........... 15

NEW I.D. CARD FOR WOMEN BORN 1931 - 193^ .................. 16

REGISTRATION TAX BENEFIT FOR DISABLED DRIVERS ............. 17

BOOKLET ABOUT ISLANDS DISTRICT PRODUCED ................... 18

SPECIAL STAMP BOOKLET TO MhRK BANK OPENING ................ 18

RE-APPOINTMENT TO MTRC BOARD .............................. 19

KWUN TONG FORUM ON HAWKER POLICIES ........................ 19

TREE PLANTING SCHEME PROVING POPULAR ..................... 20

FIRST ANNUAL CONCERT BY YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA .......... 21

KWAI CHUNG, TSING YI FUNDS FOR YCUTH PROGRAMME ........... 21

IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AT PARK ................. 22

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND ................ 2J

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT CHANGES ............................ 23

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1906

1

MARIA TAM APPOINTED TAC CHAIRMAN * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MISS MARIA TAM TO SUCCEED MR GERALD FORSGATE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC), IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR FORSGATE, WHO HAS SERVED JOINED AS A MEMBER IN APRIL i960 OCTOBER 1982.

THE COMMITTEE FOR SIX YEARS, AND BECAME THE CHAIRMAN IN

THROUGH FOUR BUSY YEARS, DURING

HE HAS GUIDED THE COMMITTEE THROUGH FOUR BUSY YEARS, DURING WHICH THE TAC HAS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN IMPROVING THE STANDARD (F SERVICE OF THE TWO MAJOR FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AND IN RATIONALISING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY

AND THE OPENING OF THE MASS TRANSIT ISLAND LINE

MISS TAM IS NOT NEW TO TAC. SHE WAS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FROM APRIL 1982 TO OCTOBER 1983. APART FROM HER LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP, SHE IS THE CONVENOR OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES PANEL. HER APPOINTMENT WILL STRENGTHEN THE BETWEEN UMELCO AND TAC.

COUNCIL UMELCO LINK *

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPOINTED NINE NEW MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE. THEY ARE MR LIU LIT-FOR, MR RICHARD LAI SING-LUNG, W TAI CHIN-WAH, MR JACKIE CHAN CHAI-KEUNG, MR LEUNG CHI-KEUNG, W MAN SAI-CHEONG, DR STEPHEN TANG LUNG-WAI, MR VINCENT LO HONG-SUI AND MR FAN SAI-YEE.

THE NEW MEMBERS REPLACE MR STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN. MR HU FA-KUANG, MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG, MISS ANNA WU, HOWARD YOUNG, MR CARL foNG, MR ALFRED TSO AND MR LIU CHING-LEUNG.

IN MAKING THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR IAN MACPHERSON, PAID TRIBUTE TO MR FORSGATE AND THE RETIRING MEMBERS.

♦DURING THEIR TERM OF SERVICE, THEIR EXPERIENCE AND WISE ADVICE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO BEAR ON A WIDE RANGE OF TRANSPORT ISSUES WHICH ARE OFTEN COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT. THEIR VALUABLE SERVICE HAS BEEN DEEPLY APPRECIATED,* HE SAID.

ON THE NEW APPOINTMENTS, HE SAID, +THEY REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE COMMUNITY AND WILL, I AM SURE, BRING THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CONTACTS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.*

MR RICHARD LAI, A BUSINESSMAN, IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD. IE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE ECONOMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE AND THE TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARD.

/MR TAI

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

- 2 -

MR TAI CHIN-WAH IS A SOLICITOR BY PROFESSION. HE IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE YUEN LONG DISTR ICT BOARD.

MR LIU LIT-FOR, A BANKER, IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD.

MR JACKIE CHAN, A BUSINESSMAN WITH AN ENGINEERING BACKGROUND, IS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MR C.K. LEUNG IS THE FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SECTION OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT. HE IS A SENIOR LECTURER IN THE FACULTY OF GEOGRAPHY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, SPECIALISING IN TRANSPORT STUDIES.

MR MAN SA I-CHEONG, A SOLICITOR, IS THE ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLOR REPRESENTING THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY. MR MAN IS A COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY LIMITED.

DR STEPHEN TANG LUNG-WAI IS A LECTURER IN SOCIOLOGY AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. HE IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD.

MR FAN SAI-YEE, AN ACCOUNTANT, IS ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL, AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY, CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD.

MR VINCENT LO HONG-SUI IS A REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE PROGRESSIVE HONG KONG SOCIETY.

EXISTING COMMITTEE MEMBERS RE-APPOINTED ARE DR CONRAD LAM KUI-SHING AND MR CHENG WUI-YAU.

THE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP WILL COMPRISE 12 UNOFFICIALS AND

SIX OFFICIAL MEMBERS. THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE 8

X THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (VICE-CHAIRMAN)

* THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE

* THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES OR

HIS REPRESENTATIVE

X THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OR HIS

REPRESENTATIVE

* THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT

M THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT

/5.......

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986


GOVERNOR SEES CHANGING ENVIRONMENT IN WAN CHAI

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDwARD YOUDE, WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) TOLD THAT WAN CHAI IS CHANGING CONSIDERABLY AS URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS ARE TRANSFORMING THE DISTRICT INTO A MORE EXCITING AND BUSIER PLACE THAN EVER.

THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON TO SEE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND VISIT A WELFARE ORGANISATION. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BRIAN CHAU= WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA- AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.

SIR EDWARD FIRST WENT TO THE ROOFTOP OF SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE WHERE HE HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT, AND WAS BRIEFED EY MR GARCIA ON THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT’S FIVE AREA COMMITTEES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS.

MR GARCIA TOLD SIR EDWARD THERE WAS A LACK OF OPEN SPACE IN THE DISTRICT, BUT WORK ON THE PROPOSED QUEEN’S ROAD EAST PARK AT BULLOCK LANE COULD BEGIN WHEN THE WATERWORKS DEPOT THERE WAS VACATED. THIS, HE SAID, WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO MUCH-NEEDED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WERE INTERESTED IN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE OLDER AREAS ALONG QUEEN’S POAD EAST AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX ABOVE THE WAN CHAI MTR STATION.

HOWEVER, THE MOST EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS WERE PROBABLY ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WHICH WAS EVOLVING INTO A MAJOR CULTURAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREA, SIR EDWARD WAS TOLD.

THE CHIEF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICER OF THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION, MR K.Y. TSANG, AND THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, MR GORDON ONGLEY, BRIEFED SIR EDWARD ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NOW TAKING PLACE ON THE RECLAMATION.

AMONG THE MAJOR PROJECTS THAT HAD BEEN COMPLETED WERE THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, YMCA INTERNATIONAL HOUSE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL’S SPORTS GROUND AND TRAINING POOL.

SIR EDWARD WAS TOLD THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT UNDERWAY WAS THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, WHICH WOULD HOUSE OFFICES, HOTELS AND RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS. IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE EXHIBITION HALLS AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

/THE GOVERNOR ........

F3I3AY, APRIL 4, 1986

THE GOVERNOR THEN WENT TO THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT WHERE HE wAS GREETED BY THE SUPERV ISOR-1N-CHARGE, MISS KAY LAI, AND A MEMBER OF THE SETTLEMENT’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR JOHN BUDGE.

SIR EDWARD WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVlCEo PROVIDED BY THE AGENCY, PARTICULARLY THOSE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THE ELDERLY AND FOR FAMILY AND CHILD WELFARE.

THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAW A MODEL OF THE SETTLEMENT’S NEW MULT I-SERVICE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT STONE NULLAH LANE WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION LATER THIS YEAR.

SIR EDWARD THEN WENT TO JARDINE’S BAZAAR WHERE HE SAW THE RESULTS OF A RECENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVED A RECENT CLEARANCE OPERATION THAT SAW THE REMOVAL OF 42 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE.

THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT THIS WAS A CONTINUING EXERCISE IN THE DISTRICT CARRIED OUT BY SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DI STR ICT BOARD.

AFTER TOURING THE DISTRICT, SIR EDWARD MET WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SERVING ON THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

SIR EDWARD PLEASED WITH ADVISORY BOARDS

* * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE IS EXCEEDINGLY PLEASED WITH, AND GRATEFUL FOR, THE WORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING WAN CHAI DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON, SIR EDWARD DISCOUNTED REPORTS THAT HE WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS.

+THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE LUNCHES AND THE MEETINGS WHICH I AM HAVING WITH THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES WAS EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE,* BE SAID.

+IT WAS IN ORDER TO SAY TO THEM ’THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE GOOD WORK YOU ARE DOING’ AND TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY THINGS TO ME PERSONALLY.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

5

♦I IN FACT. MEET VERY LARGE NUMBERS OF THEM FAIRLY REGULARLY JUST AS*I HAVE BEEN MEETING SOME OF THE DISTRICT PEOPLE THIS AFTERNOON. I HAVE GREAT ADMIRATION FOR THE,(J WORK AND I ^ST WANT TO DO IT A LITTLE MORE SYSTEMATICALLY SINCE I HAVE SOME TIME NOW. SO ANY IDEA THAT I AM DISSATISFIED YOU CAN FORGET.+

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE EXCHANGE FUND, SIR EDWARD SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD MAKE A STATEMENT IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

ON THAT MATTER.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED THIS WEEK HAD SHOWN THAT OUR WAS FOR THE INTEREST OF DEPOSITORS AND THE NTEREST AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, AND ITS IMAGE AS A FINANCIAL VERY IMPORTANT, HE SAID.

FIRST CONCERN OF HONG KONG CENTRE WAS

OF BANKING

♦NOW THE POWERS ARE THERE

+NOW THE POWERS ARE THERE FOR THE COMMISSIONER

AND tSe FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO USE, AND I THINK THEY HAVE USED

THEM VERY SUCCESSFULLY.

+THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING IN THAT YOU HAVE SEEN THIS WEEK THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN VERY STABLE.t

ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT SHOWING FAVOURITISM TOWARDS CERTAIN BANKS, SIR EDWARD SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO FAVOURITISM SHOWN TO ANYBODY.

+EACH CASE IS BEING DEALT WITH BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE.

+AND YOU CAN BE QUITE SURE IT IS NOT FAVOUR IITISM WHICH IS AT ISSUE IT IS THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND INTEREST OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL STABILITY.*

ON THE NATIONALITY BILL, SIR EDWARD SAID IT WAS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION IN LONDON. +BUT I HOPE IT WON’T BE TOO LONG NOW BEFORE WE HEAR SOME NEWS ON THAT.*

- - c -

/6

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

PROTECTION SOUGHT FOR NAMING DISHONEST TRADERS * * * *

THE DEFAMATION (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE THE DEFENCE OF QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE FOR THE NEWS MEDIA IN THEIR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST OF REPORTS ISSUED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

♦QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE IS THE LEGAL PROTECTION GIVEN TO THE MAKER OF A DEFAMATORY STATEMENT IF THE STATEMENT IS MADE HONESTLY, THAT IS WITHOUT MALICE,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

IF THIS PROVISION GOES THROUGH ITS LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, THE NEWS MEDIA WILL BE ABLE TO PUBLICISE CONSUMES COUNCIL REPORTS CF UNSCRUPULOUS OR DISHONEST TRADERS, INCLUDING THE NAMES OF THOSE INVOLVED, WITHOUT FEAR OF LIBEL ACTION BEING TAKEN AGAINST THEM.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT. MANY NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHERS AND BROADCASTERS WERE UNWILLING TO PUBLISH THE NAMES CF THE RETAILERS’ SHOPS WHICH HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE DISHONEST BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.

♦ THE UNFORTUNATE RESULT IS THAT THE MASS MEDIA ON OCCASIONS PUBLICISE THE MALPRACTICES OF THE RETAILERS’ SHOP BUT NOT THE NAMES OF THE SHOPS CONCERNED, DEFEATING LARGELY THE PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL’S ACTION.

+THIS PROVISION WOULD ENCOURAGE THE PRESS TO REPORT THE INVESTIGATION RESULTS OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WHICH WOULD HELP CONSUMERS TO MAKE THEIR PURCHASING DECISIONS ACCORDINGLY,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO PREVENT DEFAMATION STATEMENTS MADE BY CANDIDATES IN ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS BEING AFFORDED THE DEFENCE OF QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE.

THIS BRINGS INTO LINE THE LAW RELATING TO ALL PUBLIC AND CIVIC ELECTIONS HELD IN HONG KONG SINCE THE PROVISION ALREADY APPLIES TO URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ELECTIONS.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON APRIL 16.

VIEWS ON PROVISIONS OF THE BILL CAN BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, SIXTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, OR TO UMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL.

0 -

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

NEW LEGISLATION ON MARINE FEES AND CHARGES' *****

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT NEW LEGISLATION WILL BE SOUGHT IN RESPECT OF MARINE FEES AND CHARGES.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THESE FEES AND CHARGES, OF WHICH THERE ARE ABOUT 1 000, WERE INCREASED IN JUNE LAST YEAR WITH A VIEW TO RECOVERING A HIGHER PROPORTION OF THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE c^VERNMEilT IN THE OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG’S PORT AND SHIPPING. THE COSTS ARISE FROM SERVICES SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF ANCHORAGES, MOORINGS AND PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, HARBOUR CLEANSING AND NAVIGATIONAL AIDS.

THE INCREASES INCLUDED FEES FOR THE KEEPING OF PRIVATE MOORINGS AND FOR PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE FEE FOR A PRIVATE MOORING CAPABLE OF TAKING A 11 METRE YACHT AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER WAS INCREASED TO $500 PER MONTH. THE LEVEL OF THE INCREASED FEE WAS COMPARABLE TO PREVAILING MARKET RATES FOR COMMERCIAL MOORINGS.

SUBSEQUENTLY, HOWEVER, THE LEGAL MEANS BY WHICH THE NEW FEES FOR PRIVATE MOORINGS AND PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCES WERE INTRODUCED WERE QUESTIONED. ACCORDINGLY, IN ORDER TO CLARIFY THE LEGAL BASIS FOR ALL MARINE FEES AND CHARGES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE INTRODUCING INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL A NEW SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (FEES) BILL 1986, WHICH WILL BE GAZETTED ON APRIL 11. THIS BILL SEEKS TO PROVIDE A FIRM AND UNEQUIVOCAL LEGAL BASIS FOR THE SETTING OF MARINE FEES AND CHARGES. IF THE BILL IS PASSED INTO LAW, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION THEREAFTER TO SET NEW FEES FOR PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCES, AND FOR MOORINGS HAVING REGARD TO COMMERCIAL MOORING CHARGES. THESE ARE EXPECTED TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS THOSE INTRODUCED IN JUNE LAST YEAR.

IN THE MEANTIME, HAVING CONSIDERED THE LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED, WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 1 1986, TO REVERT THE CURRENT SCALE OF PRIVATE MOORINGS AND PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCE FEES TO THAT WHICH EXISTED IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 1985. SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO REIMBURSE THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THE HIGHER LEVEL OF FEES DURING THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 1985 ONWARDS.

-------0----------

/8

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

8

JANUARY RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS OUT

*****

at VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JANUARY 1986 F9TIMatfd jh.le their'volume Sis I pe“ cfir IS,Ta5?obdi«gNtoBth£985' PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE^CEHSUS

AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS REGISTERED INCREASES OF 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. OTHER CONSUMER GOODS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 1 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT A DECREASE OF 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS AND MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE MODERATELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. DEPARTMENT STORES HAD A SLIGHT INCREASE IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME, AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES HAD A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VALUE BUT NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME.

COMPARING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD NOVEMBER 1985-JANUARY 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE .AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES CF 4 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT NO CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS AND MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED MODERATELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. DEPARTMENT STORES AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES HAD SLIGHT INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

/when compared

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

9

WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1985, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1986 DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES RECORDED INCREASES OF 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME, AND THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO SHOWED INCREASES OF 3 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME. HOWEVER, FUELS RECORDED DECREASES OF 1 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DROPPED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* SHOWED DECREASES OF 13 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY AND THOSE CF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. ON THE OTHER HAND, SUPERMARKETS HAD SLIGHT DECREASES AND DEPARTMENT STORES HAD MODERATE DECREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

“tabLE I VrESENTS^THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1985 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1986.

TARIF ? SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (JJ^HFORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100.

COMPARISONS OF JANUARY 1986 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF DECEMBER AND JANUARY 1985 AND COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN THc THREE—MONTH PERIOD NOVEMBER 1985“JANUARY 1986 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO ARE ALSO GIVEN. GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT THE INDEX MOVEMENTS OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM JANUARY 1983 TO DECEMBER 1985.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JANUARY 1986 SURVEY RESULTS IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.

ENQUIRES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. s 3-7216024).

/TABLE 1 :

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1?86

10

TuIaL AoI.tIL SALti.

Total Retail Sales for January *986 (Provisional Figure) = HK$6 165 million for December '935 (Revised Figure) - HKS6 47? million

JaBLE 2 : VsLUB AND VOLUME INUEXEb OF RETAIL SALES ___________FcR 1905 JANUARY 1986

(Monthly average of 1?80 = 100)

Item Index of Retail Sales December 1985 January 1986 January 1936 comparea with December 19&5 January 1986 compared with January 1985 Nov. 1985 - Jan. compared with •Nov. 1936 - Jan. £ i \l» o>

(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points * Points * Points

(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1

Value 191 181 - 9 - 5 ♦ B + 5 ♦ 8 5

Volume 1J0 12* - 6 - 5 ♦ . ♦ 2 ♦ 5 2

(B) BY MAJOR TRADE 3 ROUPS

Foodstuffs, Value 179 186 ♦ n ♦ 6 ♦ 7 6

alcoholic drinks and tobacco Volume 117 121 ♦ «♦ ♦ 6 ♦ 6 * 5 + 5

Fuels Value 195 192 - i • 1 * 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 5 2

Volume 125 :26 - i - 1 ♦ 2 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 * 1

Clothing, footwear Value 289 268 - 21 - 7 ♦ 51 e 13 ♦ 56 15

and allied iroducts Volume 171 166 - 7 . <* ♦ 15 ♦ 9 ♦ 15 9

JvDoUiAer arables Value 158 170 ♦ '1 ♦ 7 ♦ 10 ♦ 6 ♦ 9 6

Volume 115 121 ♦ 6 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 6 6

Otner consumer Value 19^ 169 - 25 - 15 ♦ 2 ♦ 1 ♦ * 2

good* Volume 156 119 - 18 15 - 2 - 2

(C) BY BELaCTED TRaDES

Supermarkets Value 569 555 - 16 - 5 ♦ 66 ♦ 25 ♦ >1 19

Volume 210 200 - 10 - 5 ♦ 55 ♦ 21 ♦ 26 15

Motor vehicles Value 86 H2 ♦ 26 ♦ 50 ♦ 19 ♦ 20 ♦ 12 16

Volume *9 62 ♦ 15 ♦ 27 ♦ • 7 ♦ 15 ♦ 4 9

Consumer durables Value 208 209 ♦ 1 1 + * ♦ 2 . 8 *

Other than motor vehicles Volume l60 161 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 6 J

-Department stores Value 266 212 - 5* - 16 ♦ 10 ♦ 5 ♦ 12 + 6

Volume 169 - 26 - 16 ♦ 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 6 + *

Notes : 1. ’’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco" includes "supermar<ets".

2. "Consumer durables" includes "motor vehicles".

5. "Other consumer goods" includes "department stores".

6. Figures denoting changes are drived from the unrounded index figures.

5. • denotes no change.

/Graph 1 : .......

11 - FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

Graph 1: Value Indexes of Total Retail Sales

Value index • Value index

Volume index

Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales

Volume Index

Notes: (1) Monthy average of 1980 = 100.

(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using theX-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

12

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON CODISPOSAL OF WASTES UNDERWAY

*****

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, IN PLANNING FOR COMPREHENSIVE CONTROLS ON THE DISPOSAL OF TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT WASTES, HAS EMBARKED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE CODISPOSAL OF SUCH WASTES UNDER LOCAL CONDITIONS.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY MR MIKE STOKOE, ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE.

MR STOKOE SAID THE PROJECT, DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES, INVOLVED AN EXTENSIVE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP SUITABLE TECHNIQUES TO CODISPOSE SOME OF THE TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT WASTES WITH HOUSEHOLD, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL WASTES.

THE EXPERIMENTAL METHODS, HE SAID, WERE DESIGNED BY THE HARWELL LABORATORY IN BRITAIN, AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED CENTRE OF EXPERTISE IN THIS AREA.

HE SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT, COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, INVOLVED THE SCREENING OF TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT WASTES SUITABLE FOR CODISPOSAL AND THE SETTING UP OF LABORATORY SCALE TEST COLUMNS TO EXAMINE THE WASTE BEHAVIOUR AND LEACHATE CHARACTERISTICS.

THE TEST COLUMNS ARE MADE OF BOROSILICATE GLASS. EACH TEST COLUMN IS PACKED WITH PULVERISED REFUSE AND A LAYER OF TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS WASTES.

THE WASTES SELECTED FOR THE STUDY INCLUDE TANNERY WASTE, NET AL SLUDGES, BATTERIES, WASTE OILS, PAINT WASTE, BOILER GRIT, DEWATERED SEWAGE SLUDGE AND HIGH FLASH-POINT SOLVENTS.

MR STOKOE SAID THAT TO COMPLEMENT THE LABORATORY SCALE STUDY, PILOT SCALE TEST CELLS WERE BEING CONSTRUCTED AT THE JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP IN THE CURRENT PHASE TO FULLY SIMULATE THE ACTUAL CONDITIONS.

THE JUNK BAY CONTROLLED TIP IS MANAGED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, AND THE TEST CELL CONSTRUCTION WORKS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT BY ITS CONTRACTOR.

THE TEST CELLS ARE CONSTRUCTED WITH SOFT FILL MATERIALS. EACH CELL MEASURES 400 SQUARE METRES IN AREA INTERNALLY AND IS RAISED TO A HEIGHT OF 10 METRES IN FIVE STAGES.

THE TEST CELLS ARE LINED WITH A 2.5MM HIGH-DENSITY POLYTHENE SHEET AT THE BASE FOR CONTAINMENT OF THE LEACHATE.

/'’.■'OUR PERFORATED....

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

FOUR PERFORATED DRAINS ARE LAID ON TOP OF THE LINER IN EACH CELL FOR COLLECTING AND CARRYING THE LEACHATES TO THE MONITORING AREA.

THE TEST CELLS WILL BE FILLED WITH REFUSE AND COMPACTED IN THE NORMAL WAY OF TIPPING.

ONE OF THE CELLS IS DESIGNATED AS THE CONTROL, WHILE THE OTHER THREE CELLS WILL EXPERIMENT WITH SELECTED TOXIC, HAZARDOUS AND DIFFICULT WASTES.

THESE INCLUDE TANNERY WASTE, WASTE OILS, METAL SLUDGES, DEWATERED SEWAGE SLUDGES, PAINT WASTE AND HIGH FLASH-POINT SOLVENTS.

MR STOKOE SAID THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE TEST COLUMNS AND TEST CELLS WOULD BE MONITORED OVER A PERIOD OF ONE AND A HALF YEARS TO TWO YEARS.

THE DATA OBTAINED FROM THE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME WOULD THEN BE USED FOR REFERENCE IN DRAWING UP SUITABLE GUIDELINES IN CARRYING OUT CODISPOSAL OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.

ALSO MAKE

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, CONSULTANTS WOULD

RECOMMENDATIONS ON OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MONITORING PROGRAMMES FOR FUTURE CODISPOSAL SITES, AND THEY WOULD BE CONTAINED IN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW REPORT WHICH WAS DUE TO BE PRESENTED TO

THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.

_ _ n _ _

BY-ELECTIONS FOR TWO DISTRICTS NEXT MONTH

* * * * *

BY-ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO ELECT TWO MEMBERS TO THE CENTRAL - WESTERN AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARDS FOLLOWING VACANCIES RESULTING FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.

NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) STATE THAT THERE IS ONE VACANCY EACH IN THE CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, AND THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY IN MONG KOK.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE ANY MEMBER ELECTED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL MUST VACATE HIS SEAT ON THE DISTRICi BOARD.

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE TWO CONSTITUENCIES WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 18 AND CLOSE ON MAY 2, HE SAID.

/+IF THERE

“’’TIMY, APRIL A, 1986

+ IF THERE ARE TWO OR MORc NOMINATIONS FOR EACH OF THE CONSTITUENCIES, BY-ELECTIONS wILL BE HELD ON MAY 22,+ HE ADDED.

+ANY REGISTERED VOTER WHO HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR TEN YEARS OR MORE IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED AND STAND FOR ELECTION,* HE SAID.

+THE CANDIDATE NEED NOT LIVE IN THE CONSTITUENCY OR DISTRICT IN WHICH HE IS STANDING FOR ELECTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

NOMINATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM APRIL 14 AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, HARBOUR CENTRE, 1OTH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

THERE ARE 8 463 REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY AND 18 113 IN THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY.

----0------

BILL SEEKS UPDATE OF TREATMENT CENTRE LAW *****

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO UPDATE THE LAW RELATING TO THE ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES RUN BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA) WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FR IDAY).

THE DRUG ADDICTS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AIMS TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF A +YOUNG PERSON*-ARRANGEMENTS FOR VISITS TO ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES- THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE APPEAL BOARD AND TO ADJUST THE VARIOUS MONETARY PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND THE REGULATIONS MADE UNDER IT.

UNDER THE PRESENT LAW, THE CONSENT OF A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A YOUNG ADDICT AGED BELOW 19 IS REQUIRED BEFORE HE OR SHE CAN BE ADMITTED TO ONE OF THE TWO TREATMENT CENTRES RUN BY SARDA.

THE NEW BILL SEEKS TO LOWER THE AGE REQUIREMENT TO 18 SO THAT PERSONS AGED 18 MAY BE ADMITTED WITHOUT THE NEED FOR PARENTAL CONSENT.

IT ALSO PROPOSES TO PROVIDE FOR VISITS BY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE TO THE TWO TREATMENT CENTRES AT LEAST ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS.

IN ADDITION, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICIES RELATING TO NARCOTICS, SHOULD TAKE THE PLACE OF THE FORMER SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AS A MEMBER OF THE ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE APPEAL BOARD SINCE THE POST OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS CEASED TO EXIST AFTER THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN APRIL 1985.

/THE BILL

FRIDAY, APRIL 1986

- 15 -

THE BILL ALSO CALLS FOR THE REVISION OF THE MONETARY PENALTIES IN THE DRUG ADDICTS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION ORDINANCE.

THE PENALTIES HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE THE ENACTMENT CF THE ORDINANCE IN I960.

THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON APRIL 16.

------0----------

BETTER FACILITIES FOR TRAINING OF NURSES *****

TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR NURSING STAFF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A NURSES’ TRAINING SCHOOL AT KOWLOON HOSPITAL AND AN EXTENSION TO THE PSYCHIATRIC NURSES’ TRAINING SCHOOL AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.

TENDERS ARE BEING CALLED FOR THE TWO PROJECTS, WORK ON WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE.

THE KOWLOON CONTRACT WILL CONSIST OF A SIX-STOREY BUILDING HOUSING A PUPIL NURSING AUXILIARY TRAINING SCHOOL ON THE GROUND FLOOR, A KITCHEN, DINING ROOM AND COMMUNAL FACILITIES ON THE FIRST FLOOR AND NURSES’ QUARTERS ON THE SECOND TO FIFTH FLOORS. THERE WILL ALSO BE CAR PARKING AND ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 1987.

FOR THE CASTLE PEAK PROJECT, $2 MILLION HAS BEEN DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

THE EXTENSION CONSISTS OF A THREE-STOREY TRAINING SCHOOL COMPRISING LECTURE THEATRES, DEMONSTRATION ROOMS, CLASSROOMS, LIBRARY OFFICES AND SERVICE ROOMS.

IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 1987.

-----0------

/16........

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

16

NEW I.D. CARD FOR WOMEN BORN 1931 - 1934 X * * * *

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WOMEN BORN 1931, 1932, 1933 AND 1934 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOP NEW I.D. CARDS FROM APRIL 14 TO MAY 17.

THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS AND CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THE FIVE-WEEK PERIOD.

THE EIGHT OFFICES ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

THEIR ADDRESSES ARE:

HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.

EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.

WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.

SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG

POK STREET.

YUEN LONG

: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.

TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.

SHEUNG SHU I : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT GREEN SEAL I.D. CARDS HOLDERS MUST FOLLOW THE SAME APPLICATION SCHEDULE AND WILL NOT BE TREATED SEPARATELY.

♦THOSE WHO WANT TO ALTER THEIR LAST NAMES WHEN THEY APPLY FOR NEW CARDS AS A RESULT OF A CHANGE IN MARITAL STATUS SHOULD BRING ALONG RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SUCH AS MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE CERTIFICATES TO SUPPORT THEIR CASES,+ HE SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ISSUE CENTRES ARE FOR THE APPLICATION OF NEW I.D. CARDS ONLY. THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR DAMAGED CARDS REPLACED OR THEIR PERSONAL DATA CHANGED SHOULD GO TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES INSTEAD.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1935, 1936, 1937 AND 1938 WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW I.D. CARDS TO DO SO WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE ARE ONLY FIVE MORE DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON APRIL 12.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1936

17

REGISTRATION TAX BENEFIT FOR DISABLED DRIVERS *****

DISABLED DRIVERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY EXEMPTION FROM THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON VEHICLES IF THEY CAN PROVE THAT THE VALUE OF THEIR PRIVATE CAR, ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE, IS BELOW $30 000, THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER (LICENSING) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR WARREN CHENG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

MR CHENG WAS RESPONDING TO REPORTS THAT FLUCTUATIONS IN THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN RECENT MONTHS HAD PUSHED UP THE TAXABLE VALUE OF SOME IMPORTED PRIVATE CARS TO OVER $30 000.

AT PRESENT, THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX OF A PRIVATE CAR RANGES FROM 70 TO 90 PER CENT OF ITS COST, INSURANCE AND FREIGHT VALUE. A DISABLED PERSON MAY CLAIM EXEMPTION FROM THE TAX IF THE CIF VALUE OF HIS PRIVATE CAR DOES NOT EXCEED $30 000 AND IF HE HAS NOT MADE A SIMILAR CLAIM IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS.

+IF THERE IS CLEARLY A CASE SHOWING THAT SINCE THE SIGNING OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT BY A DISABLED PERSON, FLUCTUATIONS IN EXCHANGE RATES HAVE BOOSTED THE VALUE OF A PRIVATE CAR ’^TENDED FOR FIRST REGISTRATION FROM BELOW $30 000 TO ABOVE $30 000, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AS ON THE DAY WHEN THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED,+ MR CHENG SAID.

+IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, A DISABLED CAR OWNER SHOULD BRING ALONG THE VEHICLE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH HIM TOGETHER WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS WHEN HE REGISTERS HIS PRIVATE CAR WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND CLAIMS TAX

EXEMPTION,* HE CONTINUED.

MR CHENG ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORDS SHOWED THAT THE VALUE OF MANY POPULAR MODELS OF PRIVATE CARS DID NOT EXCEED $30 000. MOREOVER, MANY OF THESE MODELS REMAINED UNAFFECTED BY FLUCTUATIONS IN THE EXCHANGE RATES BECAUSE VALUES WERE DECLARED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS.

IN FACT, POTENTIAL DISABLED CAR OWNERS SHOULD ASK MOTOR DEALERS TO RECOMMEND MODELS WHICH WOULD SURELY QUALIFY THE BUYERS FOR TAX EXEMPTION, HE SUGGESTED.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON EXEMPTION FROM THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX MAY BE MADE TO THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON 5-259494.

-----o------

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1936

18

BOOKLET ABOUT ISLANDS DISTRICT PRODUCED * * * *

A COMPREHENSIVE BOOKLET ON THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, COMPLETE aITH COLOURFUL PICTURES AND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

THE 54-PAGE BOOKLET CONTAINS MORE THAN 60 ILLUSTRATIONS THAT DEPICT THE MANY SCENIC AREAS OF THE DISTRICT AND PROVIDE READERS WITH INFORMATIVE BACKGROUND ON PAST AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS.

ENTITLED +PANORAMA OF ISLANDS DISTRICT*, THE BOOKLET IS IN CHINESE AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE ON WRITTEN REQUEST.

THE PUBLICATION TRACES THE VARIOUS CHANGES OF THE SPRAWLING ISLANDS OF THE DISTRICT.

STUDENTS SHOULD FIND IT A HANDY CIVIC-EDUCATION AID AS THE BOOKLET GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE GOVERNMENT, ALL AIMING TO MAKE THE DISTRICT A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN AS WELL AS A MAJOR TOUR 1ST AREA.

THE BOOKLET PROVIDES VISITORS WITH IMPORTANT INFORMATION SUCH AS THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF NUMEROUS SCENIC SPOTS AND FERRY SCHEDULES TO THE ISLANDS.

WITH LIMITED COPIES PRODUCED, ONLY ONE COPY OF THE BOOKLET WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH ORGANISATION ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BAS IS.

LETTERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

SPECIAL STAMP BOOKLET TO MARK BANK OPENING K * * * * *

A SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE STAMP BOOKLET ON THE NEW HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON MONDAY (APRIL 7) TO MARK ITS OFFICIAL OPENING.

THE BOOKLET THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE ISSUED IN HONG KONG, PRESENTS THE NEW’HONGKONG BANK HEADQUARTERS BUILDING WITH COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS.

/♦IT ALSO ......

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

- 19 -

*IT ALSO CONTAINS 10 $1.70 STAMPS FEATURING THE BANK BUILDING ALONG WITH 24 DEFINITIVE 50 CENTS STAMPS,* A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BOOKLET, ISSUED IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE BANK, WILL BE SOLD FOR $29, THE FACE VALUE OF THE STAMPS IT CONTAINS. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AND PEAK POST OFFICES ON THE ISLAND AND TSIM SHA TSUI, AIRPORT AND GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON.

— - - - 0-

RE-APPOINTMENT TO MTRC BOARD M * * *

A MEMBER OF THE PERIOD OF ONE

THE GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED MR C.H. TUNG AS BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A YEAR FROM MAY 1, 1986.

MR TUNG HAS BEEN SERVING ON THE BOARD SINCE MAY 1, 1984.

i-rrtJHE.0THER MEMBERS 0F THE BOARD, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY MR WILFRID ARE MR 0SWALD CHEUNG, MR G.M. MACWHINNIE, MR YEUNG PO-PtJc MR D-A’C- NEND,CK (SECRETARY FOR MONETARY

AFFAIRS), THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND TRE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION.

-------c --------

KWUN TONG FORUM ON HAWKER POLICIES * * * *

A PUBLIC FORUM ON HAWKER POLICIES WILL BE HELD IN KWUN TONG ON SUNDAY (APRIL 6) AFTERNOON AND RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.

STARTING AT 2 PM AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE IN TELFORD GARDENS, THE +HAWKER POLICIES PUBLIC FORUM* HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY AN AD HOC WORKING GROUP SET UP BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TO CO-ORDINATE DISTRICT CONSULTATION ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S ■CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES*.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR PANG KAM-FAI, SAID: +THE WORKING GROUP HAS INVITED LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, HAWKER ASSOCIATIONS, AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS TO ATTEND THE FORUM, WHILE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL HEAD GROUP DISCUSSIONS.*

/THE CHAIRMAN .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

- 20 -

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE, MRS ELSIE TU, AND A WORKING PARTY MEMBER, MR LEE CHIK-YUET, WILL ATTEND THE FORUM TO BRIEF PARTICIPANTS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, MR PANG SAID.

BESIDES HOLDING THE FORUM, THE WORKING GROUP IS INVITING WRITTEN COMMENTS FROM VARIOUS LOCAL BODIES, AND AN OVERALL REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD IN JUNE.

-------G----------

TREE PLANTING SCHEME PROVING POPULAR X X X M X

THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS PROVING POPULAR WITH BOTH THE YOUNG AND THE OLD.

THE SCHEME BEGAN ON WEDNESDAY AND ALREADY MORE THAN 4 400

PEOPLE INCLUDING SOME 200 OLD PEOPLE, HAVE PARTICIPATED IN PLANTING 5 000 TREES IN COUNTRY PARK PLANTATION AREAS RECENTLY DEVASTATED BY

FIRE.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME ON CHING MING FESTIVAL DAY AND EVERY SUNDAY IN APR IL.

♦ THEY CAN NOT ONLY HELP RESTOCK OUR PLANTATION BUT ALSO BECOME PERSONALLY INVOLVED IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES TO MAKE HONG KONG’S COUNTRYSIDE A NICER AND GREENER PLACE,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DEPARTMENT STAFF WOULD BE ON DUTY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM DAILY ON THE ABOVE DAYS AT SIX DESIGNATED SITES TO PROVIDE TREE SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTING BY THE PUBLIC.

THE SITES ARE NEAR THE TWISH MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK; CHUEN LUNG IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK; PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK; MUI WO NEAR THE FERRY PIER; POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARK NEAR CHI FU FA YUEN; AND AT A PICNIC SITE NEAR MOUNT BUTLER, INSIDE QUARRY BAY COUNTRY PARK.

-----0------

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

21

FIRST ANNUAL CONCERT BY YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

*****

THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, WHICH WAS REORGANISED LAST SEPTEMBER, WILL PRESENT ITS FIRST ANNUAL CONCERT ON SUNDAY (APRIL 6), AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL. THE PROGRAMME WILL START AT 8 PM, WITH MR JOHN SZI-CHENG LAU AS GUEST CONDUCTOR.

THE ORCHESTRA, MANAGED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, AIMS AT DEVELOPING THE MUSICAL TALENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND IT TODAY (FRIDAY) RECEIVED SPONSORSHIP FROM A COMMERCIAL FIRM IN ORDER TO HELP IT TO FURTHER ITS AIMS.

THE SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DHL WORLDWIDE EXPRESS COMES IN THE FORM OF CARDIGANS AND SOUVENIR HANDBOOKS FOR ORCHESTRA MEMBERS, WHICH WERE HANDED OVER IN A SHORT CEREMONY BY THE COMPANY’S GENERAL MANAGER , MR TOBY TSE, TO THE ORCHESTRA’S CONCERT MASTER, YR MA WAI-KWAN.

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO, WAS PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY HELD IN THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN YAU MA TEI.

THE PROGRAMME FOR SUNDAY’S CONCERT INCLUDES BRAHM’S TRAGIC OVERTURE, OP. 18, BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 4 AND GOUNOD’S FAUST BALLET MUSIC.

THE CONCERT WILL CONCLUDE WITH TCHAIKOWSKY’S 1812 OVERTURE, OP. 49, PERFORMED JOINTLY BY THE ORCHESTRA AND THE STOWMARKET SCHOOLS’ CONCERT BAND OF ENGLAND WHICH IS CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG ON A CULTURAL EXCHANGE VISIT ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.

TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL COMPUTERISED BOX-OFFICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE TELEPHONE 3-731777.

--------o ---------

KWAI CHUNG, TSI NG Yl FUNDS FOR YOUTH PROGRAMME

*****

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (V KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl D STR CT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR rUNUo TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THE 19B6 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

A KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP TO OVERSEE THE ENTIRE SoGRaASe} THEESTImItED EXPENDITURE OF WHICH IS 5495 OOO.

/THIS YEAR’S

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

THIS YEAR’S THEME IS +CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, GET TO KNOW IT BETTER+.

A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS A COMMUNITY EXERCISE AIMED AT PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO ENRICH THEMSELVES DURING THE SUMMER THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN MEANINGFUL SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

+THEY CAN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL SKILLS AND UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE INTER-HUMAN RELATIONSHIP. THEY CAN ALSO GET TO KNOW THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE SO AS TO ENHANCE THEIR SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO IT,+ HE SAID.

FOR THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 500 EVENTS HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT IN JULY AND AUGUST.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR FUNDS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

DEADLINE IS APRIL 18.

- 0 -

IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN AT PARK * * * * *

THE PLAYGROUND AND BOATING POND AT VICTORIA PARK WILL BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE MORE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN.

THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IN THE NORTHEASTERN AREA OF THE PARK WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED AND PROVIDED WITH MODERN PLAY EQUIPM AND SAFETY MATTING.

THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO ENLARGE THE MODEL BOATING POOL IN THE PARK AND PROVIDE SPECTATOR AREAS AROUND THE POOL.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER. THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK.

- 0 -

/23

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

23

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL AND WAN CHA 18

* THE EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE RESTRICTION ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE LIFTED BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 7) FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A NEARBY BANK.

* TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAN CHAI ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 207 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH TAK YAN STREET WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE 24 HOURS DAILY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY. THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT NINE DAYS AND NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY.

* TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF DUCT NETWORK FOR THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE SECTION OF WAN CHAI ROAD BETWEEN TAK YAN STREET AND TIN LOK LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, WHILE VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD ON TO WAN CHAI ROAD. THE MEASURES WILL AGAIN BE IN EFFECT FOR ABOUT NINE DAYS.

IN ADDITION, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE UNNAMED ROAD CONNECTING CHUN FAI ROAD AND MOORSOM ROAD IN JARDINE’S LOOKOUT WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.

------o-------

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT CHANGES

*****

THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE BUS STATION IN AREA 11 WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON MONDAY (APRIL 7) AND TWO NEW KMB NEW TERRITORIES EXPRESS ROUTES 60X AND 61X WILL BE INTRODUCED TO OPERATE FROM IT TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY AND KOWLOON CITY FERRY.

KMB ROUTES 52 AND 60M OPERATING FROM TUEN MUN FERRY TO CHEUNG SHA WAN AND TSUEN WAN MTR STATION WILL BE RELOCATED TO TERMINATE AT THE BUS STATION.

/KMB ROUTE

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1986

24

KMB ROUTE 61 FROM TAI HING TO YUEN LONG EAST WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE BETWEEN TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE AND YUEN LONG WEST.

TO TIE IN WITH THE OPERATION OF THE BUS STATION, KMB ROUTES 66 AND 66M ON JOURNEYS TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY AND TSUEN WAN MTR STATION WILL BE DIVERTED TO PUI TO ROAD, TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD ROAD D8 AND TUEN MUN ROAD. KMB ROUTES 59, 59B, 59S, 62, 63, 66 AND 66M WILL USE THE BUS LAYBY ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD OUTSIDE THE BUS STATION.

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG SHU I TO FACILITATE ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND SAN FUNG AVENUEt

* ROAD D4 BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD L6 WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC- AND

# KMB ROUTES 69, 70, 70K, 73, 73K AND 79K OPERATING ALONG SAN FUNG AVENUE WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD D4 AND ROAD L6.

THESE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.

WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, KAM TSIN ROAD IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF GAS PIPES.

IN KWUN TONG, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KAI SHING STREET BETWEEN CARGO CIRCUIT AND THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING KAI SHING STREET AND WANG KWONG ROAD WILL BE MADE A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY. NO PLBS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DISTRICT BOARDS ALLOCATED ......................... 1

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL GOING ON ........ 2

SPECIAL STAMPS FOR QUEEN'S 6OTH BIRTHDAY ................. 5

CURRENT MFA TALKS IN GENEVA END .......................... 4

SPECIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR BANK OPENING ................. 4

MINI-ROUNDABOUT EASES TRAFFIC CONGESTION ................. 5

STUDY ROOMS NOW OPEN TO STUDENTS ......................... 6

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETS MONDAY ...................... 7

WAN CHAI, TIN WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................ 7

ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS AT SAI WAN HO..................... 7

NEW EXPRESS BUS SERVICE STARTS MONDAY .................... 8

DRY TAPS AT YUEN LONG ...............................      8

NO FLUSHING WATER ....................................     8

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

1

DISTRICT BOARDS ALLOCATED $35.27M X X * K *

A TOTAL OF $35.27 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE 19

I STR I CT BOARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY .NVOLVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF ABOUT $200 000 OVER LAST YEAR’S FIGURES.

THE NINE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL RECEIVE $19.78 MILLION, WHILE THE TEN DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREAS WILL SHARE $15.49 MILLION.

Yl WILL BY YUEN

ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING RECEIVE THE LARGEST SHARE AT $3.34 MILLION, FOLLOWED LONG WITH $3.03 MILLION AND SHA TIN WITH $2.61 MILLION. THREE DISTRICTS ALSO LEAD THE NEW TERRITORIES SIDE IN THE

THESE

ALLOCATION TABLE.

KWUN TONG WILL GET THE BIGGEST SHARE ----------------------------. MILLION

IN THE URBAN AREAS, k™.. -------------------- -----AT $2.27 MILLION, FOLLOWED BY WONG TAI SIN WITH $2.21 AND EASTERN WITH $1.70 MILLION.

THE FOLLOWING IS BREAKDOWN OF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS FOR THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR:

HONG KONG AND KOWLOON

CENTRAL AND WESTERN $1.08 MILLION

EASTERN $1.78 MILLION

KOWLOON CITY $1.75 MILLION

KWUN TONG $2.27 MILLION

MONG KOK $1.07 MILLION

SHAM SHUI PO $1.77 MILLION

SOUTHERN $1.43 MILLION

WAN CHAI $1.07 MILLION

WONG TAI SIN $2.21 MILLION

YAU MA TEI $1.06 MILLION (SUB-TOTALt $15.49 MILLION)

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

2

NEW TERRITORIES

ISLANDS SI.52 MILLION

KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl $3.34 MILLION

NORTH $1.58 MILLION

SAI KUNG $1.46 MILLION

SHA TIN $2.61 MILLION

TAI PO $1.50 MILLION

TSUEN WAN $2.23 MILLION

TUEN MUN $2.51 MILLION

YUEN LONG $3.03 MILLION (SUB-TOTAL: $19.78 MILLION)

TOTAL: $35.27 MILLION '

-------0---------

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL GOING ON ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 80 000 ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS. THEY INCLUDE THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING- MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY AND GAS), WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION-FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICE- COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).

QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF MARCH AND REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES WERE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

/INFORMATION IS


INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 27 FOR EACH SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENT. SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD JANUARY-MARCH 1986.

RESPONDENTS WHO FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS

>HOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS! 5-436551, 5-444301, 5-455661 AND 5-455668.

-------o - -

SPECIAL STAMPS FOR QUEEN’S GOTH BIRTHDAY

*****

A SET OF FIVE SPECIAL STAMPS TO 'f QUEEN ELIZABETH II WILL BE ISSUED

COMMEMORATE THE 60TH BIRTHDAY BY THE POST OFFICE ON APRIL 21.

A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STAMPS, ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH 22 OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, ARE THE WORK DESIGNER TONY THEOBALD, AND ARE IN FIVE DENOMINATIONS!

OF BRITISH

* 50 CENTS - PRINCESS ELIZABETH ARRIVING AT THE WEDDING OF MISS CELIA BOWES-LYON IN 1931.

* Si - THE QUEEN ATTENDING THE SERVICE OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER AT WINDSOR CASTLE IN 1977.

* $1.30 - THE QUEEN VISITING HONG KONG IN 1975. THE BACKGROUND SHOWS A FLOATING RESTAURANT FROM WHICH SHE WATCHED A WATERBORNE PROCESSION.

* $1.70 - A NORMAN PARKINSON PHOTOGRAPH OF THE QUEEN TAKEN IN 1980 FOR THE QUEEN MOTHER’S BIRTHDAY AT THE ROYAL LODGE WINDSOR.

* $5 - THE QUEEN VISITING THE CROWN AGENTS HEAD OFFICE IN LONDON IN 1983 TO CELEBRATE ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WOULD BE ON SALE ON MONDAY (APRIL 7). ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING FIRST DAY COVERS WOULD BE ACCEPTED FROM APRIL 7 TO 16

AT ALL POST OFFICES.

HOWEVER, A MINIMUM OF FIVE COVERS PER ORDER IS REQUIRED, HE SAID.

THE NEW STAMPS ARE NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE PHiLATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE AND AT TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD, KOWLOON.

-------o----------

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

U -

CURRENT MFA TALKS IN GENEVA END * * * *

THE LATEST ROUND OF TALKS ON A SUCCESSOR ARRANGEMENT TO THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT ENDED IN GENEVA YESTERDAY, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.

THE TALKS INCLUDED BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL MEETINGS BETWEEN THE MAIN IMPORTING AND EXPORTING MEMBERS OF THE MFA.

♦AS EXPECTED, THE TALKS HAVE NOW MOVED INTO A NEW STAGE, THE INFORMAL TALKS HAVE NOW BEGUN TO DISCUSS DETAILED ISSUES, SUCH AS GROWTH RATES, WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE ANY NEW ARRANGEMENT CAN BE AGREED,+ THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, REPORTED FROM GENEVA.

♦ALTHOUGH THIS IS A USEFUL START, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT ALL FACE SOME TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD IF A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE MULTILATERAL ARRANGEMENT IS TO BE CONCLUDED.♦

MR MACLEOD SAID THE PROGRAMME OF MEETINGS WOULD NOW INTENSIFY, WITH FURTHER TALKS LIKELY IN EARLY MAY. AND EARLY AND LATE JUNE, FOLLOWED BY A HEAVY SCHEDULE IN JULY IF NECESSARY.

-------0----------

SPECIAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR BANK OPENING

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL DISTRICT BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 7) IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HONGKONG BANK BUILDING:

* QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DESVOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, PRIVATE BUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS.

OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO GAIN ACCESS TO HILTON HOTEL, . GARDEN ROAD CARPARK AND THE PETROL STATION BUT “'LL EXIT VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BANK STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND ICE HOUSE STREET TO REJOIN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

* BANK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

/• NORTHBOUND........

SATOHMLY, APRIL 5, 1986

- 5 -

* NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON ICE HOUSE STREET FROM LOWER ALBERT ROAD MUST TURN LEFT INTO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

* VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES, PRIVATE BUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL ALONG WESTBOUND DES VOEUS ?OAD CENTRAL, TURN LEFT INTO ICE HOUSE STREET AND THEN TURN RIGHT INTO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

X THE EXISTING BUS ONLY LANE ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL TO ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED.

IN ADDITION, CMB ROUTES 23A, 4OM AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 103 ON THEIR EASTBOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND PEDDER STREET BEFORE REJOINING CHATER ROAD.


MINI-ROUNDABOUT EASES TRAFFIC CONGESTION * * * * *

TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD IN YUEN LONG HAS BEEN ALLEVIATED WITH THE OPENING OF A MINI-ROUNDABOUT, ACCORDING TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER, MR TSOH MING.

THE MINI-ROUNDABOUT, THE FIRST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN INTERIM REMEDY TO TRA£F’£ CONGESTION Ai the lUNCTION BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF A GRADE—SEPARATED INTERCHANGE IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD PROJECT.

. »c PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO TRAFFIC FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD BEFOREATHE MINI-ROUNDABOUT WAS INTRODUCED, TRAFFIC CONGESTION OCCURRED AT THE JUNCTION DURING PEAK PERIODS BECAUSE °F INSUFFICIENT TIME GAPS FOR VEHICLES AT FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD TO ENTER INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD,+ MR TSOH EXPLAINED.

+THE OPENING OF THE MINI-ROUNDABOUT LAST MONTH GIVES A MORE EVEN USAGE FOR THE VARIOUS TRAFFIC STREAMS AT THE JUNCTION, AND A LONG QUEUE OF VEHICLES NO LONGER OCCURS AT FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD DURING THE PEAK PERIODS.+

/MR TSOH

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

6

MR TSOH SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD CONSIDERED OTHER MEANS OF RESOLVING CONGESTION IN THE AREA, INCLUDING INSTALLING SIGNALS AT THE JUNCTION. HOWEVER, AN ANALYSIS OF THE TRAFFIC FLOW SHOWED THAT AN EXTRA LANE ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD WOULD BE REQUIRED TO COPE WITH TRAFFIC RIGHT-TURNING INTO FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD. RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LAND FOR THE EXTRA LANE WOULD BE A TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS AND THE SCHEME WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO COMPLETE.

+THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-ROUNDABOUT AT THIS JUNCTION REQUIRED A LOT OF CAREFUL INVESTIGATION AND PLANNING IN ORDER TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS IMPOSED BY SITE CONDITIONS ALTHOUGH THE CONSTRUCTION WORK TOOK ONLY ABOUT FIVE WEEKS TO COMPLETE,+ HE SAIT,

ON THE SAFETY ASPECTS AT THE MINI-ROUNDABOUT, MR TSOH SAID THERE WERE ADVANCED WARNING SIGNS, ROAD MARKINGS AND ILLUMINATED BOLLARDS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. STREET LIGHTING AT THE JUNCTION WAS ALSO UPGRADED TO ENHANCE SAFETY DURING NIGHT TIME.

THERE ARE TWO OTHER MIN I-ROUNDABOUTS.IN THE TERRITORY; AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI TAM ROAD AND SHEK 0 ROAD AND AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HANG ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD.

-------0 - - - -

STUDY ROOMS NOW OPEN TO STUDENTS *****

STUDY ROOMS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL JUNE 30 AT 68 SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TO COPE WITH THE SEASONAL INCREASE IN DEMAND.

OF THESE SCHOOLS, 39 ARE OPEN TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE REMAINING SCHOOLS ARE ONLY OPEN TO SECONDARY STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 PM.

THE STUDY ROOM SCHEME IS OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS LOOKING FOR QUIET SURROUNDINGS IN WHICH TO STUDY.

EACH STUDY ROOM IS MANNED BY A SUPERVISOR AND STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION PAPERS FOR ADMISSION.

THE SCHEME HAS PROVED POPULAR, PARTICULARLY NEAR EXAMINATION TIMES. IT IS AN EXTENSION OF THE NORMAL STUDY ROOM FACILITIES PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT 220 LOCATIONS.

ADDRESSES OF THESE STUDY ROOM CENTRES TOGETHER WITH THEIR OPENING HOURS ARE AVAILABLE AT INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.

-----0-----

/7

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

7

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETS MONDAY * * * * *

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 7) TO DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS.

AS THIS IS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE 1986-87 YEAR, MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE FORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEES UNDER THE BOARD.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF FISH CULTURE ZONES IN CHEUNG CHAU AND LANTAU AND THE EXPANSION OF THE OPERATING AREAS FOR OPEN SAMPANS FITTED WITH PETROL OUTBOARD ENG INES.

c - -

WAN CHAI, TIN WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES *****

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 8), THE EXISTING 7 AM TO in AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON WESTBOUND HENNESSY ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 20 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARD TO START AT HOUSE NO. 22.

NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP IN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON SHEK PAI WAN ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM TURN INC RIGHT INTO SOUTHBOUND TIN WAN HILL ROAD, WHILE VEHICLES ON ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD.

0 - -

ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS AT SAI WAN HO *****

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS ON THE SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE (HONG KONG REGION) OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

- 0

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 1986

8

NEW EXPRESS BUS SERVICE

STARTS MONDAY

A NEW EXPRESS BUS SERVICE PLYING TSUI PING ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL COME (APRIL 7) .

BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND INTO OPERATION ON MONDAY

THE NEW ROUTE 7OX

•rue ^nn.^ntr. WILL 0PERATE Al-ONG THE MAJOR ROADS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON URBAN AREA INCLUDING SAN FUNG AVENUE, LUEN WO ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, T I FO RO.-' TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST), TOLO HIGHWAY, SHA TIN ROAD.. LION ROC-K TUNNEL ROAD LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD AND TSUI Pi NG ROAD.

JOURNEY TIME WILL BE ABOUT ONE HOUR AND 13 MINUTES AND BUSES 12-MINUTE INTERVALS DURING PEAK HOURS AND 2U-MINUTES nEAK H0URS- THE LA$T BUS WILL DEPART FROM SHEUNG SHU I AT 11.50 PM AND FROM KWUN TONG AT 12.08 AM.

FARE FOR THE NEW SERVICE WILL BE $3.80 PER SINGLE JOURNEY ISENo|LBEBIc?EP?£dF‘FARE F0R CHILDRE” AND STUDENT TRAVEL CARDS

-------0----------

DRY TAPS AT YUEN LONG

* * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY TAI TONG ROAD MAIN NULLAH AND TAI TONG ROAD, INCLUDING TIN LIU TSUEN, MUK KIU TAU TSUEN, SHUNG CHING SAN TSUEN, SHUI TSIU LO WAI, HUNG TSO TIN TSUEN AND SHUI TSIU SAN TSUEN.

NAM HANG, TAI TONG TSUEN, WONG NAI TUN AND PAK SHA TSUEN WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

NO FLUSHING WATER * * X

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON TUESDAY (APR IL 8) FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND SUNG WONG TOI ROAD.

------0-------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OPERATION +PEN-FRIEND+ - WINNING SCHOOL NAMED ................ 1

SOUTHERN BOaRD'S EFFORTS BENEFIT RESIDENTS ................... 2

NEW CHAIRMAN TO ADDRESS URBAN COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING ........ 5

PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MALARIA ............. 4

MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR FORM 6 STUDENTS ....................... 6

S61J OOO TO TRIM UNDERGROWTH ON HONG KONG ISLAND ............. 6

TENDERING PERIOD EXTENDED FOR FLYOVER PROJECT ................ 7

VISIT TO FACTORIES ........................................... 7

WATER CUTS IN TWO AREA? ...................................... 7

NORTH DISTRICT WATER CUT...................................... 8

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1936

1

OPERATION +PEN-FRIEND+ - WINNING SCHOOL NAMED * K * * *

/ATkl'j

NEARLY 3OO 000 POSTCARDS FROM MORE THAN 470 SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTED TO HONG KONG’S UNIQUE EXERCISE IN COMMUNICATIONS AT EXPO ’86.

THE ST. CATHARINE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, KWUN TONG, HAS BEEN JUDGED THE BEST ENTRANT IN THE MAMMOTH COMPETITION WHICH STARTED THE POSTCARD DRIVE.

AND THE PRIZE IS A TOUR FOR SIX - FIVE STUDENTS AND A TEACHER -TO EXPO ’86 IN VANCOUVER, CANADA, DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY^ IN JULY.

♦MORE ARE STILL COMING IN FROM SCHOOLS AND FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THIS PEN-FRIEND PROJECT WILL Ao EARLIER PREDICTED, BE THE BIGGEST OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT EXPO ’86 WAS DUE TO OPEN IN VANCOUVER ON MAY 2 BY THE TIME IT CLOSED ON OCTOBER 13 HE ANTICIPATED THAT THE ORIGINAL GOAL OF 500 000 PERSONALISED MESSAGES, EITHER IN ART OR WRITTEN FORM, WOULD BE PASSED.

TO MAINTAIN THIS MOMENTUM, THE +HONG KONG IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD+ POSTCARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE UP TO THE FINAL DAYS OF THc. EXPOSITION.

THE TWO CARD COLLECTING BOOTHS - ONE OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN BEACONSFItLD Euse, queen's road central, and the government publications centre AT GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE - WILL BE OPEN FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.

NOT ONLY ARE THESE CARDS FREE, BUT SO IS DELIVERY TO THE HONG KONG PAVILION. COMPLETED CARDS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TWO DISPENSING POINTS WHICH ALSO SERVE AS COLLECTION BOXES.

THE SCHOOLS CONTEST WAS ORGANISED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

SERVICES WITH THE HELP OF BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

EXPO '86 IS EXPECTED

FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

TO ATTRACT ABOUT 14 MILLION VISITORS

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1986

2

SOUTHERN BOARD’S EFFORTS BENEFIT RESIDENTS

*****

RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE EFFORTS AND HARD WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES.

THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES DURING THE PAST YEAR WERE REVIEWED AT A RECENT SEMINAR ORGANISED FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE ALLOCATED ABOUT $850 000 TO SUPPORT VARIOUS CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS. THESE INCLUDED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AS WELL AS FESTIVAL AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR MAN HON-MI NG,.SA ID ABOUT $100 003 WAS ALLOCATED TO THE DISTRICT’S SPORTS AND RECREATION COUNCIL, AND ANOTHER $100 000 TO THE ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION TO ORGANISE A TOTAL OF 37 SPORTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS.

+ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WERE AIMED AT ENHANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG RESIDENTS,+ HE SAID.

+THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS ROAD SAFETY, FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS AND FIRE PREVENTION,+ HE ADDED.

MR MAN POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE INITIATED A CAMPAIGN IN AUGUST TO CURB INCIDENTS IN WHICH OBJECTS WERE THROWN FROM BUILDINGS, INJURING PEOPLE BELOW.

+THE COMMITTEE ALSO REVIEWED THE UTILISATION OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE SITUATION WHERE THERE WAS UNDER-UTILI SAT ION,+ HE ADDED.

THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE SPENT ABOUT $400 000 ON MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, MOST OF WHICH WERE IN SQUATTER AREAS, AND WAS INVOLVED IN INITIATING PROGRAMMES TO CLEAR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS IN BACK-LANES AND STREETS.

+THE COMMITTEE CARRIED OUT STUDIES ON WAYS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AND AMENITIES SUCH AS RESURFACING FOOTPATHS, BUILDING BRIDGES, PROVIDING GUARD-RAILS ON STEEP SLOPES AND CONSTRUCTING SITTING-OUT AREAS FOR RESIDENTS,+ COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MISS MAR YUET-HAR, SAID.

/♦THE COMMITTEE .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1986

♦THE COMMITTEE ALSO HELPED TO PROVIDE STREET LIGHTS AND NETERED WATER SUPPLIES TO A NUMBER OF SQUATTER VILLAGES,+ SHE ADDED.

THE WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE HAD THE TASK OF MONITORING VARIOUS PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT SUCH AS ROADWORKS, RECLAMATION, PUBLIC HOUSING, WATER SUPPLIES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL. AN AREA OF CONCERN WAS POTENTIAL NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION DURING THE RECLAMATION OF TELEGRAPH BAY, AND THE COMMITTEE URGED THE AUTHORITIES TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE HAD A BUSY TIME STUDYING VARIOUS WAYS OF IMPROVING TRANSPORT SERVICES AND ROAD SAFETY.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR KO TAM-KAN, SAID SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL PLACES, STUDY ROOMS AND LIBRARY FACILITIES WERE AMONG AREAS EXAMINED BY THE COMMITTEE.

+WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEFICIENCY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT, AND WERE PLEASED TO LEARN THAT A NE.'. SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,+ HE SAID.

+THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, UPON THE COMMITTEE’S SUGGESTION, PROVIDED TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENTS DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIODS OF APRIL AND JUNE,* HE ADDED.

MR KO SAID THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO STUDYING WAYS TO IMPROVE VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES AND FACILITIES AND WAS CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT A SURVEY ON THE NEEDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN STANLEY AND SHEK 0.

- - 0------

NEW CHAIRMAN TO ADDRESS URBAN COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING if if X if X it »

NEWLY-ELECTED URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN MR H.M.G. FORSGATE WILL CHAIR AND ADDRESS HIS FIRST MONTHLY PUBLIC MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON TUESDAY (APRIL 8).

IT WILL ALSO BE THE FIRST MEETING FOR FIVE NEW COUNCILLORS ELECTED LAST MONTH — MISSES CHEUNG WAI-PING AND MISS FOK PUI-YEE, AND MESSRS CHOW WAI-KEUNG, CHAN KWOK-MING

AND MAN SAI-CHEONG.

DURING QUESTION TIME, MR WALTER SULKE WILL ASK ABOUT THE LEGAL POSITION OF URBAN COUNCILLORS HANDLING WARD CASES SINCE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THEY AEc LIABLE TO CIVIL CLAIMS FOR COMMON LAW NEGLIGENCE IF THEY GIVE INCORRECT ADVICE TO CITIZENS DURING THEIR NEET—THE-PUBLIC SCHEME SESSIONS.

/LR SULKE........

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1986

MR SULKE ALSO WANTS TO KNOW WHETHER IT IS POSSIBLE TO PLANT TREES TO GIVE SOME SHADE AND INCIDENTALLY IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WHICH HE SAYS IS VERY BARE AND, IN SUMMER, VERY HOT.

MR KWAN LIM-HO WILL ASK ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN KOWLOON PARK.

PROGRESS REPORTS WILL ALSO BE DELIVERED TO THE MEETING BY MRS ELSIE TU, CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW HAWKERS AND RELATED POLICIES MR PETER C.K. CHAN, CHAIRMAN CF THE LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE AND MR JOSEPH CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE LIBRARIES SELECT COMMITTEE.

-----0------

PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MALARIA

******

WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN THE WARMER SEASON, LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY, ARE URGED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE RISK CF MALARIAL INFECTION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A GRADUAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF IMPORTED MALARIA CASES, FROM 94 IN 1983 AND 101 IN 1984 TO 162 IN 1985. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MALARIA CASES FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS WERE 125, 113 AND 168 RESPECTIVELY.

HONG KONG IS VULNERABLE TO MALARIA BECAUSE THE TERRITORY IS A MAJOR CENTRE FOR BOTH TOURISM AND BUSINESS. THERE IS ALSO A GREAT RISK OF MALARIA PARASITES BEING BROUGHT IN BY TRAVELLERS FROM MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES.

+IN VIEW OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF HONG KONG, IT IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PREVENT THE IMPORTATION OF MALARIA PARASITE CARRIERS,* THE SPOKESMAM SAID.

HOWEVER, HE URGED TRAVELLERS TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES, PARTICULARLY PERSONAL PROTECTION, AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES WHEN THEY VISIT MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES, WHICH INCLUDE CHINA, INDIA AND PAKISTAN AND VARIOUS SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.

IF BITTEN BY MOSQUITOES, TRAVELLERS SHOULD BE ON THE ALERT FOR SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA SUCH AS A CHILL OR FEVER, AND SEEK EARLY TREATMENT IF THESE APPEAR.

/INTENDING .......

SWIM?, APRIL 6, 1986

- 5

INTENDING TRAVELLERS CAN OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON MALARIA ENDEMIC COUNTRIES FROM THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ONLY EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG CAN PROTECT ITSELF AGAINST THE IMPORTATION OF MALARIA CASES IS THROUGH AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF SURVEILLANCE, CONSISTING OF CASE DETECTION, TREATMENT, INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIAL ACTION. THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED SUCH A SYSTEM.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES WHEN VISITING RURAL AREAS BECAUSE MALARIA IS TRANSMITTED BY ANOPHELINE MOSQUITOES WHICH ARE FOUND IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE hEW TERRITORIES.

PEOPLE GOING CAMPING OR PICNICKING, AND ESPECIALLY THOSE PLANNING TO STAY OUT OVERNIGHT, SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTION, FOR EXAMPLE WEARING LONG TROUSERS AND LONG SLEEVED SHIRTS OR COATS, AND ALSO USE INSECT REPELLENT. IN ADDITION, THEY SHOULD TAKE WITH THEM MOSQUITO NETS OR SCREENS.

+BUT THE BEST PREVENTIVE MEASURES WOULD BE TO STOP MOSQUITOES FROM BREEDING,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SINCE MOSQUITOES IN HONG KONG BREED IN CLEAR WATER STREAMS AND STAGNANT WATER WITH VEGETATION, THEY ARE MOSTLY FOUND IN IRRIGATION DITCHES, HILL STREAMS, EXCAVATION SITES AND ABANDONED PADDY FIELDS.

+MALARIA IS A NOTIFIABLE DISEASE AND EVERY CASE NOTIFIED WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BY THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AS TO THE POSSIBLE SOURCE OF INFECTION,* HE SAID.

BLOOD SAMPLES ARE TAKEN FROM PATIENTS WITH CLINICAL SYMPTOMS CF MALARIA, AND ALL CASES ARE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.

AFTER TREATMENT IN HOSPITAL, FOLLOW-UP ACTION BY HEALTH OFFICIALS WILL CONTINUE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER SIX MONTHS WITH ELOOD SCREENING AT MONTHLY INTERVALS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HEALTH EDUCATION IS ANOTHER ESSENTIAL PART OF ANTI-MALARIA WORK UNDERTAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT.

+THIS IS USUALLY IN THE FORM OF HEALTH TALKS AT VILLAGES AND SCHOOLS, DISTRIBUTION OF POSTERS AND LEAFLETS AND SOMETIMES HOUSE TO HOUSE VISITS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO MOUNTING LOCALISED ANTI-MALARIA PROGRAMMES IN SOME AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TO REMIND RESIDENTS THERE TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.

MEANWHILE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO CONTROL MOSQUITO BREEDING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF LARVICIDAL AND INSECTICIDES TO POTENTIAL MOSQUITO BREEDING SITES.

-------0--------

/6........

SUNDAY, APR IL 6, 1986

6

MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR FORM 6 STUDENTS

*****

GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED TO NEEDY STUDENTS WITH GOOD RESULTS IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION WISHING TO PURSUE FULL-TIME HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION STUDIES.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE OPEN ON JUNE 1 AND FORMS AVAILABLE FROM THAT DAY AT THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, 33~37 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE GRANTS ARE TENABLE FOR ONE YEAR AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND THE AMOUNT FOR THIS YEAR IS ABOUT $100 PER MONTH. THE EXACT AMOUNT WOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE FINANCIAL NEED OF THE APPLICANT AND FUNDS AVAILABLE.

RECIPIENTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE FULL-TIME HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION STUDIES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR FOR WHICH THE GRANT HAS BEEN AWARDED. STUDENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO REFUND THE AMOUNT RECEIVED IF THEY LEAVE SCHOOL BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

STUDENTS ARE ADVISED THAT APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THROUGH SCHOOL HEADS NOT LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS THIS YEAR.

-----o------

$613 000 TO TRIM UNDERGROWTH ON HONG KONG ISLAND *****

ONE OF THE MANIFOLD TASKS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO ENSURE THAT THE UNDERGROWTH ON URBAN SLOPES IS CUT BACK AND KEPT TIDY -- BUT, AS WITH MANY OF THE COUNCIL’S UNNOTICED RESPONSIBILITIES, IT COSTS MONEY.

AT ITS LAST MEETING, THE URBAN COUNCIL’S TENDER BOARD APPROVED A TENDER OF $613 000 FOR THIS WORK ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD.

A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY UNDERGROWTH ON SLOPES COULD NOT BE CUT WITH LAWN MOWERS BECAUSE THE SLOPES WERE TOO STEEP.

-------0---------

SUNDAY, APR IL 6, 1936

7

TENDERING PERIOD EXTENDED FOR FLYOVER PROJECT

*****

THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS FOR THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 18.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID THE EXTENSION WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AS MANY TENDERERS HAD REQUESTED ADDITIONAL TIME TO PREPARE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR THE COMPLEX PROJECT.

WORK ON THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND LAST ABOUT THREE YEARS.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS (STRUCTURES) DIVISION AND THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE (KOWLOON REGION).

- - - 0 ----------

VISIT TO FACTORIES * * * *

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR W.K. LAM, WILL VISIT THREE FACTORIES IN FO TAN AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO SEE SMALL INDUSTRIES IN OPERATION.

MR LAM WILL VISIT A GARMENT FACTORY, A PLASTICS FACTORY AND A PRESSURE BOTTLING PLANT.

O-------

WATER CUTS IN TWO AREAS

*****

FRESH AND-SALT

BE SUSPENDED FROM 9

WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI PO jW IL.L PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING

DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PAK SHING STREET TO TAI PO KAU, PUN CHUNG, MA WO, PAK KIU TSAI, CHI SHAN.

ALL PREMISES INCLUDING TAI TO YUEN TUNG,

ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM PO MARKET, KAM SHAN, YIU TSZ KIN AND LAI

/Tai po ........

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 1986

- 8 -

TAI PO KCR STATION, ISLAND HOUSE, SHAN TONG, WONG Yl AU, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, YIN TSZ LANE, STRAFFORD HOUSE, TAI PO KAU, LOOKOUT LANE AND ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT, SHEUNG WAN, SAI YING PUN AND SHEK TONG TSUI WILL BE TURNED CFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY FOR REPAIR WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PEDDER STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, ZETLAND STREET, GLENEALTY, UPPER ALBERT ROAD. CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, HOK SZE TERRACE, SANDS STREET, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA AND THE SEAFRONT.

-------o---------

NORTH DISTRICT WATER CUT

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN THE NORTH D,STRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 1 PM AND 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 9) FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG SHATAU KOK ROAD, FROM PING CHE ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK MARKET, INCLUDING ^ENG TSAI TSUEN, HOK TAU TSUEN KWAI TAU TSUEN, TUNG SHAN HA TSUEN, MA MEI HA TSUEN,

WANG SHAN KEUK TSUEN, TAI TONG WU TSUEN, LOI TUNG TSUEN, MAN UK PIN

TSUEN, WO HANG TSUEN* TAI LONG TSUEN AND MA TSEUK LENG.

SHEK KAI TAU TSUEN, SHEK CHUNG AU TSUEN, TONG TO TSUEN, SHA

TAU KOK SAN TSUEN, TAM SHU I HANG TSUEN, SHAN TSUI TSUEN, KIANG HA TSUEN, CHOI YUEN KOK TSUEN AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

-------0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIR EDWARD OPENS HONGKOFGBANK' S NEW HQ....................... 1

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY ............................. 2

EASTERN Harbour CROSSING PREPARATORY work on schedule ........ 5

BORIC ACID ADDED TO FOOD — TWO FINED 32 OOO EACH ............. 7

TaI PO DRaGOI BOAT RACE COMMITTEE FORMED ..................... 7

REGISTRATION REVOKED ......................................... 7

NEW ROADS PLANNED FOR TSING YI ............................... 8

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WaN CHAI ........................ 8

TEI PEI TAU REST GARDEN OPENS TODAY .......................... 9

WATER CUTS IN TWO aREAS ...................................... 9

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ......................................... 10

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

1

SIR EDWARD OPENS HONGKONGBANK’S NEW HQ

* * * * *

THE HONGKONGBANK IS AN INSTITUTION THAT HAS GROWN WITH HONG KONG AND FROM HERE EXPANDED DRAMATICALLY TO MAKE ITS MARK ON THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING SCENE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.

DECLARING OPEN THE NEW HEADQUARTERS OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION IN CENTRAL, SIR EDWARD SAID IT GAVE HIM GREAT PLEASURE TO OPEN +THIS FINE AND EXCITING HEADQUARTERS BUILDING*.

+ IT SYMBOLISES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BANK ITSELF: AMBITIOUS IN ITS CONCEPTION YET PRACTICAL? IMAGINATIVE, YET SECURELY ROOTED; MODERN AND YET —WITH ITS FAMOUS LIONS AT THE ENTRANCE — GU/ -:DED BY SOLID TRADITION. STANDING AS IT DOES IN THE HEART OF HONG KONG, IT TYPIFIES THE ROLE OF FINANCE IN OUR ECONOMIC LIFE,: HE SAID.

THE HONGKONGBANK’S HEADQUARTERS, PAST AND PRESENT, HAD BEEN A DISTINCTIVE PART OF THE HONG KONG SKYLINE FOR A CENTURY OR MORE, AND, EQUALLY, THE BANK ITSELF WAS VERY MUCH PART OF THE LOCAL INSTITUTIONAL SKYLINE.

+LIKE THE HONG KONG SKYLINE THE STRUCTURE OF OUR FINANCIAL SECTOR IS UNIQUE. IT IS A RESULT OF OUR HISTORY, OF THE WELCOME WHICH HONG KONG EXTENDS TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, AND OF HONG KONG’S WILLINGNESS TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES AND TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF A CHANGING AGE,+ HE SAID.

+IT IS THIS SPIRIT WHICH HAS ENABLED THIS TERRITORY TO FLOURISH AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE UNTIL IT HAS EMERGED TO CLAIM ITS PLACE AMONG THE MAJOR CENTRES OF FINANCE IN THE WORLD.*

THAT SUCCESS WAS NO ACCIDENT, HE SAID. IT COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ENTERPRISE, INITIATIVE AND CREATIVITY OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR. BUT THE GOVERNMENT, TOO, HAD PLAYED ITS PART.

THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE HAD BEEN TO PROVIDE, AND CONSTANTLY IMPROVE, THE ESSENTIAL LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK- TO PROMOTE A STABLE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH THE ECONOMY COULD OPERATE, AND TO TAKE SWIFT AND DECISIVE ACTION WHEN THE PROTECTION OF THE STABILITY AND REPUTATION OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM REQUIRED IT.

+THE COMPLEMENTARY NATURE OF THE ROLES OF THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR HAS BEEN A UNIQUE FEATURE OF OUR MARKET ORIENTED FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM,* SIR EDWARD SAID.

/+THROUGH .......

MONDAY, APRIL ?, 1986

2

+THROUGH PROSPEROUS AS WELL AS DIFFICULT TIMES, THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS BROUGHT US PROGRESS AND A CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE.+ SIR EDWARD PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VISION OF THE BANK’S BOARD IN CONCEIVING THE NEW HEADQUARTERS AND ON THE SENSE OF ENTERPRISE AND COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WHICH THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING CEREMONY SO WELL SYMBOLISED.

SIR EDWARD SAID THE BUILDING ITSELF COMBINED INTERNALLY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH CONCERN FOR AN ESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT FOR CUSTOMERS AND STAFF ALIKE.

EXTERNALLY COULD BE SEEN A GRAND DESIGN COMBINING THE SKILLS CF TWO PROFESSIONS WHICH HAD CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG — THE ARCHITECT AND THE ENGINEER.

THE DESIGN MIGHT BE CONTROVERSIAL, BUT THEN THAT HAD ALWAYS KEN SO WITH ALL NEW IDEAS, SAID THE GOVERNOR, ADDING THAT THE ARCHITECTS AND ALL THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BANK BUILDING HAD DONE A FI NE JOB.

-----0------

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY

* * * *

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS SHOWED ALMOST NO GROWTH IN FEBRUARY ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY. TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED, BUT THERE WAS A SEASONAL DECREASE IN DEMAND DEPOSITS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DEPOSITS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES CONTINUED TO GROW.

THE FALL IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY). HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3 INCREASED MODERATELY.

LOANS AND ADVANCES INCREASED SLIGHTLY FASTER IN FEBRUARY THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG RECORDED A MODERATE INCREASE, AFTER A MARGINAL FALL IN JANUARY OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ALSO CONTINUED TO RISE.

A TABLE SETTING OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1986 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.

/DEPOSITS .......

MONDAY, aPRIL" 7, T9B6

- 5 -

DEPOSITS

IN FEBRUARY, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS FELL BY FIVE PER CENT - AS THEY DID IN 1985 - WHILE SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT AND 1.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, LEAVING TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS LITTLE CHANGED. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 4.2 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS THE GROWTH RATE WAS 11.9 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 4.2 PER CENT. AS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPRECIATED CONSIDERABLY AGAINST THE JAPANESE AND MAJOR EUROPEAN CURRENCIES DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, PART OF THE INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS REFLECTED THE RISE IN VALUE CF THESE DEPOSITS IN HONG KONG DOLLAR TERMS.

THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE DEUTSCHEMARK AND THE YEN AGAINST THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, FOR EXAMPLE, INCREASED BY MORE THAN SIX PER CENT DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS ALSO INCREASED, BY 3.2 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.6 PER CENT IN JANUARY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.3 PER CENT AND BY 4.8 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY- ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 4.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, THEIR GROWTH IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY BEING 11.4 PER CENT.

DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 3.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY-TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 1.2 PER CENT AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 3.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THE GROWTH OF TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS WAS 8.1 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS SEVEN PER CENT- OVER THE 12 MONTHS, THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES WERE 27.8 PER CENT AND 22.6 PER CENT.

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY


NEW YEAR.

"gB Mho^hsAFto"febR1JIrC?“se

/AFTER ADJUSTING .......

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

AFTER ADJUSTING FOR SWAP DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 GREW FASTER, AT 0.6 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 5.6 PER CENT AND 5.5 PER CENT.

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY

TOTAL Ml FELL BY 0.7 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1986. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 2.3 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY- THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JANUARY WERE 3.5 PER CENT AND 3.4 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 4.6 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 8.2 PER CENT, AND TOTAL M3 BY 8.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY- OVER THE 12 MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 12.4 PER CENT, 26.8 PER CENT AND 26.2 PER CENT.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 1.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AGAINST A DECREASE CF 1.4 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1985 AND AN INCREASE OF 1.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1986. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY THESE GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS BY 6.8 PER CENT.

LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN JANUARY. LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW FASTER, BY 2.6 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AGAINST AN INCREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THE FORMER GREW BY 1.5 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT.

WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THESE LOANS GREW BY 2.9 PER CENT, BUT OVER THE 12 MONTHS, THERE WAS A FALL OF 0.2 PER CENT.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN JANUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THEY GREW BY 0.9 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS BY 7.4 PER CENT.

LIQUIDITY RATIOS

AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S 18 OF TMF BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS FELL TO 50.9 PEr'cENT IN FEBRUARY FROM 51.2 PER CENT IN JANUARY THE AVFRAOF I inmniTY RATIO FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (ASDEfYnED^N^SAA 7 ]^E DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FELL T0^44 4 PER JeNT IN FEBRUARY FROM 44.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY. ’ Ct

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

COMPANIES DECREASED BY ?0 27?! °RTING REG,STERED DEPOSIT-I«| ;□

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

5

EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PREPARATORY WORK ON SCHEDULE

*****

PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IS PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY, AND EFFORTS ARE WELL IN HAND TO ACQUIRE POSSESSION OF THE LAND REQUIRED FOR THE PROJECT.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (MONDAY) BY MR MIKE TURNER, GOVERNMENT’S PROJECT COORDINATOR FOR THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.

MR TURNER SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PROJECT WAS A PRIVATE SECTOR VENTURE, IT REPRESENTED A SIGNIFICANT ITEM WITHIN THE TERRITORY’S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

+BEING ONE OF THE LARGEST SINGLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG, IT REQUIRES A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DIRECT GOVERNMENT COORDINATION AND LIAISON TO ENSURE THAT THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE,* HE SAID.

THE MAIN TASKS OF MR TURNER AND HIS TEAM OF ENGINEERS ARE TO ASSIST THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED INI SPEEDING UP ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST IS SAFEGUARDED.

ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT, MR TURNER SAID LAND ACQUISITION WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PREPARATION.

+AMONG THE PROBLEMS BEING ADDRESSED IN THIS CONNECTION IS RESETTLEMENT OF SQUATTERS ON THE LAND AFFECTED — LARGELY IN THE CHA KWO LING AREA. A NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AT SAI TSO WAN IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION TO REHOUSE THOSE AFFECTED AND ACCEPTANCE OF SQUATTERS SHOULD BEGIN IN MAY,* HE SAID.

MR TURNER POINTED OUT THAT A TEMPORARY WORKS AREA ™E QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE COMPANY AND THIS WOULD BE THE LOCATION OF ONE OF THE MAIN SITE OFFICES.

♦ LAND RESUMPTION PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO THE REMAINING LAND ARE BEING EXPEDITED AND THIS PROCESS SHOULD ESSENTIALLY BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH,* HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT RESIDENTS BAY WHERE CONSTRUCTION WORKS WOULD CONCERNED ABOUT THE EFFECTS ON THE

LIVING NEAR AREAS SUCH AS QUARRY BE CARRIED OUT WERE NATURALLY ENVIRONMENT.

/HE SAID .......

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

6 -

HE SAID SUCH CONCERN WAS UNDERSTANDABLE AND STRESSED THAT THE INTERCHANGE AT QUARRY BAY WHICH WAS LARGELY BELOW GROUND HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC NOISE.

♦MOREOVER, SUBSTANTIAL LANDSCAPING WILL FORM PART OF THE PROJECT,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS, MR TURNER SAID THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING BILL IS BEING DRAFTED TO GIVE STATUTORY EFFECT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANY. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS SESSION.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE COMPANY IS ENGAGED IN BUILDING UP ITS ENGINEERING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM.

THE COMPANY’S CONSULTANTS, FREEMAN FOX (FAR EAST) LTD., HE SAID. WERE ALREADY ENGAGED IN DETAILED DESIGN AND IN A JOINT TRAFFIC STUDY WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE HOW THE CROSSING WOULD AFFECT TRAFFIC PATTERNS IN- EAST KOWLOON.

TRAFFIC STUDIES ARE NECESSARY SO THAT GOVERNMENT CAN TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPROVE OVERALL TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.

♦THE COMPANY AND GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO AGREED IN PRINCIPLE THAT MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS (ASIA) LIMITED WHO ARE WELL-KNOWN LOCALLY AS ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS WILL BE APPOINTED TO CARRY OUT INDEPENDENT DESIGN CHECKS AND INDEPENDENT INSPECTION OF WORKS,+ HE ADDED.

AN INTERESTING ASPECT OF THE PROJECT WILL BE THE USE OF CHA KWO LING QUARRY AS A DRYDOCK FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF TUNNEL UNITS. THE QUARRY WILL THEN BE FLOODED AND THE UNITS FLOATED TO POSITION IN THE HARBOUR.

A PART OF THE QUARRY WILL THEN BE FILLED TO FORM THE TOLL PLAZA AND TUNNEL ADMINISTRATION AREA. THE REMAINING PORTION WILL BE LANDSCAPED AND THE DECISION MAY BE TAKEN LATER TO DEVELOP THIS AREA,+ HE SAID.

THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT, COMPRISING A TWO-KILOMETRE COMBINED ROAD AND RAIL TUNNEL CONNECTING QUARRY BAY AND CHA KWO LING TOGETHER WITH THE NECESSARY LINKS TO EXISTING ROADS AND RAIL SYSTEMS, WILL TAKE FOUR YEARS TO CONSTRUCT.

0 --------

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

7

BORIC ACID ADDED TO FOOD — TWO FINED $2 000 EACH

******

TWO OPERATORS OF FOOD OUTLETS WERE TODAY FINED <52 OOO EACH FOR SELLING FOOD ITEMS TREATED WITH BORIC ACID, WHICH IS HARMFUL FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

THE LICENSEE OF THE FUMANIA RESTAURANT AT 2 PERCIVAL STREET, CAUSEWAY DAY, WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY $237.60 IN COSTS WHILE THE STALL-HOLDER OF CHAN CHING LEE AT STALL 85 IN CENTRAL MARKET, CENTRAL, WAS ORDERED TO PAY $264 IN COSTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY CALLED ON NOT TO USE BORIC ACID, WHICH PRESERVATIVE. ALL OFFENDERS

ALL IS A WOULD

OPERATORS OF FOOD OUTLETS HAZARDOUS PROHIBITED FOOD BE PROSECUTEP, HF ADDED.

- - o -

TAI PO DRAGON

BOAT RACE COMMITTEE FORMED * * * *

A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED TO ORGANISE THIS YEAR’S TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE.

CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG YUEN-CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE DRAGON BOAT RACE WAS A TRADITION IN TAI PO, AND HE URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS TO RENDER FULL SUPPORT IN MAKING THE ANNUAL EVENT A SUCCESS.

THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON

THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE DURING

JUNE 11 ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE TAI PO

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON APRIL 15.

0

REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF FiLINVEST FINANCE (H.K.) LIMITED AS A DEPOSITTAKING-COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

0----

/8

MONDAY, APR IL 7, 1986

8

NEW ROADS PLANNED FOR TSI NG Yl * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A TOTAL OF 900 METRES CF ROADS ALONG THE SEAFRONT AT THE NORTH-EASTERN TIP OF TSI NG Yl ISLAND.

THEY WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO VARIOUS NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT NORTH TSING Yl.

THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174 - 208, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW T'9(TORIES; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, KWAI CHUNG SUB-DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT CFFICE, 166 - 174. HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES; AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, TSING Yl SUB-OFFICE, 113, CHING WAI HOUSE, CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING Yl, NEW TERRITORIES;

WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JUNE 3.

-----0------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WAN CHAI

*****

TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS ON HENNESSY ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CANAL ROAD FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM HENNESSY ROAD WESTBOUND ON TO THE CANAL ROAD BUS ONLY LANE BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 10).

’ BUSES ON CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 122 TRAVELLING ON HENNESSY ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO CANAL ROAD EAST AND THEN REJOIN THE CANAL ROAD BUS ONLY LANE TO CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE AGAIN FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 11).

MEANWHILE, MAN MING LANE BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND YUNNAN LANE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO ENABLE ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT IN SHANGHAI STREET.

/DURING THE .......

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

- 9 -

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ALONG SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR MAN MING LANE EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHEK LUNG STREET AND YUNNAN LANE.

FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 10, THE RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD (PING SHAN) WESTBOUND ONTO WANG TAT ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.

------0-------

TEI PEI TAU REST GARDEN OPENS TODAY *****

, THE FOURTH REST GARDEN PROVIDED LONG, WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC

THE TEI PEI TAU REST GARDEN BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN YUEN TODAY (MONDAY).

SITUATED AMID HIGH-R SQUARE-METRE GARDEN IS AN THE DISTRICT.

SE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, THE 2 000-IDEAL RESTING PLACE FOR RESIDENTS IN

FACILITIES IN THE GARDEN INCLUDE A SITTING-OUT AREA, TWO PAVILIONS. FLOWER BEDS, CHESS TABLES, BENCHES, ARBOURS AND PARKLIGHTS.

-----o------

WATER CUTS IN TWO AREAS ******

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 10) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY EMBANKMENT ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, TAI PO ROAD AND SHEK KIP MEI STREET, INCLUDING SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH, POPLAR STREET, SAI YEUNG CHOI LANE AND WONG CHUK STREET.

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL ALSO BE STOPPED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 10) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY AND 11 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AREA AFFECTED TAKES IN BROADCAST DRIVE, MARCONI ROAD AND FESSENDEN ROAD.

-------o----------

/10........

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 1986

10

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 48.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 282.711 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 339.063

MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 57.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

TUESDAY, kPRIL 8, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SENIOR STAFF CHANGES ANNOUNCED ................................ 1

OVERSEAS INVESTORS SHOWING HORE INTEREST ...................... 4

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY ................ 5

UC CONTINUES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE — FORSGaTE............. 7

FOCUS ON SHIFTS IN INDUSTRIE ACTIVITIES ....................... 8

LEGCO RESUMES REGULAR MEETING ................................. 10

BEACH BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED ............................ 10

FREE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT IN TUEN MUN ......................... 11

COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW .................................... 11

NORTH DISTRICT WATER CUT ...................................... 11

PRESS CONFERENCE .............................................. 12

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

1

SENIOR STAFF CHANGES ANNOUNCED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE FOLLOWING SENIOR DIRECTORATE MOVEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTSi

MR PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG, THE PRESENT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION. WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR DEREK JONES IN EARLY MAY AS MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MEMBER STATES. HE IS EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN BRUSSELS FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT ONE YEAR?

MR DEREK JONES WILL THEN BE POSTED TO LONDON AS ADVISER ON TRADE POLICY AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONS MATTERS ;

MR JAMES SO YIU-CHO, WHO IS CURRENTLY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL ACT AS SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION DURING MR TSAO’S ABSENCE, FOLLOWING WHICH HE WILL TAKE UP ANOTHER POST;

MR CHRISTOPHER WONG KIM-KAM WILL BECOME THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WHEN MR ALAN BRISTOW LEAVES THE CIVIL SERVICE ON COMPLETION OF HIS CONTRACT IN MAY;

MR NICKY CHAN NAI-KEONG, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, WILL BE LEAVING THE GOVERNMENT ON HIS RETIREMENT IN SEPTEMBER;

MR GRAHAM BARNES, CURRENTLY SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR CHAN AS SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS;

MR CHUI KAM, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, WILL REPLACE MR BARNES AND ACT AS SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES* AND

MR ALEC PURVES, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES,

will act as Director of urban services in

MR CHUI’S PLACE.

/BRIEF

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

2

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS FOLLOW. MR PETER TSAO KWANG-YUNG, CPM, CP

AGED 52. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN FEBRUARY 1955.

HE WAS APPOINTED AS AN ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER IN FEBRUARY 1966 AND, THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS BECAME COMMISSIONER OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS IN JANUARY 1979. HE TRANSFERRED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN JULY 1982 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY. GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN JANUARY 1986.

HE TOOK OVER THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IN JULY 1983 AND ASSUMED HIS PRESENT POST OF SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION IN APRIL 1985.

MR DEREK JONES, CMG

AGED 58. AFTER SERVICE IN THE U.K. CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1950 - 1969, MR JONES WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B2 IN JUNE 1971 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN FEBRUARY 1977. HE WAS THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES FROM 1973 TO 1976, SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT FROM 1976 TO 1981, AND SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT FROM SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 1981. FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT MR JONES WAS RE-APPOINTED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN JULY 1982 AND SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN MINISTER, BRUSSELS.

MR JAMES SO YIU-CHO, JP

AGED 46. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1962.

HE WAS APPOINTED AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN AUGUST 1966 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1980. HE HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES, INCLUDING FINANCE BRANCH, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND BRANCH, AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MORE RECENTLY HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1979 TO 1981 AND HAS BEEN IN HIS PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT SINCE JULY 1982.

/MR CHRISTOPHER

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

3

MR CHRISTOPHER WONG KIM-KAM, JP

AGED 44. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JULY 1963. HE WAS APPOINTED AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN JULY 1964 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN APRIL 1978. HE HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES, INCLUDING THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND BRANCH, AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MORE RECENTLY HE WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS FROM 1980 TO 1983, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE FROM 1983 TO 1984 AND HAS BEEN DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT SINCE MARCH 1984.

MR ALAN BRISTOW, JP

AGED 58. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JULY 1951 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN APRIL 1985. MR BRISTOW HAS HELD A VARIETY OF POSTS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE, INCLUDING DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (1963-66), DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (1973-76) AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES (1977-83). HE HAS BEEN THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE SINCE MARCH 1983.

MR NICKY CHAN NAI-KEONG, CBE, JP

AGED 54. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN NOVEMBER 1952.

HE HAS HAD WIDE EXPERIENCE AS AN ENGINEER WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND WAS PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1973 AND TO BE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT IN 1980.

IN 1983 HE TRANSFERRED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A AND IN JULY OF THAT YEAR BECAME SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS. HE WAS FURTHER PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN JULY 1984.

MR GRAHAM BARNES, JP

AGED 51. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN DECEMBER 1958. HE HAS SERVED MAINLY IN THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, AND MORE RECENTLY IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH. THE POSTS HE HAS HELD IN THE PAST INCLUDE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) AND DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN JUNE 1984, AND HAS BEEN SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES SINCE APRIL 1985.

/MB AUGUSTINE........

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, JP

AGED 52. JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1952 AND, SINCE TRANSFERRING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1964, HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS OF WORK ™E pOSTS HE HAS HELD INCLUDE DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN THE FORMER HOME affairs department, deputy secretary in the FORMER new TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND MORE RECENTLY DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND THEN DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN SEPTEMBER 1985.

MR ALEXANDER PURVES, JP

AGED 53. JOINED GOVERNMENT IN AUGUST 1955 AND, FOLLOWING SUBSTANTIAL SERVICE IN THE FORMER COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS, HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS IN JULY 1979. FOLLOWING A SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B HE SERVED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FORMER COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, AND IN HIS PRESENT POST OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES.

-------o---------

OVERSEAS INVESTORS SHOWING MORE INTEREST * * * * *

INCREASED OVERSEAS INTEREST IN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS EVIDENT FROM AN UPSURGE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND NEW PROJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT A DINNER PARTY OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, MR HO SAID THAT GOVERNMENT HAD LONG EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF THE TERRITORY’S PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES AND ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME WAS TO ATTRACT HIGHER TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG.

+1 AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THE FIVE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES OVERSEAS AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S ONE-STOP UNIT ARE EXPERIENCING AN INCREASE IN ENQUIRIES AND NEW PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.

+IN THE LAST THREE YEARS 35 PROJECTS WITH INVESTMENT AMOUNTING TO NEARLY $350 MILLION WERE COMPLETED.+

/THE INDUSTRIAL........

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

- 5 -

THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING LAND FOR FACTORIES WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, MR HO SAID, AND IT NOW HOUSED SOME OF THE MOST MODERN PLANTS IN HONG KONG.

HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LEND SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY THROUGH MANPOWER TRAINING PROGRAMMES. THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1982 AND SINCE THEN A SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPING AND EXPANDING TRAINING FACILITIES HAD BEEN PURSUED WITH FULL FUNDING BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED THE SETTING UP OF THREE NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, TWO INDUSTRIAL TRAINING COMPLEXES AND THE LAUNCHING OF AN ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME.

THE FACILITIES WOULD BUILD ON THE FOUNDATIONS PROVIDED BY PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS. IN THIS FIELD THE CMA HAD PLAYED A VALUABLE PART BY FOUNDING TWO SCHOOLS. THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES IN PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

EXPANSION WAS ALSO PLANNED AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL THROUGH INCREASES IN STUDENT INTAKES ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE NEW CITY POLYTECHNIC AND IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY.

MR HO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CMA FOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF MANUFACTURERS AND IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY.

+1 WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE OUR INDUSTRIALISTS THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT POSSIBLY SUBSIDISE OR PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR PARTICULAR SECTORS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, IT REMAINS COMMITTED TO MAKING AVAILABLE THE SUPPORT SERVICES AND FACILITIES REQUIRED BY MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO MEET ITS CHANGING NEEDS,+ HE CONCLUDED.

-----0------

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY

*****

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE AN ALLOCATION OF $8.4 MILLION TO CARRY OUT A SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS).

THE STUDY, IF APPROVED, WILL HELP THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT PREDICT THE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT UP TO 2001.

/because of

TUESDAY, APRIL 6,:1966

- 6

BECAUSE OF LIMITED STAFF RESOURCES, THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THAT CONSULTANTS BE EMPLOYED TO ASSIST ITS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY DIVISION TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSED STUDY. THE $8.4 MILLION £ SOUGHT INCLUDES CONSULTANTS’ FEES, STAFF AS WELL AS EQU IPMENT, COSTS.

THE FIRST CTS, WHICH PROJECTED TRAVEL DEMAND UP TO 1991 AND MAPPED OUT MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET IT, WAS COMPLETED IN 1976.

* BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY, MUCH INVESTMENT HAD BEEN

MADE IN EXPANDING TRANSPORT FACILITIES, THAT IS THE ELECTRIFICATION AND DOUBLE-TRACKING OF THE KCR, CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSUEN WAN AND ISLAND LINES OF THE MTR, THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.

IN ADDITION, FISCAL MEASURES WERE ADOPTED TO CURB CAR USE AND OWNERSHIP.

A SECOND STUDY IS NOW NECESSARY BECAUSE MOST OF THE MEASURES RECOMMENDED IN THE FIRST CTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED. IN VIEW OF THE SIGNIFICANT LEAD TIME FOR PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION CF MAJOR ITEMS OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET THE PREDICTED TRAVEL DEMAND BEYOND 1991.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW COMPUTER PACKAGES AND TECHNIQUES SINCE 1976 MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SECOND STUDY TO IMPROVE THE RELIABILITY OF THE EXISTING CTS MODEL AND TO INCORPORATE RESULTS OF MAJOR TRANSPORT SURVEYS DONE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS INTO THIS MODEL. A PRIORITY PROGRAMME FOR FUTURE TRANSPORT INVESTMENT, A FEATURE MISSING IN THE FIRST CTS MODEL, CAN ALSO BE BUILT IN.

FOR SHORT-TERM ANALYSIS, THE SECOND CTS CAN PROJECT THE TRANSPORT DEMAND FOR 1991 AND THE CORRESPONDING REQUIREMENT FOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE. IT CAN ALSO BALANCE TRAFFIC DEMAND WITH NETWORK CAPACITY TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE.

FOR MEDIUM AND LONG-TERM ANALYSIS, THE SECOND STUDY CAN PREDICT THE TRANSPORT DEMAND BY 1996, AND TENTATIVELY FOR 2001. IT WILL EXAMINE WAYS OF REDUCING TRANSPORT DEMAND TO A LEVEL COMPATIBLE WITH THE AFFORDABLE NETWORK THEN AND DEVELOP A TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ’ "• ••**«<'

WITH THE PRIORITIES FOR THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD 1991 TO 1996 . AND ANOTHER TENTATIVE PROGRAMME FOR THE PERIOD 1996 AND 2001.

OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING INCLUDE:

* A NEW RECURRENT ACCOUNT FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT I

* EX-GRATIA PAYMENT TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY J

* FUNDS FOR INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUB-STANDARD PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES;

/• HONORARIA

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

* HONORARIA FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SUPPLEMENTARY SCHEME ;

* FUNDS FOR CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE A PAY LEVEL SURVEY IN 1986-87;

* PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL POWERS UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE;

M PAYMENT IN RESPECT OF AIR POLLUTION MITIGATION MEASURES AND

*

ACCOUNTING OF THE NEW

AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE TERRITORY

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.

-----0-----

UC CONTINUES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE — FORSGATE

NEWLY-ELECTED URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN MR H.M.G. FORSGATE TODAY PLEDGED TO CARRY OUT TO THE FULL THE COMMITMENT OF ENSURING THAT THE +NEW-LOOK+ COUNCIL CONTINUED TO UPGRADE SERVICES AND FACILITIES THEREBY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.

HE TOLD THE COUNCIL’S MONTHLY PUBLIC MEETING THAT HIS INTENTION WAS TO AIM FOR GREATER INTEGRATION OF THE COUNCIL IN FUTURE TO BRING ABOUT GREATER TOGETHERNESS AND, AS A RESULT, ENHANCE TEAM SPIRIT AND PRODUCE BETTER TEAMWORK.

+ALSO I THINK WE COULD GAIN, FOR INSTANCE, FROM GETTING TOGETHER MORE OFTEN TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND TALK OVER PROBLEMS ... AND NOT JUST IN THE FORMALITY OF THE COMMITTEE ROOM, BUT ON-AN AD HOC BASIS WHERE WE COULD FIGURATIVELY ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND THRASH OUT OUR PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

+THE COUNCIL MUST KEEP PACE WITH THE RISING CIVIC ASPIRATIONS OF HONG KONG, AND ALL 30 OF US MUST PLAY OUR PART.*

MR FORSGATE POINTED OUT THAT A CHAIRMAN WHO WAS LOADED DOWN WITH CEREMONIES, OPENINGS, INTERVIEWS AND ATTENDANCES AT MANY OTHER FUNCTIONS RAN THE RISK OF BEING ENMESHED IN THE CHAINS OF OFFICE AND LOSING SIGHT OF THE COUNCIL’S MAIN GOALS.

/+S0 LET........

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

- 8 -

♦SO LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR NOW THAT I WILL BE CALLING ON ALL COUNCILLORS TO TAKE UP THEIR SHARE OF THESE NECESSARY IF TIME-CONSUMING DUTIES, SO AS TO SPREAD THE LOAD ON MRS ELSIE TU AND MYSELF,+ HE ADDED.

HE OFFERED CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS TU ON BECOMING THE COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN, AND TO THE NEW CHAIRMEN OF SIX OF THE COUNCIL’S 13 SELECT COMMITTEES. HE ALSO WELCOMED THE FIVE NEWLY-ELECTED COUNCILLORS.

+WITH SO MANY CHANGES HAVING TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST WEEK, WE ARE NOW SOMETHING OF A ’NEW LOOK’ COUNCIL, AND THIS I AM SURE IS FOR THE BETTER,+ HE SAID.

+THERE WILL BE NEW THINKING, AND NEW IDEAS NEW APPROACHES AND NEW POLICIES... AND AGAIN THIS WILL BE GOOD NOT ONLY FOR THE COUNCIL, BUT FOR THE PEOPLE WE SERVICE, THE 4 MILLION URBAN DWELLERS OF HONG KONG.+

-----0------

FOCUS ON SHIFTS IN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES * * * *

A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED +SHIFTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR- THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR- AND THE COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR* IS INCLUDED IN THE JANUARY 1986 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.

FOR MANY YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SURVEY CF ESTABLISHMENTS IN VARIOUS SECTORS/INDUSTRIES TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES.

AS FROM 1980, SUCH INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED THROUGH AN INTEGRATED SURVEY ENTITLED THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL. THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY TO PROVIDE STATISTICS FOR MONITORING SHORT-TERM CHANGES OF THE ECONOMY.

IN ADDITION, THIS SURVEY PROVIDES DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS ANNUALLY. THESE ARE USEFUL FOR STUDYING THE STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY AND ITS CHANGES OVER TIME.

/MOVQIENT OF........

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

- 9 -

MOVEMENT OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERIES IN INDIVIDUAL SECTORS/ INDUSTRIES IS AFFECTED BY :

(I) CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT CONTRIBUTED BY ON-GOING ESTABLISHMENTSJ

(II) THE NET EFFECT CONTRIBUTED BY NEWLY-OPENED ESTABLISHMENTS AND ESTABLISHMENTS CLOSING DOWN DURING EACH QUARTER ; AND

(III) THE SHIFT IN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF ON-GOING ESTABLISHMENTS.

AS THE

AS THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL DOES NOT COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF ESTABLISHMENTS, ITS RESULTS DO NOT REFLECT CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT DUE TO THE SHIFT IN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF ON-GOING

ESTABLISHMENTS.

ONE OF THE RECENT AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IS THE INTRODUCTION OF A REGULAR AND COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SHIFT IN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF ON-GOING ESTABLISHMENTS.

THIS IS ACHIEVED THROUGH AN INDUSTRY UPDATING SURVEY CONDUCTED ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS FOR EACH ECONOMIC SECTOR, DURING WHICH INFORMATION ON THE UP-TO-DATE INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF EACH AND EVERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THAT SECTOR IS COLLECTED.

AN INDUSTRY UPDATING SURVEY FOR THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR, FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AND THE COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR WAS CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE MARCH 1984 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL AND ITS FINDINGS HAVE BEEN USED TO COMPILE THE STATISTICS AS FROM MARCH

ROUND OF

1985.

SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SUCH AN EXERCISE WAS CONDUCTED IN THIS SECTOR, IT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE TO DEPICT THE SHIFT IN INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OF SERVICES TRADES ESTABLISHMENTS DURING PAST YEARS SO AS TO INDICATE HOW THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS.

THE JANUARY 1986 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS ON SALE AT 128 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE. IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

- - 0 - -

/1O

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1936

10

LEGCO RESUMES REGULAR MEETING *****

THREE BILLS, 10 QUESTIONS AND A MOTION WILL BE AMONG MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OF THE THREE BILLS, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATI ON)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST TIME.

TWO BILLS DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE MAN MO TEMPLE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE FOR THE TRANSFER FROM APRIL 11, OF CERTAIN FUNCTIONS EXERCISABLE BY VARIOUS OFFICERS, FOLLOWING THE RECENT RE-ORGANISATION OF THE LANDo AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.

IN ADDITION, TWO STATEMENTS WILL BE MADE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ONE ON CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985-86 — PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE: SECTION 8, AND THE OTHER ON EXCHANGE FUND AND BANKING ISSUES.

-----o -

BEACH BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED

*****

A TWO-STOREY BUILDING IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT APPROACH BEACH, TSUEN WAN, TO PROVIDE CHANGING, SHOWER AND TOILET FACILITIES, AN OFFICE, A STOREROOM AND A POLICE REPORTING CENTRE.

THE ROOFTOP OF THE BUILDING WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REFRESHMENT KIOSK.

THE $2.6 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY NEXT FEBRUARY.

-----o------

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1986

FREE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT IN TUEN MUN * at x x x x

ABOUT CONCERT BY (SATURDAY)

SPORTS CENTRE.

500 TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A FREE THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ON APRIL 19 AT THE HALL OF THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR

THE CONCERT, ORGANISED BY THE D BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, WILL ROMEO AND JULIET AND SYMPHONY NO. 4, BRASS CONCERTO.

ISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED INCLUDE TCHAIKOVSKY’S AND DITTERSDORF’S DOUBLE

FREE TICKETS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, AND ITS SUB-OFF ICES.

COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW * * * *

THE CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 9.30 AM TO DISCUSS A PERMANENT ARCHERY RANGE, PROGRAMMES FOR THE SHA TIN FESTIVAL, THE APPLICATION OF FUNDS AND THE PROPOSED ESTIMATE FOR 1986-87.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS REPORTS ON PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND THE PROGRESS OF THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

------- o - -

NORTH DISTRICT WATER CUT K * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 11) FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG JOCKEY CLUB ROAD FROM SAN FUNG AVENUE TO HUNG KIU AND ALONG MAN KAM TO ROAD FROM HUNG KIU TO MUK WU INCLUDING SHEUNG SHU I TSUEN AND SHEUNG SHU I WA SHAN.

HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN, FU TEI AU ROAD, LO WU TSUEN, LIU POK TSUEN, SAN UK LENG TSUEN, MUK WU TSUEN AND SHA LENG TSUEN WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

-------o--------

TUESDAY, APR IL 8, 1986

12

PRESS CONFERENCE * * *

THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY ffiOUP MR IAN WRIGGLESWORTH, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (APRIL. 10) AT 4.30 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

EXCHANGE FUND USED RESPONSIBLY, DECISIVELY — SIR JOHN ......... 1

TWO-STAGE REORGANISATION OF LANDS AND WORKS ..................  5

FLEXIBILITY SOUGHT FOR COMPENSATION PAYMENT..................   4

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF 8750.6 MILLION ..................... 5

EAST KOWLOON TRAFFIC GROWTH NEEDS BEING STUDIED ............... 6

DISCUSSION PAPER SOON ON BILINGUAL LAW DRAFTING ............... 6

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY TO GET DENTAL TREATMENT .......... 7

BENCH SEEKS MORE CANTONESE SPEAKERS ........................... 8

GAS ALERT SYSTEM LEGISLATION NOT NECESSARY .................... 9

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENT SYSTEM WORKING WELL ................. 9

NO CHANGE IN POLICY FOR PHILIPPINE ARRIVALS .................. 10

+INTERIM PAYMENTS NOT CHECKED*- ............................   11

POSITIVE RESULTS IN DEALING WITH STREET ST,EI-PING ........... 12

MAC OFFICE SPACE ADEQUATE .................................... 15

TWO BILLS PASSED ...........................................   1^

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA BEGINS SIX-DAY VISIT.......................... 15

YUEN LONG BOARD TO DISCUSS BILLIARDS ISSUE ...................... 15

PRIZE-WINNING POSTERS GO ON TOUR ................................ 16

TEA RECEPTION FOR CHEST CONTRIBUTORS............................. 1?

1986 TAXI NUMBER ON AGENDa............ .......................... 17

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CIVIC EDUCATION ............................ 17

TENANCIES OFFERED FOR FOUR NT SITES ............................. 18

INAUGURATION CEREMONY ........................................    18

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS IN KOWLOON BAY ............................. 19

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

1

EXCHANGE FUND USED RESPONSIBLY, DECISIVELY -- SIR JOHN ******

HONG KONG HAS COME THROUGH A ROUGH FOUR YEARS OF BANKING ROBLEMS WITH MINIMUM REAL TROUBLE BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENi HAo USED THE POWERS AVAILABLE TO IT, INCLUDING THE EXCHANGE FUND, RESPONSIBLY, PROMPTLY AND DECISIVELY.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN RESPONSE TO RECENT REQUESTS FROM SOME MEMBERS FOR CLARIFICATION ABOUT THc USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO SUPPORT TROUBLED LOCAL BANKS.

EXPLAINING THE LEGAL BACKGROUND TO THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THIS FIELD, SIR JOHN SAID TH^ EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR A SEPARATE LEGAL REGIME IN RESPECT OF THE CONTROL, MANAGEMENT AND AUDIT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND. THIS ORDINANCE PREDATED THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE AND CONSTITUTED AN EXCEPTION TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT MONIES RECEIVED BV THE GOVERNMENT SHALL FORM PART OF THE GENERAL REVENUE.

SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT SECTION 3(1) OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE CLEARLY REQUIRES THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO CONSIDER MATTERS THAT MAY AFFECT, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG CURRENCY.

+THE USE OF THE WORDS ’AFFECT’ AND ’INDIRECTLY’ ENABLE E TO CONSIDER NOT ONLY THE IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES OF THE USE, OR THE FAILURE TO USE, THE FUND, BUT ALSO SECOND-ORDER CONSEQUENCES, THE SO-CALLED ’KNOCK-ON’ EFFECT,* HE SAID.

THUS, HE ADDED, +IF I BELIEVE, HAVING CONSIDERED ALL RELEVANT FACTORS, tHAT FAILURE TO USE THE EXCHANGE FUND JO SUPPORT A BANK MAY, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ADVERSELY AFFECT THE EXCHANGt VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, THEN I AM WITHIN MY POWERS TO ACT. INDEED I HAVE A DUTY TO DO SO.+

SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE RESERVES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, IN CONNECTION I TH THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH REGARD TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND THE EXCHANGE FUND RESPECTIVELY, FORMED A LENDEh KsT RESORT -- A QUASI CENTRAL BANK AS EXISTED IN MANY OTHER

LENDER OF

PLACES IN TH- WORLD.

SUCH AN INSTITUTION +MUST BE READY ^HEN ESSENTIAL TO CONSIDER SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BANKS IF AND WHEN THEY RUN INTO PROBLEMS*, SIR JOHN SAID, STRESSING THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PRESERVING THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.

RECALLING THE EVENTS OF 1983, SIR JOHN SAID IT WAS HIS JUDGEMENT THAT, IF THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT RESCUED HANG LUNG BANK AT THAT TIME, OTHER BANKS COULD HAVE COLLAPSED AND OTHER IMPORTANT SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY WOULD ALSO HAVE BEEN SET AT TOTAL RISK.

/♦MOREOVER, SUCH .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

2

+MOREOVER, SUCH PROBLEMS MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN CONTAINED WITHIN HONG KONG AND WE HAVE TO HAVE REGARD FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES. IN MY VIEW, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES AT THAT TIME, NOT ONLY WOULD THE CURRENCY HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE COLLAPSED ALTOGETHER,+ SIR JOHN ADDED.

SIMILARLY, SIR JOHN POINTED OUT, +IF KA WAH BANK HAD COLLAPSED LAST SUMMER AT THE SAME TIME AS OTB THERE WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS DOMINO EFFECT ON OTHER SMALL BANKS AND THE INTERBANK SYSTEM. THIS WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE HAD A SERIOUS EFFECT ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.+

SIR JOHN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT THE RESPONSIBILITIES PLACED BY LAW ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE BANKING COMMISSIONER FOR DEALING wITH BANKING PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE SHARED MORE WIDELY FOR TWO REASONS. THE FIRST WAS THE NEED FOR BANKING SECRECY, WHICH WAS NOT UNIQUE TO HONG KONG BUT REFLECTED NORMAL INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE. THE SECOND WAS THE NEED FOR THEM TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND PROMPTLY, DECISIVELY AND CONFIDENTIALLY WHEN PROBLEMS AROSE.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INVOLVED IN THE HANG LUNG AND OTB TAKEOVERS NOT BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE MONEY, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN ARRANGED UNDER THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE, BUT BECAUSE SPECIAL LEGISLATION TO EXPROPRIATE PRIVATE ASSETS WAS REQUIRED. +SUCH ACTION HAS NOT SINCE BEEN NECESSARY. I HOPE IT NEVER WILL BE AGAIN + SIR JOHN SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE THP DIFFICULT RESPONSIBILITY OF PROVIDING MANAGEMENT FOR THE BANKS THAT IT OWNS.

TURNING TO THE SCOPE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, SIR JOHN DISCLOSED THAT +IT CONTAINS THE MAJOR PART OF HONG KONG’S VISIBLE RESERVES — SAY BILLION -- PLUS THE NOTE AND COIN BACKING -- SAY ANOTHER SIP B ILL I ON.+

HE SAID THIS FUND HAD BEEN WELL MANAGED FOR MANY YEARS AND CONSIDERABLE SURPLUSES HAD CONSEQUENTLY BEEN BUILT UP.

+ THE COST OF ACQUIRING HANG LUNG AND OTB HAS ALREADY BEEN WRITTEN OFF IN THE EXCHANGE FUND ACCOUNTS AND, EVEN IF WE WERE TO TAKE A ’WORST CASE’ VIEW OF EVERY OTHER COMMITMENT INTO WHICH THE FUND HAS ENTERED IN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO BANKS — AND THIS IN MY VIEW WOULD BE OVERLY PESSIMISTIC -- THE SUM INVOLVED WOULD STILL BE LESS THAN HALF OF THE GROWTH OF THESE INNER RESERVES IN THELAST FOUR YEARS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

THERE WERE THUS NO GROUNDS FOR CONCERN THAT THE RESERVES WERE BEING USED U?5 IN SUPPORT OF TROUBLED LOCAL BANKS. INDEED, SIR JOHN SAID, +THE HOLDING OF LARGE RESERVES WOULD BE PURPOSELESS IF THE ECONOMY HAD BEEN TURNED INTO A DESERT BY OBSTINATE REFUSAL TO USP THOSE VERY RESERVES WHICH WE HAD PRUDENTLY MADE AVAILABLE FOR JUST SUCH A PURPOSE.+

/SIR JOHN ........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

3

SIR JOHN EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT EACH CASE wAS DIFFERENT AND MUST BE HANDLED ON AN AD HOC BASIS. +NO BANKER AND CERTAINLY NO SHAREHOLDER IN A LOCAL BANK SHOULD BE LULLED INTO AN IMPRUDE I BELIEF THAT IF HE GETS INTO TROUBLE EXCHANGE FUND SUPPORT IS NEVITABLE,* HE WARNED.

HE ADDED THAT +THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL NOT AGREE THAT GOVERNMENT MONEY SHOULD KNOWINGLY BE PUT IN THE HANDb Or THOoe aHO CANNOT BE TRUSTED.*

LOOKING BACK OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, SIR JOHN ATTRIBUTED HONG KONG’S BANKING PROBLEMS TO A VARIETY OFFACTORS, INCLUDING A SUPERFLUITY OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, THE ENDING OF THE MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUE OF BANKING LICENCES, CLEAR INSTANCES CF MALFEASANCE AND CORRUPTION, THE PR0P^IYaBcaTd DEVELOPING PROBLEMS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND A FAIR DEGREE OF INCOMPETENT BANK MANAGEMENT.

HE ALSO ADMITTED THAT GOVERNMENT SUPERVISION °F THE BANK I NG INDUSTRY REQUIRED STRENGTHENING. +OTHERWISE WE WOULD NOT Be CONSIDERING a I TH URGENCY A NEW BANKING BILL,* HE SAIu.

SIR JOHN ADDED THAT HE KNEW OF NO MORE IMPORTANT TASK FOR TH- EXECUTIVE COUNCIL THAN TO COMPLETE CONSIDERATION OF THE BANKING BILL AND GET IT ON TO THE STATUTE BOOK.

FINALLY, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE NEW BANKING BILL INCLUDED PROVISION FOR AN ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMISSIONER THROUGH THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. *'*IITH JHE lr APPROVAL THE REPORT CAN THEN BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY. THIS MIGHT SlL BE TIMED JUST BEFORE EACH YEAR’S BUDGET D^BATe AND PRODUCE A FORM OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN THIS VERY SENSITIVE AREA,* HE SAID.

HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE GOVERNOR INTENDED IN DUE TO APPOINT TWO ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGEABLE LOCAL MEMBERS TO EXCHANGE FU'xiD ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ONE OF WHOM WOULD BE A CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

COURSE THE MEMBER

-------c ---------

’WO-STAGE REORGANISATION OF LANDS AND WORKS

*****

THE REORGANISATION OF THE FORMATION OF THREE NEW WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, (WEDNESDAY).

THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP WILL INVOLVE DEPARTMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY

tuc CHANGES WOULD TAKE PLACE Ir' TWO STAGES, MR CHAN SAID IN ’OVi\G A MO’ION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE REORGANISATION.

/HE SAID .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

SAID THE -|R£T STAGE WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM FRIDAY

(Ar ... 11). tu|S STAGE COVERED THE FORMATION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LA\’D. DEPARTMENT, THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WOULD CEASE TO EXIST.

MR CHAN CONTINUED: SHOULD COME INTO EFFECT FORMATION OF A HIGHWAYS ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

+THE SECOND STAGE, WHICH IT IS PROPOSED WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, INVOLVES THE DEPARTMENT AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO A CIVIL ENGINEERING

♦ TO ENABLE THE NEW DIRECTORS OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ASSUME THEIR ROLES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 11, CERTAIN STATUTORY POWERS NEED TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THEM.+

------0-------

FLEXIBILITY SOUGHT FOR COMPENSATION PAYMENT * * * * *

GREATER FLEXIBILITY FOR THE PAYMENT

re- c'MPENSATioN TO THE DEPENDANTS OF A PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIM. WHO DIED’fROM A CAUSE OTHER THAN PNEUMOCONIOSIS, WAS INTRODUCED IN THx LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID REQUIREMENT UNDER THE PRESENT ORDINANCz WAS +UNNECESSARILY STRICT+.

WHILE THE EXISTING ORDINANCE REQUIRED THAT A MEDICAL BOARD CERTIFICATE BE ISSUED BEFORE COMPENSATION COULD BE PAID, WHAT WAS REALLY NEEDED wAS SIMPLE PROOF THAT THE DEPENDANTS WERE CLAIMING COMPENSATION ON BEHALF OF A PNEUMOCONIOSIS SUFFERER WHOSE MEDICAL CONDITION PRIOR TO DEATH WOULD HAVE JUSTIFIED ISSUE BY THE MEDICAL BOARD OF A CERTIFICATE.

♦ACCORD INGLY, IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO PERMIT THE DEPENDANTS OF A PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIM WHO DIES FROM A CAUSE OTHER THAN PNEUMOCONIOSIS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION ON HIS BEHALF, WHETHER OR NOT HE HAD SUBMITTED HIMSELF TO THE MEDICAL BOARD FOR EXAMINATION BEFORE HIS DEATH, AND WHETHER OR NOT A CERTIFICATE HaD BEEN ISSUED BY THE BOARD BEFORE HIS DEATH,+ HE SAID.

/COMPENSATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

COMPENSATION WOULD BE PAID PROVIDED THAT SUFFICIENT MEDICAL ^-SCVAS AVAILABLE BEFORE DEATH TO ENABLE THE BOARD TO SEI^INE THAT HE *AS SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCONIOSIS AND TO ASSESS DEGREE OF PERMANENT INCAPACITY THAT HAD RESULTED FROM THE

U I olAOt•

+FORTUNATELY, THERE HAD BEEN NO CASES SO FAR WHERE THE DEPENDANTS HAD FAILED TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION AS A RESULT OF THE RIGIDITY OF THE PRESENT REQUIREMENTS,* MR HENDERSON SAID.

_ a iJN,E.y^IHELESS> THE BILL HAS BEEN DRAFTED SO AS TO PERMIT

y?iRENi^NEEN?yHp^JsEEDp?5Au?o?gENiD°EsHH’'i^;5R?sc^?fg ®^SAti®16RDT?NAKNCEMENT DATE °F ™E PNEUM°CONIOSIS

MR HENDERSON SAID THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL HAD THE

S^^sta^oJhIu^b?ouSrSw,SOR¥ board anb the Wwwww

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0------

SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $750.6 MILLION *****

A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $750.6 MILLION WAS APPROVED FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE 1985-86 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

OF THIS SUM, $518.8 MILLION WAS INCLUDED IN SUPPLEMENTARY WARRANTS, SIR JOHN SAID IN TABLING A SUMMARY OF CHANGES MADE TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE IN THE THIRD QUARTER.

HE SAID: +NET SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $423 MILLION WAS APPROVED FOR PAYMENT TO THE MASS TRANSIT FUND TO ENABLE THE PROCEEDS OF A DEBT REPAYMENT BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO BE SET ASIDE TOWARDS AN EQUITY INJECTION OF 31 000 MILLION FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IN 1987-88.

+OTHER SUMS OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED HAVE BEEN OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES AND THESE INCLUDED $210 MILLION FOR PAYMENT OF OUT-OF-COURT SETTLEMENT AS ADVISED BY THE COUNSEL FOR THE CROWN AND 340.7 MILLION FOR ADJUSTMENTS OF SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES FOR JUDICIARY AND ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE*.

/SIR JOHN

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9» 1986

- 6 -

SIR JOHN SAID APPROVED COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY ■213.6 MILLION DURING THE PERIOD AND NEW COMMITMENTS OF d“l 044.7 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.

HE NOTED THAT ITEMS IN THIS SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.

-------0---------

EAST KOWLOON TRAFFIC GROWTH NEEDS BEING STUDIED

******

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO MAKE NECESSARY HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS IN NORTH-EAST AND EAST KOWLOON WHERE THE SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING AND A TUNNEL LINKING DIAMOND HILL AND SHA TIN WOULD ATTRACT ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON DANIEL TSE, MR MACPHERSON SAID THE PRECISE DETAILS OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS WERE BEING ASSESSED BY THE EAST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF CONSULTANTS PROVIDED BY THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONSORTIUM.

+ THIS STUDY, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR, HAS A DESIGN YEAR OF 1996,+ MR MACPHERSON SAID.

ONE OF THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY, HE ADDED, WAS TO CONSIDER A GRADE-SEPARATED ROAD CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO TUNNELS, AND ALSO THE MORE PRESSING NEED TO MAKE LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS TO ROADS IN THE AREA BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL AND KWUN TONG SO AS TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO BOTH TUNNELS.

+THE WONG TAI SIN AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE FULLY BRIEFED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM IT,+ HE ADDED.

-----0------

DISCUSSION PAPER SOON ON BILINGUAL LAW DRAFTING

*****

A DISCUSSION PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS MONTH WILL IDENTIFY SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES AND CANVASS A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE APPROACHES THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN IN BILINGUAL LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING AND TRANSLATION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM, MR THOMAS SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE THREE CHINESE LAWYERS AND NINE SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE CHAMBERS WHO WERE ABLE TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT.

/+FOUR MORE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

- 7 -

*COUR MORE CHINESE LAWYERS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE DIVISION II. TH’ NEXT MONTH OR TWO. A FURTHER NINE SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE 0 SERS ARE LIKELY TO BE RECRUITED DURING THIS SUMMER,* HE SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THESE NUMBERS WOULD BE . FICIENT TO ENABLE THE DIVISION TO BEGIN THE WORK OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING AND TRANSLATION IN THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

WHETHER THEY WOULD PROVE SUFFICIENT FOR THE FUTURE, MR THOMAS SAID, IT WAS TOO EARLY TO SAY. HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT NEW GROUND wAS BEING BROKEN AND THERE WERE MANY ISSUES THAT HAD TO BE RESOLVED.

- c-----------

GRANTS

AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY TO GET DENTAL TREATMENT % X H H H #

today (Wednesday).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HE NR I ETTA IP ON WHETHER government vould consider extending tha dental therapists scheme NE£DLCURATIVE^DENTAL^TREATMENT^OF^A^K IND^H ICH^DENTAL THERAPISTS ARE NOT TRAINED TO PROVIDE.*

A SERVICE.

-----o------

/8........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

8

BENCH SEEKS MORE CANTONESE SPEAKERS

*****

BOTH THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE ADMINISTRATION ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR MORE CANTONESE SPEAKERS ON THE BENCH AND VARIOUS STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ATTRACT THEM, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SIR DAVID SAID: +IN THE CASE OF MAGISTRATES, SINCE 1981 IT HAS BEEN STIPULATED IN ADVERTISEMENTS THAT CANTONESE-SPEAKING CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT FULLY MEET THE NORMAL APPOINTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF BEING AT LEAST 40 YEARS OLD AND HAVING AT LEAST 10 YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SINCE ADMISSION MIGHT ALSO APPLY.

+THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE CANDIDATES WERE FURTHER RELAXED TO 30 YEARS OF AGE AND FIVE YEARS’ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN 1984.+

SIR DAVID SAID THESE MEASURES HAD HELPED. TWO CANTONESESPEAKING CANDIDATES WERE APPOINTED AS MAGISTRATES BETWEEN 1981 AND 1984 AND, FOLLOWING FURTHER RELAXATION OF THE AGE AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA, ANOTHER SIX SUCH APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE IN 1985.

AS FOR JUDGES, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD BEEN THE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICY TO FILL VACANCIES WITH CANTONESE-SPEAKING CANDIDATES WHERE POSSIBLE.

♦ IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS, SIX CANTONESE-SPEAKING DISTRICT JUDGES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED, FIVE OF WHOM WERE PROMOTED FROM WITHIN THE JUDICIARY.

+IN ADDITION, A CANTONESE-SPEAKING DISTRICT JUDGE WAS APPOINTED A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT,+ HE NOTED.

HE ADDED THAT DIRECT APPROACHES HAD ALSO BEEN MADE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION.

ELABORATING ON THIS, SIR DAVID SAID: + THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT, HAS ADVISED THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY THAT THE JUDICIARY IS PREPARED TO CONSIDER, AT ANY TIME, LOCAL BARRISTERS OR SOLICITORS WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN BECOMING MAGISTRATES OR JUDGES.

♦SIMILARLY, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT, HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION TO SEE .HETHER THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BEING APPOINTED TO THE BENCH.+

/HE SAID .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

- 9 -

HE SAID A FEW REPLIES WERE RECEIVED FROM PERSONS WHO MIGHT 3E SUITABLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE MAGISTRATES OR HONG KONG DISTRICT COURTS.

+SOME OF THEM WILL BE GIVEN APPOINTMENTS IN THE MAGISTRATES COURTS COR A TRIAL PERIOD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR WISHES. A FEW OTHERS WHO EXPRESSED INTEREST IN THE DISTRICT COURTS ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT,* HE SAID.

- - - - 0-----------

GAS ALERT SYSTEM LEGISLATION NOT NECESSARY * * * *

AS HONG KONG ALREADY FOLLOWED THE INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE CF ALERTING THE PUBLIC OR GAS CONSUMERS TO THE EXISTENCE OF A GAS LEAK, IT IS NOT THE INTENTION OF GOVERNMENT TO LEGISLATE FOR THE USE OF GAS DETECTOR WARNING SYSTEMS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW WONG, MR CHAN SAID TO BE EFFECTIVE SUCH SYSTEMS HAD TO BE RELIABLE AND BECAUoc CF THE HIGH DEGREE OF SENSITIVITY REQUIRED THEY NEEDED MORE_EXPERT REGULAR MAINTENANCE THAN THE AVERAGE GAS CONSUMER COULD BE EXPECTED

TO PROVIDE.

NATURAL GAS, SO THAT IT A NORMAL SENSE OF SMELL WHICH IT CAN IGNITE AND

+THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED METHOD OF ALERTING THE PUBLIC GAS CONSUMERS TO THE EXISTENCE OF A GAS LEAK IS TO ADD A DISTINCTIVE ODOUR TO THE GAS, BE IT TOWNGAS, LPG OR SUBSTITUTE

--- - CAN BE EASILY DETECTED BY_A PERSON WITH AT A ' ' ........

BURN

CONCENTRATION WELL BELOW THAT AT OR EXPLODE,* HE SAID.

MR CHAN ADDED THAT THIS IN HONG KONG.

INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE WAS FOLLOWED

--------0---------

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENT SYSTEM WORKING WELL

******

Slai" ™ HONJOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

dcdi viKir Tn A GUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR CHAMBERS ^h'^na^ssKEo -ell.

/+PAYMENT .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

10

♦PAYMENT COULD EE MADE FROM 82 POST OFFICES, SEVEN iERr. ITORIES DISTRICT OCFICES AND FOUR TREASURY OFFICES,

NEW

HE ADDED.

T- 3-J?c,TrT RRESENT ARRANGEMENT CAUSED NO PROBLEMS

ffl STOP PAY^^Ts’wiT^T DWICULTy!? WELF*BE DEPARTHENT T0

ALLOWANCES, BE

EXPLAINED THAT ON A FAIRLY

IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY MRS NG ON WHY piiri ir accictam^ STANCES COULD NOT LIKE OLD AGE AND DiSAB IL IT? ‘ ' 1— —SS '3TA NCE -ucDT^J1R.~n^LY INT0 RECIPIENTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS, HE iHE T.vO >ycRE FLAT RATE ALLOWANCES GENERALLY PAID

LONG-TERM BASIS.

♦THEREFORE PAYMENT CAN CONVENIENTLY BE MADE DIRECTLY INTO RECIPIENTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS EVERY MONTH,+ HE SAID.

♦PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS A PAYMENT TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOUSEHOLD’S RESOURCES AND THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE LEVEL APPROPRIATE TO THE HOUSEHOLD’S CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE ADDED.

THE AMOUNT PAYABLE WAS QUITE LIKELY TO VARY FROM MONTH TO MONTH CHANGES IN THE HOUSEHOLD’S INCOME OR OTHER

C1hlUrblANCES.

MR CHAMBERS SAID 77 PER CENT OF THE 62 000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES ON HAND WERE CONSIDERED LIKELY TO BE SUBJECT TO PAYMENT VARIATIONS, WHILE AN AVERAGE OF 1 500 CASES PER MONTH WOULD HAVE PAYMENTS STOPPED IMMEDIATELY.

+ NOT ALL BANKS MAY BE ABLE TO RESPOND WITH SIJFFICIPNT ?p;cn

INSTRUCTIONS TO STOP OR VARY PAYMENTS TO ENSURE THAT RECIPIENTS AR_ Paid Trit AMOUNTS TO WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED,* HE SAID.

-------o----------

NO CHANGE IN POLICY FOR PHILIPPINE ARRIVALS * * * * *

THE IMMIGRATION POLICY IN RESPECT OF PERSONS ARRIVING FROM THE PHILIPPINES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITHOUT THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG, HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED AND NORMALLY INVOLVED ROUTINE CHECKS AND QUESTIONING BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HOWEVER, HE ADDED, THERE WERE INSTANCES WHEN SUCH ARRIVALS '.'ERE QUESTIONED MORE THOROUGHLY THAN USUAL, AS WAS THE CASE DURING THE CONFUSED SITUATION IN the PHILIPPINES IN THE LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY.

/REPLYING TO .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

11

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR THOMAS SAID IT CONTINUED TO BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AT CONTROL POINTS TO SATISFY THEMSELVES THAT PASSENGERS FROM THE PHILIPPINES MET CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.

+WHERE AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER COULD NOT MAKE UP HIS MIND AETHER A PASSENGER ARRIVING FROM THE PHILIPPINES MIGHT OR •’IGHT NOT OVERSTAY, QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PASSENGER’S POLITICAL AFFIL-KTIONS WOULD HELP TO DETERMINE WHETHER HE WAS LIKELY TO RETURN TO THE PH ILIPPINES.+

HE SAID THE POLICY WAS, GENERALLY SPEAKING, THAT ARRIVALS MUST HAVE ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR THEIR VISITS, AND HAD AN ONWARD BOOKING OR OTHER EVIDENCE THAT SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THEIR DEPARTURE.

+THEY CAN THEN BE ALLOWED TO LAND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHICH INVARIABLY MEAN THAT THEY MUST LEAVE BEFORE THE END OF A GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME,* MR THOMAS SAID.

+VISITORS COMING FROM THE PHILIPPINES FOR LONGER THAN SEVEN DAYS’ STAY IN HONG KONG ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE VISAS. THOSE COMING HERE TO WORK WILL NEED EMPLOYMENT VI SAS.+

-------0---------

+ INTER IM PAYMENTS NOT CHECKED* * * * * *

NO MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO CHECK INTERIM PAYMENT SIGNED BY CONSULTANTS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, MR CHAN SAID THAT IT WAS NOT INTENDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE CHECKED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE.

HE SAID CONSULTANTS WERE APPOINTED BY SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS TO DESIGN, PREPARE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AND TO SUPERVISE CONTRACTS.

CERTIFYING INTERIM PAYMENTS DURING CONSTRUCTION WAS PART OF THE CONSULTANTS’ PROFESSIONAL AND CONTRACTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

THE CONTRACT WAS MADE BETWEEN THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATION AND THE CONTRACTOR. THE CONSULTANT WAS APPOINTED BY THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATION TO ACT AS THE +ARCHITECT+ OR +ENGINEER+ UNDER THE CONTRACT.

+IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR GOVERNMENT AS A THIRD PARTY OUTSIDE THE CONTRACT TO INTERFERE WITH CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS THE CERTIFICATION OF INTERIM PAYMENTS BY THE ARCHITECT,* MR CHAN SAID.

------o--------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

12

POSITIVE RESULTS IN DEALING WITH STREET SLEEPING ******

GOVERNMENT ACTION TO DEAL WITH STREET SLEEPING HAS PRODUCED SOME POSITIVE RESULTS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HO SAI-CHU ON GOVERNMENT POLICY IN MINIMISING THE NUISANCES CAUSED BY STREET SLEEPERS, MR LIAO SAID THE POLICY WAS FORMULATED AT THE STREET MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS SOCIAL WELFARE LEVELS.

+ON THE ONE HAND, GOVERNMENT CONDUCTS REGULAR CLEARANCE OPERATIONS INVOLVING RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO DETER STREET SLEEPING AND CURB NUISANCES.

+ON THE OTHER HAND, COUNSELLING AND REHOUSING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY HOMELESS,* HE SAID.

HE SAID STREET SLEEPERS WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES: THE ABLE-BODIED WHO ALREADY HAD PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION, THE +DOWN-AND-OUTS+ WITHOUT A PLACE TO LIVE, AND THOSE WHO APPEARED TO BE MENTALLY ILL.

MR LIAO SAID SOME PEOPLE MIGHT SLEEP ON THE STREET BECAUSE THEY HAD A JOB NEARBY OR WERE LOOKING FOR WORK IN THAT NEIGHBOURHOOD AND MIGHT FIND IT INCONVENIENT TO TRAVEL SOME DISTANCE TO THEIR NORMAL PLACE OF ABODE.

♦ SUCH STREET SLEEPERS MAY NOT BE IN NEED OF WELFARE SERVICES,* HE SAID.

+THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE ARE APPROACHED BY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT STAFF TO SEEK TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION IN SHELTERS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT AND BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

+THERE ARE MORE THAN 1 450 SUCH PLACES TO WHICH STREET SLEEPERS MAY BE REFERRED,* HE ADDED.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT PEOPLE, INCLUDING SINGLE PERSONS, SEEKING PERMANENT ACCOMMODATI ON COULD BE HELPED UNDER THE COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING PROGRAMME, UNDER WHICH SOME 900 UNITS WERE RESERVED EACH YEAR BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

STREET SLEEPERS WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS WERE ASSISTED BY WELFARE PERSONNEL TO SEEK TREATMENT WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

+OTHERS MAY BE MENTALLY SUB-NORMAL OR POSSESS AN INADEQUATE PERSONALITY BUT THEY ARE NOT MENTALLY ILL,* HE SAID.

/♦WHILE GOVERNMENT ......

15

+WHILE GOVERNMENT IS GENERALLY TOLERANT TOWARDS STREET SLEEPERS WHO DO NOT POSE A DANGER EITHER TO THEMSELVES OR TO THE PUBLIC, THERE ARE EXISTING PROVISIONS IN THE LAW WHICH COULD BE USED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY THE STREET SI'EPERS WHENEVER NECESSARY.

+FOR EXAMPLE, STREET SLEEPERS WHO APPEAR TO BE IN A STATE MENTAL DISORDER, MAY BE BROUGHT TO A DISTRICT JUDGE, A MAGISTRATE OR A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND AN ORDER MAY BE MADE TO DETAIN A PERSON IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL FOR NOT MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS,* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCE OPERATIONS, MANY OF WHICH WERE CO-ORDINATED BY DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, MR LIAO SAID THE INTENSIVE EFFORTS IN CLEARING MAJOR BLACK SPOTS HAD YIELDED POSITIVE RESULTS.

+FOR EXAMPLE, MORE THAN 60 STREET SLEEPERS AT FERRY POINT IN YAU MA TEI DISTRICT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN CLEARED,* HE SAID.

♦THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED TEMPORARY HOUSING SPACES, PENDING FURTHER PROCESSING FOR OTHER FORMS OF HOUSING, AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM HAVE TAKEN UP THE OFFER AND HAVE NOT SQUATTED AGAIN,* SAID MR LIAO.

--------C----------

MAC OFFICE SPACE ADEQUATE K * * * *

tmp prpsenT STANDARD OF SPACE ALLOCATION OF RENT FREE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATEo IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE nON FRED PAiNG^ YUK-LI NG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL REGULARLY REVIEW THE SITUATION.

MR PANG SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG.

MR PANG S,ID THE CURRENT STANDARD OF SPACE ALLOCATION FOR MACS qhiiaoP MFTRPS WH I CH WAS SET IN 1981 AFTER A REVIEW dt Inc. HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE THEN HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.

+THIS STANDARD WAS CONFIRMED AGAIN AFTER A FURTHER REVIE*. IN 1984,+ MR PANG ADDED.

/♦MAC OFFICES .......

,-SDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

14

+r’AC OFFICCS HAVE BECOME A STANDARD PROVISION FOR ALL PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS,* HE SAID.

SOME MAC OFFICES IN OLDER ESTATES, MR PANG EXPLAINED REACH THE CURRENT SPACE STANDARD BECAUSE IT WAS NOT ALWAYS TO FIND SUITABLE PREMISES OF THAT SIZE IN THESE ESTATES.

NE«

MAY NOT POSS I BL

FOR

HOWEVER MR PANG ADDED, IF LARGER ROOMS WERE REQUIRED REETINGS, ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE MADE WITH THE ESTATE OFF ICES TO USE COMMUNITY HALLS OR ESTATE OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOMS.

-------o----------

TWO BILLS PASSED * * *

THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 198b AND THE MAN MO TEMPLE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATI ON)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WAS READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON IT WAS ADJOURNED.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO APRIL 16.

-------o----------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

- 15 -

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA BEGINS SIX-DAY VISIT * * * *

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, ACCOMPANIED BY HER HUSBAND THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TONIGHT WEDNESDAY) FOR A SIX-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.

THE ROYAL COUPLE FLEW IN FROM THAILAND AND WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE.

ALSO IN THE WELCOMING PARTY WERE THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR ALAN HUGGINS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES. THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF THAILAND, MR LIKASIT PANSOMCHIT AND MRS PANSOMCHIT, AND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, NR R.H. ANNING.

FROM THE AIRPORT THE ROYAL COUPLE DROVE WITH THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE WHERE THEY WILL BE STAYING.

THE PRINCESS IS MAKING THE COMMANDANT-GENERAL OF THE ROYAL WILL BE TAKING PART IN A NUMBER COMMISSIONING OF THREE LAUNCHES (THURSDAY).

VISIT IN HER CAPACITY OF HONORARY

HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND

OF POLICE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING THE AT JOSS HOUSE BAY TOMORROW

HER SCHEDULE ALSO INCLUDES NEMBERS ON FRIDAY AND VISITS TO BRADBURY CENTRE AT KING’S PARK

A LUNCH WITH UMELCO

THE RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND THE JOHN F. KENNEDY RED

CROSS CENTRE AT SANDY BAY ON SATURDAY.

BEFORE LEAVING ON MONDAY EVENING, THE PRINCESS WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE CREW OF HMS PEACOCK, A PATROL CRAFT WHICH SHE HAD NAMED IN 1984.

-------o ---------

YUEN LONG BOARD TO DISCUSS BILLIARDS ISSUE ******

SUGGESTED MEASURES FOR CONTROLLING BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS ..ILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AT ITS FIRST MEETING FOR THE 1986-87 SESSION TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS DIVISION) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEOFFREY ORR, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON A CONSULTATION PAPER WHICH CONTAINS THE CONTROL MEASURES. THE PAPER WAS DRAWN UP FOLLOWING A RAPID GROWTH IN BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THE NAME OF PRIVATE CLUBS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. THIS RESULTED IN AN INEQUITABLE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

- 16 -

AT PRESENT, PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS PAY A SUBSTANTIAL LICENCE FEE AND ARE SUBJECT TO STRINGENT LICENSING CONDITIONS WHEREAS PRIVATE CLUBS DO NOT PAY SUCH FEES AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROL

EVEN THOUGH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT EFFECTIVELY BARRED FROM USING THEIR FACILITIES.

ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THERE ARE AT PRESENT SIX BILLIARD CLUBS IN YUEN LONG PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 58 BILLIARD TABLES. ONE OF THEM IS LOCATED IN A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING.

ALSO ON THE BOARD’S AGENDA ARE PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD FROM NGAU HOM SHA BORROW AREA TO DEEP BAY ROAD, THE GRADE SEPARATION OF THE EASTERN JUNCTION CF THE YUEN LONG NORTHERN BYPASS, AND THE PLB TERMINUS AT FOOK HONG STREET. MEMBERS WILL ALSO ELECT THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S NINE COMMITTEES.

-------o ---------

PRIZE-WINNING POSTERS GO ON TOUR

*****

PRIZE-WINNING ENTRIES IN THE RECENT +EVERYBODY LOVES A CLEAN HONG KONG+ POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT VARIOUS PUBLIC LIBRARIES DURING THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.

FROM APRIL 11 TO APRIL 25 THE BEST OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL POSTERS WILL APPEAR AT THE URBAN COUNCIL WAN CHAI PUBLIC LIBRARY.

AT THE SAME TIME WINNING POSTERS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE COUNCIL’S KOWLOON CENTRAL LIBRARY.

FROM MAY 5 TO 20 BOTH COLLECTIONS WILL BE ON THE MOVE - THE PRIMARY GROUP TO THE YAU MA TEI PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE SECONDARY GROUP TO THE ABERDEEN PUBLIC LIBRARY.

FROM MAY 28 TO JUNE 10 THE PRIMARY GROUP WILL BE ON DISPLAY' AT THE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE SECONDARY GROUP AT THE TO KWA WAN PUBLIC LIBRARY.

AN URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PURPOSE CF-THE TRAVELLING EXHIBITION WAS TO GIVE AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE A CHANCE TO SEE THE +EXCELLENT WORK* OF STUDENTS IN SUPPORT CF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

+1 HOPE STUDENTS WILL TAKE NOTE OF WHEN THE EXHIBITION WILL BE IN A LIBRARY NEAR THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS AND MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO SEE IT.+

HE SAID THAT WINNING POSTERS WILL BE EXHIBITED AFTER JUNE AT OTHER AS YET UNCONFIRMED VENUES.

THE POSTER COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

------c-------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

17

TEA RECEPTION FOR CHEST CONTRIBUTORS *****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL HOST A T£< RECEPTION FOR ORGANISATIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION SCHEME OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST AT 5 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT HIS RESIDENCE IN BARKER ROAD.

HE WILL ALSO PRESENT AWARDS TO OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS IM THE SCHEME.

------0-------

1986 TAXI NUMBER ON AGENDA X X X X X

MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE 1986 TAXI NUMBER REVIEW.

BOARD MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE CURRENT TAXI (LIMITED NUMBER) NOTICE WHICH CONTAINS A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS AND A RESTRICTION ON THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR URBAN AREA TAXIS TO 200 ANNUALLY.

THE NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED ON JULY 17, 1984 AND WILL EXPIRE IN JULY THIS YEAR.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM, A PROPOSAL FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN HUNG HOM AND ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING IN SUNG CHI STREET.

------o - - - -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CIVIC EDUCATION

******

SEVERAL ITEMS ON CIVIC EDUCATION WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

THEY INCLUDE A PROPOSED PROJECT +TALKS ON CIVIC EDUCATION* WHICH WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN JULY; A REPORT ON THE +CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION MOVEMENT* HELD LATE LAST YEAR; AND A PROPOSAL ON +CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES* SUBMITTED BY THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PAPER ON THE +CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL INSURANCE SCHEME* AND THE COMMITTEE’S PLANS FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1985 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1986.

- 0 -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1936

18

FOUR NT SITES

NANCIES OFFERED FOR X X X X X

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF FOUR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THREE ARE AT YAM 0 WAN IN NORTHEAST LANTAU.

MEASURING A TOTAL OF ABOUT 19 510 SQUARE METRES, THEY ARE TO EE USED ONLY FOR STORING FLOATING LOGS.

THE OTHER LOT OF ABOUT 900 SQUARE METRES, AT AREA 10B, KWAI CHUNG, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.

THE TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 25 TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM:

*

LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ;

*

*

DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND

DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR.TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

0 -

INAUGURATION CEREMONY

* * *

THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 1986-87 SHAM SHU I PO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL, LAI KOK ESTATE.

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (COMMUNITY INFORMATION), NR ALLAN CHOW, AND SHAM SHU I PO POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, NR PAANG KUI-SAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

o---------

/19........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1986

19

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS IN KOWLOON BAY

*****

KAI SHING STREET BETWEEN KAI CHEUNG ROAD AND ™E UNNAMED ROAD LINKING WANG KWONG ROAD AND KAI SHING STREET WILL BE FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND STARTING 10 $M ON FRIDAY (APRIL 11) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN THE KOWLOON BAY AREA.

MOTORISTS ON CARGO CIRCUIT HEADING FOR KA I CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO KAI SHING STREET, THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING KAI SHING STREET AND WANG KWONG ROAD, AND WANG KWONG ROAD SOUTHBOUND.

WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM KAI FUKROAD EASTBOUND ONTO SHEUNG YEE ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE BANNED.

VEHICLES ON KAI FUK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR THE KAI FOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WILL BE DIVERTED TO WANG KWONG ROAD, SHEUNG YUET ROAD AND SHEUNG YEE ROAD.

-------0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OPENS POLICE OFFICERS' CLUB............... 1

PRINCESS ATTENDS COMMISSIONING OF LAUNCHES................... 2

1985 RE-EXPORT FIGURES ANALYSED.............................. 3

SIX NEW MEMBERS FOR TOiiN PLACING BOARD...................... 6

+HIGH DEGREE OF LOCALISATION IN CIVIL SERVICED- ............. 8

CS SEES WORK OF PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ........................ 9

LABOUR FESTIVAL TO CLOSE ON a HIGE NOTE...................... 10

AWARDS FOR SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CHEST ....................... 11

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGIUMME................... 11

SHAM SHUT PO BOARD CONSIDERS CLEARANCE ......................

BOARD PLANS TO FORM TRaFFIC COMMITTEE........................ 13

DISTRICT OFFICERS ON THE MOVE................................ 13

60 TO DRAW 36-METRE-LONG MURAL PAINTING ..................... 14

MURAL PAINTING PROJECT FOR TAI PO ........................... 15

REGISTRATION REVOKED ........................................ 15

NEV/ PHONE NUMBER FOR GIS.................................... 16

PRESS CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION ........................... 16

STATISTICAL REPORT PUBLISHED ................................ 1?

THEN MUN, CHEUNG SIU WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES .................... 17

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

1

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OPENS POLICE OFFICERS’ CLUB

*****

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, THE HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCt, TODAY (THURSDAY) CFFICIALlY OPENED THE POLICE OFFICERS’ CLUB IN CAUSEwAY BAY.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE PRINCEoS WAS GREETED, ON HER ARRIVAL, BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICc, NR RAYMON ANNING, WHO INTRODUCED THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MANAGEMENT, MR ERIC BLACKBURN J THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, P£RSONN££, MR ERIC MCCOSHJ THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, NR AL PHILIP; AND THE CLUB MANAGER, MR JOCK ATKINSON.

IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, MR BLACKBURN SAID THE NEW CLUB WOULD PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF EXCELLENT SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH CLUB MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WOULD FIND MOoT ATTRACTIVE, NOT ONLY FOR THEMSELVES BUT FOR FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTaNgcS FROM ALL STATIONS IN SOCIETY.

THE PRINCESS WAS THEN INVITED TO UNVEIL A PLAQUE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CLUB BUILDING, AND WAS PRESENTED WITH A COMMEMORATIVE _ SOUVENIR. TRUMPETERS FROM THE POLICE BAND THEN SOUNDED A FANFAPt.

THE CLUB, A MODERN, TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE OVERLOOKING THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, wILL CATER FOR A MIXTURE OF ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SERVING AND RET I RED MEMBERS CF THE REGULAR AND AUXILIARY POLICE FORCES, OF the RANK OF INSPECTOR AND ABOVE.

ON A TOUR OF THE CLUB, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA INSPECTED SOME__OF THE FACILITIES, WHICH INCLUDE A TEN-PIN BOWLING ALLEY, A FITNESS ROOM, A CHILDREN’S PLAY ROOM, A TABLE TENNIS ROOM, FOUR SQUAbH COURTS, A dILLIARD ROOM, TWO TENNIS COURTS, A SWIMMING POOL, A LAwN BOWLS GREEN AND A RESTAURANT.

FUNDS FOR BUILDING THE CLUB WERE MET LARGELY BY THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTED BY A GRANT FROM THE POLICE WELFARE FUND AND A GENEROUS DONATION BY SIR SHIU-KIN TANG, WHO WAS PRESENTED TO THE PRINCE^i. CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE BY A LARGE NUMBER OF ORuhNIShTIUho AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS.

WITHIN THE FORCE, MUCH GOOD WORK WAS DONE BY THE PLANNING Al. DEVELOPMENT BRANCH AND THE SOCIAL AMENITIES COUNCIL TO MAKE THE SPECIAL WELFARE PROJECT A SUCCESS.

AFTER TOURING THE BUILDING, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA ATTENDED A RECEPTION AT WHICH A CROSS-SECTION OF THE FORCE OFFICER CADRE WAS PRESENT.

BEFORE SHE LEFT THE CLUB, THE PRINCESS WAS PRESENTED WITH A BOUQUET BY VIVIAN TO, OF THE 18TH WEST KOWLOON BROwN I c. PACK, AFTER HAVING SIGNED THE VISITOR’S BOOK.

THE PRINCESS’S HUSBAND, THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, DID NOT ATTEND THE ’FLU AND HAS BEEN ADVISED BY DOCTORS Tj

THE OPENING. HE HAS REST.

-0 - -

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

2

PRINCESS ATTENDS COMMISSIONING OF LAUNCHES * * * * *

THREE OF HONG KONG’S MOST MODERN MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) COMMISSIONED IN A TRADITIONAL SEAFARING CEREMONY IN THE PRESENCE OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.

THE LAUNCHES ARE THE LAST OF 27 NEW DAMEN PATROL CRAFT TO BE DELIVERED TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.

THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE IN SIGHT OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE IN JOSS HOUSE BAY, TO WHICH THE PRINCESS TRAVELLED IN THE GOVERNOR’S LAUNCH, THE LADY MAUR INE. SHE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNINGj THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CF POLICE, MANAGEMENT, MR ERIC BLACKBURN; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CF POLICE, OPERATIONS, MR LI KWAN-HA; THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR PETER CHAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHUNG WAH SHIPBUILDING AND ENGINEERING COMPANY, MR WONG WAH-SANG.

THE OFFICIAL PARTY WAS MET AT JOSS HOUSE BAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL BRANCH, MR JAMES MORRIN= THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER, DR RICHARD BUTLER, AND THE MAR I NE REG IONAL COMMANDER, NR JOHN MACDONALD.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH TRADITION, HOMAGE WAS PAID TO 7HE QUEEN CF HEAVEN (TIN HAU) WITH JOSS STICKS, BOWS AND THE OFFERING OF ROAST PORK AND CHICKEN ON BOARD THE NEW LAUNCHES.

ADDRESSING THE ROYAL VISITOR, MR MACDONALD SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE CEREMONY COMPLETED THE MARINE PATROL LAUNCH BUILDING PROGRAMME, NEW WATER-JET BOATS, COMMAND LAUNCHES AND HARBOUR PATROL CRAFT WERE BEING BUILT OR PLANNED, AND WHEN AVAILABLE, THESE WOULD ENABLE THE FORCE TO MEET THE INCREASING MARINE COMMITMENTS MADE ON IT.

MR MACDONALD THEN PRESENTED TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, SOUTH, MR KONG SHING-SHUNI THE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, OPERATIONS, MR LAURENCE KNOX, AND THE COMMANDERS OF THE THREE NEW LAUNCHES, MR LEUNG WAI-SHING, MR SIU KIT-HUNG AND MR SIU KOON-YIU.

COMMISSIONING PLAQUES WERE PRESENTED BY THE PRINCESS TO THE LAUNCH COMMANDERS.

FOLLOWING THIS, THE PATROL CRAFT CAST OFF AND SALUTED THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN IN THE TRADITIONAL WAY, BY COMPLETING A FIGURE-CF-EIGHT THREE TIMES IN THE WATERS OF THE BAY.

THE NEw LAUNCHES, BUILT AT A COST OF $8.8 MILLION EACH, ARE NAMED KING YAN (POLICE BENEVOLENCE), KING YUNG (POLICE VALOUR) AND KING KAN (POLICE DILIGENCE).

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA LATER WATCHED A DISPLAY AND STEAM-PAST rY P.LICE LAUNCHES, DURING WHICH A BUGLER SOUNDED THE ROYAL SALUTE.

/A B0UQD3T........

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1^86

3

A bouquet -as presented to princess Alexandra by the Top-RANKING, SEAGOING, WOMAN OFFICER IN IHE MARINt. OL , SERGEANT TAM NG MAN-NAR.

cnjiniAjiMfi TUP COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS RETURNED TO 5 I CTOR IA HARBOUR ABOARD THE LADY MAURINE ,HCH .Ao KWR?ED BY EIGHT POLICE LAUNCHES, IN FORMATION, SPRAYLml wAT.R CANNONS.

- - 0 - -

1985 RE-EXPORT FIGURES ANALYSED * * * *

HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS, VALUED AT $105 270 MILLION IN 1985, INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT AS COMPARED TO 1984, ACCORDING TO A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF RE-EXPORTS BY MARKET AND BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR MARKET

CHINA REMAINED THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1985, WITH AN INCREASED OF $17 959 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT OVER 1984. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $3 107 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 130 MILLION OR 104 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 028 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR MANUFACTURED FERTILIZERS ? BY Sill MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TcXTILk. FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $106 MILLION CR 25 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A., THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS. ALSO INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY (BY j>2 5^6 MILLION OR 21 PER CENTL LARGE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY 31 008 MILlION OR 42 PER CENT) ; CLOTHING (BY $826 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $437 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT).

, RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL

AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT

NOTABLE DECREASES WERE, HOWEVER MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $171 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING (BY $73 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).

FOR RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, WHILE

INCREASES WERE NOTED IN OR 264 PER CENT) AS WELL

NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $315 MILLION ... . TLiCDCnc

AS FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THERtCF (BY $124 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), A DECREASE WAS RcCORDED IN VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $67 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).

/RE-BCPOKPS TO

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

4

RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE SHOWED A DECREASE OF $123 MILLION CR 3 PER CENT. SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $266 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 555 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, AN INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $165 MILLIuR CR 60 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN CF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $565 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT) AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $116 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT). A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WAS, HOWEVER, REGISTERED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $194 MILLION OR 103 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

CHINA CONTINUED TO BE THE LARGEST SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS IN 1985. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE NOTED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 A.79 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT)} MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BAB"Y CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1 279 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $1 130 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS, NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS (BY $66 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $33 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT).

JAPAN WAS THE SECOND LARGEST SOURCE OF RE-EXPORTS. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 318 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $382 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MACHINERY SPECIALIZED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $332 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $41 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ESSENTIAL OILS AND PERFUME MATERIALS} TOILET, POLISHING AND CLEANSING PREPARATIONS (BY $18 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS OF TAIWAN PRODUCTS REMAINED ACTIVE IN 1985. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $1 504 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $757 MILLION OR 9? PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $17 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS OF GOODS OF U.S. ORIGIN ALSO INCREASED. THE COMMODITIES WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $441 MILLION OR 361 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $262 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $743 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).

/RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING........

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1?86

5

RE-EXPORTS ORIGINATING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES, PARTICULARLY FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $523 MILLION OR 365 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $237 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS RECORDED IN PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $99 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS BY ORIGIN AND DESTINATION

WHEN ANALYSED BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND FURTHER BY COUNTRY CF DESTINATION, INCREASES wERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN TO THE U.S. (BY $2 478 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), CHINA (BY $966 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $743 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (BY $498 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS OF JAPAN ORIGIN WERE MAINLY TO CHINA (BY $5 063 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $106 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (BY $105 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT). SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE ALSO NOTED IN RE-EXPORTS OF TAIWAN ORIGIN TO CHINA (BY $4 370 MILLION OR 131 PER CENT) AND MACAU (BY $65 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1985+ WHICH IS ON SALE AT THh GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

TABLE 1 : RE-EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET 1985 ($ MN.) 1984 ($ MN.) INCREASE(+)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

CHINA 46 023 28 064 +17 959 +64

U.S.A. 14 705 12 109 + 2 596 +21

JAPAN 5 486 4 633 + 853 + 18

SINGAPORE 4 388 4 511 123 - 3

TAIWAN 4 325 4 868 - 543 -11

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 872 3 440 + 432 + 13

MACAU 2 556 2 354 + 202 + 9

INDONESIA 2 301 3 654 - 1 353 -37

FEDERAL REPUBLIC 1 554 1 073 + 481 +45

OF GERMANY

PHILIPPINES 1 532 1 478 + 54 + 4

/TABLE 2 : ......

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

6

TABLE 2 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN 1985 ($ MN.) 1984 (3 MN.) INCREASED) (3 MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

CHINA 34 628 28 107 +6 522 +23

JAPAN 22 504 18 695 +3 810 +20

TAIWAN 9 561 5 111 +4 450 +87

U.S.A. 9 474 8 516 + 958 + 11

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 3 667 2 314 +1 353 +58

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 2 039 1 573 + 466 +30

UNITED KINGDOM 1 731 1 161 + 570 +4<=)

SWITZERLAND 1 417 1 298 + 119 + 9

FRANCE 1 252 1 033 + 219 +21

ITALY 1 079 606 + 473 +78

- o *

SIX NEW MEMBERS FOR TOWN PLANNING BOARD

*****

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED SIX NEW MEMBERS, INCLUDING FOUR UNOFFICIALS, TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

TWO OFFICIALS AND 10 UNOFFICIALS HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED.

THE NEW MEMBERS ARE THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE); THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS? THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, NR CHENG HON-KWAN AND MR TAI CHIN-WAHS AND MR JOHN S.K LO, A LEADING FIGURE IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.

THOSE RE-APPOINTED ARE:

* THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS (CHAIRMAN);

* THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (OR HIS REPRESENTATIVES);

/* MR PETER P.F

THURSDAY, ixPHIL 10, 1986

7

K MR PETER P.F. CHAN, ACCOUNTANT;

* MR EDWARD S.T. HO, ARCHITECT;

* MR CARLOS H.K. CHEUNG, STRUCTURAL ENGINEER AND MEMBER OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL;

* DR RONALD D.B. LEUNG, BANKER AND URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER;

* MR KAN FOOK-YEE, CHARTERED SURVEYOR;

* MR SAMUEL P.W. WONG, CONSULTANT ENGINEER AND URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER;

K MR PAO PING-WING, URBAN COUNCILLOR AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER;

* MR KEITH H.K. LAM, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER;

* MR AMBROSE CHEUNG WING-SUM, SOLICITOR AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER; AND

* PROFESSOR REGINALD Y.W. KWOK OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE APPOINTMENT OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO THE BOARD DEMONSTRATED GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO STRENGTHEN LINKS BETWEEN VARIOUS BOARD AND COMMITTEES AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.

BOARD CHAIRMAN, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS MR NICKY CHAN, SAID THE FACT THAT THERE WERE MORE UNOFFICIALS THAN OFFICIALS ON THE BOARD WAS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO INVOLVE MORE COMMUNITY

LEADERS IN POLICY-MAKING PROCESSES.

MR CHAN SAID UTILISATION OF HONG KONG’S LIMITED LAND RESOURCES MUST BE PROPERLY PLANNED TO MEET COMPETING DEMANDS FOR MOUSING, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, TRANSPORTATION, RECREATION AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN ORDEE TO PROVIDE A GOOD LIVING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR ITS PRESENT AND FUTURE POPULATION.

THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, A STATUTORY AUTHORITY APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, MEETS TWICE A MO H.

DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE BOARD HELD 18 MEETINGS, PUBLISHED 32 OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AND CONSIDERED 158 PLANNING APPLICATIONS.

o -------

/8........

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

8

+HIGH DEGREE Or LOCALISATION IN CIVIL SERVICE* * * * * *

THERE IS ALREADY A VERY HIGH DEGREE OF LOCALISATION AT ALL LEVELS THROUGHOUT THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AFTER PRESENTING AWARDS TO ORGANISATIONS WHICH TOOK PART IN THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST AT HIS HOME IN BARKER ROAD, SIR DAVID SAID THE DECISION TO TERMINATE THE SERVICES OF SOME PEOPLE AT THE AGE OF 57 APPLIED GENERALLY JUST TO A FEW EXPATRIATES.

THIS WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT THE CORRECT DEGREE OF LOCALISATION OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT SERVANTS HAD ALWAYS RETIRED AT THE AGE OF 55, BUT WITHIN RECENT YEARS, SOME GOVERNMENT SERVANTS HAD HAD THEIR SERVICES EXTENDED FOR TWO YEARS, AND THEN ANOTHER TWO YEARS, AND ANOTHER YEAR AFTER THAT.

+1 THINK ALTOGETHER NOW THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND GOVERNMENT SERVANTS AT ALL LEVELS WHO ARE NOW SERVING ON BEYOND THE AGE OF 55,+ HE SAID.

IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WAS NOT TRUE THAT LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED TO WORK UP TO THE AGE OF 55.

+EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE IN SELECTED CASES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE AGE OF 60, AND OF COURSE, GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SERVICE AS A WHOLE,+ HE SAID.

THE PACKAGE SHOULD BE COMING OUT WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS’ TIME, HE ADDED.

REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID REPORTS THAT SOME 400 CIVIL SERVANTS HAD APPLIED FOR BRITISH NATIONALITY CERTAINLY DID NOT SUGGEST THAT THERE WAS A CONFIDENCE CRISIS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.

HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING EXTRAORDINARY IN THE FACT THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAD APPLIED FOR BRITISH OR OTHER NATIONALITY AT A PARTICULAR TIME.

+THIS IS A MATTER FOR INDIVIDUAL DECISION,* HE ADDED.

--------0----------

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

- 9 -

CS SEES WORK OF PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL K * * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, VISITED THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) FOR A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT ITS WORK.

THE COUNCIL, A STATUTORY ORGANISATION ESTABLISHED IN 1967, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMOTING INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY BY INDUSTRY.

ON ARRIVAL AT THE COUNCIL’S HEAD OFFICE IN THE wORLD COMMERCE CENTRE IN CANTON ROAD, SIR DAVID WAS WELCOMED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR S.K. CHAN, THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MR D.F. TAYLOR, AND SENIOR CONSULTANTS MR ANDY NG AND MR C.T. LEUNG.

TO GIVE SIR DAVID AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCOPE OF THE COUNCIL’S WORK, A SLIDE SHOW WAS STAGED TO PROVIDE A DETAILED INTRODUCTION TO SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.

FOLLOWING THIS, HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE COUNCIL’S OBJECTIVES --EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF RESOURCES AND HIGHER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY.

MANAGEMENT STAFF OUTLINED THE WIDE RANGE OF CONSULTANCY SERVICES THAT THE COUNCIL PROVIDES, COVERING INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT, PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT, MARKET RESEARCH, ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL.

THE COUNCIL LAST YEAR CONDUCTED AROUND 400 TRAINING COURSES, RANGING FROM DIFFERENT FORMS OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER TRAINING TO MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY SKILLS. IT ALSO ORGANISED INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS AND OVERSEAS STUDY MISSIONS.

SIR DAVID SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN SYSTEMS, WHICH HAVE PROVED OF SPECIAL VALUE IN THE GARMENT INDUSTRY. THIS AUTOMATION OF DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES HELPS TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE EDGE BY INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY, STANDARDISING QUALITY AND BRINGING ABOUT COST SAVINGS.

LATER, SIR DAVID VISITED THE COUNCIL’S TECHNICAL BRANCH AT SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, WHERE THERE ARE SEVEN LABORATORIES. AT THE HEAT TREATMENT LABORATORY, HE SAW HOW PROCESSES THERE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF METAL. HE ALSO INSPECRu THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL LABORATORY, WHERE PROJECTS ARE UNDcRTaKcN ON AIR POLLUTION, WASTE WATER TREATMENT, NOISE CONTROL, AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, wITH THE NEEDS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES ESPECIALLY IN MIND.

/10........

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

10

LABOUR FESTIVAL TO CLOSE ON A HIGH NOTE * * * * *

A BUSY SCHEDULE HAS BEEN ARRANGtD THIS SUNDAY FOR WORKERS LIVING AND WORKING IN WONG TAI SIN WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE FINAL DAY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT LABOUR FESTIVAL ’86.

THE CONCLUSION OF THE THREE-WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE A COSING CEREMONY AND THE FINALS OF THE SINGING CONTEST FOR WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT. IT WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY oCHOOL.

TEN CONTESTANTS, CHOSEN FROM AMONG 200 ENTRIES, WILL BE COMPETING IN THE FINALS. ADJUDICATORS OF THE CONTEST WILL BE TH= CHOIR MISTRESS OF THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, MISS LOLA YOUNGi UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS PAULINE NGJ WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR STEPHEN LEUNG, AND A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL SINGERS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO WINNERS OF DIFFERENT COMPETITIONS HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL. OFFICIATING AT TH- CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KWAN PUI.

FREE TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

IN THE MORNING ON SUNDAY, THERE WILL BE A MURAL PAINTING PROJECT AND A TELEGAMES MATCH.

THE MURAL PAINTING WILL INVOLVE 30 PARTICIPANTS AND WILL START AT 9.30 AM. THEY WILL PAINT THE FESTIVAL’S SLOGAN ON THE WALL OF BLOCK 21, LOK FU ESTATE.

THE TELEGAMES MATCH WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10 AM. EIGHT TEAMS MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES OF LABOUR GROUPS AND FACTORIES IN THE DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART IN GAMES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

THE LABOUR FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA COMMITTEE, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT INDUSTRIAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES COUNCIL AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES UNDER THE WONG TAI SIN LABOUR GROUPS ASSOCIATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT LABOUR FESTIVAL ’86 AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY IN THE LCK S. TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 161, LOK SIN ROAD, SAN PC KONG.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

11

AWARDS FOR SUPPORTING COMMUNITY CHEST

*****

EIGHT ORGANISATIONS TODAY (THURSDAY) RECEIVED AWARDS FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, FOR OUTSiAND I NG PERFORMANCES IN THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION SCHEME OF THE COMMUNITY

CHEST.

THESE ORGANISATIONS HAVE MOBILISED MORE THAN 75 PER CENT CF THEIR STAFF MEMBERS IN SUPPORT OF THE SCHEME FOR FIVc CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

SOME 90 OTHER ORGANISATIONS wHICH HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY SUPPORTING THE SCHEME ALSO RECEIVED PLAQUES AT TODAY s CEREMONY.

THE 1985-86 EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME HAS RAISED A RECORD MILLION FOR THE CHEST, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MORE THAN 150 000 EMPLOYEES IN 318 ORGANISATIONS.

TODAY’S AWARD PRESENTATION WAS HELD AT A TEA RECEPTION HOSTED BY SIR DAVID AT HIS RESIDENCE IN BARKER ROAD.

-----o------

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER * * * * *

YOUTH PROGRAMME

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS WHICH HAVE AGAIN BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR ORGANISING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATIONS WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED FOR ACTIVITIES BETWEEN JULY 14 AND AUGUST 31 TO ENLARGE THE SCOPE OF THE NORMAL SCHOOL PROGRAMME WITH EMPHASIS ON THE THEME +CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, GET TO KNOW IT BETTER+.

SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD PLAN MORE PURPOSEFUL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GEOGRAPHICAL FIELD TRIPS TO OUTLYING ISLANDS, VISITS TO THE OCEAN PARK, THE SPACE MUSEUM, FUNG PING SHAN MUSEUM AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT FARM OR TREE NURSERY.

FUNDS WOULD BE ALLOCATED DEPENDING ON THE EFFECT IVENSSS OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD PROVIDE A WORTHWHILE USE OF LEISURE TIME INCLUDING PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITIES.

THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS PRIZES FOR COMPETITIONS INCLUDING OUTDOOR PAINTING AND DRAWING ACTIVITIES AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE THEME OF THE SUMMER VACATION.

/grants will........

THURSDAY, *PHIL 10, 1 ?86

GRANTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR PAYMENT OF EXAMINATION FEES FOR LIFE-SAVING, SWIMMING, CANOEING, GYMNASTIC AND TRAMPOLINING COURStS.

SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR PROPOSED SUMMER ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME WITH THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND STAFF EXPECTED TO EE INVOLVED IN EACH ITEM TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE APRIL 28.

------o-------

SHAM SHU I PO BOARD CONSIDERS CLEARANCE * * * * *

SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN NAM CHEONG STREET AND THE SITUATION OF THE CHU KOO CHAI FIRE VICTIMS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

AT A RECENT BRIEFING ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, SQUATTER REPRESENTATIVES ASKED FOR-A POSTPONEMENT OF THE OPERATION AT THE NAM CHEONG NULLAH DECKING. THIS REQUEST WILL BE PUT TO THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION.

AN INFORMATION PAPER GIVING DETAILS OF THE PLANNED CLEARANCE AND THE SQUATTERS’ REQUEST WILL BE SUBMITTED TO BOARD MEMBERS.

ANOTHER INFORMATION PAPER FOR MEMBERS CONCERNS THE SITUATION OF THE CHU KOO CHAI FIRE VICTIMS. THE PAPER INCLUDES A COPY OF THE REPLY FROM THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON THE REHOUSING OF FIRE VICTIMS AS WELL AS TWO LETTERS FROM A GROUP OF PARENTS ON THE SAFETY OF THE CHILD-CARE CENTRE IN TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE. WHERE THE VICTIMS HAVE BEEN LIVING SINCE THE FIRE IN JANUARY.

THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR. AT A MEETING IN NOVEMBER, MEMBERS REFLECTED THE VIEWS OF LAI WAN RESIDENTS THAT THE INCINERATOR, WHICH AFFECTED THE AIR QUALITY IN THE DISTRICT, SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED.

OTHER ITEMS OF THE AGENDA CONCERN THE DRAFT STANDING ORDERS FOR THE BOARD, A PROGRESS REPORT ON +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SESSIONS. AND FUNDS FOR 1986-87.

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KO^'LOONM SHUI P° DISTRICT office, 2ND FLOOR, 39 TONKIN STREET,

MOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.

--.-0-----

/13.......

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1966

13

BOARD PLANS TO FORM TRAFFIC COMMITTEE * * * * *

A PROPOSAL TO FORM A NEW COMMITTEE, ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD ORDINANCE, TWO COMMITTEES, NAMELY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, WERE SET UP UNDER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD IN 1985-86. HOWEVER, EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST YEAR HAS INDICATED THAT HAVING A COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS WOULD ENABLE THE BOARD TO CONCENTRATE ON WIDER AND GENERAL ISSUES.

IF THE PROPOSAL IS APPROVED, MEMBERS WILL ELECT CHAIRMEN TO ALL THREE COMMITTEES AND WILL ALSO DECIDE ON MEMBERSHIP.

DURING THE MEETING, THE BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE RESULTS CF A SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS. MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE ISSUE WILL BE SOUGHT.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A $120 000 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT TAK CHEONG STREET.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE DISTRICT STRATEGY FOR 1986-89 AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET AND WORK PLAN FOR THE BOARD IN 1986-87.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BF HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

DISTRICT OFFICERS ON THE MOVE if X X

NEW DISTRICT OFFICERS HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE POSTED TO FOUR DISTRICTS — ONE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THREE IN THE URBAN AREAS.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, WILL MOVE TO KWUN TONG ON MONDAY (APRIL 14) TO TAKE OVER FROM MR KEVIN MAK WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.

/5OHMEHLY ASSISTANT

THURSDAY, APiilL 10, 1986

- 14 -

FORMERLY ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER IN WONG TAI SIN, MR SIMON LORD, REPLACES MR CHAN WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (THURSDAY).

FORMER ASSISTANT SECRETARY (INDUSTRY) OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, MR ALEX FONG, WILL EE THE NEW KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER FROM MAY 5, TAKING OVER FROM MR GORDON JONES wHC WILL EE ON STUDY LEAVE.

FORMER SECRETARY OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SECRETARIAT, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, ASSUMED THE POST OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER TODAY, REPLACING MR IAN WOTHERSPOON WHO WILL BE MOVING TO THE FINANCE BRANCH.

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60 TO DRAW 36-METRE-LONG MURAL PAINTING *****

SIXTY DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED STUDENTS FROM KOWLOON CITY WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENTS IN PAINTING A 36-METRE-LONG MURAL PAINTING ON SATURDAY (APRIL 12).

SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE EVENT IS TO MARK THE OPENING CF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG.

LED BY PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, STUDENTS AGED 13 TO 15 FROM PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL AND C.C.C. NIM TSI COLLEGE, WILL BE PAINTING ON A WALL AT THE PUI CHING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

THE FUNCTION IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER AND CHANNEL THEIR ENERGIES THROUGH ART.

IT IS ALSO TO STIMULATE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THOSE WITH DISABILITY SO THAT THEY WOULD BE BETTER PREPARED TO INTEGRATE AND INCLUDE DISABLED PEOPLE INTO THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES AND ACTIVITIES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR MARTIN LEWIS; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES; ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER REHABILITATION DIVISION, MR ALDAN KWOK; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR PAO PING-WING; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COMMUNITY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR PETER CHOW AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG SIU-YEE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MURAL PAINTING WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 12) AT THE PUI CHING ROAD PLAYGROUND, HO MAN TIN.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1936

15

MURAL PAINTING PROJECT FOR TAI PO *****

ABOUT 60 DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED STUDENTS IN TAI PO WILL SHOW OFF THEIR TALENT IN A MURAL PAINTING PROJECT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 12) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED.

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS AND ART TEACHERS, PARTICIPANTS FROM THE PINEHILL SCHOOL AND ITS SISTER SCHOOLS, THE VALTORTA COLLEGE AND THE PAK KAU ENGLISH SCHOOL, WILL PAINT ON A WALL AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN NAM WAN ROAD.

THE PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SPORTS, RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE, MF TANG PUI-TAT WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO MURAL PAINTING PROJECT AT 11 AM THIS SATURDAY (APRIL 12) AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION SWIMMING POOL IN NAM WAN ROAD (OPPOSITE SUN HING GARDEN).

REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED

THAT THE REGISTRATION OF BONSUN FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKHG COMPANY HAS BtEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) CF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE. *

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR GIS * * X X

THE MAIN TELEPHONE EXCHANGE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE WILL BE CHANGED FROM 5-233191 TO 5-8428777 FROM 0001 HOURS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 12).

THE NUMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PROMOTIONS SUB-DIVISION IN UNITED CENTRE (5-275115), ITS PUBLISHING SUB-DIVISION IN BASKERVILLE HOUSE (5-214371) AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING (5-235377 OR 5-226389), HOWEVER, WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE NEW DIRECT DIAL-IN NUMBERS OF THE PRESS ENQUIRIES DESK WILL BE 5-8428746, 5-8428747 AND 5-8428748. THE EXISTING DIRECT LINES -- 5-232721 AND 5-227662 — WILL STILL BE IN USE.

- - 0 -

PRESS CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION X X X X X

THE HONG KONG TRILOGY PLAYWRITING COMPETITION PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND ORAL HISTORY PROJECT PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 13) AT 3 PM AT GLOUCESTER ROOM, EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING (RADIO), MR SIMON LUN, AND THE HEAD OF THE DRAMA UNIT, RTHK, MISS LEE ON-KOW, WILL CHAIR THE PRESS CONFERENCE. GUESTS INVITED TO THE CEREMONY INCLUDE A PRODUCER FROM SEALS PLAYERS FOUNDATION, MISS WONG CHING-HA, WRITERS AND DRAMA ARTISTS.

THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RTHK, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND SEALS PLAYERS FOUNDATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE HELD HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE PRESS CONFERENCE BEGINS.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1986

17

STATISTICAL REPORT PUBLISHED * * * *

AN ANNUAL BOOKLET ENTITLED +AN OUTLINE OF STATISTICAL DEVELOPMENT, 1986+ HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IT CONTAINS TWO PARTS WITH THE FIRST DESCRIBING THE ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

PART TWO DELINEATES THE MAIN LINES OF CURRENT STATISTICAL ACTIVITY AS WELL AS FORESEEN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MATERIAL DESCRIPTIVE OF THE PAST AND THROUGH THE CONTINUING PRESENT IS INCLUDED.

INFORMATION ON THE DISPOSITION OF STATISTICAL STAFF, TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.

THE PUBLICATION IS ON SALE AT $10 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

- - 0

TUEN MUN, CHEUNG SHA WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES

* * K * *

THE ACCESS ROAD TO BUTTERFLY ESTATE IN TUEN MUN, AT ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG MUN ROAD, WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE JUNCTION HAD BEEN CLOSED SINCE JANUARY 25 TO FACILITATE WORK RELATED TO THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RE-OPENING, KMB ROUTES 59, 59A, 59M, 99 S AND 61A WILL RESUME THEIR ORIGINAL ROUTES VIA BUTTERFLY ESTATE ACCESS ROAD AND LUNG MUN ROAD, WHILE KMB ROUTE 59B WILL RETAIN ITS EXISTING ROUTE VIA BUTTERFLY ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, WU KING ROAD, WU SHAN ROAD AND LUNG MUN ROAD.

WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 12), THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM SOUTHEAST-BOUND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD ONTO NORTHEASTBOUND POPLAR STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO ENABLE ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.

VEHICLES ON SOUTHEAST-BOUND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WISHING TO MAKE LEFT TURNS AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND POPLAR STREET ONTO NORTHBOUND TAI PO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, PORTLAND STREET, PLAYING FIELD ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, POPLAR STREET AND TAI PO ROAD.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CLOSED CAMP POLICY CANNOT BE RELAXED ........................ 1

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OPENS POLICE CLUB ........................ 1

PRINCESS HONOURS LONG-SERVING POLICE OFFICERS ............... 2

PRINCESS HAS LUNCH WITH UMELCO MEMBERS ...................... 3

SIR DAVID PRAISES YMCA ......................................

REGISTRATION OF LEGCO ELECTORS STARTS NEXT WEEK ............. 4

PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF JANUARY EXTERNAL TRADE ........... 5

DECEMBER JOB, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ...................... 10

FLOATING MEETING FOR RURAL LEADERS .......................... 15

TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED .......................... 16

PLANS FOR SHA TIN LINK TO ROUTE FIVE ........................ 17

BIGGER TRAINING SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATES ....................... 18

MANUAL ON MEDICAL FACILITIES PRODUCED ....................... 19

WORKSHOPS ON CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING ...................... 19

CAMPS PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTHS .............. 20

YOUTH MUSIC CAMP IN JULY .................................... 20

NEW GIS PHONE NUMBER FROM TOMORROW .......................... 22

ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED ........................ 2?

FIRE CHIEF FOR ROTTERDAM TALKS .............................. 23

ENTRIES INVITED FOR BONSAI COMPETITION ...................... 24

MURAL PAINTING FOR SAI KUNG PLAYGROUND ...................... 24

SaNDSCAPING COMPETITION IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ............... 25

INAUGURATION CEREMONY ....................................... 26

CENTRAL TRAFFIC CHANGES .................................... 27

-RI DAY, APRIL 11, 1986

1

CLOSED CAMP POLICY CANNOT BE RELAXED * * * * *

ANY RELAXATION OF THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WOULD PRESENT A POTENTIAL THREAT TO HONG KONG IN THAT THERE WOULD BE A FURTHER INFLUX OF BOAT PEOPLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YMCA HONG KONG CENTRE, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE REASONS FOR THE POLICY HAD BEEN MADE VERY CLEAR MANY, MANY TIMES.

♦AND WE MUST STICK TO THIS POLICY.+

ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, IF PEOPLE HAD CRITICISMS ON THE WAY THE CAMPS WERE RUN, THOSE CRITICISMS MUST BE VERY CAREFULLY EXAMINED.

+BUT WE ARE ALREADY DOING A VERY CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION AND TO IMPROVE THE FACILITIES IN THE CAMPS, AND ARE SPENDING A LOT OF HONG KONG TAXPAYERS’ MONEY ON THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS MORE THAN HONG KONG’S PROBLEM, IT IS A WORLD PROBLEM,* HE SAID.

ON REMARKS THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS UNLIKELY TO GRANT THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR HONG KONG’S ETHNIC MINORITIES, SIR DAVID SAID WE MUST WAIT FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE THESE THINGS.

+1 CAN’T COMMENT ANY MORE AT THIS STAGE, I’M AFRAID,* HE SAID.

AS FOR THE WORDING OF THE ENDORSEMENT FOR THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORTS, SIR DAVID SAID WE MUST WAIT FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

- 0 - -

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OPENS POLICE CLUB

*****

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE POLICE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB AT BOUNDARY STREET.

THE NEW CLUB, WHICH WILL CATER FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 000 AMBERS, WILL PROVIDE AMENITIES FOR MEMBERS OF THE FORCE AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTo AND THUS TO COMPETE MORE EFFECTIVELY IN LOCAL COMPETITIONS.

/THE CEREMONY

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1?86

2 -

THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, m? RAYMON ANNING? THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MANAGEMENT, NR ERIC BLACKBURN, AND THE CHIEF FORCE WELFARE OFFICER, MR DAVID LOW SHIU-KWONG.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE WERE THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, MR JIM FINCH? THE CLUB MANAGERESS, MRS HANNY YEUNG, AND THE PROJECT OFFICER, CLUBS, MR DAVE WEAVER.

AFTER THE CEREMONY AND ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY THE COMMISSIONER, THE OFFICIAL PARTY MADE AN INSPECTION OF THE CLUB’S SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

IN THE RECEPTION AREA OF THE RESTAURANT, THE COMMISSIONER INTRODUCED TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA ONE OF THE CLUB’S MAJOR BENEFACTORS - SIR SHIU-KIN TANG. LADY TANG WAS ALSO INTRODUCED

TO THE PRINCESS.

THE CLUB IS SITUATED ON A 3.75-HECTARE SITE ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1979. IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO WINGS LINKED BY A CENTRAL HALLWAY.

THE NORTH WING ACCOMMODATES MOST OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, WHILE THE SOUTH WING HOUSES INDO^r SPORTING FACILITIES, INCLUDING SIX SQUASH COURTS, A FITNESS ROOM A.JD THREE TENNIS COURTS ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING.

OUTSIDE THE CLUBHOUSE, THERE IS A SWIMMING POOL, AN ALL-WEATHER ARTIFICIAL SURFACE LAWN BOWLS GREEN AND A CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND.

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PRINCESS HONOURS LONG-SERVING POLICE OFFICERS

X * X * *

THIRTY POLICE OFFICERS, WHO TOGETHER HAVE GIVEN 516 YEARS OF EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) HONOURED BY THEIR HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.

AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE UPPER GYMNASIUM OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN, THE ROYAL VISITOR PRESENTED THE COLONIAL POLICE LONG SERVICE MEDAL TO 22 REGULAR OFFICERS AND THE COLONIAL SPECIAL CONSTABULARY MEDAL TO EIGHT AUXILIARY OFFICERS.

WELCOMING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, RECALLED THAT THE ROYAL WARRANT AUTHORISING THE AWARD OF THE COLONIAL POLICE LONG SERVICE MEDAL WAS SIGNED IN 1956.

+T0 BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS MEDAL, RECIPIENTS MUST HAVE FULFILLED TWO CRITERIA,* MR ANNING POINTED OUT.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 3 -

♦FIRST, THE OFFICER MUST HAVE COMPLETED NOT LESS THAN 18 YEARS’ FULL TIME AND CONTINUOUS SERVICE IN A TERRITORY UNDER THE PROTECTION OR ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.+

♦SECOND, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, DURING THE PERIOD OF QUALIFYING SERVICE, THE CHARACTER AND CONDUCT OF THE OFFICER MUST HAVE BEEN EXEMPLARY.+

MR ANN I NG SAID THE ROYAL WARRANT AUTHORISING THE AWARD OF THE COLONIAL SPECIAL CONSTABULARY MEDAL WAS SIGNED IN 1957 AND-, IN HONG KONG CONTEXT, IS RESTRICTED TO MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS DECORATION, AN AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER MUST HAVE COMPLETED NOT LESS THAN 15 YEARS’ CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND DISCHARGED ALL DUTIES WILLINGLY AND COMPETENTLY.

THE MEDAL PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY SENIOR OFFICERS FROM BOTH THE REGULAR AND AUXILIARY POLICE FORCES, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL BRANCH, MR JAMES MORRIN; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MANAGEMENT, MR ERIC BLACKBURN; THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS, MR LI KWAN-HA ; THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER, DR RICHARD BUTLER,AND THE AUXILIARY POLICE COMMANDANT, MR NYLON TS’O.

EARLIER, ON ENTERING THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WAS SALUTED BY A QUARTER GUARD.

SHE WAS WELCOMED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, WHO PRESENTED THE PTS COMMANDANT, MR TONY MULLINS. THE PRINCESS THEN REVIEWED A GUARD OF HONOUR COMMANDED BY MR DAVID HUGHES.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA LATER MET MEDAL RECIPIENTS AND THEIR GUESTS AT A RECEPTION IN THE OFFICERS’ MESS.

--------0 ---------

PRINCESS HAS LUNCH WITH UMELCO MEMBERS * * * *

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA HAD LUNCH TODAY (FRIDAY) AS THE GUEST OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.

SHE WAS ACCOMPANIED TO THE LUNCH AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.

WAITING TO GREET HER AT THE BUILDING’S MAIN ENTRANCE IN JACKSON ROAD WERE THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA THEN MET MEMBERS IN THE DINING ROOM.

SHE RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT.

--------o--------- A................................................

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 4 -

SIR DAVID PRAISES YMCA * * *

THE NEW CHINESE YMCA HONG KONG CENTRE WILL ENHANCE CULTURAL INTERCHANGE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

OFFICIALLY OPENING THE CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THE DEDICATION OF MANAGEMENT AND STAFF WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE NEW CENTRE BECAME +A FOCUS OF COMMUNITY LIFE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ENABLE THEM TO MAKE HEALTHY USE OF LEISURE TIME*.

SINCE THE CENTRE STARTED OPERATIONS LAST NOVEMBER, MEMBERSHIP HAD ALREADY RISEN TO OVER 400, HE NOTED.

SIR DAVID ALSO EXPRESSED APPRECIATION OF THE YMCA’S REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY IN ITS 85 YEARS OF SERVICE AND WISHED THE ASSOCIATION CONTINUED SUCCESS IN DEVELOPING ITS SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

THE NEW CENTRE, SITUATED AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, IS THE LARGEST RUN BY THE YMCA.

------0 ------

REGISTRATION OF LEGCO ELECTORS STARTS NEXT WEEK * * * *

THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM APRIL 15 TO MAY 6 FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A SECOND REGISTRATION PERIOD FROM JUNE 20 TO JULY 1, LEADING TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL REGISTER ON AUGUST 1.

♦THE REGISTER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS, ROLLED OVER FROM YEAR TO YEAR, IS OPEN ANNUALLY DURING SPECIFIC PERIODS TO TAKE IN NEW APPLICANTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE YEAR,* HE SAID.

+ALTHOUGH 1986 IS NOT AN ELECTION YEAR FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY FOR AN ELIGIBLE PERSON OR ORGANISATION TO SIGN UP AS AN ELECTOR, THUS HELPING TO CONSOLIDATE THE BASE OF THE ELECTORATE,* HE ADDED.

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS, CNTA DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AT HARBOUR CENTRE, 10TH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

/ELIGIBLE PERSONS .......

/XIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 5 -

ELIGIBLE PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION NOW. THE TELEPHONE FOR ENQUIRIES IS 5-8932725.

PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO HAVE BECOME ELIGIBLE SINCE THE LAST REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN JUNE 1985 ARE ALSO URGED TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS. EXAMPLES ARE THOSE WHO HAVE JOINED THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVE TRADES OR PROFESSIONS, OR HAVE BECOME MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO FORM THE LARGEST FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, THEY ARE INVITED TO PICK UP REGISTRATION FORMS FROM ANY OF THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICES OR AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND CNTA DISTRICT OFFICES.

APPLICANTS WHO ARE INDIVIDUALS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY MUST BE ALREADY ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS BEFORE THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT YET ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL, THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR REGISTRATION ON THAT ROLL IN AUGUST BEFORE SEEKING ENROLMENT ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ROLL IN 1987.

------0-------

PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF JANUARY EXTERNAL TRADE *****

STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DECLINED BY 5 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL DECREASE OF 4 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.

IMPORTS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES ALSO DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.

PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 1 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT.

PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED. THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.

/AS TRADE .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 1-1, 1986

AS TRADE FIGURES FOR THE BEGINNING MONTHS OF A YEAR TEND TO EE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, IT IS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER FIGURES FOR THE LATEST THREE MONTHS TOGETHER. COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986 WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1985, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT, ..HILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS A GROWTH OF 3 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN VOLUME TERMS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ALSO ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. . ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, IMPORT PRICES DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1985, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF 4 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT AND IMPORTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS FELL IN JANUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985. THESE INCLUDED RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-9 PER CENT)* TEXTILE FABRICS (-8 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-8 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-5 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-5 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METAL MANUFACTURES (-4 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+7 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+1 PER CENT).

THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN JANUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, THE MORE NOTABLE ONES BEING DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-19 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-18 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-14 PER CENT)5 TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-12 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-11 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+17 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+17 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+ 15 PER CENT) ; TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+9 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE FABRICS (+4 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

/AS PRESENTED .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

7 -

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF SOME END-USE CATEGORIES DECREASED IN JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, RANGING FROM 2 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 7 PER CENT FOR FUELS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES CF CAPITAL GOODS AND CONSUMER GOODS ROSE BY 10 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN LIVE POULTRY? FRUIT? FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; VEGETABLES? SUGAR? MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS? MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS AS WELL AS SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE; RICE AS WELL AS ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS DECREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS? HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AS WELL AS TOBACCO MANUFACTURES. HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES; CLOTHING AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE IN JANUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, INCLUDING SILK FABRICS; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK? WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS? PAPER AND PAPERBOARD? DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS? COTTON YARN AND THREAD? CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS? YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES.

DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; MAN-MADE FIBRES; BASE METALS, EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL AS WELL AS FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 34 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985.

IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME COMMODITIES DECREASED IN JANUARY 1986 OVER JANUARY 1985, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES; TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT? TEXTILE MACHINERY; SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, MEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.

INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUMES WERE RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AS WELL AS INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.

/THE CHANGES .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

8 -

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JANUARY 1986 AS COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JANUARY 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, RANGING FROM 1 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 27 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 35 PER CENT.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE JANUARY 1986 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS* AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$2.5O PER COPY.

TABLE 1 s CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP (COMPARING JANUARY 1986 WITH JANUARY 1985)

COMMODITY GROUP VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % %

CLOTHING - 8 - 2 - 6

TEXTILE FABRICS - 4 - 8 + 4

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD +11 - 5 + 17

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES + 7 - 2 + 9

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -21 - 9 -14

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - 4 + 7 -11

FOOTWEAR +15 - 2 +17

METAL MANUFACTURES - 5 - 4 - 1

NETAL ORES AND SCRAP -22 - 5 -18

WATCHES AND CLOCKS +12 - 2 +15

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -10 + 1 -12

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -25 - 8 -19

ALL COMMODITIES - 6 - 1 - 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

9 -

TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY (COMPARING JANUARY 1986 WITH JANUARY 1985)

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % %

FOODSTUFFS + 15 - 5 +20

CONSUMER GOODS + 5 + 4 *

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES + 1 - 2 -k 4

FUELS -39 - 7 -34

CAPITAL GOODS -16 + 10 -23

ALL COMMODITIES - 2 + 1 - 3

TABLE 3 : CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS S'! r END-USE CATEGORY

(COMPARING JANUARY 1986 WITH JANUARY 1985)

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME

% % %

FOODSTUFFS +27 + 1 +27

CONSUMER GOODS + 2 + 1 + 1

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES * - 5 + 5

FUELS + 9 - 1 + 10

CAPITAL GOODS -31 + 6 -35

ALL COMMODITIES - 4 - 1 - 4

K INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5#

-------o - -

/10........

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 10 -

DECEMBER JOB, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED * * * * *

THERE WERE 847 600 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN DECEMBER 1985, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 5.7 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER 1984, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IN DECEMBER 1985, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 600 400, WAS 4.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1984.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 180 900, WAS UP BY 6.7 PER CENT.

BUT EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES DROPPED BY 3.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1984, MAINLY DUE TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR PART OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN DECEMBER 1985 WERE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT, COVERING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.

THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1985 BY THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1984 AND SEPTEMBER 1985, ARE AS FOLLOWS:

PERSONS ENGAGED

(EMPLOYMENT) IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE *

SELECTED MAJOR DEC. 85 DEC. 85

SECTORS OF ON ON

THE ECONOMY DEC. 84 SEPT 85 DEC. 85 DEC. 84 SEPT 85

MANUFACTURING 898 900 848 900 847 600 -5.7 -0.2

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY)

68 600 64 400

66 300 -3.3

+ 2.9

/WHOLESALE AND .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

11

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AMD EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

573 800 589 700 600 400 +4.6

+ 1.8

FINANCING,

INSURANCE,

REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS

SERVICES 169 500 179 200 180 900

+6.7

+0.9

X BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.

COMPARING DECEMBER 1985 WITH SEPTEMBER 1985, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED MARGINALLY BY 0.2 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE. REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.8 PER CENT AND 0.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOY'":.” AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 2.9 PER CENT.

THE SURVEY ALSO PROVIDES VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS, OTHER THAN FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION. THE OVERALL FIGURES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1984 AND SEPTEMBER 1985, ARE AS FOLLOWS:

NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE X

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 84 SEPT 85 DEC. 85 DEC. 85 ON DEC. 84 DEC. 85 ON SEPT 85

MANUFACTURING 23 810 20 120 15 080 -36.7 -25.0

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

6 160 5 680 5 530

-10.3

- 2.7

/FINANCING, insurance, ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

12 -

FINANCING,

INSURANCE,

REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS

SERVICES 2 330 2 580 2 350 + 1.0 - 8.9

* BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.

RELATIVE TO DECEMBER 1984, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR DECREASED RESPECTIVELY BY 36.7 PER CENT AND 10.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER 1935. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1985, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES DECREASED BY 25.0 PER CENT, 2.7 PER CENT AND 8.9 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR RESPECTIVELY.

ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:

TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE *

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF 4TH QTR. THE ECONOMY 1984 HK$ MN MANUFACTURING 7 086 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 4 916 4TH QTR. 1985 4TH QTR. ON 1985 4TH QTR. 1984 HK$ MN 7 317 + 3.3 5 557 +13.0 /FINANCING, INSURANCE,

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

2 604

3 075

+ 18.1

* BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.

COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT, 13.0 PER CENT AND 13.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985.

AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN DECEMBER 1984 AND DECEMBER 1985 ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED.

TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR DECEMBER 1984 AND DECEMBER 1985 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW:

NOMINAL INDEX OF

PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED

(JUNE 1980 - 100) % CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 84 DEC. 85 DEC. 85 ON DEC. 84

MANUFACTURING 190.3 212.2 + 11.5

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 215.9 229.2 + 6.2

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 253.8 279.3 + 10.0

/REAL INDEX .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

14

REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED % CHANGE

(JUNE 1980 » 100)

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY DEC. 84 DEC. 85 DEC. 85 ON DEC. 84

MANUFACTURING 123.0 133.6 + 8.6

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 139.6 144.3 + 3.4

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 164.1 175.9 + 7.2

BETWEEN DECEMBER 1984 AND DECEMBER 1985, INCREASES OF 11.5 PER CENT, 6.2 PER CENT AND 10.0 PER CENT WERE REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WERE 8.6 PER CENT, 3.4 PER CENT AND 7.2 PER CENT.

DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, DECEMBER 1985, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT HK$11 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 1904, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

-------o----------

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 15 -

FLOATING MEETING FOR RURAL LEADERS * * * *

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) ARRANGED A SPECIAL RURAL COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMEN MEETING ABOARD A GOVERNMENT LAUNCH TO ENABLE THEM TO LEARN ABOUT DEVELOPMENT IN DEEP BAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN SHUI WAI PROJECT.

OFFICIALS ABOARD THE CLEMENTI BRIEFED RURAL LEADERS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED MARINE BORROW AREA AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE VICINITY.

YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, SAID THE DEEP BAY MARINE BORROW AREA WAS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN MORE THAN 12 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF EARTH TO FILL THE FISH PONDS AND LOW-LYING AREAS OF TIN SHUI WAI, WHICH WOULD BE DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF 146 OOO PEOPLE IN THE 199O’S.

+THE FIRST PLOT OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IS EXPECTED TO BECOME AVAILABLE IN TIN SHUI WAI IN LATE 1988, AND THE FIRST INTAKE OF PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN EARLY 1991, TO BE FOLLOWED BY PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.

PRELIMINARY CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS, COSTING ABOUT $100 MILLION, STARTED IN NOVEMBER 1984 AND WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE START OF THE MAIN SITE FORMATION IN EARLY 1987, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD LINKING THE SITE TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD, A WORKS AREA OF ABOUT TWO HECTARES FOR THE MAIN FORMATION CONTRACT AND DIVERSION OF THE TAI RIVER THROUGH A LARGE CULVERT.

+AS FOR THE SITE FORMATION, PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS INDICATED THAT SEA-DREDGED MATERIAL IS LIKElY TO BE MORE ECONOMICAL AND WOULD PRESENT LESS LOGISTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS THAN LAND SOURCES,* SAID MR WILSON.

+ IT WOULD ALSO AVOID A LOT CLEARANCES, LAND RESUMPTION AND OBTAINING EARTH FROM LAND-BASED

OF ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS SUCH AS NUISANCE FOR PEOPLE WHEN SOURCES,* HE ADDED.

+INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT SO FAR INDICATED THAT IN THE DEEP BAY AREA, THERE IS SUFFICIENT SUITABLE MATERIAL AVAILABLE AND PRE-QUALIFICATION OF TENDERS FOR THE MAIN SITE FORMATION CONTRACT HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THE RECLAMATION CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO START IN EARLY 1987,+ HE SAID.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE MARINE BORROWING DECISION, AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1984 TO EXAMINE THE ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF MARINE FILL, TRANSPORTATION AND METHODS OF FILLING, MR WILSON SAID.

/+IT PROVIDED .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

16 -

+IT PROVIDED GUIDELINES AND CONSTRAINTS ON DREDGING AND LAND FORMATION NECESSARY TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS AND CHANGES ARISING FROM THE OPERATIONS,+ HE ADDED.

MR WILSON POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH A NUMBER OF OYSTER BEDS NEAR MONG TSANG MIGHT HAVE TO BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DREDGING OF A NEW CHANNEL, MOST OYSTER BEDS IN DEEP BAY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED BORROW AREA.

♦INNER DEEP BAY, WHICH IS INTENSELY CULTIVATED FOR OYSTERS, HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY EXCLUDED FROM THE PROPOSED MARINE BORROW AREA,+ HE SAID.

MR WILSON SAID THE PURPOSE OF TODAY’S CRUISE IN DEEP BAY WAS TO BRING A NEW PERSPECTIVE, AS FAR AS CONSULTATION WAS CONCERNED, TO RURAL LEADERS SO THAT THEY COULD HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPOSED MARINE BORROW AREA OVER WHICH THE OYSTER FARMING COMMUNITY HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN RECENTLY.

BY BRIEFING THEM ON THE SPOT WE WERE ABLE TO BETTER ILLUSTRATE AND EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS TO THE RURAL LEADERS.

WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO POINT OUT TO THEM THE LONG-TERM BENEFITS THAT THE PROJECTS WOULD BRING TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,+■ HE SAID.

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ENDORSED THE PROPOSED DEEP BAY MARINE BORROW AREA PROJECT IN JUNE LAST YEAR, AND RECENTLY HELD A SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE.

IN THE PAST YEAR, CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS WERE HELD BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND VARIOUS PARTIES CONCERNED SUCH AS THE RURAL COMMITTEES OF HA TSUEN AND PING SHAN, AND OYSTER FARMERS.

ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S MEETING ABOARD THE CLEMENTI WERE THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR J.S. CORRIGAL, AND THE SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, mr D.N. MUDD.

------o ------

TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED

* * * * *

THE TAI PO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN HAS BEEN AMENDED TO ALLOW MORE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE AMENDMENTS WOULD FACILITATE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

/THE PLANNED .......

r:lDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 17 -

THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE:

* A “JBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 30 000 PEOPLE TO THE NORTH OF TAI YUEN ESTATE 5

* ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 20 000 PERSONS, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FOR ABOUT 6 000 PEOPLE AT TO YUEN TUNG, WEST OF TAI PO RAILWAY STATION;

* SUPPORTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES, SUCH AS SCHOOLS AND INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE;

KAI OOO-BED CONVALESCENT-INFIRMARY HOSPITAL AND A 1 400-BED TAI PO HOSPITAL AND POLYCLINIC AT THE WEST OF YUE KOK VILLAGE; AND

* PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AT TO YUEN TUNG AND IN THE WEST OF WONG YUE TAN.

THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE. BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG? THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG! AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE tTAI PO), TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.

BUILDING, TING

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS IS INVITED TO WRITE TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE MAY 1.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN NO S/TP/2 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG I AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 510 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND 560 PER COLOURED COPY.

- 0---------

PLANS FOR SHA TIN LINK TO ROUTE FIVE *****

PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER SECTION OF ROUTE FIVE -A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT WHICH WILL LINK SHA TIN WITH TSUEN WAN AND REDUCE MOTORING TIME BETWEEN THE TWO TOWNS HAVE BEEN GAZETTED.

THIS FOLLOWS THE SIGNING OF THE MAIN CONTRACT ON MARCH 27 FOR TWIN, HIGHWAY TUNNELS UNDERNEATH SMUGGLERS RIDGE AND NEEDLE HILL.

/THE LATEST

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

18

THE LATEST PLANS ARE FOR ROAD CONNECTIONS AT THE SHA TIN END OF THE ROUTE.

THEY INCLUDE A 2.2-KILOMETRE DUAL, TWO-LANE, CARRIAGEWAY CONNECTING ROUTE FIVE WITH THE NEW TOWN ROAD NETWORK, JUST OVER ONE KILOMETRE OF WHICH WILL BE ELEVATED.

ALSO INCLUDED ARE TWO FLYOVERS CONNECTING ROUTE FIVE WITH TAI WAI AND A FLYOVER CONNECTING THE HIGHWAY WITH THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI PO ROAD IN FRONT OF TUNG LO WAN.

OTHER WORKS COMPRISE A 250-METRE FOOTPATH AND CYCLE TRACK ALONG THE WESTERN BANK OF THE SHING MUN RIVER OPPOSITE MEI LAM ESTATE, A 180-METRE CYCLE TRACK IN TAI WAI, WIDENING A 2OO-METRE SECTION CF TAI PO ROAD IN FRONT OF SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE AND SLOPE AND DRAINAGE WORKS.

PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, HONG KONG | THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2, TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN-| AND AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

OBJECTIONS IN WRITING SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JUNE 10.

- _ 0 - -

BIGGER TRAINING SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATES * * * * *

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE MONTHLY SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATE TRAINEES RECEIVING TRAINING UNDER THE ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME (EGTS) HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $1 800 TO $2 000 WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.

THE SUBSIDY FOR ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES RECEIVING APPROVED PRACTICAL TRAINING IN INDUSTRY UNDER THE SCHEME REMAINS UNCHANGED AT A RATE OF $1 000 PER PERSON PER MONTH.

THE EGTS, INTRODUCED IN 1983, IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS TO ENABLE ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY PRACTICAL TRAINING AND BECOME PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS.

EACH TRAINEE RECEVING TRAINING UNDER THE SCHEME WILL BE GRANTED A SUBSIDY TO BE PAID THROUGH HIS EMPLOYERS AS PART CF HIS SALARY.

SINCE 1983, A TOTAL OF 114 TRAINING SCHEMES FROM 83 EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE.

EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO OFFER TRAINING PLACES FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES AS WELL AS UNDERGRADUATES MAY CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE ON 5-8932341, EXT. 271.

------o-------

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 19 -

MANUAL ON MEDICAL FACILITIES PRODUCED

* * * *

A COLOURFUL MANUAL ON MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INSTITUTIONS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE MANUAL IN CHINESE WAS PRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND INCLUDES INFORMATION ILLUSTRATED IN TABULAR FORM WITH COLOUR CARTOONS.

IT GIVES DETAILS OF ADDRESSES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND SERVICE HOURS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, PRIVATE HOSPITALS, GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED HOSPITALS AND CLINICS IN THE DISTRICT.

SERVICE CHARGES FOR GENERAL OUT-PATIENT, SPECIALIST TREATMENT AND PATIENTS STAYING IN THIRD-CLASS WARD, AS WELL AS THE CONTACT NUMBERS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES AND THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ARE ALSO LISTED ON THE CARD.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON MEDICAL FACILITIES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, DR NG SUNG-MAN, SAID THE INFORMATION CARD WAS PRODUCED TO ACQUAINT LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH MEDICAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE DISTRICT.

ABOUT 10 000 COPIES OF THE MANUAL HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE AVAILABLE FREE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES AS WELL AS OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

COPIES HAVE ALSO BEEN SENT TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES AND SCHOOLS.

------0--------

WORKSHOPS ON CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING *****

THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON WRITING FOR TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AT SECONDARY LEVEL BETWEEN MAY 20 AND 22.

THE ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS TO BE HELD AT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE WILL CENTRE ON THE TEACHING OF WRITING AND WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS, GROUP WORK AND DISCUSSION SESSIONS.

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS SHOULD SUBMIT NAMES OF TEACHERS THEY WISH TO RECOMMEND FOR THE WORKSHOPS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A, BONHAM ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, HONG KONG, BEFORE APRIL 23.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

20 -

CAMPS PROVIDE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTHS

*****

THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUBVENTING AND MONITORING CAMPS AND HOSTELS WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IN STAGES FROM THIS YEAR, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR TONY REYNALDS, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY BRADBURY CAMP ON CHEUNG CHAU, HE SAID THE TRANSFER MIGHT HAVE BEEN DONE IN STAGES BUT IT WAS HOPED TO IMPLEMENT SOME NEW ARRANGEMENTS DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.

MR REYNALDS SAID CAMPING MET THE OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BY PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAN, ORGANISE, WORK AND LIVE TOGETHER FOR A SHORT TIME IN A PLEASANT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

THIS IN TURN WOULD ENCOURAGE THEM TO BECOME MATURE AND RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY BY FOSTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY, CHARACTER, SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, SOCIAL APTITUDES AND THE ABILITY TO USE THEIR LEISURE BENEFICIALLY, HE ADDED.

THE PROVISION OF OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP AND GUIDANCE WOULD ALSO ENABLE THEM TO WIDEN THEIR PERSPECTIVES AND TEST NEW WAYS OF GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS.

THE SALVATION ARMY CAMP WILL ALSO BE PROVIDING CAMPING FACILITIES FOR FAMILIES, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.

MR REYNALDS COMMENDED THE SALVATION ARMY FOR ITS WORK IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF 13 NURSERIES, SEVEN SOCIAL CENTRES/MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, SEVEN CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES, CRECHES, A HOME FOR THE HANDICAPPED, HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND CAMPS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

----o-----

YOUTH MUSIC CAMP IN JULY

*****

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN TO YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS WHO WISH TO JOIN A SUMMER CAMP WHERE THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR MUSICAL SKILLS AND ENJOY VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

THE 1986 HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR AT SAI KUNG PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP, FROM JULY 12 TO 27.

/THE CAMP ......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

21

THE CAMP IS PRIMARILY AIMED AT DEVELOPING AND ENHANCING THE MUSICAL CAPABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAIM.<« ■ : A SUMMER CAMP ATMOSPHERE.

+PRGMISING YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL BE RECRUITED HERE AND FROM OVERSEAS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID.

+IT WILL HELP FOSTER INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH MUS IC,+ HE ADDED.

RENOWNED MUSICIANS WILL BE INVITED TO CONDUCT MASTER CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS. OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE FILM SHOWS AND Hl-FI MUSIC APPRECIATION.

SECTIONAL AND ORCHESTRAL REHEARSALS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE CAMPERS, PREPARING THEM FOR A FINALE CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

IN ADDITION, A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED AT THE CAMP.

APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO JOIN THE CAMP STRING ORCHESTRA, CAMP SYMPHONIC BAND OR CAMP CHINESE ORCHESTRA SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE AS AT JULY 12, AND BE ABLE TO PLAY AT LEAST ONE CHINESE OR WESTERN INSTRUMENT. ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION TO BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

THE CAMP FEE WILL BE 3400 PER HEAD INCLUSIVE OF TUITION FEES, THREE MEALS EACH DAY AND ACCOMMODATION.

AS THE MUSIC OFFICE IS PLANNING TWO OVERSEAS TOURS TO SINGAPORE AND JAPAN IN AUGUST, TOUR MEMBERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE CAMP’S CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONIC BAND.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS AT 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, BEFORE MAY 3.

FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL 5-458791.

-----o------

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 19b6

- 22 -

NEW GIS PHONE NUMBER FROM TOMMORROW * * * *

THE MAIN TELEPHONE EXCHANGE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE WILL BE CHANGED FROM 5-233191 TO 5-8428777 FROM 0001 HOURS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE NUMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PROMOTIONS SUB-DIVISION IN UNITED CENTRE (5-275115), ITS PUBLISHING SUB-DIVISION IN BASKERVILLE HOUSE (5-214371) AND GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING (5-235377 OR 5-226389), HOWEVER, WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE GIS DIRECTORATE AND THE NEWS DIVISION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DIRECTOR, MR JOHN CHAN 5-8428728

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MRS IRENE YAU 5-8428729

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY),

MR PETER MOSS 5-8428730

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLIC RELATIONS),

MR JIMMY MARSHALL 5-8428731

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NEWS),

MR CHRIS WONG NEWS DIVISION MR AKBER KHAN (CIO) MR MAK KWOK-WAH (PIO) MR WILLIAM LAM (PIO) PRESS ENQUIRIES MR K.RATHOUR (D1B/ED1TOR/ENGL1SH) MR S.Y. CHAN (D1B/ED1TOR/CH1NESE) MR BENSON LI (MEDIA LIAISON) AN UPDATED TELEPHONE LIST WILL BE POSSIBLE. 5-8428732 5-8428738 5-8428739 5-8428740 5-8428746 5-8428747 5-8428748 5-232721 5-227662 5-8428741 5-8428742 5-8428749 BOXED TO YOU AS SOON AS

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

23

ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED * X * * *

SIX MORE POST OFFICES WILL START ACCEPTING ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS FROM MONDAY (APRIL 14).

THESE ARE THE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, KING’S ROAD, GRANVILLE ROAD, MONG KOK, MA TAU WEI AND SHAM SHU I PO POST OFFICES.

THE EXTENSION WILL BRING TO 25 THE NUMBER OF POST OFFICES ACCEPTING ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS.

IN ADDITION, FROM THE SAME DAY, OVERSEAS PARCELS OF INCREASED WEIGHT AND SIZE WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE, TAI PO POST OFFICE AND TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE.

THIS EXTENSION OF ACCEPTANCE SERVICES WILL MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC TO POST URGENT DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES OF GOODS, MERCHANDISE AND GENERAL PARCELS TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY ,BUREAU, TEL. 5-231071.

-------0----------

FIRE CHIEF FOR ROTTERDAM TALKS

* * X *

THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, WILL BE LEAVING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS CONFERENCE IN ROTTERDAM, THE FIRST TIME IT IS HELD OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES-.

MR HOLMES WILL BE SPEAKING ON +THE RELATION BETWEEN THE ATTENDANCE RESPONSE TIME AND FIRE SPREAD IN HONG KONG+ AT THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE WHICH STARTS ON SUNDAY (APRIL 13).

HE WILL BE AMONG 20 SPEAKERS WHO WILL BE TOUCHING ON TOPICS PERTAINING TO SITUATIONS FROM THEIR OWN COUNTRIES AND DISCUSSIONS WILL FOLLOW TO FORMULATE RECOMMENDATIONS.

MR HOLMES WILL RETURN ON APRIL 19.

-----0------

/2A........

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 24 -

ENTRIES INVITED FOR BONSAI COMPETITION *****

BONSAI ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO SEND IN THEIR CREATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN AN OPEN BONSAI COMPETITION IN TUEN MUN LATER THIS MONTH.

ORGANISED BY THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY, TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THIS YEAR’S BONSAI SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE MONASTERY BETWEEN APRIL 26 AND MAY 5.

PARTICIPANTS CAN EACH SUBMIT ONLY ONE BONSAI WORK WITH THE DIAMETER OF THE CONTAINER NOT EXCEEDING 75 CENTIMETRES.

THERE IS NO AGE RESTRICTION AND PARTICIPANTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ARE WELCOME.

THE COMPETITION IS ALSO EXTENDED TO ALL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, WHOSE ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NOON ON APRIL 24.

WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY DURING THE TEN-DAY SHOW.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, AND ENQUIRIES MADE ON 0-851954.

-----0------

MURAL PAINTING FOR SAI KUNG PLAYGROUND *****

FIFTY ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED CHILDREN WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEIR TALENT IN A MURAL-PAINTING PROJECT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MAN YEE REHOUSING ESTATE PLAYGROUND IN SAI KUNG.

AS THE FIRST PROGRAMME TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SAI KUNG CULTURAL AND RECREATION ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE PROGRAMME IS TO STIMULATE THE POTENTIAL CREATIVITY OF ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED CHILDREN, TO ADD COLOUR AND ATMOSPHERE TO THE AREA, AND TO CULTIVATE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION.

/THE THEME .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1986

- 25 -

THE THEME OF THE MURAL PAINTING WILL CENTRE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE SAI KUNG FESTIVAL.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MURAL PAINTING WILL BE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HOI DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN I THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE CHA IRMA', MR LAU WAN-HEII THE DIRECTOR OF YANG MEMORIAL SOCIAL CENT , MISS ALICE YUKI AND THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS C.S. CHONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MURAL PAINTING AT 2 PM IN THE MAN YEE REHOUSING ESTATE PLAYGROUND, MAN NIN STREET, SA I KUNG.

-------o----------

SANDSCAPING COMPETITION IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT

******

A SANDSCAPING COMPETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN DEEP WATER BAY.

TEN TEAMS CONSISTING OF ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION WHICH HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF INSTITUTIONS IN THE DISTRICT OFFERING REHABILITATION SERVICES TO DISABLED PERSONS.

♦ IN ORDER TO MAKE USE OF DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT, THE SANDSCAPING COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER TO EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVE ENERGIES THROUGH ART PRESENTATION, + FE SAID.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH SUCH COMPETITIONS THE PUBLIC WILL UNDERSTAND BETTER AND APPRECIATE THOSE WITH A DISABILITY, AND BE BETTER PREPARED TO INTEGRATE AND INCLUDE DISABLED PEOPLE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES AND ACTIVITIES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

/SIX INSTITUTIONS .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 19?t

26

SIX INSTITUTIONS WILL SEND SEVEN TEAMS EACH CONSISTING OF EIGHT TO TEN ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PERSONS. THESE ARE THz EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND, MARGARET TRENCH RED CROSS SCHGvw, JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE, WAH FU MORNING LIGHT SCHOOL, POKFULaM TRAINING CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION.

THREE WINNING TEAMS FROM PREVIOUS SANDSCAPING COMPETITIONS WILL ALSO BE TAKING PART.

ADJUDICATION w ILL BEGIN AT 3.33 PM AND JUDGES INCLUDE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM? CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR KO TAM-KAN; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ANGELA TSANG? A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, MR DICKEN YUNG? AND ARTISTS MR CHAK SHI-YIU AND MR LIU HIN-MI NG.

THE THREE HIGHEST-SCORING TEAMS j ILL BE AwARDED PRIZES AND TEAM MEMBERS PRESENTED wI TH MEDALS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SANDSCAPING COMPETITION AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 13) AT DEEP wATER BAY BEACH.

-------o -

INAUGURATION CEREMONY * * *

THE FIRST INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF TAI HANG SAI YIN NGAI SOCIETY WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 13) AT 2.30 PM IN THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL AT BLOCK 42 OF THE SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.

SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE= UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHUNG PUI-LAM= DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG PO-HONG AND SEVERAL OTHER BOARD MEMBERS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

------o-------

FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1°36

- 27 -

CENTRAL TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *

AS PART OF THE CHATER ROAD SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME. THE SECTION OF JACKSON ROAD BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, WHILE CLUB STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 13 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 14).

CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE 103 ON ITS JOURNEY TO POKFIELD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CLUB STREET TO REJOIN CHATER ROAD.

--------o - - - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FUND BOARD MEMBERS TO BE NAMED SOON - GOVERNOR............ 1

GOVERNOR VISITS HOLIDAY CENTRES .......................... 1

PRINCESS AT BEATING THE RETREAT CEREMONY...............

PRINCESS VISITS RED CROSS CENTRES ........................ 3

DISABLED COULD EXCEL IN ART TOO .......................... 4

WORK TO START ON IMPROVING TAI PO ROAD ................... 5

STUDENTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR AID......................... 5

NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1931-1934 ................. 7

MUSIC TRAINING FOR STUDENTS ORGANISED .................

MURAL PAINTING FOR YAU MA TEI SCHOOL CHILDREN ............ 9

SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT .................... 10

FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS ............................ 1°

+RC+ PREFIX FOR VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES ................... 11

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ............................... 11

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES.................................. 12

WATER CUT IN TWO AREAS .................................. 12

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

1

FUND BOARD MEMBERS TO BE NAMED SOON - GOVERNOR * * * *

THE TWO NEW MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN A FEW DAYS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING BIRD WATCHERS TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S BIG BIRD RACE IN MAI PO, SIR EDWARD SAID HE WOULD ASK THE POTENTIAL MEMBERS FIRST BEFORE THEIR NAMES WERE ANNOUNCED.

ASKED TO COMMENT ON A REMARK BY THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, MR IAN WRIGGLESWORTH, THAT MINORITIES IN HONG KONG WOULD HAVE LITTLE CHANCE OF STAYING IN BRITAIN, SIR EDWARD SAID MPS HAD THEIR OWN VIEWS ON VARIOUS ISSUES.

+l THINK THEY ALL EXPRESSED A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS, SO I JILL JUST LET HIS STATEMENT STAND,+ HE ADDED.

ASKED IF THE INVESTIGATION BY ICAC INVOLVING SEVEN ELECTED URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD AFFECT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S BY-ELECTION TO SELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD SAID HE THOUGHT WHAT THE ICAC COMMISSIONER HAD SAID WAS THAT THEY WERE SIMPLY ENQUIRING INTO THE MATTER, ADDING THAT ONE THING HE NEVER DID WAS TO COMMENT ON ICAC CASES.

-----o------

GOVERNOR VISITS HOLIDAY CENTRES

* * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY VISITED RECREATIONAL AND HOLIDAY CENTRES IN SAI KUNG.

ON HIS ITINERARY WERE THE PAK SHA 0 YOUTH HOSTEL, THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE AND THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP. THESE CENTRES TOGETHER CAN ACCOMMODATE OVER 700 PEOPLE.

BESIDES ACCOMMODATION AND CAMPING AREAS, THEY PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES, INCLUDING WATER SPORTS AREAS AND JOGGING TRACKS, SKATING RINKS, ARCHERY RANGES, MULTI-PURPOSE HALLS AND CLUBHOUSES, AND BARBECUE PITS.

SIR EDWARD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK, LANDING AT HOI HA VILLAGE.

/HB TH3.t ..........

SaIUMAY, APRIL 12, 1986

- 2 -

HE THEN TRAVELLED BY CAR TO THE PAK SHA 0 YOUTH HOSTEL WHERE HE WAS RECEIVED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION. MR JOHN MCLEAN, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS. HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE ASSOCIATION’S WORK AND THEN INSPECTED THE PREMISES, WHICH HAVE BEEN RENOVATED.

NEXT, SIR EDWARD VISITED THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE WHERE HE WAS GREETED BY THE COUNCIL’S CHIEF LEISURE MANAGER (RECREATION, SPORTS AND AMENITIES), MR STANLEY LEE. HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE HISTORY CF THE EUNGALOW-TYPE UNITS WHICH WERE TRANSFORMED FROM DORMITORIES USED BY DEVELOPMENT STAFF DURING BUILDING OF THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.

FROM THERE, SIR EDWARD WENT TO THE PO LEUNG KUK HOLIDAY CAMP AT PAK TAM CHUNG WHERE HE WAS RECEIVED BY THE KUK CHAIRMAN, MRS LISA CHEE, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS, WHO SHOWED HIM OVER CAMP’S FACILITIES.

--------0 ----------

PRINCESS AT BEATING THE RETREAT CEREMONY * * * *

THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BANDS AND WOMEN FAN DANCERS, WHO MADE THEIR MARK AT THE RENOWNED EDINBURGH TATTOO IN SCOTLAND LAST AUGUST, ASSEMBLED THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING FOR ANOTHER COLOURFUL PERFORMANCE, THIS TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA. THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN.

FOR THE SPECTACULAR CENTURIES-OLD BEATING THE RETREAT PERFORMANCE, PRODUCED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, MR COLIN WOOD, THE BANDS WERE ALSO JOINED BY SQUADS OF RECRUITS WHOSE CLOCK-WORK PRECISION IN SILENT DRILL ROUTINES DREW ROUNDS OF WELL-DESERVED SPONTANEOUS APPLAUSE FROM THE ROYAL VISITOR AND INVITED GUESTS.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WAS LATER GUEST OF HONOUR AT A MESS DINNER. IN A SPEECH OF WELCOME, THE COMMANDANT OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, MR TONY MULLINS, SAID THAT IT WAS MOST FITTING THAT HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, AS HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL OF THE FORCE, SHOULD BE THE FIRST ROYAL VISITOR TO DINE IN THE MESS SINCE THE BUILDING WAS OPENED IN THE 196OS.

SPEAKING OF THE SURROUNDINGS IN WHICH THEY DINED, MR MULLINS SAID THAT THEY WERE A FAR CRY FROM THE DAYS WHEN ONLY A CONVERTED RICE GODOWN WAS PROVIDED, WITH NO CEILING, POOR LIGHTING AND LIMITED FURNISHINGS.

THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED BY A SPACIOUS AIR-CONDITIONED MESS. LIKEWISE, THE POLICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN MODERNISED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE INCREASED SOPHISTICATION OF SOCIETY WHICH MAKES rVER INCREASING DEMANDS ON POLICE PROFESSIONALISM.

/+3UT LIFE........

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

- 3 -

+BUT LIFE IN THE RICE GODOWN OF THE ORIGINAL OFFICERS’ MESS IS THE STUFF OF WHICH FOND MEMORIES WERE MADE, AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT, IN THE YEAR TO COME, AN OCCASION LIKE THIS EVENING WILL BE REFLECTED ON WITH THE SAME RECOLLECTION AND AFFECTION,+ MR MULLINS SAID.

THE COMMANDANT CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT, WITH A VIEW TO SECUR IN.. THE MEMORIES OF TOMORROW, A PHOTOGRAPH WHICH MESS MEMBERS HAD REQUESTED AND WHICH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA HAD KINDLY SIGNED IN LONDON, WAS HUNG IN THE SCHOOL ANTE ROOM TO MARK THE OCCASION AND HE INVITED HER TO VIEW THIS AFTER DINNER.

- - 0 - -

PRINCESS VISITS * *

RED CROSS CENTRES * * *

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TODAY (SATURDAY) SAW FOR HERSELF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE WORK OF THE RED CROSS IN HONG KONG.

ACCOMPANIED BY LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA VISITED TWO RED CROSS CENTRES, AND LATER MET RED CROSS MEMBERS AT A LUNCHEON HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES.

THE PRINCESS FIRST VISITED THE RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION BRADBURY CENTRE AT KING’S PARK, AND THEN WENT TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE AT SANDY BAY.

AT THE BRADBURY CENTRE, SHE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE RED CROSS BRANCH COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE MANAGEMENT BOARD (BTSMB), DR T.C. CHENG.

DR CHENG INTRODUCED HER TO THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, WHO IS BTSMB VICE-CHAIRMAN! THE BTSMB HONORARY TREASURER, MR KENNETH DEAYTON! THE DIRECTOR (F THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE, DR SUSAN LEONG! THE BTSMB SECRETARY AND MANAGER OF THE BLOOD COLLECTION DIVISION, ffiS RUTH FRASER! AND THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE, MR PETER LEUNG.

FOLLOWING THIS, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TOURED THE CENTRE, ACCOMPANIED BY DR LEONG. SHE SAW MEMBERS OF THE STAFF GOING ABOUT THEIR WORK, AND ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO SOME OF THEM.

BEFORE LEAVING THE CENTRE, THE PRINCESS SIGNED THE VISITOR’S BOOK, AND WAS PRESENTED WITH A BOUQUET.

/PRINCESS ALEXANDRA.........

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY YOUDE, THEN DROVE TO THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTRE, WHERE THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL, SIR MARK HEATH, INTRODUCED HER TO CENTRE OFFICIALS. THESE WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOLS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND SUPERVISOR, MR ALBERT S.B. LI; THE CENTRE PRINCIPAL, MISS MARION FANG; AND FOUR MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOLS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, DR RAYMOND HO, MR C.K. LAM, DR S.F. LAM, AND MR T.Y. TSAU.

THE PRINCESS WAS BRIEFED ON THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRE AND THEN TOURED PART OF THE CENTRE SCHOOL WITH MISS FANG. SHE SPOKE TO VARIOUS MEMBERS OF THE STAFF AND WATCHED CHILDREN

TAKING PART IN ACTIVITIES.

AT THE END OF HER TOUR, THE PRINCESS SIGNED THE VISITOR’S BOOK AND A HANDICAPPED CHILD PRESENTED A SMALL HANDICRAFT ITtM TO HER.

ABOUT 40 MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE BRITISH RED CROSS LATER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, AND SPEAK TO HER INFORMALLY AT THE BUFFET LUNCHEON HELD AT VICTOR]* HOUSE. THE MEMBERS REPRESENTED ALL ASPECTS OF RED CROSS ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.

THE LUNCHEON WAS GIVEN IN THE PRINCESS’S HONOUR BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND LADY AKERS-JONES.

--------q -----------

DISABLED COULD EXCEL IN ART TOO *****

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED WOULD HOPEFULLY DEMONSTRATE THAT THE DISABLED COULD ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO ART.

A MURAL PAINTING PROJECT

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF

IN CONNECTION WITH THE FESTIVAL, SHE SAID THE EVENT WOULD MAKE Trie PUBLIC REALISE THAT, GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, THE DISABLED AND THt ABLE-BODIED COULD EXCEL IN ART.

+AT PRESENT SOME PEOPLE STILL DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THE DISABLED OR VIEW THEM WITH PITY.

+SUCH INAPPROPRIATE ATTITUDES DIRECTLY UNDERMINE THE CONFIDENCE OF THE DISABLED IN THEIR WORK, CAUSING THEM TO SHY AWAY FROM COMMUNITY LIFE AND THUS WASTING THEIR TALENTS,+

MRS CHAN SAID.

SHE SAID SHE HOPED THAT THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLcD COULD REMEDY THIS SITUATION BY PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND CONCERN FOR THE DISABLED, AND STRENGTHENING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.

- 0

/5

SATURDAY, aPRIL .'i . _

- 5 -

V.ORK TO START ON IMPROVING TAI PC rtOAD

*****

A «S28 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE UPGRADING OF A TWO-KILO: ET- 3 SECTION OF TAI PO ROaD WAS SIGNED TODAY (SATURDAY) EY THE REG I \AL HIGHWAY ENGINEER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR TANG KwOK-KEE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, VIANINI LAVORI S.P.A.

THE SECTION — BETWEEN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT EXPLOSIVES DEJji’ AND THE JUNCTION OF LOWER SHING MUN ROAD — COVERS THE FIRoT OF « TWO-STAGE PROJECT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOw, PROVIDE BETTtR PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES AND STABILISE SOME EXISTING CUT SLOPES.

TAI PO ROAD WILL BE WIDENED TO A MINIMUM OF 7.3 METRES, STANDARD TWO-LANE ROAD WIDTH ON STRAIGHT, FLAT SECTIONS. A CLIMBING LANE OR PASSING BAYS WILL BE PROVIDED ON STEEPER SECTIONS WHILE SHARP CURVES WILL BE REALIGNED. .

WORK ON THE PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IX 1988, INCLUDES FOOTPATHS, CAR PARKING AREAS, BUS LAY-BYS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AS WELL AS LANDSCAPING AS THE ROAD PASSeS THROUGH TwO COUNTRY PARKS.

SINCE THE ROAD IS WIDELY USED, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC wILL BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION EXCEPT AT NIGHT WHEN IT WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE AT TIMES.

-----o------

STUDENTS INVITED TO APPLY FOR AID *****

THE SECRETARIAT OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR THE 1986-87 ACADEMIC YEAR WILL BE OPEN TO APPLICATION FROM APRIL 21.

THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE HONG KONG AND UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENTS TO HELP NEEDY HONG KONG STUDENTS MEET THE HIGH TUITION FEES CHARGED ON OVERSEAS STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

IT IS OPEN TO ALL HONG KONG STUDENTS PURSUING FULL-TIME FlrtoT DEGREE OR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES AT UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND MAINTAINED COLLEGES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, SUBJECT TO THEIR HAVING RESIDED OR BEEN DOMICILED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE COURSE.

/TH3 SCH3M3 ......

SATUBDAY, APRIL 12, 1?tJo

6 -

THE SCHEME IS MEANS-TESTED, THE MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE BEING THE FULL DIFFERENCE OF TUITION FEES PAYABLE BY BRITISH HOME AND OVERSEA^ STUDENTS. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS wILL BE MAINLY IN THE FORM OF OUT-RIGHT GRANTS, BUT IF THE TOTAL REQUIREMENT SHOULD EXCEED THE JOINT CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TvJO GOVERNMENTS, THEN EACH APPLICANT’S GRANT WOULD BE PROPORTIONATELY REDUCED, WITH THE BALANCE MADE UP BY AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN OFFERED SOLELY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

IN 1985-86, 1 846 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED, OF WHICH 1 217 SUCCEEDED IN OBTAINING GRANTS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF 3 006 283 POUND STERLING. THE AVERAGE GRANT PER CASE WAS 2 470 POUND STERLING AND THE OVERALL RATE OF SUCCESS WAS ABOUT 66 PER CENT.

FOR THE 1986-87 ACADEMIC YEAR, APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AS FROM APRIL 21 AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF THE UPGC SECRETARIAT AT QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOW BLOCK, GROUND FLOOR, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BRING WITH THEM DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF THEIR HAVING BEEN ACCEPTED, CONDITIONALLY AT LEAST, BY AN INSTITUTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ONE OF THE COURSES COVERED BY THE SCHEME. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO 5-8622741.

STUDENTS ALREADY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS DIRECT FROM THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE INSTITUTIONS, OR FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 6 GRAFTON STREET, LONDON W1X 3LB (TEL. 01-499-9821).

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED IN PERSON TO THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION. THE CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS ARE JULY 1, 1986 FOR ON-COURSE STUDENTS AND OCTOBER 1, 1986 FOR NEW STUDENTS.

TO MEET THE DEADLINE, ON-COURSE STUDENTS (THOSE WHO HAVE STARTED THEIR FIRST DEGREE OR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN UK) SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR THE RESULTS OF THEIR ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS, BUT SHOULD APPLY FIRST ON THE STRENGTH OF AN ENDORSEMENT BY THEIR INSTITUTIONS THAT THEY WILL BE PROMOTED TO A HIGHER YEAR OF STUDIES IN 1986-87, SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY EXAMINATION RESULTS.

NEW STUDENTS INTENDING TO START THEIR COURSES IN 1986-87 SHOULD APPLY ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN OFFERED ADMISSION BY AN INSTITUTION EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THE UCCA OR PCAS, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A CONDITIONAL OFFER.

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE RESPECTIVE DEADLINES SPECIFIED ABOVE, BUT BEFORE NOVEMBER 2, 1986 WILL BE ACCEPTED BUT PROCtSSED FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTEREST-FREE LOANS ONLY.

THESE WILL BE OFFERED SOLELY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND SUBJECT TO THE SAME MEANS-TESTING CRITERIA. IN 1985-86, 30 LATE APPLICANTS WERE OFFERED LOANS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF $656 500.

/as the .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

AS THE AMOUNT OF GRANT PAYABLE IN EACH CASE CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED AFTER ALL APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND PROCESSED, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT PAYMENT OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CAN BE MADE BEFORE TERM COMMENCEMENT.

STUDENTS ARE THEREFORE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CRITICALLY EXAMINE THEIR OWN MEANS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND BE PREPARED TO PAY THE FULL TUITION FEES IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, IF SO REQUIRED BY THEIR INSTITUTIONS, WHILE AWAITING THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.

APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ARE SUBJECT TO MEANSTESTS AND AWARDS WILL BE MADE SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF THE INDIVIDUALS’ FINANCIAL NEED. AS FROM THE 1986-87 ACADEMIC YEAR, PEANS-TESTI NG WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY WAY OF PERSONAL INTERVIEWS.

ON SUBMISSION OF HIS APPLICATION, EACH APPLICANT AND/OR AN ADULT MEMBER OF HIS HOUSEHOLD (PREFERABLY THE PERSON WHO DECLARES HIS APPLICATION) WHO KNOWS THE FAMILY’S CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW AT THE STUDENT FINANCE SECTION OF THE UPGC SECRETARIAT.

THE SECRETARIAT’S SPOKESMAN SOUNDED A NOTE OF WARNING THAT INCORRECT OR INACCURATE INFORMATION NOT ONLY WILL LEAD TO REJtCTlJ;i ALSO GIVE RISE TO CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

CF AN APPLICATION BUT MAY AGAINST THE DECLARANT.

------o-------

NEW ID CARDS FOR WOMEN BORN IN 1931-1934

X X X * X

WOMEN BORN IN 1931, 1932, 1933 AND 1934 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BETWEEN APRIL 14 AND MAY 17.

WOMEN IN THIS AGE GROUP SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD ID CARDS AND CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES.

THEY CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON SATURDAY.

+T0 COMPLETE THE BOOKING PROCEDURE, ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO PROVIDE PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS NAME, ID CARD NUMBER AND YEAR CF BIRTH,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE ADDRESSES OF THE ISSUE OFFICES AND THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS ARE:

/HONG KONG.......

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 19oo

- 8

HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. 5-747173

EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 3-7553679

77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.

WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.

SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16

wANG POK STREET.

YUEN LONG t HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.

TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.

SHEUNG SHU I : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.

3-7232442

0-4981259

0-6059113

0-793291

0-862562

0-927155

THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY.

+THOSE WHO WANT TO ALTER THEIR LAST NAMES AS A RESULT OF A CHANGE IN MARITAL STATUS SHOULD BRING ALONG RELEVANT DOCUMENTS SUCH AS MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE CERTIFICATES TO SUPPORT THEIR CASES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ISSUE CENTRES LISTED ABOVE ARt FOn THE APPLICATION OF NEW ID CARDS ONLY. PEOPLE WHO WISH TO HAVE THcln DAMAGED CARDS REPLACED OR THEIR PERSONAL DATA CHANGED SHOULD GO TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES INSTEAD.

THE SPOKESMAN FINALLY KONG DURING THE EASTER AND TURN TO APPLY FOR A NEW ID

REMINDED PEOPLE WHO WERE AWAY FROM HONG CHING MING HOLIDAYS AND HAD MISSED THEIR CARD WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN.

-----o------

MUSIC TRAINING FOR STUDENTS ORGANISED * * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL RUN MUSIC COURSES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS WISHING TO INCLUDE THE SUBJECT IN THEIR GENERAL COURSE OF STUDIES.

UNDER THE CENTRALISED SCHEME OF MUSIC TRAINING, THE COURSES WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAYS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR AND ADDITIONAL SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON WEDNESDAYS FOR ADVANCED LEVEL CLASSES

/FORM 3 .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1?86

- 9 -

FORM 3 STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE CF EDUCATION MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOWS THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENT GF CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN MUSIC.

SIXTH FORM STUDENTS CAN TAKE THE ONE-YEAR HIGHER LEVEL MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOWS THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENT OF THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION IN MUSIC.

THE ADVANCED LEVEL MUSIC COURSE WHICH FOLLOWS THE SYLLABUS REQUIREMENT OF THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION IN MUSIC IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO SIXTH FORM STUDENTS.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND SELECTED GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED BUT STUDENTS ATTENDING THE COURSE ARE EXPECTED TO PURCHASE PRESCRIBED STUDY SCORES AND RELATED RECORDINGS FOR PRIVATE STUDY.

STUDENTS SHOULD OBTAIN THE CONSENT OF THEIR PARENTS TO ATTEND CLASSES OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS AT A CENTRE WHICH MAY NOT BE NEAR THEIR HOME OR SCHOOL.

SCHOOL HEADS ARE URGED TO MAKE NOMINATIONS TO THE PR INCI PAL INSPECTOR (MUSIC), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, V ’ ---------------------- CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE MAY 10.

LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE,

-----0------

MURAL PAINTING FOR YAU MA TEI SCHOOL CHILDREN

* * * * *

ABOUT 40 ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT WILL JOIN IN A MURAL PAINTING PROJECT TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE PROJECT IS ONE OF THE PROGRAMMES TO LAUNCH THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL APRIL 26.

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ASIA, THE FESTIVAL IS TO ASSIST ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PEOPLE TO EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVE ENERGIES BY PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO WORK IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES OF THE ARTS.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MURAL PAINTING TOMORROW WILL BE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, MISS MARIA TAM- YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE FESTIVAL, A +SOUND PLAYGROUND* PERFORMANCE WILL BE STAGED BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE IN PUBLIC SQUARE STREET FROM a pm to f PM ON APRIL 26 FOR THE PUBLIC.

/?REE ADMISSION

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1986

10 -

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSU! SUB-OFFICE AND THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.

THE EVENTS ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED AND THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MURAL PAINTING PROJECT TO BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW AT THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION’S ACTIVITY CENTRE IN SALISBURY ROAD (OPPOSITE THE CULTURAL COMPLEX CONSTRUCTION SITE).

-----o------

SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT

X X- *

A SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL EXTENDING ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES CFF TO KWA WAN IS TO BE BUILT.

IT WILL ENABLE SEWAGE COLLECTED FROM THE FUTURE TO KWh . SCREENING PLANT TO BE CONVEYED TO DEEP WATER FOR DILUTION AND DISPERSION BY TIDAL CURRENTS.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PLAN SHOULD WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY JUNE 10.

-----o-------

FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS

X * X X

APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN SHAM SHU I PO INTERESTED IN ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES OR PROJECTS WITH DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS. ABOUT $85 03'3 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE BY THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 39 TONKIN STREET, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. EACH APPLICATION FORM SHOULD BE USED TO APPLY FOR SPONSORSHIP OF ONE ACTIVITY.

/completed forjzs.......

SATURDAY, APfilL 1^, l>oo

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFF ICE Ort ITS SUB-OFFICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE DEADLINE IS JULY 26. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.

A VETTING SUB-COMMITTEE ON GRANTS WILL CONSIDER THE APPLICATI AT A MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 26 AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMITTEE FOR ENDORSEMENT.

c I hire THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR COMMUNITY buildingactivities are limited, the approved applications may NOT RECEIVE FULL SPONSORSHIP.

THF BOARD MAY ONLY PROVIDE FULL SPONSORSHIP FOR ACTIVITIES ESSENTIAL.AND IN WH ICT PARTIC '»»TS «£ KnT rMARGPn <5UCH AS FUNCTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY AND int COMMUNITY SERVICES, RESEARCH, EXH IBITIONS COMPETIT!ON , CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS, AND PUBLIC SEMINARS.

-----o------

+RC+ PREFIX FOR VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES

X X X

THE PREFIX FOR ALL THE VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, HAVE BEEN CHANGED FROM +AM+ TO +RC+ SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL ON APRIL 1.

VEHICLES PROCURED BY THE COUNCIL FROM THAT DATE WILL ALSO BEAR AN +RC+ PREFIX ON THEIR NUMBER PLATES.

+THE NEW PREFIX IS TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLES ARE OPERATED BY THE COUNCIL,♦ AN RC SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CHANGEOVER EXERCISE INVOLVED SOME 480 VEHICLES.

----0------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES

*****

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, LASTING ABOUT TWO WEEKS, AH BEING IMPLEMENTED IN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIR WORKS.

THESE ARE:

* JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD BETWEEN CHOI HA ROAD AND NGAU TAU KOK ROAD IS RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND ;

/* LEFT TUAN ........

. A

satuhday, april 12, 1986

K LEFT TURN MOVEMENT FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND ONTO JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD EASTBOUND IS PROHIBITED; AND

4 VEHICLES ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD HEADING FOR JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD ARE DIVERTED VIA CHUN WAH ROAD, JORDAN VALLEY SOUTH ROAD AND JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD.

MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 14, NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO ROAD Al IN WONG TAI SIN. THE EXISTING PLB RESTRICTED ZONE IN SLIP ROAD A LEADING FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTEOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO FUNG MO INTERCHANGE WILL BE LIFTED.

- - 0

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES * X * X

ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING LAN KwAI FONG I CENTRAL FROM 8 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 15) TO 8 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 17) FOR TRENCH WORKS.

AT THE SAME TIME, TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, THE SECTION OF RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN WING LOK STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 16) FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS.

- 0 - -

WATER CUT IN TWO AREAS XXX

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WAN CHAI AND KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 15) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

IN WAN CHAI, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, LUN FAT STREET, JOHNSTON ROAD AND LEE TUNG STREET.

IN KOWLOON CITY, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CARPENTER ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, GRAMPIAN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, INCLUDING FUK LO TSUN ROAD, LION ROCK ROAD AND HAU WONG ROAD.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

S75 MILLICW PAID OUT FROM FUND .............................. 1

SQUATTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT BEING IMPROVED .................. 2

LABOUR FESTIVAL CALLED A SUCCESS ............................ 3

B.O.O. APPROVES EIGHT FACTORIES IN FEBRUARY ................. 3

COLDEST DAY REWRITES RECORD FOR MARCH ....................... 5

CREATIVITY DIMONSTRATED AT SANDSCAPING COMPETITION .......... 7

COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE PROVES POPULAR .................. 8

MURAL PAINTING TO BEAUTIFY YAU MA TEI ....................... 10

POSTER GIVES METRIC CLOTHING MEASUREMENTS ................... 10

SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION BY COMPUTERS ..................... 11

WIDER SCOPE FOR BOARD COMMITTEE ............................. 12

COVERED FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT .............................. 12

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAI WAI ......................... 13

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

1

$75 MILLION PAID OUT FROM FUND * * * *

A TOTAL OF $75 MILLION HAS BEEN PAID OUT FROM THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND TO 1 388 PNEUMOCON IOTIC PERSONS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS SINCE THE FUND BEGAN OPERATION IN 1981, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WEEKEND.

UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON DIAGNOSED TO BE SUFFERING FROM PNEUMOCON I OS IS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1981 WOULD BE QUALIFIED FOR COMPENSATION FROM THE FUND, SUBJECT TO A RESIDENCE QUALIFICATION OF FIVE YEARS.

+IN FATAL CASES, COMPENSATION IS PAYABLE TO THE DEPENDANTS OF THE DECEASED,+ HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS IS THE SAME AS THOSE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY IS $3*1 OOO AND THAT FOR DEATH IS $299 000.

HE EXPLAINED THAT PNEUMOCONIOSIS IS A COLLECTIVE TERM COVERING A GROUP OF LUNG DISEASES CAUSED BY INHALATION OF INDUSTRIAL DUSTS SUCH AS FREE SILICA OR ASBESTOS DUSTS.

+THE DISEASE TAKES A LONG TIME TO DEVELOP AND IS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE, ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY STAGES.*

+ONCE THE DISEASE IS PRESENT, THE CONDITION IS IRREVERSIBLE BUT REMOVAL FROM FURTHER EXPOSURE MAY SLOW DOWN DETERIORATION.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID SILICOSIS AND ASBESTOSIS ARE THE ONLY TWO PNEUMOCON IOTIC DISEASES OF KNOWN CONCERN IN HONG KONG, AND BOTH ARE COVERED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

♦SILICOSIS IS MAINLY FOUND IN WORKERS IN QUARRIES, MINING, TUNNELLING, CONSTRUCTION AND MASONRY WORK, WHILE ASBESTOSIS IS NORMALLY FOUND IN WORKERS IN AN INDUSTRY OR PROCESS IN WHICH ASBESTOS IS WIDELY USED FOR INSULATION OR FIREPROOFING PURPOSES.*

HE URGED WORKERS WHO SUSPECTED THEY MIGHT BE SUFFERING FROM

' THE DISEASE TO APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT’S PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION UNIT AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4/F., KOWLOON, FOR ARRANGEMENT OF X-RAY APPOINTMENT AND MEDICAL ASSESSMENT.

ANY ENQUIRY CONCERNING THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE UNIT ON 3-687668 AND 3-7213744.

-----0------

/2

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

2

SQUATTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT BEING IMPROVED

*****

THE INCLUSION OF ALDRICH VILLAGE, SHAU KEI WAN, IN THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT (SAI) SCHEME SHAU KEI WAN, SHOWS THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO IMPROVE IMMEDIATE LIVING CONDITIONS IN SQUATTER VILLAGES, THE ASSISTANT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, DR SIMON VICKERS, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

DR VICKERS WAS SPEAKING AT A LIGHTING CEREMONY HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE ALDRICH VILLAGE STREET-LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. UNDER THIS LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, WHICH IS PARTLY SUBSIDISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, 25 STREET LIGHTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN ALDRICH VILLAGE.

ALDRICH VILLAGE WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS YEAR’S SAI PROGRAMME UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

♦THERE ARE TWO ASPECTS OF IMPROVEMENTS UNDER THE PROGRAMME! FIRSTLY, MINOR GEOTECHNICAL WORK WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO REDUCE THE THREAT OF LANDSLIP.

+SECONDLY, BASIC SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED, SUCH AS IMPROVEMENT TO DRAINAGE AND FOOTPATHS, PROVISION OF PUBLIC LATRINES, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, MAIN-TO-HUT METERED WATER SUPPLY AND UPGRADING CF STREET LIGHTING,* HE SAID.

DR VICKERS SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD DIRECTED THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TAKE OVER THE PROVISION OF STREET LIGHTS IN SQUATTER VILLAGES FROM THIS YEAR.

A SPECIAL TEAM WOULD CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE LIGHTING CONDITIONS IN THE VILLAGE AND WOULD DESIGN AN IMPROVED LIGHTING SYSTEM.

AMONG OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS NRCHAN YING-LUN AND DR KIM CHAM; EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS M<S BETTY YUNG AND MR LAM TAK-MONG, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR MADAM CHEUNG WAI-PING.

0 --------

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

3

LABOUR FESTIVAL CALLED A SUCCESS

*****

THE SUCCESS OF THE WONG TAI SIN LABOUR FESTIVAL HAS RESULTED FROM KEEN INTEREST AND EFFORTS BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL, MR YEK SAID THERE HAD BEEN KEEN RESPONSE FROM WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT TO THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE AREA COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

♦CONCERN AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS ARE VERY ESSENTIAL TO HELP HONG KONG MAINTAIN ITS REPUTATION AS A LEADING MANUFACTURING CENTRE,* MR YEK SAID.

+CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND PRIVATE SECTORS ARE ALSO AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE,* HE ADDED.

MORE THAN 800 PEOPLE ATTENDED TONIGHT’S CLOSING CEREMONY AT THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL.

- - 0 -

B.0.0. APPROVES EIGHT FACTORIES IN FEBRUARY *****

EIGHT FACTORY BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THREE ON THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND ONE ON THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WERE AMONG 53 PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN FEBRUARY.

OF THE OTHER FOUR FACTORY BUILDINGS, ONE WAS IN TSUEN WAN AND THE REMAINING THREE WERE IN YUEN LONG.

THE PLANS ALSO INCLUDED A 20-STOREY, 512-ROOM HOTEL BUILDING FOR NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, AND THREE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

/REFLECTING

bUNDAY, APBIL 1J, 1986

REFLECTING THE CONTINUING DEMAND FOR ACCOMMODATION, EIGHT APARTMENT BUILDINGS, INCLUDING A 40-ST0REY DEVELOPMENT IN FORTRESS HILL ROAD BY CAVENDISH PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AND A HANG LUNG DEVELOPMENT OF 34 STOREYS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL-DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL ARE INCLUDED.

ADDITIONALLY, 10 APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WERE APPROVED, AS WELL AS TWO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AT HONG LOK YUEN IN TAI PO.

OTHER PLANS INCLUDED A 16-STOREY GODOWN IN KENNEDY TOWN; TWO DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB - A SEA WALL AT MIDDLE ISLAND AND A STARTER BOX AT KELLET ISLAND; A PO LEUNG KUK SCHOOL IN WHARF ROAD, NORTH POINT TWO PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AT TA I KOO SHING; A NURSERY-KINDERGARTEN AT THE HENG FA CHUEN DEVELOPMENT; AN EXTENSION TO THE SHELL COMPANY PETROL FILLING STATION IN BOUNDARY STREET; A SHOP-CINEMA IN SA I YEUNG CHOI STREET, KOWLOON; A SWIMMING POOL AT SAI KUNG ; A CAMP FOR THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME AT HANG HA PO,- LAM TSUEN, TAI PO; A REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR THE PO LEUNG KUK AT SHA TIN ; A HEADQUARTERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS AT FUNG SHING STREET; AND TWO BLOCKS OF STAFF QUARTERS FOR THE UNITED CHRISTIAN MEDICAL SERVICE AT THE JUNCTION OF HIP WO STREET AND SAU MAU PING ROAD.

OF THE 53 APPROVALS, WHICH COMPARES WITH 47 THE PREVIOUS MONTH, 18 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 IN KOWLOON AND 23 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ALSO DURING FEBRUARY CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 27 PROJECTS - NINE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THREE IN KOWLOON AND 15 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR 30 BUILDINGS, 10 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 16 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THESE INCLUDED A 21-STOREY HOTEL IN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST/DES VOEUX ROAD WEST/CENTRE STREET ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR HING WAI INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED AND A CLUB HOUSE IN SPORTS ROAD FOR HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB.

THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 202 061.4 SQUARE METRES AT A COST OF ABOUT $547.6 MILLION.

IN FEBRUARY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ISSUED 20 DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 28 BUILDINGS.

--------0 -

/5........

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

- 5 -

COLDEST DAY REWRITES RECORD FOR MARCH H * *

THE FIRST DAY OF MARCH THIS YEAR WAS THE COLDEST DAY IN MARCH SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884, WITH THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 4.8 DEGREES CELSIUS BEING 1.4 DEGREES LOWER THAN THE PREVIOUS RECORD SET ON MARCH 5, 1936, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTED.

THE MONTH ON THE WHOLE WAS UNUSUALLY FOGGY AND BOTH SEA AND AIR TRAFFIC WAS FREQUENTLY DISRUPTED.

THE LONGEST SPELL OF NINE CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF FOG IN HONG KONG EQUALLED RECORDS SET IN 1980 AND 1984.

COASTAL FOG WAS EXPERIENCED ON 15 DAYS DURING THE MONTH AND THIS RECORD WAS ONLY MATCHED IN MARCH 1980.

A VERY INTENSE SURGE OF WINTER MONSOON WHICH ARRIVED ON FEBRUARY 27 CONTINUED INTO EARLY MARCH. WEATHER ON THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH WAS VERY COLD WITH LIGHT RAIN AND STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS OFFSHORE AND IN EXPOSED PLACES.

THE TEMPERATURE FELL TO 4.8 DEGREES CELSIUS AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN THE AFTERNOON ON MARCH 1, THE LOWEST EVER RECORDED FOR MARCH.

HOAR FROST WAS REPORTED AT TAI MO SHAN AND TATE’S CAIRN ON THESE TWO DAYS AND TEMPERATURES THERE DROPPED TO MINUS FOUR DEGREES CELSIUS AND MINUS 0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY ON MARCH 2.

TWO OLD MEN, BOTH IN THEIR SEVENTIES, DIED DURING THIS COLD SPELL WHICH LASTED TILL MARCH 5.

AS WINDS MODERATED, THE WEATHER TURNED FINE AND SUNNY ON MARCH 3 AND THE GENERAL FINE WEATHER CONTINUED UP TO MARCH 9.

A WARM AND MOIST SOUTHEASTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT CLOUDY WEATHER WITH A TRACE OF RAIN AND COASTAL FOG ON MARCH 10.

COASTAL FOG CONTINUED THE NEXT DAY BUT IT WAS SUNNY IN THE AFTERNOON.

HUMID AND CLOUDY WEATHER PREVAILED FROM MARCH 13 TO 21 WITH MIST AND COASTAL FOG OCCURRING EVERY DAY. THERE WAS ALSO OCCASIONAL LIGHT RAIN.

/THE TEMPERATURE........

SUNDAY, APRIL 1J, 1986

6

THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 26 DEGREES CELSIUS ON MARCH 15, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.

A WEAK SURGE OF WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 16 BRINGING COOLER WEATHER AND FRESH TO STRONG EASTERLY WINDS TO HONG KONG THAT NIGHT AND THE FOLLOWING MORNING.

HOWEVER, IT REMAINED CLOUDY AND FOGGY UNTIL A DRIER NORTHERLY AIRSTREAM REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 21 CLEARING THE FOG IN HONG KONG.

OVERCAST WEATHER WITH OCCASIONAL LIGHT RAIN CONTINUED FROM MARCH 22 UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.

STRONG EASTERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE ON THE MORNINGS OF MARCH 24 AND 25.

THERE WERE ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 27. COASTAL FOG RETURNED THAT DAY AND LASTED UNTIL MARCH 30.

STRONG EASTERLY WINDS AND COOLER WEATHER SET IN ON MARCH 31.

THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC OR THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.

DURING THE MONTH 26 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY.

THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MARCH 27 AND 28.

THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM MARCH 2 TO 6 AND MARCH 8, WHILE THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON MARCH 4, 5, 7 TO 10, 15 AND 16.

SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:

WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEB 28 3.35 PM MARCH 2 11 AM

WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 16 7.45 PM MARCH 17 11.30 AM

WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 23 11.15 PM MARCH 24 8.15 AM

/WINTER .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

7 -

WINTER MONSOON

WINTER

MONSOON

STRONG MONSOON

STRONG MONSOON

MARCH 24 9.15 PM

MARCH 31 11.30 PM

MARCH 25 6 AM

APRIL 1 8.40 AM

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:

SUNSHINE RAINFALL 94.3 HOURS : 7.1 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

51.8 MM : 3.0 MM BELOW NORMAL

CLOUDINESS 77 : 1 i MORE THAN NORMAL

RELATIVE HUMIDITY 80 % : 2 % LOWER THAN NORMAL

MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 20.1 DEG. CELSIUS : 1.2 DEG. CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

TEMPERATURE

MEAN

17.6 DEG. CELSIUS : 0.9 DEG. CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 15.6 DEG. CELSIUS

: 3.7 DEG. CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN

DEW POINT

13.7 DEG. CELSIUS

1.3 DEG. CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION

58.9 MM : 39.7 MM BELOW NORMAL

-------0 -

CREATIVITY DEMONSTRATED AT SANDSCAPING COMPETITION

*****

ABOUT 100 ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED PEOPLE TODAY (SUNDAY) DEMONSTRATED THEIR CREATIVITY AND SKILLS IN A SANDSCAPING COMPETITION IN DEEP WATER BAY.

REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT Sc.N1 SEVEN TRAM* EACH CONSISTING OF EIGHT TO TEN MEMBERS, FOR THE COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY ^HE DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH TH_ D bABI-----

/SPEAKING Al .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 1J, 1986

SPEAKING AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM, SAID SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED HAD IMPROVED GREATLY OVER THE YEARS, BUT FURTHER EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WERE REQUIRED ON THE INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED INTO SOCIETY.

MR LAM SAID THE DISABLED SHOULD BE GIVEN FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES, AND MUCH HAD TO BE DONE IN THIS ASPECT.

HE SAID THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE, EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED.

+AT ITS PREVIOUS MEETING, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE DISCUSSED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED, AND AGREED TO SUPPORT A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROJECT ON MENTAL HEALTH INITIATED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE,* MR LAM SAID.

+LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE INVITED TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH, AND THEY CAN APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP WHERE NECESSARY,* HE SAID.

MR LAM ALSO NOTED THAT MANY NEW FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES OVER THE ABERDEEN THROUGH ROAD, THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL AND THE FUTURE LEI TUNG ESTATE COMMUNITY HALL, ARE PROVIDED WITH RAMPS AND SPECIAL TOILETS FOR THE DISABLED.

BESIDES MR LAM, JUDGES AT TODAY’S COMPETITION INCLUDED CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR KO TAM-KAN; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ANGELA TSANG; REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, MR DICKEN YUNG'; AND ARTISTS MR CHAK SHI-YIU AND MR LIU HIN-MI NG.

-------0----------

COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE PROVES POPULAR * * * * *

THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 232 OOO VISITORS SINCE ITS OPENING IN MARCH LAST YEAR.

THIS TOfiAL, INCLUDING 70 130 PEOPLE IN 1 015 ORGANISED GROUPS, REPRESENTS AN AVERAGE OF 19 3^0 VISITORS A MONTH. HOWEVER, MONTHLY FIGURES RECORDED IN JULY, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR WERE WELL ABOVE THE AVERAGE, WITH 23 400, 22 500, 33 730 AND 25 130 VISITORS RESPECTIVELY.

/THE HIGHEST

SUNDAY, APRIL 1J, 1986

- 9 -

THE HIGHEST DAILY FIGURE OF 2 144 VISITORS - THREE TIMES MORE THAN THE DAILY AVERAGE OF 620 - WAS RECORDED IN OCTOBER.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WEEKEND THAT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE AT PAK TAM CHUNG WAS BUILT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK, AND ACTIVITIES THAT COULD BE UNDERTAKEN.

♦THE POPULARITY OF THE CENTRE REFLECTS AN INCREASING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK AND A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES AND THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE SUCCESS OF THE VISITOR CENTRE CONCEPT, THE DEPARTMENT IS EMBARKING ON A PROGRAMME TO BUILD THREE MORE VISITOR CENTRES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

+THE FIRST OF THE THREE NEW CENTRES JS BEING BUILT AT THE ENTRANCE OF SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $2.5 MILLION. CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

♦ THE SECOND WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK WHILE THE THIRD IS BEING PLANNED AT TAI TAM,* HE SAID.

THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 400 SQUARE METRES, CONSISTS OF A RECEPTION HALL, AN EXHIBITION AREA, AN AUDITORIUM AND A GARDEN DISPLAYING PLANTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST.

THE DISPLAY MOUNTED AT THE CENTRE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA, LOCAL PLANTS AND ANIMALS, THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, AND OTHER COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION MATERIALS.

THE VISITOR CENTRE IS OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM DAILY.

THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK IS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR OF HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS DEVELOPED AND MANAGED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION PEOPLE VISITED THE PARK LAST YEAR.

-----0-----

/10

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

10

m.jral PAINTING TO BEAUTIFY YAU MA TEI

*****

ABOUT 40 AB1 ^-^DI ED AND DISABLED SCHOOL CHILDREN TODAY (SUNDAY) JOINED HANDS IN PAINTING A PUBLIC MURAL TO BEAUTIFY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT.

LED BY PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS, THE CHILDREN COMPLETED THEIR DRAWINGS ON PLYWOOD BOARDS WHICH WILL LATER BE PUT TOGETHER AND DISPLAYED AS A MURAL IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PROJECT, ONE OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, AIMED AT AROUSING THE PUBLIC’S UNDERSTANDING OF AND CONCERN FOR THE DISABLED.

THE FUNCTION WAS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED AND THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS MARIA TAM, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH.

-----o------

POSTER GIVES METRIC CLOTHING MEASUREMENTS

*****

A NEW POSTER DEFINING CLOTHING SIZES

IN METRIC UNITS FOR MEN, AT HONG KONG’S LEADING

WOMEN AND CHILDREN WILL SOON BE DISPLAYED DEPARTMENT STORES, FASHION SHOPS AND BOUTIQUES.

PRODUCED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, THE POSTER CONTAINS TABLES SHOWING THE THREE CATEGORIES OF CLOTHING MEASUREMENTS IN CENTIMETRES AND THEIR EQUIVALENTS IN INCHES AND INTERNATIONAL CLOTHING SIZES.

.7.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SAID THE POSTER WAS PREPARED FOR THE EDUCATION AND CONVENIENCE OF SALES STAFF AND THEIR CUSTOMERS.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THE POSTER WOULD EVENTUALLY HELP THEM THINK METRIC,+ HE SAID.

RECENT SURVEYS SHOW THAT FASHION WEAR AND GARMENTS IMPORTED FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND JAPAN ARE ALL LABELLED JN METRIC SIZES.


/THE MAJORITY .......


SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

11

THE MAJORITY OF LOCAL CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS HAVE ALSO EITHER GONE FULLY METRIC OR ADOPTED THE DUAL-LABELLING SYSTEM.

+THE POSTER IS A BOOSTER TO THE SERIES OF AWARENESS POSTERS AND CONVERSION CARDS PRODUCED TO FAMILIARISE THE PUBLIC WITH CLOTHING MEASUREMENTS IN METRIC,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

-----o------

SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION BY COMPUTERS *****

THE COMPUTER

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING 300 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND A SEMINAR PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION

THROUGH COMPUTER STUDIES.

THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE OF GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, ON MAY 17.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SA ID A NUMBER OF TOPICS ON COMPUTING THROUGH WHICH CIVIC EDUCATION ELEMENTS CAN BE PROMOTED HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR DISCUSSION.

TEACHERS WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH CURRENT HAPPENINGS IN THE LOCAL COMPUTER SCENE.

A LECTURER OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND FOUR COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS WILL BE GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR. THEY WILL TALK ABOUT COMPUTER CRIMES, COMPUTER AND PRIVACY, COMPUTERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT AND COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN HONG KONG.

SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE COMPUTER STUDIES TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (COMPUTER EDUCATION), COMPUTER EDUCATION SECTION ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE APRIL 30.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

12 -

WIDER SCOPE FOR BOARD COMMITTEE

*****

THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS RE-NAMED ITS COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE AS THE COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE, TO EXTEND ITS SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY.

THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LAU KIN-WING, EXPLAINED THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT STILL WORKED IN FARMING AND FISHING, AND THE COMMITTEE SHOULD ALSO LOOK AFTER THEIR INTERESTS. THE RE-NAMED COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON MAY 26.

MR CHEUNG HON-CHUNG WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE. MR TANG KWOK-YUNG, MR LAW CHAK-TONG AND MR ANTHONY YUEN WERE RETURNED UNOPPOSED AS CHAIRMEN OF THE COMMITTEES ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, AND SOCIAL SERVICES, RESPECTIVELY.

MEANWHILE, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE HAS APPOINTED TWO BOARD MEMBERS AND A SCHOOL HEADMASTER TO ORGANISE THREE MAJOR ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. MR PANG CHO-YIU WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF A CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR TAO MAN-KWONG CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AND MR CHEUNG WAI-CHUNG CHAIRMAN OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

-----o------

COVERED FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT

* * X

A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE BUILT ACROSS MA CHAI HANG ROAD NEAR FUNG MO INTERCHANGE.

IT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ZEBRA CROSSING AND PROVIDE A SAFE ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING BETWEEN CHUK YUEN AND MA CHAI HANG AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET.

THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL CONNECT A PROPOSED RAMP ON THE FOOTWAY WEST OF LUNG CHEUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO THE EXISTING STEPS AND FOOTPATH ON THE SLOPE NORTH OF MA CHAI

HANG ROAD.

AS PART OF THE WORKS, A SECTION OF WONG TAI SIN ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED, AND DIRECT ACCESS BETWEEN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND WONG TAI SIN ROAD WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE. MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO USE THE MlNI-ROUNDABOUT ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF FUNG MO INTERCHANGE.

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-----o------

/13........

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1986

13

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAI WAI *****

A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TAI WAI, SHA TIN, FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 16) AS PART OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEME DEVELOPED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF TAI WAI KCR PERMANENT STATION SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 23.

THESE ARRANGEMENTS, RELATING TO STAGE ONE OF THE SCHEME, WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MEASURESi

* TAI WAI ROAD, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH CHIK FAI STREET AND CHIK FUK STREET, WILL BE CONVERTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.

* CHIK LUK LANE BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH CHIK FUK STREET AND TSUEN NAM ROAD, AND TSUEN NAM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH CHIK LUK LANE AND MEI TIN ROAD, EXCEPT A 70-METRE SECTION ON THE NORTHERN KERB WEST OF CHIK LUK LANE, WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

* TAI WAI ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH CHIK FAI STREET AND TSUEN NAM ROAD, CHIK FAI STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. THE EGRESS ROAD OF TAI WAI TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WAI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.

* THE NORTHERN KERB OF TSUEN NAM ROAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHIK LUK LANE TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

STAGE TWO OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM APRIL 23 TO COPE WITH THE OPENING OF THE STATION. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.

-----0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORS SIGNIFICANT HOLS FOR MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY... 1

campaigns aim at increasing awareness .................... 3

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA LEAVES FOR LONDON ..................... 4

PRINCESS PRESENTS SOUVENIR TO SHIP'S CREW................. 5

HK-SHENZHEN GROUPS FOR REVIEW MEETING .................... 6

FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED .............. 7

BOARD ENDORSES RETIREMENT SCHEME PROPOSALS ............... 14

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MUST UPGRADE PRODUCTS................... 14

NEW ZEALAND MAY GIVE TRADE BENEFIT ....................... 15

BUSINESS SECTOR IMPORTANCE TO COMMUNITY STRESSED.......... 16

REGISTRATIONS REVOKED .................................... 17

'PEN-FRIEND' POSTCARDS ON WAY TO EXPO .................... 17

GOOD RESPONSE TO SCHEME FOR ELDERLY ...................... 18

TRIPARTITE DELEGATION FOR LABOUR CCJIFER2NC2.............. 18

DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS TO SHOW THEIR PACES ............... 19

SUBVENTIONS FOR OUTWARD BOUND COURSES..................... 20

+INFORMATION 86+ PRESS CONFERENCE......................... 20

LEARNING MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH......................... 21

DISCUSSION ON BILLIARD PARLOURS, MEDICAL SERVICES ........ 22

DETAILS ON BOARD'S WORK PLANS ............................ 22

$20M INDOOR GAMES HALL OPENS IN KWUN TONG................. 23

FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS YIM PO FONG STREET ..................... 24

MEETING ON DRAGON BOaT RACE............................... 24

WAN CHAI TRAFFIC CHANGES ................................. 25

RIGHT TURN BAN, RESTRICTED ZONE SET'UP ................... 25

LEARNER DRIVERS PROHIBITED ZONE........................... 25

YAU MA TEI WATER CUT ..................................... 26

WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 26

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

1

MORE SIGNIFICANT ROLE FOR MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY *****

THE RAPID AND FREE TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION AND THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION IN ALL FIELDS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG’S CONTINUING GROWTH AND PROSPERITY, NOT ONLY THROUGH THE TRANSITION TO 1997, NOT ONLY TO 2001, BUT BEYOND.

THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR ALAN SCOTT, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG COMPUTER CONFERENCE 1986 TODAY (MONDAY).

HE SAID HONG KONG BECAME ESTABLISHED AS A LEADING ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, BECAUSE ITS PEOPLE WERE QUICK TO RECOGNISE AND ACCEPT NEW INNOVATIONS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND TO ADAPT THEM FOR THEIR NEEDS.

+IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL OF US, THE GOVERNMENT, THE INDUSTRY AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT WE TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF ADVANCED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS AND SO CONTINUE TO THRIVE ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND, INDEED, CULTURALLY ’ON TO 2001’ AND BEYOND,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXTENSIVELY USE MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) TO COPE WITH FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.

< HE NEXT YEAR, TWO MAJOR ON-LINE IT SYSTEMS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED — FIRST THE TRAVEL, RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM, AND SECOND, A REFURBISHED COMPUTER ASSISTED COMMAND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, HE SAID.

THE FIRST SYSTEM WHICH WOULD REPLACE THE MANUAL SYSTEM OF CHECKING RECORDS AT IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS SHOULD INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND SPEED UP CLEARANCE FOR TRAVELLERS, OR AT LEAST HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WHILE THE SECOND WOULD PROVIDE COMPUTER SUPPORT FOR THE POLICE FORCE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, HE ADDED.

OUTLINING SYSTEMS PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE, MR SCOTT NOTED THAT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY INTENDED TO ACQUIRE A MORE POWERFUL COMPUTER TO PROVIDE AUTOMATIC WEATHER CHART PLOTTING, TO IMPROVE QUALITY CONTROL AND PROCESSING OF WEATHER DATA AND TO PROVIDE NUMERICAL MODELLING FOR FORECASTING AND WARNING SERVICES.

+BY THE END OF 1988, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HOPES TO HAVE INSTALLED A VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE WATERS OF HONG KONG AND ITS APPROACHES, WHICH WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND ENHANCE SAFETY,+ HE SAID.

ON THE PERSONNEL SIDE, MR SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WAS COMPUTERISING ITS PERSONNEL INFORMATION AND STAFF REQUIREMENT FORECASTING SYSTEMS.

/♦THE HEPLACHIOT

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 198^

2

♦THE REPLACEMENT OF PERSONNEL FILES BY A COMPUTERISED DATA BASE WILL IMPROVE MANAGEMENT ACCESS TO INFORMATION, WILL INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND WILL IMPROVE THE CAPACITY FOR CAREER PLANNING.

♦ALSO, AN INSTITUTE OF MANPOWER STUDIES PROGRAMME CALLED +MICROPROSPECT+, MAKING USE OF THE DATA BASE, WILL ENABLE THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH TO MODEL LONG-TERM CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, SHOWING THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ASSUMPTIONS ON RECRUITMENT AND WASTAGE RATES.

+THIS SHOULD MAKE POSSIBLE MORE ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE TYPES AND NUMBERS OF RECRUITS NEEDED IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, WITH BENEFICIAL EFFECTS ON STRUCTURES AND CAREER PLOTTING,

+1N MANY OTHER DEPARTMENTS, RECORD KEEPING AND PROCESSING FUNCTIONS ARE AMENABLE TO COMPUTERISATION, AND PLANS ARE IN HAND FOR CONTINUALLY IMPROVING THESE,+ MR SCOTT ADDED.

TURNING TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR EDUCATION IN THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, MR SCOTT STRESSED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER STUDIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SOON TO BE FOLLOWED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ THE EMPHASIS ON COMPUTER STUDIES AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND OUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES’ AND THE COURSES AT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, ALL SHOWED THE GOVERNMENT’S KEEN AND CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO FURTHERING COMPUTER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.

HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG COMPUTING INDUSTRY FEDERATION FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN PROVIDING TRAINING TO MAKE UP FOR THE PRESENT SHORTFALL IN TRAINED PERSONNEL.

MR SCOTT REMINDED THAT MOST MID-LEVEL MANAGERS TODAY WHO '.■JERE IN THEIR LATE 3Q’S AND EARLY 4O’S DID NOT HAVE A COMPUTER STUDIES ORIENTED EDUCATION. HE CALLED ON THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY AND THEIR FEDERATION TO TAKE UP THE NEED FOR ADULT EDUCATION IN THIS FIELD.

+THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL DO ITS BEST TO LOOK '*FTER THE FUTURE’ I HOPE THE INDUSTRY WILL TAKE UP ITS DUTY TO REMEDY THE PRESENT,+ MR SCOTT SAID.

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

3

CAMPAIGNS AIM AT INCREASING AWARENESS

*****

THROUGH CAMPAIGNS, THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO INCULCATE IN PcOPLc A GREATER AWARENESS AND CONCERN ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY, AND AN EVER INCREASING AMOUNT OF RESPECT AND CARE FOR THEIR OWN AND OTHERS’ SAFETY AND WELFARE, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THIS YEAR, MR CHAN SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RUN 13 MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS AND TWICE AS MANY MINOR ONES WITH THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE OF MAKING HONG KONG A CLEANER, HEALTHIER, SAFER, AND HAPPIER PLACE FOR ALL TO LIVE AND WORK IN.

THE CAMPAIGNS WOULD BE RUN BY THE PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES (GIS), MR CHAN TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING THE ROTARY CLUB OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. SOME WOULD BE CONTINUING CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS AND ROAD SAFETY, WHILE OTHERS WOULD BE NEW, FOR EXAMPLE CIVIC EDUCATION AND HOME SAFETY.

NOT ALL SUBJECTS LENT THEMSELVES TO PUBLICITY TREATMENT, AND SOMETIMES MUCH THE BEST WAY OF GETTING A MESSAGE ACROSS TO THE COMMUNITY WAS INVOLVING THE COMMUNITY ITSELF IN SPREADING IT, HE SAID. +THUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS, IN MOST CASES, A KEYNOTE CF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR CAMPAIGNS.+

♦HER. GIS WORKS CLOSELY TOGETHER WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARDS, AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO ORGANISE A WIDE RANGE OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES. MANY OF THESE HAVE PRODUCED LASTING RESULTS,* HE ADDED.

HOWEVER, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GIS PUBLICITY BUDGET FOR 1986-87 INCLUDED $3 MILLION FOR ADVERTISING, $6 MILLION FOR GENERAL PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES AND $4 MILLION FOR MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS. AN ADDITIONAL $2 MILLION WOULD BE PROVIDED FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FOR MAJOR PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES.

+BY COMPARISON WITH THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL BILLINGS HANDLED BY THE MAJOR COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING AGENCIES IN HONG KONG, WHICH RUN TO WELL OVER $100 MILLION EACH, OUR TURNOVER SEEMS PEANUTS, CHICKEN FEED OR WHICHEVER IS THE PRODUCT LIKELY TO BRING SUCH AGENCIES THE LEAST AMOUNT OF INCOME,* HE SAID.

DESPITE THIS, GIS COULD CLAIM IT RAN THE LARGEST ADVERTISING AGENCY IN HONG KONG, BASED ON THE NUMBER OF CAMPAIGNS RATHER THAN ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEY INVESTED, MR CHAN COMMENTED.

MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN REASON FOR GIS BEING ABLE TO MANAGE WITH SO LITTLE MONEY WAS THAT IT DID NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR TELEVISION EXPOSURE, A MAJOR MEDIUM FOR GETTING THE GOVERNMENT a MESSAGES ACROSS TO THE PUBLIC.

/+AND WE .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

- 4 -

+AND WE USE IT FAIRLY EXTENSIVELY. LAST YEAR WE MADE A TOTAL OF 107 NEW TELEVISION MESSAGES, AND WE ACHIEVED A TOTAL OF 21 000 SCREENINGS SPREAD OVER THE FOUR TELEVISION CHANNELS,* HE SAID.

MR CHAN SAID THAT AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMERCIALS WOULD BE ’ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST’ (APIS).

♦FOR IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST THAT PEOPLE SHOULD REPORT CRIME, EXERCISE CARE ON THE ROADS, TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE, AVOID ACCIDENTS IN WORKPLACES OR AT HOME, AND REFRAIN FROM POLLUTING OUR STREAMS AND OUR COUNTRYSIDE,* HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS OCCASIONAL CRITICISM THAT SOME OF GOVERNMENT’S MESSAGES WERE TOO STRONG, AND LIABLE TO UPSET THE MORE SENSITIVE VIEWERS.

CITING FATAL ACCIDENTS AND THE RESULTS OF DRUG ADDICTION AS BEING UNPLEASANT SUBJECTS FOR A TELEVISION MESSAGE AS AN EXAMPLE, PR CHAN SAID, +THERE IS A LIMIT BEYOND WHICH SUCH MESSAGES CAN BE ’SOFTENED’ WITHOUT LOSING THEIR IMPACT COMPLETELY.*

APART FROM TELEVISION. GIS UTILISED OTHER MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO DISSEMINATE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.

+WE OWN AND OPERATE A TOTAL OF 1 800 POSTER SITES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, PROVIDING US WITH A MONOPOLY ON THE LARGEST OUTDOOR ADVERTISING RESOURCE IN HONG KONG.

+ADDITIONALLY, WE ALSO RENT POSTER PANELS IN SUCH AREAS AS MTR AND KCR STATIONS,* MR CHAN SAID.

OTHER FORMS OF TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED BY GIS *N PUBLICISING GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS INCLUDED RADIO MESSAGES, INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND PRESS RELEASES.

------0-------

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA LEAVES FOR LONDON

*****

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AND HER HUSBAND, THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, LEFT HONG KONG FOR LONDON TONIGHT AT THE END OF THEIR SIX-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.

THE ROYAL COUPLE WERE SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE. ALSO IN THE PARTY BIDDING THEM FAREWELL WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES? THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM; THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG? THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN? THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANN I NG? AND THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL, SIR MARK HEATH.

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

5

PRINCESS PRESENTS SOUVENIR TO SHIP’S CREW

*****

HER A SILVER SQUADRON 1984.

ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS

ALEXANDRA

CREW OF HMS PEACOCK

PEACOCK SOUVENIR TO THE

PATROL CRAFT THAT SHE HAD NAMED IN ABERDEEN

TODAY (MONDAY) PRESENTED

THE HONG KONG SCOTLAND, IN

THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE AT HMS TAMAR AFTER THE PRINCESS HAD JOINED THE PEACOCK IN TSUEN WAN FOR A CRUISE THROUGH THE HARBOUR.

SHE WAS WELCOMED ON BOARD THE PATROL CRAFT BY THE SENIOR (TFICER OF THE ROYAL NAVY’S HONG KONG SQUADRON, COMMANDER BARRY GOLDMAN, AND ON ARRIVAL AT TAMAR SHE WAS GREETED BY THE ACTING CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE, COMMANDER GEORGE PEARSON.

OFFICER,

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA THEN PRESENTED TO THE SHIP’S CREW THE SMALL SILVER PEACOCK, WHICH WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMMANDING OFFICER, LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MIKE CRITCHLEY.

AFTER THE PRESENTATION, THE PRINCESS ATTENDED A COCKTAIL RECEPTION IN THE OFFICERS’ MESS IN THE PRINCE OF WALES BUILDING, WHERE SHE WAS GREETED BY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, AND MRS BOAM.

FOLLOWING THE ENGAGEMENT AT HMS TAMAR, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA VISITED THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI, WHICH HAS ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO LOCAL CULTURAL LIFE SINCE ITS OPENING LAST YEAR.

SHE WAS GREETED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACADEMY COUNCIL, rc ALEX WU SHU-CHI, AND THE ACADEMY’S DIRECTOR, DR BASIL DEANE.

DR DEANE INTRODUCED THE PRINCESS TO THE HEADS OF THE ACADEMY’S VARIOUS SCHOOLS --DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC, AND TECHNICAL ARTS - AND THEN ACCOMPANIED HER ON AN INSPECTION OF SOME OF THE FACILITIES.

FOLLOWING THIS, THE PRINCESS RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

EARLIER, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA VISITED THE RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP YUM YUEN HOUSE AT TING KAU, NEAR TSUEN WAN.

THF RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP IS A VOLUNTARY AGENCY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH FIELD WHICH WAS FORMED IN BRITAIN IN 1959, AND NOW OPERAiEi INTERNATIONALLY THE RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP OF HONG KONG WAS INCORPORATED IN*1984 AS A NON—DENOMINATIONAL AGENCY TO RUN HALFWAY MOUSES WHICH WOULD HAVE TWO FUNCTIONS* TO PREVENT THE NEED FOR PEOPLE TO ENTER A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL AND TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE DISCHARGED FROM SUCH A HOSPITAL.

/ON AfiEIVAL, .........

..jJNDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

- 6 -

ON ARRIVAL, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA WAS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR CF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR CF THE FELLOWSHIP, MISS ELLY JANSEN. SHE MET MEMBERS OF THE FELLOWSHIP’S COMMITTEES AND STAFF, AND INSPECTED THE PREMISES.

THE PRINCESS THEN DROVE TO THE TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER WHERE SHE BOARDED HMS PEACOCK TO SAIL TO HMS TAMAR.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA AND HER HUSBAND, THE HON ANGUS OGILVY, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG BY AIR TONIGHT AT THE END OF THEIR SIX-DAY VISIT.

-----0------

HK-SHENZHEN GROUPS FOR REVIEW MEETING *****

A DELEGATION OF SHENZHEN OFFICIALS, LED MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, WILL VISIT THE INVITATION OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER FROM

BY THE DEPUTY HONG KONG AT APRIL 15 TO 17.

THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS TO REVIEW PROGRESS MADE IN THE HONG KONG-SHENZHEN JOINT EXPERT WORKING GROUPS WHICH WERE SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AGREEMENT SIGNED IN APRIL 1982.

THE REVIEW MEETING WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 16 AND IS THE LATEST IN A REGULAR SERIES OF SUCH MEETINGS.

IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING THE REVIEW MEETING, THE SHENZHEN DELEGATION WILL BE VISITING PLACES OF INTEREST IN HONG KONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE MEETING OF THE HONG KONG-SHENZHEN JOINT EXPERT WORKING GROUPS WILL BE HELD AT THE FORMER INFANT SCHOOL IN VICTORIA BARRACKS AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 16).

THERE WILL BE A FIXED POSITION OUTSIDE THE PREMISES FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF THE GROUP MEMBERS.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

-----0------

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

7

FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED

*****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED TRADE VALUE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1986. TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 1986, VALUED AT $70 105 MILLION, WAS ONE PER CENT LOWER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT TO $18 877 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY SIX PER CENT TO $15 439 MILLION, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, THE TRADE VALUE DECREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT TO $35 789 MILLION.

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1986, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS FOUR PER CENT LOWER THAN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO AND THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS TWO PER CENT LOWER, WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS GREW BY FIVE PER CENT.

ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HEREIN ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS ON THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR FEBRUARY 1986 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY MAY.

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1

COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. DECREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $263 MILLION OR SEVEN P^R CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $205 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $89 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $32 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR (BY $20 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA DECREASED IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $374 MILLION OR 94 PER CENT)5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $234 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $108 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $86 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $34 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).

/increases in .......

•uQNDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $36 MILLION OR FOUR PER CENT): OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT fpy £35 MILLION OR 106 PER CENT) AS wELL AS POWtR GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY 84 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY 832 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY Sil MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).

DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $70 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $60 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $17 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).

AS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $44 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $22 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $20 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA INCREASED IN THE FIRST TwO MONTHS OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $530 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $438 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $188 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $172 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $36 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $473 MILLION CR 57 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $349 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT) AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $277 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $145 MILLION OR 211 PER CENT) AS WELL AS GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $126 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT).

/decreases in .......

MUi.uAY, APRIL 14, 1986

DECREASES IN IMPORTS FRO THE U.S. WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL iACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $209 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT)1 OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA °ROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $174 MILLION OR 34 PER CpNT) AS WELL Ab TuBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY *132 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $549 MILLION OR 974 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $82 MILLION OR 1 089

PER CENT).

DECREASES IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $251 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $119 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $119 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $89 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT) AS WELL AS GAS, NATURAL AND MANUFACTURED (BY $32 MILLION OR 87 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $124 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT).

TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECREASED BY 32 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $732 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT)} OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $656 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $549 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN LEATHER. LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $60 MILLION OR 149 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $49 MILLION OR 258 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $360 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT)} MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $35 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT) AS WELL AS FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $31 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT).

/HOWEVER, DECREASES

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

10

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $50 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $30 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).

DECREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $147 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT)5 CLOTHING (BY $23 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT) AS WELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $19 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR OTHER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (BY $24 MILLION OR 1 520 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $16 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $59 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $33 MILLION OR 97 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF, AND OFFICE AND STATIONERY SUPPLIES) INCREASED (BY $51 MILLION OR 257 PER CENT), AS DID COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $30 MILLION OR 110 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $9 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), AND FOR RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $4 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).

TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

THE FEBRUARY 1986 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE NEXT WEEK AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1986 WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY MAY AT $13.50 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS AND ON TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. 5-214375) AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-444436).

/Table 1 : .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

11

Table 1 : Domestic exports by ten major markets

Maj or market Jan.-Feb. 1986 ($ Mn) Jan.-Feb. 1985 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (%)

U.S.A. 8,070 8,679 - 609 - 7

China 1,970 2,535 - 565 -22

F.R. of Germany 1,411 1,385 + 26 + 2

U.K. 1,211 1,385 - 173 -13

Canada 701 650 + 51 + 8

Japan 654 608 + 46 + 8

Australia 511 649 - 138 -21

Singapore 337 366 - 30 - 8

Netherlands 327 379 - 51 -14

France 320 251 + 69 +27

Table 2

Domestic exports by major

commodity division

Commodity division Jan.-Feb. 1986 ($ Mn) Jan.-Feb. 1985 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (g)

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 7,030 7,560 - 531 - 7

Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 2,696 2,728 32 - 1

Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 1,549 1,459 + 91 + 6

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 1,324 1,745 - 421 -24

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 1,209 1,182 + 27 + 2

Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 1,154 1,506 352 -23

/Table 3 : .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

Table 3 : Imporcs from Cen major suppliers

Major supplier Jan.-Feb. 1986 ($ Mn) Jan.-Feb. 1985 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) Percentage change (Z)

($ Mn)

China 9,855 8,05b +1 ,800 +22

Japan 7,368 8,043 - 675 - 8

U.S.A. 3,671 3,747 77 - 2

Taiwan 2,732 2,980 249 - 8

Singapore 2,025 2,010 + 15 + 1

U.K. 1,230 1,219 + 11 + 1

Republic of Korea 1,193 1,291 - 98 - 8

F.R. of Germany 1,065 967 + 99 + 10

Switzerland 726 452 + 273 +60

France 519 539 20 - 4

Table 4 : Imports by major commodity division

Commodity division Jan.-Feb. 1986 (S Mn) Jan.-Feb. 1985 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (Z)

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 5,115 4,344 + 771 +18

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 2,568 3,378 810 -24

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 2,264 1,672 + 592 +35

Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 2,200 1,760 + 440 +25

Petroleum, petroleum products and related materials 1,639 1,426 + 214 +15

Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 1,622 1,452 + 170 +12

/Table 5 ♦ .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

13

Table 5 : Re-exports by ten major markets

Jan.-Feb• Jan.-Feb. Increase(+)/ Percentage

1986 1985 Decrease(-) change

Major market ($ Mn) ($ Mn) ($ Mn) (>.)

China 5,014 7,423 -2,409 -32

U.S.A. 2,629 2,205 + 424 +19

japan 887 964 - 77 - 8

Taiwan 787 626 + 161 +26

Singapore 781 604 + 177 +29

Republic of Korea 719 547 + 172 +31

Macau 351 420 - 69 -16

Philippines 328 240 + 89 +37

F.R. of Germany 310 193 ♦ 117 +61

Indonesia 304 429 - 125 -29

Table 6 : Re-exports by major commodity division

Commodity division Jan.-Feb. 1986 ($ Mn) Jan .-Feb. 1985 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change w

Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 2,422 2,151 + 271 +13

Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 1,647 1,189 + 458 +39

Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 1,142 1,639 - 496 -30

Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 994 959 + 35 + 4

Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 736 839 - 103 -12

Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 711 1,319 608 -46

- - 0 -

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

14

BOARD ENDORSES RETIREMENT SCHEME PROPOSALS * * * * *

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) ENDORSED PROPOSALS THAT THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO REQUIRE STAFF RETIREMENT SCHEMES INVOLVING WAGE DEDUCTIONS TO BE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.

THF PROPOSALS WOULD ALSO REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO INFORM CONTRIBUTING EMPLOYEES OF THEIR ENTITLEMENTS UNDER THE SCHEMES.

AT A MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, THE BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED AN EARLIER PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF +CONTINUOUS CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT* UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

IT ADVISED THAT THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE REFERRED TO ITS LABOUR RELATIONS COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION, INCLUDING DISCUSSION OF MEASURES TO INDUCE INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES TO DRAW UP COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS TO EXTEND BENEFITS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PART-TIME EMPLOYEES WITH A REGULAR EMPLOYMENT PATTERN.

THE BOARD AGREED THAT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE TO EXTEND ITS SCOPE TO COVER ACCIDENTS TO EMPLOYEES ENGAGED TO WORK OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR MATTERS AND LEGISLATION DURING THE MEETING, WHICH WAS CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE.

-----o------

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MUST UPGRADE PRODUCTS

*****

TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY MUST UPGRADE PRODUCTS AND UPDATE MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES AND FACILITIES BY INVESTING IN NEW PLANT, MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL MANPOWER TRAINING, A MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT HAS STATED.

THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ALSO CONCLUDED IN ITS RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORT THAT THE INDUSTRY, THE TOY SECTOR IN PARTICULAR, WILL CONTINUE TO GROW AT A MODEST PACE, DESPITE THE LESS THAN SATISFACTORY EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1985.

+ACCORDING TO FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN JUNE 1985, THE BOARD FORECAST THAT THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF THE MANPOWER NEEDS FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WOULD BE 11 PER CENT, FOUR PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT FOR THE LEVELS OF TECHNOLOGIST, TECHNICIAN AND CRAFTSMAN RESPECTIVELY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD.

/TO 5NSUKE .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

- 15 -

TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER TO SUSTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD URGED EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY TO TRAIN AT LEAST 70 TECHNOLOGISTS, 110 TECHNICIANS AND 230 CRAFTSMEN ANNUALLY UP TO 1991.

THE BOARD NOTED A SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF TECHNOLOGISTS EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRY. THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEMAND FOR TECHNOLOGISTS WOULD BE GREATER AS SMALLER MANUFACTURERS WERE EAGER TO IMPROVE THEIR MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FINDINGS RECORDED A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MOULD AND DIE MAKERS AS WELL AS PATTERN, MODEL AND PROTOTYPE MAKERS.

THE BOARD SAID THIS DID NOT MEAN THAT THE MANPOWER FOR THESE CRAFTSMEN HAD DROPPED BUT ONLY THAT MORE MANUFACTURERS DEPENDED ON SPECIALIST SUB-CONTRACTORS, WHOSE ESTABLISHMENT AND WORKFORCE WERE NOT COVERED IN THE SURVEY, FOR THE SUPPLY CF MOULDS, MODELS AND MOCK-UPS.

HOWEVER, THE TOTAL WORKFORCE OF THE INDUSTRY HAD DECREASED FROM 82 000 WORKERS IN 1983 TO 79 800 IN 1985, A DECLINE OF 2.8 PER CENT.

THE BIGGEST DROP WAS AT THE LEVELS OF OPERATIVE AND UNSKILLED WORKERS, DOWN FROM 72 800 TO 71 000.

THE BOARD ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE INCREASING USE OF AUTOMATION AND THE SHIFTING OF LABOUR-INTENSIVE PRODUCTION WORK TO CHINA.

THE REPORT, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $11 A COPY.

--------0 ----------

NEW ZEALAND MAY GIVE TRADE BENEFIT

******

HONG KONG IS HOPEFUL THAT SOME ITEMS OF SPECIAL TRADING INTEREST TO THE TERRITORY WILL BE GIVEN LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRY TARIFF RATES WHICH ARE EQUAL TO THOSE GRANTED UNDER THE NEW ZEALAND GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES.

THIS FOLLOWS A VISIT BY A HONG KONG DELEGATION, LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, WHICH VISITED NEW ZEALAND FOR DISCUSSIONS IN WELLINGTON ON APRIL 10 AND 11.

+THE TWO SIDES SPENT MUCH TIME CONSIDERING THE POSSIBLE REINSTATEMENT OF LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRY RATES FOR A LIST OF TARIFF ITEMS OF SPECIAL TRADING INTEREST TO HONG KONG.+ SAID M? SZE.

/+AS A........

nrnii 14, 1^86

16 -

+AS A RESULT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS, HONG KONG IS HOPEFUL THAT SOME OF THESE ITEMS WILL BE REINSTATED. HOWEVER, UNTIL THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE ITS INTERNAL PROCEDURES THE RESULTS REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.*

MR SZE EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE TALKS, ESPECIALLY THE COURTESY AND HOSPITALITY EXTENDED TO HIM AND HIS DELEGATION BY THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT. THE NEW ZEALAND DELEGATION WAS LED BY DAVID GAMBLE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY.

- 0 -----------

BUSINESS SECTOR IMPORTANCE TO COMMUNITY STRESSED

******

THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS SHOULD KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, SO THAT THEIR CONTRIBUTION WOULD PROVIDE A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON (DESIGNATE), MR KEVIN MAK, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.

MR MAK, WHO IS LEAVING HIS POST AS KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MADE THE APPEAL AT THE FAREWELL DINNER HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION.

REFLECTING ON THE CHANGES IN KWUN TONG SINCE HE CAME IN 1983, MR MAK SAID THE RELATIVELY OLD DISTRICT HAD GRADUALLY TRANSFORMED INTO A NEW AND EXCITING PLACE.

HE SAID THE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL AREA WAS ENTERING INTO A NEW PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT.

+ A VITAL FACTOR IS THE DISTRICT’S ENHANCED STRATEGIC LOCATION WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION COMES INTO SERVICE BY 1989,+ HE ADDED.

THE LARGE POPULATION, EXPECTED TO REACH 800 000 BY 1990, ALSO PROVIDED A LARGE POOL OF HUMAN RESOURCES FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS, MR MAK SAID.

THE ASSOCIATION ALSO WELCOMED THE NEW KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, AT TONIGHT’S PARTY.

MR CHAN CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY.

-----o------

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1966

17

REGISTRATIONS REVOKED

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKI NG COMPAN IES ANNOUNCED tmat TMF REGISTRATION OF BT FINANCE LIMITED AND EMIRATES UNION FINANCE LIMITED AS DEPOSICOMpANIES HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THEIR OWN REQUESTS UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF The DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

’PEN-FRIEND’ POSTCARDS ON WAY TO EXPO

*****

MORE THAN 300 000 PERSONALISED MESSAGES IN THE FORM OF HANDDRAWN +PEN-FRIEND+ POSTCARDS ARE ON THEIR WAY TO THE HONG KONG PAVILION AT EXPO ’86 IN VANCOUVER, CANADA.

AND MORE AIR SHIPMENTS WILL BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE EXPOSITION PERIOD BETWEEN MAY 2 AND OCTOBER 13.

□ rn

A SPOKESMAN FOR THIS NOVEL AND MAMMOTH COMMUNICATIONS EXERCIS WITH THE THEME +HONG KONG IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD+, DESCRIBED IT A A VERY GRATIFYING START.

+IT REINFORCES OUR CONFIDENCE IN ACHIEVING OUR OBJECTIVE OF SUPPLYING MOST VISITORS TO OUR PAVILION WITH A PERSONAL TOKEN OF FRIENDSHIP FROM SOMEONE IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

URGING CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM SCHOOLS AND THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DRIVE TO PROMOTE THIS PROJECT WAS STILL IN PROGRESS AND REITERATED THAT THE POSTCARDS WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE FINAL DAYS OF EXPO ’86.

THE CARDS CAN BE COLLECTED FROM THREE POINTS - AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD; AT ITS CO-ORDINATING CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, WEST WING; AND AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE.

A FOURTH DISTRIBUTION CENTRE WILL BE TEMPORARILY SET UP AT THE LANDMARK BETWEEN MAY 1 AND 4 WHEN SOME OF THE BEST CARDS SUBMITTED TO DATE WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT ITS WEST BRIDGE.

--------0 ----------

/18........

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

18

GOOD RESPONSE TO SCHEME FOR ELDERLY

******

MORE THAN 1 400 SENIOR RESIDENTS HAVE JOINED THE +PREFERENTI AL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY+ ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.

THE ONE-YEAR SCHEME, LAUNCHED ON APRIL 1, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING PREFERENTIAL AND CONCESSIONARY SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TSUEN WAN, AS A WAY OF PROMOTING RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE SAID BECAUSE OF THE GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE ELDERLY, THE COMMITTEE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE APPLICATION PERIOD SO THAT MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE COULD APPLY AND BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME.

ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME ARE GIVEN A CARD BEARING THEIR NAMES AND PHOTOGRAPHS. BY PRESENTING THE CARD, THEY CAN ENJOY VARIOUS CONCESSIONARY SERVICES SUCH AS MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES.

THEY CAN ALSO ENJOY HALF-FARE WHEN TRAVELLING ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES PLYING WITHIN THE DISTRICT.

-----o------

TRIPARTITE DELEGATION FOR LABOUR CONFERENCE

*****

HONG KONG WILL SEND A TRIPARTITE DELEGATION TO THE TEN-DAY GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION WHICH STARTS ON JUNE 4 IN GENEVA.

THE TEAM, TO BE LED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, NR DARWIN CHEN, WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AS ADVISERS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM DELEGATION.

♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A TRIPARTITE DELEGATION INCLUDING EMPLOYEES’ AND EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES IS BEING SENT TO THE ILO GENERAL CONFERENCE,+ MR CHEN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

PREVIOUSLY, HE SAID, HONG KONG HAD BEEN REPRESENTED BY AN OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHO ACTED AS AN ADVISER TO THE GOVERNMENT DELEGATES OF THE UK TEAM.

MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL INCLUDE MR LEE SHING-CHU OF THE HONG KONG TRADE UNIONS COUNCIL AND DR LUI MING-WAH CF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.

MR LEE AND DR LUI ARE MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THEY WILL BE REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG.

+THEIR PRESENCE AT THE ILO GENERAL CONFERENCE WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO GAIN MORE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND CONTACTS IN THE LABOUR FIELD,+ MR CHEN ADDED.

-----0------

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

- 19 -

DANCE FESTIVAL WINNERS TO SHOW THEIR PACES *****

TH? 22ND HONG KONG SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL REACHES ITS FINALE THIS WEEK wITH A SERIES OF SEVEN WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES.

AMONG THE WINNERS WHO WILL PERFORM ARE THE OVERALL CHAMPION OF THE SECONDARY SECTION, THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL AND THE SerIll -INNER OF THE PRIMARY SECTION, ST. PAUL'S convent school.

OTHER WINNERS SHOWING THEIR PACE ARE THE OVERALL FIRST AND SECONDTRUNNERS-UP OF THE SECONDARY SECTION, S^K BISHOP MOK SAUTSEN^ SECONDARY SCHOOL AND SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, AND YAUMATI CATHOLIC PRIMARY AM SCHOOL AND K IANGSU-CHEKIANG PRIMARY PM SCHOOL

CF THE PRIMARY SECTION.

HONOUR AND HIGHLY COMMENDED PRIZE WINNERS WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING.

WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES FROM THE GUEST OF HONOUR DURING EACH OF THE SEVEN PERFORMANCES.

PRIZES WILL BE HANDED OUT AT THE PERFORMANCES IN THE CITY HALL BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR SO FAI-CHO, ON APRIL 15, THE CHAIRMAN OF URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERALD FORSGATE, ON APRIL 16, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN, ON APRIL 17, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR YEUNG PO-KWAN ON APRIL 18 AND THE DIRECTOR CF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, ON APRIL 19.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONIES AT TSUEN WAN TOwN HALL ON MAY 3, WHILE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR NATHAN MA, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL ON APRIL 26.

TICKETS FOR ALL THESE PERFORMANCES AT $6, $10 AND $15 ARE AVAILABLE FROM URBAN COUNCIL BOX OFFICES, YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL BOX OFFICE AND TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE.

THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVEN TEAMS FROM 252 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL WHICH WAS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL.

- - - - 0 -----------

/20 .......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

20

SUBVENTIONS FOR OUTWARD BOUND COURSES

*****

THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF LAND AND SEA-BASED COURSES DURING APRIL, MAY AND JUNE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR CHARACTER, SELF-CONFIDENCE, PERSEVERANCE AND THE ABILITY TO ACT QUICKLY AND DECISIVELY.

THE SERIES WILL INCLUDE COURSES ON PERSONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP AS WELL AS A BRITISH CANOE UNION INSTRUCTOR COURSE, ADULT CHALLENGE COURSE AND A DIPLOMA COURSE.

IN VIEW OF THE BENEFITS YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GAIN FROM THESE COURSES AND THE CONTRIBUTION THEY CAN THEREAFTER MAKE TO COMMUNITY BUILDING, THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL AWARD A NUMBER OF PLACES ON SELECTED COURSES AT A 50 PER CENT REDUCTION TO THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE FULL COURSE FEES.

THE FEES ARE INCLUSIVE OF TUITION, SPORTS EQUIPMENT, ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS FOR THE DURATION OF THE COURSE, WHICH MAY RANGE FROM THREE TO TEN DAYS.

THOSE WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A GOVERNMENT-AIDED PLACE SHOULD HAVE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS AND, IDEALLY, SOME PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

APPLICATION FORMS CONTAINING DETAILS OF VARIOUS COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL AT TAI MONG TSAI, SAI KUNG, THE RECREATION, AMENITY AND SPORTS OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM 3-2814333 (OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL) OR 5-253161 (RECREATION AND SPORTS DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH).

0 - -

+INFORMATION 86+ PRESS CONFERENCE

*****

A SERIES OF OUTDOOR PRESENTATIONS ENTITLED + INFORMATI ON 86+, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE LAUNCHED THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 20).

THE SERIES IS PART OF GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS. THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE RECORDED BY RTHK AND BROADCAST LATER.

/DETAILS OF

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

21 -

DETAILS OF THE SERIES wILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 3 PM.

MR GEORGE YUEN OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PUBLICITY DIVISION AND MR RAYMOND NG OF THE CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE.

NOTE TO EDITORS: -

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

------o-------

LEARNING MORE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH X K * H X

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND OFF ICERS-IN-CHARGE OF YOUTH CENTRES IM TUEN MUN WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF LEARNING MORE ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MENTAL HEALTH AT A GATHERING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AD HOC COMMITTEE, THE GATHERING IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES AIMED AT AROUSING RESIDENT^ AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND TO ENABLE THEM TO DEVELOP A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ILLNESS AND THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION.

THE GATHERING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION TAM PAK YU COLLEGE IN YAU Ol ESTATE.

THE COMMITTEE PLANS TO ORGANISE A MENTAL HEALTH FORTNIGHT, A CARNIVAL, SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS OVER THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS.

THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SOCIAL WELFARt DEPARTMENT AND VARIOUS OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

SOCIAL WELFARE DISTRICT OFFICER IN TUEN MUN, MR CHAN CHE-HI", WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, AND MR SO CHIU-SHING, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN, AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE PRESENT AT THE GATHERING.

4

u

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE GATHERING.

- - 0 - -

/22

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 198b

DISCUSSION O'. BILLIARD PARLOURS, MEDICAL SERVICES * * it

,,A« chai district board members -.ill discuss the control CF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS AND THE REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF .'■E3ICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM, SEEKING FREMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC ACTIVITIES IN THE NAME OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, STREET SLEEPERS AND THE POLICY ON THE DEMOLITION OF ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES DURING 1985-86 AND WILL DISCUSS THE COMPOSITION OF NEW MEMBERSHIP OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES AS WELL AS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO THE COMMITTEES FOR 1986-87.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.

- - - - 0 -----------

DETAILS ON BOARD’S WORK PLANS

*****

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF ITS WORK PLANS FOR 1986-87.

ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE BOARD CHAIRMAN, NR LAM HANG-FAI, AND FIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN - MR LAM KIN-KWOK, l-R LAM LEUNG-KI, MR LI WAH-MING, MR POON CHI-FA I AND MR LI TING-KIT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.

/23.......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

52OM INDOOR GAMES HALL OPENS IN KWUN TONG * * *

KWUN TONG RESIDENTS NOW HAVE A NEW VENUE TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME INA MORE HEALTHY MANNER WITH THE OPENING TODAY OF YET ANOTHER INDOOR GAMES HALL IN THE DENSELY-POPULATED DISTRICT.

+THE $20 MILLION HIU KWONG STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IS LOCATED RIGHT AT THE CENTRE OF KWUN TONG AND IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC,* SAID AN URBAN COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

HE SAID IT WAS THE FIRST FREE-STANDING INDOOR GAMES HALL IN KWUN TONG AND THE THIRD OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT.

+ALREADY, THERE ARE TWO INDOOR GAMES HALLS -- CHUN WAH ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL AND NGAU TAU KOK INDOOR GAMES HALL — IN KWUN TONG,* HE SAID.

+THE TWO-STOREY INDOOR GAMES HALL HAS SUCH MODERN FACILITIES AS A 1 300 SQUARE METRE GAMES ARENA WITH A SPECTATOR STAND ACCOMMODATING 400 PEOPLE.

♦ THE ARENA IS DESIGNED FOR MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND CAN ACCOMMODATE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, OR TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS, OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS. IT CAN ALSO BE USPD FOR TABLE TENNIS, GYMNASTICS AND JUDO, FOR TRAINING AS WELL AS DISTRICT-WIDE COMPETITIONS.*

IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THERE ARE THREE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURTS WITH PUBLIC VIEWING GALLERIES AND TWO TRAINING ROOMS SUITABLE FOR CONFERENCE, GAMES OR YOGA PRACTICE PURPOSES.

TO ENABLE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO GET TO THE INDOOR GAMES HALL, A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED LIFT IS PROVIDED.

+CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL NOW HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME TO SPEND AS THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IS PROVIDED WITH MODERN AND ATTRACTIVE PLAY EQUIPMENT,* HE SAI D.

+THERE IS ALSO A REST GARDEN WITH EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPED AREA,* HE ADDED.

-----o------

/24.......

MONDAY, hPRIL 14, 1986

24

FOOTbrtIDGE ACROSS YIM PO FONG STREET * * * * *

m 24—tTRE-i ONG COVERED -COTBRIDGE IS TO BE BUILT ACROSS i'll' PC FONG STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, K. PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED GRADE-SEPARATE PEDESTRI AN CROSSING.

THE PROPOSED FOOTBRIDGE, ABOUT 2.85 METRES WIDE, WILL LINK a I TH THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT ARE REALIGNMENT OF YIM PO FONu STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD TO ACCOMMODATE FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.

MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROPOSAL AND NO OBJECTIONS HAD BEEN RAISED.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROJECT SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOK LANDS AND WORKS IN WRITING BY JUNE 10.

--------o----------

MEETING ON DRAGON BOAT RACE * * * * *

THE TAI PO DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THIS YEAR’S RACE.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED, ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO.

NOTE TO EDITORS: •<.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. ,

*1

------o--------

/25.......

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

- 2J -

WAN CHAI TRAFFIC CHANGES *****

NO VEHICLE WIL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM CANAL ROAD EAST TO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 17 (THURSDAY) TO 5 PM ON APRIL 22 (TUESDAY) TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF DUCT hETrtORK FOR THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

VEHICLES ON CANAL ROAD EAST HEADING FOR LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUiiD WILL BE DIVERTED TO YIU WA STREET AND MATHESON STREET.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE AGAIN FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 24 (THURSDAY) TO 5 PM ON APRIL 29 (TUESDAY).

IN ADDITION, PARKING SPACES ON YIU WA STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON APRIL 17 TO 5 PM ON APRIL 29.

-----0------

RIGHT TURN BAN, RESTRICTED ZONE SET UP * * * *

RIGHT-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM THE SLIP ROAD OF WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR ONTO SOUTHBOUND YEN CHOW STREET WILL BE BANNED TO ALL VEHICLES FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 16) FOR ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.

MOTORISTS ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR HEADING FOR SHAM SHU I PO FERRY PIER ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA NORTHBOUND YEN CHOW STREET. YEE KUK STREET, EASTBOUND LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND SOUTHBOUND YEN CHOW STREET.

WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, THE FLYOVER LINKING PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO VEHICLES WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT EXCEEDING THREE TONNES.

-----o------

LEARNER DRIVERS PROHIBITED ZONE * * * *

LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE NORTHWESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD 24 HOURS DAILY FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 17).

- - 0 ----------

/26........

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 1986

YAU MA TEI WATER CUT * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI wILL EE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 17) TO 6 AM THE FOlLOwING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, NATHAN ROAD. PAK HOI STREET AND GASCOIGNE ROAD, INCLUDING MAU LAM STREET, SAIGON STREET, CHEONG LOK STREET AND NANKING STREET.

- - 0 -

WATER STORAGE FIGURE

*****

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 45.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 269.083 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 351.815 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 60.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

TUESDAY,- APRIL 15, 1986

cman’S page no.

CHAMBERS CLARIFIES MEDICAL ISSUES ........................... 1

U.S. GSP DELEGATION TO VISIT HK ............................. 2

WARNING ON IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ..................... 3

1985 AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED.......... 4

JOBLESS RATE REMAINS STABLE.................................. 9

NEW BOOST FOR CIVIC AWARENESS................................ 10

CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE IN KOWLOON CITY........................ 12

SEMINAR ON RADIATION PROTECTION ............................. 13

APRIL 30 DEADLINE FOR MEDICAL SCHEME......................... 13

THREE SHA TIN COMMITTEES TO MEET ............................ 14

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRaGON BOAT RACE.......................... 15

KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN RESTRICTED ZONES ...................... 15

RIGHT-TURN BAN IN KWUN TONG.................................. 16

LOWER SHING MUN ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLANNED .................... 16

NEW PARKING METERS FOR KWAI CHUNG ........................... 1$

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

1 -

CHAMBERS CLARIFIES MEDICAL ISSUES

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF DEPARTING FROM ITS PRESENT POLICY OF PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE FOR ALL PEOPLE AT A PRICE THEY CAN AFFORD, SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE QUITE MODEST NEW AND INCREASED CHARGES PROPOSED IN THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS WOULD IN NO WAY PRECLUDE THE UNDERPRIVILEGED FROM GAINING ACCESS TO PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHWEST, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE CHARGES WERE INTENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS TO SECURE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THE OVERCROWDED FACILITIES IN THE MAJOR HOSPITALS.

CLARIFYING ANOTHER MISCONCEPTION, HE SAID THERE HAD IN RECENT MONTHS BEEN A NUMBER OF REFERENCES TO PROPOSALS ALLEGEDLY MADE BY THE CONSULTANTS FOR THE +PRI VAT ISATION+ OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES.

+THE USE OF THIS RATHER EMOTIVE WORD IS UNFORTUNATE, TO SAY THE LEAST, SINCE IT GIVES THE QUITE WRONG IMPRESSION THAT OUR HOSPITALS ARE TO BE SOLD OFF TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER LIKE BRITISH AIRWAYS, TO BE OPERATED ON A PURELY COMMERCIAL BASIS, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL SHARP INCREASES IN CHARGES, WHICH MIGHT EVEN PUT HOSPITAL SERVICES BEYOND THE REACH OF MANY OF OUR LESS WELL-OFF CITIZENS.

+THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT THE CASE, AND THERE IS NOTHING IN EITHER THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OR THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT THIS IDEA,* HE ADDED.

EMPHASISING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT YET TAKEN ANY FIRM VIEWS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, MR CHAMBERS SAID, HOWEVER, THAT HE HAD ALREADY SET UP A GROUP WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION TO IMMEDIATELY START LOOKING AT THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

♦ THE FIRST TASK OF THIS GROUP WILL BE TO DIVIDE THE RECOMMENDATIONS INTO TWO CATEGORIES - THOSE WHICH ARE CLOSELY LINKED TO THE MAJOR PROPOSAL FOR A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, AND THOSE WHICH COULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN ADVANCE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTHORITY OR EVEN IF IT WERE DECIDED NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE MAJOR REORGANISATION,* HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF QUITE PRACTICAL AND LESS CONTROVERSIAL RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH COULD PERHAPS BE PUT INTO EFFECT QUITE QUICKLY, UNLIKE THE MAJOR REORGANISATION WHICH WOULD CLEARLY TAKE A CONSIDERABLE TIME TO IMPLEMENT.

/ON ANOTHER .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

O.\ ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT POINT - THE COST IMPLICATIONS -'•R C-AMB-RS SAID THE CONSULTANTS ESTIMATED THAT THE CAPITAL COST C- I 'PLF-rliTI NG THE REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS, OVER A FIVE-YEAR P'RIO' WOULD 3- OF THE ORDER OF *95Q MILLION, WITH ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF $133 MILLION PER ANNUM.

+O'; THE OTHER HAND, THE REPORT ESTIMATES THAT THIS MONEY COULD 3E RECOVERED OVER THE SAME FIVE-YEAR PERIOD, BY BETTER USES OF FACILITIES AND IMPROVED EFFICIENCY.

+HOWEVER THE CONSULTANTS ADMIT THAT THEY MADE A NUMBER OF VERY BROAD ASSUMPTIONS IN THESE CALCULATIONS AND IT IS CLEAR THAT A GRCAT DEAL OF MORE DETAILED WORK WILL NEED TO BE DONE ON THE COST ASPECTS BEFORE A REALISTIC ESTIMATE OF THE COSTS AND BENEFITS CAN BE ARRIVED AT, AND THIS WILL BE PUT IN HAND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,+ HE SAID.

MEANWHILE, THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WAS FIRMLY UNDERWAY, MR CHAMBERS SAID, AND COPIES OF THE REPORT HAD BEEN WIDELY DISTRIBUTED TO INTERESTED PARTIES, INCLUDING SUBVENTED MEDICAL ORGANISATIONS, STAFF ASSOCIATIONS IN THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL SYSTEM AND ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

A SUMMARY OF THE REPORT HAD BEEN SEPARATELY PUBLISHED AND COPIES WERE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT STAFF FROM HIS BRANCH AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD BE PREPARED TO HELP IN DISCUSSIONS ON THE REPORT, AND VIEWS OR COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE BRANCH BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST.

+WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING MANY THOUGHTFUL AND CONSTRUCTIVE VIEWS, WHICH WILL HELP US TO REACH THE RIGHT DECISIONS ON THIS IMPORTANT REPORT,* HE SAID.

- - 0 -

U.S. GSP DELEGATION TO VISIT HK * * * *

A UNITED STATES DELEGATION WILL VISIT HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH AS PART OF A PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW OF THE AMERICAN GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES.

UNDER THE 1984 TRADE AND TARIFF ACT THE PRESIDENT IS REQUIRED TO REVIEW THE ENTIRE GSP PROGRAMME ON A PRODUCT-BY-PRODUCT AND A 3ENEFICIARY-BY-BENEFICIARY BASIS. THIS REVIEW HAS BEEN UNDER WAY SINCE FEBRUARY 1985 WITH SUBMISSIONS BEING MADE BY ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED, INCLUDING HONG KONG.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, SAID THAT THE ACT REQUIRED THE REVIEW TO DETERMINE APPROPRIATE COMPETITIVE "ED LEVELS FOR EACH BENEFICIARY APPLICABLE TO EACH PRODUCT.

/TWO COMPETITIVE

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

TWO COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS WERE PROVIDED FOR, EACH BASED ON ABSOLUTE VALUE OF IMPORTS OR SHARE OF IMPORTS ACHIEVED BY A BENEFICIARY FOR ANY PRODUCT.

THE REVIEW ALSO PROVIDED FOR WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS WHERE APPROPRIATE IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS FROM CERTAIN BENEFICIARIES.

IN CONSIDERING COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS THREE FACTORS HAVE TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT: THE GENERAL LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT OF EACH BENEFICIARY, INCLUDING PER CAPITA GNP, LIVING STANDARDS AND OTHER FACTORS, TRADE PRACTICES, INCLUDING MARKET ACCESS, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, TRADE-DISTORTING INVESTMENT PRACTICES, BARRIERS TO TRADE IN SERVICES, WORKERS RIGHTS, THE SPECIFIC PRODUCT COMPETITIVENESS OF THE BENEFICIARY, INCLUDING SHARE .OF U.S. IMPORTS, SHARE OF U.S. CONSUMPTION AND PRICE COMPETITIVENESS.

IN CONSIDERING WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BENEFICIARY’S MARKET IS OPEN TO U.S. EXPORTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION MUST ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

THE EXACT DATES FOR THE VISIT WERE NOT YET FINALISED. MR FOOTMAN SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE VARIOUS SUBMISSIONS UNDER THE REVIEW MAKING PROPOSALS FOR WAIVER OF COMPETITIVE MEED LEVELS, EXPLAINING HONG KONG’S GOOD TRADE PRACTICES AND OPEN MARKET, AND REACTING TO POINTS PUT FORWARD BY OTHER PARTIES.

DURING THE VISIT BY THE AMERICAN TEAM IT IS EXPECTED THAT HONG KONG’S SUBMISSIONS, AND SUBMISSIONS MADE BY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, WOULD BE DISCUSSED.

THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW WOULD BE MADE PUBLIC BY THE UNITED STATES IN JANUARY 1987.

- - 0 - -

WARNING ON IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES X X X X X-

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) WARNED THAT IMPORTATION OR POSSESSION OF ANY ENDANGERED ANIMALS AND PLANTS WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT IS AN OFFENCE IN LAW, PUNISHABLE WITH HEAVY FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SOUNDED THE WARNING FOLLOWING THREE RECENT CASES HEARD AT FANLING MAGISTRACY, IN WHICH THREE MEN WERE FINED A TOTAL OF 86 830\F0R ILLEGALLY IMPORTING AND POSSESSING ENDANGERED ANIMALS^ BIRDS AND FISH, AND FOR CRUELTY TO THEM.

/THE animals,

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1?86

- 4 -

THE ANIMALS, BIRDS AND FISH r .O '-’ONKEYS, A LEOPARD CAT, FOUR ASIATIC JONEY TONGUE FISH. THEY

INVOLVED IN THESE CASES INCLUDED

KESTRELS AND AN OTTER AND 78 WERE FORFEITED.

TH- SPOKES’AN SAID THAT DESPITE REPEATED APPEALS, SOME PEOPLE cTT L VIOLAT-D THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SP'CIES) ORDINANCE BY IMPORTING INTO HONG KONG ENDANGERED ANIMALS WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORISATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

+IN 1985 314 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT AGAINST OFFENDERS, RESULT I NG*IN FINES AMOUNTING TO $149 OOO.

+S0 FAR THIS YEAR, 58 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW AND FINED A TOTAL OF $20 500,+ HE SAID.

MOST CASES ARE CONNECTED WITH THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS INCLUDING OWLS, KESTRELS, BUZZARDS, MONKEYS, PANGOLINS AND STUFFED SPECIMENS OF SEA TURTLES AND

CROCODILES.

THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED RESIDENTS MAKING TRIPS ABROAD NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS, BIRDS OR PLANTS ON THEIR RETURN.

+FAILURE TO DO SO MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $10 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEAT OFFENCE,* HE WARNED.

- - 0-----------

1935 AIRBORNE

MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED

******

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE BY AIR IN 1985, VALUED AT $97 228 MILLION, DECREASED BY 7 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1984, ACCORDING TO SUMMARY STATISTICS ON AIRBORNE MERCHANDISE TRADE RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IN 1985, 26 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 20 PER CENT OF IMPORTS AND 17 PER CENT OF RE-EXPORTS, ALL BY VALUE, WERE CARRIED BY AIR. IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, AIRBORNE IMPORTS AMOUNTED TO 182 841 TONNES OR 0.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL IMPORT TONNAGE, WHILE TOTAL AIRBORNE EXPORTS TOTALLED 236 977 TONNES OR 1.3 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPORT TONNAGE.

AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.

/analysed by .......

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

- 5 -

ANALYSED BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, DECREASES IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS 'VERE RECORDED MAINLY IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY 32 508 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY >690 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY 3601 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY 3489 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN VALUE WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY 312 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (BY 311 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PAPER, PAPERBOARD, AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD (BY $3 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).

FURTHER ANALYSIS BY COUNTRY WITHIN COMMODITY CATEGORIES REVEALED DECREASES IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO THE U.S. (BY 31 503 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AND TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY 3770 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT)i CLOTHING TO JAPAN (BY 3419 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT) AND TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY 3360 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY 3214 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS TO THE U.S. (BY $290 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY 311 MILLION OR 350 PER CENT) AND TO JAPAN (BY 32 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR TO THE U.S. (BY 317 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PAPER, PAPERBOARD, AND ARTICLES OF PAPER PULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD TO THE U.S. (BY 32 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT).

AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY S3 602 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $528 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) I LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $303 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AS WELL AS INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $177 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT).

IN CONTRAST, INCREASES WERE NOTED IN IMPORTS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $735 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (NOT INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY $553 MILLION OR 108 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $331 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).

/DECREASES ’WERE.......

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1 ?86

DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM THE U.S. (BY $1 405 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (BY $1 123 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FROM THE U.S. (BY $489 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (BY $119 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT); LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $317 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT) AND INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $126 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM.

ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE IMPORTS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM JAPAN (BY $451 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (BY $109 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT)} TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (NOT INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) FROM THE U.S. (BY $422 MILLION OR 116 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES FROM CHINA (BY $92 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT).

AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS TO MAJOR MARKETS ARE DEPICTED IN TABLE 3.

DECREASES IN VALUE OF AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 267 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT)} PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $316 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT)} MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $50 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $38 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING (BY $403 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $208 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $162 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT). «<

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR AIRBORNE R^-EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO TAIWAN (BY $590 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (BY $240 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT)} PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS TO THE NETHERLANDS (BY $97 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT) AND SAUDI ARABIA (BY $68 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT) } MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS TO THE U.S. (BY $223 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT) AS WELL AS METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY $34 MILLION OR 100 PER CENT).

/HOWEVER, INCREASES ........

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

7

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN AIRBORNE RE-EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE U.S. (BY 5405 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (BY '24 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT)j OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO CHINA (BY 5134 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT) AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES TO THE U.S. (BY 5120 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1985+ WHICH IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

TABLE 1 : AIRBORNE DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR MARKETS

1985 (3 MN.) 1984 (5 MN.) DECREASE (-) (5 MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

U.S.A. 18 731 19 972 -1 241 - 6

F.R. OF GERMANY 2 471 3 101 - 630 -20

JAPAN 2 325 2 830 - 505 -18

UNITED KINGDOM 1 684 2 831 -1 147 -41

CANADA 1 123 1 215 - 92 - 8

NETHERLANDS 721 950 - 229 -24

SWITZERLAND 661 800 - 138 -17

SINGAPORE 648 747 - 99 -13

FRANCE 624 757 - 133 -18

AUSTRAL!A 449 544 - 95 -17

TABLE 2 : AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM MAJOR SUPPLIERS

1985 (3 MN.) 1984 (5 MN.) INCREASE (+)/ DECREASE (-) (3 MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

JAPAN 10 958 11 519 - 561 - 5

U.S.A. 9 500 10 707 -1 207 -11

UNITED KINGDOM 2 693 3 046 - 352 -12

4 .. 1 /SWITZERLAND

r **

r,..JDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

- 8 -

SWITZERLAND 2 663 2 368 + 294 + 12

F.R. OF GERMANY 2 293 1 971 + 322 + 16

TA I WAN 2 023 2 437 - 415 -17

SINGAPORE 1 915 2 230 - 315 -14

ITALY 1 633 1 402 + 231 + 16

REP. OF KOREA 1 572 1 718 - 146 - 9

FRANCE 1 308 1 266 + 42 + 3

TABLE 3 • AIRBORNE RE- -EXPORTS TO MAJOR MARKETS INCREASE (+)/ PERCENTAGE

1985 1984 DECREASE (-) CHANGE

MN.) ($ MN.) (3 MN.) (%)

U.S.A. 3 853 3 630 + 223 + 6

CHINA 2 188 1 447 +741 +51

TAIWAN 2 067 2 724 -657 -24

JAPAN 1 683 1 697 - 13 - 1

SINGAPORE 1 653 1 971 -317 -16

REP. OF KOREA 890 975 - 85 - 9

SWITZERLAND 403 324 + 79 +24

UNITED KINGDOM 392 426 - 34 - 8

INDIA 374 298 + 77 +26

MALAYSIA WEST 365 401 - 36 - 9

--------o ----------

/9........

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

- 9 -

JOBLESS RATE REMAINS STABLE * * * * *

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE IN THE QUARTER DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH Tri_ QUARTER ENDING NOVEMBER 1985. ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR rUKUt STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 1986 WAS 3.2 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.4 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING NOVEMBER 1985 AND 3.1 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1985. THE CHANGES IN THE RATE OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1985 ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.

THE NUMBER OF THE UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1986 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 84 600, COMPARED WITH 88 900 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING NOVEMBER 1985 AND 82 100 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1985.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 1986 WAS 1.1 PER CENT, WHICH IS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING NOVEMBER 1985. THE RATE FOR DECEMBER 1984-FEBRUARY 1985 WAS 1.2 PER CENT.

THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1985 IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.

THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1986 WAS 27 800, COMPARED WITH 30 100 FOR THE 'QUARTER ENDING NOVEMBER 1985 AND 31 800 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING FEBRUARY 1985.

CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE dORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB SEEKcRS (THAT IS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.

HE ADDED THAT BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST MOVING THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.

/THESE PROVIDE

TUESDAY, A?iiIL 15, 1986

10

THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.

THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR JANUARY 1936-MARCH 1986 WAS 3.3 PER CENT, AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.2 PER CENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 1986 .vAS 3.2 PER CENT.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY (GHS) CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 52 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.

PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN NEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.

THE COMMISSIONER FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TO CONFORM TO THE LATEST STANDARDS RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO, THE GHS DEFINITIONS OF ♦UNEMPLOYMENT* AND +UNDEREMPLOYMENT+ HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SINCE JANUARY 1985.

HOWEVER, A COMPLETE CONVERSION WILL ONLY BE INTRODUCED IN MAY 1986 WHEN A SUFFICIENTLY LONG SERIES OF THE STATISTICS UNDER THE NEW DEFINITIONS IS AVAILABLE.

USING THE NEW DEFINITIONS THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR DECEMBER 1985-FEBRUARY 1986 WAS 3.0 PER CENT, AND THc UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.0 PER CENT.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1986 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE NEXT WEEK.

--------o ---------

NEW BOOST FOR CIVIC AWARENESS

X H K

A NEW PROGRAMME SERIES ENTITLED +INFORMATION ’86+ AND AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG HONG KONG RESIDENTS WILL BEGIN THIS MONTH.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT (ISD) AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK).

/the ne?/......

TUESDAY, A?BIL 15, 1986

11 -

Th- -'v SERIES TAKES THE FORM Or LIVE OUTDOOR PRESENTATIONS PROMOTING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS WHICH WILL BE RECORDED AND BROADCAST BY RTHK.

INTROS' CIX’G THE 14 SHOWS SCHEDULED FROM THIS MONTH TO MARCH NEXT YE;p THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PUBLICITY) OF ISD, MR GEORGE YUEN THAT MANY TIMES IN THE PAST THE TWO DEPARTMENTS

HAD WORKED TOGETHER IN ORGANISING DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS. HE ADDED THAT THEY WERE NOW JOINING HANDS AGAIN IN THIS NEW VENTURE TO DISSEMINATE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.

♦INFORMATION *86 COMPRISES 14 EPISODES, EACH FEATURING A SUBJECT OF PUBLIC CONCERN, INCLUDING ANT I-N ARCOTICS', ANTI-SMOKI NG, ROAD SAFETY, HOME SAFETY, CLEAN HONG KONG, HEALTH EDUCATION, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, FIRE PREVENTION AND FIGHT CRIME,+ MR YUEN SAID.

HE EXPLAINED THAT +INFORMATION *86+ WAS AN EXTENSION OF THE ISD’S MOBILE STREET THEATRE ESTABLISHED SOME TEN YEARS AGO, BUT WITH A NEW CONCEPT.

♦THROUGH BOTH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING THE EVENT AND THE SUBSEQUENT RADIO BROADCAST, WHAT WAS BEFORE CONFINED TO A DISTRICT LEVEL WILL NOW BE ABLE TO PENETRATE EVERY HOUSEHOLD ON A TERRITORY-WIDE SCALE,+ HE ADDED.

THE HEAD OF RTHK’S CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE, MR RAYMOND NG, SAID THAT APART FROM JOINT PROJECTS, RTHK ALSO SUPPORTED GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS BY BROADCASTING ON THE AVERAGE OVER 1 000 GOVERNMENT APIS (ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST) EACH MONTH, COVERING MORE THAN 50 TOPICS.

♦THIS YEAR’S EMPHASIS WILL BE ON PRODUCING MORE PROGRAMMES OF A CIVIC EDUCATION NATURE,+ MR NG SAID.

A THEME SONG HAD BEEN SPECIALLY COMPOSED FOR +INFORMATION ’86+ WITH LYRICS ABOUT LOOKING AHEAD AND CARING MORE FOR THE COMMUNITY.

ON THE SAME NOTE, MR NG HOPED THAT MESSAGES PUT ACROSS BY THESE PROMOTIONAL EVENTS WOULD HELP INCULCATE A SENSE OF MORE ACTIVE LISTENING, SEEING AND PARTICIPATING.

-----o------

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

- 12 -

CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE IN KOWLOON CITY * * * *

A YEAR-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT NEXT WEEK TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

OVER THE NEXT 11 MONTHS A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED BY A SPECIALLY-FORMED CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE THE THEMES OF CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC, COURTESY AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS, AND NEIGHBOURLINESS AND PEACE.

THE CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, WILL START ON APRIL 25 WITH A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

OTHER ACTIVITIES BEING ORGANISED INCLUDE A LOVE YOUR FAMILY PROJECT, COURTESY CAMPAIGN, CIVIC AMBASSADOR SCHEME, MODEL STUDENT AWARD, AND AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD.

A PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 17) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.

PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WU SHING-SHUEN? ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA TONG; PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG WING-PIU; SUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU CH I-SUM AND FINANCE SUB-CCMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR HUI IN-YING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.

-----0------

TUESDAY, APR IL 15, 1986

13

SEMINAR ON RADIATION PROTECTION * * * * *

SCIENCE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN TWO SEMINARS ON RADIATION PROTECTION AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC EARLY NEXT MONTH.

ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE RADIATION HEALTH UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY SECTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AND THE PHYSICS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON MAY 3 AND MAY 10.

THERE WILL BE TALKS ON BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND DEMONSTRATIONS ON +LEAKAGE TENT+ FOR SEALED RADIOACTIVE SOURCES.

DISCUSSIONS ON THE EFFECTS OF IONISING RADIATION, THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIOACTIVE SOURCES USED IN SCHOOLS, THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING AND USING THESE SOURCES AND STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE SEMINARS.

PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO RADIOACTIVE SOURCE CUSTODIANS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE APRIL 21.

- - 0 -

APRIL 30 DEADLINE FOR MEDICAL SCHEME * * * *

SENIOR RESIDENTS IN TAI PO WHO WISH TO JOIN THE REDUCED-RATE MEDICAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS APRIL 30, A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED BY THE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKING GROUP UNDER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, ENABLES SENIOR RESIDENTS TO GET REDUCED RATES FOR MEDICAL SERVICES FROM 26 DOCTORS AND DENTISTS IN THE DISTRICT.

A LIST OF THE PARTICIPATING MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IS AVAILABLE FROM THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE DISTRICT BOARD.

/RESIDENTS IN

ij, 19C0

R-SJ' ;TS I" TAI 30, AGS O'60 OR OVER, r.AY APPLY FOR A PRIVILEGE CARD WHICH IS '■ALIO FOR ONE YEAR, FROM THE TAI ?0 DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SJD--FFICES OR THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD.

AS-SJ’ 1 "30 ELDERLY PEOPLE HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME SINCE IT BEGAN IN NOVEVF.:.R LAST YEAR.

PEOPLE APPLYING TO JOIN SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR RELATED DOCUMENTS. THEY MAY SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ACT ON THEIR BEHALF IF UNABLE TO APPLY PERSONALLY.

- - 0 -

THREE SHA TIN COMMITTEES TO MEET * * * * *

THREE COMMITTEES OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD MEETINGS TO DISCUSS VARIOUS ISSUES IN THE NEXT THREE DAYS STARTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS, THE PROVISION OF CHILD AND YOUTH CENTRES IN SHA TIN AND THE SETTING UP OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY.

THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE LACK OF SIGNBOARDS AND DIRECTION SIGNS AT SCENIC SPOTS, THE REVIEW OF THE WORKING GROUPS AND THE CO-OPTING OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEES INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF BICYCLES IN SHA TIN, THE ROAD LINK AT MA ON SHAN AND NAI CHUNG, A SURVEY ON SHOPPING CENTRES AND THE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK IN SHA TIN.

THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE MEETINGS ARE:

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE APRIL 16 (WEDNESDAY) 2.33 PM

COMMITTEE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 17 (THURSDAY) 4.00 PM

DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE APRIL 18 (FRIDAY) 9.30 AM

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHh TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION.

- - 0 - -

/15

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

- 15 -

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE * * * *

APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FOR TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD DURING THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL, JUNE 11.

THE RACE WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF TOLO HARBOUR NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

A MAXIMUM OF 50 TEAMS CAN TAKE PART, EACH WITH 27 MEMBERS COMPRISING A PADDLING CREW OF 24, A DRUMMER, A GONG-BEATER AND A COXSWAIN.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICES OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE. COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY MAY 7 WITH AN ENTRY FEE OF $500.

0

KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN RESTRICTED ZONES * * X *

A NUMBER OF ROADS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 18).

IN KWAI CHUNG, LEI MUK ROAD BETWEEN WO Yl HOP ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD BETWEEN LEI MUK ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 170 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WO Yl HOP ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION AND WO Yl HOP ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 170 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEEN TEXACO ROAD AND CHUNG ON STREET WILL BE MADE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE 24-HOUR DAILY. SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN CHUNG ON STREET AND TAI HO ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED PLB RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. NO PLB’S WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

-----o------

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1986

16

RIGHT-TURN BAN IN KWUN TONG *****

VEHICLES COMING FROM THE KWUN TONG ROAD-HOI YUEN ROAD ROUNDABOUT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO HONG NING ROAD NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 17) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN KWUN TONG ROAD.

VEHICLES IN HOI YUEN ROAD HEADING FOR HONG NING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO KWUN TONG ROAD, HIP WO STREET, TUNG YAN STREET, YUE MAN SQUARE AND HONG NING ROAD.

--- - i o - - - -

LOWER SHING MUN ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLANNED

*****

LOWER SHING MUN ROAD, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD AND THE SHA TIN CREMATORIUM ENTRANCE, WILL SOON BE IMPROVED.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF THREE ADJOINING MINOR ROADS AND THREE SMALL OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO SERVE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.


TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE WORK, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

--------0----------

NEW PARKING METERS FOR KWAI CHUNG *****

FORTY NEWLY-INSTALLED PARKING METERS IN SHEK Yl ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 18), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.

THE METERS ARE FOR TWO HOURS AND ARE FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTORCYCLES AND BICYCLES.

OPERATING HOURS OF THESE METERS WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND PARKING FEE WILL BE $1 FOR 33 MINUTES.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

• ............ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

CONTENTS PaGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE 'COUNCIL MEETING:

COMMUNITY FACES CHOICE. JN. WaR ON TRIADS ............... 1

MTRC MAINTAINS- -ITS. ENVIABLE RECORD.................... 3

BILL ‘SEEKS FREEDOM TO NAME UNSCRUPULOUS RETAILERS..... 4

BILL'CONTAINS NET*-SECTION ON PROFITS TAX ............... 5

ANNUAL'LICENSING-FEES FOR BANKS INCREASED................ 7

FEE REVISION FOR DEPOSIT-TaKING COMPANY LICENCES......... 7

HIGHER FEES'WILL-YIELD 440 MILLION ...................... 8

EXCLUSION FROM STAMP . DUTY CHaRGE SOUGHT ............... 8

EXTENSION OF ESTATE DUTY EXEMPTION SOUGHT ............... 8

DUTY DIFFERENTIAL REDUCED FURTHER........................ 9

$68.5 MILLION SPENT ON TREATING DRUG ADDICTS ............ 9

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY DENTAL TREATMENT.................... 10

VACATION OF BaRRaCKS NO PROBLEM......................... 11

MORE INDUSTRIAL LOTS LEASED ............................ 11

POLICY ON MaCaU VISITORS BEING REVISED ................. 12

IMMIGRATION POLICY ON HUSBaNDS UNDER REVIEW ............ 12

steps taken to alleviate pressure on beds .............. 13

BILL IN FINAL DRAFTING STAGE............................ 13

/FIRE SITES .......

FIRE SITES CLEARED AFTER CHECKS

14

FUNDING MUST BEAR COST OF SERVICES ........................... 14

WORKING GROUP ON SIGN BOARDS PROPOSED......................... 15

MORE PLACES FOR THE DISABLED ...............................   16

BANKING BILL FINE EXAMPLE OF CONSULTATION ....................... 17

HK LEADS WORLD IN TWO EXPORT CATEGORIES ......................... 21

> <4M> *■< ** _ ~

STANDARDS maintained in child care centres ...................... 24

REQUESTS.FOR.QOJ4RASSXQNATE RESETTLEMENT ........................ 26

SAM KA TSUW .ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED.......................... 26

BOARD TO. CONSIDER aIR MONITORING................................ 27

REVIS/ OF.DISTRICT WORKS .PROGRAMME.............................. 28

MEET THE MEDIA .............................................. 28

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR NS/ TAI WAI STATION OPINING ................. 29

WING LOK STREET RESTRICTION ..................................... 30

TUEN MUN WATER CUT. ............................................. 30

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

1

COMMUNITY FACES CHOICE IN WAR ON TRIADS * X * * *

HONG. KONG AS A COMMUNITY WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER SOME RESTRICTIONS ON EXISTING FREEDOMS WERE A PRICE WORTH PAYING TOWARDS STRENGTHENING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAW SO AS TO BETTER DEAL WITH THE INSIDIOUS THREAT OF TRIADS TO SOCIETY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

TABLING THE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT +OPTIONS FOR CHANGES IN THE LAW AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAW TO COUNTER THE TRIAD PROBLEM,* SIR DAVID SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT THESE RESTRICTIONS ON CIVIL LIBERTIES WOULD APPLY TO PEOPLE WHO HAD CHOSEN TO BULLY, EXTORT AND TO INTIMIDATE LAW-ABIDING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

+THE LAW-ABIDING HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM THE LAW: LET THE CRIMINAL BEWARE,* HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY CONCERN ABOUT TRIADS AND OTHER GANGS.

+AMONG THESE CONCERNS PERHAPS MOST WORRYING IS THE FEAR THAT PARENTS HAVE, IN SOME RESIDENTIAL AREAS, IN ALLOWING THEIR CHILDREN TO GO OUT TO PLAY WITHOUT SUPERVISION.

+IN THESE PLACES, THREATS, ABUSE, INTIMIDATION AND DEMANDS FOR MONEY ARE ALL TOO FAMILIAR.*

THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID TRIADS WERE ALSO INVOLVED IN ORGANISED CRIME: IN BLACKMAIL; IN GAMBLING; IN PROSTITUTION; IN DRUG TRAFFICKING; AND IN CRIMINAL MONOPOLIES.

THEY INCLUDED GROUPS OF PETTY CRIMINALS WHO BULLIED AND INTIMIDATED LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS, HE ADDED.

WHILE THE DETAIL OF POLICE ORGANISATION AND OPERATIONS COULD NOT BE REVEALED, FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, +BUT OVER MANY YEARS THE POLICE HAVE MOUNTED A CONTINUING ATTACK AGAINST TRIADS.*

+AS A RESULT WE NOW HAVE MORE INTELLIGENCE ABOUT THEM, THE STRUCTURE OF THEIR ORGANISATION AND THEIR ACTIVITIES.

+BECAUSE OF THIS ACCUMULATED KNOWLEDGE THEY MAY HAVE LOST SOME CF THEIR SECRET AND HIDDEN MENACE BUT, LET US BE IN NO DOUBT, THEY ARE A PERVASIVE, CANCEROUS GROWTH IN OUR SOCIETY,* SIR DAVID STRESSED.

ELABORATING ON THIS POINT IN THE DOCUMENT, WHICH HAD BEEN PREPARED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON GANGS OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMM I T7::_, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS NO ONE PERSON OR GROUP OF PERSONS CONTROLLING ALL TRIAD SOCIETIES.

/SOME INDIVIDUAL .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

2

SOME INDIVIDUAL SOCIETIES WERE WELL CONTROLLED AND STRUCTURED wHILE OTHERS WERE FRAGMENTED AND MORE LOOSELY CONTROLLED.

+THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IF THE POLICE ARE TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING TRIADS, CHANGES TO THE WAY RELEVANT PARTS OF THE LAW ARE ADMINISTERED AND TO PARTS OF THE LAW ITSELF MUST BE CONSIDERED AND GIVEN CAREFUL EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION BY US AS A COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE WORKING GROUP, WHICH INCLUDED MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC, HAD ALSO BEEN CONSIDERING HOW THE LAW MIGHT BE CHANGED TO STRENGTHEN THE ATTACK AGAINST TRIADS.

+THE RESULTS ARE THE OPTIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO COVER THE FULL SPECTRUM OF TRIAD ACTIVITY. THEY RANGE FROM THE SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD TO THE HARSH AND COMPLEX.

+THERE ARE OPTIONS BETTER TO PROTECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO PREVENT THE OVERT DISPLAY OF TRIAD POWER; TO ATTACK GANGS WHICH SEEK TO INTIMIDATE PEOPLE; TO TIGHTEN THE LEGISLATION DEALING WITH TRIAD SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP; AND TO LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF CONVICTED TRIAD MEMBERS AND THEIR ACCESS TO CERTAIN FACILITIES,* SIR DAVID SAID.

TO BE EFFECTIVE, HE ADDED, LAWS MUST HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE MUST BE PREPARED TO COME FORWARD TO REPORT CRIME AND TO ACT AS WITNESSES.

WITHOUT SUCH CO-OPERATION, THE POLICE WERE GREATLY HAMPERED IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ENFORCE THE LAW AND TO REDUCE CRIME.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THE OPTIONS HAD PUBLIC SUPPORT, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THREE MONTHS BE ALLOWED FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.

HE SAID ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED AND VIEWS EXPRESSED WOULD BE COLLECTED AND COLLATED BY THE SECRETARIAT OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. THESE WOULD BE SUMMARISED AND DETAILED PROPOSALS MADE TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOLLOWING WHICH THERE WOULD BE A PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE WAY FORWARD.

+SPEED OF IMPLEMENTATION WILL DEPEND UPON THE NATURE OF ANY PARTICULAR RECOMMENDATION. BUT THE GOVERNMENT wILL MOVE AS QUICKLY AS IT CAN,* HE ADDED.

-------0----------

/5........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

5

MTRC MAINTAINS ITS ENVIABLE RECORD

*****

THE FINAL SECTION OF THE ISLAND LINE FROM ADMIRALTY TO SHEUNG wAN WILL OPEN ON MAY 23, 1986, SOME FOUR MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE AND AT A COST EXPECTED TO BE MORE THAN $500 MILLION BELOW BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THIS PRESERVED THE CORPORATION’S ENVIABLE RECORD OF BUILDING ITS RAILWAY ON OR AHEAD OF TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET.

HE SAID THAT THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE IN MAY 1985 HAD ATTRACTED NEARLY 300 000 ADDITIONAL PASSENGERS TO THE MTR PER DAY.

+THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ON EACH WEEKDAY WAS 1 454 000, AN INCREASE OF 24 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER CARRIED IN DECEMBER 1984,+ HE SAID.

GIVING A FURTHER BREAKDOWN OF STATISTICS FOR LAST YEAR, SIR JOHN SAID THE RAILWAY CARRIED A TOTAL OF 462 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1985, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 12 PER CENT OVER 1984- AND FARE REVENUE FOR THE YEAR TOTALLED $1 300 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT OVER 1984.

OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE, FROM ADVERTISING, PROPERTY AND STATION KIOSK RENTALS AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT FEES INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT TO $140 MILLION, HE ADDED.

SIR JOHN SAID THAT OPERATING PROFIT FOR 1984 BEFORE DEPRECIATION WAS $789 MILLION (AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT) AND AFTER DEPRECIATION TOTALLED $372 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 17 PER CENT.

THE RATIO OF OPERATING PROFIT TO REVENUE WAS 55 PER CENT EEFORE DEPRECIATION, HE ADDED.

+WITH THE CHARGING OF INTEREST AND FINANCE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ISLAND LINE TO THE PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT, INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT OVER 1984 TO $1 160 MILLION,* SIR JOHN SAID.

+AFTER INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES, THE CORPORATION’S LOSS WAS $788 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF $243 MILL 10' ?P 45 PER CENT OVER 1984. +

TURNING TO GOVERNMENT’S CASH INJECTION OF $1 533 MIL-ION On DECEMBER 31 LAST YEAR, SIR JOHN SAID THE CORPORATION’S ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL TOTALLED $6 956 MILLION, COMP'RED Wl r 21c MILLION A YEAR EARLIER.

/Ti-.S CORPORATION, .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

4

THE CORPORATION, HE ADDED, WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE CAPITAL RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMME APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WOULD ENABLE IT TO SERVICE AND TO REPAY STEADILY ITS LARGE DEBTS.

SIR JOHN SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK ON T^E EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WAS SCHEDULED TO START IN MID-1986.

+INCREMENTAL REVENUES EARNED BY THE CORPORATION FROM OPERATING THIS EXTENSION TO ITS SYSTEM ARE EXPECTED IN EACH YEAR TO EXCEED THE SUM OF FIXED SEMI-ANNUAL PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY THE CORPORATION AND THE OPERATING COSTS,+ HE ADDED.

SUMMING UP, SIR JOHN SAID THAT DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE MTR SYSTEM OPERATED EFFICIENTLY, AND HAD BECOME AN INTEGRAL AND ESSENTIAL PART OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE.

+ IN FACT A HONG KONG WITHOUT THE MTR IS INCONCEIVABLE.+

-------0----------

BILL SEEKS FREEDOM TO NAME UNSCRUPULOUS RETAILERS

*****

THE MEDIA WOULD BE FREE TO MENTION RETAILERS NAMED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING HELD LIABLE FOR DEFAMATION, SO LONG AS THE REPORTS WERE FAIR AND ACCURATE AND NOT MOTIVATED BY MALICE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DEFAMATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, MR THOMAS SAID IF A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF MALPRACTICE DIRECTED TOWARDS A PARTICULAR SHOP WERE SUBSTANTIATED AFTER CONSUMER COUNCIL INVESTIGATION, THE COUNCIL MIGHT CHOOSE TO MAKE PUBLIC THE NAME OF THOSE RETAILERS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS AND TELEVISION AND RajIO STATIONS WERE UNWILLING TO PUBLISH THESE NAMES IN CASE THEY WERE IMMEDIATELY EMBROILED IN ACTIONS FOR DEFAMATION.

+THIS HAS LARGELY DEFEATED THE COUNCIL’S ATTEMPTS TO WARN CONSUMERS AGAINST UNETHICAL RETAILERS,+ HE SAID.

MR THOMAS POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL COULD RESIST CLAIMS FOR LIBEL BY RELYING UPON THE DEFENCES OF JUSTIFICATION AND QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE, USING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE MATTERS THEY HAD INVESTIGATED, THE MEDIA TOOK THE RISK OF DEFAMING RETAILERS WITHOUT BEING IN A POSITION TO INVESTIGATE THOSE COMPLAINTS AND WEIGH THE EVIDENCE.

/IN OROi2 ........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 5 -

IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLICATION OF REPORTS MADE BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, HE SAID, THE BILL SOUGHT TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE DEFAMATION ORDINANCE SO THAT REPORTS OF THE COUNCIL & ANNOUNCEMENTS ENJOYED THE PROTECTION OF THE DEFENCE OF QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE UNDER SECTION 14 OF THAT ORDINANCE.

HP ALSO SAID THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT AND STRONGLY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL.

THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO CLARIFY ANOTHER AREA OF THE LAW, MR THOMAS SAID.

THE DEFAMATION ORDINANCE AT PRESENT PREVENTED DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS MADE BY CANDIDATES IN ELECTIONS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL CR TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BEING GIVEN THE BENEFIT OF THE DEFENCE OF QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE, HE SAID.

+TO ENSURE THAT ALL PUBLIC AND CIVIC ELECTIONS HELD IN HONG KONG ARE TREATED EQUALLY, THIS ®*^L EXTENDS THE RELEVANT SECTION OF THE DEFAMATION ORDINANCE TO DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS MADE BY CANDIDATES IN ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND TO DISTRICT BOARDS.

+CANDIDATES WILL. OF COURSE, BE ABLE TO DEFEAT CLAIMS FOR DEFAMATION IN RESPECT OF THEIR ELECTIONEERING STATEMENTS IF.THEY rAN SHOW THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE WERE TRUE AND ACCURATE INSOFAR AS THEY ARE MATTERS OF FACT AND FAIR AND HONEST INSOFAR AS THEY ARE COMMENT ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST.

+THESE ARE THE ORDINARY DEFENCES OF JUSTIFICATION AND FAIR COMMENT,* HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-------0 ---------

BILL CONTAINS NEW SECTION ON PROFITS TAX

*****

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1986 SEEKS TO GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE CONCESSIONS ON PROFITS TAX AND PERSONAL TAXATION PROPOSED IN THE 1986-87 BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR JOHN EXPLAINED THAT ON PROFITS TAX, +THE BILL REPEALS THE AMENDMENTS MADE IN 1984 TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WHICH SOUGHT TO MAKE SOME INTEREST EARNED ON OFFSHORE DEPOSITS CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX.*

/HE SAID ........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 6 -

HE SAID THE NEW PROVISIONS WERE IN THE MAIN IDENTICAL TO TriJS-EXISTING PRIOR TO THE 1984 AMENDMENTS.

BUT THE OPPORTUNITY HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ADD A NEW SECTION +TO ■MAKE IT CLEAR THAT FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS GAINS OR PROFITS ON TRANSACTIONS IN CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND BILLS OF EXCHANGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE CHARGEABLE NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT THE TRANSACTION MAY HAVE TAKEN PLACE OUTSIDE HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

+THE AMENDMENTS TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 1986 AND THF

PERTANNUMHTHEREAFTER.'? AB°UT $2°° MILL,0N ,N 1986-87 AND $150 MILLION

AS REGARDS PERSONAL TAXATION, TWO CONCESSIONS HAD BEEN PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET, HE SAID. +FIRSTLY: TO INCREASE THE ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE FROM $7 500 TO $8 500 FOR SINGLE PERSONS AND FROM $17 000 TO $19 000 FOR MARRIED PERSONS, THEREBY INCREASING TOTAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCES TO $29 000 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $60 003 FOR A MARRIED COUPLE.+

+SECONDLY: T0 INCREASE THE BASIC DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE

1° $9 °00’ THEREBY BRINGING THE TOTAL ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE $12R000E+T °F A DEPENDENT PARENT LIVING WITH THE TAXPAYER TO rilDTJ’R t2cv u?IE2/^AT ALTH0UGH THESE CONCESSIONS DID NOT GO rURTHER, THEY HAD GENERALLY BEEN SEEN AS REASONABLE BOTH RY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND BY THE PUBLIC.

+IN FACT THEY SHOULD BENEFIT OVER 600 000 PERSONS EITHER BY REMOVING OR REDUCING THEIR LIABILITY TO SALARIES TAX AS WELL AS A FURTHER 30 000 WHO ELECT TO BE ASSESSED UNDER PERSONAL ASSESSMENT,+ HE SAID.

A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BILL TO ENSURE THAT PROVISIONAL SALARIES TAX FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING ON APRIL 1, 1986 IS BASED UPON THE NEW ALLOWANCES.

+THE COST TO REVENUE OF THE TWO MEASURES IS ESTIMATED AT $127 MILLION IN 1986-87 AND $180 MILLION PER ANNUM THEREAFTER,+ SIR JOHN ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

G

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

7

ANNUAL LICENSING FEES FOR BANKS INCREASED

*****

A BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR INCREASES IN THE ANNUAL LICENSING OF BANKS, BRANCHES AND LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICES DESCRIBED IN THE 1986 BUDGET SPEECH, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THE INCREASES HAD COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.

+THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD FROM THE INCREASED FEES FOR 1986-87 IS ESTIMATED TO BE $12.5 MILLION,* SIR JOHN SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-------c ---------

FEE REVISION FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY LICENCES

*****

A BILl WHICH PROVIDES FOR INCREASES IN THE ANNUAL LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, THEIR BRANCHES AND OVERSEAS OFFICES - WHICH HAD BEEN DESCRIBED IN THE 1986 BUDGET SPEECH - aAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, JHE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THE REVISED RATES HAD COME INTO EFFECT ON APR L 1 AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.

+THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD FROM THE INCREASED FEES FOR 1986-87 IS ESTIMATED TO BE $2.5 MILLION,* HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----o------

/8........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

8

HIGHER FEES WILL YIELD 543 MILLION * * * *

A BILL PROVIDING FOR INCREASED FEES ON THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, PROVISIONAL AND FULL DRIVING LICENCES AND DRIVING TESTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATI COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

VE

IN MOVING THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATION^ AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THt HON SIk JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THE REVISED RATES HAD COME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 26 UNDER A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER.

HE SAID THE INCREASES WERE ESTIMATED TO YIELD $40 MILLION IN 1986-87.

----o------

EXCLUSION FROM STAMP DUTY CHARGE SOUGHT * * * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO EXCLUDE FROM THE CHARGE TO STAMP DUTY BEARER INSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE IN RESPECT OF LOAN CAPITAL AND OF UNITS IN UNIT TRUSTS INVESTING ONLY IN SUCH INSTRUMENTS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID THE BILL WOULD GIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSAL IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

----o------

EXTENSION OF ESTATE DUTY EXEMPTION SOUGHT * * *

A\BILL PROPOSING TO EXTEND EXEMPTION FROM ESTATE DUTY IN RESPECT! OF THE PRINCIPAL MATRIMONIAL HOME TO ALL CASES IN WHICH THE DECEASED DIED INTESTATE, LEAVING A SPOUSE. WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THIS EXTENSION PROPOSAL WAS CONTAINED IN HIS 1986 BUDGET SPEECH AND THE BILL WAS INTENDED TO GIVE IT LEGISLATIVE EFFECT.

+ THE COST TO REVENUE IS ESTIMATED AT $8 MILL I O' PEP ANNUM,+ HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - c -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

9

DUTY DIFFERENTIAL REDUCED FURTHER

*****

THE DUTY DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN UNMANUFACTURED TOBACCO AND IMPORTED MANUFACTURED CIGARETTES WAS LAST YEAR REDUCED TO ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED IN 1949, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR JOHN WAS MOVING A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR INCREASES IN EXISTING DUTIES ON TOBACCO AND HYDROCARBON OILS AS PUT FORWARD IN HIS BUDGET ON FEBRUARY 26, wHEN THE INCREASES TOOK EFFECT UNDER A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER.

+THIS YEAR’S PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE DUTY ON RAW TABACCO WILL REDUCE THE DIFFERENTIAL FURTHER,+ HE SAID. +THE INCREASED DUTIES ON HYDROCARBON OILS ARE INTENDED TO MAINTAIN THE YIELD IN REAL TERM.*

THE PROPOSALS WERE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL REVENUE IN 1986-87 OF $55 MILLION FROM TOBACCO AND $50 MILLION FROM HYDROCARBON OILS, HE ADDED.

- 0 -

>68.5 MILLION SPENT ON TREATING DRUG ADDICTS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT SPENT $68.5 MILLION ON THE TREATMENT AND REHAB ILI TAT ION OF DRUG ADDICTS IN 1985/86 AND ITS EFFORTS HAVE PROVED TO BE REASONABLY SUCCESSFUL IN THE SHORT TERM, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY '(WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, MR THOMAS SAID: +THERE ARE, ON AVERAGE, OVER 14 500 PERSONS EACH DAY RECEIVING SOME FORM OF TREATMENT, REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE. THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS 38 PER CENT OF KNOWN ACTIVE DRUG ADDICTS.

+BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, IT IS A VERY HIGH PROPORTION,* HE SAID.

Mr) THOMAS SAID THAT IN THE LONG TERM HEROIN ADDICTION WAS A CHRONIC CONDITION AND MANY OF THOSE WHO BENEFITTED FROM TREAT! -NT AND CEASED TO TAKE DRUGS MIGHT AT SOME TIME RELAPSE AND RESORT TO THEM AGAIN.

THE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS WAS $48.2 MILLION IN 1983-84 AND $63.7 MILLION IN 1984-85.

/MR THOMAS

WEENESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

10 -

MR THOMAS SAID $1.5 MILLION WAS ALLOCATED IN EACH YEAR FROM 1983-84 TO 1^85-86 FOR ANT I-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY.

ON MANPOWER RESOURCES IN THIS FIELD, HE SAID ABOUT 1 000 PERSONS HAD BEEN EMPLOYED IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND IN SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN EACH OF THE PAST THREE YEARS.

IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, MR THOMAS SAID MUCH HELP WAS OBTAINED FROM THE IN-PATIENT PROGRAMME OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS, AND THE VOLUNTARY OUT-PATIENT FETHADONE PROGRAMME PROVIDED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

THESE EFFORTS WERE SUPPLEMENTED BY THE COMPULSORY TREATMENT PROGRAMME RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

-----0------

IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY DENTAL TREATMENT K * K * *

WHILE THE WAITING TIME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS SEEKING ROUTINE DENTAL SERVICES VARIES BETWEEN THREE AND 23 MONTHS WITH AN AVERAGE OF 8.8 MONTHS, NO WAITING IS REQUIRED FOR EMERGENCY TREATMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI, SIR DAVID SAID: +BY ROUTINE DENTAL SERVICES, I MEAN NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES, SUCH AS REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UPS, SCALING, FILLING AND THE FIXING CF DENTURES.+

INSIEJ'^NSRklN?CSI)^rSENiL

EVENING DENTAL CLINICS HAD ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED, HE SAID SINCE .1977, 10 DENTAL CHAIRS HAD BEEN PROVIDED, AND ANOTHER TWO DENTAL CHAIRS WOULD BE ADDED THIS YEAR.

+SINCE MARCH 1984 CIVIL SERVANTS ARE REQUESTED TO CONFIRM APPOINTMENTS BY TELEPHONE ONE MONTH BEFORE THEY ARE DUE.

+AS A RESULT ABOUT 1 300 UNCONFIRMED APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN REALLOCATED TO OTHER PATIENTS WHO REQUIRED EARLIER ATTENTION,* SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID CIVIL SERVANTS MIGHT NOW OBTAIN INFORMATION ON WAITING TIMES AT DIFFERENT DENTAL CLINICS AND MAKE APPOINTMENTS AT ANY CLINIC WHERE THERE WAS A SHORTER WAITING TIME.

+MOREOVER, FOR THOSE WHO WISH, THERE ARE EVENING CLINICS AT WHICH THE WAITING TIME IS BETWEEN THREE AND NI:;E MONTHS*, l£ NOTED.

------C-------

/11

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1936

11

VACATION OF BARRACKS NO PROBLEM *****

THE FORMER ARRANGED IN NOTICE, THE

THE TEMPORARY USAGE OF MOST OF THE BUILDINGS IN VICTORIA BARRACKS, INCLUDING CASSELS BLOCK, HAS BEEN SUCH A WAY AS TO ALLOW THEIR VACATION AT SIX MONTHS’ SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN', WHO NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN ALMOST SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE ARMED FORCES HAD VACATED THE BARRACKS SITE TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP PART OF IT FOR LEISURE.

MR CHAN SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CONSULTANTS HAD SUBMITTED A PROGRAMME FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE LEISURE AND RECREATION AREA WHICH ENVISAGED THAT WORK WOULD START IN MID-1988.

+1 SEE LITTLE PROBLEM IN VACATING THE VARIOUS BUILDINGS AFFECTED TO MEET THIS PROGRAMME DATE,* HE SAID.

- 0 - -

MORE INDUSTRIAL LOTS LEASED *****

FIFTEEN LOTS TOTALLING 9.2 HECTARES WERE LEASED AT THE JAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN 1985-86, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THESE FIGURES COMPARED WITH FOUR LOTS TOTALLING 2.4 HECTARES IN 1984-85, AND THREE LEASES INVOLVING 1.7 HECTARES IN 1983-84.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT, CONSTRUCTION, MARKETING, MANAGEMENT AND SnTROL OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WAS VESTED IN THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.

HE ADDED! +THE EXISTENCE OF THE CORPORATION’S INDUSTRIAL ESTATES HAS BEEN GIVEN WIDE GENERAL PUBLICITY, LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS, BY BOTH THE CORPORATION AND THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION DIVISION OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

+DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONDITIONS IN THE ESTATES AND The. CRITERIA FOR ENTRY IS PROVIDED, WHETHER TO ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUAL FIRMS, WHENEVER THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT INTEREST IN OBTAINING A SITE MAY BE STIMULATED.*

------0-------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

12

POLICY ON MACAU VISITORS BEING REVISED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENi IS IN THE LAST STAGES OF DRAWING UP A SCHFMF WHICH WILL ENABLE SOME EX-CHINA MACAU RESIDENTS TO ENTER HONG KONG FOR GENUINE SHORT-TERM VISITS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN MR tmhmaq c*in ™E rationale for debarring these macau citizens from enterino HONG KONG WAS THE NEED TO PREVENT TRAVELLERS FROM CHINA OF?l?Sr ROUND THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL FROM CHIKA MREED^ITH

THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

REVIE^THI^pJuCY^IuT^SecAUSE^^Sf 1Rap?rN,SED THE NEED T0

-------o----------

IMMIGRATION POLICY ON HUSBANDS UNDER REVIEW

*****

_ -r.THE GOVERNMENT REVIEWED ITS IMMIGRATION POLICIES FROM TIME ™ AND THE POLICY REGARDING THE SETTLEMENT OF THE HUSBANDS T HONG KONG PERMANENT RESIDENTS WAS AT PRESENT UNDER REVIEW S5n^TT°?SdXyG(wIdnesdIy).H0N M,CHAEL TH0MAS’ told the leg,seat,ve

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR THOMAS SAID THE RESULTS OF THE REVIEW SHOULD BE WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT BORE IN MIND THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:

chL$a°tD TAXATION OF RULES COULD LEAD TO A ,NCREASE IN IMMIGRANTS INTO HONG KONG

'Is ALREADY OVER-BURDENED RESOURCES COULD

NUI oUrrORTi

* CONDITIONS OF ENTRY SHOULD BE "LEX IDLE ENOUGH TO ALLOW SPECIAL CASES TO BE DEALT WITH ON TriEIR MERITS;

* WHILE HUMANITARIAN CONSIDERATIONS «UST L-. ALLOWED FOR, THE BASIC CRITERION IS THE WELFARE OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.

MR THOMAS ADDED THAT IT MIGHT NOT IMMIGRATION POLICIES OF HONG KONG wY?J AS THE SITUATIONS WERE QUITE DIFFERED

BE APPROPRIATE TO COMPARE THE THOSE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

--------0 - -

/13........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

13

STEPS TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE PRESSURE ON BEDS *****

UNTIL MORE INFIRMARIES AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES ARE BUILT, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT THERE WILL BE A CONTINUING NEED TO RETAIN IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS MANY PATIENTS WHO COULD OTHERWISE BE TRANSFERRED TO SUCH INSTITUTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN 1983, THE LENGTH OF STAY OF PATIENTS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WHO COULD BE CARED FOR ELSEWHERE RANGED FROM TWO WEEKS TO THREE YEARS, WITH AN AVERAGE OF 310 DAYS.

THE TRATNSFE“?“"sUi?AiJf MTIEHTS INCLUDE

attention home! J3mesPLfA§rEM^hNeT 2gedS?-EhePAa™eT ,N CARE AND

-------o - - - -

BILL IN FINAL DRAFTING STAGE

*****


REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR HENDERSON SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.

HE SAID IT HAD BEEN INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS IN 1984 THROUGH RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD PROVISIONS.

HOWEVER, IT LATER BECAME APPARENT THAT THE COMPLICATED NATURE CF A NUMBER OF OTHER MORE SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING GROUP OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS MEANT THAT THE ORIGINAL TIME FRAME COULD NOT BE ADHERED TO.

- - 0 - -

/14

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

14

FIRE SITES CLEARED AFTER CHECKS * * * *

FOLLOWING MAJOR SQUATTER FIRES, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT USUALLY CONDUCTS SITE IDENTIFICATION EXERCISES TO IDENTIFY GENUINE FIRE VICTIMS, A PROCESS THAT NORMALLY TAKES SEVERAL DAYS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

+THE FIRE SITES WILL THEREAFTER BE HANDED OVER TO THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER WHO WILL IMMEDIATELY ARRANGE FOR CLEARANCE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT,* MR CHAN SAID IN REPLY TO THE HON PAULINE NG.

MRS NG HAD ASKED WHETHER AFTER A FIRE ACTION WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO CLEAR SITES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF NEARBY RESIDENTS.

TO A FURTHER QUESTION, MR CHAN SAID AT PRESENT THERE WAS ONLY ONE SQUATTER FIRE SITE AWAITING CLEARANCE AT THE HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE IN SHAU KEI WAN.

A WORKS ORDER HAD BEEN ISSUED AND CLEARANCE WORK WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-MAY.

♦THERE ARE SIX OTHER SITES WHERE CLEARANCE WORK IS IN PROGRESS AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION ALSO BY MID-MAY 1986,+ HE ADDED.

-----o------

FUNDING MUST BEAR COST OF SERVICES

* * * *

IT IS GENERAL POLICY THAT WHERE A STATUTORY AUTHORITY IS PROVIDED WITH AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE OF FUNDING, THE FULL COST OF ANY ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE MET FROM THAT SOURCE OF FUNDING RATHER THAN IN SOME PART BY SUBSIDY OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PANG CHUN-HOI ON THE CONTINUAL INCREASE IN THE SERVICE CHARGE FOR COLLECTING THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY LEVY, MR HENDERSON SAID THE CHARGE WAS DEDUCTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO DEFRAY THE COST OF COLLECTING THE LEVY OF 0.03 PER CENT ON THE VALUE (FOB) OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR EXPORTS WHICH FINANCED THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AS PROVIDED BY LAW.

+THE RECOVERY OF THESE COSTS SHOULD HAVE NO ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AUTHORITY’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES AS THESt. AND OTHER COSTS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE AUTHORITY'S PROJECTIONS OF INCOME AND EXPEND I TURE.+ HE SAID.

/MR HENDERSON .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 15 -

MR HENDERSON SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT ™E AUTHORITY S RESOURCES SHOULD BE QUITE ADEQUATE TO ABSORB THE INCREASED CHARGt DURING THE CURRENT YEAR AND THAT ।TS / 1NANCI AL PROJECT IONS INDICATED A CONTINUING SURPLUS INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE IN THE YEARS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD.

+ IF AT SOME FUTURE TIME ANTICIPATED LEVY INCOME WERE INSUFFICIENT TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED COSTS OF THE AGREED TRAINING PROGRAMME, THEN IT WOULD BE OPEN TO THE AUTHORITY TO PROPOSE TO THE GOVERNMENT AN ALTERATION IN THE RATE OF LEVY,* HE ADDED.

MR HENDERSON SAID EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER CF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO ENSURE THAT ANY INCREASE IN THE SERVICE CHARGE WAS KEPT TO A MINIMUM.

-----o------

WORKING GROUP ON SIGN BOARDS PROPOSED *****

A WORKING GROUP MAY BE SET UP TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF THE CONTROL OF ADVERTISING SIGNS.

THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON LEE YU-TAI.

MR CHAN SAID A PROPOSAL FOR SETTING UP A WORKING PARTY UNDER HIS CHAIRMANSHIP WAS BEING DRAWN UP FOR EARLY SUBMISSION TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

HE SAID + IT WOULD BE VERY DESIRABLE TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER THE WHOLE QUESTION OF CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT OF ADVERTISING SIGNS, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF THE LEVY OF A DEPOSIT FROM THOSE WHO ERECT SIGNBOARDS.+

MR CHAN SAID THAT LAST YEAR 39 STRUCTURALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS WERE REMOVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND 546 SIGNS WERE CERTIFIED AS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. OF THESE, 327 SIGNS WERE REMOVED BY THE OWNERS THEMSELVES AND 219 BY THE BOO.

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS EMPOWERED TO DEMOLISH SIGNS TO ENABLE IT TO DEAL WITH FIRES OR OTHER CALAMITIES, BUT THE POLICE DID NOT HAVE SUCH POWERS. HE SAID THE POLICE ROLE WAS TO GUARD AGAINST ANY BREACH OF THE PEACE WHEN SIGNS WERE BEING REMOVED.

HE ADDED THAT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO EMPOWERED TO REMOVE SIGNS, BUT IN PRACTICE THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ACTED AS THE AGENCY FOR THE USD IN REMOVING SIGNS.

- - 0

/16........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986 - 16 -

MORE PLACES FOR THE DISABLED * * * * *

FORTY-THREE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 4 320 PLACES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR HENDERSON SAID THERE WOULD BE 22 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND 21 WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES.

+THEY WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 2 960 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES AND 1 360 WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE PLACES,+ HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES WOULD BE LOCATED EVENLY OVER THE TERRITORY, WITH ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THEM BEING IN NEW TOWNS.

FIVE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DISABLED, TO BE COMPLETED THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, WOULD BE LOCATED IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TAI PO AND TUEN MUN, AND PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 600 PLACES.

A FURTHER SIX WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES, PROVIDING 320 PLACES, WOULD OPEN IN WONG TAI SIN, HO MAN TIN, TAI PO, SHA TIN, AND TSING Yl.

A TOTAL OF 1 130 PLACES WOULD BE PROVIDED BY FOUR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND EIGHT WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES TO OPEN IN 1987-88. THE LARGEST WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE, WITH 200 PLACES, WOULD BE BUILT IN SHA TIN.

SEVEN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, THE LARGEST BEING IN KWUN TONG, AND FIVE WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1988-89. TOGETHER THEY WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 1 340 PLACES.

FOLLOWING THIS, SIX MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND TWO WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES WOULD BE BUILT, AND PROVIDE A FURTHER 930 PLACES FOR THE DISABLED.

-----0------

/17........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

BANKING BILL FINE EXAMPLE OF CONSULTATION X X X X

THE NEW BANKING BILL IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE EFFECTIVE WORKING OF THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS IN HONG KONG AND ITS EFFECTS WILL BE FELT MUCH MORE BY BANKS INCORPORATED HERE THAN ELSEWHERE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE ON PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

ADDRESSING A DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AT THE OVERSEAS BANKERS’ CLUB, SIR JOHN SAID THE NEW LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS WERE BROADLY IN LINE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER MAJOR BANKING CENTRES.

+ SOME ARE MODEST IN COMPARISON, BUT THERE ARE OTHER INNOVATIVE IDEAS ON TO WHICH OTHER CENTRES HAVE SINCE CAUGHT. SO THE WORRY SOMETIMES EXPRESSED THAT WE WOULD REGULATE OURSELVES OUT OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET WILL, I AM SURE, PROVE TO BE UNFOUNDED,* SIR JOHN SAID.

SUBJECT TO SIZE OF ASSETS AND, TO A DEGREE, RECIPROCITY, FOREIGN BANKS WERE FREE TO ENTER OUR MARKET. +THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SO STEADILY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS - IN FACT OVER 30 OF THEM IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS,* HE SAID.

+IT IS THEREFORE OUR POLICY STANCE ON BANKINGi COMPETITION WITHIN A FRAMEWORK OF PRUDENCE,* HE STRESSED.

+IN RETROSPECT, GIVEN THE SHOCKS EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, PARTICULARLY THE RISE AND FALL IN PROPERTY PRICES, DIFFICULTIES FOR BANKS WERE INEVITABLE. WE HAVE COME THROUGH THE PERIOD WITH FAR LESS DAMAGE THAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN EXPECTED,* SIR JOHN SAID.

HE SAID THE TWO BANKS THAT THE GOVERNNMENT NOW OWNED WOULD IN TIME BE SOLD BACK TO PRIVATE HANDS.

BUT, AS CONTROLLER OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WHICH HAD PUT UP THE MONEY REQUIRED FOR THESE RESCUES, HE SAID THE ONLY QUESTION IN SELLING THEM WAS WHEN AND FOR HOW MUCH, IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THE EVENTUAL COST.

SIR JOHN SAID THE PROBLEMS IN THE BANKING SECTOR HAD LED PROPERLY AND INEVITABLY TO ’PROBING’ ON TWO ISSUES: FIRSTLY, DEPOSIT INSURANCE TO PROTECT DEPOSITORS IN CASE OF BANK FAILURE AND, SECONDLY, THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION TO PREVENT BANK FAILURES.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE RELUCTANTLY AGREED THAT DEPOSIT INSURANCE WOULD NOT WORK. THE AIM HAD MERIT BUT THE MEANS OF ACHIEVING IT WERE NOT PRACTICAL.

/♦A DEPOSIT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1b, 1986

- 18 -

+A DEPOSIT INSURANCE SCHEME MIGHT REDUCE THE CHANCE OF BANK FAILURE BY MAKING PANIC RUNS ON BANKS BY SMALL DEPOSITORS LESS LIKELY. IT WOULD ALSO ARGUABLY GIVE MORE OPTIONS TO THE SUPERVISORS TO DEAL WITH A PROBLEM BANK IN CASE IT DOES FAIL,+ SIR JOHN SAID.

+BUT THE NATURE OF BANK LIABILITIES IN A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE LIKE HONG KONG HAS CHANGED, WITH THE GROWTH OF THE INTERBANK MARKET, BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL, AND WITH TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN TELE-COMMUNICATIONS. A BANK IS MORE LIKELY TO FAIL FROM A WITHDRAWAL OF CREDIT LINES BY OTHER BANKS THAN FROM THE WITHDRAWAL OF DEPOSITS FROM SMALL DEPOSITORS.

♦ THIS IS SOMETHING WHICH CONVENTIONAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CANNOT PREVENT.+

SIR JOHN SAID ANOTHER PRACTICAL DIFFICULTY STEMMED FROM THE FACT THAT THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE DEPOSIT BASE AMONG HONG KONG BANKS WAS +HIGHLY SKEWED+.

THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRAW UP A CREDIBLE AND PRACTICAL INSURANCE SCHEME WITHOUT BEING GROSSLY UNFAIR TO SOME OF THE BIG BANKS, OR WITHOUT COMMITTING SIZEABLE PUBLIC FUNDS, OR BOTH.

THE STRENGTHENING OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION SEEMED TO OFFER A BETTER APPROACH.

THE GOVERNMENT DID ITS PART IN SUPERVISION, TO ESTABLISH THE GROUND RULES AND ENSURE THEY WERE RESPECTED, AND TO ENSURE THAT CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM WAS NOT ERODED. +BUT BEYOND THAT, IT IS PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL, THAT SEEKS THE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH INNOVATION AND COMPETITION, AND THEN TAKES THE RISKS.+

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS THEREFORE ONE OF COMPETITION WITH A FRAMEWORK OF PRUDENCE.

REFERRING TO BANK DEPOSITS, SIR JOHN SAID ABOUT HALF OF THESE WERE IN LOCAL CURRENCY AND HALF IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES. THE CORRESPONDING RATIO IN LONDON WAS ABOUT 30 PER CENT LOCAL CURRENCY AND 70 PER CENT FOREIGN CURRENCIES. +IN SINGAPORE, IT IS ABOUT 35 PER CENT AND 65 PER CENT.+

SIR JOHN COMMENTED THAT THE RAPID GROWTH OF OUR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WAS LARGELY THE RESULT OF HONG KONG’S INCREASING ATTRACTION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CENTRE, IN TURN ATTRACTING FOREIGN DEPOSITS WHICH WERE NORMALLY DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES.

+ANOTHER FACTOR,+ HE SAID, +IS THE GREATER SOPHISTICATION OF OUR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN MANAGING THEIR FINANCIAL ASSETS, RESPONDING TO INTEREST RATE DIFFERENTIALS AND THE EXPECTATION OF EXCHANGE RATE GAINS.+

/THE LINK .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 19 -

THE LINK BETWEEN THE LOCAL DOLLAR AND THE UNITED STATES DOLLAR SINCE 1983 HAD CREATED AS STABLE A MONETARY ENVIRONMENT AS WAS OBTAINABLE IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES.

+SUCH A STABLE ENVIRONMENT MAXIMISES THE FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS TO ENGAGE IN WHATEVER TRANSACTIONS THEY WlSH,+ HE SAID. +THIS, I BELIEVE, IS THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF MONETARY POLICY, IN WHATEVER FORM.*

SIR JOHN RECALLED THAT BEFORE THE LINK WAS INTRODUCED THERE WAS A VIRTUAL ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF MONETARY CONTROL UNDER THE FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.

+THE ABSENCE WAS BECOMING OBVIOUS AS THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPRECIATED, ACCOMPANIED BY HIGH INFLATION, RAPID CREDIT EXPANSION AND HIGH GROWTH IN THE MONEY SUPPLY.

+THIS WAS THE SITUATION WE FACED IN THE LATE 197O’S AND THE EARLY 1980’S, THOUGH ECONOMIC GROWTH THEN WAS RAPID AND THERE WAS FULL EMPLOYMENT.+

THE ONLY MACRO-MONETARY POLICY TOOL MONEY AND CREDIT WAS INTEREST RATES, BUT CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, THE INTEREST INEFFECTIVE.

AVAILABLE FOR INFLUENCING

GIVEN THE SPECIAL RATE TOOL WAS LARGELY

OF DEPOSIT-

STRUCTURE

SIR JOHN REFERRED TO THE THREE-TIER

TAKING INSTITUTIONS THAT WAS CREATED IN 1981, AND ALSO TO THE SCHEME INTRODUCED LATER THAT YEAR TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO INFLUENCE MONEY MARKET OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE EXCHANGE FUND. BUT, HE SAID, FEW WOULD AGREE THAT EFFECTIVE MONETARY CONTROL HAD BEEN ACHIEVED.

+DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LATE SUMMER OF 1983 ON THE MONETARY FRONT WERE CLEARLY UNJUSTIFIED AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF STRONG BASIC ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS,+ HE SAID. +AFTER MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS AND WITH USEFUL ADVICE FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND WE ADOPTED THE PRESENT LINKED RATE SYSTEM.+

+NOW WITH TWO AND A HALF YEARS’ EXPERIENCE WITH THE NEW SYSTEM, I CAN SAY THAT IT HAS WORKED OUT EXTREMELY WELL.+

THE NEW SYSTEM HAD BROUGHT STABILITY TO THE EXCHANGE RATE AGAINST THE US DOLLAR AND OUR INFLATION RATE BROADLY INiO LIN^ WITH THAT OF THE UNITED STATES.

+THERE IS NOW MONETARY DISCIPLINE IN THAT THE LINK PROVIDES AUTOMATIC CONTROL ON THE MONEY SUPPLY WITH INTEREST RATES RESPONSIVE TO CHANGES IN OUR EXTERNAL BALANCE.

+WE HAVE FAR GREATER MONETARY STABILITY THAN COUi-D OTHERWISE BE POSSIBLE.*

/SIR Ji.HN ..........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

20

SIR JOHN NOTED THREE COMMON CONCERNS ON THE OPERATION OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM: FIRSTLY, THE INFLATIONARY IMPLICATIONS OF A DEPRECIATING US DOLLAR - AND HENCE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR -VIS-A-VIS OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES? SECONDLY, THE INTEREST RATE RULES? AND THIRDLY, THE MISCONCEPTION ABOUT THE SHRINKING HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT BASE.

+THE CONCERN WITH INFLATION IS LEGITIMATE,+ HE SAID, +BUT IT MUST BE PUT IN PERSPECTIVE.+

THE SIGNIFICANT DEPRECIATION OF THE US DOLLAR, AND ALSO THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, SINCE EARLY MARCH 1985 AND PARTICULARLY AFTER THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ’GROUP OF FIVE’ MEETING IN SEPTEMBER 1985 HAD INCREASED THE PRICES OF OUR IMPORTS FROM EUROPE AND JAPAN.

+BUT WORLD INFLATION RATES HAVE SLOWED DOWN TO HISTORICALLY LOW LEVELS AND ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN LOW. OIL AND COAL PRICES HAVE FALLEN DRAMATICALLY. PRICES OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA ARE UNLIKELY TO INCREASE MUCH,+ HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID HE HAD NO REASON TO CHANGE HIS BUDGET FORECAST OF A MAXIMUM FIVE PER CENT RATE OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IN 1986.

ON INTEREST RATE RULES, SIR JOHN SAID CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE RULES IMPEDED INTEREST RATES FROM ADJUSTING QUICKLY IN DEALING WITH SHIFTS IN THE EXTERNAL BALANCE, AS REQUIRED UNDER THE LINKED RATE SYSTEM.

THE INTEREST RATE RULES, HE SAID, HAD ANOTHER NO LESS IMPORTANT RATIONALE: +T0 RESTRAIN CUT-THROAT AND IMPRUDENT COMPETITION ON INTEREST RATES AMONG BANKS.+

+IN CONSIDERING THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF THE RULES, THEREFORE, ONE SHOULD ASK, NOT WHETHER THEY PUT GRIT IN OUR SYSTEM - THEY DO -BUT WHETHER THEY IMPEDE THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE MACRO MONETARY DISADVANTAGES OUTWEIGH THE PRUDENTIAL ADVANTAGES,+ HE SAID.

THE RATES WERE ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH MARKET SIGNALS AND WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM. THUS THE ADMINISTERED RATES COULD NOT BE REGARDED AS INFLEXIBLE.

+OVER THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS, £ HAVE HAD FREQUENT CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES WHICH HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVE IN MAINTAINING THE EXCHANGE RATE AT CLOSE TO THE LINKED RATE.+

ON CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE ALLEGEDLY SHRINKING HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT BASE, SIR JOHN SAID THE SIMPLE FACT WAS THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN SHRINKING, ALTHOUGH THE PROPORTION OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS TO TOTAL DEPOSITS HAD BEEN FALLING GENTLY FROM 58 PER CENT AT THE END OF 1984 TO 5" °ER CENT AT THE END Oc 1985, AFTER ADJUSTING FOR SWAP DEPOSI 'S.

/in conclusion, .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

21

IN CONCLUSION, SIR JOHN EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE WISE COUNSEL HE RECEIVED FROM THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS.

+YOUR STATUTORY ASSOCIATION SERVES AS A USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE CHANNEL FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE BANKING INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT.

+IT IS AN INDISPENSIBLE ARM IN THE CONDUCT OF OUR MONETARY POLICY, THROUGH REGULAR AND FRANK CONSULTATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, AND THROUGH ITS ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTEREST RATES RULES,+ HE SAID.

-----o------

HK LEADS WORLD IN TWO EXPORT CATEGORIES ******

HONG KONG WAS THE LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING, TOYS AND GAMES, IN THE WORLD IN 1984.

HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF FANS, DOMESTIC TYPE (AFTER TAIWAN)! AND THE THIRD LARGEST EXPORTER FOR BOTH COMPLETE WATCHES (AFTER SWITZERLAND AND JAPAN) AND RADIO-BROADCAST RECEIVERS (AFTER JAPAN AND TAIWAN).

FOR EXPORTS OF TRAVEL GOODS AND HANDBAGS, HONG KONG WAS RANKED FOURTH (AFTER TAIWAN, ITALY AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA).

DETAILS OF THESE ARE CONTAINED IN THE ’HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1985’ ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $21 PER COPY.

THE REVIEW CONTAINS A BRIEF TEXT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1985, 13 GRAPHS AND 38 STATISTICAL TABLES WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS.

THE REVIEW PRESENTS A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN 1985, INCLUDING A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF TRADE BY MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, AND STATISTICS ON HONG KONG'S EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN WORLD TRADE AND IN PRINCIPAL OVERSEAS MARKETS, COMPARED WITH THOSE OF MAJOR COMPETITORS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION.

ALSO INCLUDED ARE STATISTICS ON EXCHANGE RATES OF PRINCIPAL FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE EFFECTIVE (TRADE-WEIGHTED) EXCHANGE RATE INDEX FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERt NOTED DURING 1985 IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN (BY HK$3 551 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND CHINA (BY $3 210 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT), WHILE DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES (BY $2 481 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (BY $948 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).

/OVERSEAS MARKETS ......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 22

OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS WITH NOTABLE DECREASES WERE THE U.S. (BY S3 687 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (BY SI 950 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WAS RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY S3 906 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).

BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN VALUE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, N.E.S., AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY SI 749 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $1 562 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, N.E.S. AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF AS WELL AS PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS DROPPED IN 1985 (BY S3 496 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT, AND $1 638 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).

DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY S2 010 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY SI 934 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS CF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, N.E.S., AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $476 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $384 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORT TRADE IN 1985 GREW BY 26 PER CENT IN VALUE. RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA AND THE U.S. INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BY S17 959 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT AND $2 596 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR INDONESIA (BY $1 353 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $543 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).

THE COMMODITIES WITH SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WERE TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES, N.E.S. AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $3 291 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 409 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT).

HOWEVER. DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR MANUFACTURED FERTILIZERS (BY $110 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS, NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS (BY $62 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT).

IN 1985, RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN INCREASE- BY $6 522 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE RECORDED IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES (BY $1 479 MILLION CR 26 PER CENT).

/THE U.S.

23

Io, 1986

THE U.S. *AS THE LARGEST MARKET, ACCOUNTING FOR 33 PER CENT CF ALL RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN THROUGH HONG KONG THE MAJOR GROWTH TO THIS MARKET WAS IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $993 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT).

VALUE OF AIRBORNE TRADE IN 1985, REPRESENTING 21 PER CENT CF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, DECREASED BY »6 954 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1984. IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, AIRBORNE TRADE CONSTITUTED LESS THAN 1 PER CENT OF TOTAL TRADE.

DECREASES IN AIRBORNE TRADE *ERE THE U.S. (BY $1 207 MILLION OR 11 PER (BY $1 241 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT) AND $657 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).

BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES, IMPORTS

REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM CENT), EXPORTS TO THE U.S. RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN (BY

OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY,

RECORDED°THEDLARGESTNDECREASe’(BY S3D6O2Em[h ?nL PARTS THEREOp WHILE FOR EXPORTS BY AIR OFF I CF *9N 0R 26 PER CENT)?

PROCESSING EQUIPMENT HAD*THEFLARGESTHDECREASE (BUYT0^AT^eDMAILAU0N

OR 37 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, ------------------------------------------- 267 million

N.E.S., AND'ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF DROPPED BY OR 23 PER CENT).

AS REGARDS SEABORNE TRADE, WHICH ACCOUNTED OF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN 1985, AN INCREASE OR 3 PER CENT OVER 1984 WAS RECORDED. IN TERMS PER CENT OF TOTAL TRADE WAS CARRIED BY SEA.

FOR 58 PER CENT OF $7 854 MILLION OF TONNAGE, 92

A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN (BY $3 966 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT)? WHEREAS A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED IN SEABORNE EXPORTS TO THE U.S. (BY $2 460 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).

RE-EXPORTS BY SEA TO CHINA INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY (BY $4 432 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT). THE VALUE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS OF MACHINERY SPECIALISED TO PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES INCREASED BY SI 410 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT; WHEREAS THAT CF EXPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT DECREASED BY Si 910 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT. AN INCREASE IN SEABORNE RE-EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY SI 699 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT).

THE REVIEW ALSO PUBLISHES UNIT VALUE AND QUANTUM INDEXES WHICH ARE OFTEN USED TO ASSESS THE MOVEMENTS IN COMMODITY PRICES AND CHANGES IN TRADE VOLUMES.

DURING 1985, IN TERMS OF TRADE VOLUME, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY 5 PER CENT, WHILE RE-EXRORTS ROSE BY 25 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH 1984.

/SUBSTANTIAL .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

24

SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES wERE RECORDED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUMES OF RADIOS OF ALL KINDS? ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS; AND 1RAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (EACH BY 25 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS (BY 14 PER CENT) AND THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF CAPITAL GOODS (BY 34 PER CENT).

BASED ON THE UNIT VALUE INDEXES, IMPORT PRICES DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT WHILE TOTAL EXPORT PRICES ROSE BY NEARLY 1 PER CENT, THUS RAISING THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (DEFINED AS THE RATIO CF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) BY 3 PER CENT.

WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, RE-EXPORT PRICES INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT AND DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES REMAINED UNCHANGED.

-------0----------

STANDARDS MAINTAINED IN CHILD CARE CENTRES

*****

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO CHILD CARE CENTRES HAS HELPED RAISE AND MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS OF SERVICES PROVIDED IN THESE CENTRES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, MRS CHAN SAID A CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAD BEEN SET UP WITHIN HER DEPARTMENT SINCE 1975 TO SUPERVISE AND ADVISE THESE CENTRES.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO ASSISTED WELFARE AGENCIES BY LOCATING SUITABLE PREMISES FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES, REIMBURSING RENTS AND RATES AND APPROVING ALLOCATIONS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO MEET CAPITAL COSTS.

THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES SUGGESTED THAT APART FROM RE-IMBURSEMENT OF RENT AND RATES, NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHILD CARE CENTRES SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A SUBVENTION EQUIVALENT TO FIVE PER CENT OF THE APPROVED FEES BASED ON THE APPROVED CAPACITY.

♦THIS MEASURE HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND IT WILL BE REVIEWED AT THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO DECIDE ON THE FUTURE MODE OF SUBVENTION,* MRS CHAN SAID.

ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1982 AND JANUARY 1983, THE MAJORITY OF CHILDREN ATTENDING CHILD CARE CENTRES WERE AGED TWO TO THREE YEARS' WHILE 85 PER CENT OF THE CHILDREN AGED THREE TO FIVE ATTENDED KINDERGARTEN.

/HKS CHAN .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 25 -

MRS CHAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN PUBLIC CALLS FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS TO BE ADMINISTERED BY ONE AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS PRESENTLY CONSIDERING THIS POSSIBILITY.

AT PRESENT THERE WERE 205 CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG PROVIDING ABOUT 24 000 PLACES. THIS COMPRISED 134 SUBVENTED CENTRES, FOUR NON-PROFIT-MAKING CENTRES AND 67 PRIVATE CENTRES.

OVER 80 PER CENT OF PRIVATE CENTRES WERE LOCATED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND WEST KOWLOON AND PROVIDED PARENTS WITH MORE CHOICES WHEN SELECTING CHILD CARE CENTRES.

+THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROVIDE ONE CHILD CARE CENTRE WITH 100 PLACES FOR EVERY 20 000 POPULATION. PRESENT STATISTICS INDICATE THAT 15 NEW CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL BE OPENED EVERY YEAR, PROVIDING 1 500 PLACES,* SHE SAID.

ON THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT LAST YEAR TOTAL EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO ABOUT #35 MILLION, AND ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $37 MILLION.

AS OF FEBRUARY 1986, PARENTS OF 62 PER CENT OF THE CHILDREN IN CHILD CARE CENTRES WERE RECEIVING FEE ASSISTANCE.

SOME MILDLY PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WERE AT PRESENT ATTENDING ORDINARY CHILD CARE CENTRES UNDER AN INTEGRATED PROGRAMME PROVIDED IN 85 CENTRES.

+ IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, IT IS PLANNED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 30 INTEGRATED PLACES,* SHE SAID.

SPEAKING ON DAY CRECHE SERVICE, MRS CHAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH HER DEPARTMENT WAS PROVIDING A LIMITED SERVICE, SHE FELT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWO SHOULD BEST BE CARED FOR BY THEIR FAMILIES.

+WE DO NOT ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO BE SEPARATED FROM THEIR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES,* SHE ADDED.

THAT WAS WHY THERE HAD BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT IN DAY CRECHE SERVICE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND AT PRESENT THERE WERE 18 SUBVENTED DAY CRECHES PROVIDING PLACES, AND A NON-PROFIT-MAKING CRECHE LOOKING AFTER 64 BABIES.

♦WE ARE GATHERING STATISTICS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING CF THE FAMILY BACKGROUND OF BABIES UNDER CARE IN ORDER TO ESTIMATE THE DEMAND FOR CRECHE SERVICE.

+THE INFORMATION WILL ALSO HELP IN THE FORMULATION OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN THIS AREA,* SHE SAID.

-----0------

/26........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1936

26

REQUESTS FOR COMPASSIONATE RESETTLEMENT

******

SIX REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHU KOO CHAI FIRE VICTIMS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUBMITTED 26 CASES FOR COMPASSIONATE RESETTLEMENT OR SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR REHOUSING TO THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG PO-HONG.

AT A MEETING HELD AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE THIS PORN ING, THE REPRESENTATIVES ALSO ASKED FOR MORE TIME TO DECORATE THEIR N^W HOMES AND FOR ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION.

MR TSE PROMISED TO IMMEDIATELY PASS ON THEIR REQUESTS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR INVESTIGATION. HE WOULD ALSO ARRANGE A MEETING NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 21) BETWEEN THE BOARD CHAIRMAN AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THE CASES TO BE SCREENED.

HE SAID THAT ANY REQUEST FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE FROM CHU KOO CHAI FIRE VICTIMS COULD BE REFERRED TO HIM OR TO THE CHAIRMAN DIRECTLY.

+wE SHALL CONTINUE TO MEET REGULARLY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIRE VICTIMS TO COLLECT THEIR OPINION AND REQUESTS,+ HE SAID.

+HOWEVER, IN PRINCIPLE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAINTAIN THE PRESENT POLICY ON RESETTLEMENT OF FIRE VICTIMS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

- - 0 - -

SAM KA TSUEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED *****

FIFTY STRUCTURES, INCLUDING ILLEGAL COOKED FOOD STALLS, IN SAM KA TSUEN WERE CLEARED THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING IN AN OPERATION LAUNCHED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

LOCATED ON THE EMBANKMENT OF SHUNG SHUN STREET NEAR THE LEI YUE MUN TYPHOON SHELTER, ABOUT HALF OF THE STRUCTURES WERE USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, MOSTLY AS ILLEGAL COOKED FOOD STALLS.

AMONG RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE, 140 PEOPLE FROM 40 FAMILIES WERE RE-SETTLED TO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS OR SINGLETON UNITS.

TODAY’S OPERATION FOLLOWED THE COMPLETION OF THE CLEARANCE OF A NEARBY ILLEGAL FISH MARKET AND PLATFORMS LATE LAST MONTH.

/THE CLEARED

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- 27 -

TONG

wERE

AIR

THE CLEARANCE -AS PART OF THE ,T|NV ,RONM|NT^t(IHP«°VEMENT

THE SUPPORT OE THE K.UR

district board.

Xt S™CTUR

-------0----------

BOARD TO CONSIDER AIR MONITORING

*****

oJSE.I^^^M^JTTT^/s'^EE^aJSS

MONITORING OF (THURSDAY)

AFTERNOON.

A SENIOR ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION OFFICER, ^R^J^^BMER,^ ILL

l“’

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN H“^TR IC^BOAR^HEETING £NEBIrS? SECOND FLOOR, HE, FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE.

--------0 -----------

/28........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

28

REVIEW OF DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME * * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S WORKS PROGRAMME AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE PROGRAMME IS A REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT AND PROJECTED ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORKS PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME 1985-86 TO 1988-90.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEE FETING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

- 0 - -

MEET THE MEDIA * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, DR E.W. BRAnD, WILL MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- 0 -

/29

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR NEw TAI WAI STATION OPENING

*****

THE NfW KCR PERMANENT STATION, WHICH REPLACES THE TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION IN TAI WAI INDUSTRIAL AREA AND IS DESIGNED TO CATER FOR LARGER PASSENGER VOLUME, WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 5 AM NEXT 'WEDNESDAY (APRIL 23).

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TAI WAI TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE STATION. THESE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH COME UNDER STAGE II OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF THE STATION, WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

THE TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TEMPORARY TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR THE FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, TAXIS AND PRIVATE VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF TSUEN NAM ROAD BETWEEN TAI WAI ROAD AND ME I TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FROM MEI TIN ROAD AND CHIK WAN ROAD, OR TO ENTER MEI TIN ROAD FROM TSUEN NAM ROAD.

KMB BUS SERVICES

nF KMB ROUTE 80K (SUN CHUI TO SIU LEK YUEN) AND

-- rn TAN KCR STATION) WILL BE REVISED. ON

, BUSES ON ROUTE 8OK WILL BE DIVERTED T0 -------), TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI BUS

THE ROUTE INGS

TO

ROUTE 82K (MEI LAM JOURNEYS TO SIU LEK YUEN, CHE KUNG MUI ROAD, MEI TIN ROAD TERMINUS, TAI WAI ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD.

ON SUN CHUI-BOUND JOURNEYS. BUSES WILL BE DIVERTED TO TAI PO ROAD, SHING HO ROAD, CHIK FUK STREET, CHIK LUK LANE, TSUEN NAM ROAD, FEI TIN ROAD AND CHE KUNG MUI ROAD.

ON JOURNEYS TO FO TAN, BUSES ON ROUTE 82K WILL BE DIVERTED TO FEI TIN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS, TAI WAI ROAD, CH IK FAI STREET, MEI TIN ROAD AND CHE KUNG MUI ROAD.

BUSES WILL OPERATE VIA CHE KUNG I BUS TERMINUS, TA I

ON MEI LAM-ROUND JOURNEYS, L---- . MUI ROAD MEI TIN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI SI MAD? CHIK FAI STREET AND MEI TIN ROAD.

GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES

(PAK TIN MUI LEE AND ROUTE 64K (FU TAI WAI KCR STATION)

‘ ' - —— —- a. . • a

THE TERMINI OF NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 63K TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO TAI WAI KCR STATION) SHAN-LOWER SHING MUN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO ... WILL BE RELOCATED FROM SHING WAN ROAD TO THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

/TAXI_SiRVICES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986

- JO -

TAXI SERVICES

A TAXI STAND WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

OTHER VEHICLES

OTHER VEHICLES CAN STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ADJACENT TO THE CAR PARK.

-----o------

WING LOK STREET RESTRICTION

*****

TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, 33 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION A DAILY 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY ID AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 19).

THE

WITH

SECTION

RUMSEY

FOR ABOUT SI

OF WING LOK STREET STREET WILL BE MADE X WEEKS STARTING FROM

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

-----o------

TUEN MUN WATER CUT * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 3 PM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 19) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY TSI NG WAN ROAD AND LUNG MUN ROAD, FROM PUI TO ROAD TO LUNG KWU TAN, INCLUDING TAP SHEK KOK, SIU LANG SHU I, MONG HAU SHEK, SHEK KOK TSUI, PAK KOK, SHAN SHEK WAN AND TSI NG SHAN TSUEN.

SIU SHAN COURT, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, WU KING ESTATE, MELODY GARDEN, SIU HEI COURT, CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME, YEUNG SIU HANG AND SHAN KING ESTATE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONTRIBUTION BY RECREATIONAL CLUBS RECOGNISED ............... 1

EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS .................... 2

DECEMBER NOMINAL ./AGE INDEXES PUBLISHED..................... 2

FOURTH QUARTER RESTAURANT SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ........... 7

PRIZES FOR /INNING SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS ....................... 10

GOVERNOR TO VISIT TU3J MUN .................................. 10

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR BY-ELECTIONS ........................... 11

PO LEUNG KUK PRAISED FOR ITS DEDICATION ..................... 12

CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE STARTS NEXT './EEK..................... 13

RECORD PARTICIPATION IN TREE PLANTING SCHEME................. 14

ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES FACE CLOSURE...................... 15

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE.......................... 15

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS .............................. 16

NEW SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE OPENING.......................... 17

AIR-CONDITIONING FOR GAMES HALL ............................. 17

CENTRAL TRAFFIC, TRAM SERVICE CHANGES ....................... 18

ROAD CLOSURE IN K./UN TONG

18

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

1

CONTRIBUTION BY RECREATIONAL CLUBS RECOGNISED *****

THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY PRIVATE RECREATIONAL CLUBS IN HONG KONG IN PROVIDING LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE WIDELY RECOGNISED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

♦OVER THE YEARS, THEY HAVE PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING FACILITIES AND HAVE HELPED FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF AMATEUR SPORT IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SPORTING COMPLEX OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB.

SIR EDWARD SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS A VERY BUSY PLACE'AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT +WE MAKE AS MUCH PROVISION AS WE CAN FOR LEISURE AND RECREATION.*

♦THE DRAMATIC EXPANSION OF THE GOVERNMENT SPORTS PROGRAMME IN RECENT YEARS WAS UNLIKELY TO REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR SPORTING FACILITIES,* HE ADDED.

PRAISING THE CLUB AS ONE OF THE LEADING PRIVATE RECREATIONAL CLUBS IN HONQN KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID IT HAD A PROUD RECORD IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS IN THE TERRITORY.

♦JUDGING BY THE CONFIDENCE THAT IT HAS SHOWN IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS NEW COMPLEX, I AM SURE THAT THE CLUB WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS FIELD IN THE FUTURE.♦

HE SAID THE OPENING MARKED AN IMPORTANT STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLUB, SINCE THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WERE COMPLETED DURING THE CLUB’S CENTENARY YEAR.

THE S18 MILLION COMPLEX, NAMED THE LOCKHART SPORTS HALL, PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR OFFICES, A COMPUTER ROOM AND ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

FOR MEMBERS THERE IS A SPORTSMAN’S BAR, A SAUNA, CHANGING ROOM, SQUASH COURTS, VIDEO LIBRARY, LIBRAW AND READING ROOM, MEETING AND FUNCTION ROOMS.

THE FIRST FLOOR MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR INDOOR TENNIS, HOCKEY, SOCCER, LAWN BOWLS, BADMINTON, NET-BALL AND FITNESS TRAINING.

TWO ARTIFICIAL TURF TENNIS COURTS HAVE ALSO BEEN LAID WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FLOOD-LIGHTING ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING.

-------- o--------

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

2

EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MR DAVID LI KWOK-PO AND DR KIM CHAM YAU-SUM AS MEMBERS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

THE APPOINTMENTS WILL RUN FROM MAY 1, 1986 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30,

1988

A NOTICE ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON APRIL 25.

FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MR LI AND DR CHAM:

MR DAVID LI KWOK-PO, JP

AGED 47. FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES, MR LI IS THE DIRECTOR AND CHIEF MANAGER OF THE BANK OF EAST ASIA LIMITED AND THE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FINANCIAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY. HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHINESE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED AND CHINESE BANKERS CLUB, HONG KONG.

DR KIM CHAM YAU-SUM, JP

AGED 40. AN ACCOUNTANT WITH A PH.D. (FINANCE) FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF BATH. ENGLAND, DR CHAM IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KWONG FAT HONG (HOLDINGS) LIMITED AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LIMITED.

- - o - -

DECEMBER NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES PUBLISHED * * *

THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR DECEMBER 1985, AT 128.6, INCREASED BY 6.2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1984 AND BY 0.6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1985, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A COMPARISON OF THE DECEMBER 1985 AND DECEMBER 1984 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT, FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL. IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 4.7 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 9.8 PER CENT, FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 8.2 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 6.6 PER CENT.

/a comparison ..

TEUESMY, APRIL 17, 1986

A COMPARISON OF THE DECEMBER 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 1985 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT. FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 1.5 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.1 PER CENT AND FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.5 PER CENT WHILE THAT FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR DECREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT.

THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO DECEMBER 1985 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1. DETAILED BREAKDOWNS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.

THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 101.3 IN DECEMBER 1985, WAS 3.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1984 AND 1.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1985.

REAL WAGE INDEX FOR

FROM DECEMBER 1984 TO DECEMBER 1985. THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.2 PER CENT, FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETA IL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 2 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR S 6.9 PER CENT, FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 5.3 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.8 PER CENT.

COMPARING DECEMBER 1985 WITH SEPTEMBER 1985, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ‘CREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT, FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 2.8 PER CENT, FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.3 PER CENT, FOR THE B&SINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.7 PER CENT AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.2 PER CENT.

THE REAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO DECEMBER 1985 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3.

THESE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDEXES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EACH QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT COVERING BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE teMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL, IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR.

SUCH INDEXES MEASURE CHANGES IN WAGE RATES BY HOLDING THE STRUCTURAL PATTERN OF THE LABOUR FORCE WITH RESPECT TO INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, SEX AND MODE OF PAYMENT THE SAME AS THAT OF MARCH 1982, WHICH IS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDEXES.

/WHILE THE........

THURSDAY, APRL '7, 19co

- 4 -

WHILE THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGE RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL WAGE INDEX, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF WAGES (ALTHOUGH THE SAME DEFLATOR IS USED FOR EACH INDUSTRY TO DERIVE THE REAL WAGE INDEX FROM ITS NOMINAL COUNTERPART, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MOVEMENTS OF THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX AND THE REAL WAGE INDEX BETWEEN ANY TWO TIME PERIODS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY FROM INDUSTRY TO INDUSTRY DUE TO ROUNDING).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAGE INDEXES AND THE INDEXES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE WAGE RATES PROVIDE A MEASURE OF THE UNIT PRICE OF LABOUR, PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS A MEASURE CF PER CAPITA EARNINGS.

WAGE RATES REPRESENT THE AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK, AND ARE DEFINED TO INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AND SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, MEAL BENEFITS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, GOOD ATTENDANCE BONUS AND NIGHT SHIFT ALLOWANCE.

IN ADDITION, YEAR-END BONUS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES THAT ARE PAID LESS FREQUENTLY THAN MONTHLY, ARE CONVERTED TO AN EQUIVALENT MONTHLY RATE WHEN COMPILING THE WAGE RATE INDEXES.

TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS. APART FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED CASH RECEIPTS, IT ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NON-GUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.

HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION CF THE LABOUR FORCE.

AS A RESULT, MOVEMENTS IN WAGE RATES DO NOT NECESSARILY CONFORM WITH THOSE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED.

THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOL. I, DECEMBER 1985 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

VOLUME II OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS OF WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN EARLY MAY.

/FvH ajQb'IRIES.........

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

- 5 -

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NOS. 5-455774 OR 5-416062.

TABLE 1 i NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS INDEXES (MARCH 1982 - 100)

MAR. JUN. SEPT. DEC. 1985 1985 1985 1985

DEC. 1984

MANUFACTURING 120.8 124.6 126.7 127.5 128.1

WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/ 117.1 120.2 120.0 120.8 122.6

EXPORT TRADES AND

RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

TRANSPORT SERVICES 132.6 138.4 142.5 145.4 145.6

BUSINESS SERVICES 121.1 126.1 129.9 130.3 131.0

PERSONAL SERVICES 116.8 120.6 122.4 124.6 124.5

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 121.1 7 124.9 126.7 127.8 128.6

TABLE 2 i NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN THE

MANUFACTURING SECTOR

INDUSTRY INDEXES (MARCH 1982 - 10Q)

DEC. MAR. JUN. SEPT. DEC.

i 1984 1985 1985 1985 1985

GARMENTS 116.5 119.5 120.6 120.6 121.0

GLOVES 131.1 133.9 135.7 138.3 138.9

HANDBAGS 116.3 119.0 121.4 123.0 124.2

COTTON SP1 NN 1NG/WEAV 1 NG 120.5 125.5 128.4 128.8 129.6

/KNITTING .......

THUHSDAY, APHIL 17, 1986

6

KNITTING 124.0 126.7 130.1 129.9 130.8

BLEACHING AND DYEING 121.8 126.3 132.0 133.1 134.0

PRINTING 123.5 126.1 132.0 133.4 133.3

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 122.9 125.6 128.0 127.7 127.9

FETAL PRODUCTS 123.3 125.8 128.3 130.1 130.5

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 128.2 135.0 136.0 137.3 136.5

ELECTRONICS 124.1 127.7 130.0 132.1 132.8

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 124.6 130.3 132.6 134.6 134.7

MANUFACTURING 120.8 124.6 126.7 127.5 128.1

TABLE 3 i REAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

INDEXES (MARCH 1982 - 100)

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ------------------------------------

DEC. 1984 MAR. 1985 JUN. 1985 SEPT. 1985 DEC. 1985

MANUFACTURING 97.7 99.1 100.4 99.1 100.8

WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/ EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 94.6 95.5 95.1 93.9 96.5

TRANSPORT SERVICES 107.2 110.0 112.9 113.1 114.6

BUSINESS SERVICES 97.9 100.3 103.0 101.4 103.1

PERSONAL SERVICES 94.5 95.9 97.0 96.9 98.1

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 97.9 99.3 100.4 99.4 101.3

-------Q----------

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

FOURTH QUARTER RESTAURANT SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED *****

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985, ESTIMATED AT $5 019 MILLION, WAS 5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 2 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL RESTAURANT PURCHASES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 WAS $2 156 MILLION. WHICH WAS 6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984.

ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD SHOPS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE (14 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, FOLLOWED BY OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY ETC.) (11 PER CENT), BARS (10 PER CENT) AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS (6 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS RECORDED A DROP OF 1 PER CENT. IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS WENT UP BY 11 PER CENT, OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES BY 5 PER CENT, CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 3 PER CENT AND BARS BY 3 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT.

COMPARING 1985 WITH 1984, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME, AND THE TOTAL VALUE OF RESTAURANT PURCHASES ROSE BY 2 PER CENT. FAST FOOD SHOPS HAD THE LARGEST INCREASE (15 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS, FOLLOWED BY BARS (11 PER CENT), CHINESE RESTAURANTS (4 PER C^NT), OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (3 PER CENT) AND NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (1 PER CENT).

IN TERMS OF THE VOLUME OF RECEIPTS FAST FOOD SHOPS, BARS AND CHINESE RESTAURANTS SHOWED INCREASES OF 12 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, BOTH NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES RECORDED DECREASES OF 2 PER CENT.

COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME, AND THE VALUE OF RESTAURANT PURCHASES WENT UP BY 3 PER CENT. TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

/however, total.........

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

8 -

HOWEVER, TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME. THOSE OF OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES, AND OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985, AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF THE FOURTH QUARTER 1985 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 AND FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, AND COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR OF 1985 WITH THOSE FOR 1984 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL : 3-7216024).

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

TAHLI 1 i TOTAL DC3TAURAJT RECEIPTS AID TOH CUSP

3rd qtr. 1965 (ayvlaod 4U qtr. 1965 (provisional figures)

Total restaurant receipt a (in RXl Billion) 4 «35 5 019

Total restaurant purchases (in 8X1 Billion) 2 086 2 IM

tailx 2 i valux aid vouaa mam ar total Mmxrurr

(terUrly awerago of 1902 • 100)

Type of rant auras t Index of total restaurant receipts 3rd quarter 1965 4 th quarter 1965 4th qtr. 1905 compared with 3rd qtr. 1905 4th qtr. 1985 compared with 4th qtr. 1904 thole year 19®5 oomparod with rhele year 1904

Ohimdoe rostaurnnta Value (Berlsod figxres) 124 (Prori-sismal figures) 134 Pola ha ♦ 10 ♦ 8 Points ♦ 8 < ♦ 6 Points ♦ 5 < 4 4

Volume ice. 113 ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 4 2 4 1

lom-Chinaoa restaurants Value 137 127 - 10 - 8 - 1 - 1 4 2 4 1

Volume 113 104 - 9 - 8 - 4 - 4 - 3 - 2

Bast food shops Value ie 155 - 10 - 6 ♦ 19 ♦ 14 ♦ 20 ♦ 15

VolUBO 137 120 - 9 - 7 ♦ 13 ♦ 11 ♦ 14 ♦ 12

Bara Value U5 BO ♦ 15 ♦ 13 ♦ 12 ♦ 10 4 12 4 11

Volume 94 104 ♦ 10 ♦ 11 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 5 4 6

Other eating and Value 124 121 - 4 - 3 ♦ 12 ♦ 11 4 3 4 3

drinking places Volume 102 99 - 3 - 3 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 - 2 - 2

Satire rcotmjxaat seo tar Value 129 134 ♦ 5 ♦ 4 ♦ 7 ♦ 5 1 4 6 4 5

Volume 106 112 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 4 2 4 2 4 1

Boto I Figures demoting oha^oo are derived from uaromded figures

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

10 -

PRIZES FOR WINNING SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS

******

NINETEEN WINNING TEAMS OF THE 22ND SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN, AT A CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

AMONG THE WINNERS WERE THE OVERALL CHAMPION OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION, THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL, AND THE RUNNER-UP, S.K.H. BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL.

OTHER RECIPIENTS INCLUDED THOSE WHO WON THE HONOUR AWARD AND HIGHLY COMMENDED, COMMENDED AND CHOREOGRAPHY TITLES.

A TOTAL OF 377 TEAMS FROM 252 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE FESTIVAL HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.

THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL.

A SERIES OF PRIZE PRESENTATIONS AND WINNERS’ PERFORMANCES ARE BEING HELD BETWEEN APRIL 15 AND MAY 3 AT THE CITY HALL, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL.

PERFORMANCES INCLUDED A SELECTION OF CHINESE, ORIENTAL, WESTERN AND CREATIVE DANCES.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT), MR JOHN WINFIELD.

-----o------

GOVERNOR TO VISIT TUEN MUN

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL VISIT TUEN MUN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

SIR EDWARD WILL FIRST TOUR THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN BY HELICOPTER AND THEN VISIT SIU HONG COURT, KEI LUN WAI VILLAGE AND THE TOWN PARK.

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, M? STEPHEN SELBY, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRITORIES/ NORTH WEST), MR KWEI SEE-KAN.

/SIH sdwahd .......

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

- 11 -

SIR EDWARD WILL ALSO MEET TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THE END OF THE TOUR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S TOUR OF TUEN MUN. I^DIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE ^1.30 PM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, FOR A PRESS

COACH TO TUEN MUN.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

-----o------

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR BY-ELECTIONS X * * * M

THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR TWO DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTIONS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND MONG KOK WILL START TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND CLOSE ON MAY 2.

THE VACANCIES ARE IN THE CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT AND IN THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY OF MONG KOK DISTRICT. THEY HAVE ARISEN AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.

BY-ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON MAY 22 IF THERE ARE TWO OR MORE NOMINATIONS FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY.

AS REGISTERED VOTER WHO HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS, IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE NOMINATION DATE, IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE BY-ELECTIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THAT THE CANDIDATE HAD TO BE NOMINATED BY TEN ELECTORS, INCLUDING ONE PROPOSER AND ONE SECONDER, IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE SOUGHT ELECTION.

+HOWEVER, HE NEED NOT LIVE IN THE CONSTITUENCY OR DISTRICT IN WHICH HE IS STANDING FOR ELECTION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+BEFORE SUBMITTING THE NOMINATION PAPER IN PERSON TO THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICER, A CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO PLACE A DEPOSIT OF $1 000 WITH THE TREASURY, WHICH WILL BE RETURNED TO HIM IF HE POLLS NOT LESS THAN ONE EIGHTH OF THE VOTES CAST,+ HE ADDED.

/NOMOiATICN FOHMS .......

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE TWO DISTRICT OFFICERS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND MONG KOK WILL BE THE RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS AND NOMINATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THEM DURING OFFICE HOURS ON WEEKDAYS.

- - 0 - -

PO LEUNG KUK PRAISED FOR ITS DEDICATION *****

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRAISED THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR ITS DEDICATION IN PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

MR LIAO MADE THE REMARKS DURING A COURTESY CALL BY THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE PO LEUNG KUK, LED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, PRS LISA CHEE.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE TO THE KUK’S MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT WONG CHUK HANG WHICH ALSO FORMED PART OF A GOVERNMENT PROJECT IN THE AREA.

+TO MAXIMISE THE UTILISATION OF THE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO CO-ORDINATE THE PROGRESS OF THESE TWO PROJECTS,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO SAID HE ALSO WELCOMED THE KUK’S PLAN TO PROVIDE A RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN JUNK BAY, COMPRISING A KINDERGARTEN, A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.

+SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT, IF COMPLETED, WILL HELP SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A NEW TOWN AT JUNK BAY,* HE ADDED.

MR LIAO SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN OF THE SUCCESS OF THE KUK’S PAEDIATRIC CLINIC AT FUK LOI ESTATE IN TSUEN WAN AND ITS INTENTION TO ESTABLISH MORE CLINICS IN OTHER HOUSING ESTATES.

+ l AM SURE SUCH MEDICAL SERVICE WILL BE WARMLY WELCOMED BY RESIDENTS IN OTHER ESTATES,* HE SAID.

MR LIAO COMMENDED THE KUK FOR ITS PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS IN BRINGING THE KUK CLOSER TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO FOSTER A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG RESIDENTS.

MRS CHEE SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO EXPAND VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE KUK IN THE COMING YEARS, INCLUDING WELFARE, EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 198$

13

CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE STARTS NEXT WEEK X X X X K

CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD BE WIDELY PROMOTED TO COPE WITH RAPID CHANGES IN HONG KONG AND TO HELP BUILD A BETTER SOCIETY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WU SHING-SHUEN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

> SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE DISTRICT’S YEAR-LONG CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, MR WU SAID EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO COMPLEMENT THOSE MADE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO INTRODUCE CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

+KOWLOON CITY’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT WEEK WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS,+ MR WU SAID.

THE THEME OF THE CAMPAIGN IS +CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC, COURTESY AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS, AND NEIGHBOURLINESS AND PEACE.+

+ A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON APRIL 25 WILL LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN, AND OVER THE NEXT 11 MONTHS, A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO REACH AS MANY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT AS POSSIBLE,* HE ADDED.

+THESE WILL INCLUDE A LOVE YOUR FAMILY PROJECT, CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION, COURTESY CAMPAIGN, CIVIC AWARENESS SCHEME, MODEL STUDENT AWARD AND OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD,* HE SAID.

+IN ADDITION, SOME 80 COLOURFUL COUPLETS WITH THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE HAVE BEEN PUT UP ON LAMP-POSTS IN VARIOUS MAIN ROADS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT,* MR WU SAID.

THE KOWLOON CITY CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFF ICE,,LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE ASSISTANT TONG, PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE

PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR HUI IN-YING

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA CHAIRMAN, MR WONG WING-PIU, MR LAU CH I-SUM, AND FINANCE

--------o -

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

- 14 -

RECORD PARTICIPATION IN TREE PLANTING SCHEME *****

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME HAS RECEIVED OVERWHELMING PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION SINCE ITS LAUNCHING LATE LAST MONTH HAS SET A RECORD.

THE SCHEME, HELD FOR THE 3OTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 9 600 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 4 000 FROM 82 ORGANISED GROUPS, TO PLANT ABOUT 10 300 TREES IN DESIGNATED COUNTRY PARK PLANTATION AREAS.

THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 43 PER CENT OVER LAST'YEAR’S RECORD OF 6 700 AND A FIVE FOLD JUMP ON THE 1982 FIGURE OF 1 700.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE VERY GOOD RESPONSE DEMONSTRATED A GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT.

+IT IS GRATIFYING THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT THEY HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN CONSERVING THE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES THAT ARE FOR ALL TO ENJOY,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID HE EXPECTED MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE PROJECT IN THE REMAINING SUNDAYS IN APRIL WHEN TREE SEEDLINGS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE AT DESIGNATED SITES FOR INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

THE SIX PLANTING SITES ARE NEAR THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK; CHUEN LUNG IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK; PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK; MUI WO NEAR THE FERRY PIER; POKFULAM COUNTRY PARK NEAR CHI FU FA YUEN; AND A PICNIC SITE NEAR MOUNT BUTLER INSIDE QUARRY BAY COUNTRY PARK.

HE SAID THAT APART FROM INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR ANOTHER 3 500 PEOPLE FROM 70 ORGANISED GROUPS TO PLANT TREES DURING THE PERIOD.

AMONG THOSE TAKING PART ARE STUDENTS OF 35 PRIMARY AND SECONDAY SCHOOLS AND MEMBERS OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA SIGNAL REGIMENT, JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AS WELL AS VOLUNTARY AND HIKERS’ GROUPS.

- 0 -

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, l->3

- 15

ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES FACE CLOSURE K * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 430-440 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED.

THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN MARCH AND OCTOBER, 1985, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MAY 29, WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).

DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.

---------o - - - -

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE

* * *

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE ANNUAL SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON JUNE 11.

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, COMMERCIAL' FIRMS AND BANKS! NON-PROFIT-MAKING COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OR OUTSIDE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO ENTER THE RACE.

SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACING ASSOCIATION UNDER THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.

WINNING TEAMS FROM THE MEN’S DIVISION WILL REPRESENT SAI KUNG DISTRICT IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.

THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES IN THE MEN’S DIVISION IS LIMITED TO 24 AND THE WOMEN’S TO SIX. THE RACE WILL BE HELD OVER A 1 300-bETRE COURSE FROM YEUNG CHAU ISLAND TO THE WATERFRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN.

ENTRANCE FEES FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND WOMEN’S TEAMS IS $2001 FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SCHOOLS IT IS $5001 AND FOR ESTABLISHED

COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND BANKS $3 000.

/COMPETING TEAMS .......

I

THUHSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

- 16 -

COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH BOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, AND WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIMES.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MAY 5 AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN PO TUNb ROAD SAI KUNG TOWN. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-2811762.

-----o-----

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 19) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 35 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.

THEY ARE

DG 1888 DG 8832 DH 309 DH 2100 DH 535

BK 5 AL 699 DH 168 DH 668 DJ 633

DG 2228 DG 123 DH 911 DH 383 DJ 386

DH 996 AL 238 DH 8118 BC 1283 DJ 609

DH 226 BB 3882 DH 735 DH 1698 DH 18

CC 7 DH 1123 DH 138 1327 DJ 821

DH 412 DG 3399 DH 3113 DH 688 CG 486

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 104TH ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

------0----------

/17........

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1986

17

NEW SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE OPENING X * * *

A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S NEW SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE.

SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF NO 347-349, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD THE NEW OFFICE HAD BEEN RECEIVING A GROWING NUMBER OF LOCAL RESIDENTS DAILY SINCE IT STARTED OPERATION ON APRIL 4.

+THE NEW OFFICE IS NORE EASILY ACCESSIBLE AND BIGGER THAN THE PREVIOUS SUB-OFF ICE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.

THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE’S TELEPHONE NUMBER AT THE SUB-OFFICE IS 5-689905 WHILE STAFF OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE CAN BE CONTACTED ON 5-690121.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE WILL BE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, MR CHEUNG KAM-TIM, AND A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S NEW SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE AT 347-349, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AT 3 PM TOMORROW.

--------o - -

AIR-CONDITIONING FOR GAMES HALL *****

AN AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM IS TO BE INSTALLED IN THE LAI CHI KOK INDOOR GAMES HALL, COVERING THE THREE SQUASH COURTS, THE GAMES, LECTURE AND PROJECTION ROOMS.

THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS JUST SIGNED A S219 003 CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT.

A MAJOR PART OF THE INDOOR GAMES HALL, EXCEPT FOR THE BADMINTON COURTS, WILL BE CLOSED FROM MAY TO AUGUST FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DECORATION.

- 0

/18........

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1086

- 18 -

CENTRAL TRAFFIC, TRAM SERVICE CHANGES * * * * *

STARTING THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 20), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL BETWEEN 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO JACKSON ROAD DURING THE OPERATION OF THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT:

* THE SECTION OF CHATER ROAD BETWEEN JACKSON ROAD AND CLUB STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.

* VEHICLES ON CLUB STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO CHATER ROAD.

THE MEASURES WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH.

MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE THE REALIGNMENT OF TRAM TRACK ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, THE FIRST EASTBOUND TRAMS DEPARTING FROM WHITTY STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE DELAYED TO AROUND 6.15 AM ON SUNDAY.

- - - - 0-------------

ROAD CLOSURE IN KWUN TONG

*****

A SECTION OF THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING HOW MING STREET ANi) nil BUN ROAD IN KWUN TONG, FROM A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOW MING STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 142 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY ROAD REPAIR WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS, THE OTHER SECTIONS OF THE UNNAMED ROAD ARE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-wAY TRAFFIC.

--------o---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GIVE OPINIONS ON TRIAD REPORT — GOVERNOR ................. 1

HK-NETHERLANDS AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT INITIALLED .......... 2

SIR EDWARD SEES THEN MUN PROGRESS ........................ 3

SYSTEM NEEDED TO RECTIFY INCORRECT LAND BOUNDARIES ....... 5

LAND SURVEY ORDINANCE UNDER STUDY ........................ 7

COMPANY REGISTRATIONS RISE 12 PER Cil.'T ................. 8

QUEEN HONOURS MaRINE MECHANIC ............................ 9

CONTROL ON MINERAL WATER TO BE IMPOSED ................... 10

AIRPORT PARKING CHARGES REVISED .......................... 11

NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL APPOINTED ................ 11

THREE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED ............................... 13

REGISTRATION REVOKED ..................................... 13

KUK PRAISED FOR EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES ........... 13

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY STAMP SET OUT MONDAY ....................... 11*

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL FOR TSUEN WAN .................... 15

VARIETY SHOW WITH THE DISABLED ON SUNDAY ................. 15

YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO PLaY AT ARTS FAIR ..................... 16

BONSAI EXHIBITION FOR YUEN LONG........................... 17

FIRE PREVENTION DAY IN TUEN MUN .......................... 18

EVINING COURSES OFFERED AT TECH ICAL INSTITUTES .......... 18

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MUSIC FUND GRANTS ............... 19

HAPPY VALLEY FLYOVER CLOSURE ............................. 20

TUEN MUN FLUSHING WATER CUT

20

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

1

GIVE OPINIONS ON *

TRIAD REPORT — GOVERNOR * * * *

THE GOVERNOR. SIR EDWARD COMMUNITY TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON

YOUDE, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE THE TRIAD REPORT.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING TUEN MUN DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON, HE NOTED THAT THERE REALLY WAS VERY GREAT CONCERN ABOUT TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN VARIOUS PLACES — PLACES LIKE TUEN MUN.

♦WHAT WE’VE TRIED TO DO IS TO SET OUT ALL THE THINGS THAT COULD BE DONE IN ORDER TO MAKE THE ATTACK ON THE TRIAD PROBLEM MORE EFFECTIVE,* SIR EDWARD SAID.

♦BUT WE DO RECOGNISE THAT SOME OF THESE MEASURES DO HAVE A COST. AND WHAT WE ARE DOING IS WRITING DOWN IN ONE REPORT THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TAKING EACH TYPE OF ACTION.

+IT WILL BE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SAY WHETHER THEY WANT US TO PUT FORWARD THAT ACTION FOR LEGISLATION OR WHETHER THEY THINK THAT THE COST FOR ANY PARTICULAR ITEM IS TOO GREAT.

+1 DO HOPE THAT ALL THE DISTRICTS WHO WILL HAVE IT WILL CONSIDER IT VERY CAREFULLY, CONSIDER THE WHOLE RANGE OF THE OPTIONS IN IT, DECIDE WHICH ONES THEY WISH US TO SUPPORT, WHICH ONES THEY WISH US TO TAKE ACTION ON QUICKLY, WHICH ONES THEY WANT MORE CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO, AND WE’LL GET ON WITH IT AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN.

+1 THINK MOST PEOPLE WILL FIND IT A COMPREHENSIVE AND FAIRLY INTERESTING REPORT. SO PLEASE, COMMUNITY, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU WANT US TO DO, AND IF YOU DON’T WANT US TO DO WHAT IS IN THE REPORT, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE US TO DO.

+1 THINK IT IS A CASE NOT SO MUCH FOR NEGATIVE CRITICISM, ALTHOUGH THAT IS PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE, BUT FOR POSSIBLE SUGGESTIONS FROM ANYBODY WHO HAS IDEAS THAT ARE NOT IN THE REPORT.*

ASKED WHETHER THE OPTIONS IN THE REPORT WOULD AFFECT CIVIL RIGHTS, SIR EDWARD SAID SOME OF THEM WERE PROCEDURAL AND WOULD NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON CIVIL RIGHTS.

+SOME OF THEM WOULD HAVE SOME EFFECTS ON THE RIGHTS OF SOME PEOPLE. BUT WHEN YOU ARE FACING A PROBLEM OF ORGANISED CRIME AS HAS BEEN FOUND IN MANY COUNTRIES, YOU HAVE TO MAKE A DEC SION AS TO WHETHER THE COST OF IMPLEMENTING SOMETHING IN CIVIL RIGHTS IS JUSTIFIED BY THE PROBLEM YOU ARE FACING,* HE SAID.

/♦SO WHAT........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

2

+SO WHAT'wE ARE ASKING THE COMMUNITY TO SAY IS ’DO YOU THINK THAT THE COST OF SOME OF THESE IS TOO GREAT OR DO YOU THINK THE PROBLEM IS SO SERIOUS THAT THAT COST WOULD BE JUSTIFIED’.

+AND THAT’S WHY WE’LL TAKE GREAT NOTE AND PAY GREAT ATTENTION TO THE OPINIONS WHICH WE WILL GET FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.+

ASKED WHETHER IT WAS REASONABLE TO EXTEND LEGALISED GAMBLING, HE SAIDt +THAT IS THE QUESTION WE ARE GOING TO ASK YOU.

♦IN FACT, I MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE TRIAD REPORT AND SEE WHETHER YOU HAVE IDEAS.+

ASKED ABOUT THE LATEST POSITION ON HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE GATT, SIR EDWARD SAID, +THINGS ARE GOING QUITE WELL.*

+l HOPE IT WON’T BE VERY LONG NOW BEFORE WE’LL HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA NEWS FOR YOU,+ HE ADDED.

ON THE NATIONALITY ISSUE, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS NO NEWS ON THAT. IT WAS STILL BEING CONSIDERED IN LONDON AND +THE MATTER IS VERY MUCH IN THE HANDS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.+

ASKED ABOUT THE BASIC LAW, HE TOLD REPORTERS THAT HE READ WHAT THE PRESS WROTE ABOUT IT EVERY DAY AND +l AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT NEWS WE WILL GET WHEN THEY ALL COME BACK NEXT WEEK.*

-----0------

HK-NETHERLANDS AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT INITIALLED X X X X *

(THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS BEING MADE SIMULTANEOUSLY IN LONDON, THE HAGUE AND HONG KONG).

DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD THIS WEEK IN THE HAGUE BETWEEN DELEGATIONS REPRESENTING THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS.

AS A RESULT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS, A SEPARATE HONG KONG-NETHERLANDS AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT WAS INITIALLED. THE AGREEMENT, WHICH IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, DEALS SPECIFICALLY WITH SCHEDULED AIR SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE NETHERLANDS.

/WHEN THE .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

WHEN THE AGREEMENT COMES INTO FORCE IT WILL PROVIDE FOR TWO SERVICES PER WEEK EACH BY KLM AND A HONG KONG AIRLINE ON THE ROUTE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AMSTERDAM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HONG KONG-NETHERLANDS AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PREVIOUSLY HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS HAD DEALT WITH UNDER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE UNITED HGDOM AND OTHER COUNTRIES THIS WILL BE THE FIRST BILATERAL AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT MADE BY HONG KONG ITSELF ACTtNGUNDERAUTHORISATION FROM THE U.K. THIS PROCEDURE HAS BEEN ADOPTED AND *OULD BE PURSUED IN THE COMING YEARS SO THAT HONG KONG S SITUATION IN THIS REGARD PRIOR TO 1997 WILL PARALLEL THAT ENVISAGED FOR THE SAR THEREAFTER, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION IX OF ANNEX 1 TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.

-----0------

SIR EDWARD SEES TUEN MUN PROGRESS * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WAS TODAY (FRIDAY) TOLD THAT CURRENT MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WOULD TRANSFORM TUEN MUN INTO AN IMPRESSIVE SELF-CONTAINED NEW TOWN GEARED TOWARDS A MODERN

COMMUNITY IN THE 1990’S.

DURING A TOUR OF THE DISTRICT, SIR EDWARD WAS INFORMED THAT CONTINUOUS EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.

THE GOVERNOR FIRST TOURED TUEN MUN BY HELICOPTER ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYca, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, AND PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRITORIES NORTH-WEST), MR KWEI SEE-KAN.

/FROM THE........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

FROM T-E AIR, SIR EDWARD SAV. SITES OF TWO MAJOR PROJECTS AT TSANG TSUI IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN — AN ENCLOSED LAGOON aHICH WOULD BE USED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF PULVERISED FUEL ASH FRO* T— CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION AND THE B.B.C. RELAY STATION WHICH INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE TOWERS FOR RADIO BROADCASTING TO ASIAN COUNTRIES.

AFTER THE HELICOPTER TOUR, SIR EDWARD PROCEEDED TO SIU HONG COURT WHOSE OUTSTANDING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING HAVE WON TWO MAJOR AWARDS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT/NEW TERRITORIES (WEST), MR HUI CHEE-CHUNG, AND HOUSING MANAGER OF SIU HONG COURT, MR CHOW CHEE-KONG, SIR EDWARD VISITED. THE REST GARDEN AND THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.

SIU HONG COURT WAS DESIGNED AS A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY WITH A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SHOPPING, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. IT HAS 20 HIGH-RISE BLOCKS PROVIDING HOMES FOR ABOUT 18 000 PEOPLE.

FROM THE ROOF OF SIU YIN COURT, THE GOVERNOR HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF VARIOUS KEY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY.

HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON LEUNG KING AND TIN KING ESTATES IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN, WHICH WOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.

SIR EDWARD WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON VARIOUS OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE TUEN MUN REGIONAL HOSPITAL, WITH 1 228 BEDS FOR GENERAL PATIENTS AND 340 BEDS FOR PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTALLY RETARDED PATIENTS, WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR. THE FIRST INDOOR GAMES HALL IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE 100-YEAR-0LD VILLAGE OF KEI LUN WAI AND WAS BRIEFED ON ITS HISTORY AND PRESENT SITUATION BY VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR CHAN WING-HING.

AT THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, SIR EDWARD WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER (TUEN MUN), MR JIMMY CHOW. THE PARK IS THE FIRST CF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG TO HAVE AN ORNAMENTAL LAKE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR ROWING.

PHASE TWO OF THE PARK, CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDES ANOTHER UNIQUE FEATURE, A 160-METRE WIDE WATER CASCADE WHICH WILL BE THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.

AT THE END OF THE TOUR, THE GOVERNOR MET TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

0 --------

/5........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

5

SYSTEM NEEDED TO RECTIFY INCORRECT LAND BOUNDARIES

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR JOHN TODD, HAS CALLED FOR THE SETTING UP OF A SYSTEM TO DEAL WITH INCORRECT OR DISPUTED LAND BOUNDARIES.

+1 FEEL THAT SOME SUCH SYSTEM IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE US TO PUT • OUR LAND ADMINISTRATION ON A FIRM BASIS, TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM WHICH WOULD ASSIST IN THE TRANSITION OF GOVERNMENT IN 1997 AND WHICH WOULD PROVIDE THE CERTAINTY OF TITLE ON WHICH OUR LAND SYSTEM DEPENDS,+ HE SAID.

PRESENTING A PAPER, +LAND ADMINISTRATION AND THE BOUNDARY PROBLEMS+, AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF LAND SURVEYORS AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, TODAY (FRIDAY). HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS WELL AWARE THAT CERTAINTY OF TITLE WAS A BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM OF LAND ADMINISTRATION.

MR TODD, WHO UNTIL HIS RECENT APPOINTMENT WAS DIRECTOR OF LANDS, POINTED OUT THAT IN ANNEX I I I OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG GREAT EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON RIGHTS CONCERNING THE OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY, CONDITIONS ON WHICH NEW LEASES COULD BE GRANTED AND HOW EXISTING LEASES COULD BE EXTENDED.

+ IN VIEW OF ALL THIS EMPHASIS ON CERTAINTY IT IS THEREFORE VERY SURPRISING TO REALISE THAT DESPITE THE CARE TAKEN TO FRAME LEASE CONDITIONS AND TO RECORD LAND TRANSACTIONS THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR AN ACCURATELY SURVEYED PLAN TO FORM PART OF THOSE CONDITIONS.

+YOU CAN THEREFORE BE SATISFIED AS TO OWNERSHIP AND THE DETAILED USE TO WHICH THE LAND MAY BE PUT, BUT HAVE NO GUARANTEE AS TO THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE SITE,-*- HE ADDED.

MR TODD SAID THE POSITION WAS NOT SO CHAOTIC AS THIS DESCRIPTION MAY TAKE IT SOUND AS VERY MANY LAND REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WERE SUPPORTED BY ACCURATE SURVEY PLANS.

THIS WAS PARTICULARLY TRUE OF NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS, BUT IN OLDER AND RURAL AREAS THE POSITION WAS MUCH LESS SATISFACTORY.

WHILE INACCURACIES OR DISPUTES ABOUT BOUNDARIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SO IMPORTANT WHEN RURAL LAND VALUES WERE LOW, WITH THE SPREAD OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASED INTEREST IN RURAL LAND +WE ARE NOW FACED WITH AN INCREASING PROBLEM,* MR TODD SAID.

+NOT ONLY ARE WE FACED WITH THE PROBLEM, BUT WE HAVE NO EFFICIENT WAY OF DEALING WITH IT.

/+WHBI GOVERNMENT........

.'.UDAY, a?3IL 18, 1986

+ WHEN GOVERNMENT FINDS THAT BOUNDARIES ARE INCORRECT WE NEED TO HAVE A SYSTEM WHICH WILL ALLOW THOSE BOUNDARIES TO BE RECTIFIED IN A MANNER *HICA CAUSES THE MINIMUN OF INCONVENIENCE AND EXPENSE TO THE LAND HOLDER AND TO GOVERNMENT.+

MR TODD SAID A QUICK AND REASONABLY PRICED METHOD OF SOLVING LAND DISPUTES HAD NOT EXISTED SINCE THE DAYS WHEN DISTRICT OFFICERS ADJUDICATED IN THESE MATTERS AS MAGISTRATES.

TAKING SUCH CASES TO THE DISTRICT COURT WAS TIME-CONSUMING AND EXPENSIVE.

HE SAID THAT WHAT WAS NEEDED TODAY WAS TO ENSURE THAT:

* IN FUTURE ALL LAND GRANTS WERE ACCOMPANIED BY AN AUTHENTICATED SURVEY PLAN;

M WHERE A LOT WAS NOT PROPERLY SURVEYED THIS MAY BE DONE AT THE INSTIGATION OF EITHER GOVERNMENT OR THE OWNER AND THAT WHERE NECESSARY THE BOUNDARIES MAY BE RECTIFIED ;

* WHERE THERE WAS A DISPUTE THERE SHOULD BE AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE IT BY AGREEMENT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND IF THIS FAILED BY REFERENCE TO AN INDEPENDENT TRIBUNAL AND

* THE TRIBUNAL SHOULD NOT REQUIRE THE PARTIES TO BE LEGALLY REPRESENTED BUT SHOULD OPERATE MORE IN THE MANNER OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL THAN AS THE DISTRICT COURT.

+l AM, THEREFORE, VERY PLEASED THAT YOU ARE DISCUSSING THIS PROBLEM IN DETAIL TODAY AND HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE STRONG SUPPORT FOR A NEW LOOK AT AND NEW ACTION ON THIS PROBLEM.

+WITH SUCH SUPPORT I HOPE WE CAN EXTEND AND GIVE PROPER LEGAL BACKING TO THE WORK NOW BEING DONE ON AN INFORMAL BASIS BY THE SURVEY OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT,* HE CONCLUDED.

-------0 ----------

/7........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

7

LAND SURVEY ORDINANCE UNDER STUDY * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING INTRODUCING A LAND SURVEY ORDINANCE WHICh WOULD ALLOW PRIVATE SECTOR LAND SURVEYORS TO UNDERTAKE WORK NECESSARY TO RECTIFY LAND BOUNDARIES OR SETTLE LAND DISPUTES.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, W NICKY CHAN, WHEN HE OPENED A ONE-DAY SEMINAR, +FOCUS ON HONG KONG PROPERTY BOUNDARIES*, AT THE CHINA FLEET CLUB TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF LAND SURVEYORS AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS.

MR CHAN SAID THAT DEFICIENCIES IN THE SYSTEM OF LOT BOUNDARY DEFINITION HAD BEEN LEFT TO HONG KONG BY HISTORY AND WERE WELL KNOWN.

THE FUNDAMENTAL DEFECT IS THAT, WHILE LAND GRANTS AND TRANSACTIONS ARE EXECUTED ON PAPER ACCORDING TO THE RECORD, THIS MAY NOT BE IN ACCORD WITH THE ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE GROUND.

+IT IS FUNDAMENTAL THAT DEEDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS. AS EVIDENCE OF TITLE, ARE OF LITTLE USE IF NO ONE CAN TELL FROM THE DOCUMENT WHAT LAND IS BEING DEALT WITH OR WHERE ITS BOUNDARIES ARE LOCATED.

+GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF YOUR CONCERN IN THESE MATTERS AND IS, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS, CONSIDERING THE NEED FOR LEGISLATION WHICH WILL ENABLE LOT BOUNDARIES TO BE RECTIFIED OR AUTHENTICATED AND LAND TITLE DISPUTES SETTLED BY SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES.*

MR CHAN WENT ON« + IN PARALLEL, WE ARE EXAMINING A PROPOSAL FOR A LAND SURVEY ORDINANCE WHICH WOULD ALLOW QUALIFIED LAND SURVEYORS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO UNDERTAKE SOME OF THE WORK WHICH WOULD BECOME NECESSARY AS A RESULT.*

HE SAID THE CHANGES SHOULD AIM AT PROVIDING A BETTER SECURITY CF TITLE, ENHANCING SURVEY AND ADMINISTRATION EFFICIENCY, RESOLVING OUTSTANDING BOUNDARY PROBLEMS, MAXIMISING LAND USE AND LAYING A BETTER FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE IMPROVEMENT IN THE LAND REGISTRATION SYSTEM.

-----o------

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

- c -

COMPANY REGISTRATIONS RISE 12 PER CENT

*******

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN 1985-86 INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT TO 150 551, COMPARED WITH 134 318 THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON.

THE NUMBER OF NE* COMPANIES REGISTERED INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT OVER 1984-85, TOTALLING 17 990 COMPARED WITH 14 080.

MR GLEESON ALSO REPORTED MAJOR INCREASES OF ACTIVITY IN MOST AREAS IN THE COMMERCIAL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING THE YEAR.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAD ESTABLISHED A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF THE YEAR ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT TO 2 122, AS COMPARED WITH 2 017 THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES ESTABLISHING A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR WAS 257, AN INCREASE OF 27 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

MR GLEESON SAID NO SEPARATE STATISTICS WERE MAINTAINED ON HOW MANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES INCORPORATED LOCAL SUBSIDIARIES OR TOOK UP A MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN A HONG KONG COMPANY.

IN 1985-86, EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $14 714 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OVER THE RISE OF $12 273 MILLION IN 1984-85, WHILE THE NOMINAL CAPITAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING THE YEAR DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT, FROM $3 571 MILLION TO $3 365 MILLION.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS CF COMPANIES INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT FROM $29 724 MILLION TO $36 875 MILLION, WHILE THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION, DECREASED BY 37 PER CENT, FROM $13 388 MILLION TO $8 449 MILLION.

DURING 1985-86, A TOTAL OF 117 PROSPECTUSES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 66 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, WERE APPROVED AS AGAINST 85 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 51 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED DURING 1985-86 INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT, FROM 380 780 TO 461 046.

THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES CONCERNING RESERVATION OF COMPANY NAMES DURING 1985-86 WAS 142 183, A 19 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 119 578 IN 1984-85.

/THE TOTAL ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

9

THE TOTAL tUMBER OF SUMMONSES ISSUED BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MA INLY FOR FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS rflTH ACCOUNTS, IN 1985-86 WAS 497, COMPARED WITH 548 IN 1984-85. CF THESE, 180 WERE WITHDRAWN FOR REASONS SUCH AS NON-SERVICE, 297 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS, COMPARED WITH 235 IN 1984-85, AND 181 REMAINED TO BE HEARD BY THE COURT.

FINES IMPOSED FOR CONVICTIONS IN 1985-86 AMOUNTED TO $493 664, COMPARED WITH $214 860 IN 1984-85.

THE TRADE MARKS REGISTRY RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 3 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED — 6 799 AS AGAINST 6 569 THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

AT 2 820, THE NUMBER OF NEW TRADE MARKS REGISTERED WAS SLIGHTLY MORE THAN IN 1984-85, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRADE MARKS NOW REGISTERED TO 44 976.

IN THE PATENTS REGISTRY, THE NUMBER OF UNITED KINGDOM PATENTS RE-REGISTERED LOCALLY DURING THE YEAR TOTALLED 1 000, AS AGAINST 980 IN 1984-85.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF +LIVE+ PATENTS RE-REGISTERED WAS NOW APPROXIMATELY 12 000. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A PRECISE F GURE AS THIS DEPENDED ON THE LIVES OF THE PATENTS AS ORIGINALLY REGISTERED IN THE UK PATENTS OFFICE IN LONDON.

IN ADDITION, 40 (50) APPLICATIONS FOR ENDORSEMENT OF NEW OR ADDITIONAL BUSINESS PREMISES ON A LICENCE WERE APPROVED.

AT THE END OF 1985-86, THERE WERE 425 (442) LICENSED MONEY LENDERS.

THE TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED THROUGH THE REGISTRY AMOUNTED TO $1 805 532, COMPARED WITH $1 293 256 IN 1984-85.

QUEEN HONOURS MARINE MECHANIC

*****

A SENIOR LAUNCH MECHANIC OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR FUNG CHI—CHEUNG, HAS BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 38 YEARS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

ADVISING OF THE AWARD TODAY (FRIDAY) THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, M? CHAN YUE-YAN, COMMENDED MR FUNG FOR HIS +LOYAL AND INDUSTRIOUS SERVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT*.

/►THROUGHOUT .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

10

♦THROUGHOUT HIS YEARS OF SERVICE, MR FUNG HAS PERFORMED HIS DUTIES WITH COMPLETE DEVOTION AND HIS EFFICIENT SERVICE HAS BEEN MUCH VALUED BY THE DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.

MR FUNG JOINED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AS A STOKER IN 1947, TRANSFERRED TO ENGINEER CLASS IN 1952 AND BECAME A SENIOR LAUNCH MECHANIC IN 197*.

------0-------

CONTROL ON MINERAL WATER TO BE IMPOSED

******

CONTROL ON THE MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS +MINERAL WATER+ WILL BE IMPOSED BY GOVERNMENT FROM JANUARY 1, 1937 IF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) IS PASSED INTO LAW.

A MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT DEFINITIONS OF +FOOD+ AND +DRINK+ IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE DID NOT INCLUDE BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS +MINERAL WATER+ OTHER THAN NATURAL SPRING WATER.

♦AS A RESULT, SUCH BOTTLED WATER IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION,♦ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE QUALITY OF ALL IMPORTED AND LOCALLY PRODUCED +MI NERAL WATER* ON SALE IN HONG KONG HAD NOT BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSAFE OR UNHYGIENIC, IT WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY ON PUBLIC HEALTH GROUND TO PROVIDE STATUTORY CONTROL ON THE MANUFACTURE OF SUCH PRODUCTS AS WELL AS TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO THEM OTHER RELEVANT CONTROLS AVAILABLE UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.

THE BILL THEREFORE AMENDS THE DEFINITIONS OF +FOOD* AND +DRINK+ TO BRING INTO THE AMBIT OF THE ORDINANCE BOTTLED WATER FOR SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

HE ADDED THAT ALL LOCAL PRODUCERS OF +MI NERAL WATER* HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND HAD NOT EXPRESSED ANY UNFAVOURABLE COMMENTS. MAJOR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE HAD ALSO INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSAL.

THE BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 30. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE TRADE TO COMPLY WITH LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF SUCH WATER, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL JANUARY 1, 1987.

-----0------

/11 .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

11

A NEW SCALE CAR PARKS AT THE

AIRPORT PARKING CHARGES REVISED X * * *

OF PARKING CHARGES WILL 3E LEVIED AT THE PUBLIC HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM MAY 1.

THE REVISED CHARGES WILL BE $5 PER HOUR FOR THE FIRST TWO HOURS AND $10 PER HOUR FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT HOUR.

THE EXISTING RATES ARE $4 AND $8 RESPECTIVELY. REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE APRIL 1983.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT SAID THE ADJUSTED MAINLY TO OFFSET RISING C0STS AND

CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF HOURLY OCCUPANCY.

FROM THE SAME DAY, THE MONTHLY FEES FOR THE USE PARKS WILL ALSO BE INCREASED.

THESE HAVE

FEES HAVE BEEN TO REFLECT THE

OF SPECIAL CAR

----------o ------------

NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL APPOINTED * * * * *

„p CHAN KAM-CHUEN HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OP J£"|,^VrSh‘L "SEP V ! CE.

FOLLOWS:

CHAIRMAN

* MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

MR WONG PO-YAN

MEMBERS

MR P.F. BARRETT

* MR E.A. BLACK

MR GRAHAM CHENG CHENG-HSUN

/• DE DAVID..........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

12

* DR DAVID J. JOHNS

MR LEE YU-TAI

* MR JOHN H.P. LOK

MR FRANK NG HAK-TSUN

# MR NGA I SHIU-KIT

MR TAM YIU-CHUNG

MR DENNIS TING HOK-SHOU

* DR DANIEL TSE

M MR TSE TSUN-HIM

DR H.S. WARD

MR ANDREW WONG WANG-FAT

* DR ENOCH C.M. YOUNG

DR HENRY YU TAT-CHING

* RE-APPOINTED MEMBERS

IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS OFFICIAL f-EMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

BORN IN HONG KONG IN 1925, MR CHAN WAS EDUCATED AT LA SALLE COLLEGE AND GRADUATED FROM HENDON COLLEGE, LONDON AND CRANFIELD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, BEDFORDSHIRE, U.K.

HE IS SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE DIRECTOR (FAR EAST), CABLE AND WIRELESS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY, A DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED AS WELL AS A DIRECTOR OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.

MR CHAN HAS BEEN AN APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SINCE 1980 AND HAS BEEN TAKING PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE AREAS OF LABOUR, TRANSPORT, AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1982.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

13

> THREE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED

* * * * *

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION TODAY (FRIDAY) RECEIVED THREE NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTIONS NEXT MONTH.

IN THE CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, W YUEN BUN-KEUNG, A TEACHER AGED 42, wAS NOMINATED.

IN THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY OF MONG KOK DISTRICT, TwO CANDIDATES WERE NOMINATED. THEY WERE MR LAI SHIU-NIN, 52, AN AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN, AND MR CHAN CHUNG-KIT, 37, AN ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER.

- - 0 - -

REGISTRATION REVOKED

XXX

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF WISDOM FINANCE COMPANY, LIMITED AS A DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

-----0-----

KUK PRAISED FOR EXPANDING EDUCATIONAL SERVICES *****

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG. TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENDED THE NEW DIRECTORS OF THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

HE WAS SPEAKING DURING A COURTESY CALL TO THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS BY THE NEW BOARD OF THE KUK, LED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, WS LISA CHEE.

NOTING THAT A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS WERE IN THE PIPELINE OF THE KUK’S LONG-TERM PLANS, MR LEUNG SAID THE KUK OULD EE HELPING TO PROVIDE MORE SCHOOL PLACES IN THE URBAN AREA AND IN JUNK BAY.

APART FROM THE PLANNED PO LEUNG KUK LUK HING TOO PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE PO LEUNG KUK KAP TZE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, IT ALSO HOPED TO BUILD A GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND A KINDERGARTEN IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.

/among other ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

14

AMONG OTHER NEW PROJECTS ARE THE CHEE JING YIN PRIMARY SCHOOL WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON MAY 2 AND THE YU LEE MO FAN NEMORIAL SCHOOL COMING UP IN NORTH POINT.

MR LEUNG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK FOR ITS DEDICATION IN RUNNING SIX KINDERGARTENS, 10 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SEVEN SECONDARY AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AND THREE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

-------0 -

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY STAMP SET OUT MONDAY *****

A SPECIAL SET OF FIVE STAMPS TO HONOUR THE 60TH BIRTHDAY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II WILL BE ISSUED ON MONDAY (APRIL 21).

AT DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, SI, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5, THE STAMPS ARE PART OF AN OMNIBUS SERIES ISSUED IN CONJUNCTION WITH 22 OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS.

AS ALL POST OFFICES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CROWDED, ADDITIONAL COUNTERS FOR NORMAL BUSINESS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THESE ARE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HENNESSY ROAD, MORRISON HILL NORTH POINT, QUEEN’S ROAD AND SHEUNG WAN.

IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES THESE ARE KOWLOON CENTRAL, CHEUNG SHA WAN, GILLIES AVENUE, KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO, TSIM SHA TSUI, TSUEN WAN.

A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID EXTRA STAFF WOULD BE ON DUTY AT MOST POST OFFICES ON THAT DAY WHEREVER NECESSARY.

HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO POSSIBLE, TO TRANSACT THEIR OR AFTER THE SPECIAL STAMPS

SHOW THEIR USUAL TOLERANCE NORMAL POSTAL BUSINESS THE ISSUE DATE.

AND, IF

DAY BEFORE

-------0

/15........

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

15

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL FOR TSUEN WAN * * * *

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL, WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN THIS SUNDAY (APRIL 20).

IT WILL FEATURE EXHIBITION DISPLAYS, A DEMONSTRATION BY THE ANTI-NARCOTICS DOG UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, GAMES STALLS AND AN INFLATABLE ELEPHANT FOR CHILDREN.

THE CARNIVAL, STARTING FROM 11 AM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN, THE CHAIRMAN CF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND DISTRICT OFFICER (TSUEN WAN), MR ANGUS MIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TWO-HOUR LIVE CONCERT WITH PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM.

0 --------

VARIETY SHOW WITH THE DISABLED ON SUNDAY

*****

CHAI WILL TAKE INSTITUTE ON

\unnT Ann DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE IN WAN PART IN A VARIETY SHOW AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL ^SJaY (APRIL 20) AFTERNOON TO COINCIDE WITH THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED.

nrocncMAur'C? INCLUDE SINGING. DANCING AND DRAMA BY DISABLED

B0ARD T0

/WAN CHAI .......

Friday, april 18, 1986

- 16 -

WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROJECT’S WORKING GROUP, MR TERENCE TENG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VARIETY SHOW WITH THE DISABLED TO BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 6 Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, ON SUNDAY.

0 --------

YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO PLAY AT ARTS FAIR

*****

THE 60-MEMBER ISLAND YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PERFORM AT AN ARTS FAIR TO BE HELD AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN ON SUNDAY (APRIL 20).

BEGINNING AT 10.30 AM, THE ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY SEVERAL PIECES CF CHINESE MUSIC, INCLUDING +HORSE RIDING IN SPRING+, +VIGOROUS DANCE OF THE GOLDEN SNAKE+ AND ♦SMALL PINE TREE+.

THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE HONG KONG PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE AND STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WILL ALSO GIVE PERFORMANCES.

THE ARTS FAIR, PART OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED, COMBINES PERFORMANCES WITH EXHIBITIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS. ON DISPLAY WILL BE MORE THAN 650 EXHIBITS, IN DIFFERENT ART FORMS, ALL CONTRIBUTED BY REHABILITATION ORGANISATIONS.

THE FESTIVAL, WHICH HAS LADY YOUDE AS ITS PATRON, IS ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND REHABILITATION ORGANISATIONS.

ITS MAIN AIMS ARE TO ENCOURAGE THE DISABLED TO TAKE PART IN MUSIC ACTIVITIES AND TO STIMULATE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THOSE WHO HAVE A DISABILITY.

/THE FESTIVAL, ........

I

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

17 -

tmf FESTIVAL FEATURING VARIOUS ART EXH I BIT IONS, WORKSHOPS AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, BEGAN ON APRIL CONTINUE UNTIL APRIL 26.

DRAMA AND WILL

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ARTS FAIR - PART OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED.

-----0------

BONSAI EXHIBITION FOR YUEN LONG *****

EXHI B KI! LtSeGH I ^-sicTCER°“DTCH' TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

. the BONSAI EXH, BIT ION NILL BE OFF IC I ALLY OPEH^ AT lii*® ‘ND™E CF THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, MR TONG KWOK WAH.

IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM DAILY.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YUEN LONG BONSAI EXHIBITION.

.-----0 - - - -

/18

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

18

FIRE PREVENTION DAY IN TUEN MUN * * * * *

A FIRE PREVENTION DAY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 20) AT THE TUEN MUN FIRE STATION IN PUI TO ROAD TO PUBLICISE THE FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE.

ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FIRE STATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EVENT WHICH STARTS AT 10.30 AM WILL INCLUDE FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATIONS, HIGH-RISE AND TURNABLE LADDER RESCUES. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON FIRE PREVENTION.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE FIRE STATION WILL ORGANISE GUIDED TOURS FOR VISITORS.

ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TUEN MUN, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG, AND SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR HO CHAK-LAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 10.30 AM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN FIRE PREVENTION DAY AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE TUEN MUN FIRE STATION, PUI TO ROAD, TUEN MUN.

-----0------

EVENING COURSES OFFERED AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES

* * * * *

TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, INCLUDING TWO SOON TO BE COMPLETED IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN, ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR PART-TIME EVENING COURSES DUE TO START IN SEPTEMBER.

THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG, LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, TOGETHER WITH THE TWO NEW INSTITUTES, WILL OFFER MORE THAN 130 COURSES IN 15 DISCIPLINES TO NEET DEMANDS FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

ALL COURSES ARE OFFERED AT THE CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS, PROVIDING COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS.

/WITH THE .......

FRIDAY, APRIL l8t 1986

- 19 -

WITH THE OPENING OF TWO NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ^£W COURSES COVERING AREAS OF APPLIED SCIENCE, DISPENSING, COMPUTING STUDIES AND HAIRDRESSING WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.

TUC 1R nisriPi INFS ARE • HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES. COMMERCIAL STUDIES CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING. MECHA^ICAl ENGINEERING GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, PRI&TING TFYTHF INDUSTRIES CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, MARINE AND FABRICATION, rcsTsli Aotor vehi6le engineerihg, applIed science and computing STUDIES.

THE NEW COURSES TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1986-67 SESSION INCLUDE CHEMI CAL TECHNOLOGY D ISPENS ING PURCHAS IING AND SUPPLY AKin COMPUTING STUDIES AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL AND HA I KDKtoo I DISPENSING TECHNIQUES, GRAPHIC ARTWORK AND DATA PROCESSING AT CRAFT LEVEL.

PART-TIME EVENING COURSE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES FOR ONE TO FOUR EVENINGS A WEEK. THE COURSES LAST FROM ONE TO THREE YEARS.

DETAILS OF ALL COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN THE PRESS TOMORROW (SATURDAY). APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ALL TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND AT VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES DUR I CFFICE HOURS.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 10. FORM FIVE STUDENTS SITTING FOR THE 1986 HKCE EXAMINATION MAY ALSO APPLY.

-----0------

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR MUSIC FUND GRANTS

*****

* * *

SCHOOLS MUSIC AND DANCE OPGAHgATIOMS MAY MOJ .PPLY^OR^

g1^k?Rt^iND?SMrJ2EE?2c5T'iSNGA^C™;i5'iNG IN MUSIC, DANCE AUD ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES.

SiiSS St ““

/APPLICATIONS

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1986

20 -

APPLICATIONS MAY ALSO BE MADE FOR GRANTS FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHICH CONFORM WITH THE OVERALL EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE FUND.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC FUND SAID IN 1985-86 GRANTS TOTALLING $572 614 WERE APPROVED FOR 56 SCHOOLS, SIX MUSIC AND DANCE ORGANISATIONS AND FOUR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

ALL REGISTERED NON-PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR GRANTS.

APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:

* HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG: AND

* MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.

THE CLOSING DATE IS SATURDAY (MAY 3). FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED ON 5-458791, EXT. 25.

-----0------

HAPPY VALLEY FLYOVER CLOSURE * * * * *

TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORKS, THE FLYOVER LINKING WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 21) FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD HEADING DOWNHILL FOR STUBBS ROAD AND VEHICLES ON STUBBS ROAD UPHILL HEADING FOR WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROADS AT THE GROUND LEVEL AND THE STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT.

----0------

TUEN MUN FLUSHING WATER CUT

*****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 PM ON MONDAY (APRIL 21) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE AREA FROM FU TEI TO SAM SHING ESTATE, INCLUDING SIU HONG COURT, SIU ON COURT, TAI HING ESTATE, SAN FAT ESTATE, ON TING ESTATE, YAU 01 ESTATE, SHAN KING ESTATE, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, MELODY GARDEN, SIU SHAN COURT, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, TUEN MUN CLINIC AND YAN 01 POLYCLINIC.

AREAS 4B, 9, 10, 12, 26, 36, 37A, 37B, CHI LOK GARDEN, WALDORF GARDEN AND THE TUEN MUN INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STEPPED UP .............. 1

REDUCED ACCESS TO WESTERN TECHNOLOGY UNLIKELY ........... 2

APPROVED DESIGN FOR FURNACES, CHIMNEYS NEEDED ........... 4

CNTA BIDS FAREWELL TO WIGGHAM ........................... 6

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION ................... 7

MEETING TO CONSIDER FIRE VICTIMS’ REQUESTS .............. 8

BREEDING OF MOSQUITOES LEADS TO S17,850 IN FINES ........ 8

ENQUIRY CENTRE’S OPENING HOURS CHANGED .................. 9

CHILDREN TO DISPLAY ARTISTIC TALENT ..................... 9

TROPHIES FOR WINNING SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS ................. 10

WATER SUPPLIES STAFF HONOURED ........................... 11

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI ................. 11

HO MAN TIN, MONG KOK ROAD CLOSURES ...................... 12

DRY TAPS IN TWO AREAS ................................... 13

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

1

CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS STEPPED UP

* * * * *

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDING IN HONG KONG AGAIN FELT THE HEAT THIS WEEK AS 10 SUSPECTED UNDERGROUND CITIZENS WERE ARRESTED IN STEPPED-UP OPERATIONS BY THE POLICE, LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS.

THE BLITZ IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORTS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

ALL THE ARRESTED PERSONS HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED AGAIN TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

+OUR POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS VERY CLEAR. WHENEVER AND WHEREVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE FOUND IN HONG KONG, THEY WILL BE SENT BACK.*

HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO SLACKENING IN THE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS.

+A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDER,* HE SAID.

DURING THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OPERATION, POLICE INCREASED THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPECT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

THEY ARRESTED TWO SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ANOTHER 48 PEOPLE WERE SUMMONSED OR CHARGED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER SEVEN WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1 000.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 7 212 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING IN THEM, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFILLED THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

A TOTAL OF 12 285 EMPLOYEES WERE CHECKED AND EIGHT PERSONS IN SIX ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY. THEY HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

ANOTHER 41 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE KEEPING NO RECORD OF EMPLOYEES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

------o-------

/2......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

2 -

REDUCED ACCESS TO WESTERN TECHNOLOGY UNLIKELY

*****

THERE SEEMS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACCESS WHICH HONG KONG NOW ENJOYS TO WESTERN TECHNOLOGY WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED AFTER 1997 the DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

THE QUESTION OF WHETHER HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WAS CLEARLY ONE OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, MR CHAN TOLD MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY AT THEIR 16TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER.

♦WITH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPING BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS WE SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO BE LEFT BEHIND,+ HE SAID.

♦HONG KONG’S ATTAINMENT OF THE STATUS OF A MAJOR FINANCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND TRADING CENTRE HAS OWED MUCH TO THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND TO THE READY AVAILABILITY OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY,* HE NOTED.

HE WAS AWARE THE QUESTION HAD BEEN EXERCISING THE MINDS OF THE LOCAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY, AND OF THE SOCIETY IN PARTICULAR.

♦THIS QUESTION ARISES FROM THE FACT THAT CONTROLS ARE MAINTAINED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR MULTI-LATERAL EXPORT CONTROLS, OR COCOM AS THE ORGANISATION IS COMMONLY KNOWN, ON THE EXPORT OF STRATEGIC COMMODITIES FROM ITS MEMBER COUNTRIES, AND THAT CHINA IS SUBJECT TO MORE STRINGENT RESTRICTIONS THAN HONG KONG AT PRESENT.

♦CONCERN HAS THUS BEEN EXPRESSED THAT, ONCE HONG KONG BECOMES A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, ITS ACCESS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MIGHT BE REDUCED, + HE SAJD.

MR CHAN NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE POSITION IN RELATION TO THE COCOM’S CONTROL REGIME WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.

♦THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ARE UNAWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF CONTINUED ACCESS TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY, BUT BECAUSE THE MATTER OF COCOM CONTROLS IS NOT A BILATERAL MATTER BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS.

♦THUS, HOW HONG KONG WILL FARE AFTER 1997 WILL DEPEND ON THE ATTITUDE OF THE MEMBER COUNTRIES OF COCOM. WHAT THIS ATTITUDE WILL BE I CANNOT SAY, BUT THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR A DEGREE OF CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM.♦

/ELABORATING ON.......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

ELABORATING ON THESE GROUNDS, MR CHAN SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION DID PROVIDE SPECIFICALLY THAT THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION +SHALL DECIDE ITS ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICIES ON ITS OWN+.

IT WAS CLEARLY ENVISAGED THAT, EVEN AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A TRADING ENTITY IN ITS OWN RIGHT, SEPARATE FROM THE REST OF CHINA, AND IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR ARRANGEMENTS TO BE MADE TO SATISFY COCOM MEMBER STATES THAT THEIR EXPORTS TO HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE DIVERTED WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORITY.

SECONDLY, HE SAID, THE CONTROLS MAINTAINED BY COCOM WERE AIMED ESSENTIALLY AT PREVENTING THE UNAUTHORISED TRANSFER OF STRATEGIC MATERIALS TO CERTAIN COUNTRIES. HONG KONG HAD NEVER BEEN, AND HE DID NOT THINK IT EVER WOULD BE, INTERESTED IN IMPORTING AND USING STRATEGIC MATERIALS AS SUCH.

+IT IS OF COURSE TRUE THAT, IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN WHAT IS STRATEGIC AND WHAT ISN’T IS SOMETIMES VERY BLURRED. IT IS TRUE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OR A COMPONENT WHICH IS CAPABLE OF BEING PUT TO A VAST MULTITUDE OF PERFECTLY INNOCUOUS USES MAY ALSO HAPPEN, PERHAPS QUITE COINCIDENTALLY, TO BE USABLE FOR A MILITARY PURPOSE SUCH AS TRIGGERING A NUCLEAR WEAPON.+

BUT THE FACT REMAINED THAT COCOM WAS ESSENTIALLY CONCERNED WITH THE CONTROL OF STRATEGIC MATERIALS AND NOT WITH THE DISCOURAGEMENT OF PEACEFUL APPLICATIONS OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY. IT WAS TO BE HOPED THAT THE COCOM REGIME WOULD BE REVIEWED REGULARLY, UPDATED AND STREAMLINED, AND +ONE HOPES AND TRUSTS THAT GOOD SENSE WILL PREVAIL AND THAT THE CONTROL TAIL WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WAG THE TECHNOLOGY DOG.+

THIRDLY, SAID MR CHAN, COCOM MEMBER STATES HAD IN RECENT YEARS AGREED ON A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT RELAXATIONS IN COCOM RULES INSOFAR AS THEY AFFECTED EXPORTS TO CHINA. AS CHINA’S RELATIONS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND IN PARTICULAR WITH THE MEMBERS OF COCOM, CONTINUED TO DEVELOP AND IMPROVE, IT SEEMED LIKELY THAT COCOM MEMBER STATES WOULD CONSIDER FURTHER RELAXATION.

SUMMARISING THE MATTER, HE COMMENTED THAT 11 YEARS WAS A VERY LONG TIME IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, AND EVEN LONGER IN THE WORLD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. +NO-ONE CAN BE CERTAIN WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THAT TIME, BUT THERE SEEMS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE ACCESS WHICH HONG KONG NOW ENJOYS TO WESTERN TECHNOLOGY WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED AFTER 1997.+

/MB CHAN .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

4

MR CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF THE COMPUTER SOCIETY, WHICH HE SAID HAD BUILT UP AN IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORD SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1970. THE SOCIETY HAD DONE A GREAT DEAL TO UPHOLD THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND TO ESTABLISH AFFILIATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN CHINA AND IN THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

IT HAD ORGANISED OR SPONSORED SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS BRINGING THE NEWEST COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE TO ITS MEMBERS AND TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.

BESIDES THIS, THE SOCIETY HAD PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS, SUCH AS DONATING SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS AS WELL AS COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO SOME SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

+IT IS REPRESENTED ON THE ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING TRAINING COMMITTEE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WHICH IS CONCERNED WITH TRAINING AND EDUCATION IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

+IT ALSO PARTICIPATES IN THE GOVERNMENT’S DATA PROTECTION COMMITTEE WHICH IS LOOKING INTO THE VERY IMPORTANT AND HIGHLY COMPLEX QUESTION OF WHAT MEASURES MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS IN REGARD TO THEIR PERSONAL DATa WHICH ARE STORED IN INCREASING QUANTITIES IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS.*

-----0------

APPROVED DESIGN FOR FURNACES, CHIMNEYS NEEDED * * * *

FACTORY AND RESTAURANT OWNERS WERE URGED TO SEEK APPROVAL FOR THE DESIGN OF FURNACES AND CHIMNEYS BEFORE THEY WERE INSTALLED OR ALTERATION WORK CARRIED OUT.

MAKING THE APPEAL TODAY (SATURDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FOR AIR AND NOISE DIVISION, MR FRANKLIN CHUNG, SAID THIS WAS TO AVOID COSTLY CLOSURES, MODIFICATIONS OR THE TEMPORARY SHUTDOWNS OR DISMANTLING IN CASES OF SERIOUS AIR POLLUTANT NUISANCE.

MR CHUNG WAS SPEAKING FOLLOWING THE FINDINGS MADE BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT ON A NEW ASPHALT PLANT IN SHA TIN FOR NOT APPLYING FOR NECESSARY APPROVAL.

/HE DISCLOSED .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

- 5 -

HE DISCLOSED THAT WHEN THE DIVISION LEARNED OF THE COMPANY’S PLAN TO BUILD THE NEW PLANT, THE DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE MANAGEMENT TO SEEK PRIOR APPROVAL Or DESIGN OF THE FURNACE AND CHIMNEY.

ALTHOUGH NO APPLICATION HAD BEEN RECEIVED, OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION HAD MET WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PLANT TO DISCUSS AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE PLANT.

MR CHUNG SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS GENERALLY SATISFIED WITH THESE MEASURES WHICH INCLUDED A HIGH EFFICIENCY DUST COLLECTOR.

AN INSPECTION MADE LAST MONTH DURING THE COMMISSIONING AND TESTING OF THE PLANT FOUND THAT THE LEVEL OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL TO BE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE.

THIS WAS THE REASON WHY A PROHIBITION NOTICE UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS NOT ISSUED, MR CHUNG SAID.

HOWEVER. SINCE THE OWNER OF THE FACTORY HAD FAILED TO OBTAIN AN APPROVAL CERTIFICATE PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE FURNACE AND CHIMNEY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO PROSECUTE THE OWNER FOR UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION.

THE PLANT HAD BEEN PUT UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE THEN.

STATISTICS SHOWED THAT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, staFF OF THF DEPARTMENT’S AIR CONTROL GROUP (FORMALLY KNOWN AS THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT) MADF 1 715 INSPECTIONS TO POTENTIAL POLLUTING PLANTS.

THIRTY-THREE PROSECUTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT, OF WHICH 14 WERE FOR UNAUTHORISED INSTALLATION 0- FURNACES, OVENS OR CHIMNEYS, 18 FOR EMITTING EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE AND ONE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY UNSUITABLE FUEL.

WITH A NOTICE TO STOP USING AN

FINES RANGED FROM $500 TO $7 500.

A TOTAL OF 250 COMPLAINTS ABOUT AIR POLLUTION WERE RECEIVED AND INVESTIGATED AND 82 SETS OF PLANS AND SPEC IFI CATIONS ON THE DESIGN OF CHIMNEYS AND FURNACES WERE PROCESSED.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO GAVE ADVICE ON MATTERS CONCERNING STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AIR POLLUTION EQUIPM-NT.

EXPLANATORY BOOKLETS ON THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES.

/6.......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1936

- 6 -

CNTA BIDS FAREwELL TO wIGGHAM *****

THE OUTGOING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR ARCHITECTS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT INTO THE PRESENT CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

THIS WAS NOTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, NR DONALD LIAO, IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR WIGGHAM AT A FAREWELL DINNER GIVEN BY CNTA STAFF LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT.

MR WIGGHAM, THE SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES DESIGNATE, WILL LEAVE THE CNTA FOR A WRITTEN CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSE AND THEN PROCEED TO PEKING WHERE HE WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY FROM JULY TO OCTOBER. MR LIAO DESCRIBED MR WIGGHAM AS AN ADVENTURER IN EVERY SENSE.

+HE IS ALREADY MAKING HISTORY, EVEN BEFORE TAKING UP HIS NEw JOB AS SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER THAT A SERVING CIVIL SERVANT FROM HONG KONG IS TO BE ATTACHED TO THE EMBASSY,+ HE SAID.

+AS A LINGUIST WHO IS CONVERSANT IN BOTH CANTONESE AND PUTONGHUA, EXPERT IN A FEW EUROPEAN LANGUAGES, THE GOVERNMENT NATURALLY PICKED HIM AS THE MAN TO GO TO PEKING,* HE ADDED.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT MR WIGGHAM RECENTLY TRAVELLED AROUND CHINA BY BICYCLE AND HAD VAST KNOWLEDGE OF CHINESE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE.

+HIS CAREER IN THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS BEEN EQUALLY COLOURFUL AND CHALLENGING,* HE SAID.

FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS MR WIGGHAM HAD WORKED IN NUMEROUS DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES.

MR LIAO SAID AS THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR WIGGHAM HAD EARNED THE RESPECT OF BOTH COLLEAGUES AND LOCAL LEADERS.

+HIS NEXT JOB, I AM SURE, WILL CREATE AN EVEN GREATER IMPACT ON ALL OF US SINCE HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEALING WITH THE SINO-BR1TISH AGREEMENT AS THE NEW SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES,* MR LIAO SAID.

c --------

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

7


SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION * * * *

THIRTY-TWO SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FORA TOTAL OF |J36 OOO WHICH . ILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PUKKUbtb.

THE AUCTION HELD AT ’ECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER DH 18 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE UI-352 000.

ANOTHER NUMBER DH 160 WAS SOLD AT ™ESECOND HIGHEST PRIC| OF $41 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR DH uh

AND DH 309.

THE OTHER SPECIAL FOLLOWING PRICES:

REGISTRATION NUMBERS

WERE

SOLD AT THE

$ $ $

DG 1888 6 000 DH 1123 3 000 BC 1283 4 000

DG 2228 5 000 DH 1698 5 500 DH 226 2 500

DH 911 9 000 DH 688 10 000 CC 7 * fO 000

DH 8118 22 000 DH 535 7 000 DJ 633 6 000

DH 735 4 000 DJ 386 6 000 DG 8832 3 500

DH 138 20 000 DJ 609 4 500 AL 699 1 500

DH 3113 8 000 DG 123 9 000 DH 2100 3 000

AL 238 7 000 DH 668 18 000 DJ 821 4 000

BB 3882 7 500 DH 383 20 000 CG 486 4 000

THREE NUMBERS, BK 5, DG 3399, 1327 WERE WITHDRAWN.

reg 1 sTteEreNdU 1BnE?She4nCaTh1Oo"theLsu?cesII;Sl"b?d°d?RS JithiS'n "ONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION. TODAY’S SALE, THE JonUGHT ’ TH^ TOTAL^ AMOUNTPOpTMONEY 513 232.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

8

MEETING TO CONSIDER FIRE VICTIMS’ REQUESTS

*****

A MEETING HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MONDAY (APRIL 21) BETWEEN SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG PO-HONG, DISTRICT OFFICER, NR SYLVESTER TSE, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO CONSIDER A NUMBER OF REQUESTS SUBMITTED BY THE CHU . KOO CHAI FIRE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVES LAST WEDNESDAY.

THE MEETING WILL START AT 9.30 AM AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE. THE FIRE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SIT AT THE MEETING.

REQUESTS TO BE CONSIDERED INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING THE DECORATION PERIOD; ADDITIONAL OFFER OF THA UNITS; EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS ; AND CASES FOR COMPASSIONATE ARRANGEMENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

AFTER THE CLOSED MEETING, A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 39 TONKIN STREET, THIRD FLOOR, KOWLOON, TO ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF THE MEETING. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

- - 0 -

BREEDING OF MOSQUITOES LEADS TO $17,850 IN FINES * * * **

TWENTY-ONE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN MOSQUITO BREEDING OFFENCES WERE FINED A TOTAL OF $17 850 LAST MONTH.

♦THE HIGHEST FINE WAS $1 250 AND THE LOWEST $400,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.

+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO AVOID WATER ACCUMULATION BY COVERING WATER STORAGE TANKS AND REMOVING RECEPTACLES FROM OPEN SPACE AS MOSQUITOES BREED ONLY IN WATER.

+MOSQUITOES CAN EVEN BREED IN EMPTY CANS AND CONTAINERS LEFT IN THE OPEN.*

/the spokesman .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

9 -

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED BUILDING CONSTRUCTORS, IN PARTICULAR, TO INSPECT THEIR SITES FREQUENTLY TO ELIMINATE ANY STAGNANT WATER, OR TO SPRAY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK WITH DIESEL OIL ON SUCH WATER SURFACES.

♦LAST MONTH, PEST CONTROL STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT A TOTAL OF 33 138 INSPECTIONS OF BUILDING SITES, OPEN SPACES AND HOUSES, AND IDENTIFIED 280 MOSQUITO BREEDING PLACES, ALL OF WHICH WERE DEALT WITH,+ HE ADDED.

--------0----------

ENQUIRY CENTRE’S OPENING HOURS CHANGED * * * * *

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE IN SHUEN WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN TAI PO WILL BE CHANGED TO 10 AM - NOON ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 21.

THE CENTRE PROVIDES SERVICES SUCH AS ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS GIVING ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, DISTRIBUTING FORMS^AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS, HANDLING ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS, AND REFERRAL OF CASES IN THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME.

APART FROM THE ENQUIRY CENTRE, RESIDENTS MAY *J-SO APPROACH THE TWO SUB-OFFICES OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE IN KWONG FUK ESTATE AND TAI YUEN ESTATE FOR ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES.

A NEW TEMPORARY SUB-OFFICE WILL SOON BE OPENED TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN FU SHIN ESTATE AND MING NGA COURT.

-----o------

CHILDREN TO DISPLAY ARTISTIC TALENT

*****

SIXTY ABLE-BODIED EASTERN DISTRICT WILL MURAL PAINTING PROJECT

AND DISABLED CHILDREN FROM THREE DEMONSTRATE THEIR ARTISTIC TALENT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE YUE WAN

SCHOOLS IN AT A JOINT COMMUNITY

CENTRE IN CHAI WAN.

PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE WITH THE DISABLED, AND IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY

THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE

THE PROJECT IS THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS THE DISTRICT BOARD,

DISTRICT OFFICE.

/THE FESTIVAL........

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986.

10 -

THE FESTIVAL AIMS AT ENABLING BOTH ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THEIR CREATIVE POTENTIAL AND TO HELP CULTIVATE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN ARTS.

STUDENTS FROM VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, CANOSSA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND QUEEN’S COLLEGE WILL PAINT ON A LARGE WOODEN PANEL MEASURING 10 METRES WIDE AND 2.5 METRES HIGH. THE FINISHED MURAL WILL BE ERECTED AT OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE YUE wAN COMMUNITY CENTRE TO COMMEMORATE THE EVENT.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR HU FA-KWONG ; EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, NR SHUM CHOI-SANG 5 ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT LEUNG? CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL, MISS MARION FANG'? CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, MISS CHRISTINE TING? AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION CF HANDICAPPED YOUTH, MISS KIMBERLEY KWONG.

ABOUT 60 CHILDREN FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN CHOIR WILL GIVE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MURAL PAINTING PROJECT BEGINNING AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT YUE WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, YUE WAN ESTATE, CHAI WAN.

-----0------

TROPHIES FOR WINNING SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS

*****

FIFTEEN WINNING SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS TAKING PART "THE 22ND SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL THIS (SATURDAY) ,EV^ING RECEIVED THEIR TROPHIES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AT A CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.

AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WERE THE OVERALL CHAMPION BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL DANCE TEAM, THE S.K.H. BISHOP MOK SAU TSENG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEAM WHO EARNED THE OVERALL SECOND, AND THE SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE TEAM WHO CAME THIRD IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION.

/THE 22ND .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

THE 22ND SCHOOL DANCE FESTIVAL, HELD EARLY THIS YEAR, ATTRACTED 377 TEAMS FROM 252 PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

IT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL.

TO HIGHLIGHT THE CEREMONY, 19 SCHOOL DANCE TEAMS TAKING PART IN THE FESTIVAL AND THE VISITING MACAU SCHOOLS DANCE TEAM PERFORMED A SELECTION OF DANCES INCLUDING CHINESE, ORIENTAL, WESTERN AND CREATIVE DANCES.

-----0------

WATER SUPPLIES STAFF HONOURED

* * * *

SEVENTY-FIVE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WERE HONOURED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) FOR THEIR LONG SERVICE.

THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BY THE DIRECTOR CF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR TOM TOMLINSON, AND OTHER (•EMBERS OF THE DIRECTORATE AT A CEREMONY HELD AT MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.

THOSE HONOURED INCLUDED WORKMEN, ARTISANS, A MOTOR DRIVER AND A WATCHMAN. FORTY HAD SERVED MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND 35 MORE THAN 20 YEARS.

- - 0 -

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI *****

THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI wl^ BE NOW OPERATE BETWEEN 7 A AND 7 PM DAILY STARTING FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 22).

* THE SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO WAN CHAI FERRY PIER CONCOURSE-?

* THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD TO WAN CHAI FERRY PIER CONCOURSE;

/• THE.........

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986 ,

12 -

* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM WAN CHAI FERRY PIER TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

* THE SECTION OF HARBOUR ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FLEMING ROAD TWO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION 1

* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HARBOUR ROAD SECTION BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TONNOCHY ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;

* THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HARBOUR ROAD SECTION BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TONNOCHY ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 130 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION;

* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HARBOUR DRIVE SECTION BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FLEMING ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND

* THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HARBOUR DRIVE SECTION BETWEEN FLEMING ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD.

WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

-------0----------

HO MAN TIN, MONG KOK ROAD CLOSURES * * * *

THE SLIP CHING ROAD IN

ROAD LINKING PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND PUI HO MAN TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 52 TUESDAY (APRIL 22) FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS TO

Recess

niiRlNr THF CLOSURE VEHICLES ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD

oav, w ss:1 sw

FUK TSUN STREET. ----------------------------------0--------

/13........

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1986

15

DRY TAPS IN TWO AREAS

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN AND KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

IN SHEUNG WAN, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CAINE ROAD, LADDER STREET, BRIDGES STREET, STAUNTON STREET AND ABERDEEN STREET, INCLUDING PO HING FONG, TAI PING SHAN STREET, U LAM TERRACE AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS.

IN KOWLOON CITY, THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, HAU WONG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND TAK KU LING ROAD, INCLUDING NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, NAM KOK ROAD, LUNG KONG ROAD AND SOUTH WALL ROAD.

-----o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

contents page no.

FLAT SALES SHOW FURTHER INCREa.SE................................ 1

MANUFACTURING ORDERS-ON-HAND SHO’./ INCREASE..................... 3

ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN BEGINS................................... 6

HK STAND FOR UK ELECTRONICS EXHIBITION .......................... 7

BOARD TO DISCUSS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ............................ 8

PUBLIC URGED TO BE NARY OF UNCLEAN FOOD ......................... 9

PARENTS WARNED OF FIRE DANGER................................... 1°

113 CLAIMS FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT ............................ 11

LANDSCAPING FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT ........................... 12

EXTENSIVE AREAS OF RECLAMATION PROPOSED......................... 13

JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO STUDENTS ...................... 13

$9 MILLION ROCKERY GARDEN NEARING COMPLETION IN WAN CHAI .... 14

500 ENJOY VARIETY SHOW WITH THE DISABLED ....................... 15

FUNDS FOR KWUN TONG YOUTH ACTIVITIES ........................... 16

ROAD CLOSURE IN CAUSEWAY BAY.................................... 1$

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1936

FLAT SALES SHOW FURTHER INCREASE * * * *

THE NUMBER OF SALE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED IN 1985-86 ROSE TO 53 853, AN INCREASE OF 67.9 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE FOR 1984-85, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSIDERATIONS IN SALE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS INCREASED BY 96.4 PER CENT FROM $17,141 BILLION TO $33,665 BILLION.

DURING THE YEAR, 75 902 ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS WERE REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 54 717 IN 1984-85.

OF THESE, A TOTAL OF 7 268 ASSIGNMENTS WERE COMPLETED BY HIS DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, COMPARED WITH 9 601.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSIGNMENT OF FLATS INCREASED BY 44.2 PER CENT FROM $23,117 BILLION TO $33,327 BILLION.

THERE WERE 661 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS OF LOTS, 35.9 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1984-85. THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS INCREASED BY 975.8 PER CENT FROM $2,536 BILLION IN 1984-85 TO $27,283 BILLION IN 1985-86.

SIXTY BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 68 650 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE REGISTERED, UP FROM 33 AND 45 409 RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER BUILDING MORTGAGES REGISTERED DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR ROSE BY 435.9 PER CENT, FROM $0,226 BILLION TO $1,209 BILLION.

THE AMOUNT SECURED UNDER MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES ALSO ROSE BY 79.8 PER CENT FROM $15,206 BILLION TO $27,341 BILLION.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND RECEIPTS, WERE UP BY 62.4 PER CENT, FROM $15,227 BILLION TO $24,722 BILLION.

SEARCHES IN THE LAND OFFICE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 1 051 016, UP BY 40.6 PER CENT.

COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, MR GLEESON SAID THEY REFLECTED A CONTINUING AND VERY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN ACTIVITY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET, PARTICULARLY IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED FLATS.

+THE FIGURES FOR SALE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS, BOTH AS TO THE VALUE OF SALES AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONSIDERATIONS, WERE A RELIABLE INDICATION OF THIS, AND, GENERALLY SPEAKING, UNITS IN JEW DEVELOPMENTS WERE SELLING WELL,+ HE SAID.

/THE INCREASE .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

2

THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS OF LOTS WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANT, BUT THE FIGURES FOR CONSIDERATIONS IN SUCH ASSIGNMENTS WAS NOT SO RELIABLE SINCE A FEW VERY LARGE TRANSACTIONS COULD DISTORT THE OVERALL PICTURE.

NEARLY ALL FIGURES WERE STILL ON THE INCREASE AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND DID NOT INCLUDE THE NEW TERRITORIES, HOWEVER, WHERE HIS DEPARTMENT WAS STILL IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING OVER THE DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES.

MR GLEESON SAID THAT AN INTERESTING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INDICATOR WAS THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED PROPERTY OWNERo IN HONG KONG NOW STOOD AT 846 169, AN INCREASE OF 78 762 OR 10.3 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE AT THE END OF 1984-85 WHICH ITSELF WAS AN INCREASE OF 7.9 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT LAND GRANTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF GOVERNMENT LEASE CONDITIONS COMPLETED LAST YEAR DROPPED FROM 272 IN 1984-85 TO 268, WHILE THE TOTAL PREMIUM INVOLVED ROSE BY 67.4 PER CENT FROM $2,314 BILLION TO $3,874 BILLION.

SIGNIFICANT GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR, INCLUDING THOSE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 50-HECTARE LIMIT BY ANNEX I I I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ON MAY 27, 1985 INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

(1) THE SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER OF A 7.292-HECTARE SITE IN AREA 75, SHA TIN, TO WILLOWGARTH COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $300 300 300 FOR DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP (PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION) SCHEME.

(2) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 1.069-HECTARE SITE AT QUEENSWAY TO KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT LIMITED (SWIRE GROUP) AT A PREMIUM OF $703 000 000 FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.

(3) THE GRANT OF A 11.448-HECTARE SITE AT YAU YAT TSUEN TO CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AT NIL PREMIUM FOR THE PURPOSES OF A POLYTECHNIC.

(4) THE GRANT OF A 6.663-HECTARE SITE AT TSI NG Yl AT NIL PREMIUM TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.

(5) THE GRANT OF A 69.391-HECTARE SITE AT TAP SHEK KOK, TUEN MUN , TO KOWLOON ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $89 522 □□□ FOR THE PURPOSES OF AN ELECTRICITY GENERATING STATION AND BULK OIL, COAL AND PULVERISED FLY ASH STORAGE.

/(6) THE GRANT .........

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 3 -

(6) THE GRANT OF A 2.434-HECTARE SITE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN TO CHINA RESOURCES (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $64 000 000 FOR THE PURPOSES OF A CARGO HANDLING PIER AND GODOWN FACILITIES.

(7) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 0.6449-HECTARE SITE AT CANTON ROAD TO SC ILLA LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $636 000 000 FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, SURRENDERS AND RESUMPTION OF LAND (EXCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES) DROPPED BY 27.6 PER CENT FROM 163 TO 118, WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION DECREASING BY 68.2 PER CENT FROM $137.6 MILLION TO $43.6 MILLION.

MR GLEESON SAID THE WHOLE OF THE LAND OFFICE IN CENTRAL WOULD MOVE TO THE NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN QUEENSWAY IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1986.

+AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER COMPUTERISATION OF LAND OFFICE RECORDS WOULD COMMENCE AND FULL CONVERSION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 1988,+ HE ADDED.

OF THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES, FIVE HAD NOW BEEN TAKEN OVER BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT. IT IS INTENDED THE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE OVER THE REMAINDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, MR GLEESON SAID.

-----o-----

MANUFACTURING ORDERS-ON-HAND SHOW INCREASE * * * *

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1986 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE REPORTED BY THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY RECORDED A SLIGHT INCREASE. THE ORDER POSITIONS IN OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.

COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, EMPLOYMENT IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FELL AS SOME WORKERS LEFT THEIR JOBS AROUND THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.

SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE REPORTED BY ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AS MANY FIRMS HAD DISTRIBUTED YEAR-END BONUSES AND DOUBLE PAY IN JANUARY.

/THE NUMBER........

SUNDAY, APHIL 20, 1986

4

THE NUMBER OF OPERATIVES EMPLOYED BY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS DROPPED. HOWEVER, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR AS SOME FIRMS ISSUED YEAR-END BONUSES IN FEBRUARY.

BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE SERVICES SECTORS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES IN JANUARY.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLES BELOW.

THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION ON CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1986 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, AT $1.50 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT >7212854.

A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

(% CHANGE OVER THE ORDERS-ON-HAND PRECEDING MONTH) (IN TERMS OF

INDUSTRY DEC. JAN. FEB. 1986 MONTHS) FOR FEBRUARY 1986

1985 1986

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 2 1 1 4.50

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 3 -1 * 2.44

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2 2 * 3.88

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS * -1 6 3.33

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 1 * 4 5.06

OTHERS * * * 4.41

ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES 1 * 2 4.28

/b. employment ........

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE

COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS

INDUSTRY/ (% DEC. 1985 CHANGE OVER JAN. FEB. 1986 1986 THE PRECEDING MONTH) DEC. JAN. FEB. 1985 1986 1986 PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR FEBRUARY 1986 HKS

SERVICES -

MANUFACTURING -1 * -1 8 39 -28 3 323

FOOD AND DR INKS * * * 13 49 -42 3 561

WEAR ING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR * -2 -2 8 30 -28 2 640

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL * -1 * * -1 -3 14 6 42 72 -34 -29 3 411 3 347

PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS * * -3 1 22 - 7 3 597

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 1 -1 6 46 -32 3 040

OTHERS * CONSTRUCTION -1 -1 -2 5 4 30 17 -20 2 4 747 5 480

SERVICES * -1 * 37 20 -34 5 771

BANKS * * * 71 -7 -35 5 135

HOTELS * -1 -2 43 99 -58 4 195

PUBLIC UTILITIES * -1 * 19 38 -38 5 541

OTHERS * * 36 3 -16 7 673

M CHANGES KM PERSONS EMPLOYED WITHIN +/-0.5^ ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ONLY; SITE WORKERS NOT INCLUDED.

•» • • - 0

/6........

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1936

6

ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN BEGINS

******

PEOPLE MUST PERSEVERE WITH EFFORTS TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE AS IT REMAINS ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

+THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE CANNOT BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY CF THE GOVERNMENT. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY MUST PLAY ITS PART.+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE +TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL + , MR MORTIMER EXPLAINED THAT THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE HAD TO BE DRIVEN HOME AT ALL LEVELS, INCLUDING DISTRICT AND TERRITORY-WIDE.

+AS LONG AS THE PROBLEM REMAINS, THERE WILL BE A DANGER THAT TSUEN WAN AND ITS RESIDENTS, AND ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER ONES, WILL BE AFFECTED OR AT RISK.+

HE NOTED THAT SINCE 1973 THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) HAD BEEN ORGANISING DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS, WHICH INVOLVED DISTRICT LEADERS AND RESIDENTS IN ORGANISING LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

+IN DOING SO, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ACQUIRES A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM.+

MR MORTIMER SAID THAT NOT ALL DRUG-ABUSERS WERE UNDERGOING TREATMENT ALTHOUGH VARIOUS FORMS OF TREATMENT WERE READILY AVAILABLE.

+THEREFORE, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN FOR 1986-87 ARE TO INFORM THEM OF THE VOLUNTARY TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES AVAILABLE AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME FORWARD FOR TREATMENT,+ HE SAID.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, SAID THAT DRUG ABUSE WAS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT, BUT THE AUTHORITIES NEVERTHELESS WANTED THE PUBLIC TO BE VIGILANT.

+THEREFORE, TODAY’S MUSIC CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED TO COMPLEMENT THE ANTI-NARCOTICS SLOGAN THAT ’DRUGS WILL RUIN YOUR WHOLE LIFE’,+ HE ADDED.

THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY ACAN, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (RTHK), AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE. IT MARKED THE BEGINNING CF INTENSIVE ANTI-NARCOTICS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES FOR 1986-87.

/OTHER DISTRICT .......

SUNDAY, APHID 20, 1986

- 7 -

OTHER DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS WILL BE LAUNCHED IN EASTERN, KWUN TONG, YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK.

THE TSUEN WAN CARNIVAL, HELD AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, INCLUDED ANT I-NARCOTICS DISPLAYS, A DEMONSTRATION OF SKILLS BY THE ANT I-NARCOTICS DOG UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, GAMES STALLS, A GIANT INFLATABLE ELEPHANT FOR CHILDREN, AND A CONCERT PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY RTHK.

AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR SIMON LUN, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TSUEN WAN, MR ANGUS MIU, WERE AMONG THE GUESTS.

-----o-----

HK STAND FOR UK ELECTRONICS EXHIBITION * * * *

HONG KONG WILL BE PARTICIPATING AGAIN IN THIS YEAR’S +BRITISH ELECTRONICS WEEK* EXHIBITION AT THE OLYMPIA, LONDON, FROM APRIL 29 TO MAY 1.

THE EXHIBITION, THE SECOND LARGEST ELECTRONICS SHOW IN EUROPE, WILL HAVE MORE THAN 1 100 STANDS REPRESENTING COMPANIES BOTH IN THE UK AND ABROAD.

THE +BRITISH ELECTRONICS WEEK* WILL COMPRISE FOUR MAIN PARTS - NAMELY THE ELECTRON ICS/ECIF SHOW, CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONIC PRODUCT DESIGN AND FIBRE OPTICS.

HONG KONG IS PARTICIPATING FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE ALL-ELECTRON ICS/ECIF SHOW, THE CORNERSTONE OF THE EXHIBITION, WHICH IS ALREADY IN ITS 11TH YEAR.

+WE ARE GLAD TO BE INVOLVED IN THE EXHIBITION. WE ANTICIPATE THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN INTEREST AMONG OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS AND IN TURN ENCOURAGE MORE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG,* THE PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT (INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION) OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, MR DONALD FLETCHER, SAID.

MR FLETCHER POINTED OUT THAT THE ALL-ELECTRON ICS/ECIF SHOW IS GENERALLY DEDICATED TO ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLY.

+HOWEVER, OUR STAND WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS AS OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO CULTIVATE AND DEVELOP NEW INVESTMENT POTENTIAL RATHER THAN INTRODUCING FINISHED PRODUCTS.

+ VI SI TORS TO OUR STAND WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY THROUGH A VIDEO PRESENTATION AND THE MANY PAMPHLETS WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE.*

/MR FLETCHER........

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

MR FLETCHER AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT (INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION) IN HONG KONG, MAJOR C.G. BERNARD, WILL BE PRESENT TO DEAL WITH ENQUIRIES FROM INTERESTED PARTIES.

+THE STAND RECEIVED SEVERAL HUNDRED VISITORS LAST YEAR AND MEANINGFUL DISCUSSIONS TOOK PLACE WITH AROUND 50 OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH BUSINESS AND MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG. THEY SHOWED KEEN INTEREST AND WE ARE EXPECTING A BETTER RESPONSE THIS YEAR.+ MR FLETCHER SAID.

THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS BEEN EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS AND IS HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORT EARNER, ACCOUNTING FOR 23.9 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS. IT PRODUCED A WIDE RANGE OF SOPHISTICATED AND HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS WHICH PUT HONG KONG IN A SIGNIFICANT POSITION IN THE WORLD’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.

THE UK IS THE FOURTH LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS. THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS TO THE UK DURING 1985 AMOUNTED TO $1 392 MILLION.

- 0 - -

BOARD TO DISCUSS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN * * * * *

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT NGAU TMJ KOK AND KOWLOON BAY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO BRING THE 421-HECTARE AREA UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROLS AND TO REINFORCE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT CONTROL POWERS UNDER THE LEASE CONDITIONS AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

THE PLAN IS ALSO TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS A REASONABLE BALANC BETWEEN THE POPULATION IN THE AREA AND THE PROVISION OF FACILITY AND SERVICES.

WITH A POPULATION OF ABOUT 230 000, THE AREA COVERS PING SHEK AND KAI YIP, NGAU TAU KOK EAST AND WEST, KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE, THE INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND SHUN LEE AND SHUN ON.

SENIOR TOWN PLANNER, MR TERRY ARTHUR, AND ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNER, MISS GERTRUDE KWAN, OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ASSIST IN THE DISCUSSION.

(ji m

/BOARD MEMBSRS

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 9 -

BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSULTATION PAPER ON CONTROL OF PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AND PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DR P.H. HASE, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.

AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, MEMBERS WILL NOTE THE NEW YEARLY PROGRAMME OF THE MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE EXERCISE, ♦OPERATION FAR FLING*.

THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS WORK PLANS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN CF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS AND FROM THE CHAIRMAN CF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD hEETING HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.

-----0------

PUBLIC URGED TO BE WARY OF UNCLEAN FOOD * * *

WITH THE APPROACH OF THE SUMMER SEASON, THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH UNCLEAN AND UNWHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER.

MAKING THE APPEAL, THE HYGIENE ADVISER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DR RON PERRY, WARNED THE PUBLIC TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST FOOD POISONING AND DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA, DYSENTERY, TYPHOID AND VIRAL HEPATITIS.

♦MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD OBSERVE PROPER PRACTICES TO ENSURE THE FOOD THEY CONSUME IS HYGIENIC AND FREE FROM CONTAMINATION AND DETERIORATION,* DR PERRY SAID.

HE SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING WHEN EATING AT HOME:

* MAINTAIN A CLEAN KITCHEN;

* CLEAN HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD;

/♦ USE WHOLESOME .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 10 -

* USE WHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER}

* USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS;

* STORE ALL PERISHABLE FOOD NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION IN REFRIGERATOR. COOKED FOOD STORED IN REFRIGERATOR SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM RAW FOOD ITEMS;

* DO NOT THAW FROZEN FOOD UNTIL IT IS NEEDED;

* NEVER USE A CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE FOR CUTTING COOKED FOOD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN USED FOR CUTTING RAW FOOD, PARTICULARLY MEAT OR POULTRY;

* COOK FOOD, ESPECIALLY MEAT, THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONSUMPTION;

* EAT COOKED FOOD WHILE IT IS STILL HOT. DON’T LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME;

X FOOD TO BE KEPT OVER-NIGHT SHOULD BE PUT INA REFRIGERATOR. RECOOK LEFTOVERS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING, AND

* ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE SHOULD BE PUT INTO A COVERED CONTAINER PENDING DISPOSAL.

-----o------

PARENTS WARNED OF F-IRE DANGER *****

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS URGED PARENTS NOT TO LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME BEHIND LOCKED DOORS.

THE APPEAL FOLLOWED AN INCIDENT ON SUNDAY, APRIL 13, IN SHUN LEE ESTATE, KWUN TONG, IN WHICH A FIRE BROKE OUT IN A FLAT WHERE A GIRL OF SIX WAS LEFT LOCKED IN WHILE ALL ADULTS WERE OUT. FIREMEN RESCUED THE GIRL AFTER FORCING THEIR WAY INTO THE PREMISES.

+LOCKED DOORS WOULD DELAY OUR ENTRY TO THE SCENE OF A FIRE AT A TIME WHEN LIFE OR DEATH WOULD HINGE ON SECONDS GAINED OR LOST.+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF ALL FIRE VICTIMS ARE KILLED BY FIRES IN THEIR OWN HOMES, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

PARENTS SHOULD THEREFORE ALSO TAKE CARE AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN ON THE DANGERS WHEN THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND THEM.

/+LITTLE CHILDREN'S .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 11 -

♦LITTLE CHILDREN’S NATURAL CURIOSITY CAN LEAD TO TROUBLE WHEN MATCHES OR LIGHTERS ARE LEFT WITHIN REACH. AS CHILDREN GROW UP, TEACH THEM ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION. BUT, UNTIL THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH, KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT OF SIGHT,+ HE ADVISED.

♦ IN FACT, EVERY HOME FIRE REPRESENTS A FAILURE TO CORRECT HAZARDS AND A FAILURE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS,* HE ADDED.

LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 3 114 FIRES OCCURRED IN PRIVATE DOMESTIC FLATS AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, COMPARED WITH 2 967 IN 1984.

------o------

113 CLAIMS FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT * * * *

THE

LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED 113 CLAIMS FROM WORKERS FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS SINCE■ THE LEGISLATION ON THE SCHEME CAME INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

THIS WAS 2.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALL CLAIMS HANDLED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, MR CHOW TUNG-SHAN, SAID.

MR CHOW, WHO HEADS THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION, REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT EMPLOYEES WHO WERE REQUIRED TO RETIRE WERE ENTITLED TO LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE.

EMPLOYEES WHO RESIGNED ON THEIR OWN ACCORD WERE, HOWEVER, NOT ENTITLED TO SUCH PAYMENTS.

♦LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IS AT PRESENT NOT A PROBLEM FOR EMPLOYERS. BUT IT WILL BECOME ONE IN FIVE TO 10 YEARS TIME IF EMPLOYERS DO NOT START MAKING FINANCIAL PROVISIONS FOR IT,+ HE SAID.

MR CHOW SAID EMPLOYERS SHOULD TAKE THE ACCUMULATED SERVICE OF AN EMPLOYEE AS A PART OF THE LABOUR COST AND TREAT IT AS A DEFERRED LIABILITY.

♦THE BEST WAY IS FOR EMPLOYERS TO SET UP A CONTRIBUTORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME.

♦EMPLOYERS WILL BENEFIT FROM A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME BECAUSE IT WILL RELIEVE THEM FROM THE BURDEN OF THE GROWING LIABILITY OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, AND SEVERANCE PAY.+

/MR CHOW .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 12 -

MR CHOW SAID A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WOULD ALSO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH ADDED PROTECTION TO THEIR PAST YEARS OF SERVICE AND THUS INJECT A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG STAFF.

HE ADVISED EMPLOYERS WHO WISHED TO SET UP PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES TO APPROACH THE BANKS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHICH OFFERED THIS KIND OF SERVICE, OR CONTACT THE PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION AT 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

0 --------

LANDSCAPING FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

*****

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS TO LANDSCAPE 12 HECTARES OF ROADS IN TUEN MUN IN A PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE TOWN'S RESIDENTS.

THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES NORTH WEST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS CALLING TENDERS FOR BOTH HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING OF CENTRAL ROAD RESERVES, VERGES AND ROADSIDE OPEN SPACES ON TUEN MUN, WONG CHU, PUI TO, TSING WUN, CASTLE PEAK AND LUNG MUN ROADS.

TREES AND SHRUBS WILL BE PLANTED ON EMBANKMENTS AND ALONG ROADS TO SCREEN THEM FROM ADJACENT RESIDENTIAL AREAS. SHADED SITTING-OUT AREAS AND LANDSCAPED FOOTWAYS ARE INCLUDED IN THc. PROJECT.

PARTICULAR ATTENTION WILL BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING THE AREA FRONTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM CHI LOK FA YUEN TO THE WONG KA WAI MONASTERY.

THE OPEN SPACE AND AMENITY AREAS ADJACENT TO YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT AND THE NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND CAR PARK AT KAI FAT PATH BENEATH THE PUI TO ROAD FLYOVER ACROSS TUEN MUN ROAD ARE ALSO TO BE LANDSCAPED.

NEW RAISED PLANTERS WILL BE ADDED AND THE EXISTING DEACON CHIU PARK ON PUI TO ROAD WILL BE REFURBISHED.

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO PAVE AN AREA FOR INFORMAL GAMES UNDER THE ELEVATED PORTION OF WONG CHU ROAD FRONTING ON TING ESTATE.

THE CONTRACT IS DUE TO START IN JULY AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THE AREA AT KAI FAT PATH WILL BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER, 1986, AS A RESULT OF REQUESTS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO COMPLETE THE CAR PARK AND SCREEN THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WITHOUT DELAY.

SIMILARLY, THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLANTERS AND PAVING ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND AT PUI TO ROAD AND YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY MARCH, 1987.

0

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

13

EXTENSIVE AREAS OF RECLAMATION PROPOSED * * * * *

THREE AREAS OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED TOTALLING MORE THAN 54 HECTARES ARE TO BE RECLAIMED.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST GAZETTE THE LARGEST AREA OF 50.5 HECTARES IS EAST OF TSANG TSUI, TUEN MUN.

IT HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CASTLE PEAK POWER COMPANY FOR DISPOSAL OF PULVERISED ASH FROM THE TAP SHEK KOK POWER STATION.

THIS IS THE SECOND AND FINAL PHASE OF THE PROJECT, OF WHICH THE FIRST PHASE OF 21.5 HECTARES WAS GAZETTED ON DECEMBER 21, 1984.

THE ASH WILL BE ENCLOSED WITHIN SEA WALLS TO BE BUILT BEFORE DUMPING STARTS. THESE ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN TWO YEARS.

THE SECOND AREA, COMPRISING 1.9 HECTARES AT AP LEI CHAU, IS TO EE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR BOAT BUILDING AND REPAIRING YARDi.

THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE ALLOCATED MOSTLY TO BOATYARD OPERATORS AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED AP LEI CHAU NORTH RECLAMATION.

A THIRD AREA, OF 1.77 HECTARES AT WOK TAI WAN BAY, NORTH WEST TSI NG Yl WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR BARGE LOADING AND STOCK-PIL I Nu. IJ CONNECTION WITH THE TSING Yl BORROW AREA WHICH WILL PROVIDE FILL FOR THE KWAI CHUNG LOT NO. 6 RECLAMATION.

PLANS OF ALL THREE AREAS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE BUILDINGS ------------------------------ FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING,

AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY OFFICE, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSALS THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS

SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

---0------

JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO STUDENTS *****

TWO JAPANESE GOVERNMENT (MONBUSHO) SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AGAIN BEING OFFERED TO LOCAL STUDENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES AS WELL AS NATURAL SCIENCES IN JAPAN.

THE AWARDS UNDER THE MONBUSHO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 1987 ARE NORMALLY TENABLE FOR FIVE YEARS, FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR TO MARCH 1992, AND APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED.

/THS SCHOLARSHIPS........

SUNDAY, APHID 20, 1986

- 14 -

THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL COVER TUITION, ACCOMMODATION, LIVING EXPENSES AND RETURN PASSAGE.

APPLICATIONS NEED NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF JAPANESE, BUT THEY MUST BE WILLING TO RECEIVE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF JAPANESE.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE ENROLLED AT THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL ATTACHED TO THE TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES AND WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-YEAR COURSE ON THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND SUCH OTHER SOBJECTS AS ARE NECESSARY TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE BACHELOR’S DEGREE

COURSE IN A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY.

APPLICANTS MUST BE OVER 17 AND UNDER 22 YEARS OF AGE ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR AND HAVE ACADEMICALLY COMPLETED UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG OR CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OR POSSESS HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS.

THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED IN TWO RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL, OR IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN ONE RELEVANT SUBJECT AT THE ORDINARY LEVEL IN THE BRITISH GENERAL CERTIFICATE CF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.

COMPLETED FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETURNED TG THE SAME OFFICE BEFORE JULY 28.

$9 MILLION ROCKERY GARDEN NEARING COMPLETION IN WAN CHAI

* * *

THE COMMERCIAL AREA ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION IS TAKING ON A NEW LOOK WITH A BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED ROCKERY GARDEN ALMOST READY IN ITS MIDST - THANKS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.

WORKMEN ARE GIVING FINAL TOUCHES TO THE COUNCIL’S $9 MILLION PROJECT IN HARBOUR ROAD WHICH FEATURES ARTISTIC ROCK AND EARTH MOUNDS ON A 3 900 SQUARE-METRE SITE.

+0N COMPLETION BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, IT WILL PROVIDE A WELCOME LEISURE PLACE FOR RESIDENTS AS WELL AS OFFICE WORKERS IN THE AREA,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

HE SAID THE LARGE GARDEN HAD BEEN CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO GIVE NATURAL AND SCENIC VIEWS AS WELL AS A SOOTHING AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT.

/+A1TONG ITS..........

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1986

- 15 -

♦AMONG ITS FEATURES ARE A WATER POND, A ROCK MOUND AND AN EARTH MOUND IN THE CENTRE, WITH A FUTURISTIC-LOOK ING PAVILION ON ONE SIDE OF THE POND.+ HE SAID.

♦THERE IS A CIRCULAR PATH WITH AN ARCHED BRIDGE AS WELL AS A MAIN PATH WHICH LINKS UP THE TWO ENTRANCES TO THE

GARDEN.

♦ IN ADDITION

, THE GARDEN HAS A SEMI-COVERED AREA FOR __ --------THE BOUNDARY OF THE GARDEN

SEATING AND DISPLAY OF PLANTS.

IS ALSO COVERED BY PLANTS.+

---------o----------

500 ENJOY VARIETY SHOW WITH THE DISABLED

*****

ABOUT 500 PEOPLE ENJOYED A VARIETY SHOW HELD IN WAN CHAI THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS WITH THE DISABLED.

THE AUDIENCE OF DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE WAS TREATED TO SINGING, DANCING AND DRAMA BY BOTH DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PERFORMERS FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SHOW WAS HELD AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER MR ROGER GARCIA NOTED THAT MANY INSTITUTIONS IN THE DISTRICT OFFERED REHABILITATION SERVICES TO DISABLED PERSONS AND, HE SAID, THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS WERE MUCH APPRECIATED.

THE JOINT PERFORMANCES BY DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE IN THE VARIETY SHOW DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY COULD WORK TOGETHER AND COMMUNICATE THROUGH PARTICIPATION, MR GARCIA ADDED.

IT WAS ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH SUCH ACTIVITIES, THE PUBLIC WOULD HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABLED.

THE SHOW WAS ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD. OTHER GUESTS WERE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM- CHAIRMAN OF THE VARIETY SHOW WORKING GROUP, MR TERENCE TENG- AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DONNA WONG.

- 0 ----------

/16 .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1936

16

FUNDS FOR KWUN TONG YOUTH ACTIVITIES

*****

ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG CAN NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUMMER VACATION.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN, SAID: +ORGANI SAT IONS Banning activities which embody the central theme of this year’s SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, OF ’CARING FOR OUR SOCIETY AND KNOWING HONG KONG’, ARE WELCOME TO APPLY TO THE COMMITTEE FOR SPONSORSHIP.

+THE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED MAINLY FOR LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 24.+

THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS ALLOCATED $346 000 TO KWUN TONG’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED TO ALLOCATE 60 PER CENT OF THE FUNDS TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS, 30 PER CENT TO RECREATIONAL, LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, AND THE REST TO PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.

+WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE MORE PROJECTS WHICH AIM AT YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN SQUATTER AREAS AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, OR THOSE SOUGHT OUT BY OUTREACH TEAMS,* MADAM YEUNG ADDED.

APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS APRIL 30.

ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE NOT YET OBTAINED AN APPLICATION FORM, OR WANT MORE DETAILS, SHOULD CALL THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-416315 (EXT 391).

LAST SUMMER, MORE THAN 100 000 YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN 400 ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

- - 0 -

ROAD CLOSURE IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * * *

TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS, THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON APRIL 23, 24 AND 25.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL HEADING FOR CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE EXIT ROAD LEADING TO HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD FLYOVER.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROGRAMME FOR ROAD TUNNEL TO JUNK BAY......................... 1

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO BE PROMOTED .................... 2

REFUSE TRANSFER STATION UNDER STUDY .......................... 3

55 MILLION HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING DRIVE ....................... 5

NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES.................................... 4

INSIGNIA PRESENTATION ........................................ 5

FIRST-HAND LOOK AT CIVIC EDUCATION ........................... 5

CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM .......... 6

COMMITTEES TO ELECT NEW CHAIRMEN ............................. 6

DISCUSSION ON BILLIARD CONTROLS ............................. 7

NEW ADDRESS FOR POST OFFICE................................... 8

WIDER ROAD TO SHENZHEN .................................. 8

THREE-WEEK JOURNALISM WORKSHOP ............................... 9

SHA TIN MEETING .............................................. 9

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAI WAI .......................... 10

BRIEF CLOSURE OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL.............................. 11

WATER STORAGE FIGURE ......................................... 11

LAM TIN WATER CUT ............................................ 12

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

1

PROGRAMME FOR ROAD TUNNEL TO JUNK BAY

******

TENDERS WILL BE INVITED SOON, AND WORK EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST, ON A SINGLE-TUBE ROAD TUNNEL CONNECTING JUNK BAY WITH THE KWUN TONG AND LEI YUE MUN ROADS.

THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, MR NORMAN TUCKER, SPEAKING AT THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (MONDAY).

+THE FIRST TUBE OF THE ROAD TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE THE TRAFFIC CAPACITY TO SERVE A POPULATION OF BETWEEN 150 000 AND 175 000,+ HE SAID.

+FOR THE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY PHASE ONE UP TO A POPULATION OF 223 000, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CONSTRUCT A SECOND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL AND UPGRADE THE ROAD TO A DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY TWO-LANE ROAD.

+THIS WOULD THEN HAVE SPARE CAPACITY TO SERVE A POPULATION OF UP TO 300 000.+

MR TUCKER SAID THE SINGLE-TUBE TUNNEL WOULD ALSO INCLUDE LARGE WATER MAINS TO CONVEY WATER FROM A NEW TREATMENT WORKS BEING BUILT AT PAK KONG IN SAI KUNG TO EAST KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND AS WELL AS TO JUNK BAY.

+FURTHER WORK ON THE ROAD NETWORK OF THE TOWN WILL BEGIN IN AUGUST AND ANOTHER RECLAMATION CONTRACT STARTING IN OCTOBER WILL FILL IN THE SEA CHANNEL BESIDE THE FIRST HOUSING ESTATE, PO LAM ESTATE,+ HE ADDED.

MR TUCKER DESCRIBED JUNK BAY NEW TOWN AS +AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME+.

+SITES IN PHASE ONE OF JUNK BAY WILL CONTRIBUTE SOME 33 000 FLATS TO THE HOUSING STOCK BETWEEN NOW AND 1994, REPRESENTING ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PRODUCTION FOR THAT PERIOD.

+THE FIRST PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO PHASE ONE OF PO LAM ESTATE IN JANUARY 1987, AND INTO PHASE TWO IN MID-1987. THERE WILL BE A CONTINUOUS IN-FLOW THEREAFTER UNTIL 1995.+

HE EXPLAINED THAT WHILE THE TWO FOUNDRIES COULD NOT BE REMOVED BEFORE THE FIRST HOUSING BLOCKS WERE OCCUPIED POLLUTION REDUCTION SYSTEMS WOULD BE INTRODUCED UNTIL THE FACTORIES COULD BE RELOCATED.

/THE RQ4AINING........

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

2

THE REMAINING INDUSTRIES AT THE HEAD OF THE BAY AREA WOULD BE CLOSED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.

+THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND TO INCLUDE AN MTR LINE WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE COST OF AN MTR LINK TO JUNK BAY.

+THIS OFFERS THE POSSIBILITY OF ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT OPTIONS TO SERVE THE TOWN IN THE FUTURE AND ALSO MAKES PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT MORE ATTRACTIVE AND MORE COST EFFECT IVE,+ HE SAID.

-----o-----

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME TO BE PROMOTED

*****

A MAJOR TASK OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD BE TO ASSIST THE POLICE IN FURTHER PROMOTING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN THE DISTRICT, THE NEWLY-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN, MR CHOI HING-SHUN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

+THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS WAS WELL RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS AND THE DFCC WOULD BE EXPANDING THE SCHEME TO INCLUDE MORE HOUSEHOLDS TO HELP FIGHT CRIME,+ MR CHOI SAID.

THE PROPOSED BUILDINGS TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE SCHEME INCLUDE YEUNG KING HOUSE IN LAI KING ESTATE, BLOCKS 1-3, KWAI FONG TERRACE, BLOCK 19, KWAI SHING ESTATE, AND CHING YUNG HOUSE IN CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.

AT PRESENT, 173 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS, COVERING 2 381 HOUSEHOLDS, HAV^ BEEN FORMED IN SIX BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE DFCC ALSO PLANS TO PUBLISH A NEWSLETTER TO INFORM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS OF DFCC ACTIVITIES AND TO PUT ACROSS THE CRIME PREVENTION MESSAGE TO THEM.

THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT DFCC THIS YEAR COMPRISES FIVE OFFICIAL MEMBERS AND 12 UNOFFICIALS, THE LATTER COMING FROM VARIOUS SECTORS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING PROFESSIONALS, SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS, INDUSTRIALISTS AND HOUSEWIVES.

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

5

REFUSE TRANSFER STATION UNDER STUDY * * * * *

CONSULTANT ENGINEERS WERE TODAY (MONDAY) APPOINTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION AT KOWLOON BAY. THIS IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO PLAN FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF WASTES.

ACTING PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR JOHN BOXALL, SAID THE CONSULTANT FIRM, MOTT HAY AND ANDERSON HONG KONG LTD, WILL DEVELOP TECHNICAL PROPOSALS OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, AND THESE WILL BE FORMULATED INTO A CONTRACT AND FINANCIAL PACKAGE FOR TENDER PURPOSES BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

LEADING INTERNATIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTORS WILL BE INVITED TO SUBMIT TENDERS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCING AND OPERATION OF THE STATION, WHICH WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.

AT PRESENT, MUNICIPAL WASTE COLLECTED BY URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE URBAN AREA IS DISPOSED OF AT THREE INCINERATION PLANTS (KENNEDY TOWN, LAI CHI KOK AND KWAI CHUNG), CHAI WAN COMPOSTING PLANT OR JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP.

BY 1989, WHEN THE JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP IS FULL, IT IS PROPOSED THAT A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION BE BUILT AT KOWLOON BAY TO REPLACE THE URBAN TIP.

AT THIS FACILITY, WASTE FROM REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES WILL BE TRANSFERRED ON TO BULK VEHICLES FOR TRANSPORT TO LARGE-SCALE CONTROLLED TIPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

- - 0 - -

$5 MILLION HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING DRIVE * * *

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF ITS CAMPAIGN TO RAISE S5 MILLION FOR THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT.

THE FIRST MAJOR FUND-RAISING EXERCISE EVER ORGANISED BY A DISTRICT BOARD, THE CAMPAIGN FEATURES A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

/ATTENDING THE

4

ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM HANG-FAI WHO IS ALSO THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN! VICE-CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-KWOK, MR LI WAH-MING, MR LAM LEUNG-KI AND MR TSANG TAI-TSUN! KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN? AND THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, DR DAVID CHIN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.

----a-----

NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES

* * * * *

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (CPI’S) WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24).

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR RICHARD BUTLER, WILL TALK ABOUT THE FINDINGS OF THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY AS WELL AS SOME OF THE WEIGHTING PATTERNS FOR THE TWO NEW CPI SERIES.

FOLLOWING THIS, THE MANAGER OF HANG SENG BANK LTD, W T.P. CHENG, WILL EXPLAIN SOME OF THE CHANGES IN THE WEIGHTING SYSTEM OF THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR LUK CHI-MING, AND THE SUB-MANAGER OF THE HANG SENG BANK LTD, LUK KOON-HOO, WILL ALSO SIT ON THE PANEL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT ON THURSDAY AT 3 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

- 0 -

/5........

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

5

INSIGNIA PRESENTATION * * * * *

SEVENTY-FOUR PEOPLE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC WILL RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING.

AMONG THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, NR SELWYN ALLEYNE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF BAPTIST COLLEGE’S BOARD OF GOVERNORS, DR LAM SEE-HIN, BOTH OF WHOM WERE AWARDED THE C.B.E.

-----o------

FIRST-HAND LOOK AT CIVIC EDUCATION ******

KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS VISITED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO SEE HOW THE GOVERNMENT PROMOTES CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

THE VISIT WAS PART OF A PROGRAMME ARRANGED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO FAMILIARISE BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE OPERATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF, BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG AND MEMBERS FIRST WENT TO THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE IN THE TO KWA WAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER, MR G. SINGH, AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR LEUNG KA-KUI, ON THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THEY THEN WENT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, WHICH PROVIDES A CENTRAL REFERENCE, INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO TEACHING CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

BOARD MEMBERS TOURED THE CENTRE AND SAW AN EXHIBITION ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ORGANISATION AND STRUCTURE OF GOVE NMENT, AND HOW DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE LEGISLATURE AFFECT THE EVERYDAY LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY.

-------0 - - - -

/6........

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

6

CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM * * * * *

THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, LEFT TODAY (MONDAY) TO ATTEND A THREE-DAY INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM WHICH STARTS ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24) IN WARSAW, POLAND.

THE SYMPOSIUM IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LABOUR INSPECTION AND THE GENERAL LABOUR INSPECTORATE OF POLAND FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT STAFF.

THE THREE-DAY MEETING WILL BE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT, PARTICULARLY THE EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT’S EFFECTIVENESS IN MANAGING SAFETY.

AMONG THE COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT THE SYMPOSIUM ARE WEST GERMANY, CANADA, DENMARK, SPAIN, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY, JAPAN, MACAU, THE NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL AND SWITZERLAND.

AFTER THE SYMPOSIUM, MR YIP WILL VISIT HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVES IN BRITAIN TO DISCUSS AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS CONCERNING THE PROMOTION OF SAFETY AND HEALTH IN INDUSTRY.

-----0------

COMMITTEES TO ELECT NEW CHAIRMEN

*****

THE FOUR COMMITTEES OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL ELECT NEW CHAIRMEN FOR 1986-87 AT THEIR FORTHCOMING MEETINGS.

AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY), APART FROM ELECTING THE NEW CHAIRMAN MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE DISTRICT’S STREET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AND A PROPOSAL TO RESURFACE THE FOOTPATH AT CHING MAN VILLAGE

IN SO KON PO.

THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 4 PM IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 5-8921239 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS.

/THE PUBLIC .......

MOhDAI, APRIL 21, 19b6

THE PUBLIC IS ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS OF THE -OLLOWING COMMITTEES AT THE SAME VENUE:

M COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, APRIL 29, 4 PM

* TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MAY 6, 4 PM

* CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE, MAY 13, 4 PM

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ABOVE MEETINGS.

------o-------

DISCUSSION ON BILLIARD CONTROLS

*****

NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO CONTROL BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON REHOUSING IN CONNECTION wITH A RE-DEVELOPMENT PROJECT AT SHA TAU KOK AND ON SUGGESTIONS THAT THE PROPOSED THIRD UNIVERSITY BE LOCATED IN THE DISTRICT.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ALLOCATION OF BOARD FUNDS AND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES FOR THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9 30 AM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, NEW TERRITORIES.

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

8

NEW ADDRESS FOR POST OFFICE

******

A NEW POST OFFICE WILL BE OPENED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE LEI CHENG UK SHOPPING CENTRE AT 9 AM NEXT MONDAY (APRIL 28) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING LEI CHENG UK POST OFFICE AT 39A, TONKIN STRcET.

THE NEW POST OFFICE IS IN LARGER ACCOMMODATION AND HAS IMPROVED

facilities, a post office spokesman said.

+THE TELEPHONE NUMBER REMAINS THE SAME (3-860287) AND BUSINESS HOURS ARE 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO 1 PM ON SATURDAY,+ HE ADDED.

-------0 ---------

WIDER ROAD TO SHENZHEN * * *

AND

A SECTION OF MAN ITS JUNCTION WITH LIN THE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM ZONE.

KAM TO ROAD BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD MA HANG ROAD IS TO BE WIDENED TO IMPROVE HONG KONG TO THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC

THE WORK INVOLVES ABOUT 2 5 KILOMETRES OF HAN KAH TO ROAD WHICH WILL BE BROADENED FROM ITS PRESENT SIX METRES TO 10.3 NETRES TO ENABLE IT TO TAKE THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC.

IN ADDITION NINE BUS-BAYS, TOGETHER WITH A ^.6-METRE WIDE Kt'S IATEDHW I TH^THESE^WORKS^w'i'lL BERTHE MINING CF EXISTING REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND LANDSCAPING.

WORKS DESIGNED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE IN THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, ARE NOW OPEN TO TENDER.

-----0------

/9........

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

9

THREE-wEEK JOURNALISM WORKSHOP

*****

-OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

YEAR’S

CONDUCTED BY ACADEMICS ‘^“VETERAN^OURNAL!STS. THIS .fiE SS WdeRvel3?«h}LLceBntreELEarbour CENTRE, WAN CHA I.

THE SYMPOSIUM COVERS A W^DE RANGE «F JOPICS^SUCH^ADVANCE SIS^^ilRAGn'lNTEPP®^I« REPORTING AND PHOTOJOURNALISM.

PABT.ClhS^ITSSS^SF^/HE^eesSuBSIDisErlv^THE^OcJTIONAL

training council.

for WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE F“LL-COURtt6uS|P»RAT| LECTOE^ To?lN“o4NALEL%o5KINrjOUR‘ALIS?s!3 CLOS.NG DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

IS MAY 1.


EXT. 283.

- 0 -

SHA TIN MEETING * * *

-rue td Acr in '\ir TRANSPORT ^OM^. I TTE^ OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT /CARD aJLL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS RELATED MATTERS.

THE MEETING wILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM T THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, ShA TIN STATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

^Su' arV iWviTEff' TO COVER THE MEETING.

o

/10

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1966

10

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TAI WAI

******

THE PERMANENT KCR TAI WAI STATION, WHICH REPLACES THE TEMPORARY 'RAILWAY STATION IN TAI WAI INDUSTRIAL AREA AND IS DESIGNED TO CATER FOR A LARGER PASSENGER VOLUME, WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 23).

.. .SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TAI WAI TO WITH THE OPENING OF THE STATION, UNDER STAGE I I OF A TRAFFIC

AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SCHEME. STAGE 1 CAME INTO FORCE ON

APRIL 16. THE FURTHER MEASURES ARE:

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

THE TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A TEMPORARY TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, TAXIS AND PRIVATE VEHICLES. THE SECTION OF TSUEN NAM ROAD BETWEE^I TAI WAI ROAD AND MEI TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FROM MEI TIN ROAD AND CHIK WAN ROAD, OR TO ENTER MEI TIN ROAD FROM TSUEN NAM ROAD.

BUS SERVICES

KMB ROUTE NO SOK (SUN CHUI TO SIU LEK YUEN) AND ROUTE NO 82K (MEI LAM TO KCR FO TAN STATION) WILL BE REVISED. ON JOURNEYS TO SIU LEK YUEN, BUSES ON ROUTE NO 80K WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHE KUNG MUI ROAD MEI TIN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS, TAI WAI ROAD*AND TAI PO RoAd. ON SUN CHUI-BOUND JOURNEYS BUSES WILL Bt DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD, SHING HO ROAD, CHIK FUK STREET, CHIK LUK LANE, TSUEN NAM ROAD, MEI TIN ROAD AND CHE KUNG MUI ROAD.

ON JOURNEYS TO FO TAN, BUSES ON ROUTE NO 82K WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MEI TIN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI wAI BUS TERMINUS, TAI WAI ROAD, CHIK FAI STREET, MEI TIN ROAD AND CHE KUNG MUI ROAD. ON btl LAM-BOUND JOURNEYS. BUSES WILL OPERATE VIA CHE KUNG MUI ROAD, I TIN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS, TAI WAI ROAD CHIK FAI STREET AND MEI TIN ROAD.

/GREEK MINIBUS........

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES

THE TERMINI OF NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE N0.63K (PAK TIN MUI LEE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO KCR TAI wAI STATION) AND ROUTt NO 64K (FU SHAN-LOWER SHING MUN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO KCR TAI WAI STATION) WILL BE RELOCATED FROM SHING WAN ROAD TO THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

TAXI SERVICES

A TAXI STAND WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

OTHER VEHICLES

OTHER VEHICLES CAN STOP FOR PASSENGERS AT THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE ADJACENT TO THE CAR PARK.

-----o------

BR IEF

CLOSURE OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL

*****

ta CAPH itatf THE TESTING OF EQUIPMENT, THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL „LL Je “oSED TO ALL mFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON THURSDAY (APR IL 24).

™1TS%c^^B5ki:ESI^ETOTKe7ELSLTiNBGBsB^^Nw“o^ CNM' cX NAM FUNG ROAD OR REPULSE BAY ROAD.

THE SOUTHERN GAP ROAD AND

-------o ---------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE

*****

IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY)

stoodT/ca?« ity“6r-257.4b9 MILL I ON CUB IC

RETRES.

MILL.S^JI^M^ils^W^R^^KSM^C^T

CF CAPACITY.

-----o------

/12

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

12

LAM TIN WATER CUT

*****

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN LAM TIN WILL BE TURNED OF? FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING . DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

V THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY ON TIN STREET AND PING TIN STREET, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS 15 TO 24 OF LAM TIN ESTATE.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 74................................ 1

NINE TO SPEAK AT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE.......................... 5

APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR PAY SCALE ADJUSTMENT ....................... 5

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO TRY HARDER............................... 6

WALK TO LAUNCH FUND-RAISING DRIVE............................... 7

TWO MORE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED................................... 9

SIR DAVID VISITS SENIOR STAFF COURSE MEMBERS ................... 9

MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES 'TO BE BUILT........................... 10

UK MINISTER CN TWO-DAY VISIT .................................. 10

DRAWING COMPETITION TO STIMULATE CREATIVITY ................... 11

DETAILS OF BONSAI SHOW ........................................ 12

NEW WATER MAIN FOR YUEN LONG................................... 12

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 1986 1 GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGNIA TO 74 X X X X

INSIGNIA FOR 74 PEOPLE WERE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

SEVENTY-ONE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, WHILE THREE WERE AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF INSIGNIA RECIPIENTS:

C.B.E.

MR SELWYN EUGENE ALLEYNE, JP

DR LAM SEE-HIN, OBE, JP

O.B.E.

MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG, MBE, JP

MR KAN YUET-LOONG, JP

MR SHUM CHO I-SANG, MBE, JP

O.B.E. (HON)

DR THE HON TSE CH I-WAI, JP

I.S.O.

MR MORRIS CYRIL MORGAN, JP

M.B.E.

MRS IRENE CHEUNG YOK-LUEN, JP

DR JAMES BARRIE HOLL INRAKE

MR KONG WAI-KWAN

MR LEE JARK-PUI

MR CLIFFORD HENRY PARTRIDGE

MR ANDREW CAMERON RENNIE

MR TAI KUEN

MR YU PUI-LAM .......

TUESDAY, APKIL

2

M.B.E. (MIL.)

MR PAU CH I-LEUNG CAPTAIN KARNABAHADUR RAI

QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL

MR TOBIAS MARTIN ADAMSON

MR CHIU MAN-WAH MR CHU HON-SANG MR FOO SAU-PAK MR KWONG YEW MR LAW WING MR LEE SEE-WANG MR LEUNG YUN-WING MR LI KAN-CHUEN MR MAK YUNG-LOK MRS SYLVIA LILLIAN MCGUGAN MR NG KUEN MRS SIU WONG KIT-YIN MR WONG YAN-PARK MR YIP LAM MR YUEN PANG

B.E.M. (MIL.)

CORPORAL CHAN CHUN-HUNG Q.P.M.

MR VICTOR MAURICE GREEN, C^M MR CHAN TAI-WING, CPM


C.P.M.

ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE

MR RUSSELL JOHN MASON MR JAMES GODFREY HURST MR ERIC JOHN LOCKEYEAR MR JOHN NEVILLE BROOMFIELD MR EVAN HOPKIN EVANS MR MICHAEL JOHN HARRIS MR GEORGE ALEXANDER ADAMS MURPHY MR JAMES FRANCIS MORRIS MR PHILLIP LAYTON MR MATHEW RATCLIFF ATKINSON MR PAO WAI-LI NG MR LEUNG CHO MR LO MAN-TUI MISS CHAN SIU-HA MR HO HING-CHUEN MR LEUNG KA FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MR GWYNFOR VICTOR ALLAWAY MR LEUNG FOOK-CHU MR NG ON-HEUNG MR WONG HAR—CHUNG

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 1?86

- 4 -

BADGE OF HONOUR

MR CHAN WAI-MAN MR CHAN YAN-LEUNG MRS ALICE CHONG YUK TAK-FUN MR HO YUK-WING MR KOO LOH-MING MR LAM HUNG-CHIU MR LEE KIN-CHUNG MR MA YU-LEUNG MR POON SHUN-KWOK DR PORTIA SHEEN MADAM TING YUK-CHEE MR TSANG FAN-KONG MRS TSANG WONG TAK-CHUNG MR WONG CHUNG-YING MR WU MAN-KEUNG GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATIONS

MR COLIN CHARLES WOOD MR CHOY KIN-CHEUNG MR LEE CHUN-WAN

-----o------

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 1986

5

NINE TO SPEAK AT RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE

*****

NINE OFFICIALS WILL BE SPEAKING WHEN DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1986 RESUMES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND TWO OTHER BILLS ARE DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TOMORROW WILL BE THE SECRETARIES FORi TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO; EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON; HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS; HOUSING, THE HON JOHN TODD; LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON CHAN NAI-KEUNG; AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, AS WELL AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS I THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES; AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.

TWO BILLS DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986. DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE BILLS PRIOR TO THE FINAL STAGE OF LEGISLATION.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL ALSO BE A STATEMENT MADE BY THE HON SELINA CHOW ON THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 1984-85.

-----o------

APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR PAY SCALE ADJUSTMENT

* * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE CF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT TO THE PAY OF CIVIL SERVANTS WITH EFFECT FROM MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

* *

ASKED TO APPROVE AN ADJUSTMENT SCALES AND PERSONAL SCALES

APRIL 1 THIS YEAR AT ITS

THIS FOLLOWS THE ACCEPTANCE OF AN ACROSS THE BOARD PAY AWARD OF 6.96 PER CENT BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIV L SERVICE COUNCIL, THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS MONTH.

IN ORDER THAT EACH POINT ON THE NON-DIRECTORATE PAY SCALES SHOULD BE INCREASED BY NOT LESS THAN 6.96 PER CENT AFTER ROUND IN TO A MULTIPLE OF $5, THE AVERAGE PERCENTAGE ADJUSTMENT IS ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT.

MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE INVITED TO APPROVE A SIMILAR ADJUSTMENT TO SCALES AND RATES FOR EMPLOYEES OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE NORMALLY REVISED IN LINE WITH CIVIL SERVICE PAY.

/APPLICATIONS FOR .......

TUESDAY, APKH 22, 1986

6

APPLICATIONS FOR PAY ADJUSTMENTS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROPOSALS IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $1 240 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

OTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ARE:

* AN INTEGRATED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SERVICE AND AN EXPANDED METALS DEVELOPMENT SERVICE FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL i

* ADDITIONAL TEACHERS OF CHINESE FOR PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH FEWER THAN 18 CLASSES;

* FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ONE ADDITIONAL NON-1 ND IGENOUS VILLAGE OFFICE?

* REVISED CONDITIONS FOR LOANS FROM THE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND?

* EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR A ROWING BOAT OPERATOR IN JUNK BAY? AND

* REVISED ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAYING INTEREST RATES FOR A RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM AND A COMPUTER-BASED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATOR SYSTEM FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.

-----o------

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO TRY HARDER *****

LOCAL MANUFACTURERS MUST TRY EVEN HARDER TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP, AND SEEK TO CREATE NEW DEMAND THROUGH INNOVATION IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMPETITIVENESS, THE DIRECTOR CF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST HONG KONG GIFTS AND HOUSEWARE FAIR, MR YEUNG SAID HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS HAD TO REALISE THAT THEY FACED COMPETITION NOT JUST IN TERMS OF PRICE BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF PRODUCT SAFETY, PRODUCT RELIABILITY AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF DESIGN.

+IT IS TO HELP MANUFACTURERS TO ACHIEVE THESE AIMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY CREATED THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY.

A IN THE

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 198o

7

+IN THE INITITAL YEARS OF ITS OPERATION, THE COMPANY WILL FOCUS ON SUCH PRODUCTS AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT,* HE ADDED.

MR YEUNG STRESSED THAT GIFTS AND HOUSEWARE PRODUCTS FORMED a SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURES.

THE VALUE OF THEIR EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO NEARLY $32 800 MILLION IN 1985 OR 25 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THAT YcAR.

THE OUTPUT OF MANUFACTURING ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 21 PER CENT OF OUR GDP IN 1982, ABOUT 23 PER CENT IN 1983 AND NEARLY 25 PER CENT IN 1984, AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EMPLOYED NEARLY 853 371 PEOPLE LAST YEAR, OR ABOUT W PER CENT OF THE LABOUR FORCE,* HE SAID.

WHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS PROBABLY ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF TOTAL SALES, MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT INBOUND TOURISM ALSO MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION.

IN 1985 3.4 MILLION TOURISTS SPENT SOMETHING LIKE $14 300 MILLION HERE,'OF WHICH NOT LESS THAN $10 000 MILLION WERE SPENT uu PURCHASES OF GOODS.

WITHIN HONG KONG ITSELF THERE IS A LARGE AND GROWING MARKET FOR GIFTS AND HOUSEWARE,♦ HE NOTED.

♦THE VALUE OF PRIVATE CONSUMPTION OF SUCH PRODUCTS AS FURNITURE, FURNISHINGS AND HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT HAS GROWN FROM SOMETHING L3KE $1 900 MILLION IN 1975 TO $17 .............. DCODCCC^TIMr-

AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE

WO MILLION IN

OF 28 PER CENT

1984, REPRESENTING

IN MONEY TERMS OR 21 PEn

CENT IN REAL TERMS.*

- - 0 - -

WALK TO LAUNCH FUND-RAISING DRIVE

*****

A CHARITY WALK ON MAY 4 WILL LAUNCH A MAJOR FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT.

THE +WALK WITH OUR HEARTS* EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE SAU NGA ROAD PLAYGROUND IN SAU MAU PING AND WILL TAKE PARTICI XNTs ROUND A FOUR-KILOMETRE ROUTE CIRCLING THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSP ITAL.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN TODAY (TUESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FUND-RAISING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, NR LAM HANG-FAI, WHO IS ALSO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, SAID A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WOULD BE ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO RAISE $5 MILLION FOR THE HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT.

/♦THIS IS ......

TUESDAY, APRIL 22. 'c£6 .

- 8 -

+THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A MAJOR FUND-RAISING DR IVE,+ MR LAM SAID.

+1 HOPE THAT LOCAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THIS WORTHY CAUSE,* HE ADDED.

SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE COMING MONTHS INCLUDE A SUPERSTAR BASKETBALL MATCH, A FILM PREMIERE, A FUN FAIR, A TELEVISION SHOW, MINI-BUS CHARITY RIDES, AND OTHER FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES IN THE 14 AREAS OF THE DISTRICT.

MR LAM SAID ABOUT 1.5 MILLION RAFFLE TICKETS, AT $2 EACH, WOULD SOON BE ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC AND HE URGED RESIDENTS TO EE GENEROUS WITH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS.

+THE FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD TO BE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN HELPING TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY,+ SAID MR LAM.

KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THAT wITH THE POPULATION OF KWUN TONG, NOW AT ABOUT 7OO 000, GROWING STEADILY, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE SHORTAGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES BE MADE GOOD.

+THE HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT IS AN EFFORT BY EVERYONE TO IMPROVE MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.

+THE CAMPAIGN’S SLOGAN OF ’BUILD WITH OUR HEARTS’ IS A GOOD MOTIVATION FOR EVERYONE IN THE DISTRICT TO SUPPORT AND SHOW THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THEIR OWN COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.

+THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS TO GIVE ITS FULL SUPPORT TO MAKE THE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS,* MR CHAN SAID.

THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, DR DAVID CHIN, SAID THE $739 MILLION EXTENSION PROJECT WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOSPITAL BLOCK, A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL AND DORMITORIES.

+WHEN COMPLETED IN 1990, THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS WILL INCREASE FROM 640 TO 1 400 AND DAYTIME BEDS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDE-,* HE SAID.

+AS THE HOSPITAL WOULD HAVE TO RAISE $50 MILLION TO SUPPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S SUBSIDY OF $680 MILLION, WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THE DISTRICT BOARD’S EFFORTS TO RAISE $5 MILLION ON BEHALF OF Trie HOSPITAL,* DR CHIN SAID.

DONORS TO THE HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT ARE WELCOME TO SeND IN THEIR CROSSED CHEQUES, PAYABLE TO ’THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL FUND-RAISING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE', TO ROOM 107, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG. ENQUIRIES CAN EE MADE ON 3-418014.

0 -

/9........

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 1936

TWO MORE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED *****

TWO NOMINATIONS WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) RECEIVED FOR THt COMING DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTIONS.

MR LEE CHUNG-MING, 40, A TECHNICIAN, AND MISS ELAINE WONG, 26, A REPORTER, WERE NOMINATED TO CONTEST THE SEAT IN THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY OF MONG KOK DISTRICT.

TO DATE, FIVE NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED - FOUR FOR TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY AND ONE FOR CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY.

0 - -

SIR DAVID VISITS SENIOR STAFF COURSE MEMBERS

*****

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (TUESDAY) SHOWED HIS SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ATTENDING THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE BY PAYING THEM A VISIT IN MUI WO, LANTAU.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE COURSE DIRECTOR, MR LEN SNEDDON, SIR DAVID MET COURSE MEMBERS AND BRIEFED THEM ON VARIOUS MATTERS OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION.

SIR DAVID LEARNED THAT THE COURSE, THE FIFTH HELD SINCE SEPTEMBER 1984, HAD RETAINED MOST OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND POLICY ANALYSIS SUBJECTS FROM PREVIOUS COURSES, WHILE INTRODUCING A NEW ONx, ■♦CROSS-CULTURE MANAGEMENT*.

THE 40 PARTICIPANTS OF THE THREE-MONTH COURSE ARE SPENDING THEIR FIRST WEEK IN RESIDENCE AT THE SILVERMINE BEACH HOTEL AND WILL LATER GO ON A STUDY VISIT TO A SOUTH-EAST ASIAN COUNTRY.

SO FAR, 169 GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN TRAINED UNDER Ti-E_ SENIOR STAFF COURSE PROGRAMME. SEVEN MORE COURSES WILL BE PROvi^c^ BY 1989.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, l?-r

10

MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES TO BE BUILT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD 33 MORE SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO COPE WITH DEMAND, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ON TING CHILDREN GARDEN OPERATED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN AND JUVENILES WELFARE ASSOCIATION, MRS DOE SAID THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES BECAUSE MORE YOUNG MOTHERS WERE WORKING.

+THE DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL GROW EVEN FURTHER AS MORE FAMILIES WILL MOVE INTO NEW TO., s WITH THE GROWTH IN POPULATION AND THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES,+ SHE SAID.

SHE NOTED THAT SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1965, THE Ntw TERRITORIES WOMEN AND JUVENILES WELFARE ASSOCIATION HAD SET UP THREE CHILD CARE CENTRES, AS WELL AS KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY SCHOOLS, CLINICS AND WELFARE CENTRES TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE ASSOCIATION PLANNED TO BUILD THREE MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES IN SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

MRS DOE SAID THE ON TING CHILDREN GARDEN WAS THE THIRD CHIL_, CARE CENTRE RUN BY THE ASSOCIATION. IT WAS WELL-EQUIPPED AND WOULD SERVE FAMILIES IN ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATES IN TUEN MUN AND NEIGHBOURING AREAS.

SHE ALSO COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTINUOUS SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

-----o------

UK MINISTER ON TWO-DAY VISIT *****

BR(TISH MINISTER HONG KONG ON THURSDAY TOUR IN CHINA.

FOR THE ARTS, MR RICHARD LUCE, WILL VISIT (APRIL 24) AND FRIDAY (APRIL 25) AFTEr ,,

DURING HIS STAY, MR LUCE WILL BE OFFICIALS ON LOCAL ARTS MATTERS.

BRIEFED BY GOVERNMENT

/EE 'TILL..........

11

TU2SDAY, APHID 22, 1986

HE wILL ALSO VISIT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ART. AND THE TEAwARE MUSEUM >.T FLAGSTAFF HOUSE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MR RICHARD LUCE WILL ARRIVE FROM SHANGHAI BY FLIGHT CA 501 (ETA 1050 HOURS) ON THURSDAY (APRIL 24).

PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WISHING TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT AT 10 AM. GIS OFFICERS wILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

------o-------

DRAWING COMPETITION TO STIMULATE CREATIVITY ******

CHILDREN WHO ENJOY DRAWING WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISPLAY THEIR TALENT AT A DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ON MAY 4.

Tup +1986 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN DRAWING CONTEST*, ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL HARBOUR lAYCFFS SING TAO LIMITED AND SPONSORED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI FAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION, AIMS AT STIMULATING YOUNG PEOPLES CREATIVITY AND IMPROVING THEIR DRAWING SKILL.

THE THEMES OF THE WORLD*.

PARTICIPANTS WILL FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 13 YEARS- AND

THREE WINNING AND

CONTEST ARE +MY HOME TOWN+ AND +MY FUTUR-

BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS: SECTION A FOUR AND EIGHT- SECTION B FOR THOSE BETwee.4 SECTION C FOR DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER 13.

SEVEN OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION ijii I be’ AWARDED PRIZES. THESE ENTRIES WILL LATER BE EXHIBITED IN HONG KONG AND IN FIVE ASIAN COUNTRIES WHICH ARE HOLDING SIMILAR

CONTESTS THIS YEAR

rnMSOlATION PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO 100 PARTICIPANTS IN SECTIONS A AND B RESPECTIVELY AND TO 10 PARTICIPANTS IN SECTION C.

fntpy FORMS CAN E- OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, SING TAO NEWS CENTRES AND THE HARBOUR JAYCEES. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS ON APRIL 28.

THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM. FREE SHUTTLE BUSES WILL OPERATE FROM OUTSIDE THE YMCA IN MIDDLE ROAD Ai 15-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 8 AM.

------o-------

TUESDAY, APRIL 22

12


DETAILS OF BONSAI SHOW

*****

HUNDREDS OF RARE AND VALUABLE BONSAI AND FLOWER PLANTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR TEN DAYS AT THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY IN TUEN MUN STARTING SATURDAY (APRIL 26).

THE ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW, IN ITS SEVENTH YEAR, IS ORGANISED BY CHING CHUNG KOON, TOGETHER WITH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE WAN SHU I TONG IN CHING CHUNG KOON.

ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN '86 BONSAI SHOW WORKING COMMITTEE, THE REV. HAU PO-wOu. , CO-ORDINATOR, MR HO HUI-WING, MEMBERS MR P.C. YING AND MR W.K. . , BONSAI INSTRUCTOR, MR T.T. MAK, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY SUB-WORKING GROUP, MR K.L. WONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM TOMORROW AT THE WAN SHU I TONG IN CHING CHUNG KOON, TSING HONG PATH, TSING CHUNG ROAD, TUEN MUN.

- - 0

NEW WATER MAIN FOR YUEN LONG

*****

A NEW WATER MAIN WILL BE LAID ALONG TAI YUK ROAD AND FUNG KA.H STREET AND IN THE AMENITY AREAS AT THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF YUEi\ LONG TOWN.

THE 8OO-MILLI METRE DIAMETER PIPE WILL REPLACE ONE WHICH PUNS WITHIN THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE IN THE YUEN LONG TOWN SECT I 7 I OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

A BRIDGE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO CARRY IT OVER THE CENTRAL NULLAH OF YUEN LONG TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT, EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND 7,..>_ ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE TERR IT. DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

1985-86 SURPLUS RISES TO ABOUT §1.2 BILLION ............. 1

EXPORTS RISE 'NO FLaSH IN THE PaN' ...................... 2

CURRENCY LINK .iILL REMAIN AT §7.80 ..................... 4

PEOPLE SEEK STABILITY IN TAXATION - FS .................. 5

GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE A KEY FACTOR ........................ 6

AIMING AT SMOOTH PUBLIC SECTOR GROWTH.................... 7

A PARTING PLEA FROM SIR JOHN ............................ 8

PAY LEVEL STUDIES TO BE SYNCHRONISED..................... 9

73 LOCAL LAWYERS IN CHaMBERS - AG........................ 12

INTERVENTION COULD PREJUDICE GATT STANDING .............. 13

OP 31 DIG OF NEW SCHOOLS IN TU2N MUN ADVANCED............ 16

FAIRNESS REQUIRED IN IMPOSING LEVIES .................... 19

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS STRESSED...... 19

EARLY ACTION ON MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS CONSIDERED....... 20

HOUSING OBJECTIVE — DECENT ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL......... 24

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON CONSULTANTS .............. 27

DISTRICT BOARDS PROVE THEIR ’WORTH ...................... 29

CALL TO RETAIN 60-DAY LIMIT FOR HEARING CLAIMS........... 31

CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT TABLED IN LEGCO ................. 33

two bills passed......................................... 33

BRITAIN REPLIES TO REQUESTS CW DRAFT ORDER.................. 34

SIR DAVID COMMENTS ON NATIONALITY ISSUE .................... 36

SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS -iPl’ROVED............. 36

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH......................... 38

/LABOUR FORCE .......

LABOUR FORCE MUST BE ADAPTABLE................................. 41

NW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES....................................   42

RARE BONSAI ON SHOW IN TUIjN MUN ....................... ... 43

SHAM SHUI’PO-PROMOTES CIVIC EDUCATION ......................... 44

MEDICAL SERVICES REPORT TO BE DISCUSSED........................ 44

SPECIAL SONG TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ....................... 45

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL............................ 4$

MEET-THE-MEDIA................................................. 47

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

1

1985-86 SURPLUS RISES TO ABOUT 11.2 BILLION

*****

THE SURPLUS ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR 1985-86 IS NOW EXPECTED TO BE AROUND $1.2 BILLION INSTEAD OF $98 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR JOHN GAVE THE UPDATED FIGURE FOR 1985-86 WHEN CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE 1986-87 BUDGET.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, HE HAD INDICATED THAT SOME OF THE REVENUE FORECASTS MIGHT PROVE TO BE TOO CONSERVATIVE AND THAT THEY HAD ALSO BEEN CAUTIOUS ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE FALL IN THE ECONOMIC GROWTH RATE IN 1985 ON PROFITS TAX AND RELATED AREAS OF REVENUE.

♦BOTH THESE OBSERVATIONS HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY TURNED OUT TO BE RIGHT AND THE MAJOR AREAS REQUIRING UPDATING ARE INDEED IN RESPECT OF INCREASED LAND REVENUE AND IMPROVED YIELDS FROM PROFITS TAXES,* HE SAID.

IT HAD RECENTLY BEEN AGREED, AFTER THE BUDGET SPEECH WAS PREPARED, THAT THE REVENUE FROM CERTAIN LAND TRANSACTIONS WHICH HAD BEEN DECIDED UPON PRIOR TO MAY 27, 1985 NEED NOT BE SHARED BETWEEN THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.

AS A RESULT, APPROXIMATELY $250 MILLION THAT RELATED TO THESE TRANSACTIONS HAD NOW BEEN CREDITED TO THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT INSTEAD OF TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.

SIR JOHN SAID THE AMOUNT OF TAX COLLECTED HAD EXCEEDED THE REVISED ESTIMATE BY APPROXIMATELY $1 BILLION.

+PROFITS TAX ALONE ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN $700 MILLION OF THIS SUM, A GOOD PART OF WHICH IS DUE TO A DECREASE IN HOLD-OVER CLAIMS COMPARED TO WHAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN ANTICIPATED.

♦THIS COUPLED WITH AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE COMPETENT PROCESSING AND ISSUE OF PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENTS HAS THUS BOOSTED OUR TAX YIELD SIGNIFICANTLY,* HE EXPLAINED.

SIR JOHN SAID ALTHOUGH AN ADDITIONAL $200 MILLION IN EXPENDITURE, INCURRED IN RESPECT OF THE TREGUNTER CASE, PARTLY OFFSET THE &FFECT OF THESE CHANGES, UNEXPECTEDLY NO PROVISION WAS REQUIRED FOR A CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT.

♦THE SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR 1985-86 IS CONSEQUENTLY EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM THE $98 MILLION INDICATED IN MY BUDGET SPEECH TO $1 177 MILLION - SAY $1.2 BILLION.

/+THIS REPRESENTS .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

2

♦THIS REPRESENTS A FURTHER SWING OF ONLY JUST OVER ONE PER CENT OF GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL TURNOVER OF EXPENDITURE PLUS f^^UE AND MEANS THAT WE GO INTO 1986-87 IN A STRONGER FINANCIAL POSITION,♦

HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID HE HOPED THAT HIS ESTIMATE OF A BUDGET SURPLUS OF S348 MILLION FOR 1986-87 MIGHT ALSO PROVE TO BE ON THE CONSERVATIVE SIDE.

+IT IS, HOWEVER, MUCH TOO SOON TO SAY. CIVIL SERVICE PAY REQUIREMENTS ARE CERTAINLY HIGHER THAN PROJECTED,* HE SAID.

-----0------

EXPORTS RISE 'NO FLASH IN THE PAN’ *****

DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH WERE ABOUT 22 PER CENT HIGHER IN MONEY TERMS THAN IN MARCH.1985, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS WERE JUST UNDER SIX PER CENT LOWER.

+ALTHOUGH NOT TOO MUCH SHOULD BE READ INTO ONE MONTH’S GOOD PERFORMANCE FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, I DO NOT THINK THESE FIGURES ARE A FLASH IN THE PAN IN TERMS OF THE RECOVERY WHICH THEY SUGGEST,* SIR JOHN SAID IN HIS SPEECH CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.

THE IMPROVED FIGURES COINCIDED WITH SIGNS THAT THERE WOULD BE CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN THE COMING MONTHS, HE SAID. THE DECLINING TREND IN THE ORDER BOOK POSITIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR APPEARED TO HAVE BOTTOMED OUT. IN PARTICULAR, THE ORDER BOOK POSITIONS OF THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES HAD REGISTERED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES SINCE THE SECOND HALF OF 1985.

+AS A RESULT OF THE FALL IN OIL PRICES, THE 1986 GROWTH RATES FOR SOME OF OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES, HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REVISED UPWARDS. HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE SHOULD BENEFIT FROM ENHANCED GROWTH IN THESE COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.

ON THE OTHER HAND, SIR JOHN SAID, EARLY INDICATIONS OF THE WAY THAT THE MEASURES UNDERSTANDABLY ADOPTED BY CHINA TO RESTRICT IMPORTS AND TO CONTROL THE USE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES WERE WORKING SUGGESTED THAT HIS FORECAST GROWTH RATES FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA MIGHT HAVE UNDER-ESTIMATED THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF SUCH MEASURES ON HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE.

/BUT HE .......

WEDNESDAY, APBIL 25, 1986

BUT HE ADDED: + IT IS NEVERTHELESS FAR TOO EARLY TO CONTEMPLATE REVISING EITHER OF THESE FORECASTS OR THAT FOR THE GDP. THEY STAND

UNCHANGED.*

SIR JOHN SAID THE RATE OF INFLATION AT PRESENT WAS AROUND THREE PER CENT, WHICH MADE HIS FORECAST OF FIVE PER CENT ON AVERAGE. FOR 1986 SEEM HIGH. IT ALLOWED, HOWEVER, FOR SOME FURTHER DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE YEAR, WHICH MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT OCCUR.

+DESPITE THE UNFAVOURABLE CONSEQUENCES FOR INFLATION, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BEEN USEFUL IN RESTORING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR EXPORTS. ALTHOUGH HONG KONG IS NOT A MAJOR IMPORTER OF OIL OR OIL PRODUCTS, THE FALL IN OIL (AND COAL) PRICES HAS BEEN A FAVOURABLE FACTOR AS FAR AS INFLATION IS CONCERNED AND MAY WELL RESULT IN AN OUTCOME LOwER THAN MY FORECAST OF FIVE PER CENT.*

TURNING TO OTHER MATTERS, SIR JOHN REFERRED TO COMMENTS ABOUT TRANSFERS TO AND FROM FUNDS. THOSE TRANSFERRED IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR ARGUABLY REFLECTED ONE-OFF TREATMENT AS CAPITAL OF WINDFALL EXTRAORDINARY LAND REVENUES, WHILE THE 8800 MILLION TRANSFER FROM THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR REPRESENTED THE OUTCOME OF GOOD MANAGEMENT.

HE SPOKE OF A NEED TO MAINTAIN AND INDEED INCREASE THE REaL VALUE OF BUDGET SURPLUSES — AND THUS THE FUNDS.

+IN SMOOTHING GOOD WITH BAD YEARS A SURPLUS OF ABOUT Si BILLION ANNUALLY SHOULD BE AIMED AT. WE CLEARLY HAVE MADE A GOOD START.+

SIR JOHN DESCRIBED SAFE AND VERY LIQUID*.

THE EXCHANGE FUND AS +VERY LARGE, VERY HE SAID THE EQUITY HOLDINGS IN HONG KONG AROSE ONLY FROM TRANSFER AT ARM’S LENGTH FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INCORPORATED IN 1982-83 AS HE SCRAPED THE BARREL IN AN EFFORT TO FIND DESPERATELY NEEDED GENERAL REVENUE. THERE WAo ALSO THE SIGNIFICANT HOLDING OF 20 PER CENT OF CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LIMITED, WHICH WAS WORTH FAR MORE THAN WAS FIRST PAID FOR IT.

+A STUDY HAS FOR SOME TIME BEEN UNDERWAY ON THE DISPOSAL OF SOME OR ALL OF THESE HOLDINGS. THEY ARE ARGUABLY NOT APPROPRIATE TO THE EXCHANGE FUND, THOUGH SOME DIFFICULT ASPECTS OF POLICY ARE CLEARLY INVOLVED.*

OVERALL, SIR JOHN SAID, FEW MEMBERS DID NOT ACCEPT THE PARAMOUNT NEED TO CREATE WEALTH BEFORE DIVIDING IT. +ALL SEE THE PURPOSE OF PUTTING HONG KONG’S FINANCES BACK INTO A STATE CF EQUILIBRIUM, BACKED BY APPROPRIATE RESERVES. MOST ACCEPT THE IMPERATIVES OF LOW TAXATION AND ESPECIALLY LOW DIRECT TAXATION.*

0 -------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- U -

CURRENCY LINK WILL REMAIN AT $7.80 *****

IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM POLICY TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENCY LINK TO THE US DOLLAR AT $7.80, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

CONCLUDING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, SIR JOHN WARNED THAT AN INEVITABLE OUTCOME OF FLOTATION WOULD BE TO EXPOSE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAIN TO HUGE INTERNATIONAL SPECULATION.

+HONG KONG NEEDS STABILITY,+ HE SAID, + AND WE CAN HAVE NO IDEA WHETHER THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN THE ABSENCE OF THE LINK WOULD RISE CR FALL. ITS VALUE WOULD PROBABLY SHIFT LIKE A YO-YO,+

+MOREOVER, IT SHOULD NOT BE FORGOTTEN THAT THE PREVIOUS SYSTEM PROVIDED NO CONTROL OF THE MONEY SUPPLY WHICH WAS ONE FACTOR IN THE PROPERTY COLLAPSE.+

ON SUGGESTIONS CONCERNING MONETARY AGGREGATES, PROMOTING CAPITAL MARKETS AND RELATED MATTERS, SIR JOHN SUGGESTED THAT A STUDY BE CONDUCTED FIRST BY A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS FOR PRESENTATION TO THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

♦ IF THEY AGREE, THE GOVERNMENT MUST FIND THEIR JOINT VIEWS PERSUASIVE SINCE THEY ARE BOTH IMPORTANT STATUTORY BODIES,+ HE SAID.

SIR JOHN NOTED THAT HE HAD MADE NO PROPOSAL FOR SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN TAXES IN REAL TERMS THIS YEAR AS HIS MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO MAINTAIN THE YIELD.

+T0 THIS END, BANKING AND DTC FEES, LIKE VEHICLE AND PETROL TAXATION, HAVE GONE UP ONLY MODERATELY IN MONEY TERMS,+ HE ADDED.

SIR JOHN SAID HE FULLY SHARED THE VIEW EXPRESSED ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +AN EXCELLENT, BROADLY BASED BODY WITH A FIRST-CLASS CHAIRMAN.+

♦SECURITIES AND BANKING ISSUES ARE CLOSELY ALLIED. IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT LATER THIS SUMMER THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES LIKE THE BANKING COMMISSIONER WILL REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, SO THAT THEIR CONCERNS WILL BE FULLY CO-ORDINATED,* HE SAID.

SIR JOHN ALSO COMPLIMENTED THE ELECTED BANKING MEMBER WHOM HE SAID HAD MADE HELPFUL COMMENTS ON THE USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.

0

/5

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

5

PEOPLE SEEK STABILITY IN TAXATION - PS

*****

PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE FED UP WITH NEW OR CHANGED TAXES AND SEEK THE STABILISATION MADE POSSIBLE AGAIN BY BALANCED BUDGETS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN REFERRED TO SIGNIFICANT FACTORS THAT AFFECTED TAXATION POLICY, BEARING IN MIND THE PRIORITY OF PROMOTING TRADE AND ENCOURAGING INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.

FIRSTLY, HE SAID, DIRECT TAXATION HAD TO BE KEPT LOW AND THERE HAD TO BE NO UNNECESSARY FETTERING OF INITIATIVE OR HARD WORK, HOWEVER PROGRESSIVE THE FORM OF TAXATION WAS.

SECONDLY, INDIRECT TAXATION, WHILE REGRESSIVE, USUALLY ALLOWED A DEGREE OF CHOICE, HE SAID.

♦THIRDLY, AT THE END OF THE DAY THERE HAS TO BE A SUBJECTIVE BALANCE BETWEEN THE TWO BROAD FORMS OF TAXATION. 6Oi4O ON EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE SEEMS TO SUIT HONG KONG. IT OFFERS A BALANCE BETWEEN REGRESSION AND PROGRESSION. MORE IMPORTANT, IT IS REASONABLY PRODUCTIVE OF REVENUE.*

SIR JOHN SAID THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF TAXATION WAS TO RAISE SUFFICIENT REVENUE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET AND WITHIN THE BROAD BAND OF INDIRECT TAXATION TAXES SHOULD BE RAISED MAINLY FOR REVENUE PURPOSES.

♦APART FROM CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, VEHICLE AND PETROL TAXES WHERE PREVENTION OF UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE, THERE IS INDEED NO SOCIAL ENGINEERING INVOLVED,* HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID WHILE IN THEORY INDIRECT TAXATION COULD BE ADJUSTED BY MATHEMATICAL CALCULATION PLUS SOCIAL SENSITIVITY, IT WAS NOT SO EASY IN PRACTICE TO MAKE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE MAJOR CHANGES.

♦FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE ELIMINATE TAXES ON SOFT DRINKS AND PERFUMES, WHERE DO WE FIND $278 MILLION PER ANNUM? I AM NOT ALONE IN DISLIKING THE HIGH AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX, BUT WHAT OTHER SOURCE AFFORDS $550 MILLION PER ANNUM?* HE ASKED.

♦VALUE ADDED OR SALES TAXES IN THEORY OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH,♦ SIR JOHN SAID, BUT HE CAUTIONED AGAINST MAJOR CHANGE WITHOUT GREAT STUDY AND CONSULTATION.

/REGARDING DIRECT .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 1986

- 6 -

REGARDING DIRECT TAXES, SIR JOHN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FUTURE CASE FOR FURTHER INCREASING PERSONAL ALLOWANCES WHEN THE BUDGETARY SITUATION ALLOWED, FOR LARGER INVESTMENT ALLOWANCES (WHICH CONSORTED ILL WITH LOW DIRECT TAXATION AND CREATED COMPLEXITY), THE CASE FOR SEPARATE TAX FOR MARRIED WOMEN (WHICH WOULD BE EXPENSIVE), AND FOR DEDUCTIONS FOR SELECTIVE ALLOWANCES SUCH AS PRIVATE MEDICAL EXPENSES, MEDICAL INSURANCE AND MORTGAGE INTEREST (WHICH WERE EXPENSIVE IN TERMS OF REVENUE AND ADMINISTRATION).

BUT HE NOTED THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY +A BALANCE HAS TO BE STRUCK*.

+FOR EVERY CONCESSION THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EQUAL ADDITION EITHER IN THE SHAPE OF A NEW TAX OR AN INCREASE ON AN EXISTING TAX.

+ON THE WHOLE,* SIR JOHN SAID, +l PREFER STABILITY.*

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE HOPED THAT IN THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO REDUCE CORPORATE PROFITS TAX TO THE STANDARD RATE OF 17 PER CENT AS THAT MERITED HIGHER PRIORITY THAN CHANGING CONSUMER TAXES OR COMPLICATING WITH DETAIL THE RELATIVELY SIMPLE DIRECT TAXES.

FINALLY, SIR JOHN SAID HE DISLIKED THE CONCEPT OF AN INDEPENDENT TAX COMMISSION AS IT SEEMED THAT RESPONSIBILITY RESTED WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND COULD NOT BE SHARED.

- 0 ----------

GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE A KEY FACTOR

X X « X

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE STILL BELIEVED THAT IN GENERAL BUSINESS WAS BEST CONDUCTED BY MOTIVATED BUSINESSMEN IN LOW TAX ECONOMY SUPPORTED BY A WELL EDUCATED WORKFORCE AND A GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE.

SPEAKING ABOUT AID TO INDUSTRY WHEN CONCLUDING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN SAID, +WE MUST CONTINUE TO BUILD UP OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, IN PARTICULAR IN THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD.*

HE SAID THERE WAS GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT INVESTMENT IN A THIRD UNIVERSITY WAS WISE, THOUGH ONLY ONE MEMBER HAD MENTIONED IT.

+FEW WOULD HAVE PREFERRED AS AN ALTERNATIVE A COMPARABLY EXPENSIVE PROGRAMME OF DIRECT INTERVENTION IN WHAT WOULD POSSIBLY BE A SERIES OF EXPENSIVE WHITE ELEPHANTS.

/+RESOURCES ARE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

7 -

+RESOURCES ARE ANYWAY LIMITED AND ALWAYS WILL BE LIMITED. HONG KONG CANNOT AFFORD RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR (ONCE OUR BIGGEST INDUSTRY), OF SUGAR REFINING (ONCE THE BIGGEST IN ASIA), OF ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS AND WIG MANUFACTURING,* SIR JOHN SAID.

HE SAID HE HAD LONG SHARED THE GENERAL VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES THAT COULD ARGUABLY BE DONE BETTER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

+ IN GENERAL, PRIVATISATION IS GOOD. BUT PROBLEMS ABOUND,* HE ADDED.

-------o ---------

AIMING AT SMOOTH PUBLIC SECTOR GROWTH *****

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE FOUND IT HARD TO ACCEPT THE ACCUSATION THAT THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST +POSTULATES GROWTH OF 4.5 PER CENT IN GDP*.

+THIS IS NOT TRUE,* HE SAID WHEN WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE. +WE HAVE MADE THIS AN IMMEDIATE UNDERLYING ASSUMPTION.

+IF IT PROVES TO BE MISPLACED IT CAN BE ADJUSTED EACH YEAR AS THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST IS ROLLED FORWARD. I AM MYSELF OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE.*

SIR JOHN ALSO SAID HE COULD NOT ACCEPT THE ADVICE OF ONE MEMBER THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO 75 PER CENT OF THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP).

+WHILE I AM A CONSERVATIVE I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS WOULD MARRY WITH PUBLIC ASPIRATIONS. SMOOTHED PUBLIC SECTOR GROWTH JUST BELOW LONG TERM GDP GROWTH SEEMS A BALANCED OBJECTIVE,* HE SAID.

SIR JOHN EXPRESSED SYMPATHY WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ABOUT THE CASE FOR BRINGING IN SMALL SERVICE CHARGES AT THE BORDER SO THAT THOSE WHO USED THE MANY AND INCREASING FACILITIES SHOULD PAY THEIR PROPER SHARE OF THE RAPIDLY GROWING ADMINISTRATIVE AND PARTICULARLY, CAPITAL COSTS.

+THIS WOULD OF COURSE BE A CHARGE NOT A TAX. THE PRESENT SITUATION COULD BE ARGUED TO BE ONE WHICH REQUIRES SUBSIDISATION OF TRAVELLERS BY NON-TRAVELLERS. +

HE SAID THIS WAS A SENSITIVE AREA IN WHICH THERE WERE DIVERGENT VIEWS AND A STUDY WAS BEING CONDUCTED BEFORE ANY CONCLUSIONS WERE REACHED.

/SIR JOHN .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

8 -

SIR JOHN SAID HE SHARED MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND THE NEED TO BUILD UP THE VALUE OF THE FISCAL RESERVES IN REAL TERMS.

ON A SUGGESTION ABOUT DOUBLE TAXATION PROBLEMS, SIR JOHN SAID BECAUSE OF OUR LOW RATE OF TAX, COUPLED WITH THE TERRITORIAL SOURCE CRITERION, IT HAD LONG BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT CONVENTIONAL DOUBLE TAX AGREEMENTS HAD NO PLACE IN OUR SYSTEM.

+THERE WAS ANOTHER SUGGESTION ABOUT TAX REFUNDS. WE WILL LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY.*

SIR JOHN ALSO SAID SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS HAD BEEN MADE THAT REALLY APPLIED TO THE NEW BANKING BILL AND HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THEM IN THE DEBATE ON THIS.

- - 0 ------------

A PARTING PLEA FROM SIR JOHN X * * * X

+ l HAVE DONE WHAT I CAN TO PROMOTE AND SAFEGUARD THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

CONCLUDING A BUDGET DEBATE FOR THE LAST TIME, SIR JOHN SAID: +l HAVE NEVER ALLOWED MYSELF TO FORGET BOTH PRESENT ISSUES AND THE FUTURE INTERESTS OF THE SIX MILLION PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE IN AND AFTER 1997.+

HE RECALLED HE KNEW THAT THE THE SAME AS THAT

THAT HE HAD ALSO SAID SEVERAL YEARS AGO THAT VIEW FROM A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WAS NOT FROM THE PEAK.

THANK ING COUNCIL GRATEFUL FOR THE KIND BY MANY MEMBERS, MOST SORT.*

MEMBERS, SIR JOHN SAID: +1 AM DEEPLY PERSONAL COMMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED OF WHOM ARE ALSO CANDID FRIENDS - THE BEST

HE ADDED THAT THESE COMMENTS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO HIS WIFE WHO HAD CARRIED MANY BURDENS.

mv J0HN ALS0 SA,D: +F0R MY FEW REMAINING WEEKS AND FOR MY ABLE SUCCESSOR’S TERM OF OFFICE MY PARTING PLEA IS: ’DON’T SHOOT THE PIANIST: HE IS DOING HIS BEST’.

+WE ARE ALL COLLEAGUES IN A COUNCIL IN WHICH THERE IS NO DIVIDE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION. WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME SIDE IN PROMOTING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG +

-----0------

/9........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

9

PAY LEVEL STUDIES TO BE SYNCHRONISED * * * * *

PAY LEVEL STUDIES IN RESPECT OF DIRECTORATE OFFICERS AND NON-DI RECTORATE STAFF IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL BE SYNCHRONISED IN FUTURE TO AVOID A REPETITION OF THE DISAGREEMENT THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXPERIENCED RECENTLY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO SHORTLY INVITE THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO REVIEW THE CIVIL SERVICE CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY.

THIS WOULD INCLUDE AN EXAMINATION OF THE REPRESENTATION OF NON-DI RECTORATE STAFF IN THE STAFF COUNCILS, HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE LAST COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE STANDING COMMISSION IN 1980.

♦ALL THOSE CONCERNED WILL BE GIVEN AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO FORWARD THEIR VIEWS,+ HE SAID.

SIR DAVID ADDED THAT THE STANDING COMMISSION WOULD CONDUCT A PAY LEVEL SURVEY THIS YEAR TO FIND OUT WHETHER THE PRESENT LEVELS OF REMUNERATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS, INCLUDING SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS, WERE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THOSE OF EMPLOYEES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THE SURVEY FINDINGS, TOGETHER WITH THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS, WOULD BE AVAILABLE EARLY IN 1987.

♦STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND THOSE INTERESTED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL BE INVITED TO ADVISE THE STANDING COMMISSION ON MATTERS CONCERNING THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY AT VARIOUS STAGES THROUGH AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE,+ HE SAID.

ON THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD, SINCE 1983, PURSUED A STRICT PROGRAMME OF RESTRAINT, LIMITING STAFF INCREASES TO ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND INCREASING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE THROUGH VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES.

HE SAID: +AS A RESULT, THE GROWTH HAS BEEN HELD TO A LOw FIGURE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

+IN 1985-86 ABOUT 1 200 ADDITIONAL POSTS WERE CREATED ON A TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF ABOUT 180 000. THIS INCREASE IS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.

♦DURING THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR THE CIVIL SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO GROW BY TWO TO 2.5 PER CENT.+

/SIR DAVID .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 1986

10

SIR DAVID ASSURED THE HON WONG PO-YAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT AND INTRODUCE MEASURES TO ENSURE A COST-EFFECTIVE CIVIL SERVICE.

+THIS WILL NOT, HOWEVER, BE AT THE EXPENSE OF MORALE AND QUALITY. BALANCED AGAINST THE NEED FOR RESTRAINT MUST BE THE FACT THAT WE ARE BECOMING A MORE COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY WHICH REQUIRES A RESPONSIVE PUBLIC SERVICE ADEQUATELY STAFFED TO DO THE JOB THE COMMUNITY REQUIRES AND EXPECTS OF IT,+ HE NOTED.

SIR DAVID ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE MIGHT BE OCCASIONAL SHORTCOMINGS AS IN ANY LARGE ORGANISATION, +l BELIEVE HONG KONG IS WELL SERVED BOTH BY ITS PUBLIC SERVANTS AND ITS ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM AND THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE VITAL COMPONENTS AND CONTRIBUTORS TO THE WAY OF LIFE W'E ENJOY.

+WE MUST KEEP IT THIS WAY, AND ONLY GRADUALLY INTRODUCE NECESSARY CHANGES WITH THE LONGER TERM COMPOSITION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN MIND.+ HE ADDED.

TURNING TO THE TRAINING OF CIVIL SERVANTS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS PART OF THE PROCESS OF ENSURING VALUE FOR MONEY, TO ENSURE THAT THE ABILITY OF STAFF AT ALL LEVELS WAS FULLY DEVELOPED AND USED= AND THAT HONG KONG HAD A CIVIL SERVICE OF HIGH CALIBRE AND QUALITY.

HE NOTED THAT A WIDE VARIETY OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WAS AVAILABLE TO CIVIL SERVANTS - FROM COURSES TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF SPECIFIC DUTIES, TO IMPROVE GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS AND TO PREPARE FOR INCREASING RESPONSIBILITIES RIGHT TO THE TOP OF THE SERVICE.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR, 14 000 CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD RECEIVE IN-SERVICE TRAINING ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE AND BY INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS. A FURTHER 11 000 WILL BENEFIT FROM COURSES RUN BY OUTSIDE INSTITUTIONS.

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, OVERSEAS TRAINING PROGRAMMES WERE PROVIDED WHERE SUITABLE PROGRAMMES WERE NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY OR WHEN THERE WERE INSUFFICIENT PLACES TO MEET THE DEMAND.

THIS YEAR, OVER 600 OFFICERS WOULD GO OVERSEAS FOR VARIOUS COURSES, HE SAID.

NOTING THAT IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG MORE USE WAS BEING MADE OF CHINESE ALONGSIDE ENGLISH, SIR DAVID SAID LANGUAGE TRAINING HAD ASSUMED AN INCREASING IMPORTANCE.

+BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE INSTRUCTION IS ARRANGED. THERE ARE COURSES IN PUTONGHUA AND WRITTEN CHINESE FOR LOCAL OFFICERS; AND THERE ARE CANTONESE TRAINING COURSES FOR OVERSEAS OFFICERS, IN PARTICULAR, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, POLICE INSPECTORS, JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND OTHERS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO SPEAK CANTONESt IN THE COURSE OF THEIR WORK,+ HE SAID.

/ON THE .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

ON THE SHORTAGE OF LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE JUDICIAL SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR MAGISTRATES HAD BEEN RELAXED AND DIRECT APPROACHES HAD BEEN MADE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION TO INVITE THEM TO JOIN THE SERVICE.

HE NOTED THAT SOME HEADWAY HAD BEEN MADE AND THE NUMBER OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS ON LOCAL TERMS OF SERVICE HAD INCREASED FROM 19 TO 35 OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS.

+IN ADDITION, A REVIEW OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS IS NOW BEING PURSUED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CHIEF JUSTICE WITH A VIEW TO ATTRACTING MORE LOCAL OFFICERS TO THE BENCH,+ HE SAID.

AS REGARDS OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE TO BUILD OR BUY MORE OF ITS OWN OFFICE.

♦AN OFFICE BUILDING PROGRAMME IS MOVING AHEAD, WITH A TARGET CF 70 PER CENT SELF-SUFFICIENCY BY 1991. THE GOVERNMENT ALSO PURCHASES OFFICE SPACE AS AND WHEN THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO AT A REASONABLE PR ICE,+ HE NOTED.

TALKING OF THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL, SIR DAVID SAID IT wAS A NECESSARY PART OF THE GARRISON AND WAS FUNDED UNDER THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.

HE ADDED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WAS NOW EXAMINING THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE TERMS ON WHICH CIVILIAN PATIENTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO IT WITH THE AIM OF PUTTING FORWARD CONCRETE PROPOSALS FOR MORE COST-EFFECTIVE USE AND TO ARRIVE AT FIRM CONCLUSIONS.

ON THE SUGGESTION THAT LEGAL AID SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION INDEPENDENTLY OF THE GOVERNMENT BUT WITH THE CONTINUED USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROVISION CF LEGAL AID WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECENT REPORT BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY.

HE ADDED THAT THE REPORT HAD BEEN SENT TO THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY FOR THEIR VIEWS WHICH WOULD BE INCORPORATED AND COMMENTED UPON IN A DRAFT CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT TO BE PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

-------0---------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1936

12

73 LOCAL LAWYERS IN CHAMBERS - AG

*****

THE FIRST PRIORITY OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS TO REMAIN A STRONG EFFECTIVE, WORKING DEPARTMENT PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF FORENSIC AND ADVISORY SERVICES, AND EXPERIENCED AND EXPERT EX°ATRIATE LAWYERS ARE THUS NEEDED TO DO THE MORE SPEC ALISED »ORK AND TO TRAIN UP AND PASS ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TO LOCAL COUNSEL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR THOMAS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SEE THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT STAFFED IN SENIOR POSITIONS PREDOMINANTLY BY LOCAL LAWYERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THE QUALITY OF SERVICES MUST NOT BE PREJUDICED BY PUSHING LOCALISATION TOO HARD. HE WAS REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY THE HON MARTIN LEE.

THE DEPARTMENT NOW HAD 73 HONG KONG LAWYERS OUT OF A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 234 COUNSEL, COMPARED WITH ONLY 22 OUT OF 120 FIVE YEARS AGO, HE SAID.

+BUT WE STILL DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH LOCAL LAWYERS, PARTICULARLY EXPERIENCED LOCAL LAWYERS,+ MR THOMAS SAID, +S0 WE SHALL CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO TRAIN, ENCOURAGE AND RETAIN THE LOCAL LAWYERS WHO JOIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.+

MR THOMAS DENIED THE ALLEGATION MADE BY MR LEE THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD FAILED TO ATTRACT LOCAL PERSONS BECAUSE TOP POSTS HAD BEEN DENIED TO THEM AND MORE FAVOURABLE TERMS HAD BEEN OFFERED TO EXPATRIATES.

+1 DO NOT BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN A SINGLE INSTANCE IN MY TIME WHERE AN EXPERIENCED LOCAL LAWYER HAS BEEN DENIED APPOINTMENT OR PROMOTION TO A SENIOR POST WHICH HE WAS QUALIFIED TO FILL ON MERIT,+ MR THOMAS SAID.

♦THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SO FEW TOP-POSTS OCCUPIED BY LOCAL LAWYERS IS A CONSEQUENCE BOTH OF OUR FAILURE IN THE PAST TO KEEP MORE ABLE COUNSEL IN CHAMBERS AND TO DEVELOP THEIR EXPERIENCE, AND OF OUR FAILURE TO ATTRACT EXPERIENCED LAWYERS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR INTO VACANT POSTS,+ HE ADDED.

ON TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, MR THOMAS SAID NEWLY QUALIFIED LOCAL LAWYERS DID NOT HAVE QUARTERS PROVIDED BUT THERE WAS NO COMPARISON OF LIKE AND LIKE AT THIS LEVEL AS THE DEPARTMENT DID NOT RECRUIT NEWLY QUALIFIED EXPATRIATE LAWYERS.

HE SAID FROM THE RANK OF SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL, THE TERMS AND

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WERE IDENTICAL FOR BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE,_

EXCEPT LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS, AND THESE WERE COMMON TO THE WHOLE OF Trie

PUBLIC SERVICE.

/+WE MUST .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

+WE MUST ACCEPT THAT IF WE NEED EXPERIENCED EXPATRIATE LAWYERS, WE MUST EXPECT TO PROVIDE THEM, AS TO OTHER EXPATRIATE PUBLIC SERVANTS, WITH SPECIAL LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

QUOTING A RECENT CASE IN WHICH A POST OF DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL WAS ADVERTISED, HE SAID THERE HAD NOT BEEN A SINGLE APPLICATION FROM A HONG KONG LAWYER.

MR THOMAS NOTED THAT AS HONG KONG WAS STILL UNDENIABLY SHORT OF ABLE AND EXPERIENCED LOCAL LAWYERS, THOSE SHORTAGES ONLY AGGRAVATED THE PRESSURES ON THE MOST TALENTED TO GO WHERE THE REWARDS WERE HIGHEST.

+PRIVATE PRACTICE IN HONG KONG IS GENERALLY MORE LUCRATIVE THAN GOVERNMENT SERVICE. THIS MEANS THAT MANY OF OUR YOUNG LOCAL COUNSEL ARE TEMPTED TO LEAVE GOVERNMENT SERVICE SOON AFTER THEIR TRAINING IS COMPLETE. IT ALSO MEANS THAT ONLY RARELY DOES A LOCAL LAWYER WANT TO LEAVE PRIVATE PRACTICE AND JOIN MY CHAMBERS,* HE SAID.

+AS A COMMUNITY, WE MUST CONSIDER. AS A MATTER OF URGENCY, WAYS AND MEANS OF INCREASING STILL FURTHER THE NUMBERS OF LOCAL LAW GRADUATES AND THE NUMBERS OF LOCAL LAWYERS OBTAINING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS,* MR THOMAS SAID.

TURNING TO A DIFFERENT SUBJECT- THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, MR THOMAS THANKED THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN FOR HIS GENEROUS PRAISE OF THE FORCE AND SAID THE PROPOSAL TO MAKE THE SITE NOW HOUSING THE FORCE’S TEMPORARY HEADQUARTERS AND TRAINING CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY A PERMANENT ALLOCATION WAS BEING LOOKED AT SYMPATHETICALLY BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS.

-----o------

INTERVENTION COULD PREJUDICE GATT STANDING

*****

GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTION IN INDUSTRY COULD PREJUDICE HONG KONG’S STANDING IN THE GATT AND MIGHT INVITE RETALIATORY ACTION UNDER THE GATT CODE ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT +SHRUG OFF ITS RESPONSIBILITIES* TO INDUSTRY.

+ANY FACTORY OPENING IN A ZONED INDUSTRIAL AREA IS ABLE TO GAIN ACCESS BY A FORMED PUBLIC ROAD, WITH ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE, AND TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS NOT ONLY TO SUPPLIERS AND AGENTS WITHIN HONG KONG, BUT WORLDWIDE.

/♦THE EXISTENCE .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

14

♦THE EXISTENCE OF THIS INFRASTRUCTURE IN HONG KONG TO MEET INDUSTRY’S NEEDS IS READY PROOF OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFECTIVENESS IN THIS REGARD,+ HE SAID.

MR HO ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT INVESTED HEAVILY IN THE WORKFORCE FOR INDUSTRY THROUGH MANPOWER TRAINING.

+WITHIN THE GENERAL POLICY OF NINE YEARS FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION, INCREASING PROVISION HAS BEEN INCLUDED FOR PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL PLACES WHICH BETTER PREPARE THE SCHOOL-LEAVERS FOR PRACTICAL EMPLOYMENT. THE PROVISION FOR 12 960 SUCH PLACES WILL BE INCREAStD TO 28 000 BY 1991.

♦LIKEWISE, THE NUMBER OF FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENT PLACES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OPERATED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT PROVISION OF ABOUT 18 000 TO ABOUT 25 000 BY 1989.

+APART FROM SUPPORTING FORMAL APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ALSO PROVIDES A NUMBER OF INDUSTRY-WIDE TRAINING SCHEMES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING AT OPERATIVE, CRAFT, TECHNICIAN AND TECHNOLOGIST LEVELS AND IN ADDITION, FOUR NEW TRAINING CENTRES WILL BE ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR.+

AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL, MR HO SAID GRANTS TO THE INSTITUTIONS CF HIGHER LEARNING, THROUGH THE UPGC, WOULD COME CLOSE TO $2 BILLION THIS YEAR AND THERE WOULD BE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY WITH ITS INITIAL TARGET OF 5 000 PLACES AND ROOM FOR 10 000 PLACES ON FULL DEVELOPMENT.

ASIDE FROM MANPOWER TRAINING MR HO NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES INCLUDED AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKETING STUDIES OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.

♦STUDIES HAVE BEEN MADE OF THE METALS AND LIGHT ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES, THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AND THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, AND A STUDY ON THE TEXTILES, GARMENTS AND RELATED INDUSTRIES WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH.

♦PARTLY AS A RESULT OF THESE STUDIES AND OF THE APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED OR IS SEEKING TO CREATE A RANGE OF DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS.

+THESE INCLUDE THE SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY LIMITED, A COMPANY INCORPORATED IN OCTOBER 1985 TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS WITH CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR PRODUCT DESIGN AND PRODUCT INNOVATION.+

MR HO SAID ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO CREATED A RANGE OF TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS AND THESE INCLUDED THE CREATION OF THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY TO BE THE CUSTODIAN OF HONG KONG’S PRIMARY STANDARDS.

/THE INDUSTRY .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 15 -

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS ALSO POISED TO IMPLEMENT THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) WHICH IS AIMED AT ENABLING SECONDARY TESTING LABORATORIES, IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, TO BECOME SUFFICIENTLY COMPETENT.

GN RECEIVING ACCREDITATION THE TESTING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES OF THESE LABORATORIES COULD BE TRACED, IN THE CASE OF STANDARDS, TO THE PRIMARY STANDARDS KEPT BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND TO INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES FOR LABORATORY OPERATIONS, HE SAID.

MR HO FURTHER EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NOT PRICE ITSELF OUT OF THE MARKET AS A RESULT OF PROCEEDING TOO FAR AND TOO FAST WITH LABOUR AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION LEGISLATION.

COMMENTING ON THE NEED TO REVIEW THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, AND THE FORMATION OF ANOTHER COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE PROPOSED, HO SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACCEPTED RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF REGULAR MONITORING BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

HE ADDED THAT THE ACD REPORT’S IN-BUILT MECHANISM FOR CONTINUING PLANNING, MONITORING AND ADVICE, THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL AND THERE WAS NO NEED FOR ANOTHER REVIEW BODY.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MANY IDB MEMBERS CONSIDERED HAVING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AS THEIR CHAIRMAN WAS A PROMISE, IF NOT A GUARANTEE, OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.

MR HO SAID THE CREATION OF A TRADE AND INDUSTRY COMMISSION, UNLIKE THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, WOULD NOT PROVIDE FOR BETTER COORDINATION BETWEEN SUCH BODIES AS THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, IDE AND SO ON.

+THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR FORMULATING AND COORDINATING THE GOVERNMENT’S TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL POLICIES RESTS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THE PRESENT MACHINERY WORKS SMOOTHLY,* HE SAID.

+THERE ARE ALSO MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY BODIES.*

REGARDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID THE ELECTRONICS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD WAS NOT ACTIVELY CONSIDERING WHAT TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY COULD USEFULLY BE INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG SO AS TO ENABLE MANUFACTURERS OF RELEVANT EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS TO UPGRADE THEIR OUTPUT.

/TURNING TO........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 16 -

TURNING TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION, MR HO SAID THE EXISTING NETWORK OF FIVE OVERSEAS OFFICES THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT

OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACHIEVED SATISFACTORY GROWTH RATES IN THE QUANTUM OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG S MANUFACTURING SECTOR AND WAS LIKELY TO MAINTAIN THE SAME MOMENTUM IN 1986.

+THE DEPARTMENT HAS ON ITS BOOKS NO FEWER THAN 531 PROJECTS IN VARYING DEGREES OF INTEREST AND COMMITMENT.*

MR HO SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL WERE CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP A STERILISATION PLANT.

EXPLAINING GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT PROTECTIONISM, MR HO SAID: +OUR OFFICES IN THE U.S. AND EUROPE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK UNCEASINGLY IN SUPPORT OF THE FREE AND FAIR TRADE

CAUSE.

+OUR OVERALL OPERATIONAL EFFORTS IN THIS AREA ARE COORDINATED BY A COMMITTEE I HAVE ESTABLISHED WITH MEMBERSHIP DRAWN FROM THE TRADE AND TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, WITH THE ADDITION OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TDC.

♦VIEWS OF OUR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COMMITTEE ARE AN ESSENTIAL INPUT FOR THIS IMPORTANT WORK,* HE SAID.

OPENING OF NEW SCHOOLS IN TUEN MUN ADVANCED

*****

THE OPENING OF 17 NEW SCHOOLS ALREADY PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG WILL BE ADVANCED AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE AND EIGHT ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BE REPROVISIONED TO TUEN MUN FROM AREAS OF SURPLUS PROVISION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR HENDERSON SAID THE PROBLEM WHICH HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED IN TUEN MUN ILLUSTRATED THE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED IN PLOTTING POPULATION TRENDS, FORECASTING AGE STRUCTURE AND IN FORMULATING PLANS FOR THE SITING AND CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOLS SUFFICIENTLY FAR IN ADVANCE.

+IN TUEN MUN, THE UNEXPECTED FACTOR WAS NOT THE BUILD-UP OF POPULATION IN ABSOLUTE NUMBERS BUT ITS HIGHLY ATYPICAL AGE STRUCTURE WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE TERRITORY AS A WHOLE,* SAID.

/TO TRY .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 19&6

TO TRY TO PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF SUCH A PROBLEM ELSEWHERE, AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP aAS SET UP WITH THE PRIMARY TASK OF REFINING POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND ADJUSTING THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME ACCORDINGLY, HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN GENERAL AND ON THE PUBLICATION OF TEXTBOOKS IN CHINESE IN PARTICULAR, MR HENDERSON SAID IT WOULD BE THE TASK OF THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF GOOD QUALITY TEXTBOOKS OF APPROPRIATE STANDARD.

HE ADDED THAT THE HON SZETO wAH HAD AGREED TO CHAIR THIS COMMITTEE AND ARRANGEMENTS TO APPOINT THE REMAINING MEMBERS WERE IN HAND AND IT WOULD BEGIN ITS WORK SHORTLY.

THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD ALSO BE INSTRUMENTAL IN ACHIEVING ONE OF THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES ENVISAGED IN A REPORT OF TRE WORKING PARTY ON THE CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION, COPIES OF WHICH HE LAID BEFORE MEMBERS.

COPIES OF THIS REPORT ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL. REFERENCE COPIES ARE ALSO KEPT IN DISTRICT BOARD LIBRARIES AND AT MAIN PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS IN DISTRICT OFFICES.

MR HENDERSON NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED IN THE LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 1982 NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CHINESE LANGUAGE FOUNDATION AT THE PRESENT TIME.

ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A THIRD UNIVERSITY, HE SAID ACTION WAS IN HAND TO SET UP THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD OVERScc THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT.

THE CHAIRMAN AND THE SECRETARY GENERAL WOULD BE APPOINTED IK THE VERY NEAR FUTURE AND THE FULL COMMITTEE WOULD BE APPOINTED AND IN OPERATION BY THE AUTUMN.

THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD ACCEPT ITS FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS NO LATER THAN THE 1994-97 TRIENNIUM, HE ADDED.

ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL SECTORS COULD BE IMPROVED, MR HENDERSON SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WAS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE NEED TO CONSIDER THE QUESTION OF ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN SECTORo AS WELL AS THE OVERALL QUALITY OF EDUCATION.

+THE COMMISSION ALSO HAS IN MIND THE NEED TO MAKE PROVISION FOR SECOND-CHANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND wOULD BE ADDRESSING THIS MATTER IN ITS REPORT NO. 2 WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR,* HE SAID.

/CONCERNING THE ......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 18 -

CONCERNING THE COST OF A PLACE IN A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL AS AGAINST A PLACE IN AN AIDED SCHOOL, MR HENDERSON CONCEDED THAT IT WAS QUITE TRUE THAT THE COST WAS HIGHER, ESSENTIALLY BECAUSE CF HIGHER STAFF OVERHEADS.

+IT WAS LARGELY FOR THIS REASON THAT THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN 1965 THAT, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, ALL NEW PUBLIC-SECTOR SCHOOLS SHOULD HENCEFORTH BE AIDED RATHER THAN GOVERNMENT-RUN.

+AS A RESULT OF THIS POLICY, THERE WILL IN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR BE A TOTAL OF 857 AIDED SCHOOLS COMPARED WITH 86 GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF AT LEAST SOME SCHOOLS.

+THESE PROVIDE A BENCHMARK OF THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE AND, PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, ENSURE THAT THE EUDCATION DEPARTMENT REMAINS IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE REALITIES OF RUNNING SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.

ON A PROPOSAL THAT AN INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM COUNCIL BE FORMED, MR HENDERSON SAIDTHE EDUCATION COMMISSION UNDERTOOK IN ITS REPORT NO. 1 TO REVIEW THE PROCESS OF CURRICULUM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMEMT DURING A LATER PHASE OF ITS WORK AND THESE IDEAS WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN THAT CONTEXT.

REFERRING TO A QUESTION ON THE ADEQUACY OF CO-ORDINATION IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN PROVIDING TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, HE SAID CO-ORDINATION WAS ACHIEVED THROUGH THE POLICY BRANCH AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, AND ALSO THROUGH THE VARIOUS CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION, FORMAL AND INFORMAL, BETWEEN THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED.

TURNING TO LABOUR MATTERS, MR HENDERSON SAID HE HAD TOLD THE COUNCIL IN DECEMBER THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS REASSESSING THE ARGUMENTS BOTH FOR AND AGAINST A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.

+-THAT REASSESSMENT IS NEARING COMPLETION AND THE RESULTS OF IT WILL, I HOPE, PROVIDE A BASIS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THIS COMPLEX ISSUE,* HE ADDED.

MR HENDERSON ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE. THE RESOURCES WHICH IT WAS PROPOSED BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN THE CURRENT YEAR SHOULD ENABLE IT TO MAKE SOME INCREASE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE IN LINE WITH A PROGRAMME OF PHASED EXPANSION TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF ITS INCREASED WORKLOAD.

MEANWHILE, RECRUITMENT TO FILL 12 EXISTING VACANCIES WAS IN HAND, HE NOTED. -------------------------------c--------

/19......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1936

19

FAIRNESS REQUIRED IN IMPOSING LEVIES *****

THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES SHOULD NOT BE -XPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE BY WAY OF LEVY SUBSTANTIALLY MORE THAN IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ALL PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIMS RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

COMMENTING ON A PROPOSAL BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, HENDERSON SAID DIVERSION OF A PROPORTION OF LEVY INCOME OUT OF THE COMPENSATION FUND INTO EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK AGAINST THE DISEASE WOULD, IN EFFECT, BE REQUIRING ONE SECTOR OF INDUSTRY TO FINANCE ACTIVITIES WHICH WERE ELSEWHERE FUNDED OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE, AND MIGHT BE CONSIDERED UNFAIR BY THE INDUSTRIES CONCERNED.

HE SAID THE PRINCIPLES FOR COMPENSATION OF PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIMS SHOULD ACCORD WITH THOSE ADOPTED GENERALLY FOR EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION.

UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’' COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER WAS REQUIRED TO PAY ONLY A SPECIFIED SUM OR A DETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF THAT SUM BY WAY OF COMPENSATION.

HOWEVER, MR HENDERSON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO CONSULT THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES ON THE PROPOSAL TO MAKE MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE, SO THAT PREVENTIVE EDUCATION COULD BE FINANCED OUT OF THE LEVY ON THESE INDUSTRIES.

+IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PREVENTION NOW MIGHT RESULT IN FEWER COMPENSATION CASES, AND HENCE A LOWER RATE OF LEVY,* HE ADDED.

-----o------

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS STRESSED

******

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS WAS UNDERLINED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE INTEREST GENERATED FROM THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BE USED FOR EDUCATION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

HE WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

DR CHIU SAID THE PROPOSED PROVISION ENABLING DEPENDANTS OF A PNEUMOCONIOSIS VICTIM WHO DIED FROM A CAUSE OTHER THAN PNEUMOCONIOSIS TO CLAIM COMPENSATION ON HIS BEHALF EVEN WITHOUT A CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE MEDICAL BOARD BEFORE HIS DEATH DID SIGNIFY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF IMPROVEMENT.

/HOWEVER, DR........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 20 -

HOWEVER, DR CHIU OBSERVED THAT THE BILL ITSELF WAS QUITE REMEDIAL IN NATURE ALTHOUGH THE AMENDMENT WAS WELL RECEIVED.

+ AT PRESENT, SOME GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE TAKING CARE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

♦HOWEVER, THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG AND THE WORKERS IN HIGH-RISK AREAS NEED TO BE FURTHER EDUCATED ABOUT KNOWN METHODS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST AND EARLY DETECTION OF HEALTH PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND PROGRAMMES FOR SPREADING INFORMATION ABOUT THEM NEEDED TO BE EVALUATED, DR CHIU ADDED.

+ALL THESE POSITIVE ACTIONS WILL NOT ONLY BE BENEFICIAL TO THE HONG KONG WORKFORCE BUT THEY ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN DECIDING ON THE AMOUNT OF LEVY,* HE SAID.

DR CHIU NOTED THAT THESE ACTIONS WOULD HAVE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, BUT BELIEVED THAT THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, WOULD ACCEPT THEM.

+WHERE THE FUNDS COME FROM IS MERELY A TECHNICAL PROBLEM.

♦THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT PNEUMOCONIOSIS MUST BE PREVENTED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,* HE SAID.

♦THIS IS WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO AND DO QUICKLY,* DR CHIU STRESSED.

---------0-----------

EARLY ACTION ON MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS CONSIDERED ******

THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS CONTAINS A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH COULD BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT WAITING FOR AN OVERALL DECISION AND THESE WILL BE EXAMINED URGENTLY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET, MR CHAMBERS SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IT WOULD CLEARLY TAKE A CONSIDERABLE TIME TO REACH A DECISION ON THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATION FOR AN INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.

+THE CONSULTANTS HAVE RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF HOSPITAL CHARGES AND THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS ON THIS SUBJECT WILL OF COURSE BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION TOGETHER WITH THE COMMENTS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* HE ADDED.

/HR CHAMBERS........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 198b

21

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IN DRAWING UP THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW THE AUTHORITIES HAD TO TAKE CARE THAT THE CONSULTANTS’ BRIEF WAS MANAGEABLE.

♦WITH THIS IN MIND, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE REVIEW SHOULD BE CONFINED TO A STUDY OF THE ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOSPITALS, WHERE WEAKNESSES IN THE SYSTEM WERE APPARENT AND WHERE EXPANSION PLANS ARE LIKELY TO IMPOSE EVEN GREATER STRAIN IN THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.

DEALING SEPARATELY WITH OTHER POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS, HE REFERRED TO THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH’S SUGGESTION THAT UNDER-UTILISED BEDS IN SUBVENTED HOSPITALS BE RE-DESIGNATED FOR USE BY CONVALESCENT PATIENTS, AND SAID VARIOUS STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDING IN ACUTE HOSPITALS.

♦THESE INCLUDE THE RE-DESIGNATION OF BEDS BETWEEN SPECIALTIES AND THE PROVISION OF FURTHER STAFF AND FACILITIES IN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS.*

REFERRING TO DR THE HON CONRAD LAM’S PROPOSAL THAT THE PRIVATISATION OF OUT-PATIENT SERVICES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID A SIMILAR SUGGESTION WAS MADE LAST YEAR, BUT THERE WERE GOOD REASONS WHY THIS SERVICE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

+THE OUT-PATIENT CLINICS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF EPIDEMIC AND ENDEMIC DISEASES. THIS IS A PUBLIC HEALTH FUNCTION, WHICH IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT.+

ON DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP’S QUERY WHETHER CONTINUANCE OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE WAS JUSTIFIED, MR CHAMBERS SAID IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN PARTICIPATING HAD RISEN FROM 170 000 TO 349 000.

EACH CHILD MADE AN AVERAGE OF THREE VISITS A YEAR TO THE DOCTOR WHICH IN TURN MEANT OVER A MILLION ATTENDANCES, WHICH WAS 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ATTENDANCES AT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.

♦CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WOULD BE REQUIRED IF THE EXISTING NETWORK OF GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS HAD TO ABSORB THIS EXTRA WORKLOAD. WHILE I ACCEPT THAT THE EXISTING PARTICIPATION RATE OF 44 PER CENT OF ALL ELIGIBLE SCHOOL CHILDREN COULD BE IMPROVED, I BELIEVE THE SCHEME STILL PLAYS A VERY USEFUL ROLE IN THE HEALTH CARE OF OUR YOUNG POPULATION AND SHOULD BE RETAINED.*

TURNING TO SOCIAL WELFARE, MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD POINTED TO SHORTFALLS IN THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES AND QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WAS A GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO WELFARE IN THE SAME SENSE THAT THERE WAS A COMMITMENT TO THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL PLACES AND HOUSING UNITS.

/♦I WOULD .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 1986

- 22 -

+l WOULD LIKE TO REASSURE MEMBERS THAT THERE IS SUCH A COMMITMENT, TO PROVIDE BOTH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO ARE AT LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES, THE POOR, THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, AS WELL AS DIRECT SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM, PARTICULARLY FOR THE ELDERLY, FOR OFFENDERS AND OTHER VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE AND FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE PROBLEMS THEY CANNOT COPE WITH ON THEIR OWN,* HE SAID.

HE SAID PART OF THE PROBLEM WAS THAT IT WAS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH THE DEMAND FOR WELFARE SERVICES THAN IT WAS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR SCHOOL PLACES. +PLANNING RATIOS ARE ESSENTIAL AS A BASIS FOR THESE PROGRAMMES, BUT INEVITABLY THEY HAVE TO BE BASED ON ASSUMPTIONS ON HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LIKELY TO NEED A PARTICULAR SERVICE.+

PROGRAMMES WERE SET OUT IN THE ’FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT’ WHICH WAS UPDATED EACH YEAR.

MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE AND IN PARTICULAR THE PRESENT RATIO OF ONE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER FOR 4 OOO STUDENTS.

HE SAID: + IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED SINCE 1982 THAT AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND A BETTER MANNING RATIO ARE DESIRABLE. BUT IT WAS CONSIDERED AT THAT TIME THAT THE IMPROVED MANNING RATIO OF ONE SOCIAL WORKER TO 2 000 STUDENTS SHOULD ONLY BE APPLIED AFTER ALL SCHOOLS WERE COVERED UNDER THE EXISTING RATIO, AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE OVERALL SHORTFALL OF TRAINED SOCIAL ‘WORKERS.+

SINCE THEN THERE HAD BEEN SOME CONCERN WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DELIVERY OF THE SERVICE, AND HE BELIEVED IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO CHANGE THE MANNING RATIO UNTIL THAT QUESTION HAD BEEN RESOLVED.

+WE HAVE THEREFORE ESTABLISHED A WORKING GROUP WITH MEMBERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE SCHOOLS AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO REVIEW THE ARRANGEMENTS, AND I HOPE TO RECEIVE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS SHORTLY.*

ON QUESTIONS ABOUT FINANCING, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE PACE AT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD PROCEED IN MEETING ITS POLICY OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS DEPENDED ON THE FUNDS AVAILABLE AND OTHER FACTORS. THESE FACTORS INCLUDED THE WILLINGNESS OF SUITABLE AGENCIES TO UNDERTAKE SERVICES, AVAILABILITY OF SITES OR PREMISES, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF TRAINED MANPOWER.

+0N THE FINANCING OF INDIVIDUAL SERVICES, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT A LARGE SHARE OF THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES MUST GO TOWARDS MAINTAINING EXISTING SERVICES AT CURRENT STANDARDS. THIS MEANS THAT NEW SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO STANDARDS HAVE TO COMPETE FOR THE REMAINING FUNDS.*

/BUT HE.........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 23 -

BUT HE AGREED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD BE MORE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN DETERMINING BROAD PRIORITIES AND HOW BEST TO ACHIEVE THIS WAS BEING CONSIDERED.

MR CHAMBERS AGREED WITH THE HON HUI YIN-FAT THAT PROBLEMS HAD ARISEN IN THE STANDARD COST SUBVENTION SYSTEM, AND, AFTER THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE OF IT, THE TIME WAS NOW RIPE TO EXAMINE ITS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND TO CONSIDER WHETHER CHANGES WERE REQUIRED.

A REVIEW WOULD SHORTLY BEGIN AND, MEANWHILE, ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MODIFICATIONS WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR TO REMEDY SOME OF THE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS TO WHICH THE HON ROSANNA TAM HAD DRAWN ATTENTION.

+ l AGREE WITH HER THAT IT IS UNDESIRABLE FOR LARGE SURPLUSES TO BE ACCUMULATED IN AGENCIES’ ACCOUNTS,+ HE SAID.

+WE INTEND TO RECOVER THESE SURPLUSES AS SOON AS THEY ARE IDENTIFIED FROM AGENCIES’ AUDITED ACCOUNTS AND THIS MONEY WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE FOR REALLOCATION TO OTHER APPROVED SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS.*

ON THE USE OF THE LOTTERIES FUND, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE DEMAND ON THE FUND TO MEET THE CAPITAL COSTS OF NEW SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS WAS LIKELY TO INCREASE, AND HE DID NOT THINK THAT THERE WAS SCOPE FOR DIVERTING PART OF THE FUND TO SUPPORT AGENCIES’ RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.

REFERRING TO THE HON CHAN YING-LUN’S DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE LACK OF GROWTH IN OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK, HE SAID RECRUITMENT DIFFICULTIES HAD LED TO THE SERVICE BEING UNDERSTAFFED FOR SEVERAL YEARS, AND FURTHER EXPANSION WOULD BE DIFFICULT AT PRESENT.

CONCERNING THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL CENTRES AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID MEASURES NOW BEING TAKEN SHOULD SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE SHORTAGE OF THESE FACILITIES BY 1990. THERE WERE AT PRESENT 100 SOCIAL CENTRES, INCLUDING THOSE WITHIN MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES. SEVEN MORE SOCIAL CENTRES AND TWO MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES WOULD OPEN THIS YEAR AND PLANNING TARGETS WERE 12 SOCIAL CENTRES AND THREE MULTl-SERVICE CENTRES IN EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR.

HE AGREED WITH THE HON LIU LIT-FOR THAT THERE WERE SHORTFALLS IN THE PROVISION OF RESIDENTIAL CARE PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY, PARTICULARLY CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, BUT PLANS PROVIDED FOR THE ESTIMATED DEMAND TO BE MET ALMOST IN FULL WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

ON THE SUBJECT OF POLLUTION, MR CHAMBERS REFERRED TO MR TAI’S SUGGESTION THAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE IN THE PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES RATHER THAN LEGISLATION. HE SAID THE EXISTING LEVEL OF INFRASTRUCTURE WAS ALREADY VERY HIGH AND THE TOTAL COMMITMENT UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WAS AROUND $4 000 MILLION, AND ADDED: +CLEARLY WE NEED BOTH PUBLIC-FUNDED INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLLUTION CONTROL LEGISLATION.*

-----o------

/24........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 198«

HOUSING OBJECTIVE — DECENT ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL

*****

THE PUBLIC HOUSING STRATEGY IS UNDER REVIEW TO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF PROVIDING DECENT ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN HONG KONG. THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON JOHN TODD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: + THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FOR THOSE IN NEED OF REHOUSING, MODERN, MULTI-ROOMED FLATS IN WELL-PLANNED ESTATES OFFERING GOOD FACILITIES IN A SUPERIOR LIVING ENVIRONMENT- AND, THAT RENTS WILL REMAIN REASONABLE AND AFFORDABLE.

+AS TO THE PROVISION OF MORE FLATS FOR THOSE WISHING TO PURCHASE, I CONFIDENTLY EXPECT THAT PRODUCTION OF HOME OWNERSHIP TYPE FLATS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES WILL GRADUALLY INCREASE TO MEET THE PRESENT HIGH DEMAND AND ASPIRATIONS OF POTENTIAL PURCHASERS.

+OUR STRATEGY REVIEW WILL HELP US DETERMINE HOW THIS CAN BEST BE ACHIEVED AND HOW, TOGETHER WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WE CAN AIM TO PROVIDE DECENT ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL WHO LIVE IN HONG KONG.*

MR TODD POINTED OUT THAT LAST DECEMBER, AS PART OF THE REVIEw, AN ESTIMATED OUTSTANDING DEMAND FOR SOME 334 OOO RENTAL FLATS WAS IDENTIFIED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE ON THE WAITING LIST, FOR THE SQUATTERS COUNTED IN LAST YEAR’S SURVEY AND FOR THOSE LIVING IN OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS SCHEDULED FOR REDEVELOPMENT.

+IT WILL TAKE US INTO THE MID-1990’S BEFORE THE BULK OF THIS RENTAL HOUSING DEMAND CAN BE SUPPLIED,* HE SAID.

BUT BECAUSE OF THE GROWING STANDARDS OF LIVING AND THE RISING AFFLUENCE OF THE POPULATION, MR TODD SAID HE ENVISAGED THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WILL WANT AND WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO BUY THEIR OwN HOMES.

+THUS, THE WAY FORWARD WILL BE TO INCREASE THE LESS SUBSIDISED HOME OWNERSHIP ELEMENT OF THE PROGRAMME, LEAVING MORE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LIMITED RESOURCES FOR OTHER SOCIAL PROGRAMME.*

MR TODD SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT INCREASING HOME OWNERSHIP WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO A BALANCED, SUCCESSFUL HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH, AS HAS BEEN POINTED OUT, ENCOURAGED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIAL STABILITY.

IN CONSIDERING HOW TO MEET ANY SUSTAINED DEMAND, HE AGREED WITH SOME MEMBERS THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO REVIEW THE ROLE OF PRIVATE DEVELOPERS IN MEETING THIS REQUIREMENT TO ENSURE THE BEST USE OF THE SOURCES OF BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING PRODUCTION.

/HOWEVER, MR

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 1986

- -

HOWEVER, MR TODD CAUTIONED THAT IN PURSUING HOME OWNERSHIP, REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD ESTATES SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED.

HE ALSO AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO SPEED UP THIS PROGRAMME AREA, AND THAT IT WAS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DECLARED POLICY TO IMPROVE ITS OLDER ESTATES.

♦MEMBERS ARE AWARE OF THE AUTHORITY’S ACCELERATED PROGRAMME FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF ALL MARK I AND II PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS AND ITS PROGRAMME TO REDEVELOP 26 BLOCKS HAVING SUB-STANDARD CONCRETE. DEMOLITION OF ALL THESE BLOCKS IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR YEARS.

♦WE SHALL SOON BE PLANNING HOW TO TACKLE THE REMAINING OLDER ESTATE BLOCKS AND AS WE ADVANCE INTO THE 1990’S, I ENVISAGE THAT REDEVELOPMENT OF THESE BLOCKS WILL GRADUALLY TAKE A MORE PROMINENT POSITION IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.♦

TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING, MR TODD SAID IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S AIM TO BECOME SELF-F INANCI NG AND THAT IT WAS PROGRESSIVELY BEING ACHIEVED.

♦THE AUTHORITY’S CONTRIBUTION OF ITS ANNUAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WAS 47 PER’ CENT IN 1985-86, AND IS FORECAST TO REACH 69 PER CENT BY 1989-90. THUS, PROGRESSIVELY, THE AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO BORROW LESS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND LEAVE MORE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR OTHER PROGRAMME AREAS.+

ON COSTS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, MR TODD SAID IT HAS BEEN RIGHTLY POINTED OUT THE $3.4 BILLION BUDGETTED EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87 REPRESENTED ONLY THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DID NOT REFLECT THE VALUE OF LAND.

♦THE FULL VALUE Of LAND IS SHOWN IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ACCOUNTS AS A GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION. BY THE END OF THE 1984-85 FINANCIAL YEAR THIS HAD AMOUNTED TO $18.3 BILLION.♦

TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO GIVE IT THE BENEFIT OF THE SURPLUS, MR TODD SAID THIS SUGGESTION, WHICH WOULD HAVE WIDE FINANCIAL AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS, WOULD NEED TO BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.

ON A PROPOSAL THAT TENANTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BUY THE RENTAL FLATS WHICH THEY OCCUPIED, THE HOUSING SECRETARY SAID WHILE THIS SUGGESTION HAS ITS ATTRACTIONS, THERE WERE ADMINISTRATIVE AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AS WELL AS FINANCIAL DRAWBACKS.

HE NOTED THAT THE OLDER RENTAL PROPERTIES HAVE INADEQUATE FACILITIES, SO THEY WERE NOT SUITABLE FOR SALE. ALTHOUGH THE NEWER ESTATES COULD UNDOUBTEDLY ATTRACT INTEREST, THEY WERE PART OF THE ACCOMMODATION STOCK FOR REHOUSING PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST, SQUATTERS AND OTHERS.

/♦I? WE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2J, 1986

- 26 -

+IF wE WERE TO SELL THESE WE COULD PROLONG OUR PROGRAMME TO HOUSE THOSE IN NEED OF PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION, AND MAKE THIS MORE COSTLY IN THE LONG RUN.

■•■THEREFORE, IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE CURRENT POLICY OF PRODUCING NEW AND HIGHER STANDARD HOS FLATS FOR PURCHASE BY BETTER-OFF TENANTS IS RIGHT FOR THE PRESENT.

+ IN A FEW YEARS TIME, WHEN THE MAJORITY OF THE INADEQUATELY HOUSED HAVE BEEN ACCOMMODATED, WE CAN REVIEW THIS PROPOSAL.+

ON THE QUESTION OF RENTS, MR TODD SAID ALTHOUGH RENT INCREASES FOR DOMESTIC PREMISES MUST BE GRADUAL, REASONABLE AND ALWAYS AFFORDABLE, THERE WAS A CASE FOR TENANTS TO CONTRIBUTE MORE, WITHIN THEIR MEANS, TOWARDS THE COST OF THEIR SUBSIDISED HOUSING.

+AN AD HOC COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, CHAIRED BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, IS IN THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING DOMESTIC RENT POLICY,* HE ADDED.

ON THE QUESTION OF REDUCING HOUSING SUBSIDY TO THOSE TENANTS WHO HAVE IMPROVED THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION, MR TODD SAID IT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF WIDE CONSULTATION BY WAY OF A GREEN PAPER.

THE AUTHORITY’S AD HOC COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY WAS NOW EXAMINING PUBLIC COMMENTS, AND WILL REPORT TO THE AUTHORITY LATER THIS YEAR, MR TODD POINTED OUT.

TO THE SUGGESTION FOR PRIVATISING THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AS A MEANS TO LOWER COSTS, MR TODD SAID MANY OF THE AUTHORITY’S ESTATE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN PRIVATISED, NAMELY CLEANSING, MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY SERVICES.

+THE AUTHORITY IS NOW CONSIDERING THE FEASIBILITY OF PRIVATISING THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS CAR PARKS.*

BUT MR TODD SAID THAT THE AUTHORITY CONSIDERED THAT ITS PRESENT SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT WAS GENERALLY COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT AND FULFILLED A SOCIAL FUNCTION.

HOUSING STAFF HAVE ESTABLISHED A GOOD LANDLORD AND TENANT RELATIONSHIP WHICH ENABLED THEM TO RECEIVE TENANTS’ VIEWS AND TO EXPLAIN THE AUTHORITY’S POLICIES. THEY ALSO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH DISTRICT BOARDS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS.

THEIR ACTIVITIES HAVE ENSURED A GENERALLY STABLE AND CONTENTED COMMUNITY, HE SAID.

MR TODD ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE AUTHORITY WAS AWARE OF THE NEED FOR COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND WILL CONTINUE REGULARLY TO REVIEW ITS ESTATES MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

/+FURTHER .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

27

♦FURTHER PRIVATISATION WILL BE CONSIDERED WHERE IT IS FEASIBLE AND CHEAPER TO INTRODUCE IT WITHOUT LOWERING THE STANDARD OF SERVICE. BUT I DOUBT, IN PRACTICE, WHETHER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR THERE ARE SUFFICIENT PERSONS QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED IN HOUSING MANAGEMENT WHO COULD UNDERTAKE THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE MANY ESTATES.*

MR TODD SAID HE AGREED THAT THE MANAGEMENT OF HOME OWNERSHIP PROPERTIES SHOULD NOT REMAIN A PERMANENT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AUTHORITY WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE HOME OWNERS’ GROUPS TO MANAGE THEIR OWN AFFAIRS DESPITE THE LACK OF RESPONSE FROM HOS OWNERS.

TURNING TO THE QUESTION ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS AFTER THEIR DEMOLITION, MR TODD SAID THE AUTHORITY HAS A PROGRAMME TO REDEVELOP SOME OLD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO REPLACE DILAPIDATED OLD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITH NEW ONES BUILT TO CURRENT STANDARDS.

--------o-----------

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON CONSULTANTS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYED CONSULTANTS ONLY WHEN DEPARTMENTS DID NOT HAVE THE STAFF OR EXPERTISE TO CARRY OUT THE WORK THEMSELVES, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, MR CHAN SAID;

♦WHILE THE RECRUITMENT OF MORE STAFF MIGHT APPEAR TO BE THE MORE ECONOMICAL SOLUTION IN THE SHORT TERM, IT COULD LEAD TO UNDERUTILISATION OF STAFF RESOURCES WHEN THE WORKLOAD IS REDUCED.

+THIS WOULD NOT BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM OF RESTRICTING THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.*

MR CHAN SAID THAT CONSULTANTS WERE EMPLOYED FOR MUCH OF THE PLANNING OF NEW TOWNS BECAUSE ADDITIONAL STAFF RESOURCES WERE NEEDED TO LAUNCH THE PROGRAMME, BUT IT WAS UNCERTAIN JUST HOW LONG THESE RESOURCES WOULD BE NEEDED.

HE ADDED, HOWEVER- THAT +WHERE WE ARE SURE THAT THE WORKLOAD IS ONGOING, IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AN EXPANSION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.*

REFERRING TO THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG’S COMMENTS ON LACK CF BASIC FACILITIES IN THE OLDER PARTS OF HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY WESTERN DISTRICT, MR CHAN EXPLAINED THAT DEVELOP I NG DENSELY POPULATED OLDER AREAS, WHERE MUCH OF THE LAND WAS PRIVATELY

OWNED, WAS DIFFICULT.

/NEVERTHELESS, ......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

28

NEVERTHELESS, THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS BUILDING A COMPLEX IN WESTERN WHICH WOULD INCLUDE A MARKET, A CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A YOUTH CENTRE, AN AUDITORIUM, THEATRE, EXHIBITION HALL, REHEARSAL HALLS AND INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES.

THE COMPLEX, COSTING $192 MILLION, SHOULD BE RE’ADY IN MID-1988.

MR CHAN ADDED THAT RECLAMATIONS OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE GOOD DEFICIENCIES IN OLDER AREAS. IN THE CASE OF WESTERN THE RECLAMATION NEARING COMPLETION WOULD BE SITE FOR AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AND A DISTRICT PARK.

ALSO IN HAND WAS THE TEMPORARY REPROVISIONING TO THE RECLAMATION BY DECEMBER THIS YEAR OF THE WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN. THERE WERE ALSO PLANS TO MOVE THE CATTLE DEPOT TO THE KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

MR CHAN ADDED THAT ACCESS TO WESTERN WOULD BE GREATLY IMPROVED WHEN THE UPGRADING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WAS COMPLETED IN LATE 1989.

REPLYING TO THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH’S SUGGESTION FOR A LONG-TERM POLICY ON LAND USE, MR CHAN SAID THE NEED HAD ALREADY BEEN RECOGNISED WHICH WAS WHY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ENDORSED A LONG-TERM TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN 1984.

+THESE STUDIES CONSIDERED THE POTENTIAL OF LAND NOT ONLY FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO FOR RECREATION, AGRICULTURE AND OTHER USES,+ MR CHAN SAID.

+TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE APPROVED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, LAYOUT PLANS WILL BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE USE OF LAND OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS.+

IN REPLY TO THE HON LAU WONG-FAT’S CALL FOR LONG-TERM PLANS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES FOR VILLAGES AND AREAS OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS, |*R CHAN SAID HE AGREED THAT THIS WAS NECESSARY. HE ADDED THAT LAYOUT PLANS WERE BEING PREPARED TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT IN AREAS NOT ALREADY COVERED BY DETAILED PLANS.

FOUR PILOT SCHEMES FOR VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT (AT PAK KONG IN SAI KUNG, TIN SUM IN SHA TIN, SHEUNG SHU I IN NORTH DISTRICT AND TONG FONG IN YUEN LONG) HAD BEEN SELECTED. THERE WAS ALSO A PILOT SCHEME AT SAN HING TSUEN IN TUEN MUN TO UPGRADE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

MR CHAN SAID THE RESULTS OF THESE PILOT SCHEMES SHOULD HELP IN PRODUCING A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE RURAL FACILITIES.

0 -

/29........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1936

29

DISTRICT BOARDS PROVE THEIR WORTH

*****

DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR VALUE IN BUILDING LOCAL COMMUNITIES WITH VITALITY AND A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND IDENTITY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD ALSO PROVED THEIR WORTH IN HELPING TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS, MR LIAO SAID DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.

HE NOTED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD BEEN CREATED TO ACHIEVE BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND MORE RESPONSIVE ADMINISTRATION AT DISTRICT LEVEL BY PROVIDING FOR GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS.

IN PURSUIT OF THEIR VITAL OBJECTIVES, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD BEEN FORTHCOMING AND EFFECTIVE IN REFLECTING THE VIEWS AND ASPIRATIONS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THIS EFFORT MUST CONTINUE WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.

+IT THEREFORE FOLLOWS THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE ALL THE NECESSARY ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR WORK.*

REFERRING TO SUGGESTIONS THAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO BOARD MEMBERS WHO WISH TO SET UP THEIR OWN OFFICES TO i*EET LOCAL RESIDENTS, MR LIAO SAID: +WE ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING IN DETAIL THE JUSTIFICATIONS FOR SUCH AN ALLOWANCE WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING PROPOSALS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.*

THE HON PAULINE NG HAD PROPOSED THAT THE AMBIT OF FUNDS ALLOCATED TO DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE CHANGED TO INCLUDE RECURRED I EXPENDITURE ARISING FROM SUCH PROJECTS AS THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTING IN SQUATTER AREAS AND THE PROVISION OF STUDY ROOMS.

MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD AGREED TO MEET RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR STREET LIGHTING INSTALLED BY DISTRICT BOARDS IN URBAN SQUATTER AREAS.

+AS REGARDS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE THAT MAY ARISE FROM OTHER MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, THERE IS A LIKELIHOOD THAT SUCH RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WILL SUBSEQUENTLY TAKE UP A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF THE LIMITED FUNDS AVAILABLE AND THUS SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE BOARDS’ CAPABILITY TO FINANCE OTHER WORTHY PROJECTS,* HE SAID.

ON THE QUESTION OF PROVIDING EXTRA STAFF TO IMPROVE SECRETARIAT SERVICES TO DISTRICT BOARDS, MR LIAO SAID ADDITIONAL POSTS HAD BEEN CREATED THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO RELIEVE THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIATS.

/TURNING TO .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- JO -

TURNING TO CIVIC EDUCATION, MR LIAO SAID ARRANGEMENTS WERE EE I NG FINALISED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.

+THE NEW COMMITTEE WILL BE COMPRISED MAINLY OF UNOFFICIALS AND IT IS HOPED THAT APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE VERY SHORTLY.

+THE COMMITTEE’S FUNCTION IS TO OFFER ADVICE NOT ONLY TO GOVERNMENT BUT ALSO TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF CIVIC EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE FORMAL SCHOOL SYSTEM,* FE SAID.

+THE INTENTION IS TO STIMULATE INITIATIVES FROM THE COMMUNITY IN PROMOTING CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GUIDELINES AND SUPPORT.*

ON THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW CENTRAL BODY FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES, MR LIAO SAID IT WAS NOW INTENDED THAT A CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED NEXT MONTH.

THE NEW BODY WOULD BE NON-STATUTORY AND COMPRISE OF MAINLY UNOFFICIALS WHO WOULD ADV4SE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS RELATING TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.

+THE COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DISCUSSION AND RESEARCH ON THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE.*

MR LIAO SAID HE SHARED THE HON LAU WONG-FAT’S CONCERN ABOUT THE NEED TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS IN SOME PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE NEW TOWNS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT INITIATIVES WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS AREA AS OUTLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.

ON MR LAU’S SUGGESTION THAT THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME BE EXTENDED TO IMPROVE VILLAGES IN RURAL PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LIAO SAID THE PRESENT ANNUAL PROVISION OF $14.7 MILLION WAS NOT SUFFICIENT.

+WE ARE CURRENTLY EXAMINING THE CASE FOR A FUTURE INCREASE,* FE SAID.

+THIS PROGRAMME PROVIDES FOR SIMPLE ACCESS ROADS AND FOOTPATHS, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND OTHER BASIC FACILITIES AND FOR MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING PROJECTS.

+WE AGREE THAT WORKS OF THIS KIND ARE STILL REQUIRED IN THE RURAL AREAS AND THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD CONTINUE.*

-------0 ---------

/31 ........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

31

CALL TO RETAIN 60-DAY LIMIT FOR HEARING CLAIMS * * * * *

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PROPOSED REMOVAL OF THE STIPULATION THAT A CASE CANNOT BE HEARD BY THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL EARLIER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE FILING OF THE CLAIM.

HOWEVER, THEY BELIEVE THAT THE STATUTORY LIMIT THAT IT MUST BE HEARD NOT LATER THAN 60 DAYS AFTER THE FILING OF THE CLAIM SHOULD BE RETAINED.

THIS WAS STATED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR IP SAID MEMBERS SUPPORTED THE REMOVAL OF THE 10-DAY BAR BECAUSE IT WOULD ENABLE CONSUMERS, PARTICULARLY SHORT STAY TOURISTS, TO OBTAIN SPEEDY REDRESS AGAINST MALPRACTICES BY UNSCRUPULOUS RETAILERS.

MEMBERS HOWEVER WERE NOT CONVINCED OF THE ARGUMENTS TO INCREASE THE 60-DAY LIMIT TO 90 DAYS, SHE SAID.

+THE MAIN CONCERN OF MEMBERS IS THAT THE ESSENCE OF A SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL IS THAT IT SHOULD ALLOW SMALL CLAIMS TO BE PURSUED IN A QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE MANNER AND THESE CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD NOT BE UNNECESSARILY TAMPERED WITH+.

THE PROPOSED 90-DAY LIMIT APPEARED TO BE TOO LONG FOR THE EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF SUCH A TRIBUNAL, SHE SAID.

DR IP NOTED THAT THE AD HOC GROUP HAD HAD LENGTHY AND DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT.

+ AS A RESULT, MEMBERS ARE KEENLY AWARE AND DEEPLY CONCERNED THAT THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF THE TRIBUNALS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO MEET THE 60-DAY LIMIT AND A FURTHER INCREASE IN WORKLOAD WHICH IS ANTICIPATED FROM THE INCREASE IN JURISDICTION, WILL WORSEN THE SITUATION,+ SHE SAID.

DR IP SAID THAT THE STATUTORY TIME LIMIT FOR SETTING CASES DOWN FOR HEARING COULD ONLY BE COMPLIED WITH BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY ORGANISATIONS WHICH WISHED TO FILE LARGE BATCHES OF CLAIMS AT ONE TIME WERE REQUESTED TO STAGGER THE FILING.

SHE SAID MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT THAT THIS SITUATION WAS NOT SATISFACTORY ALTHOUGH IT WAS NEVER APPLIED TO CLAIMS BY PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS.

/HIMBERS CONSIDERED

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT THE BETTER COURSE WAS TO RETAIN THE PRESENT STATUTORY TIME LIMIT AND TO DEPLOY SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO MEET IT, DR IP SAID.

+ IF IT PROVES TO BE THE CASE THAT EXISTING STAFFING LEVELS ARE CLEARLY INADEQUATE TO MAKE THE LEGISLATION EFFECTIVE, THEN THE ADMINISTRATION WILL NO DOUBT CONSIDER RECOMMENDING AN INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE IN ORDER TO MAKE THE LEGISLATION WORK, AND IF SO, MEMBERS WILL SUPPORT THE RECOMMENDATION.

+FOR THE MOMENT, HOWEVER, IT IS THE VIEW OF THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THE PRINCIPLE OF SPEEDY ACCESS TO SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNALS MUST NOT BE ERODED - AND IT IS ON THIS BASIS THAT I SHALL BE MOVING AN AMENDMENT IN COMMITTEE TO RETAIN THE PRESENT LIMIT OF 60 DAYS,* SHE SAID.

DR IP ALSO MENTIONED THAT ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL SEEKING TO INCREASE THE MONETARY JURISDICTION OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL FROM $5 000 TO $8 000 WAS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

TANKING DR IP AND MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR TIME, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID HE RECOGNISED THAT THE PROBLEM OF MEETING THE IRREGULAR FLOW OF WORK IN THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL COULD BE OVERCOME IN MORE WAYS THAN THE ONE PROPOSED BY THE AMENDMENT BILL.

+THE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MADE BY THE AD HOC GROUP OF THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT HAVE SHOWN THAT THE EXISTING TIME LIMIT CAN BE MET IF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE MADE AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT HAD BEGUN TO EXAMINE THE PRESENT STAFFING LEVELS OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL SO AS TO ASSESS THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO BE NEEDED TO ENABLE ALL CLAIM TO BE HEARD WITHIN 60 DAYS.

THE GOVERNMENT, HE ADDED, WOULD SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY DR IP +IN THE LIGHT OF HER ASSURANCE THAT MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT ANY INCREASE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE THAT MAY BE REQUIRED IF PRESENT TIME LIMIT IS TO BE RETAINED.*

-------0 ---------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

55

CONSUMER COUNCIL REPORT TABLED IN LEGCO * * * * *

THE CONSUMER COUNCIL RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 9 669 COMPLAINTS AND 65 255 ENQUIRIES AT ITS 12 ADVICE CENTRES SPREAD OVER VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE YEAR 1984-85.

THIS WAS STATED BY ITS CHAIRMAN, THE HON SELINA CHOW, WHEN SHE TABLED THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MRS CHOW NOTED THAT THE FIGURES SPOKE FOR THEMSELVES, ADDING THAT THE COUNCIL’S DECISION TO REGIONALISE ITS SERVICES WAS NOT ONLY NEEDED BUT ALSO IN GREAT DEMAND.

HOWEVER, SHE STRESSED THAT THIS WAS NOT TO SAY THAT EFFECTIVE CONSUMER PROTECTION COULD BE ACHIEVED SIMPLY BY THE ORGANISATION OF A PUBLIC RELATIONS STRUCTURE WITH THE CONSUMERS.

+IT IS FUNDAMENTAL THAT THE CAUSE IS SUPPORTED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, BY OUR LEGISLATURE TO EXPEDITE LAWS WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED, BY OUR MEDIA TO PASS ON INFORMATION QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY, BE IT NAMES OF FRAUDULENT TRADERS OR DANGEROUS PRODUCTS, OR MATERIALS OF OUR CAMPAIGNS DESIGNED TO BENEFIT THE AVERAGE CONSUMER, BY TRADES AND INDUSTRIES WHICH ARE FAR-SIGHTED ENOUGH TO VALUE SATISFIED CONSUMERS, AND BY THE PROFESSIONS WHICH ARE ALWAYS READY TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR EXPERTISE TO ARRIVE AT A FAIRER DEAL FOR THE CONSUMER,+ SHE SAID.

+THE CONSUMER COUNCIL SEES ITS ROLE CLEARLY IN THE CENTRE OF ALL THESE PARTIES AS AN INITIATOR AND A CO-ORDINATOR, SAFE-GUARDING THE BEST LONG-TERM INTEREST OF THE CONSUMER,+ MRS CHOW ADDED.

- 0 - -

TWO BILLS PASSED * * *

TWO BILLS - THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION^AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 - WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO APRIL 30.

- 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1906

- 5L -

BRITAIN REPLIES TO REQUESTS ON DRAFT ORDER

* X K

FOLLOWING ARE THE TEXTS OF A PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION ASKED BY MR COLIN MOYNIHAN, MP (CONS. LEWISHAM EAST) AND OF THE WRITTEN REPLY GIVEN BY THE HOME SECRETARY, THE RT HON DOUGLAS HURD, TODAY (APRIL 23).

QUESTION :

TO ASK THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT WHETHER HE IS YET IN A POSITION TO RESPOND TO THE REQUESTS MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG CONCERNING THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER IN COUNCIL.

REPLY :

THE GOVERNMENT HAVE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE REQUESTS MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND HAVE HELD DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HONG-KONG GOVERNMENT. WE HAVE ALSO TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT IN JANUARY AND IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIONS PUT TO US BY ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN HONG KONG.

THE COUNCIL’S FIRST REQUEST WAS THAT WE SHOULD PROVIDE AN ENDORSEMENT IN THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT MAKING IT CLEAR THAT THE HOLDER DID NOT REQUIRE A V I.SA OR ENTRY CERTIFICATE TO VISIT THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE GOVERNMENT WILL MEET THIS REQUEST. AS WE HAVE MADE CLEAR ON MANY OCCASIONS, VISITORS FROM HONG KONG ARE WELCOME TO COME TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS DO NOT HAVE TO OBTAIN A VISA IN ADVANCE TO VISIT THE UNITED KINGDOM. THIS IS THE POSITION UNDER THE CURRENT IMMIGRATION RULES AND THIS GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF INTRODUCING ANY VISA REQUIREMENT FOR SUCH VISITORS. THIS IS UNDERSTANDABLY A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. IN RESPONSE TO THEIR WISHES, THEREFORE, THE GOVERNMENT HAVE AGREED THAT AN ENDORSEMENT REFLECTING THIS POSITION SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS. THE ENDORSEMENT WILL READ;

+IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION RULES, THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT DOES NOT REQUIRE AN ENTRY CERTIFICATE OR VISA TO VISIT THE UNITED KINGDOM.+

A LEAFLET WILL BE ISSUED WITH EACH PASSPORT EXPLAINING THE ENDORSEMENT AND THE POSITION UNDER THE IMMIGRATION RULES.

/THE COUNCIL’S .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 35 -

THE COUNCIL’S SECOND REQUEST WAS THAT FORMER SERVICEMEN IN HONG KONG WHO SERVED IN THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR SHOULD BE GRANTED BRITISH CITIZENSHIP. THE NUMBER INVOLVED IS ABOUT 270. IN VIEW OF THEIR PARTICULAR SERVICE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL MEET THE SPIRIT OF THIS REQUEST. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 TO CONFER BRITISH CITIZENSHIP ON THEM ALL REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THEIR SERVICE CR THEIR PRESENT CITIZENSHIP. BUT I WILL CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS BRITISH CITIZENS UNDER SECTION 4(5) OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 FROM ANY WHO ARE ELIGIBLE UNDER THIS PROVISION BECAUSE THEY ARE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS OR OTHER BRITISH NATIONALS AND BECAUSE THEY SERVED UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE HONG KONG VOLUNTEERS. THE NUMBER WHO MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE IS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT 60. I AM ALSO READY FROM TODAY TO ACCEPT AND GRANT APPLICATIONS FROM ANY OF THE 270 OR SO FORMER SERVICEMEN IN HONG KONG TOGETHER WITH THEIR DEPENDANTS WHO WISH TO COME TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR SETTLEMENT.

THE COUNCIL’S THIRD REQUEST WAS THAT THOSE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS WHO WERE NOT ETHNICALLY CHINESE SHOULD BE GRANTED BRITISH CITIZENSHIP RATHER THAN BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP IF AFTER JULY 1, 1997 THEY WOULD OTHERWISE EE STATELESS. THERE ARE AT PRESENT ABOUT 11 500 BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THIS PROVISION.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED ALL THE ARGUMENTS PUT FORWARD IN SUPPORT OF THIS REQUEST, BUT WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE GRANTING OF BRITISH CITIZENSHIP IS NOT JUSTIFIED IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES. WE ARE SATISFIED THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE PROPERLY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE CITIZENS, THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR GRANDCHILDREN FOR AN ACCEPTED CITIZENSHIP STATUS AND FOR A PLACE TO CALL THEIR HOME. THIS WILL BE ENSURED THROUGH THE GUARANTEES OF RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 PROVIDED IN THE AGREEMENT WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, AND THROUGH THE PROVISION OF BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP STATUS FOR ANY WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS, DOWN TO THE SECOND GENERATION BORN AFTER 1997. BRITISH CITIZENSHIP WOULD NOT STRENGTHEN THE POSITION OF THESE COMMUNITIES IN HONG KONG. IF HOWEVER ANY BRITISH NATIONAL WERE IN THE FUTURE TO COME UNDER PRESSURE TO LEAVE HONG KONG. WE WOULD EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY TO CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY THE CASE FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.

WE BELIEVE OUR RESPONSE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS SHOWN THAT WE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE COUNCIL AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THAT, AS A RESULT, THE NATIONALITY PROVISIONS FOR HONG KONG HAVE BEEN CLARIFIED AND IMPROVED. WE BELIEVE IT WOULD BE RIGHT NOW TO PUT IN PLACE THE NATIONALITY PROVISIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN EXTENSIVELY DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT AND IN HONG KONG SO THAT DETAILED PLANNING WORK CAN CONTINUE WITHOUT DELAY. I INTEND THEREFORE TO LAY THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL BEFORE THE HOUSE IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

/36........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 36 -

SIR DAVID COMMENTS ON NATIONALITY ISSUE * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE NEWS FROM LONDON ABOUT THE NATIONALITY ISSUE ON THE TWO REQUESTS WITH REGARD TO THE EX-SERVICEMEN AND THE ENDORSEMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE NEW BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER BRIEFING MEMBERS OF LEGCO AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER ON THE WRITTEN REPLY BY THE HOME SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD, IN PARLIAMENT, SIR DAVID SAID NATURALLY SOME PEOPLE PERHAPS WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED ON THE PART REGARDING THE ETHNIC MINORITIES.

+BUT NEVERTHELESS THERE IS A VERY POSITIVE ASSURANCE IN THE STATEMENT WITH REGARD TO THE ETHNIC MINOR IT IES,+ HE ADDED.

ASKED WHY THERE WAS AN URGENT MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP TONIGHT, SIR DAVID SAID A QUESTION WAS ASKED AND AN ANSWER WAS GIVEN IN LONDON THIS AFTERNOON (LONDON TIME), AND THE GOVERNMENT WISHED THE MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP WHO HAD WORKED SO HARD OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND MONTHS ON THIS QUESTION TO BE INFORMED OF THE ANSWER TO THE. WRITTEN QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE ANSWER WAS BEING GIVEN.

+SO HAVING WORKED SO HARD IT WAS ONLY RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD EE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO BE INFORMED IN HONG KONG.+ SIR DAVID NOTED.

0 -------

SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS APPROVED

*****

CIVIL SERVANTS ALONG WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH ENJOY FULL SUBSIDY BY THE GOVERNMENT WERE GRANTED A PAY RISE OF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR WITH THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REVISED SALARIES FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD BE PAID AT THE END OF MAY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ANNUAL PAY AWARD OFFER AT 6.96 PER CENT ACROSS THE BOARD HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE THREE CIVIL SERVICE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS EARLIER.

/THE FINANCIAL .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 57 -

THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE SALARY ADJUSTMENT IN THE REGION OF $1 240 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WAS ACCEPTED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADJUSTMENT PERCENTAGE WAS ENDORSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE STAFF SIDES OF THE THREE CENTRAL CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS.

THE FOLLOWING IS A BREAKDOWN OF THE COST WHICH EXCLUDES THE COST OF THE ADJUSTMENTS IN RESPECT OF STAFF SECONDED TO THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS:

$ MILLION

CIVIL SERVICE (EXCLUDING SECONDED STAFF) ......... 761

REIMBURSEMENTS TO TH? HOUSING AUTHORITY IN

RESPECT OF THE ADDITIONAL COSTS OF SERVICES CARRIED OUT FOR THE GOVERNMENT..................... 15

SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS DEFICIENCY GRANTS ............................ **2*

DISCRETIONARY GRANTS ........................ 16*

AUXILIARIES AND SPECIAL ALLOWANCES ................... 6

TOTAL 1 240

* NOTE: THE $458 MILLION FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IS MADE UP AS FOLLOWS

$ MILLION

EDUCATION ........................................ 269

UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ... 80

MEDICAL ........................................... 58

SOCIAL WELFARE ............................... 23

VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ....................... 1*

MISCELLANEOUS ..................................

TOTAL 458

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- J8 -

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AS IT WAS NOT YET POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THE EXACT AMOUNT REQUIRED UNDER tACH HEAD OF EXPENDITURE, SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS SUBHEADS WILL BE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS ONCE THE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN CALCULATED.

+SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS AND FOR REIMBURSEMENTS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL, WHERE POSSIBLE, ALSO BE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS. WHERE THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE,* HE SAID.

-----C-----

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH X X * X

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN MARCH 1986, AT $10 269 MILLION, WAS 22 PER CENT OR $1 839 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS, AT $8 566 MILLION, WAS 6 PER CENT OR $512 MILLION LOWER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $18 835 MILLION, WAS 8 PER CENT OR $1 327 MILLION HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.

MEANWHILE, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS DECREASED MARGINALLY, BY 0.2 PER CENT OR $32 MILLION, TO $19 883 MILLION. IN CONSEQUENCE, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) NARROWED TO 5.3 PER CENT IN MARCH 1986, COMPARED WITH 12.1 PER CENT IN MARCH 1985.

PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1986 WAS $233 854 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $130 052 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $103 802 MILL ION.

COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1985, THE VALUES OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 2 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL BY 6 PER CENT.

/OVER THIS .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 39 -

OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 2 PER CENT TO $233 092 MILLION. A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $762 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1986, COMPARED WITH A FIGURE OF 0.6 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1985.

COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE TRADE STATISTICS FOR THE EARLY MONTHS OF A YEAR ARE USUALLY AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, IT IS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER FIGURES FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS TOGETHER.

ON THIS BASIS, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986 WERE 1 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WAS 6 PER CENT LOWER.

HE ADDED THAT THE INCREASE (YEAR-ON-YEAR) IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986 REPRESENTED A REVERSAL OF THE DECLINING TREND SEEN IN THE LAST.THREE QUARTERS CF 1985.

THE DECLINE IN RE-EXPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, PROBABLY REFLECTED THE EFFECT OF CHINA’S TIGHTENING OF CONTROL OVER ITS FOREIGN EXCHANGE SPENDING.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE

TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1986 -

MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS $10 269 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS 3 8 566 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS $18 835 MILLION

IMPORTS $19 883 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE $ 1 048 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST 3 MONTHS JAN - MAR 1986 JAN - MAR 1985 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 29 146 28 976 + 170 +3.6

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (54.8%) (53.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 24 005 25 473 - 1 468 - 5.8

TOTAL EXPORTS 53 151 54 449 - 1 298 - 2.4

IMPORTS 55 672 54 000 + 1 672 +3.1

TRADE BALANCE - 2 52.1 + 449 - 2 970

/SAME MONTH .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

40

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR MARCH 1986 MARCH 1985 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10 269 8 430 + 1 839 +21.8

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (54.5%) (48.1%)

RE-EXPORTS 8 566 9 078 512 - 5.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 18 835 17 508 + 1 327 + 7.6

IMPORTS 19 883 19 915 32 - 0.2

TRADE BALANCE - 1 048 - 2 407 + 1 359

INCREASE OR

LAST MONTH MARCH 1986 FEB 1986 DECREASE

‘ $ MN. S MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10 269 8 347 + 1 922 +23.0

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (54.5%) (54.8%)

RE-EXPORTS 8 566 6 876 + 1 690 +24.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 18 835 15 223 + 3 612 +23.7

IMPORTS 19 883 16 983 + 2 900 +17.1

TRADE BALANCE - 1 048 - 1 760 + 712

APRIL 1985 APRIL 1984

TO TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS MARCH 1986 MARCH 1985 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 130 052 138 797 - 8 745 - 6.3

RE-EXPORTS 103 802 91 256 +12 546 +13.7

TOTAL EXPORTS 233 854 230 053 + 3 801 + 1.7

IMPORTS 233 092 228 586 + 4 506 + 2.0

TRADE BALANCE + 762 + 1 467 - 705

0 - ■■ ■■ —

/41 .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

U1

LABOUR FORCE MUST BE ADAPTABLE * * * * *

THE LABOUR FORCE MUST CONTINUE TO BE ADAPTABLE, INNOVATIVE, SKILLED AND MOTIVATED IF HONG KONG IS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE FIELD IN THP PROVISION OF GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THE WORLD MARKET AT ATTRACTIVE PRICES, EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ALLEN LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

+WE ARE CONSTANTLY ADAPTING, AS THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW HONG KONG CAN BEAR WITNESS. WE HAVE BEEN MOVING UP MARKET AND DIVERSIFYING IN TERMS OF BOTH PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR SOME YEARS NOW.

♦ THE TRUE IMAGE OF HONG KONG TODAY IS THAT OF HIGH QUALITY TEXTILES, CLOTHING, WATCHES AND TOYS, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FINANCIAL CENTRES IN THE FAR EAST AND ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST EFFICIENT PORTS IN THE WORLD,* HE SAID.

MR LEE WAS SPEAKING IN BANGKOK AT THE 42ND PLENARY SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC. HE. IS LEADING THE HONG KONG DELEGATION.

+IT IS TO DEFEND AND DEVELOP OUR POSITION THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OURSELVES. WE HAVE NOT, AND WILL NOT, RESORT TO PROTECTIONIST MEASURES. WE WANT TO COMPETE ON EQUAL TERMS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.

+IT IS THIS ATTITUDE THAT DEMANDS WE GIVE OUR FULLEST ATTENTION TO THE UPGRADING OF OUR EDUCATION, AND IN PARTICULAR, OUR TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS,* HE STRESSED.

SPEAKING ON THIS YEAR’S THEME, +HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT: ITS TECHNOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS*, MR LEE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THAT ITS ROLE WAS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WORKFORCE TO ACQUIRE THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE FOR ITS FUTURE PROSPERITY.

+AND IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT THE HUMAN RESOURCES OF HONG KONG CAN BE PROPERLY DEVELOPED,* HE ADDED.

HE TOLD PARTICIPANTS THAT THESE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, WHICH OFTEN HAD A HIGH TECHNOLOGY CONTENT, INCLUDED TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, COMPUTER EDUCATION, PREVOCATI ONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT TRAINING, TERTIARY EDUCATION, ADULT EDUCATION, EDUCATION FOR THE DISABLED AS WELL AS TRAINING IN THE FIELD OF PERFORMING ARTS.

MR LEE ALSO SAID THAT THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, WHICH HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BOTH WITHIN HONG KONG AND INTERNATIONALLY, HAD GIVEN A CONSIDERABLE BOOST TO CONFIDENCE.

/+THE FIRST .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 42 -

♦THE FIRST YEAR SINCE THE RATIFICATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN MAY 1985 HAS SHOWN THAT THIS CONFIDENCE WAS NOT MISPLACED,+ HE REMARKED.

HE NOTED THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION, THE TWO JOINT SINO-BRITISH BODIES SET UP UNDER THE DECLARATION, HAD PROVED THEMSELVES AS USEFUL FORUMS WHERE A SERIES OF DECISIONS ON MATTERS OF CONCERN TO HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD BEEN REACHED, INCLUDING THE RECENT AGREEMENT ON SECURING HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE GATT.

THE PLENARY SESSION IS BEING ATTENDED BY 430 PEOPLE FROM 49 COUNTRIES AND 54 UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATIONS.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLER MR STEPHEN CHEONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR JOHN YAXLEY, AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR WILFRED WONG.

-------o----------

NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES

X * * * X

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR RICHARD BUTLER, WILL PRESENT THE WEIGHTING PATTERNS OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 PM.

BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL PUBLISH TWO NEW CPI SERIES.

THE MANAGER OF HANG SENG BANK LTD., MR T.P. CHENG, WILL EXPLAIN SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE WEIGHTING SYSTEM OF THE NEW HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR LUK CHI-MING, AND THE SUB-MANAGER OF THE HANG SENG BANK LTD, MR LUK KOON-HOO.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

0---------

/4?........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

A? -

RARE BONSAI ON SHOw IN TUEN MUN K * * * *

VISITORS TO TUEN MUN THIS nEEKEND a ILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY S-E MORE THAN 300 RARE AND EXOTIC BONSAI AND FLOWER PLANTS DURING THE ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW AT THE CHING CHUNG KOON MONASTERY.

THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH STARTS ON SATURDAY (APRIL 26) IS ORGANISED BY CHING CHUNG KOON, TOGETHER wI TH THE TUEN MUN DIoTRI CT OFFICE AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE

DISTRICT BOARD.

ADMISSION IS FREE AND THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST UNTIL MAY 5.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN ’86 BONSAI SHOW WORKING COMMITTEE, THE REV HAU PO-WOON, SAID HORTICULTURE IN CHINA HAD A VERY LONG HISTORY DATING BACK TO THE EASTERN HAN DYNASTY.

+BONSAI IS APPROPRIATELY CALLED SOUNDLESS POETRY, PAINTING AND LIVING SCULPTURE,* HE SAID.

+CHING CHUNG KOON HAS A FAMOUS COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST RARE AND EXOTIC POTTED PLANTS OF A WIDE VARIETY OF SPECIES, SIZES AND STYLES,* HE ADDED.

+MOST OF THEM RARITY,* HE SAID.

THESE INCLUDE ALSO ON DISPLAY AT ENTRIES IN A BONSAI

THE DISTRICT.

ARE ALSO NOTED FOR THEIR HISTORICAL VALUE AND

MINIATURE TEA TREES, ELMS, PINES AND PLUM TREES. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE WINNING AND OUTSTANDING AND FLOWER PLANTS COMPETITION HELD RECENTLY IN

FREE TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE VISITORS FROM THE TUEN MUN FERRY PIER TO CHING CHUNG KOON FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY^ AND SUNDAYS.

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR H.Y. LEEl DIRECTOR CF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR J.C.A. HAMMOND ’’ CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG Yle Xk, MR LAU WONG-FAT; AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHlN ollBY WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SHOW AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY

(APRIL 26) AT CHING CHUNG KOON.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BONSAI EXHIBITION AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY AT CHING CHUNG KOON IN TSI NG CHUNG ROAD, TUEN MUN.

------o-------

A3.....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- U4 -

SHAM SHU I PO PROMOTES CIVIC EDUCATION KOO

THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL SPONSOR A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES NEXT MONTH TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, AND ACTIVITIES PLANNED INCLUDE AN INTERVIEW COMPETITION, A SEMINAR, AND AN EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION.

THE INTERVIEW COMPETITION IS A NEW IDEA TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND AND LEARN MORE ABOUT CURRENT AFFAIRS THROUGH IN-DEPTH REPORTING EXERCISE.

A PRESS CONFERENCE HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE LIAISON COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT AT THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION 298 NAM CHEONG STREET, KOWLOON. YOU ARE I

11 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.

NV I TED TO COVER THE EVENT

--------o ---------

MEDICAL SERVICES REPORT TO BE DISCUSSED

*****

THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (APRIL 25).

BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF NEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS AND THE CONTROL OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS.

MEANWHILE, THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES WILL BE ELECTED AT THE MEETING AND MEMBERSHIP OF THESE COMMITTEES WILL ALoO BE DISCUSSED.

/OTHEH IT34S .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- *»5 -

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REVISED GUIDELINES ON THt US’7 AND THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS' SPECIAL OR COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMPS FOR 1988- VISITS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD- AND PROGRESS REPORT OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

-----0------

SPECIAL SONG TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION

*****

A SPECIALLY-COMPOSED SONG ABOUT KOWLOON CITY’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF A SPECIAL VARIETY SHOW THIS FRIDAY (APRIL 25) TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SHOW AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IS PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO LAUNCH THE YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN AND WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES AND DRAMAS BY POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTES.

ALSO FEATURED WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHORUS, WINNERS OF A SINGING COMPETITION IN THE DISTRICT AND DANCES BY A LOCAL SCHOOL.

A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO PROMOTE THE THEMES OF ^CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITYPARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC- COURTESY AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS-AND NEIGHBOURLINESS AND PEACE*.

THE VARIETY SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, RTHK, DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

/OFFICIATING AT .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

- 46 -

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE SHOW WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RTHK, MISS MARIA WAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WU SHING-SHUEN.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY AT 7.30 PM ON FRIDAY AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.

-----0-----

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 26), VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN WING LOK STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. THE MEASURE WILL FACILITATE ROAD WORK.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MURRAY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEDDER STREET WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.

THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE MADE

7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM THE SAME TIME s

K PEDDER STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTIONI

* ICE HOUSE STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTIONI

* JACKSON ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION ;

AND

* CLUB STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

-----0------

A7.....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1986

47

I

MEET-THE-MEDI A

* * X

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG. WILL HOLD A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (APRIL 25) AT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM IN OCEAN CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986 contents page no.

HONG KONG NO.i A GATT CONTRACTING PARTY....................... 1

EXCHANGE OP MEMORANDA .......................................... 3

WORKING PARTY MAKES PROPOSALS ON STREAMLINING JSEA ............. 6

BRIEFING ON JSEA SYSTEM REPORT ................................. 8

FREE ENTERPRISE KEY TO ECONOMIC SUCCESS - SCOTT ................ 8

HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING MORE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT .................. 10

NEU CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES INTRODUCED ......................... 12

BOAT JIVES ALLOWED TO RETURN .................................. 14

NEW ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT FOR TUEN MUN .................. 15

BOARD TO CONSIDER URBAN MANAGEMENT ROLE........................ 15

UK MINISTER LEAVING TOMORROW .................................. 1$

BRIEFING DY OUTGOING CHAIRMAN ................................. 16

REGISTRATION REVOKED........................................... 16

ROAD CLOSURE IN MONG KOK....................................... 17

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

1

HONG KONG NOw A GATT M * *

CONTRACTING PARTY *

ON 24 APRIL 1986 ALL CONTRACTING PARTIES OF THE GATT WERE NOTIFIED BY THE GATT SECRETARIAT THAT, FOLLOWING A DECLARATION BY THE UNITED KINGDOM, HONG KONG IS NOW DEEMED TO BE A GATT CONTRACTING PARTY UNDER ARTICLE XXVI(5) (C) OF THE GATT.

IN THE UK DECLARATION, HMG FORMALLY INFORMED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GATT THAT HONG KONG POSSESSES FULL AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND OF THE OTHER MATTERS PROVIDED FOR IN THE GATT. AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PRC MADE A PARALLEL DECLARATION ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE HONG KONG SAR AFTER 1 JULY 1997. HONG KONG WILL HENCEFORTH ASSUME THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT IN ITS OWN RIGHT.

THE DECLARATION OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MAKES CLEAR THAT AS FROM 1 JULY 1997 THE HONG KONG SAR WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CUSTOMS TERRITORY TO BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTING PARTY AS PRESCRIBED IN GATT ARTICLE XXVI(5) (C), AND THEREFORE MAY, USING THE NAME 'HONG KONG, CHINA’, CONTINUE TO BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT.

WITH THESE DECLARATIONS THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAVE TAKEN THE NECESSARY CONCRETE STEPS ENVISAGED IN PARAGRAPH 4(A) OF ANNEX II TO THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF THE HONG KONG SAR’S PARTICIPATION IN THE GATT AND THE MFA.

+THIS IS A MOST PRACTICAL WAY OF ENSURING HONG KONG’S AND THE FUTURE SAR’S CONTINUING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY,* SAID MR ERIC HO, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.

+ AS HONG KONG HAS FOR SOME YEARS BEEN PLAYING AN AUTONOMOUS ROLE IN THE GATT AND THE MFA FROM WITHIN THE BRITISH DELEGATION THERE WILL BE LITTLE VARIATION OF SUBSTANCE IN FUTURE ROLE ON BEING DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT. ONE CHANGE IS THAT HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOW SPEAK AS A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY, RATHER THAN AS ’THE UNITED KINGDOM SPEAKING FOR HONG KONG’. WITH THIS NEW STATUS, WE SHALL, OF COURSE, CONTINUE TO PLAY OUR FULL PART IN SUPPORT OF THE BASIC PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES OF THE GATT AND IN DEFENCE OF HONG KONG’S RIGHTS THEREUNDER. THE ONLY OTHER DIFFERENCE WILL BE THAT WE SHALL HAVE TO PAY OUR SHARE OF THE GATT BUDGET, ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT SWISS FRANCS 900 000 PER ANNUM, WHICH UP TILL NOW HAS BEEN PART CF THE UK’S CONTRIBUTION AND BORNE OUT OF UK FUNDS,* MR HO ADDED.

/THE DECLAWIONS .....

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

2

THE DECLARATIONS BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS MAKE CLEAR THAT THE UK WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG UNTIL 1 JULY 1997, AND THAT WITH EFFECT FROM THAT DATE THE PRC WILL HAVE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. ACCORDINGLY, OUTSIDE THE TRADE FIELD, HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL POSITION AND STATUS HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED IN ANY WAY BY THESE DECLARATIONS.

TEXTS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE DECLARATIONS, AS RELEASED BY THE GATT SECRETARIAT, FOLLOW:

UNITED KINGDOM DECLARATION

I AM INSTRUCTED BY HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS TO REFER TO THE DECLARATION MADE BY THE UNITED KINGDOM ON 28 JUNE 1948 CONCERNING THE APPLICATION CF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE TO HONG KONG, AND TO DECLARE THAT HONG KONG, BEING A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY, IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS ACCEPTED THAT AGREEMENT, POSSESSES FULL AUTONOMY IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS EXTERNAL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND OF THE OTHER MATTERS PROVIDED FOR IN THE AGREEMENT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE XXVI(5)(C) OF THE SAID AGREEMENT AND WITH THE WISHES OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG WILL, WITH EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION, BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE AGREEMENT.

I AM ALSO INSTRUCTED TO STATE THAT, HAVING REGARD TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, SIGNED IN BEIJING ON IQ DECEMBER 1984, THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL RESTORE HONG KONG TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997 AND THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG UNTIL THAT DATE.

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA DECLARATION

ocnoi J,cMnJnSIRUCTED BY THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE

JH.CH THERU^TBEDCK?NG0?H^iSSloTN ISdReISeT?S"ISe"

/IN ACCORDANCE .......

■'LTJBSDAY, APRIL <■ , 1986

3

GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED QUESTION OF

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE HONG KONG, SIGNED IN BEIJING ON 19 DECEMBER 1984, THE PEOPLE S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS DECIDED TO RESUME THE EXERCISE OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997. HONG KONG WILL, WITH EFFECT FROM THAT DATE, BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WHICH WILL HAVE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HONG KONG SPEC I AL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF ANNEX I TO THAT DECLARATION, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REG ION WILL RETAIN THE STATUS OF A FREE PORT AND A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY, WILL MAINTAIN THE CAPITALIST ECONOMIC AND TRADE SYSTEMS PREVIOUSLY PRACTISED IN HONG KONG, WILL DECIDE ITS ECONOMIC TRADE POLICIES ON ITS OWN AND MAY ON ITS OWN, USING THE NAME OF HONG KONG, CHINA’, MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP RELATIONS AND CONCLUDE AND IMPLEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH STATES, REGIONS AND RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE ECONOMIC, TRADE AND OTHER FIELDS. SECTION VI OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION FURTHER PROVIDES IN DETAIL THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MAY PARTICIPATE IN RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS (INCLUDING PREFERENTIAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS), SUCH AS THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE AND ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES. ACCORDINGLY, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA DECLARES THAT, WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997, THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CUSTOMS TERRITORY TO BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACTING PARTY AS PRESCRIBED IN GATT ARTICLE XXVl(5)(C) AND THEREFORE MAY, USING THE NAME OF ’HONG KONG, CHINA , CONTINUE TO BE DEEMED TO EE A CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL

AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.

-----0------

EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA *****

AT THE THIRD MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED ON TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND RELATED MATTERS. IN CONFIRMATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS EXCHANGED MEMORANDA IN PEKING ON 11 APRIL, THE TEXTS OF WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWS I

BRITISH MEMORANDUM

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE THE HONOUR TO REFER TO THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ TRAVEL DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS) AND RELATED MATTERS AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG.

/TO COINCIDE.......

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

TO COINCIDE WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS FROM 1 JULY 1987, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ISSUE FROM THAT DATE TO PERSONS WHO HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG A NEW FORM OF HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD WHICH STATES THAT ITs HOLDER HAS THAT RIGHT. A DIFFERENT FORM OF IDENTITY CARD, WHICH DOES NOT STATE THAT ITS HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG, WILL FROM 1 JULY 1987 BE ISSUED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE THAT RIGHT. IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT, TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, THE NEW FORMS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS, WHICH WILL NOT SPECIFY DATES OF RENEWAL, WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER 30 JUNE 1997 UNTIL SUCH TIME AS T-iEY ARE REPLACED BY IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT.

TO ENSURE THAT BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BEFORE AND £FTER 1997, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THEM TO STATE CLEARLY WHERE THEIR HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE. THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THEREFORE PLANS TO ADD THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT TO BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS, WHOSE HOLDERS ALSO HOLD HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS:

+THE HOLDER OF THIS PASSPORT HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (XYZ) WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.+

BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS BEARING THIS ENDORSEMENT AND ISSUED BEFORE 1 JULY 1997 WILL REMAIN VALID UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES, WHICH IN MOST CASES WILL BE AFTER 30 JUNE 1997. BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS RENEWED OR REPLACED AFTER 33 JUNE 1997 WHOSE HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WILL ALSO CONTAIN THE SAME ENDORSEMENT. THIS ENDORSEMENT WILL REMAIN AN APPROPRIATE REFERENCE TO THE PASSPORT HOLDER’S CURRENT PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD, SINCE IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT THE REPLACEMENT OF A PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL BEAR THE SAME NUMBER AS THE IDENTITY CARD ISSUED IN HONG KONG PRIOR TO 1 JULY 1997 WHICH IT REPLACES. IT IS FURTHER THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT ANY REFERENCE TO + HONG KONG+ IN PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS AND ENDORSEMENTS IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WILL, ON AND AFTER 1 JULY 1997, EE TAKEN TO MEAN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.

THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HOLDERS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CARRYING THE ENDORSEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 30 JUNE 1997.

/CHINESE MEMORANDUM........

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

- 5 -

CHINESE MEMORANDUM (TRANSLATION)

THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE MEMORANDUM DATED 11 APRIL 1986 CF THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCERNING THE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND RELATED MATTERS AND, WITH REFERENCE TO THE RELEVANT DISCUSSIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HAS THE HONOUR TO ELABORATE THE POSITION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS RAISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM AS FOLLOWS:

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG AND THE PRINCIPLED POSITION CONTAINED IN THE CHINESE MEMORANDUM DATED 19 DECEMBER 1984, THE COMPETENT AUTHORITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WITH EFFECT FROM 1 JULY 1997, PERMIT CHINESE NATIONALS IN HONG KONG WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY CALLED +BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS-*- TO USE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, AS REFERRED TO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM, DURING THE PERIOD FROM 1 JULY 1987 TO 30 JUNE 1997 FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAVELLING TO OTHER STATES AND REGIONS. THOSE AMONG THEM, TOGETHER WITH OTHER PERSONS WHO WERE PREVIOUSLY CALLED +BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS-* WHO ARE HOLDERS OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, WILL HAVE THIS FACT STATED BY ADDING AN ENDORSEMENT TO THEIR ABOVE-MENTIONED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO SHOW THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL RAISE NO OBJECTION TO THE PLAN OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AS MENTIONED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM THAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BEARING THIS ENDORSEMENT AND ISSUED BEFORE 1 JULY 1997 WILL REMAIN VALID UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES, WHICH IN MOST CASES WILL BE AFTER 30 JUNE 1997 ; AND THAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS RENEWED OR REPLACED AFTER 30 JUNE 1997 WHOSE HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WILL ALSO CONTAIN THE SAME ENDORSEMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS TAKEN NOTE OF A REFERENCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM THAT FROM 1 JULY 1987, THE BRITISH HONG KONG GOVERNMENT PLANS TO ISSUE f€W FORMS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS. AS A TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL PERMIT THE CONTINUED USE, ON AND AFTER 1 JULY 1997, OF THE NEW IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE BRITISH HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UNTIL THEY ARE REPLACED BY IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT. FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF ADMINISTRATION, IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BEAR THE SAME HUMBERS AS THE NEW IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1 JULY 1997.

/in accordance........

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, ANY REFERENCE TO + HONG K0Na+ if THF NEW FORMS OF HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS AND THE ENDORSEMENT IN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AS REFERRED TO IN UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM

i am amd APTFR 1 .111 Y 1997 BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HUNb isunu SP^c’lAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+’ FOR THIS, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA EXPRESSES ITS UNDERSTANDING.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF TRAVELLING ABROAD BY PERSONS HAVING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 30 JUNE 1997, THE GOVERNMENT OF Tup PFOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, wHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THc. GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HOLDERS OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS CARRYING THE ENDORSEMENT AS REFERRED TO IN THE UNITED K NGDOI-1 MEMORANDUM WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 30 JUNE 1997.

- - 0 -

WORKING PARTY MAKES PROPOSALS ON STREAMLINING JSEA * * * *

RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE BY A WORKING PARTY TO STREAMLINE THE OPERATION OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM BEFORE IT IS PHASED OUT IN 1991. THE WORKING PARTY ON THE REVIEW OF THE JSEA SYSTEM, APPOINTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN MARCH 1985, HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED A NEW MEANS OF PLACEMENT TO REPLACE THE JSEA FROM 1991.

THE WORKING PARTY HAS PROPOSED THAT DURING THE PERIOD 1986-1990, SYMMETRICAL SCHOOLS (NAMELY, THOSE WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF CLASSES IN FORMS 1 TO 5) SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY TO SELECT THEIR OWN FORM 3 STUDENTS FOR PROMOTION TO FORM 4, PROVIDED THAT AN AVERAGE OF 95 PER CENT OR MORE OF THEIR FORM 3 STUDENTS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS HAVE QUALIFIED FOR A FORM 4 PLACE UNDER THE JSEA SYSTEM.

IF THE PROPOSAL IS ACCEPTED, THESE SCHOOLS WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR SCALING. THEIR FORM 3 STUDENTS WOULD STILL HAVE TO TAKE THE SCALING TEST, TOGETHER WITH OTHER FORM 3 STUDENTS, BUT ONLY IN ORDER TO PROVIDE VALUABLE DATA FOR MONITORING AND RESEARCH PURPOSES.

THIS EXEMPTION FROM SUBMISSION OF INTERNAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS WOULD NOT APPLY TO ASYMMETRICAL SCHOOLS (THOSE WITH FEWER CLASSES IN FORM 4 THAN IN FORM 3) BECAUSE NOT ALL OF THEIR STUDENTS CAN BE ACCOMMODATED IN THEIR OWN FORM 4, AND ASSESSMENT RESULTS WILL THEREFORE BE NEEDED FOR ALLOCATING SOME OF THEIR STUDENTS TO OTHER SCHOOLS.

i'HUBSDAX, APRIL 24, 1986

7

IN LINE w I TH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND IN THE INTERESTS OF CONTINUITY IN SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE WORKING PARTY HAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE SYMMETRICAL AND ASYMMETRICAL STRUCTURES OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE JSEA SHOULD BE REVIEWED IN 1987 AND THEREAFTER EVERY SEVEN YEARS TO ENSURE THAT THE CLASS STRUCTURE OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS MORE CLOSELY REFLECTS THE PROPORTION OF STUDENTS CAPABLE AND WILLING TO PROGRESS FROM JUNIOR SECONDARY TO SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.

IN ADDITION, THE WORKING PARTY HAS RECOMMENDED A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO LIGHTEN THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORKLOAD OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS UNDER THE PRESENT JSEA SYSTEM.

AS REGARDS THE ARRANGEMENTS AFTER THE JSEA HAS BEEN PHASED OUT, A PLACEMENT SERVICE WILL STILL BE REQUIRED BECAUSE ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF POST-FORM 3 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES, AND BECAUSE THE ASYMMETRICAL SCHOOLS WILL NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT CLASSES IN FORM 4 TO ACCOMMODATE ALL OF THEIR FORM 3 STUDENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE WITH FULL-TIME DAY-SCHOOL EDUCATION.

AS A RESULT THE WORKING PARTY, HAVING CONSIDERED SEVERAL OPTIONS, HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE ADMISSION PROCEDURES FOR THE VOCATIONAL PLACES AVAILABLE SHOULD BE CONDUCTED FIRST AND THAT FOR THOSE STUDENTS IN ASYMMETRICAL SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO PROCEED TO SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION BUT CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS, ALLOCATION TO SENIOR SECONDARY VACANCIES IN OTHER SCHOOLS SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE BASIS OF THEIR INTERNAL ASSESSMENT RESULTS IN FORM 3, ADJUSTED BY REFERENCE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT ALLOCATION RESULTS. THIS WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE A FAIR AND OBJECTIVE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE ASSESSMENTS OF DIFFERENT SCHOOLS AND, AS A RESULT, TO DRAW UP A TERRITORY-WIDE SCORE LIST OF SUCH STUDENTS WHICH WOULD BE USED FOR THE ENSUING ALLOCATION PROCEDURES. PARENTAL CHOICE WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE ALLOCATION PROCESS. SINCE STUDENTS WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ANY SCALING TESTS AS UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, COMPETITIVE PRESSURE WOULD BE MINIMISED.

THE WORKING PARTY HAS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT REPETITION IN FORM 3 SHOULD BE ALLOWED AS IN ALL OTHER SECONDARY FORMS AFTER THE JSEA HAS BEEN PHASED OUT, AT A MAXIMUM RATE OF FIVE PER CENT.

THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, TOGETHER WITH OTHERS INTENDED TO STRENGTHEN THE CAREER COUNSELLING SERVICES AVAILABLE TO FORM 3 LEAVERS, WERE DRAWN UP BY THE WORKING PARTY AFTER THEY HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS SUBMITTED TO THE GROUP.

ON THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, COPIES OF THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE HAVE BEEN SENT TO SCHOOLS AND INTERESTED PARTIES FOR COMMENT. THE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REFERENCE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE JSEA SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.

COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ARE WELCOME AND SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (JSEA) AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS BEFORE THE END OF JUNE. ALL COMMENTS WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN ON THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS.

------0-------

/8......

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

8

BRIEFING ON JSEA SYSTEM REPORT *****

A REPORT ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM WILL BE PUBLISHED THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE REPORT WAS COMPILED BY A WORKING PARTY SET UP BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO REVIEW THE OPERATION OF THE JSEA SYSTEM AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS PROGRESSING FROM FORM 3 TO FORM 4 AFTER THE JSEA SYSTEM IS PHASED OUT IN 1991.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY, MR JOHN WINFIELD, WILL BE BRIEFING THE PRESS IN CONNECTION WITH PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 3 PM. COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT 2.30 PM AT BOTH THE EDUCATION HEADQUARTERS AND AT GIS NEWSROOM.

-----o------

FREE ENTERPRISE KEY TO ECONOMIC SUCCESS - SCOTT *****

IN PORTRAYING A WIDE PORTFOLIO OF HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS, DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR ALAN SCOTT, TOLD A SELECT U.S. AUDIENCE YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE TERRITORY COULD NOT BE AN ECONOMIC SUCCESS IF IT WERE NOT A FREE SOCIETY COMMITTED TO THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM.

AND HE REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE IS A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR THE TERRITORY IN 1997, WITHOUT SOCIAL, ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL DISLOCATION.

SPEAKING TO THE BAY AREA OF SAN FRANCISCO HONG KONG ASSOCIATION, MR SCOTT SAID THAT ULTIMATELY CONFIDENCE REMAINED THE KEY TO SMOOTH TRANSITION, TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TO SOCIAL STABILITY.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PART HAD BEEN INVESTING HEAVILY, AS ALWAYS, IN INFRASTRUCTURE, WITH ROLL-OVER LONG TERM PLANS FOR TRANSPORT, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

/+H0USING FOB .......

THUfiSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

9 -

♦HOUSING FOR LOWER-INCOME FAMILIES CONTINUES TO BE A PRIORITY COMMITMENT WITH 2.4 MILLION PEOPLE OR 45 PER CENT CF THE POPULATION NOW LIVING IN EITHER RENTED OR OWNED PUBLIC HOUSING.

♦WE HAVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD A THIRD UNIVERSITY WHICH WILL MAINTAIN THE QUANTUM AND QUALITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, AND PROVIDE THE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS VITAL TO OUR TRADE, INDUSTRY

AND GOVERNMENT.

♦TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION LINKS WITH CHINA ARE BEING STRENGTHENED- AND ROAD, RAIL AND FERRY SERVICES (WHICH LAST YEAR CARRIED A TOTAL OF 15 MILLION PEOPLE TO CHINA) ARE BEING IMPROVED.

♦JUST ANNOUNCED IS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR A ’COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY’ TO PROJECT TRANSPORT DEMAND UP TO THE YEAR 2001,+ HE SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, MR SCOTT SAID, THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO MAINTAIN THEIR INVESTMENT CONTINUED TO BE FORTHCOMING.

AS A RESULT OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT, WORK ON A US$260 MILLION EXPANSION OF OUR CONTAINER PORT - ALREADY THE THIRD, AND EXPECTED SOON TO BECOME THE SECOND, IN THE WORLD IN THROUGH-PUT TERMS -BEGAN IN 1985.

A JOINT VENTURE PROJECT BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG’S CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY IS UNDERWAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A NUCLEAR POWER STATION, 30 MILES ACROSS THE BORDER. WHEN COMPLETED, THIS WILL PROVIDE POWER FOR CONSUMERS IN BOTH HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.

PRIVATE INVESTORS FROM JAPAN, CHINA AND GREAT BRITAIN WILL BEGIN WORK LATER THIS YEAR ON A US$390 MILLION SECOND ROAD AND RAIL CROSSING UNDER THE HARBOUR, LINKING HONG KONG WITH KOWLOON,+ HE SAID.

HOWEVER, MR SCOTT SAID, PUBLIC CONFIDENCE COULD BE VOLATILE AND IT DEPENDED NOT ONLY ON THE FAITHFUL OBSERVANCE OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, BUT ALSO ON POLITICAL STABILITY IN CHINA AND THE CONTINUANCE OF CHINA’S OUTWARD LOOKING AND PRAGMATIC POLICIES.

♦OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE TOO IS THE UNDERSTANDING BY CHINA THAT THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM DOES NOT AND CANNOT FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY CF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM.

♦HONG KONG COULD NOT BE THE ECONOMIC SUCCESS IT IS TODAY, THE SKILLS OF ITS ENTREPRENEURS AND THE DILIGENCE OF ITS WORKFORCt NOTWITHSTANDING, IF IT WERE NOT A FREE SOCIETY - COMMITTED TO THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM OPERATING WITHIN AN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED AND IMPARTIALLY ADMINISTERED SYSTEM OF LAW - A SYSTEM CF LAW WHICH ALSO ENSHRINES OUR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS,+ HE SAID.

/MH SCOTT .......

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

10 -

MR SCOTT SAID HONG KONG CONTINUED TO MAKE HEADWAY DURING THESE INITIAL YEARS OF TRANSITION: THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE WITH CHINA TO SOLVE THE COMPLEX MATTERS INVOLVED IN THE CONVERSION OF HONG KONG TO A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION IN 1997- AND THAT THE ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT CLIMATE REMAIN HEALTHY.

AS REGARDS THE FUTURE, MR SCOTT SAID THE NEXT STEP IN HONG KONG’S CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE THE 1987 REVIEW WHICH, HE ADDED, WOULD NOT BE AN EASY TASK.

HE SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE TO BE IN KEEPING WITH THE BASIC LAW, THE DRAFTING OF WHICH WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHINA.

+SOME PEOPLE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT THAT CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG MUST BE ALIGNED WITH THE BASIC LAW, BUT WE MUST FACE THE REALITIES.

+THE TASK IS TO ADAPT AND BUILD ON OUR PRESENT SYSTEM SO THAT, ON THE ONE HAND, IT WILL SATISFY THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND, ON THE OTHER HAND, CREATE A GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY COMPATIBLE WITH THE LARGER ENTITY OF CHINA AND THE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY, Ta/O SYSTEMS’,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BUILD A GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE APPROPRIATE TO ITS NEEDS AND IN HARMONY WITH ITS TRADITIONS OF CONSULTATION AND CONSENSUS AND THAT IT SHOULD ACHIEVE THIS THROUGH STEADY PROGRESS COMBINED WITH STAB IL ITY.

+QUANTUM LEAPS INTO MODEL FORMS OF DEMOCRACY, OR POPULIST AND CONFRONTATION POLITICS ON A WESTERN MODEL, ARE NOT, MOST HONG KONG PEOPLE BELIEVE, WHAT WE WANT,+ HE SAID.

-----o------

HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING MORE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT * * * *

HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG ARE SPENDING MORE ON EATING OUT AS WELL AS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR RICHARD BUTLER, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD TO INTRODUCE THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (CPI’S), DR BUTLER PRESENTED THE WEIGHTING PATTERNS OF THE NEW CPI’S AND COMPARED THEM WITH THOSE OF 1979-80.

+CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, BASED ON A FIXED BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES BOUGHT BY AVERAGE HOUSEHOLDS, ARE IMPORTANT ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND ARE WIDELY USED AS A REFERENCE IN WAGE AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS. IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO REVISE THEM ABOUT ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS TO ENSURE THAT THEY REALISTICALLY REFLECT PRICE CHANGES AFFECTING CONSUMERS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

/BASED ON .......

THUtiSDAi', APRIL 24, 1986

BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HES) WHICH INVOLVED ALMOST 5 OOO HOUSEHOLDS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE PUBLISHING TWO CPI SERIES.

THE NEW CP I (A) COVERS ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG AND THEIR MONTHLY EXPENDITURE IN THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 WAS BETWEEN $2 000 AND $6 499.

THE NEW CP 1(B) COVERS THE NEXT 30 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS, WITH AN AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE OF BETWEEN $6 500 AND $9 999 IN THE SAME PERIOD.

COMPARING THE WEIGHTING PATTERNS OF THE NEW CPI’S WITH THOSE OF 1979-8Q SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE EXPENDITURE SHARE OF +MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME*, INDICATING AN INCREASING TENDENCY FOR HOUSEHOLDS TO EAT OUT.

THE COMPARISON ALSO REVEALED A MARKED INCREASE IN THE EXPENDITURE ON HOUSING IN CPI(B), REFLECTING A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF MIDDLE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.

ANOTHER INTERESTING POINT WAS THAT THE SHARE OF EXPENDITURE ON TRANSPORT INCREASED IN BOTH THE NEW CP I (A) AND CP 1(B) BECAUSE CF THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.

HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGE SHARE OF EXPENDITURE ON DURABLE GOODS DECREASED, PROBABLY DUE TO THEIR SLOWER PRICE INCREASES COMPARED WITH OTHER COMMODITY-SERVICE SECTIONS.

THE HANG SENG BANK HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE 1984-85 HES AND ACCORDING TO ITS MANAGER, MR T.P. CHENG, THERE WERE ALSO NOTABLE CHANGES IN THE WEIGHTING SYSTEM OF THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (HSCPI).

MR CHENG SAID, +THE HSCPI APPLIES TO HONG KONG’S HIGHER INCOME HOUSEHOLDS WHOSE MONTHLY EXPENDITURE IS NOW DEFINED AS BETWEEN $10 000 AND $24 999 IN 1984-85, WHICH COVERS ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS.+

REGARDING CHANGES IN THE HSCPI WEIGHTING SYSTEM, SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS AGAIN RECORDED IN THE EXPENDITURE WEIGHT FOR +MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME* WHEREAS THAT FOR +TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES* HAS DROPPED AS EXPENDITURE ON PRIVATE VEHICLES IS OVERTAKEN BY GREATER USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

THE NEW CPI SERIES STARTING FROM OCTOBER 1985 ARE GIVEN IN THE CPI MONTHLY REPORT FOR MARCH 1986 WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. THE OLD SERIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE COMPILED AND PUBLISHED IN THE MONTHLY REPORT TILL MARCH 1987. NEVERTHELESS, MOVEMENTS OF THE NEW AND THE OLD SERIES OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS ARE BROADLY SIMILAR.

+A DETAILED REPORT ON THE 1984-85 HES AND AN INTRODUCTORY PAMPHLET ON THE NEW CPI’S ARE BEING PREPARED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND JULY THIS YEAR,* DR BUTLER CONCLUDED.

- 0

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1936

12

NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES INTRODUCED *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) PUBLISHED THE NEW 1984-85-BASED CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES AS WELL AS THE 1979-80-BASED SERIES FOR MARCH 1986.

THE NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) (OCTOBER 84/SEPTEMBER 85 - 100) HAVE BEEN COMPILED SINCE OCTOBER 85 AND WILL BE RELEASED IN PARALLEL WITH THE 1979-80-BASED CP I (A) AND CP 1(B) (OCTOBER 79/ SEPTEMBER 80 - 100) AS FROM THIS MONTH.

THE SERIES PUBLISHED SINCE 1980 WILL BE DISCONTINUED AFTER MARCH 1987.

THE NEW CP I (A) AND NEW CP 1(B) FOR MARCH 1986 WERE 102.4 AND 102.7 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, NEW CP 1(A) DECREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT AND NEW CPI(B) REMAINED UNCHANGED.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE 1979-80-BASED CP 1(A) AND CP 1(B) FOR MARCH 1986 WERE 162.6 AND 163.7 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 2.1 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER MARCH 1985.

COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, CP I (A) DECREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT AND CP 1(B) REMAINED UNCHANGED. THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1986, AT 160.8 AND 161.3 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 3.0 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1985.

PRICE MOVEMENTS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE BASED ON THE NEW CPI SER IES.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1986, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CP 1(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.1 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CP 1(B), AT 0.2 PER CENT PER MONTH.

DURING MARCH, RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY, FRESH-WATER FISH AND PORK AND CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING WERE LOWER. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WERE HIGHER.

THE NEW CP I (A) AND NEW CP 1(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.

THE NEW CP I(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2 000 AND 36 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME, AND THE NEW CP 1(B), BETWEEN $6 500 AND $9 999 A MONTH.

/CHANGES IN........

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1?86

13 -

CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR MARCH 1986 IN RESPECT OF COMMODITY-SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO NEW CONSUMER PRICE AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.

(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE -

NEW CPI(A) NEW CP 1(B)

THE NINE INDEXES,

100)

SECTION INDEX FOR MAR. 86 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 86 INDEX FOR MAR. 86 % CHANGE OVER FEB. 86

FOODSTUFFS 100.6 -0.6 100.9 —0.6

HOUSING 103.4 +0.2 103.0 +0.2

FUEL AND L IGHT 99.0 -0.5 99.2 -0.5

ALCOHOL IC DR INKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 105.6 +0.3 105.5 +0.3

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 102.8 +1.7 103.1 +2.5

DURABLE GOODS 102.5 + 1.3 102.1 + 1.3

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 102.7 +0.7 103.3 +0.9

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 104.3 +0.4 104.0 +0.3

SERVICES 108.2 —□. 8 107.8 -1.0

ALL ITEMS 102.4 -0.1 102.7

COMPARED

WITH FEBRUARY 1986,

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS

NEW CP I (A) AND NEW CP 1(B).

DECREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CP I(A) AND NEW CPHBJ.

THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECREASES IN THE A^GE RETAIL PRICES CF LIVE POULTRY, FRESH-WATER FISH AND PORK, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE F*ESH *FGE™BLES.

Tri? EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICtS OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS OT.’thE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS wAS INSIGNIFICANT.

/THE INDEX .......

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

14 -

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NE* CPl(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND KEROSENE.

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND 2.5 PER CENT IN NEW CPl(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES CF WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS ROSE BY 1.3 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CP I(A) AND NEW CP 1(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, VIDEO AND SOUND EQUIPMENT AND WATCHES IMPORTED FROM JAPAN AS WELL AS HIGHER PRICES OF TRAVEL GOODS.

THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS WENT UP BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NE* CP 1(A) AND 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CP 1(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF TOILET REQUISITES, COSMETICS, TOYS AND SOFT FURNISHINGS.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES DECREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND 1.0 PER CENT IN NEw CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND PACKAGE TOURS AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

(FIGURES PRESENT IN THE PRESS RELEASE REFER TO CPI SERIES NUT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TO 2 DECIMAL PLACES.)

DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR MARCH 1986, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE WITH THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 3-7216512.

BOAT WIVES ALLOWED TO RETURN *****

FOLLOWING CONTACTS WITH GUANGDONG PROVINCE THROUGH THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY, IT HAS BEEN LEARNT THAT, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE AUTH6RITIES CONCERNED, THE MAJORITY OF THE YAU MA TEI BOAT WIVES ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN PERMANENTLY TO HONG KONG FROM GUANGDONG THROUGH THE NORMAL PROCESSES, IN APPROXIMATELY THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

15

NEW ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT FOR TUEN MUN * * * *

BETTER MEDICAL SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WHEN A NEW ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT OPENS IN YAN 01 POLYCLINIC NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 1) AT NOON.

THE NEW ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH X-RAY FACILITIES, A MINOR OPERATING ROOM AND A TwO-BED OBSERVATION WARD.

THE YAN 01 POLYCLINIC IS SITUATED ADJACENT TO THE TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC IN THE NEW TOwN.

THE EXISTING ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE IN TUEN MUN CLINIC WILL BE TERMINATED WHEN THE NEW UNIT IN YAN 01 POLYCLINIC STARTS OPERATING.

- - 0

BOARD TO CONSIDER URBAN MANAGEMENT ROLE 4 * * *

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE URBAN MANAGEMENT ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS AT THEIR MEETING K.ORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE SUBJECT WILL BE RAISED BY BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VICENT KO, ,.ITH REFERENCE TO ONE OF THE FOUR PROPOSALS ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION MADE AT A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING IN FEBRUARY, 1984.

THESE PROPOSALS INCLUDED DOUBLING THE ELECTED ELEMENT ON .(STRICT BOARDS, SPLITTING THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD INTO TWO, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND THE URBAN MANAGEMENT ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS.

THE FIRST THREE PROPOSALS WERE IMPLEMENTED LAST YEAR, AND BOARD MEMBERS wISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE LAST ONE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF ’EDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS, AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING A SUGGESTION ON TURNING A PART OF BELCHER’S STREET INTO A PEDESTRIAN AREA.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES, DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND AREA COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO'ATTEND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO EE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOi- OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

16

UK MINISTER LEAVING TOMORROW * * * * *

BRITISH MINISTER FOR THE ARTS, MR RICHARD LUCE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTER A TWO-DAY VISIT.

MR LUCE WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON BY FLIGHT CX 251, ETD 10.45 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WISHING TO COVER HIS DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT AT 9.55 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

- - 0

BRIEFING BY OUTGOING CHAIRMAN

*****

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE, PR BILL BROWN, WHO WILL BE RELINQUISHING THE POST SHORTLY, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING.

- - 0 -

REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF FIRST NATIONAL BOSTON ASIA LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

- 0 -

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1986

17

ROAD CLOSURE IN MONG KOK

*****

TUNG CHAU STREET IN MONG KOK BETWEEN MAPLE STREET AND WALNUT STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY (APRIL 26) AND APRIL 27 TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.

VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TUNG CHAU STREET HEADING FOR TAI KOK TSUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO WALNUT STREET AND FUK TSUN STREET.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FRANCHISE OF CMB EXTENDED ................................... 1

APPROVAL FOR HIGHER GREEN MINIBUS FARES...................... 2

LANTAO BUS COMPANY FARE RISE APPROVED ....................... 2

ADVERTISING ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TAXIS .................... 4

NEW REQUIREMENT ON TRAVAL AGENCY ADVERTISING................. 5

CARE TAKEN TO PROTECT INTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE............ 6

COMMITTEE './ILL ENHANCE CIVIC EDUCATION .................... 7

UK MINISTER LEAVES AFTER STOPOVER VISIT...................... 9

HK PAVILION GETS FINAL TOUCHES............................... 10

10 PER CENT RISE IN STATUTORY DECLARATIONS .................. 10

INSIDER DEALING REPORT PUBLISHED ............................ 11

FINAL CHANCE TO PLANT TREE SEEDLINGS ........................ 11

YOUTH GROUPS GIVEN REMINDER ON GRANTS ....................... 12

SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO 10 MORE CHINESE CITIES ................ 13

OPEN DAY AT FIRE STATION .................................... 14

FURNITURE, GIFTWARE FOR TUEN MUN ELDERLY .................... 14

TENDERS INVITED FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE STAND .................. 15

ANOTHER FOOTBRIDGE PROPOSED FOR SHA TIN ..................... 16

PROPERTY IN WAN CHAI TO LET ................................. 16

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT .................... 17

VIOLINIST TO GIVE MASTERCLASS ............................... 17

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ........................ 18

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND .................... 19

YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................ 20

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

1 -

FRANCHISE OF CMB EXTENDED *****

THE FRANCHISE OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY, DUE TO EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31, 1987, HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR TWO YEARS TO AUGUST 31, 1989.

EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE EXTENSION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE, PARTICULARLY IN COMPLYING WITH SCHEDULES OF SERVICE AND IN THE ENHANCEMENT OF ITS BUS MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY STANDARDS.

HE SAID THAT A RECENT REVIEW BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF CMB’S PERFORMANCE REVEALED THAT THE COMPANY HAD MADE PROGRESS IN UPGRADING VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ITS SERVICE, PARTICULARLY DURING THE CLOSE MONITORING OF CMB OVER THE PAST YEAR BY THE TAC AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

+IMPLEMENTATION BY CMB OF A LONG LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE TAC WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN MONITORED ON A MONTHLY BASIS SINCE APRIL 1985 BY A CMB-TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LIAISON COMMITTEE AND BY THE TAC ITSELF.+

+AS A RESULT, THERE HAS BEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE OVERALL STANDARD OF MAINTENANCE, RESULTING IN A MUCH SAFER BUS FLEET,+ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF SAFETY DEFECTS DETECTED PER BUS HAD FALLEN FROM THREE IN JANUARY 1985 TO 0.5 IN SEPTEMBER 1985, WHILE BUS BREAKDOWN RATES HAD FALLEN OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS BY ALMOST 50 PER CENT.

INJURY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CMB BUSES HAD ALSO SHOWN A DOWNWARD TREND DURING 1985, HE SAID.

+T0 DATE, CMB HAS PROVED ABLE TO SUSTAIN THIS IMPROVEMENT IN MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY STANDARDS,+ HE POINTED OUT.

+FURTHERMORE, THE COMPANY IS MAKING PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ORGANISATION AND METHODS CONSULTANT ON ASPECTS OF ITS MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS, SUPERVISORY CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE DOCUMENTATION.*

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS AGAINST CMB AND ITS DRIVERS HAD DROPPED BY HALF COMPARED WITH TWO YEARS AGO.

+CMB’S SERVICE AND ITS EFFORTS TO BRING ABOUT FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MONITORED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, +AND THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS REQUESTED THE TAC TO UNDERTAKE ANOTHER REVIEW OF THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE IN 12 MONTHS’ TIME.*

A NOTICE OF THE FRANCHISE EXTENSION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

-----o---------

/2 ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

2

APPROVAL FOR HIGHER GREEN MINIBUS FARES * * * K

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR SIX GREEN MINIBUS PACKAGES IN KOWLOON COMPRISING 12 ROUTES TO INCREASE THEIR FARES FROM NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 1).

THE FARE INCREASES FOR THESE ROUTES - WHICH OPERATE IN SHAM SHUI PO, KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY, MONG KOK AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST - RANGE FROM 20 CENTS TO $1. ONLY FIVE OF THESE WOULD CHARGE UP TO THE NEW FARE CEILINGS.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT APPROVAL WAS GIVEN AFTER CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE OPERATING DETAILS AND FINANCIAL RETURNS SUBMITTED BY GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS.

APPLICATIONS FOR FARE INCREASES BY ANOTHER SIX PACKAGES OF GREEN MINIBUS IN KOWLOON COMPRISING 15 ROUTES ARE BEING EXAMINED.

SO FAR, 13 GREEN MINIBUS PACKAGES IN KOWLOON HAD APPLIED FOR A FARE REVISION BUT ONE PACKAGE LATER WITHDREW ITS APPLICATION.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 16 PACKAGES OF GREEN MINIBUS COMPRISING 36 ROUTES OPERATING IN KOWLOON.

OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM PASSENGERS OF THE FARE REVISION BY PUTTING UP NOTICES AT THE GREEN MINIBUS TERMINI AND INSIDE VEHICLES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE APPROVAL FOR HIGHER FARE CEILINGS FOLLOWED CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF THE TRADE’S OPERATING ECONOMICS IN 1985. IT WAS FOUND THAT SINCE THE LAST SURVEY IN 1982, THE OVERALL OPERATING COSTS PER GREEN MINIBUS HAD GONE UP BY 12 PER CENT WHILE THE REGIONAL INCREASE FOR KOWLOON WAS 29 PER CENT.

FARE CEILINGS FOR GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES WERE LAST REVISED IN JULY 1982.

- - 0 - -

LANTAO BUS COMPANY FARE RISE APPROVED * * * *

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A FARE INCREASE FOR THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (NLB) TO TAKE EFFECT ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR. NLB’S LAST FARE INCREASE WAS IN APRIL 1983.

IN MONEY TERMS, 72 PER CENT OF THE EXISTING PASSENGE.RS USING NLB SERVICES ON MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL 10 CENTS TO 30 CENTS WHILE THE REMAINING 28 PER CENT WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL 50 CENTS.

/CM SUNDAYS

mm, aphil 25, 1986

- 3 -

ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, 37 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL 10 CENTS TO 30 CENTS, 24 PER CENT WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL 50 CENTS AND 39 PER CENT WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL $1.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NLB’S APPLICATION FOR A FARE INCREASE WAS APPROVED AFTER EXAMINING THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL FORECASTS AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

♦ THE FINANCIAL FORECASTS FOR 1986-87 AND 1987-88 ARE BASED ON THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN OF NLB, AGREED BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE COMPANY, HAVING TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE REDUCTIONS IN FUEL PRICES IN MARCH AND EARLIER THIS MONTH.*

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT EVEN IF THERE WERE FURTHER REDUCTIONS IN THE FUEL PRICE, THE EFFECT ON NLB’S OVERALL OPERATING COSTS WOULD NOT BE VERY SIGNIFICANT.

♦THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF ONE-MAN OPERATION ON ALL SERVICE ROUTES EXCEPT FOR ROUTE NO. 1 BETWEEN MUI WO AND TAI 0 HAS HELPED TO REDUCE NLB’S OPERATING COSTS AND THE COMPANY HAS ALSO DRAWN UP PLANS TO CONVERT THE REMAINING SERVICE ROUTE TO ONE-MAN OPERATION,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY REVIEWED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NLB BEFORE EXTENDING ITS FRANCHISE FOR TWO YEARS IN MARCH THIS YEAR. AT THE TIME OF THE REVIEW, THE GOVERNMENT NOTED THAT THE COMPANY WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT SERVICE AND WAS PLANNING IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS BUS MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.

THE EXISTING AND REVISED FARE SCALES OF NLB ARE AS FOLLOWS!

ADULT SINGLE FARE

GROUP OF -----------------

ROUTE JOURNEY MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC

DISTANCE ---------------------- HOLIDAYS

NOT -----------

EXCEEDING

(KM) EXISTING REVISED EXISTING REVISED

(S) ($) (S) ($)

1. ORDINARY 4 0.70 0.80 1.50 1.60

ROUTES 6 1.00 1.70 1.70 2.20

8 1.50 1.70 2.00 2.20

9 1.70 2.20 3.00 4.00

13 2.00 2.20 3.50 4.00

17 3.00 3.30 4.00 5.00

/20 .......

APRIL 25, 1986

- 4 -

20 3.50 4.00 5.50 6.00

24 4.00 4.50 6.00 7.00

27 5.00 5.50 7.50 8.50

31 5.50 6.00 8.00 9.00

II. NGONG 4 1.70 2.00 2.50 3.00

PING

ROUTES 24 5.50 6.00 8.00 9.00

IN CERTAIN INSTANCES, HOWEVER, NLB WILL CHARGE FARES BELOW THE MAXIMUM SPECIFIED IN THE REVISED FARE SCALE. AS A RESULT, FARE INCREASES ON WEEK-DAYS WILL BE LIMITED AT PRESENT TO NO MORE THAN 50 CENTS. FULL DETAILS OF HOW BELOW-SCALE FARES WILL APPLY TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL ROUTES WILL BE PUBLISHED BY NLB.

ADVERTISING ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TAXIS

* * * *

AUTHORISATION FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO CARRY ADVERTISEMENTS ON VEHICLES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM MONDAY (APRIL 28), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

AT THE SAME TIME, THE AREAS ON THE EXTERIOR PARTS OF TAXIS PERMITTED FOR ADVERTISING WILL BE EXTENDED.

A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXI OWNERS WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY IN WRITING FOR THE AUTHORISATION, TO THE PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ROOM 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, CENTRAL, HONG KONG. THERE WILL BE A CHARGE OF $100.

A LETTER OF AUTHORISATION WILL BE ISSUED TO EACH VEHICLE AND THIS WILL BE VALID UNTIL THE SPECIFIED VEHICLE IS RECLASSIFIED, SCRAPPED OR SUCH PERMISSION IS WITHDRAWN IN WRITING.

ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE EXTERIOR PARTS OF PLB’S AND TAXIS SHOULD BE SHOWN BY PAINTING OR BY STICKERS. LUMINOUS OR REFLECTING MATERIAL IS NOT PERMITTED.

FOR PLB’S, ADVERTISEMENTS CAN BE DISPLAYED ON THE EXTERIOR PARTS OF THE VEHICLES BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ARCHES BELOW THE WINDOWS.

REGARDING ADVERTISING INSIDE PLB’S, ADVERTISEMENTS MAY BE DISPLAYED ON ROOF (SIDE) PANELS AND ON BULKHEADS. ADVERTISEMENTS ON SEAT-BACKS SHOULD BE RETAINED IN A SEALED PANEL WITH PERSPEX COVERING OR ANY OTHER WATER-PROOF AND DURABLE MATERIAL.

/illuminated advertisements........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1?86

5

ILLUMINATED ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD NOT BE VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLES AND SHOULD NOT BE WITH BULB EXCEEDING 15 WATTS. ADVERTISEMENTS DISPLAYED INSIDE THE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT AFFECT PASSENGER COMFORT OR THE DRIVER’S ACCOMMODATION NOR SHOULD THEY OBSTRUCT THE WINDOWS OR THE GANGWAYS.

IN THE CASE OF TAXIS, THE AREAS PERMITTED FOR ADVERTISING WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE TWO REAR DOOR PANELS BELOW THE WINDOWS. AT PRESENT, TAXIS ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO CARRY ADVERTISEMENTS ON THE FRONT DOOR PANELS.

ADVERTISING GUIDELINES WILL BE AVAILABLE, FREE OF CHARGE, AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, THE KOWLOON REGIONAL CFFICE, ALL LICENSING OFFICES AND THE PUBLIC VEHICLE SECTION.

-----0------

NEW REQUIREMENT ON TRAVEL AGENCY ADVERTISING * * * * *

FROM JUNE THIS YEAR THE PUBLICATION OF AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR AN UNLICENSED TRAVEL AGENT OR FOR A LICENSED TRAVEL AGENT WITHOUT STATING THE LICENCE NUMBER IN THE ADVERTISEMENT WILL BE AN OFFENCE UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE.

SECTION 47 OF THE ORDINANCE, WHICH CARRIES A FI NE OF $2 OOO, WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM JUNE 1. A NOTICE ON THIS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

+THIS PROVISION RELATES ONLY TO ADVERTISEMENT BY TRAVEL AGENTS FOR OUT-BOUND TRAVEL SERVICES AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ADVERTISEMENT FOR LOCAL TOURS CONDUCTED WITHIN HONG KONG,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

A LIST OF ALL LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS, ALREADY PUBLISHED IN A GAZETTE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON MARCH 14 THIS YEAR MAY BE USED BY A PUBLISHER AS READY REFERENCE FOR CHECKING THE LICENSING STATUS OF A CLIENT.

+ A PUBLISHER CAN ALSO ASK HIM TO QUOTE HIS LICENCE NUMBER OR TO PRODUCE A CERTIFIED RECORD OF HIS REGISTRATION ENTRY ISSUED BY THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AT PRESENT, UNDER SECTION 14 OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGULATION 1985, A LICENSED TRAVEL AGENT IS ALREADY REQUIRED TO STATE HIS LICENCE NUMBER IN ANY ADVERTISEMENT, INCLUDING ADVERTISEMENT BY NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINE, POSTER, FILM, TELEVISION AND RADIO.

+WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF SECTION 47 OF THE ORDINANCE, THIS REQUIREMENT WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE PUBLISHER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ONLY LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS ARE ALLOWED TO ADVERTISE FOR THEIR SERVICES AND UNLICENSED BOGUS TRAVEL AGENTS WILL BE PREVENTED FROM ATTRACTING CLIENTELE BY ADVERTISING IN ANY FORM,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

------0-------

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

6

CARE TAKEN TO PROTECT INTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE ******

THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT THE INFRINGEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS UNDERMINED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATION, THE HEAD OF THE CUSTOMS TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR JOHN HOWARD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

ADDRESSING A SEMINAR OF THE DESIGN AND PACKAGING CENTRE OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR HOWARD SAID HONG KONG HAD TAKEN PARTICULAR CARE TO PROTECT ITS INTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF ITS TRADING SYSTEM.

TO MEET THIS END, HE SAID, HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED COMPREHENSIVE LAWS COVERING TRADE MARKS, TRADE DESCRI PT IONS, COPYRIGHT, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND PATENTS AND COMMITTED SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES TO THE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LAWS.

+THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS OF HONG KONG ARE, IN FACT, MORE STRINGENT THAN THE LAWS AND PRACTICES OF MANY COUNTRIES — DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING.-

THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1, 1981, SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS, FORGED TRADE MARKS AND ANY MIS-STATEMENTS IN RESPECT OF GOODS PROVIDED IN THE COURSE OF TRADE.

+THE LAW MAKES IT AN OFFENCE FOR A PERSON EITHER TO APPLY A FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION TO GOODS OR TO SUPPLY OR BE IN POSSESSION OF SUCH GOODS FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRADE GENERALLY.

+IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PROHIBITION AND SEIZURE OF OFFENDING IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.*

AS FOR THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN MARCH 1973, IT PROVIDES FOR CRIMINAL SANCTIONS, WHICH MAY BE SOUGHT AGAINST COPYRIGHT PIRACY AND AFFORDS PROTECTION FOR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF LITERARY, DRAMATIC, MUSICAL AND ARTISTIC WORKS, SOUND RECORDINGS, CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS, TELEVISION AND SOUND BROADCASTS- AND PUBLISHED EDITIONS OF WORK, BOTH LOCAL AND FOREIGN.

+COPYRIGHT PROTECTION AGAINST INFRINGEMENT IS ACCORDED TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS WITHOUT REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG,* HE EXPLAINED.

MR HOWARD SAID ENFORCEMENT OF THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE LEGISLATIONS WAS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WHICH HAD A SPECIAL TASK FORCE COMPRISING 150 INVESTIGATORS WHO HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF POWERS.

/♦THE STBATEGY........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

7

THE STRATEGY TO ATTACK COUNTERFEITING AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY IN HONG KONG IS DIRECTED AT ALL LEVELS FROM RETAILING AT STREET LEVEL, LARGE AND SMALL ESTABLISHED RETAIL PREMISES, MANUFACTURING OUTLETS AND ON IMPORT AND EXPORT.

ACTION IS TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS RECEIVED OR SELF INITIATED THROUGH SURVEILLANCE AND INTELLIGENCE.

SPECIAL ATTENTION IS ALSO PAID TO THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT GOODS AT ALL ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS BY THE 3 OOO CUSTOMS OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.

IN ORDER TO PROTECT OWNERS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COVERING COMPUTERS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES, CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE TAKEN ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER BOTH THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE.

OFFENCES INCLUDE THE FORGING OF TRADE MARKS IN BOTH COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AND, MORE RECENTLY, INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT IN SOFTWARE PROGRAMMES.+

EXPLAINING THE NATURE OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS, MR HOWARD SAID THE MOST COMMON BEING TO'USE WELL-KNOWN INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES, REGISTERED AS TRADE MARKS IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE AND TO APPLY A FALSE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN TO GOODS WHERE THAT PARTICULAR COUNTRY MAY HAVE A HIGH REPUTATION FOR QUALITY IN FASHION, TRENDS AND IN CRAFTSMANSHIP.

---.0-----

COMMITTEE WILL ENHANCE CIVIC EDUCATION *****

THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO BE SET UP SHORTLY IS INTENDED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON THE SCOPE OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO PAVE THE WAY FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND VARIETY SHOW AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM WAS TO CULTIVATE A GENERATION OF CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE WHO WOULD SHOW CONCERN AND HELP IMPROVE THEIR COMMUNITY.

THE COMMITTEE WAS EXPECTED TO GIVE ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF CIVIC EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE FORMAL SCHOOL SYSTEM, MR CHAU SAID.

♦IT WILL COMPRISE MAINLY OF UNOFFICIALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION,+ HE SAID.

/♦THE COMMITTEE'S

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1?86

8

+ THE COMMITTEE’S AIM WILL BE TO STIMULATE INITIATIVES FROM THE COMMUNITY ON HOW TO FORMULATE THE GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH DISCUSSION,* HE ADDED.

WITH PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG MOVING RAPIDLY, MR CHAU SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG, HAVE REALISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

+IT IS THEREFORE URGENT TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN ORDER TO BETTER PREPARE OUR PEOPLE AND TO IMPROVE SOCIETY,* MR CHAU SAID.

HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO LAUNCH A YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.

IN THE NEXT 11 MONTHS, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL ORGANISE SEVERAL MAJOR EVENTS TO PUBLICISE THE THEMES OF +CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY; PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC; COURTESY AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS; AND NEIGHBOURLINESS AND PEACE*.

THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A LOVE YOUR FAMILY PROJECT, CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION, COURTESY CAMPAIGN, CIVIC AMBASSADOR SCHEME, MODEL STUDENT AWARD AND AN OUTSTANDING CITIZEN AWARD.

+1 HOPE, THROUGH ALL THESE INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE ABLE TO GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, TO BECOME MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR OWN COMMUNITY, AND AS A RESULT, CO-OPERATE TO BUILD A BETTER AND MORE HARMONIOUS SOCIETY,* MR CHAU SAID.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF TONIGHT’S VARIETY SHOW WAS A SONG SPECIALLY COMPOSED FOR THE CAMPAIGN. OTHER PERFORMANCES INCLUDED SINGING, DANCING AND DRAMA BY POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTS, KOWLOON CITY CHILDREN’S CHORUS, WINNERS OF A SINGING COMPETITION RECENTLY HELD IN THE DISTRICT AND STUDENTS OF A LOCAL SCHOOL.

THE SHOW WAS RECORDED BY RTHK AND WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB’S JADE CHANNEL AT 8.35 PM ON SUNDAY (APRIL 27).

THE VARIETY SHOW, PRODUCED BY RTHK, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.

OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WU SHING-SHUEN, AND ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RTHK, MISS MARIA WAN.

-----0------

/9 .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

UK MINISTER LEAVES AFTER STOPOVER VISIT

*****

THE BRITISH MINISTER KONG THIS EVENING AFTER A

FOR THE ARTS, MR RICHARD LUCE, TWO-DAY STOPOVER VISIT.

LEFT HONG

MR LUCE HAD EARLIER PAID AN OFFICIAL EIGHT-DAY VISIT TO CHINA.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF A WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED BY bR LUCE SHORTLY BEFORE HE LEFT:

+1 HAVE VERY MUCH ENJOYED VISITING HONG KONG AGAIN, THIS TIME IN MY NEW CAPACITY AS MINISTER FOR THE ARTS, AND RENEWING OLD ACQUAINTANCES.

+ALTHOUGH THIS VISIT IS ONLY A BRIEF ONE, I WAS ABLE TO MEET QUITE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE CONNECTED WITH THE LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURAL SCENE. I HAD A VERY FULL BRIEFING BY THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, ON THE DEVELOPMENT CF PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG. I ALSO MET MR AUGUSTINE CHUI,

DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, WHO GAVE ME

VARIOUS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY

A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.

+1 VERY MUCH ENJOYED MY VISIT THIS MORNING TO THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACADEMY’S COUNCIL, bR ALEX WU, SHOWED ME THE WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE. MY VISIT TO THE TEAWARE MUSEUM IN FLAGSTAFF HOUSE WAS ALSO EXTREMELY INTERESTING.

+FROM MY PREVIOUS VISITS, I AM OF COURSE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG, NOT ONLY AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, BUT IN THE ARTS AND CULTURAL SCENE. WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE MAGNIFICIENT ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, HONG KONG IS NOW EVEN MORE FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA! A POSITION WHICH WILL BE REINFORCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL’S AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL FACILITIES.*

MR AND MRS LUCE WERE SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE.

-----o------

/10 .......

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

10 -

HK PAVILION GETS FINAL TOUCHES * * * * *

FINAL TOUCHES ARE BEING PUT TO THE HONG KONG PAVILION AT THE 1986 WORLD EXPOSITION WHICH WILL OPEN NEXT FRIDAY (MAY 2) IN VANCOUVER, CANADA.

FOUR SCAFFOLDING WORKERS FROM HONG KONG ARE ERECTING A SCAFFOLDING GRID OUTSIDE THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION MODULE, AND THIS WILL FORM THE MAIN EXTERIOR FEATURE OF THE PAVILION.

ABOUT 5 000 PIECES OF BAMBOO SHIPPED FROM HONG KONG ARE BEING USED IN THE GRID, SYMBOLISING THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUING VITALITY IN BUILDING FOR ITS FUTURE.

ON THE PUBLICITY SIDE, A SHIPMENT OF BOOKLETS AND 500 000 POSTCARDS BEARING A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO +A FRIEND SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD+ HAS ARRIVED, AND WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO EXPO VISITORS.

STAFF EMPLOYED IN VANCOUVER TO ASSIST IN OPERATIONS AT THE PAVILION ARE UNDERGOING A SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS.

WORK WILL COME TO FRUITION ON MONDAY (APRIL 28) WHEN THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR TAO HO, WILL OFFICIALLY HAND OVER THE PAVILION TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG AT THE EXPOSITION, MR PETER TSAO.

-------o---------

10 PER CENT RISE IN STATUTORY DECLARATIONS *****

MORE THAN 480 000 STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WERE MADE IN 1985 AT THE 65 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION - AN INCREASE OF ABOUT TEN PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE MOST POPULAR DECLARATIONS ADMINISTERED WERE DECLARATION OF TRUE COPIES, APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS, AND APPLICATION FOR HOUSING.

THE SERVICE, FREE OF CHARGE, IS AVAILABLE AT ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO CANNOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIMS OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR ANY TYPE OF DOCUMENTS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS CAN MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE,* A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID.

/+A DECLARATION

FKLDAI, APRIL O, 1986

+A DECLARATION CAN BE MADE, TAKEN OR RECEIVED IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE,+ HE ADDED.

♦ALL A DECLARANT HAS TO DO IS COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT IN A SPECIFIED DECLARATION FORM WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT ALL PESO’S,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AFTER FILLING THE FORM, THE DECLARANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO SWEAR AN OATH BEFORE A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS.*

+THE ONLY DOCUMENT REQUIRED IS THE DECLARANT’S IDENTITY CARD OR EQUIVILENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS.*

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY GO TO ANY OF THE 65 PESO’S OR CONTACT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 13TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON (TEL.s 3-692255).

- - 0 - -

INSIDER DEALING REPORT PUBLISHED *****

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO POSSIBLE CULPABLE INSIDER DEALING IN RELATION TO THE ORDINARY SHARES OF INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS LIMITED AND RELATED COMPANIES BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1984 AND JUNE 30, 1984 HAS PUBLISHED ITS REPORT.

THE REPORT, IN TWO VOLUMES, IS NOW AVAILABLE AT $60 EACH SET AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL.

- - 0

FINAL CHANCE TO PLANT TREE SEEDLINGS * * * *

SUNDAY (APRIL 27) WILL BE THE LAST CHANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD GO TO THE SIX DESIGNATED PLANTING SITE WHERE DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL BE ON DUTY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM TO PROVIDE TREE SEEDLINGS.

/THE SITES

FHIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

12 -

THE SITES ARE NEAR THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TA I LAM COUNTRY PARK; CHUEN LUNG IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK; PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK! MUI WO NEAR THE FERRY PIER; POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARK NEAR CHI FU FA YUEN? AND AT A PICNIC SITE NEAR MOUNT BUTLER INSIDE QUARRY BAY COUNTRY PARK.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC SUPPORT HAD MADE THIS YEAR’S TREE PLANTING SCHEME A BIG SUCCESS.

+SINCE ITS LAUNCHING LATE LAST MONTH, MORE THAN 12 200 PEOPLE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN PLANTING 14 200 TREES, MORE THAN DOUBLE LAST YEAR’S RECORD OF 7 000 TREES PLANTED BY 6 700 PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.

AMONG THEM WERE 5 300 PEOPLE IN 100 GROUPS. MOST WERE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND MEMBERS OF VOLUNTARY GROUPS AS WELL AS HIKER GROUPS.

+ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF SEEDLINGS PLANTED SO FAR IS QUITE DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE TREES DAMAGED BY FIRE EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION GIVES A POSITIVE INDICATION OF MORE PUBLIC CONCERN FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE RESPONSE FROM PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS WAS PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGING. +THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED SO MANY REQUESTS THAT WE HAVE HAD TO EXTEND THE PLANTING PERIOD FOR ORGANISED GROUPS TO EARLY MAY SO AS TO ACCOMMODATE ANOTHER 37 GROUPS OF 3 000 PEOPLE,* HE SAID.

PARTICIPATION THIS YEAR WOULD PROBABLY EVENTUALLY EXCEED 17 000, HE ADDED.

-----0------

YOUTH GROUPS GIVEN REMINDER ON GRANTS *****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS THAT THEY CAN APPLY FOR GRANTS UNDER THE +OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME* (OYS).

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS AND DETAILED PROJECT PROPOSALS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICES (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY) BEFORE MAY 15.

THE OYS OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH TO BROADEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE AND TO ACHIEVE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING CF PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITY. IT ENABLES YOUNG PEOPLE TO CARRY OUT PROJECTS WHICH ARE CONDUCIVE TO PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ALSO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.

/MAXIMUM SUBSIDY........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 13 -

MAXIMUM SUBSIDY FOR AN APPROVED PROJECT IS $4 5OO.

EACH PARTICIPATING GROUP SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25, AND SHOULD BE SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSINESS ORGANISATION.

GROUPS WITHOUT SPONSORS MAY ALSO APPLY, WITH THE APPROVAL CF THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY) CF THEIR DISTRICT.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICES.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECTS, EACH DISTRICT WILL SELECT ITS MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT WHICH WILL THEN COMPETE FOR THE HONG KONG ’BEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME AWARD’.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA WILL INCLUDE EXTENT OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, EXTENT OF COMMUNITY BENEFIT, FEASIBILITY OF PROJECT, AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES AND INNOVATION.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS (YOUTH AND COMMUNITY).

- 0 ---------

SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO 10 MORE CHINESE CITIES *****

SPEEDPOST NETWORK TO CHINA WILL BE EXTENDED FROM NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 1) TO CHANGCHUN, CHENGDU, HAIKOU, LIANYUNGGANG, SHANTOU, TAIYUAN, XIAMEN, ZHANJIANG, ZHENGZHOU AND ZHUHAI.

THIS WILL INCREASE TO 31 THE NUMBER OF CITIES IN CHINA TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS AVAILABLE, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEEDPOST ITEMS ARE NOW ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO PEKING, CHANGSHA, DALIAN, FUZHOU, CANTON, HANGZHOU, HARBIN, HEFEI, NANJING, NANNING, QINGDAO, QINHUANGDAO, SHANGHAI, SHENYANG, SHIJIAZHUANG, SHENZHEN, SUZHOU, TIANJIN, WUHAN, WUXI AND XIAN.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108.

--------0 - _ - .

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 14 -

OPEN DAY AT FIRE STATION * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE WORK OF A FIREMAN WHEN AN OPEN DAY IS HELD AT SAI WAN HO FIRE STATION ON SUNDAY (APRIL 27).

THE OPEN DAY WILL START AT 10 AM, AND THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE A FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION.

MODERN FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT WILL BE ON SHOW AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WILL DEPICT THE WORK OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

VISITORS CAN ALSO WATCH A VIDEO FILM ABOUT DAILY LIFE AT THE STATION. THIS WAS PRODUCED BY STATION STAFF AND WILL BE SHOWN THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

THE SAI WAN HO FIRE STATION IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI CHEONG STREET AND WAI HANG STREET AND WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 4 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPEN DAY AT SAI WAN HO FIRE STATION WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM. THE FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11.30 AM.

--------0---------

FURNITURE, GIFTWARE FOR TUEN MUN ELDERLY

*****

TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TUEN MUN WILL BE GIVEN NEW FURNITURE AND GIFTWARE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON MONDAY (APRIL 23) AT THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME.

THE ELDERLY, ALL ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND ARE MEMBERS OF THE YAN 01 TONG WOO CHUNG MULT I-SERVICE CENTRE, WILL GET TEN CHAIRS AND FIVE TABLES, 30 PIECES OF GRAFTINGS AND 200 PIECES OF LEATHER WALLETS. THE FURNITURE ALONE WILL BE GIVEN TO 12 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN NEED.

/MOST OF ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 15 -

MOST OF THE BOYS IN THE HOME, AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16, ARE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THE FURNITURE AND GIFTWARE HAVING TAKEN CARPENTRY AND FINE ARTS TRAINING RECENTLY.

THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ALFRED CHUI AND DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR CHAN CHE-HIM WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM

ON MONDAY.

-----0------

TENDERS INVITED FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE STAND *****

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SCAFFOLD SPECTATOR STAND AND A COMMAND POST FOR THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11.

THIS YEAR, DRAGON BOAT RACES 'N TUEN MUN WILL BE HELD IN THE CASTLE PEAK BAY TYPHOON SHELTER NEAR WU KING ESTATE.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 3 (SATURDAY), AND ANYONE INTERESTED CAN CONTACT MISS VICKY HO (0-4513043), OR MR MICHAEL LAM (0-4513048) OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.

TO FACILITATE TENDERERS, A SITE VISIT WILL BE ARRANGED AT 10.30 AM ON APRIL 29 (TUESDAY). INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NAMES BEFOREHAND AND ASSEMBLE AT THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE IN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AT THE ARRANGED TIME.

THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF MEDIUM DRAGON BOATS AND PHOENIX BOATS FROM THEIR STORAGE PLACE TO AND FROM THE RACE AREA. THE CONTRACTOR SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE MANPOWER TO SAFEGUARD THE BOATS AND UNDERTAKE THE PREPARATION OF RACE ROUTES.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MR CHAN HON-CHUNG (0-4513047), AND THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS NOON ON MAY 6 (TUESDAY).

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

16

ANOTHER FOOTBRIDGE PROPOSED FOR SHA TIN

* * * *

A FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE BUILT OVER TAI PO ROAD IN SHA TIN, LINKING FO TAN RAILWAY STATION WITH THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.

IT WILL BE 170 METRES LONG, TWO METRES WIDE AND COVERED. THE PROJECT INCLUDES A STAIRCASE AND A lOO-METRE-LONG RAMP ALONGSIDE FO TAN NULLAH.

IT WILL SHORTEN THE PRESENT 900 METRES LONG DETOUR BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES AND BENEFIT NOT ONLY THE PUBLIC BUT ALSO USERS OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.

THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE DESIGNED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR USE BY THE DISABLED.

THE INCREMENTAL LAUNCH METHOD WILL BE USED IN CONSTRUCTION AND INVOLVES CASTING SECTIONS OF THE FOOTBRIDGE IN A FABRICATING YARD AND PUSHING THE DECK OVER SUPPORTING COLUMNS TO CROSS TAI PO ROAD. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO CLOSE ANY PART OF THE ROAD TO TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCTION.

OBJECTORS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, 20TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JUNE 24.

-----o------

PROPERTY IN WAN CHAI TO LET *****

BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS TO LET BY TENDER THE GROUND FLOOR AND COCKLOFT OF A BUILDING AT NO 12 LI CHIT STREET IN WAN CHAI.

THE AREA TO BE LET, MEASURING ABOUT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.

12.5 SQUARE METRES,

THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY. DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MAY 23.

ni-IENDER F0RM’ NOTICE AND CONDITIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 4O5NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON?’

MAAM W,LL BE 0PEN F0R VIEWING FROM 10.30 AM TO

NOON ON APRIL 28 AND MAY 5.

0 --------

/17........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

CLOSURE OF UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF FLAT A, SIXTH FLOOR, 40 BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON, TO.ENABLE DEMOLITION.

THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN FEBRUARY 1985, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE AS A RESULT OF THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MAY 28, 1986, WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (FRIDAY).

DEMOLITION WORK WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.

- - 0 - -

VIOLINIST TO GIVE MASTERCLASS

*****

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL PRESENT A VIOLIN MASTERCLASS BY RENOWNED MUSICIAN, MR AARON ROSAND, ON SUNDAY (APRIL 27) FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM AT THE SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE.

MR ROSAND, HEAD OF THE VIOLIN DEPARTMENT AT CURTIS INSTITUTE IN PHILADELPHIA, HAS GIVEN NUMEROUS CONCERTS IN BOTH EUROPE AND AMERICA.

HE IS NOW ON HIS FOURTH TOUR TO THE FAR EAST, AND WILL ALSO GIVE MASTERCLASSES IN JAPAN, TAIWAN AND KOREA.

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR ROSAND, FOUR MEMBERS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY WORKS BY BACH, BEETHOVEN, MOZART AND KREISLER AT THE MASTERCLASS. ADMISSION IS FREE.

FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 0-6065731.

- 0 -

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

18

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL

*****

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.

IN YUEN LONG, FROM 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 30) TO 10 PM ON MAY 2, THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND; AND THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

FROM 9.30 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IN CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL IS COMPLETED, FUNG KAM STREET, FUNG YAU STREET SOUTH, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN FUNG KAM STREET AND HOP YICK ROAD AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD (MA TIN TSUEN TO LUNG TIN TSUEN) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED.

FROM 9.30 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED, BUS ROUTE 56 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.

AT THE SAME TIME, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 31 AND 32 NOW TERMINATING IN HONG KING STREET WILL TERMINATE IN FOOK TAK STREET. YUEN LONG BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUNG LOK STREET, SAU FU STREET, FOOK HONG STREET AND FOOK TAK STREET.

JOURNEYS TO TONG YAN SAN TSUEN AND TAN KWAI TSUEN WILL OPERATE VIA FOOK TAK STREET, TUNG LOK STREET, ON NING ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

MEANWHILE, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 39 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.

FROM 8 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED, CAR PARKS ON TAI YUK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ON MA TIN ROAD NEAR TAI YUK ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.

MEANWHILE, ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, AND FOOK TAK STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.

IN TUEN MUN, BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5 PM ON MAY 1, TIN HAU ROAD SOUTH OF SAN HOP LANE, SAN ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STREET NEAR THE CAR PARK AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD, AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN PING CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

ALL PAiUCDIG

FRIDAY, APRIL <->, 1>00

- 19 -

ROAD

ALL PARKING SPACES ON SAN ON STREET CAR PARK AND HUNG CHEUNG CAR PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED AT THE SAME TIME.

FROM

EAST

IN KWUN TONG, FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON MAY 1, CHA KWO LING ROAD

ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 790 METRES OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES ON WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED TO HOI YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.

AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURE, U-TURNING MOVEMENT FROM CHA KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE ANDERSON QUARRY LIMITED WILL BE PERMITTED.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND FOR ROUTE 23 OUTSIDE HOUSE NO 175-193 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED. PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE APPROVED STOPPING PLACE IN FRONT OF THE SHELL OIL DEPOT ON WESTBOUND CHA KWO LING ROAD FOR BOARDING AND ALIGHTING.

IN ADDITION, ALL PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 135-173 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.

-----o-----

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND

*****

A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL, WESTERN AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 28). DETAILS AREt

* TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SECTION OF • MAN WA LANE BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE 24 HOURS DAILY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.

NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

* VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM DES VOEUX ROAD WEST INTO EASTERN STREET FOR ROAD WORK. THE MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA QUEEN’S STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST OR WATER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BEFORE

REJOINING EASTERN STREET.

/♦ THE SECTION ........

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1986

- 20 -

* THE SECTION OF SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN HOLY CROSS PATH AND HOI NING STREET IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK.

ON THE SAME DAY, THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN WESTERN ON THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS:

* THE SECTION OF WATER STREET BETWEEN THIRD STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

X VEHICLES ON THE SECTION OF WATER STREET BETWEEN THIRD STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WHILE VEHICLES ON THE SECTION OF WATER STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.

X NO VEHICLE ON QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WATER STREET.

* VEHICLES ON DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING INTO THE SECTION OF WATER STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.

-----o------

YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC CHANGES

*****

KIK YEUNG ROAD IN YUEN LONG BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE ENTRANCE OF THE YUEN LONG (WEST) BUS TERMINUS WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (APRIL 28) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.

AS A RESULT OF THE RE-ROUTE ING, KMB ROUTES 54, 56, 61, 64K, 68M, 76K AND 77K WILL BE DIVERTED TO MA MIU ROAD, ON NING ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO YUEN LONG (WEST) BUS TERMINUS. BUSES ON THESE ROUTES WILL NOT USE THE EXISTING BUS STOP OUTSIDE THE OLD KMB BUS DEPOT DURING THE RE-ROUTE I NG.

FROM MIDNIGHT ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, TSUEN KWAI STREET IN TSUEN WAN, BETWEEN TSUEN WAH STREET AND TSUEN FU STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.

THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED FROM MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY (APRIL 29) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO TSUEN WAH STREET AND TSUEN FU STREET.

0 --------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

CONTENTS page no.

GOVERNOR COMMENDS SCOUT MOVEMENT............................. 1

HELPING TO BUILD A STABLE SGCIEI ’ .......................... 1

MORE DAY CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ............................ 2

WARNING ON USE OF ELECTRIC DRYING CABINETS .................. 3

GUIDANCE OFFICERS HELPING TO IMPROVE EDUCATION QUALITY....... 4

TRAINING MANUAL FOR .xJTOMOBILB WORKERS ..................... 5

TUE; MUN BOP SAI SHOW OPENED ................................ 5

TEXTILE LICENCE FORMS REVISED ............................... 6

DREDGING AT HUNG HOM BAY.....................................

SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR CHAI WAN .............................. 8

APPLICATION FOR FUNDS CLOSES WEDNESDAY ...................... 8

BOARD TO DISCUSS HARBOUR CSNTRE, LAGO® PROJECTS..............

SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR FESTIVAL .........................

YOUNG PERSONS REPORT PRESENTATION ........................... 1°

DISCUSSION PAPER READY ON LAWS IN CHINESE.................... 11

DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON TRIAD PROBLEM......................... 11

DES VOEUX ROAD WEST RESTRICTION ............................. 11

ROAD RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT ................................ 12

FIRING PRACTICE.............................................. 13

MONG KOK WATER CUT .......................................... 13

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

1

GOVERNOR COMMENDS SCOUT MOVEMENT

KOK

THE SLOGAN FOR THE DIAMOND JUBILEE YEAR OF HONG KONG SCOUTS WAS, APPROPRIATELY, ’MARCH ON’, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AT A RALLY MARKING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING IN THE TERRITORY.

THE CHIEF SCOUT OF HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS SURE THAT SCOUTS WOULD MARCH ON WITH THE SAME ENTHUSIASM AND VIGOUR AS THEY HAD DONE OVER THE PAST 75 YEARS, WHICH HAD SEEN A STEADY GROWTH IN THE MOVEMENT LOCALLY.

+THE FIRST ORGANISED SCOUT GROUPS WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1911. SINCE THEN, THE MOVEMENT HAS GROWN RAPIDLY AND ITS ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN GREATLY EXPANDED,* HE SAID.

MEMBERSHIP TODAY WAS OVER 45 OOO, HE NOTED.

THE GOVERNOR OBSERVED THAT THE STRENGTH OF THE MOVEMENT LAY IN ITS ABILITY TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

+SCOUTS MUST ALWAYS BE AWARE OF THE RIVAL ATTRACTIONS THAT MODERN LIFE OFFERS AND OF THE NEED FOR ORIGINALITY AND IMAGINATION IN ORGANISING NEW PROGRAMMES,* HE SAID.

+1 AM THEREFORE VERY PLEASED TO LEARN OF THE PROPOSAL THAT ALL SCOUT TROOPS SHOULD AIM TO RECRUIT ONE MORE MEMBER THIS YEAR TO EACH OF THEIR PATROLS AND SIXES.

+IF THIS TARGET IS ACHIEVED, IT WILL MEAN A 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE EXISTING SCOUT MEMBERSHIP.*

SIR EDWARD ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO THE SCOUT MOVEMENT, AND, IN PARTICULAR, THOSE WHO HAD ORGANISED TODAY’S SUCCESSFUL RALLY, WHICH WAS HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT STADIUM.

--------o----------

HELPING TO BUILD A STABLE SOCIETY * * * *

ALL OUR YOUTH ORGANISATIONS ARE PART OF THE ESSENTIAL PROCESS OF BUILDING A STABLE AND ORDERLY SOCIETY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP DINNER MARKING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT A DOCUMENT HAD JUST BEEN PUBLISHED ON OPTIONS TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF GANGS.

/+HOW MUCH .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

2

+ HOW MUCH BETTER THROUGH POSITIVE EFFORT TO PROMOTE YOUTH ACTIVITIES WE BUILD A STRONG COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE HEALTHY INTERESTS AND ACTIVITY FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT A GREAT MANY ACTIVITIES WERE PLANNED BY THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG FOR THIS, AND THAT THESE CULMINATE IN AN INTERNATIONAL JAMBOREE FOR 5 OOO CAMPERS IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR.

HE WISHED THEM SUCCESS IN ALL THESE PROGRAMMES.

SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE SUCCESS OF SCOUTING IN HONG KONG DEPENDED ALMOST ENTIRELY ON THE MANY SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE SO WILLING TO DEVOTE TIME, ENERGY AND RESOURCES TO SCOUTING.

HE SAID HE WAS SURE THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO OFFER THEIR SERVICE IN THE YEARS TO COME.

SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THOSE WHO WERE GIVEN SCOUT AWARDS IN THE AFTERNOON BY THE CHIEF SCOUT, AND THOSE WHO WERE CONFERRED WITH HONOURS BY THE QUEEN AND OTHER STATE GOVERNMENTS. +THEIR SERVICE WILL BE AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS,* HE SAID.

-----o-----

MORE DAY CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY * * *

THE NUMBER OF DAY CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM THE EXISTING THREE TO A TOTAL OF 17 BY THE EARLY 1990’S, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE'S DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN KWUN TONG, SHE SAID THAT DAY CARE CENTRES WOULD BE PROVIDED ON A DISTRICT BASIS, AND THAT IN PRINCIPLE EACH DISTRICT WOULD HAVE ONE CENTRE.

+BUT IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS SUCH AS KWUN TONG, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN, SHAM SHU I PO AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO CENTRES WILL BE PROVIDED TO MEET DEMAND,* MRS CHAN SAID.

DAY CARE CENTRES PROVIDE PERSONAL DAY CARE TO ELDERLY PEOPLE IN POOR HEALTH OR WITH AMBULATORY PROBLEMS, AND THEY CAN RETURN TO THEIR FAMILIES IN THE EVENING.

SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE FEEDING, DRESSING, BASIC MEDICAL CARE, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. ESCORT SERVICE TO AND FROM HOME CAN BE PROVIDED IF REQUIRED.

/IN THIS........

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

- 3 -

IN THIS WAY, THE ELDERLY COULD RECEIVE PROPER CARE AND AT THE SAME TIME KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THEIR FAMILIES, MRS CHAN SAID.

+ THIS IS AN ANCILLARY SERVICE TO CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE WELFARE SYSTEM FOR THE ELDERLY,* SHE ADDED.

IT IS ALSO PART OF THE OVERALL SERVICE PROVIDED, BASED ON THE +COMMUNITY CARE+ PRINCIPLE TO KEEP THE ELDERLY IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE MULTISERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOME HELP AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE.

THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT IN THE PAST 25 YEARS, THE PERCENTAGE CF THE POPULATION AGED 60 AND ABOVE HAD RISEN FROM 4.8 PER CENT TO 11.1 PER CENT. THIS WAS EXPECTED TO REACH 13 PER CENT BY 1995, REPRESENTING OVER 800 000 PEOPLE.

-----o------

WARNING ON USE OF ELECTRIC DRYING CABINETS

******

FACTORY PROPRIETORS HAVE BEEN URGED TO OBSERVE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING ELECTRIC DRYING CABINETS FOR DRYING ARTICLES COVERED WITH FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ELECTRIC DRYING CABINETS COULD BE PREVENTED IF EFFECTIVE SAFETY MEASURES WERE ARRANGED AND ADEQUATELY MAINTAINED.

HE WAS REFERRING TO A RECENT ACCIDENT IN WHICH A WORKER WAS KILLED AND ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN AN ELECTRIC DRYING CABINET USED FOR DRYING LACQUER-DIPPED METAL BUCKLES EXPLODED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A SUITABLE AND EFFICIENT MECHANICAL EXHAUST SYSTEM.

+ ANY HEATING ELEMENT INSIDE THE DRYING CABINET SHOULD BE SUITABLY PROTECTED,* HE SAID.

+REGULAR REMOVAL OF DEPOSITS OF WASTE RESIDUE FROM THE SURFACE OF THE CABINET IS ALSO ESSENTIAL TO PREVENT IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE VAPOUR ACCUMULATED IN THE DRYING CABINET.*

THE DRYING CABINET SHOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH A SUITABLE EXPLOSION RELIEF SHUTTER SYSTEM WHICH SHOULD BE POSITIONED AWAY FROM ANY WALL OR FIXTURE. +THIS WOULD REDUCE THE RISK OF ANY EXPLOSION TO A MINIMUM,* HE SAID.

/UNDER the .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1?86

UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN NOTIFIABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS, FACTORY PROPRIETORS WERE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE ALL THESE SAFETY MEASURES AND FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT MAKE THEM LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF <530 000 ON CONVICTION, HE ADDED.

PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WHO HAVE QUERIES ABOUT USING THE DRYING CABINETS MAY CONTACT THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE FOR ADVICE.

--------o - - - -

GUIDANCE OFFICERS HELPING TO IMPROVE EDUCATION QUALITY * * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS DEPLOYED ABOUT 150 STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS TO HELP PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS HANDLE PUPILS WITH EDUCATIONAL AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS AS PART OF EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE EIGHTH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF HEADS OF SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, MR LEUNG SAID THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN 1978, WAS ALSO TO PROMOTE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO HELP PUPILS WITH MORAL AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.

TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH EDUCATION REGULATIONS, HE SAID STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS ALSO PLAYED A ROLE IN CARRYING OUT INVESTIGATION INTO CASES OF CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 WHO DROPPED OUT FROM SCHOOLS WITHOUT REASON.

APART FROM ALLOCATING CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES TO STUDENT GUIDANCE SCHEME, MR LEUNG SAID SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES WERE ALSO AVAILABLE TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF A PRIMARY CLASS.

PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF PUPILS FROM 45 TO 40 FOR EACH NORMAL CLASS AND TO 35 PUPILS FOR PRIMARY 1 TO 3 CLASSES ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, HE SAID.

THIS WOULD LEAD TO AN IMPROVEMENT IN EDUCATION QUALITY AS TEACHERS COULD DEVOTE MORE TIME TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEET SPECIAL NEEDS.

SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982, THE RATIO OF TEACHERS TO CLASS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WAS INCREASED FROM Is 1 TO 1.2:1.

AS A RESULT, FIVE MORE TEACHERS WERE EMPLOYED BY EACH STANDARD PRIMARY SCHOOL WITH 24 CLASSES OPERATING BOTH AM AND PM SESSIONS.

/ON IN-SERVICE.......

SATURDAY, APRIL 1986

- 5 -

ON IN-SERVICE TRAINING, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THATSYSTEMATIC REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES WERE CONSTANTLY PROVIDED FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN 1982.

MR LEUNG CALLED ON SCHOOL HEADS TO ENCOURAGE TEACHERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF ALL RESOURCES BEING PROVIDED INCLUDING THE ATTENDANCE OF REFRESHER TRAINING COURSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS TO IMPROVE

SKILL.

TEACHING

----o------

TRAINING MANUAL FOR AUTOMOBILE WORKERS

*****

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS PUBLISHED A MANUAL OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND EMPLOYERS IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY.

THE MANUAL, WHICH CONTAINS 12 TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR VARIOUS JOBS AT TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVELS, IS A REVISION OF THE MANUAL PREPARED IN 1977, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.

+IN VIEW OF THE RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY IN RECENT YEARS, THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE COUNCIL FOUND IT NECESSARY TO REVISE AND UPDATE THE FORMER MANUAL,* HE ADDED.

THE PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL IS TO ESTABLISH AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF SKILLS FOR EACH OF THE PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY AND TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR EFFECTIVE TRAINING SCHEMES.

THE MANUAL IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $14.50 A COPY.

-----o------

TUEN MUN BONSAI SHOW OPENED * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (SATURDAY) OPENED A 10-DAY BONSAI SHOW IN TUEN MUN.

ORGANISED FOR THE TWELFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR BY THE TAOIST MONASTERY CHING CHUNG KOON AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EXHIBITION IS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF LOVE AND CARE FOR NATURE AND TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO ASSIST IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.

/SPEAKING AT

Saturday, aprxl 26, 1986

6

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, DR LEE SAID THAT BONSAI MINIATURE TREES HAD COME A LONG WAY IN HISTORY, MORE THAN 2 OOO YEARS.

+IT EVOLVES FROM A PERFECT BLEND OF HORTICULTURE, GARDENING AND ART,+ HE SAID.

♦ THE ESSENCE OF BONSAI IS TO CONVERT THE REAL INTO A MINIATURE. HONG KONG IS A SMALL PLACE WHERE OVERCROWDEDNESS AND BUSTLING PREVAIL. IF WE CAN ARRANGE TO HAVE A FEW BONSAI PLANTS AT HOME OR IN THE OFFICE, WE CAN ENJOY THE PLEASURE OF LOOKING AT THEM DURING OUR LEISURE.

+BONSAI HAS A SUBTLE INFLUENCE ON US- IT CAN PUT OUR MINDS AT EASE, THUS HELPING US TO PROMOTE A HARMONIOUS HUMAN RELATIONSHIP AND TO ENRICH OUR LIFE.+

JOINING DR LEE AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR PETER NG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT.

ON DISPLAY WERE MORE THAN 300 RARE AND VALUABLE BONSAI PROVIDED BY CHING CHUNG KOON, INCLUDING A 200-YEAR-0LD BEECH TREE, BELIEVED TO BE THE FAVOURITE OF THE EMPRESS DOWAGER.

OTHER EXHIBITS INCLUDED WINNING ENTRIES OF A BONSAI COMPETITION HELD RECENTLY IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SHOW, CO-ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL MAY 5.

- - 0 -----------

TEXTILE LICENCE FORMS REVISED * * * *

TEXTILE EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS ARE REMINDED THAT FROM JULY 1, APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES MUST BE MADE ON NEW REVISED FORMS.

THE REVISED FORMS TIC 353 (REV. 1985) AND TIC 353A (REV. 1985) WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT FORM TIC 353 (REV. 1983) COVERING EXPORTS OF NON-RESTRAINED TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND FORM 353A (REV. 1983) FOR EXPORT OF RESTRAINED TEXTILE PRODUCTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID.

APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES COULD NOW BE MADE ON EITHER THE OLD FORMS OR THE REVISED FORMS. BUT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, THE REVISED FORMS MUST BE USED.

/the revised........

SATURDAY, APfill 26, 1986

- 7 -

THE REVISED FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $20 PER PAD AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:

(I) FOR FORM TIC 353 (REV. 1935)

THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE HONG KONG

TRADE DEPARTMENT

COLLECTION OFFICE

ROOM 822, OCEAN CENTRE, 8/F

CANTON ROAD

KOWLOON

(ll)FOR FORM TIC 353A (REV. 1985)

TRADE DEPARTMENT

TEXTILE CONTROLS REGISTRATION REGISTRY

ROOM 1543, OCEAN CENTRE, 15/F

CANTON ROAD

KOWLOON

-----o------

DREDGING AT HUNG HOM BAY * * * *

GOVERNMENT H/S AWARDED A $7.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR DREDGING THE SEABED AT HUNG HOM BAY.

THE WORK FORMS PART OF PHASE ONE OF THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT WHICH IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE EXPANSION OF KOWLOON GOODS YARD OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.

THE DREDGING, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START SHORTLY AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS, IS TO REMOVE ABOUT 800 000 CUBIC METRES OF MUD BEFORE RECLAMATION STARTS.

THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, WHICH DESIGNED THE PROJECT, WILL SUPERVISE THE WORK.

-----o------

/8........

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

8

SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR CHAI WAN

* * * *

A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR OF 10 400 CUBIC METRES CAPACITY IS TO BE BUILT IN CHAI WAN.

TO BE LOCATED ON A HILLSIDE SOUTHEAST OF HENG FA CHUEN DEVELOPMENT, THE RESERVOIR IS TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND FROM THE NORTH CHAI WAN AREA.

IN ADDITION, 900 METRES OF MAINS WILL BE LAID.

TENDERS FOR THE SCHEME ARE BEING INVITED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-----o------

APPLICATION FOR FUNDS CLOSES WEDNESDAY *****

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG HAVE ONLY A FEW DAYS TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

+ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO RECEIVE SPONSORSHIP MUST SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT BY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30,+ THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-KWOK, SAID.

+THE ACTIVITIES MUST BE HELD BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30 AND MUST BE NON-PROFIT-MAKING,* HE ADDED.

THE COMMITTEE RECENTLY DECIDED TO ALLOW LOCAL ORGANISATIONS OTHER THAN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS TO APPLY FOR BOARD FUNDS.

MR LAM SAID THIS YEAR THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO SET ASIDE ABOUT $200 000 FOR SUCH ORGANISATIONS.

THE FUNDS WOULD HELP LOCAL BONA-FIDE ORGANISATIONS MEET EXPENSES OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS WHICH WOULD BENEFIT PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG.

MR LAM ADVISED ORGANISATIONS THAT PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO ACTIVITIES THAT WERE INNOVATIVE, AND REGULAR ACTIVITIES RUN BY THE ORGANISATIONS WOULD NOT BE SUPPORTED.

ANOTHER APPLICATION EXERCISE WOULD BE HELD IN JULY OR AUGUST, HE ADDED.

-----o------

/9........

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

- 9 -

BOARD TO DISCUSS HARBOUR CENTRE, LAGOON PROJECTS

* * * *

A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR DEVELOPING A HARBOUR CENTRE AND UPGRADING CASTLE PEAK BEACH LAGOON TO AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD FOR SWIMMING, BOATING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONSIDERED BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (APRIL 28).

THE PROJECTS ARE AMONG RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY CONSULTANTS.

THE PROPOSED HARBOUR CENTRE WOULD BE LOCATED ON RECLAIMED LAND AT THE SOUTH-EASTERN PART OF THE EXISTING TYPHOON SHELTER AND INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, AS WELL AS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, A FLOATING RESTAURANT, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.

IT IS ENVISAGED THE HARBOUR CENTRE AND LAGOON WOULD BECOME MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN TUEN MUN.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSED PILOT PROJECT TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAN HING TSUEN TO IMPROVE HOUSING IN THE AREA AND TO EXAMINE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, THE DESIGN PLAN FOR DISTRICT OPEN SPACE NORTH OF BUTTERFLY AND WU KING ESTATES, AND THE 'WORK REPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON MONDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD.

-----0------

/10 .......

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 198f

10

SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES FOR FESTIVAL * * * *

SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN JOSS HOUSE BAY AND WAN CHAI aILL Be’oPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED DURING THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.

THE SERVICES WILL RUN AT A FREQUENCY OF 60 TO 90 MINUTES BETWEEN 11 30 AM AND 11.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 30) AND AT A FREQUENCY OF 45 TO 90 MINUTES BETWEEN 1 AM AND 4 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 1).

FARES PER SINGLE JOURNEY WILL BE $16 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN ON DELUX CLASS AND $11 AND $6 RESPECTIVELY FOR THOSE RIDING ORDINARY CLASS.

IN ADDITION, FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND JORDAN ROAD AND BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND HUNG HOM WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 30).

TO FACILITATE THE OPERATION OF THE ACCESS ROAD FROM WAN CHAI FERRY PIER TO CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY FRIDAY (MAY 2).

SPECIAL SERVICES, THE FLEMING ROAD WILL BE (APRIL 29) TO 1 PM ON

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON THE ACCESS ROAD TO WAN CHAI FERRY PIER WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE ACCESS ROAD FROM THE TEMPORARY WAN CHAI PIER BUS TERMINUS TO FLEMING ROAD.

YOUNG PERSONS REPORT PRESENTATION

*****

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, WILL PRESENT THE YOUNG PERSONS REPORT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (APRIL 28) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT 11 AM.

JOINING HIM WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION, MISS CHRISTINE LOH, AND THE COMMISSION SECRETARY, MR B.E.D. DE SPEVILLE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.

------o-------

/11 .....

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

11

DISCUSSION PAPER READY ON LAWS IN CHINESE * * * *

THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE ON MONDAY (APRIL 28) AT

MR JAMES O’GRADY, WILL PRESENT THE LAWS IN CHINESE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT 3 PM.

MR JAMES CRAWFORD AND MR FRANCIS CHEUNG, ASSISTANT LAW DRAFTSMAN, AND MR ERIC AU, SEN I WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

BOTH SENIOR OR CROWN COUNSEL,

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE DISCUSSION PAPER, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 2 PM ON MONDAY ^OR ADVANCE READING AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCR ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL. ITS CONTENTS SHOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST BEFORE 3 PM ON THAT DAY.

0 - -

DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON TRIAD PROBLEM *****

MORE COPIES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE TRIAD PROBLEM HAVE BEEN PRODUCED AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN A COPY FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THE DOCUMENT, PRODUCED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND ENTITLED +A DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON OPTIONS FOR CHANGES IN THE LAW AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAW TO COUNTER THE TRIAD PROBLEM+.

-----o------

DES VOEUX ROAD WEST RESTRICTION

*****

TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 10 AM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 1 AND 13 WILL BE EXTENDED TO OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 29) FOR ABOUT TWO 'WEEKS.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

0

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1986

- 12 -

ROAD RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT * * * * *

A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL 3E DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES 24 HOURS DAILY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 29). THESE ARE:

* CONCORDE ROAD FRONTING THE AIRPORT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKj

* THE DEPARTURES CIRCUIT ON THE PODIUM LEVEL OF THE AIRPORT MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUT EXCLUDING THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE ALONG THE FRONTAGE OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND THE WESTERN DOWN RAMP LEADING TO CONCORDE ROAD;

* THE EASTERN DOWN RAMP LEADING DOWN FROM THE DEPARTURES CIRCUIT TO CONCORDE ROAD J

* EASTERN ROAD BETWEEN CONCORDE ROAD AND CARGO CIRCUIT} AND

* THE CARGO CIRCUIT OUTSIDE THE AIR CARGO TERMINAL OFFICE BUILDING.

NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM APRIL 29 TO MAY 2, THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.

MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON CITY ARE ADVISED TO USE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHOI HUNG ROAD.

BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM MAY 1 TO 4, THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR CHOI HUNG ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE FLYOVER CONNECTING CONCORDE ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.

- - - - 0 -----------

SATURDAY, APR IL 26, 1986

- 13 -

FIRING PRACTICE UI

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 13 DAYS IN MAY.

THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE AREs

DATE TIME

MAY MAY 1 (THURSDAY) 6 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM 8 AM - 4 PM

MAY 8 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 4 PM

MAY 15 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 4 PM

MAY 20 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM

MAY 21 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 11.59 PM

MAY 22 (THURSDAY) 12.01 AM - 11.59 PM

MAY 23 (FRIDAY) 12.01 AM - 4 AM

MAY 26 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM

MAY 27 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM

MAY 28 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM

MAY 29 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM

MAY 30 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 4 PM

- - - - 0 -

MONG KOK WATER CUT * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 29) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY BOUNDARY STREET, LAI CHI KOK ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD AND TONG MEI ROAD, INCLUDING PORTLAND STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, RECLAMATION STREET, CANTON ROAD, ARRAN STREET AND BUTE STREET.

0 --------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN STRESSED.................... 1

228 PROSECUTIONS FOR TRADE OFFENCES............................. 2

DRAGON BOATS WILL RAGE AT EXPO ................................. 2

LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER TO BE BUILT ............................... 4

CRACKDOWN ON REFUSE DUMPERS ON THE WAY ......................... 6

MUSIC TRAINEES SHOW THEIR SKILLS................................ 6

DISTRICT BOARDS TO BE CONSULTED ON PROJECTS..................... 7

RECRUITMENT FOR RHK REGIMENT ................................... 9

MORE SLOPES TO BE STABILISED................................... 10

PUBLIC URGED TO JOIN HOSPITAL WALK............................. 10

FUNDS FOR MAC PREMISES IN SQUATTER AREAS....................... 11

SPECIAL EDUCATION TRAINING COURSES OFFERED..................... 12

TIN HAU PARADE IN YUEN LONG.................................... 13

TEMPORARY SUB-OFFICE TO SERVE TAI PO........................... 14

FOCUS ON TAXI SITUATION

14

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

1

RESTRICTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN STRESSED

******

FACTORY PROPRIETORS ARE WARNED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO EMPLOY WOMEN WORKERS IN INDUSTRY ON THEIR REST DAYS, OR FOR THEM TO WORK OUTSIDE THEIR FIXED PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT.

+EMPLOYERS WHO DID SO WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF S5 OOO ON CONVICTION,+ SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR PONG PING-KWUN, SAID.

MR PONG WAS COMMENTING ON A RECENT CASE IN WHICH THE OWNER OF A GARMENT FACTORY IN SAN PO KONG WAS FINED 110 000 FOR EMPLOYING WOMEN WORKERS ON THEIR REST DAY AND TO WORK OVERTIME.

♦THE RESTRICTIONS ON OVERTIME EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN WORKERS OUTSIDE THEIR NORMAL WORKING HOURS OF EIGHT HOURS A DAY IS GOVERNED BY THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS,* HE SAID.

UNDER EXISTING PROVISIONS, EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN WORKERS ON THEIR REST DAYS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

+HOWEVER, AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING CAN ENGAGE WORMEN WORKERS TO PERFORM OVERTIME WORK NOT EXCEEDING TWO HOURS A DAY, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF 200 HOURS A YEAR,* MR PONG ADDED.

HE SAID THE LEGISLATION WAS AIMED AT PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF WOMEN WORKERS IN INDUSTRY.

+EMPLOYERS WHO ARE UNDER PRESSURE OF SUDDEN ORDERS, A BREAKDOWN OF MACHINERY OR OTHER UNFORESEEN EMERGENCY, HOWEVER, CAN APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR AN INCREASE OF THE ANNUAL QUOTA IF THEIR ANNUAL OVERTIME QUOTA HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED.*

HE SAID APPLICATIONS MUST HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE WOMEN WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED OVERTIME WORK.

MR PONG SAID THE NUMBER OF OVERTIME HOURS WORKED BY WOMEN EMPLOYED IN INDUSTRY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR HAS SHOWN A SLIGHT INCREASE OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.

IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985, OVER 105 000 WOMEN WORKERS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE PERFORMED OVERTIME WORK- IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986, THE FIGURE HAD INCREASED TO 109 000, HE SAID.

EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE QUERIES ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REGULATIONS MAY APPROACH THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION OFFICE IN THEIR DISTRICT.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

228 PROSECUTIONS FOR TRADE OFFENCES *****

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR COMPLETED 236 INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING TRADE DESCRIPTION AND TRADE MARK OFFENCES AND OFFENCES RELATING TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.

AS A RESULT, 228 COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS WERE PROSECUTED -193 UNDER THD TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND 35 UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE.

FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS TOTALLED $1.48 MILLION. SIX PERSONS WERE GIVEN JAIL SENTENCES RANGING FROM ONE TO THREE MONTHS.

COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF $13.7 MILLION WERE SEIZED. THEY COMPRISED MAINLY GARMENTS, HANDBAGS, LEATHER BELTS, WATCHES, VIDEO TAPES, AUDIO CASSETTE TAPES, FOODSTUFFS, PLASTIC GOODS AND COMPUTERS.

IN ACTIONS AGAINST OTHER TRADE MALPRACTICES, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROSECUTED 108 CASES OF FRAUD CONCERNING ORIGIN, 59 CASES OF TEXTILES LICENSING FRAUD, 12 IMPORT/EXPORT DECLARATION CASES AND SEVEN OTHER CASES.

FINES TOTALLING $4.4 MILLION WERE IMPOSED BY THE COURTS WITH ONE PERSON BEING SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR TWO MONTHS.

- - 0

DRAGON BOATS WILL RACE AT EXPO ******

DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN VANCOUVER THIS YEAR AS PART OF EXPO '86 AND THE WINNING TEAM WILL RECEIVE A ’HONG KONG CUP’.

THE WINNING TEAM WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO HONG KONG TO TAKE PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES WHICH THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, IS ORGANISING ON JUNE 21 AND 22.

THE RACES IN VANCOUVER ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE, AND THE CHINESE COMMUNITY HOPES TO MAKE THE OCCASION AN ANNUAL EVENT. THE RACES WILL BE HELD ON THE WATERS OF FALSE CREEK ON JUNE 14 AND 15. SIX DRAGON BOATS DONATED BY CORPORATIONS IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN SHIPPED TO VANCOUVER FOR THE RACES.

/EXPO ORGANISERS

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 1986

EXPO ORGANISERS HAVE DESIGNATED JULY 18 AS ’HONG KONG DAY’, TO MARK THE TERRITORY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE EXPOSITION -- WHICH OPENS ON MAY 2.

THE CEREMONY BEGINNING THE DAY’S ACTIVITIES WILL FEATURE LION DANCES AND A PERFORMANCE BY A BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.

ACTIVITIES WILL CULMINATE WITH A COLOURFUL VARIETY SHOW IN THE EVENING. THE ENTERTAINERS TAKING PART WILL INCLUDE ARTISTES FROM ATV AND TVB.

THIS MAJOR CULTURAL EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE EXPO’S XEROX INTERNATIONAL THEATRE WHICH CAN SEAT 1 500 PEOPLE.

EXPO ’86 WILL RUN UNTIL OCTOBER 13, AND AS THIS ENCOMPASSES THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER, OFFICIALS AT THE HONG KONG PAVILION ARE PLANNING A LANTERN PARADE AT THAT TIME.

HONG KONG HAS JOINED A LARGE NUMBER OF NATIONS, PROVINCES AND STATES IN TAKING PART IN THE EXHIBITION. MAJOR TRADING NATIONS ARE REPRESENTED, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, JAPAN, GERMANY, FRANCE AND AUSTRALIA. THE SOVIET UNION IS ALSO TAKING PART.

EXPO OFFICIALS SAY THAT ALREADY MORE THAN 13 MILLION TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD AND THEY ARE NOW EXPECTING NO LESS THAN 17 MILLION VISITORS DURING THE SIX MONTHS.

OFFICIALS SEE HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION AS PROVIDING A USEFUL AND TIMELY OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE THE TERRITORY’S IDENTITY AS A VIABLE AND PROSPEROUS ENTITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH ITS FUTURE SECURED BY THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS FORM THE MAIN THEME OF THE EXPOSITION, AND THIS AFFORDS HONG KONG AN ADDED BENEFIT IN REINFORCING ITS IMAGE AS A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS AND FINANCE IN ASIA.

HONG KONG’S PAVILION HAS A STRATEGIC POSITION AT THE EXPO SITE WHICH COVERS 70 HECTARES BY FALSE CREEK.

AN EXTERIOR FEATURE OF THE PAVILION IS A BAMBOO SCAFFOLDING GRID WHICH IS INTENDED TO SYMBOLISE HONG KONG’S VITALITY IN BUILDING FOR ITS FUTURE.

DURING THE EXPOSITION, THE SCAFFOLDING WILL BE REGULARLY RE-ARRANGED BY A TEAM OF SCAFFOLDING WORKERS FROM HONG KONG, AN ACTION WHICH WILL CONVEY A SENSE OF ADAPTABILITY AND ENTERPRISE.

/INSIDE THE .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

INSIDE THE PAVILION, THERE WILL 3E REGULAR SHOWINGS OF A MULTI-SCREEN SLIDE PRESENTATION, INVOLVING 66 PROJECTORS, WHICH WILL RUN FOR NINE AND A HALF MINUTES. THE 4 OOO SLIDES WILL SHOW HOW HONG KONG KEEPS IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD BY USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY, AND AT THE SAME TIME ILLUSTRATE THE VITALITY AND VERSATILITY OF THE PEOPLE.

DANCERS FROM HONG KONG WILL PERFORM DURING THE SHOW AND WILL BE CHOREOGRAPHED TO MATCH ITS PACE AND RHYTHM.

APART FROM SPECIAL BOOKLETS ON HONG KONG, VISITORS TO THE PAVILION WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO COLLECT POSTCARDS BEARING THE MESSAGE 'HONG KONG IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD’. EACH POSTCARD WILL HAVE A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM PEOPLE IN HONG KONG TO ’A FRIEND SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD’.

THE POSTCARDS WERE FLOWN TO VANCOUVER AFTER A MASSIVE EXERCISE IN HONG KONG IN WHICH LARGE NUMBERS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TOOK PART. A CONTEST HELD AMONG SCHOOLS DURING THE EXERCISE WAS WON BY PUPILS FROM ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IN KWUN TONG. THEIR PRIZE WAS A TRIP, FOR FIVE PUPILS AND A TEACHER, TO EXPO IN JULY.

THE BUDGET FOR MOUNTING THE HONG KONG PAVILION TOTALLED AROUND 115 MILLION, WHICH WAS RAISED AMONG THE COMMUNITY, COMMERCIAL CONCERNS, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE GOVERNMENT.

-------o -

LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER TO BE BUILT X X X X X

A 750-METRE-LONG FLYOVER IS TO BE BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE VISUAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WHICH HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CONSIDERATION IN ITS DESIGN.

THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE A DUAL TWO-LANE ELEVATED STRUCTURE TO BRIDGE THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD OVER ROUNDABOUTS AT THE JUNCTIONS WITH LAM KAM ROAD AND HONG LOK YUEN ACCESS ROAD.

THE FLYOVER WILL HAVE SMOOTH, ROUND PARAPET BEAMS TO MINIMISE OBTRUSIVE VISUAL EFFECTS THROWN BY THE CONCRETE FLYOVER ONTO THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT.

PIERS WILL ALSO BE CAREFULLY SHAPED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SMOOTH-LOOKING APPEARANCE OF THE STRUCTURE SO AS TO BLEND WITH THE SURROUNDINGS.

/TENDERS ARE........

SUNDAY, APRIL 2?, 1986

TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE FLYOVER WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE HIGHWAYS STRUCTURES DIVISION AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 1985 AS A HIGH-CAPACITY EXPRESSWAY FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN SHA TIN AND FANLING, WITH GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGES AT ALL ITS JUNCTIONS. A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC HAS BEEN ATTRACTED ON TO IT.

WITH FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS AT THE EXISTING SHA TAU KOK AND MAN KAM TO BORDER CROSSINGS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN FANLING NEW TOWN, TRAFFIC THROUGH THE LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE IS INCREASING SIGNIFICANTLY.

ANOTHER SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN TRAFFIC CAN BE EXPECTED ON THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD WHEN THE DUAL TWO-LANE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK AT LOK MA CHAU IS COMPLETED.

AS THE PRESENT INTERIM LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE SCHEME WILL SEVERELY RESTRICT THE TRUNK ROAD’S CAPACITY TO CATER FOR THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH IN TRAFFIC, IT IS PLANNED TO HAVE THE LAM KAM ROAD FLYOVER CONSTRUCTED TO PHASE IN WITH COMPLETION OF THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER LINK BY 1988.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLYOVER AND THE REMAINING WORKS FOR FULL GRADE SEPARATION OF THE INTERCHANGE IS THEREFORE SCHEDULE TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS.

THE FLYOVER, DESIGNED TO STANDARDS COMPATIBLE WITH HIGH-CAPACITY TRUNK ROADS, COMPRISES 11 SPANS OF 20-METRE WIDE CONCRETE BOX GIRDERS SUPPORTED ON REINFORCED CONCRETE PIERS UP TO 20 METRES HIGH.

IN ADDITION TO THE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND THE CENTRAL BARRIER DIVIDING TRAFFIC FLOWING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS, AN EXTRA ONE METRE WIDE HARD SHOULDER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CARRIAGEWAY SO THAT BROKEN-DOWN VEHICLES WILL NOT BLOCK A WHOLE TRAFFIC LANE.

THE FLYOVER WILL BE FURNISHED WITH SODIUM STREET LIGHTS. ANTI-SKID FRICTION COURSE, REFLECTIVE ROAD STUDS AND THERMOPLASTIC ROAD MARKINGS.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONES CONNECTED TO POLICE CONTROL ROOMS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED ON THE FLYOVER.

-----o------

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

6

CRACKDOWN ON REFUSE DUMPERS ON THE WAY

*****

PEOPLE WHO TREAT LITTERBINS AS DOMESTIC REFUSE DUMPS ARE RISKING HEAVY FINES ONCE A PLANNED URBAN COUNCIL PROSECUTION BLITZ GETS UNDERWAY.

DURING THE MONTH OF MAY PATROLS OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL WILL BE INCREASED AND WILL BE ISSUING SUMMONSES TO THOSE SPOTTED LEAVING HOUSEHOLD + LAP SAP* BESIDE LITTERBINS.

♦LITTERBINS ARE FOR LITTER ONLY AND USING THEM FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE IS AN OFFENCE,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

+WE POSTED A STIFF WARNING TO THAT EFFECT ON ALL UC LITTERBINS,* HE SAID, +BUT SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE IT.+

THE NOTICE ON THE BINS STATES THAT ANYONE WHO DUMPS RUBBISH AROUND LITTERBINS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $5 000 FINE AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.

+ALTHOUGH ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMMIT THIS OFFENCE, THE MESS THEY MAKE CAN BE CONSIDERABLE AT THE END OF THE DAY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AS THE PROBLEM WAS WORSENING THESE TOUGHER MEASURES WERE NOW NECESSARY, HE ADDED.

- 0 -

MUSIC TRAINEES SHOW THEIR SKILLS

*****

THE MUSIC OFFICE STUDENT CONCERT IN THE KOWLOON REGION WAS HELD AT DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL TODAY (SUNDAY).

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MRS SHIRLEY GWILT, PRINCIPAL LECTURER IN MUSIC AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OFFICE FOR MAKING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING ACCESSIBLE TO A GREATER NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

SHE NOTED THAT THE TASK WAS NOT AN EASY ONE. +THE DISINCENTIVES TO PARTICIPATE IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING ARE MANYs LACK OF RESOURCES, CRAMPED LIVING CONDITIONS UNCONDUCIVE TO MUSIC PRACTICE AND EMPHASIS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS ARE ONLY A FEW OF THEM,* SHE SAID.

/HOWEVER, SHE

SUNDAY, APRJ-L 7, 1986

HOWEVER, SHE ADDED: + l AM DELIGHTED TO SEE THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST YEARS, AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE TIME WHEN MUSIC EDUCATION IS A BASIC AND INTEGRAL PART OF THE OVERALL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.*

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO, DESCRIBED THE CONCERT AS A PRECIOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINEES TO DEMONSTRATE WHAT THEY HAD ACHIEVED THROUGH HARD WORK IN THE PAST YEAR.

SHE THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT, WHICH WAS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE OFFICE’S TRAINING PROCESS.

SELECTED TRAINEES RECEIVING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING AT THREE KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRES PERFORMED AT THE CONCERT, PLAYING VARIOUS POPULAR WESTERN AND CHINESE PIECES OF MUSIC.

- 0 - -

DISTRICT BOARDS TO BE CONSULTED ON PROJECTS * * * *

THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN ANOTHER ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH ALL 10 URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

STARTING FROM THE MEETING OF THE MONGKOK DB ON THURSDAY (MAY 1), SENIOR OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONSULT EACH DB ON THE PROPOSED PRIORITIES TO BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.

+ THIS CONSULTATION EXERCISE IS AIMED AT FOSTERING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BY DB MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL’S WORK AND SERVICES, AND HAS BEEN WORKING VERY WELL SINCE 1984,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY.

♦IT ALSO GIVES THE COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT A BETTER IDEA OF THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR UC FACILITIES AS THE DB MEMBERS NOW SEE THEM.*

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE WORKS PROGRAMME FOR EACH DISTRICT, PROJECTS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES - +COMMITTED+, +APPROVED+, +UNDER ADVANCED PLANNING* AND +UNDER PRELIMINARY PLANNING*.

EXCEPT FOR THE +COMMITTED+ PROJECTS WHICH ARE THOSE ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR WITH TENDERS GAZETTED, EACH ITEM IS TENTATIVELY GIVEN A +HIGH+, +MEDIUM+ OR +LOW+ PRIORITY, HE SAID.

/+THE DEPAaiMaiT'S

SUNDAY, APHID 27, 1986

8

+ THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANNERS HAVE PAINSTAKINGLY APPRAISED THESE PROJECTS BEFORE GIVING THEM A PRIORITY RATING RELATIVE TO OTHER PROJECTS IN THE SAME CATEGORY.

+HOWEVER, IF MEMBERS OF A PARTICULAR DB ARE STRONGLY IN FAVOUR OF ONE PROJECT IN THEIR DISTRICT BEING STARTED BEFORE ANOTHER WHICH HAS REACHED THE SAME STAGE OF PLANNING, WE WILL WHEREVER POSSIBLE MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR WISHES.

+BUT IT MUST BE NOTED THAT, TO TAKE AN EXTREME EXAMPLE, A HIGH-PRIORITY PROJECT WHICH IS ONLY IN A PRELIMINARY STAGE OF PLANNING COULD NOT SUDDENLY BE PUSHED FORWARD FOR IMPLEMENTATION BECAUSE A LONG LEAD TIME IS NORMALLY REQUIRED BY EACH PROJECT.

+ THE AMOUNT OF LEAD TIME REQUIRED DEPENDS ON THE TYPE AND SCALE OF THE PROJECT WHICH HAS TO BE TAKEN FROM THE PRELIMINARY STAGE OF DRAWING UP THE SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT, AND THEN THE PREPARATION OF LAYOUT PLANS, COST ESTIMATES, DETAILED WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS, TO THE GAZETTING AND LETTING OF CONTRACTS, AND EVENTUALLY THROUGH TO THE STAGE WHERE CONSTRUCTION WORK ACTUALLY STARTS ON SITE.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORKS PROGRAMME FOR EACH DISTRICT PROVIDED INFORMATION COVERING THE SCOPE OF FACILITIES, SITE AREA, SITE STATUS OR DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS, PLANNING STAGE AND CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE OF EACH PROJECT.

+SHOULD THERE BE PARTICULARLY KEEN INTEREST EXPRESSED IN CERTAIN PROJECTS, OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS THEM IN GREATER DETAIL,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT A LIST OF MINOR WORKS PROJECTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR STARTING DATES, WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME IN ORDER TO GIVE DB MEMBERS A COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF UC DEVELOPMENTS IN THEIR DISTRICTS.

+ BUT NO CONSULTATION ON THEIR PRIORITY IS REQUIRED SINCE THEIR LOW COST AND RELATIVELY SHORT PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION TIME RENDER THE ALLOCATION OF PRIORITIES UNNECESSARY,* HE ADDED.

AFTER THE VIEWS OF ALL 10 DBS HAVE BEEN SOUGHT, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ANALYSE THEM CAREFULLY TO PRODUCE A DRAFT FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME TAKING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA INTO CONSIDERATIONS

/site availability

SUNDAY, APRIL 2?, 1986

- 9 -

SITE AVAILABILITY

DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINT

EXISTING LEVEL OF PROVISION OF THE TYPE OF

FACILITY IN THE DISTRICT AND

VIEWS PREVIOUSLY EXPRESSED BY DB MEMBERS AND OTHER INTERESTED BODIES.

THE DRAFT CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME WILL THEN BE SUBMITTED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL. SUBJECT TO THE COUNCIL’S RATIFICATION, THE RESPECTIVE DBS WILL THEN BE INFORMED OF THE FINALISED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THEIR DISTRICTS.

-----0------

RECRUITMENT FOR RHK REGIMENT * * * *

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT IS INVITING YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WITH MATURE CHARACTER, GOOD PHYSIQUE AND HIGH CALIBRE TO JOIN THE FORCE.

THE REGIMENTAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE TO FILL AROUND 100 VACANCIES FOR MEN AND 20 FOR WOMEN, WILL BEGIN ON THURSDAY (MAY 1).

APPLICATION FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS BY JUNE 10.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE WEEKEND TRAINING ON BASIC MILITARY SKILLS, INCLUDING THE HANDLING OF FIREARMS AND WEAPONS, OPERATION OF RADIO EQUIPMENT, MAP READING, FIRST AID AND OTHERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ’VOLUNTEERS’ SAID THAT THIS OFFERS A GOOD CHANCE TO YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WITH HIGH INTELLIGENCE AND CALIBRE WHO WOULD LIKE TO FACE THE CHALLENGE AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

+ IT WILL HELP BUILD CHARACTER, SELF-RELIANCE AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF CITIZENSHIP,* HE SAID.

-r SERVICE IN THE REGIMENT CAN CULTIVATE A MORE MATURE AND CAPABLE CHARACTER; AND THE VOLUNTEERS WILL GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISION, JUDGMENT AND SELF-DISCIPLINE.*

/applicants should .......

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

10 -

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE 17-1/2 YEARS OLD OR OVER, HAVE A SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH. THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND CONSENT FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR JOINING BEFORE THEY APPLY.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE REGIMENT’S RECRUITING OFFICER AT 5-7952038.

-----o------

MORE SLOPES TO BE STABILISED

* * * *

A $2 MILLION CONTRACT FOR STABLISING SLOPES ABOVE ISLAND ROAD FROM WONG CHUK HANG TO DEEP WATER BAY HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK ON THE SLOPES IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 10 MONTHS.

-----o------

PUBLIC URGED TO JOIN HOSPITAL WALK *****

ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS IN KWUN TONG ARE WELCOME TO JOIN A CHARITY WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT.

THE +WALK WITH OUR HEARTS* EVENT, TO BE HELD NEXT SUNDAY (MAY 4), WILL ALSO LAUNCH A YEAR-LONG FUND-RAISING DRIVE CO-ORDINATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.

STARTING AT 10.30 AM AT THE SAU NGA ROAD PLAYGROUND IN SAU MAU PING, THE FOUR-KILOMETRE WALK WILL TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR TO COMPLETE.

THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION FUND-RAISING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-KWOK, NOTED THAT THE ROUTE WILL TAKE PARTICIPANTS AROUND THE HOSPITAL AND SO ENABLE THEM TO VIEW THE SITE OF THE EXTENSION.

MR LAM URGED ALL LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS TO JOIN AROUND 30 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SCHOOLS, FACTORIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES THAT ARE TAKING PART.

SPONSOR FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315 (EXTENSION 431).

/before the .......

SUNDAY, APRLl 27, 1986

11

BEFORE THE WALK, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE 14 AREAS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE PRESENTED WITH FLAGS BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, TO SIGNIFY THE START OF THE FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN.

THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT, WHEN COMPLETED IN 1990, WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS FROM 640 TO 1 400 AND INCLUDE NUMEROUS NEW FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS AGREED TO RAISE $5 MILLION ON BEHALF OF THE HOSPITAL.

-----o------

FUNDS FOR MAC PREMISES IN SQUATTER AREAS

* * * *

MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN SQUATTER AREAS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN APPLY TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR FUNDS TO BUILD OFFICE PREMISES.

UNDER A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONTRIBUTE 80 PER CENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS AND THE LOCAL MAC THE REMAINING 20 PER CENT.

THE MAXIMUM DISTRICT BOARD GRANT IS $20 000, WHILE THE RESIDENT BODY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBSEQUENT MAINTENANCE OF THE PREMISES, RENTS, RATES AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES.

A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME WAS DEVISED ON A COST-SHARING BASIS AND PARTICIPANTS WOULD HAVE TO PROVE THAT THEY HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE PROJECT AND THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO MEET FUTURE EXPENSES ARISING FROM THE OPERATION OF THE PREMISES.

+THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICER WILL SCREEN EACH APPLICATION ACCORDING TO ITS OWN MERITS BEFORE APPROVING FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT,+ HE SAID.

+ THE CONSTRUCTION COST SHOULD ONLY COVER ESSENTIAL ITEMS SUCH AS WALLS, PARTITIONS, ROOFING, FLOORING, PAINT-WORK AND LIGHTING, AND NO COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE MADE TO THE MAC IF THE SITE IS LATER CLEARED FOR WHATEVER REASON,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+ALTHOUGH THE DISTRICT BOARD WOULD NOT SUBSIDISE THE COST OF FURNITURE OR OTHER EQUIPMENT, THE MAC CAN APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATIONERY AND MISCELLANEOUS OFFICE ITEMS UNDER THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO MACS,* HE ADDED.

ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER DETAILS OF THE SCHEME CAN MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE 5-540271.

--------o ---------

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

12

SPECIAL EDUCATION TRAINING COURSES OFFERED * * * * *

THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL RUN A SERIES OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN SEPTEMBER.

APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THIS TWO-YEAR PART-TIME COURSE ARE INVITED FROM NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND OF SPECIAL-REVISED RESOURCE CLASSES.

SEVEN AREAS OF SPECIALISATION WILL BE OFFERED, NAMELY EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, OF VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, OF HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, OF MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN, AND OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN PLUS MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS.

AN APPLICANT ACCEPTED TO THE COURSE MUST SELECT THIS AREA OF SPECIALISATION ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN HE WILL BE TEACHING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND WILL CONTINUE TO TEACH THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE COURSE.

A CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS WILL BE AWARDED ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SUB-OFFICE AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AT NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, KOWLOON AND ITS ANNEXE AT 8 YUEN CHAU KOK ROAD, SHA TIN.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CHAIRMAN, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD, THROUGH SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE AT SHA TIN BEFORE MAY 30.

--------o----------

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

13

TIN HAU PARADE IN YUEN LONG

* * * *

A GRAND PROCESSION WILL AGAIN HIGHLIGHT CELEBRATIONS IN YUEN LONG TO MARK THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY (MAY 1).

THE ANNUAL PROCESSION, FIRST HELD IN 1963, IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, AND MORE THAN 2 OOO PEOPLE FROM 16 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART.

AT 10 AM, THE PROCESSION FEATURING A DRAGON, LIONS, FLOATS, CHIU CHAU GONGS AND DRUMS, AND CHINESE FOLK DANCERS WILL SET OFF FROM FUNG CHEUNG ROAD IN YUEN LONG TOWN EAST.

THE PARADE, LASTING FOR TWO HOURS WILL WIND ALONG HOP YICK, TAI TONG, KAU YUK AND TAI YUK ROADS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM.THE ROUTE WILL AVOID A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD) WHERE EXTENSIVE ROAD WORKS ARE UNDERWAY BECAUSE OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT.

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL BE GUEST OF HONOUR.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE CELEBRATIONS, A TRADITIONAL +FA PAU+ LOTTERY WILL BE HELD IN THE OPEN AREA OUTSIDE THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHU HA, SHAP PAT HEUNG AT 2.30 PM. OFFICIATING WILL BE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, WHO WILL PRESS A BUTTON TO BEGIN A +MINI-FIREWORKS+ DISPLAY BY THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS.

THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO THE GODDESS OF HEAVEN FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD TIDINGS ALL YEAR ROUND. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS FOR YUEN LONG PEOPLE, DATING BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS A COASTAL FISHING VILLAGE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM IN YUEN LONG ON THURSDAY. PRESS BADGES FOR THE EVENT ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, NO 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON. PLEASE NOTE THAT AS PRESS BADGES ARE LIMITED, EACH ORGANISATION IS ENTITLED TO ONLY TWO BADGES.

THREE GOVERNMENT VANS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.30 AM ON THURSDAY TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO YUEN LONG.

- o - - - -

SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 1986

- 14 -

TEMPORARY SUB-OFFICE TO SERVE TAI PO

K * * *

THE FU SHIN ESTATE TEMPORARY SUB-OFFICE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.

LOCATED AT SHIN KWAN HOUSE IN FU SHIN ESTATE, THE SUB-OFFICE RENDERS SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF FU SHIN ESTATE AND MING NGA COURT.

IT PROVIDES SERVICES SUCH AS ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, GIVING ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS, HANDLING OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS, AND REFERRAL OF CASES IN THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME.

THE SUB-OFFICE IS OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE SUB-OFFICE IS 0-6511744.

APART FROM THE NEW TEMPORARY SUB-OFFICE, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS TWO SUB-OFFICES IN TAI YUEN ESTATE AND KWONG FUK ESTATE AND A PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN THE SHUEN WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.

--------0 ---------

FOCUS ON TAXI SITUATION

X X *

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE NUMBER OF TAXIS IN THE TERRITORY, AND EXAMINE THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND FACTORS, AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 29).

OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE SUGGESTION OF PROVIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT BETWEEN LUNG KWU TAAN AND THE BUS TERMINUS IN BUTTERFLY ESTATE, A REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE’S WORK DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, AND NIGHT PARKING SPACES FOR LORRIES AND COACHES IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 3RD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.

-----o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

U.S. G.S.P. DELEGATION ENDS TALKS ................................. 1

TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS BEING SURVEYED ..................... 2

YUEN LONG PROJECT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ......................... 3

FURTHER ROADWORKS TO START ON TSING YI ............................ 4

CONTEST TO FIND BEST APPRENTICE MECHANIC .......................... 4

PROPERTY REVIEW 1986 ON SALE ...................................... 5

REGISTRATION REVOKED .............................................. 6

KUK BOARD CALLS ON S.W.D. DIRECTOR ................................ 6

DISCUSSION ON BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENT CONTROL ....................   6

BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT CONTROLLED TIP ............................. 7

MEETING ON FINANCE ................................................ 7

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .............................................. 8

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL .............................. 8

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WAN CHAI, POK FU LAM .......................... 10

KWAI CHUNG TRAFFIC CHANGE ........................................ 10

NO FLUSHING WATER ................................................ 10

MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1<»36 1

U.S. G.S.P. DELEGATION ENDS TALKS * * * *

TALKS WITH A VISITING U.S. G.S.P. DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED STATES HAD ENDED, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY).

THE ONE-DAY TALKS WERE PART OF THE PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW OF THE UNITED STATES GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES. THE REVIEW WILL DETERMINE COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS FOR EACH BENEFICIARY TERRITORY ON A PRODUCT BY PRODUCT BASIS. IT WILL ALSO DETERMINE WHETHER THE COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS SHOULD BE WAIVED ALTOGETHER IN RESPECT OF ANY PRODUCTS FOR INDIVIDUAL BENEFICIARIES.

UNDER THE REVIEW THE PRESIDENT IS REQUIRED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT VARIOUS FACTORS INCLUDING AN INDIVIDUAL BENEFICIARY’S LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT, ITS COMPETITIVENESS IN RESPECT OF INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS, AND ITS TRADE PRACTICES.

THE REVIEW HAS BEEN UNDER WAY SINCE FEBRUARY 1985 WITH SUBMISSIONS BEING MADE BY ALL THE PARTIES INVOLVED, INCLUDING HONG KONG.

COMMENTING ON TODAY’S TALKS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAIDj + THE AMERICAN DELEGATION EXPLAINED THE PARAMETERS UNDER WHICH THE REVIEW HAD TO OPERATE.

♦ IN RESPONSE, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION REFERRED TO THE VARIOUS SUBMISSIONS WHICH HAD BEEN MADE IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG'o OPEN MARKET, GOOD TRADE PRACTICES AND STRONG INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, PATENTS, TRADE MARK AND COPYRIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROVISO H.

♦THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ALSO INDICATED WHICH PRODUCTS WERE CF GREATER PRIORITY FOR HONG KONG AS REGARDS WAIVERS OF COMPETITIVE NEED LIMITS OR IMPOSITION OF LOWER COMPETITIVE NEED LEVELS.*

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS LED BY MR ROBERT FOOTMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE (NORTH AMERICA), AND THE U.S. DELEGATION WAS LED BY MR DAVE SHARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. G.S.P. PROGRAMME, U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE’S OFFICE, AND SANDRA KRISTOFF, DEPUTY ASSISTANT, U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC.

THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY JANUARY 4, 1987.

IN 1985, U.S. IMPORTS OF G.S.P. ITEMS FROM HONG KONG AMOUNTEu TO U.S.S3 726 MILLION, OF WHICH U.S.Sl 208 MILLION WAS GRANTED DUTY-FREE TREATMENT.

------0-------

/a .......

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1986

2 -

TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS BEING SURVEYED * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING AN ANNUAL SURVEY OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELo FOR THE YEAR 1085.

THE SURVEY COVERS WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 8 130 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF SOME 130 000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SURVEY.

DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES, OPENING AND CLOSING STOCKS, BUSINESS TURNOVER, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.

SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE AND SERVICE SECTOR AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FORMULATION OF DECISIONS AND POLICIES.

A CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS CRDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THIS SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 16 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.

SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETE^ QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31, 1986.

OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY, WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES IF REQUIRED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STRESSES THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION WHICH DID NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE RELEASED.

0 - - - -

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 198c


YUEN LONG PROJECT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW

* * * *

TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN FLOW AROUND YUEN LONG WILL BE IMPROVED UNDER A PLANNED PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES BUILDING TWO ROAD BRIDGES ACROSS THE WESTERN NULLAH AT MA MIU ROAD AND PING WUI STREET TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.

THE BRIDGES, WHICH WILL LINK UP WITH THE NORTHERN BY-PASS, WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE CONVENIENT LINKS BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTH-WESTERN YUEN LONG.

AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE NULLAH WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE ROAD BRIDGE AND A TEMPORARY BRIDGE BUILT TO REPLACE IT.

PEDESTRIAN-CYCLE BRIDGES WILL BE BUILT ACROSS THE CENTRAL NULLAH TO PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN EASTERN AND WESTERN PARTS OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN AND OVER ON NING ROAD TO LINK THE NEW TOWN WITH LONG PING ESTATE.

DETAILS OF THE PROJECT ARE GIVEN IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY INSPECT THE PLANS AT:

* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;

* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG,

YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, NINTH AND 11TH FLOORS, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG; AND

* YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN

LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 269 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

OBJECTORS TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MURRAY BUILDING, 2OTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JUNE 24.

-----0----------

/4........

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1935

4

FURTHER ROADWORKS TO START ON TSI NG Yl

*****

ROADWORKS IN NORTHEAST TSI NG Yl TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA WILL BEGIN SHORTLY AS PART OF THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.

A SERIES OF ROADS, TOTALLING FOUR KILOMETRES, WILL LINK TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, TO THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK WHICH LEADS TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND.

THESE DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE FOUR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 72 OOO PEOPLE.

A CONTRACT, VALUED AT $35.3 MILLION, HAS BEEN SIGNED FOR THE ROADWORKS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE SYSTEM. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND LAST ABOUT TWO YEARS.

-----o------

CONTEST TO FIND BEST APPRENTICE MECHANIC

* * *

THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL HOLD A COMPETITION IN SUMMER TO SELECT THE BEST VEHICLE MECHANIC APPRENTICE IN THE TRADE.

ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE MECHANIC APPRENTICES WHO COMPLETE THEIR APPRENTICESHIP BETWEEN JULY 1 THIS YEAR AND JUNE 30 NEXT YEAR MAY APPLY.

+THE COMPETITION, BELIEVED TO BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE TERRITORY, IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER APPRENTICE TRAINING AND OF THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL.

IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY THERE ARE ABOUT 400 REGISTERED APPRENTICES UNDERGOING FOUR-YEAR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE COUNCIL’S AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG AND WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS: A THEORY TEST AND A SKILLS TEST.

/THE THEORY .......

MONDAY, aPRIL 28, 1986

- 5 -

THE THEORY TEST WILL CONSIST OF A SET OF MULT IPLE-CHOIC” QUESTIONS IN NINE AREAS COVERING BASIC WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGY, DIESEL ENGINE, PETROL ENGINE, BRAKE SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH, STEERING SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND LUBRICATION SYSTEM.

COMPETITORS WHO PASS THE THEORY TEST WILL THEN TAKE THE SKILLS TEST REQUIRING THEM TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR FAULTS COVERING THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, FINAL DRIVE, BRAKE, STEERING, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

THE TESTS WILL BE ASSESSED THROUGHOUT BY INVIGILATORS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

BASED ON OVERALL PERFORMANCE IN THE TWO TESTS, THE

BEST APPRENTICE WILL BE SELECTED. THE PRIZE IS A CERTIFICATE AND $5 000 IN CASH.

THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE S3 000 AND $2 000 RESPECTIVELY, AS WELL AS CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE.

THE THEORY TEST IS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 24 AND THE SKILLS TEST FOR JULY 14 AND 15.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE COUNCIL’S HEADQUARTERS ON 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, AT THE SAME ADDRESS, BY MAY 33.

-----o------

PROPERTY REVIEW 1986 ON SALE * * * *

THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT’S 1986 PROPERTY REVIE

IS NOW AVAILABLE AT S65 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE.

THE REVIEW COVERS THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1985 AND PROVIDES A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, VACANCIES, TAKE-UP, RENTAL AM PURCHASE PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE MAJOR SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.

A SUMMARY OF THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE REVIEa HAS bEEi. RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 6.

-------0

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 103c

6

REGISTRATION REVOKED * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF SBC FINANCE (ASIA) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

-----o------

KUK BOARD CALLS ON S.W.D. DIRECTOR

* * * *

NEWLY-ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE PO LEUNG KUK’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, TO DISCUSS WELFARE SERVICES PLANNED BY THE KUK.

THE KUK CHAIRMAN, MRS LISA S.L. CHEE, OUTLINED PLANS FOR THE FUTURE, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF MORE SERVICES FOR THE YOUNG, ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED.

MRS CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK FOR PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT HER DEPARTMENT WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPLEMENT PLANNED FURTHER SERVICES.

-------o --------

DISCUSSION ON BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENT CONTROL K * * * *

TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF NEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROPOSED MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND THE PROVISIONAL ALLOCATION AND APPLICATIONS OF FUNDo.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.

-----o--------

/7

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 1936

- 7 -

BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT CONTROLLED TIP

* * * *

MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL INSPECT THE OPERATION OF THE JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE CONTROLLED TIP, *HICH RECEIVES REFUSE FROM KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN, BEGAN OPERATIONS ON APRIL 16.

THE SITE VISIT HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO FIND OUT IF THE CONTROLLED TIP WOULD LEAD TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

DISTR ICT ASSEMBLE MEMBERS’ BUILDING

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN COVERING THE KWUN TONG

BOARD’S AT 2.30 OFF ICE, IN TUNG

TO JORDAN VALLEY CONTROLLED TIP SHOULD PM TOMORROW AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD FIRST FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES

YAN STREET.

-----o------

MEETING ON FINANCE * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.

SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL -2 IT

FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE BO An 2

AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE,

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.

0 -

/8........

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1986

8

WATER STORAGE FIGURE

* * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 42.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 250.824 MILLION CUBIC NETRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 330.801 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 56.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-------0 - -

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL

*****

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEw TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.

IN YUEN LONG, FROM 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 30) TO 10 PM Oh MAY 2, THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI oHv HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND; AND THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUiw ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

FROM 9.30 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IN CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL IS COMPLETED, FUNG KAM STREET, FUNG YAU STREtT SOUTH, FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN FUNG KAM STREET AND HOP YICK ROAD, AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD (MA TIN TSUEN TO LUNG TIN TSUEN) WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED.

FROM 9.30 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED, BUo ROUTE 56 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE FROM WONG NAI TUn VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL dE PROVIDED.

AT THE SAME TIME, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 31 AND 32 NOW TERMINATING IN HONG KING STREET WILL TERMINATE IN FOOK TAK STREET. YUEN LONG BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUNG LOK STREET, SAU FU STREET, FOOK HONG STREET AND FOOK TAK STREET.

/JOURNEYS TO .......

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1986

9 -

JOURNEYS TO TONG YAN SAN TSUEN AND TAN KWAI TSUEN WILL OPERATE VIA FOOK TAK STREET, TUNG LOK STREET, ON NING ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 39 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.

FROM 8 AM ON MAY 1 UNTIL THE PROCESSION IS COMPLETED, THE C»-PARKS ON TAI YUK ROAD OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ON MA TIN ROA-NEAR TAI YUK ROAD wILL BE SUSPENDED.

MEANWHILE, ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, AND FOOK TAK STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.

IN TUEN MUN, BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5 PM ON MAY 1, TIN HAU ROAD SOUTH OF SAN HOP LANE, SAN ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STRtcTNc. ak THE CAR PARK AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD, AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETwEt. li-> SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN 01 NG CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD WILL b_ CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

ALL PARKING SPACES ON SAN ON STREET CAR PARK AND HUNG CHEu.^ ROAD CAR PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED AT THE SAME TIME.

IN KWUN TONG, FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON MAY 1, CHA KWO LING ROAD _ FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WING FOOK STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 793 METR-o EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION * ILL EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES

YIP STREET HEADING FOR THE YAU TONG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.

WAI HOI

CHA THE

AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURE, THE U-TURNING MOVEMENT FRO-. _ KWO LING ROAD WESTBOUND ONTO CHA KWO LING ROAD EASTBOUND OUTBID-ANDERSON QUARRY LIMITED WILL BE PERMITTED.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND FOR ROUTE 23 OUTS I E HOUSE NO 175-193 CHA KWO LING ROAD * ILL BE SUSPENDED. PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE APPROVED STOPPING PLACE IN FRONT OF THE SntLL OIL DEPOT ON WESTBOUND CHA KWO LING ROAD FOR BOARDING AND ALIGHT■ <G.

IN ADDITION, ALL PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 135-173 CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.

0---------

/10........

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1936

10

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WAN CHAI, POK FU LAM

* * * *

FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 1), ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF BURROWS STREET BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS. THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF POK FU LAM ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SASSOON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE DAILY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS.

--------0 ---------

KWAI CHUNG TRAFFIC CHANGE * * * *

A SECTION OF ABOUT 120 METRES OF WAH YIU ROAD OUTSIDE KwAl CHUNG METHODIST COLLEGE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 1) FOR ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO FACILITATE SLOPE REPAIR WORKS THERE.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING STOPS FOR NEW TERRITORIES GRE_. MINIBUS ROUTES 46M, 47M, 90M AND 91M ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD SECTION WILL BE SUSPENDED. PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO BOARD AND ALIGHT OUTSIDE LOK YIU HOUSE.

-----o ---------

NO FLUSHING WATER * * * *

TONG aIlL

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON

BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 30)

FOR MAINS WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, BOUNDAP/ STREET, LA SALLE ROAD AND HEREFORD ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG'S SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM ........................ 1

PARES REVISED ON FIVE FERRY SERVICES ........................ 4

STATEMENT ON DRAFT NATIONALITY ORDER ........................ 5

KEY TO EXPO PAVILION RECEIVED ............................... 5

BEST POSTCARDS ON DISPLAY ................................... 6

JUVENILE HOME HELPS MEET DEMAND ............................. 6

SURVEYS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ........................ 7

CUSTOMS CONFERENCE WITH KOREA BEGINS......................... 9

NENDICK LEAVES FOR ADB MEETING............................... 9

SPECIAL QJJEEJ'S BIRTHDAY STAMPS ON SECT./ .................. 10

TEAMS INVITED FOR THEN MOT: BOAT RACES ...................... 10

REMINDER FOR TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS ............................ 11

PUBLICITY FOR CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN ............................. 12

OSD RECRUIT OFFICERS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES ................... 12

BOARD TO DISCUSS REPORT ON TRIAD PROBLEMS ................... 13

ETC REGISTRATION REVOKED .................................... 13

REGISTER OF FIRMS USEFUL FOR SURVEYS ........................ 14

FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO TAI PO ROAD .......................... 14

SPECTATOR STAND FOR MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND.................... 15

FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH FUNCTIONS ............................ 15

IMPROVED BUS SERVICE FOR TAI PO ESTATE....................... 16

NEW ROADS OPENING IN TURN MIN ............................... 16

TUEN MUN, TAI KOK TSUI ROAD RESTRICTIONS .................... 17

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGE IN CENTRAL ......................... 17

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1986

HONG KONG’S SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM ******

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A SERIES OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE TERRITORY’S SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

IN ANNOUNCING THE SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY (OPERATIONS), MR KEN WOODHOUSE, SAID THE MEASURES INCLUDE REFINED DESIGNATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE CIVIL AVIATION AND MARINE DEPARTMENTS AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

THE PROPOSALS WERE DEVISED BY A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP SET UP TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORTS OF THE MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY INTO THE SINKING OF THE BARQUENTINE OSPREY.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING GROUP WERE TO REVIEW EXISTING OFF-SHORE SEARCH AND RESCUE PROCEDURES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES.

THE GROUP CONSIDERED A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES INCLUDING:

* THE NEED FOR AN INDEPENDENT SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTRE WITH A PERMANENT DIRECTOR AND STAFF;

* THE NEED FOR REGULAR LIAISON BETWEEN ALL THE HONG KONG AGENCIES INVOLVED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS’

* THE NEED FOR AN ANNUAL MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE;

* THE NEED FOR A FULL FORMAL DEBRIEFING AFTER EACH SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION;

* THE NEED FOR FORMAL TRAINING OF ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE WORK;

* THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING GREATER USE OF THE LOCAL FISHING FLEET IN SEARCH AND RESCUE EMERGENCIES’

* THE NEED FOR A MEANS OF PROVIDING A NIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE CAPABILITY ’

* THE NEED TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES FOR SEARCHES IN CHINESE CLAIMED WATERS’ AND

* THE NEED TO IMPROVE RECEPTION OF EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACONS.

THE GROUP MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON EACH OF THESE ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

/HOWEVER, THE

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1986

2

HOWEVER, THE GROUP DECIDED AGAINST RECOMMENDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTRE WITH A PERMANENT DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

MR WOODHOUSE EXPLAINED, HOWEVER, THAT BY IMPLEMENTING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM THE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED BY THE MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY WHICH HAD LED THEM TO RECOMMEND SUCH A CENTRE WERE OVERCOME.

IN EXPLAINING THE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES, MR WOODHOUSE POINTED OUT THAT THE INDICATION OF A POSSIBLE DISTRESS SITUATION USUALLY TOOK THE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SIGNALS ORIGINATING FROM AN EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON. IN FUTURE, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE VESTED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO INITIATE AIR SEARCHES WHEN EMERGENCY ELECTRONIC SIGNALS ARE REPORTED BY AIRCRAFT IN THE HONG KONG FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE SIGNALS ARE ORIGINATING FROM A VESSEL OR AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE FOREWARNED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF A FULL-SCALE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION. ONCE THE SOURCE OF THE SIGNALS IS LOCATED INDICATING A VESSEL IN DISTRESS, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION WILL HAND OVER RESPONSIBILITY TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE AS THE SEARCH DIRECTOR TO PLAN AND TO CO-ORDINATE ENSUING RESCUE OPERATIONS.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT SUCH PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION IS CARRIED OUT BY OFFICERS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WITH EXPERTISE AS REGARDS SHIPS. SHOULD THE SEARCH FOR THE EMERGENCY SIGNAL INDICATE THAT AN AIRCRAFT IS IN DISTRESS, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION WILL BECOME THE SEARCH DIRECTOR.

MR WOODHOUSE EMPHASISED THAT THESE REVISED ARRANGEMENTS WOULD ENSURE A SPEEDY RESPONSE AFTER THE RECEIPT OF REPORTS OF EMERGENCY SIGNALS.

MR WOODHOUSE WENT ON TO SAY THAT IN FUTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL BECOME THE SEARCH DIRECTOR FOR SHIPS IN DISTRESS IRRESPECTIVE WHETHER THEY ARE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG WATERS.

HE ADDED THAT IT WAS APPRECIATED THAT MANY INCIDENTS IN HONG KONG WATERS INVOLVED SMALL CRAFT OR SWIMMERS AND, INITIALLY, AT LEAST, MAY NOT REQUIRE ANYTHING MORE THAN A SMALL LOCAL SEARCH BY THE NEAREST MARINE POLICE VESSEL.

ACCORDINGLY, THE MARINE POLICE HEADQUARTERS HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A MARITIME RESCUE SUB-CENTRE, RESPONSIBLE FOR INITIATING SEARCHES OF SUCH MINOR INCIDENTS. THEY WOULD ALSO INFORM THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE OF THEIR ACTION SO THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE COULD, IF THE SITUATION APPEARED TO WARRANT IT, ASSUME THE DUTIES OF SEARCH DIRECTOR.

/MR WOODHOUSE .......

TUBSDAY, APRIL 29, I9cc

MR WOODHOUSE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE MID-1984 ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS HAVE MET EVERY TWO MONTHS AS A LIAISON GROUP TO STRENGTHEN THE SEARCH AND RESCUE PROCEDURES.

THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED A MORE COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE SEEN MADE FOR THE U.S. COAST GUARD TRAINING COURSE TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG ON A TWO OR THREE YEAR CYCLE. THE FIRST SUCH COURSE WAS HELD IN HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER 1985.

IT WAS ALSO AGREED THAT AT LEAST ONE MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICER SHOULD ATTEND A SUITABLE U.S. COAST GUARD TRAINING COURSE IN NEW YORK EACH YEAR.

OFFICERS SO TRAINED WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONDUCT I NC-FORMAL IN-HOUSE TRAINING IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT FOR ALL STAFC LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE:

* THE ORGANISING OF AN ANNUAL MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE. THE FIRST SUCH EXERCISE, WHICH SIMULATED AN ACCIDENT TO A MACAU-BOUND JETFOIL WAS SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED IN NOVEMBER 1985 AND ANOTHER IS CURRENTLY BEING ORGANISED;

* THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE WITH IMPROVED EQUIPMENT. THIS WILL BE LOCATED EITHER IN THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL OR THE EXISTING PORT CONTROL CENTRE WHEN IT IS VACATED. EITHER LOCATION WILL HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF BEING ABLE TO BE MANNED QUICKLY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, YET WILL OPERATE SEPARATELY FROM THE PORT CONTROL CENTRE.

MR WOODHOUSE EMPHASISED THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS ALREADY INTRODUCED OR ENDORSED FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN FUTURE WILL ENSURE THAT THE SEARCH AND RESCUE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG MAINTAINS A HIGH STANDARD OF OPERATION.

POINTING OUT THAT THE CRITICISMS MADE BY THE MARINE COURT OF INQUIRY HAD BEEN TAKEN FULLY INTO CONSIDERATION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT THE SYSTEM, AS MODIFIED AND APPROVED, PROVIDES AS FAR AS IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS TO SEARCH FOR AND RESCUE ANY PERSON IN DISTRESS IN THE SEA AROUND HONG KONG.

- 0 - -

TUESDAY, APRIL 2% 1P86

4

FARES REVISED ON FIVE FERRY SERVICES

*****

FARES ON TWO EXCURSION FERRY SERVICES RUN BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED AND THREE OTHER LICENSED FERRY SERVICES WILL RISE FROM SATURDAY (MAY 3).

ON HYF’S MA LIU SHU I TO PING CHAU (MIRS BAY) ROUTE, AN ORDINARY CLASS ROUND-TRIP TICKET WILL COST $20 AND DELUXE CLASS TICKET $32. THE EXISTING FARES ARE $15 AND $24 RESPECTIVELY.

ON HYF’S CENTRAL TO TAI 0 VIA TUEN MUN AND SHA LO WAN ROUTE, THE SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL RISE FROM $10 TO $12. FREIGHT CHARGES, HOWEVER, WILL BE UNCHANGED AT $4.20 PER 50 KILOGRAMS OR 0.1 CUBIC METRE.

FOR THE LICENSED FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND SOK KWU WAN, THE NEW SINGLE JOURNEY FARES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WILL BE $3.50 AND $1.70 RESPECTIVELY FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. THE EXISTING FARES ARE $3 AND $1.50. ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, THE ADULT FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $4 TO $4.60 AND THE CHILDREN’S FARE FROi-$2 TO $2.30.

FREIGHT WILL BE CHARGED AT $3 PER 60.5 KILOGRAMS OR 0.11 CUI IC f'ETRE.

NEW FARES WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOR THE LICENSED FERRY SERVICE LINKING SAI WAN HO WITH RENNIE’S MILL AND RENNIE’S MILL WITH HANG HAU. ON BOTH ROUTES THE ADULT SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL BE $2.50 INSTEAD OF $2. THE CHILDREN’S AND STUDENT FARE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $1.50 WHILE FREIGHT CHARGE WILL RISE FROM $2 TO $2.50 PER 60.5 KILOGRAMS OR 0.11 CUBIC METRE.

THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON WATERBORNE TRANSPORT ENDORSED THESE FARE REVISIONS BECAUSE OPERATIONS ON THE ROUTES WERE BEING AFFECTEu BY EITHER RISING OPERATING COSTS OR INSUFFICIENT PATRONAGE, OR BOTH, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

+THE NEW FARES FOR HYF’S TWO EXCURSION ROUTES ARE IN LINE a’I Tn THE FARE LEVELS FOR THE COMPANY’S FRANCHISED FERRY SERVICES, «HICH WERE REVISED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR,+ HE NOTED.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT FROM MAY 3 THE RENNIE’S MILL TO HANG HAU SERVICE WILL OPERATE ONLY DURING PEAK HOURS. THE SCHEDULE FOR DEPARTURES FROM RENNIE’S MILL WILL BE 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 AM, 5.33 Jr AND 6.30 PM. DEPARTURES FROM HANG HAU WILL BE 7.45 AM, 8.15 AM, 12.30 PM, 5.45 PM AND 6.45 PM.

-----o------

/5.........

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1986

- 5 -

STATEMENT ON DRAFT NATIONALITY ORDER * * * *

A STATEMENT ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986 WILL BE MADE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL WILL DEAL WITH EIGHT BILLS AND 11 QUESTIONS BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

OF THE EIGHT BILLS, TWO WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THESE ARE THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (FEES) BILL 1986, AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.

DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE FOLLOWING SIX BILLS PRIOR TO COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READINGS:

* BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986;

* DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986;

* ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986;

* INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1986;

* ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986; AND

* STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.

-----o------

KEY TO EXPO PAVILION RECEIVED * * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG AT EXPO ’86 IN VANCOUVER, MR PETER TSAO, ON MONDAY (APRIL 28) RECEIVED A KEY TO THE HONG KONG PAVILION FROM THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, DR TAO HO. THE CEREMONY, HELD INSIDE THE PAVILION, SIGNIFIED THE COMPLETION OF THE EXHIBIT.

THE WORLD EXPOSITION OPENS ON FRIDAY (MAY 2).

IN A SHORT SPEECH, MR TSAO PAID TRIBUTE TO DR HO FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK OF HIS TEAM.

/SPONSORS OF........

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1986

SPONSORS OF THE PAVILION WHICH HAVE REPRESENTATIVES IN VANCOUVER WERE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY. THESE INCLUDED THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LIMITED, SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED, AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.

THE GUESTS INSPECTED THE PAVILION AND ALSO SAW A PREVIEW OF THE MIXED MEDIA PRESENTATION COMPRISING A SLIDE SHOW ACCOMPANIED BY A SPECIALLY COMPOSED THEME SONG AND DANCE.

PAVILION STAFF HAD A REHEARSAL AT THE WEEKEND WHEN PEOPLE CONNECTED TO PARTICIPATING AGENCIES, MAINLY FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, WERE INVITED TO THE EXPO ’86 SITE AS THE FIRST VISITORS.

- 0 -

BEST POSTCARDS ON DISPLAY * * * * *

AN EXHIBITION FEATURING SOME OF THE BEST +PEN-FRIEND+ POSTCARDS FOR DISTRIBUTION AT THE HONG KONG PAVILION AT EXPO ’86 WILL BE HELu AT THE LANDMARK BETWEEN THURSDAY (MAY 1) AND MAY 4.

THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, H? JAMES SO, WILL OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT 11 AM AT THE WEST BRIDGE, CF THE LANDMARK.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

JUVENILE HOME HELPS MEET DEMAND

*****

A RECEPTION WAS HELD TODAY (TUESDAY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE PUI YIN JUVENILE HOME OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN TO KWA WAN. IT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S SEVENTH RESIDENTIAL HOME FOR CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.

THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MR ALEXANDER FUNG, SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOW BE ABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR REMAND FACILITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

/GAZETTED as

GAZETTED AS A REMAND HOME AND PLACE OF REFUGE, THE HOME An'-'l S YOUNG PEOPLE REFERRED BY THE POLICE, SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WHO ARE EITHER OFFENDERS OR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, OR WHO REQUIRE CARE AND PROTECTION.

SINCE THE HOME BECAME OPERATIONAL IN MID-FEBRUARY THE AVERAGE_ NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS HAS BEEN 156 A MONTH AND THE AVERAGE NUMB-R -r DISCHARGES 145 A MONTH.

IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE REMAND SECTIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME AND BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME HAD BEEN OVERCROWDED, MR FUNG SAID. AS A RESULT, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RETRIEVED THE FORMER PREMISES OF THE MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME TO SET UP TH^ PUI YIN HOME IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

MR FUNG THANKED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ALLOWING HIS DEPARTMENT TO USE PREMISES IN ITS TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION LAST YEAR FOR.SETTING UP A TEMPORARY REMAND UNIT TO EASE THE OVERCROWDING PREVAILING AT THAT TIME.

THE PUI YIN JUVENILE HOME HAS TEN DORMITORIES, A DINING HALL THAT ALSO SERVE AS AN ACTIVITIES HAuL, TWO CLASSROOMS, TWO VISI” ROOMS AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.

0 --------

SURVEYS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS FOR THE YEAR 19g5.

THE SURVEY IS AN ANNUAL ENQUIRY WITH THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING STATISTICS FOR ASCERTAINING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR STUDYING THE COST STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTPUT LEVELS OF DIFFERENT TRADES IN THE SECTOR AND FOR ANALYSING THE COST AND OUTPUT IN CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

ABOUT 5 300 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE FOLLOWING TRADES a ILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE SURVEY, COMPRISING A FULL COVERAGE OF THE PROMINENT CONCERNS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE SMALLER ESTABLISHcNTS:

* BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION;

* REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT;

* ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PROJECT ENGINEERING; AND

* REAL ESTATE LEASING, BROKERAGE AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT.

/STATISTICS COLLECTED .......

TU3SBAY, APRIL 29, 1986

8

STATISTICS COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY ARE REQUIRED BY BOTH T< GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE FOR FORMULATING THEIR DECISIONS.

A DIFFERENT VERSION OF THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS USED FO-EACH OF THE FOUR DIFFERENT TRADE CATEGORIES. WHERE APPLICABLE, PROJECT RETURNS TO OBTAIN DATA ON INDIVIDUAL CONSTRUCTION SITEc AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED.

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES: TYPE OF OWNERSHIP! NUMBER OF DIRECT EMPLOYEES; COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES; CONSUMPTION CF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES FOR CONSTRUCTION; PAYMENTS FOR SUL-CONTRaCT WORK; OPERATING EXPENSES! VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED; VALUE CF PROPERTY UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND ITS ASSOCIATED PROJECT OUTLAYo (INCLUDING LAND VALUE); OTHER FORMS OF BUSINESS RECEIPTS; CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY THE ESTABLISHMENTS SURVEYED; FLOOR AREA OCCUPIE FvR BUSINESS OPERATION AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF INVESTMENT.

THE SURVEY IS CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE SECTORS) ORDER 1984, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 14 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 13, 1984.

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES ARE MAILED TO THE SAMPLED ESTABLISHMENT;,. MANAGEMENTS OF THE CONCERNED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TC CQMPLETc AND RETURN THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF JULY 1986. ON REQUEST, CENSUS OFFICERS MAY VISIT ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST C COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO MANAGEMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND ~j CO-OPERATE WITH CENSUS OFFICERS IN THE COURSE OF ENUMERATION THEREBY FULFILLING LEGAL AS WELL AS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED ONLY IN AGGREGATE FORM FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES, IT WAS NOT ESSENTIAL FOR ACCOUNTS TO BE AUDITED BEFORE BEING REFERRED TO IN THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO INCOME AND EXPENDITURE.

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ACCEPTS FIGURES BASED ON PRELIMINARY ACCOUNTS OR ESTIMATES WHICH ARE CORRECT TO THE BEST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF RETURNS. THIS APPROACH IS NECESSARY TO AVOID THE DELAY THAT WOULD OTHERwIbc. RESULT FROM WAITING FOR AUDITED ACCOUNTS.

- 0

/9

TUESDAY, APRIL 2°, 1*

9 -

CUSTOMS CONFERENCE WI TH KOREA BEGINS

*****

THE SEVENTH CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE BETWEEN HONG ■ AND KOREA BEGAN IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE CONFERENCE, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL MAY 3, WILL REVIE.'. LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME ARE VISITS BY THE KOREAN DELEGATION TO VARIOUS LOCAL CUSTOMS ESTABLISHMENTo,

THE CONFERENCE IS CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR HARNAM GREwAL. THE KOREAN DELEGATION IS LED t>Y KIM WOOK TAE, COMMISSIONER OF THE OFFICE OF THE CUSTOM^ ADMINISTRATION OF KOREA.

-----o------

NENDICK LEAVES FOR ADB MEETING

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, LEFT FOR THE PHILIPPINES TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ATTEND THE I-*"-' ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN MANILA FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO FRIDAY (MAY 2). MR NENDICK IS EXPECTED TO ADDRESS THE MEETING AT A GOVERNOR’S SESSION.

ALSO IN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE MR THOMAS SHARR, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, AND MR GARY YEUNG, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS.

THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FRIDAY.

0 --------

TUESDAY, APRIL 2\ 1936

10

SPECIAL QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY STAMPS ON SHOa *****

AN OMNIBUS SERIES OF SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUED BY 23 POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS, INCLUDING HONG KONG, IN HONOUR OF THE QUEEN’S 6OTH BIRTHDAY IS ON DISPLAY AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

THE DISPLAY IS ORGANISED BY THE POST OFFICE IN COLLABORATION WITH CROWN AGENTS' STAMP COMPANY.

THE ONMIBUS SERIES CONSISTS OF FIVE STAMPS IN EACH SET SHOWING:

FIRST VALUE: A BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPH OF THE QUEEN AT A TIME BETWEEN HER BIRTH IN 1926 AND HER ACCESSION TO THE THRONE IN 1952.

SECOND VALUE: AN EVENT IN THE QUEEN’S LIFE FROM HER ACCESSION TO THE PRESENT,

THIRD VALUE: A ROYAL VISIT TO THE COUNTRY OF ISSUE OR A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE QUEEN FULFILLING HER DUTIES AS HEAD OF STATE.

FOURTH VALUE: A MODERN PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN.

FIFTH VALUE: THE QUEEN VISITING THE CROWN AGENTS’ HEADQUARTERS IN 1983.

-----o------

TEAMS INVITED FOR TUEN MUN BOAT RACES *****

TUEN MUN WILL CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONAL TUEN NG FESTIVAL WITH A SERIES OF RACES FEATURING A VARIETY OF DRAGON BOATS ON JUNE 11.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, FIRMS AND COMPANIES IN AND OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT, AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO FORM TEAMS FOR THE RACES, WHICH ARE ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACE COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE TUEN MUN DRAGON BOAT RACES, NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR, WILL BE HELD IN THE CASTLE PEAK BAY TYPHOON SHELTER NEAR WU KING ESTATE.

/THE COURSE ......

11

THE COURSE FOR BOTH LARGE AND MEDIUM DRAGON BOATS IS 400 METRES LONG, AND 200 METRES FOR PHOENIX BOATS. EACH COMPETING TEAM FOR LARGE DRAGON BOAT RACE MUST NOT EXCEED 54 MEMBERS, WHILE THE LIMIT FOR MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT IS 28 AND FOR PHOENR BOAT ig MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE COXSWAIN AND THE DRUMMER.

TEAMS PARTICIPATING FOR THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT RACES HAVE TO PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE OF S500, WHILE ENTRIES FOR THE LARGE DRAGON BOAT RACE IS FREE.

THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL SUPPLY THE BOATS AND ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE MEDIUM DRAGON BOAT AND PHOENIX BOAT TEAMS, WHILE COMPETING TEAMS FOR LARGE DRAGON BOAT RACES HAVE TO USE THEIR OWN BOATS.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD. DEADLINE IS 5 PM ON MAY 13. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4513047 OR 0-4513043.

REMINDER FOR TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS

*****

THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS EXPECTED TO TRAVEL TO JOSS HOUSE IN SAI KUNG TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL OVER A TWO-DAY PERIOD FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ARE REMINDED THAT THE BURNING OF PAPt«_ OFFERINGS AND TAKING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO .J-TEMPLE ARE PROHIBITED.

A SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WOULD BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE FOR THE BURN 1’10 OF PAPERS AND JOSS STICKS.

THE PUBLIC IS ALSO REMINDED NOT TO USE LOUDHA ILERS OR BROADCAST TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA, AND SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE LITTER BINS PROV IDED.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 19BF

12

PUBLICITY FOR CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN * * * * *

KEEP UI

KEEP HK

THE ANNUAL PLAN pOR PUBLICITY AND OPERATIONS FOR THE CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRESENTED WHEN THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CLEAN COMMITTEE MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT ROOM 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT EDINBURGH PLACE.

THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR WALTER SULKE, WILL ALSO DISCUSS ITEMS LIKE +CLEAN HK NOTICE TO RATEPAYERS*, * SPEECH AND SONG COMPETITION*, AND +SELF-HELP CLEANSING SCHEME IN MA HANG VILLAGE*.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING WHICH STARTS AT 5 PM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - - - 0 - -

CSD RECRUIT OFFICERS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES

*****

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES WERE AWARDED TRAINING CERTIFICATES TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE 13 OFFICERS AND 125 ASSISTANT OFFICERS RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES FROM ACTING SUPERINTENDENT KWOK HON-TIN AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.

ALL RECRUIT OFFICERS IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE TO UNDERGO ONE YEAR OF BASIC TRAINING CONDUCTED BY THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AND PASS AN EXAMINATION ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES COVER RULES AND REGULATIONS, PROCEDURES IN ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PENAL INSTITUTIONS, FOOT-DRILL, SELF-DEFENCE, WEAPONRY, RIOT CONTROL, FIRST AID, CRIMINOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK, AND MANAGEMENT AS WELL Ai LEADERSHIP SKILLS. FIELD TRAINING IS ALSO GIVEN AT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.

TUESDAY, APR I.

BOARD TO DISCUSS REPORT ON TRIAD PROBLEMS

*****

KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL • ISC> £ T ■■ REPORT ON TRIAD PROBLEMS AND THE CONTROL ON BILLIARD ESTABLISH’ C ITS AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (MAY 1).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO COMMUNITY CENTRE FAC IL "IES, ’•EMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF DB COMMITTEES. "HEY WILL NOMINATE FOUR MEMBERS TO SIT ON THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE (KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl) OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON PROJECTS TO FACILITATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN TSUEN WAN NEW' TQaN, ACCOMMODATION AND MANPOWER FOR THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT.

LOCAL ISSUES TO BE RAISED INCLUDE HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES, CLEARANCE OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, VENTILATION AT * I NG FC... STREET MARKET, EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON PUBLIC HOU:I’. ESTATES, AND THE CONVERSION OF O.R. SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL INTO A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Y| DI ST- ICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HI NS GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 16c-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.

-----0------

DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED

*■***■*

THE COMMISSIONER 0- DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TODAY (TUESDA ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION 0^ 3B0C FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOST-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKE? AT ITS OWN REQUEST UND-R SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE^

JESDAY, APRIL 29, 1936

REGISTER O’7 FIRMS USEFUL -OR SURVEYS * * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 300 000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG TO SERVE MAINLY AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR ITS SURVEYS ON BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS.

MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO USE THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE REGISTER BY MAKING USE OF NON-CONFI DENT I AL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS RECORDED IN IT FOR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEY, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT PROMOTION PURPOSES.

IN THIS CONNECTION, APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY OF A PHOTOCOPY OR A MAGNETIC TAPE OF THE LISTING OF NON-CONFI DENT I AL PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE NAME, THE ADDRESS, THE MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND THE EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.

THE CHARGES LEVIED FOR THIS SERVICE ARE:

(A) $2 PER PHOTOCOPY CONTAINING ABOUT 10 ESTABLISHMENTS, AND

(B) $330 PER STREAM HOUR OF COMPUTER TIME IF THE INFORMATION

IS REQUIRED ON A MAGNETIC TAPE WHICH IS TO BE PROVIDED 3Y THE APPLICANT.

FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 5-446389.

FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO TAI PO ROAD * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CARRY OUT STAGE TWO OF THE TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, COVERING THE 1.5-KILOMETRE SECTION BETWEEN TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE AND THE TOP OF PIPER’S HILL NEAh THE GOLDEN HILL ROAD JUNCTION.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES REALIGNING AND WIDENING THE SECTION, IMPROVING JUNCTION LAYOUTS AT CALDECOTT ROAD AND GOLDEN HILL ROAD AND IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES. THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF A TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH, PEDESTRIAN REFUGES mLj A FOOTBRIDGE AT THE PIPER’S HILL SECTION.

/THE phcject

TUESDAY, a?3IL '■

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CAP AND ... PARK AT THE EDGE OF THE LION ROCK AND KAM SHAN COUNTRV PARKo, CUTTING BACK EXISTING SLOPES AND CONSTRUCTION OF EARTH RETAIN! WALLS AND LANDSCAPE WORKS.

PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND DI STR IC OFFICES AND OBJECTIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO The SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JUNE 24.

-----o------

SPECTATOR STAND FOR MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND *****

A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WITH A SPECTATOR STAND ON TOP IS TO BE BUILT AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK.

THE SPECTATOR STAND WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 35' SPECTATORS, WHILE THE BUILDING WILL CONTAIN AN OFFICE, A CONFERENCE-READING ROOM, FIRST-AID ROOM, STORE ROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.

TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE PROJECT WHICH JUNE AND BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

IS TO START IN

- 0

FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH FUNCTIONS

*****

APPLICATIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP ARE BEING INVITED FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES TO BE INCLUDED IN THF 1996 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

THIS YEAR, ABOUT 3225 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS TO BE HELD BETWEEN JUNE 14 AND SEPTEMBER 14.

THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SEND APPLICATION FORMS TO VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THOSE THAT TOOK PART IN ACTIVITIES OF PREVIOUS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES.

ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE NOT RECEIVED APPLICATION FORMS B* MONDAY (MAY 5) SHOULD TELEPHONE 3-7280283 OR CONTACT THE NAM CHEONG SUB-OFFICE AT 4 UN CHAU STREET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. APPLICATIONS FROM ALL LOCAL BONA-rIDE BODIES ARE WELCOME.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 15.

- 0 -

■$(' *

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 198$

- 16 -

IMPROVED BUS SERVICE FOR TAI PO ESTATE * * * * *

KMB ROUTE 72K WILL OPERATE SPECIAL TRIPS FROM KWONG FUK ESTATE IN TAI PO TO THE KCR TAI PO STATION DURING PEAK PERIODS FROM THURSDAY (MAY 1), PROVIDING A MORE DIRECT AND FREQUENT FEEDER SERVICE FOR ESTATE RESIDENTS.

THIS COMPLEMENTS THE ROUTE 72K SERVICE WHICH RUNS FROM KWONG FUK ESTATE TO TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE VIA TAI PO STATION.

THE SPECIAL TRIPS WILL OPERATE ONLY ON WEEKDAYS FROM 6.33 T.

8.30 AM AND FROM 5.30 PM TO 7.15 PM. THEY WILL RUN AT 15 MINUTE INTERVALS AT A FARE OF $1 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.

THE EXPANDED SERVICE MEANS THAT BUSES ON ROUTE 72K PLYING BETWEEN KWONG FUK ESTATE AND TAI PO STATION WILL OPERATE AT A FOUR-AND-A-HALF MINUTE FREQUENCY DURING PEAK PERIODS, COMPARED .IT THE EXISTING SIX TO SEVEN MINUTE FREQUENCY.

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NEW ROADS OPENING IN TUEN MUN * * *

TWO NEW ROADS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 2), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.

D4 (N0RTH)» AN EXTENSION OF TSUN WEN ROAD, AND ROAD P2 SECTION BETWEEN ROAD D4 (NORTH) AND TUEN MUN ROAD.

■n.r-M NEW R0ADS WILL PROVIDE A CONVENIENT LINKAGE BETWEEN

TUEN MUN AND AREAS NORTH OF SHEK PAI TAU ROAD IN THE NEW TOWN.

AS CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IS BEING CARRIED OUT AT PUI TO ROAD, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE NEW ROAD P2 AND THE EXISTING WONG CHU ROAD.

0

TUESDA . 1 - ,

TUEN MUN, TAI KOK *

TSUI ROAD RESTRICTION' * * * *

A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN TUEN 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10

MUN WILL BE DESIGNATE: AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 2).

THEY ARE ROAD DA (NORTH) BETWEEN TAI FONG STREET AND_ROAl, RCAD P2 BETWEEN TUEN MUN ROAD AND ROAD DA (NORTH), AND T - »SS IP ROADS OF ROAD PE.

NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL EE ALLOWED T , FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE TAI KOK TSUI FERRY BUS TERMINUS .-'L-MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISE: JS --BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS.

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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGE IN CENTRAL * * * *

TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF CONCRETE ROAD SLABS, Th' FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED I CENTRAL FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 2):

K THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM T-. URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE WESTERN KERBS ID-LANE OF WING WO STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CE-T^ AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE EXTENDED TO O°EP> 24 HOURS DAILY.

NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

* VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS ON WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ON TO GILMAN STREET. AFFECTED VEHICLE; WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WING WO STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

- 0 -----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:

'WARM WELCOME' TO UK REPLY ON NATIONALITY ORDERS......... 1

REPEAL OF TAX ON OFFSHORE INTEREST WELCOMED ............. J

CLEARER BASIS FOR MARINE FEES, CHARGES SOUGHT ........... 5

CONTROL ON 'MINERAL WATER' PROPOSED . ................. 6

LOAN TERMS SAME FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF 26 BLOCKS .......... 7

further Measures on synthetic hormones .................. 8

FEW CASES DISMISSED THROUGH POLICE ABSENCE .............. 8

'MUCH CHEAPER' TO IMPROVE EXISTING ROADS ................ 9

HEAVY PRESSURE ON WATER SUPPLIES ENQUIRY SERVICE ........ 10

RIGHT APPROkCH TAKEN IN PRIVATISATION ................... 11

ADOLESCENTS ADMITTED TO PAEDIaTRIC WARDS ................ 12

EXPLANATION GIVEN FOR EXAM TAPE MIX-UP .................. 12

NO PLANS TO REGULATE PROMOTION MATERIALS . .. .......... 1J

NO SPECIAL HOLIDaY FOR LABOUR DAY ....................... 1^

MARKET PLANNING STANDARDS FOR REVIEW .................... 11!

SIX BILLS PASSED ........................................ 15

BACKGROUND RADIATION MONITORING PROGRjihu-lE BEING DEVELOPED .... 16

DRIVE TO MEET DEMAND FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS.......... 17

BETTER SUPPORT NEEDED IN CLEANING HONG KONG ................ 18

NOMINATIONS FOR BY-ELECTIONS CLOSE FRIDAY .................. 18

NEW FEED FORMULa BOOSTS COCKEREL GROWTH .................... 19

/KOWLOON ........

KOWLOON CITY BECOMES A BETTER PLACE............................. 21

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT STUDIES CENTRE ................... 21

POLICE SUBMISSIONS ON COMMERCIAL CRIME.......................... 22

36 PRESENTED EXAM CERTIFICATES.................................. 22

CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ........................... 23

ANOTHER FOOTBRIDGE PLANNED FOR FILING ......................... ’24

KOWLOON CITY CAR PARKING SITE aVAIIjlBLE ....................... 24

GOVERNOR TO-SEE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS ................ 24

CONTRACT FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY.................................. 25

EASTERN DB TO DISCUSS HOSPITAL NAME............................. 26

MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS TRIAD REPORT ............................ 26

GUEST OF HONOUR AT FESTIVAL .................................... 27

PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED FOR FESTIVAL .......................... 28

WONG CHUK HANG PLB RESTRICTIONS ................................ 28

CENTRAL, NORTH POINT TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................... 29

TUEN MUN WATER CUT ...........................................   29


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1936

1

'WARM WELCOME’ TO UK REPLY ON NATIONALITY ORDERS *****

PUBLIC REACTION IN THE PAST FEW DAYS IS INDICATIVE OF THE WARM WELCOME GIVEN BY THE COMMUNITY TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S REPLY TO TWO OF THE THREE REQUESTS PUT TO IT CONCERNING THE DRAFT (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE TWO REQUESTS RELATED TO THE ENDORSEMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT AND TO FORMER SERVICEMEN WHO SERVED IN THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG.

IN A STATEMENT ON THE DRAFT ORDER, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE THIRD REQUEST BY COUNCIL MEMBERS, CONCERNING BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY CITIZENS NOT ETHNICALLY CHINESE, HAD NOT BEEN MET.

HE NOTED THAT THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS ON APRIL 25 ECHOED THIS DISAPPOINTMENT, AND THAT THESE FEELINGS HAD BEEN CONVEYED TO THE UK GOVERNMENT.

SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING THAT AFTER LONG AND SERIOUS CONSIDERATION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS’ REPRESENTATIONS WHICH REFLECTED THE STRONG FEELINGS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO TWO OF THEIR REQUESTS AND HAD GIVEN AN ASSURANCE IN RESPECT OF THE NON-CHINESE BDTC’S.

+1 WISH TO PLACE ON RECORD THE THANKS WE OWE AS A COMMUNITY TO MISS (LYDIA) DUNN AND HER COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR UNSTINTING EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE DRAFT ORDER IN COUNCIL WAS LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT ON APRIL 28 AND WOULD SOON BE DEBATED BY BOTH HOUSES.

NOTING THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ORDER COULD NOT BE OVEREMPHASISED, HE SAID IT WAS MADE UNDER THE POWERS CONFERRED BY THE HONG KONG ACT AND IT WOULD GIVE EFFECT TO THE NATIONALITY PROVISIONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION.

HE SAI Ds +THE ORDER WILL PROVIDE FOR A NEW FORM OF BRITISH NATIONALITY, THAT OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS), TO BE ACQUIRED BY HONG KONG BDTC’S AS AN ENTITLEMENT IF THEY SO WISH.

/+IT WILL .......

VEDNZSDAY, APRIL JC, 1->o6

2

+IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT WHICH WILL BE THE SUCCESSOR DOCUMENT TO THE CURRENT BDTC (HONG KONG) PASSPORT.+

SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENTS HAD ALREADY INDICATED THEY WERE LIKELY TO ACCEPT THE NEW PASSPORTS.

ONCE THE ORDER IN COUNCIL HAD BEEN MADE, THE UK GOVERNMENT WOULD APPROACH OTHER COUNTRIES THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW PASSPORT, HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID MEMBERS WOULD ALSO HAVE NOTICED FROM THE MEMORANDA EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS AND PUBLISHED LAST THURSDAY, THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO THE INCLUSION OF AN APPROPRIATE RIGHT OF ABODE ENDORSEMENT IN BN(O) PASSPORTS INDICATING IN CLEAR TERMS THE HOLDER’S RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.

ON THE REQUEST CONCERNING THE NON-CHINESE BDTC’S, SIR DAVID SAID FOR THE REASONS SET OUT IN THE WRITTEN REPLY BY THE HOME SECRETARY ON APRIL 23, THE UK GOVERNMENT DID NOT CONSIDER IT RIGHT TO GRANT BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO THOSE BDTC’S WHO WERE NOT ETHNICALLY CHINESE IF ON JULY 1, 1997 THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS.

HE SAID! +HOWEVER, AS IS ALREADY PROVIDED IN THE DRAFT ORDER THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) STATUS BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 AND WILL ON THAT DATE BECOME BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS IF THEY DO NOT DO SO.

+THEIR CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS IF THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS AND THEIR GRANDCHILDREN WILL HAVE AN ENTITLEMENT TO ACQUIRE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP IF THEY ARE BORN STATELESS.*

♦MOREOVER, IN RESPECT OF THOSE AFFECTED, THE HOME SECRETARY HAS GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT IF ANY BRITISH NATIONAL WAS IN THE FUTURE TO COME UNDER PRESSURE TO LEAVE HONG KONG, HE WOULD EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY TO CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY THE CASE FOR ADMISSION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM,* SIR DAVID ADDED.

/5 .....

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

5

REPEAL OF TAX ON OFFSHORE INTEREST WELCOMED

******

GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO REPEAL THE TAXATION OF OFFSHORE INTEREST UNDER PROFITS TAX WAS LAUDED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL PROPOSING THE REPEAL, BOTH THE HON RITA FAN AND THE HON PETER POON SAID THAT SUCH A MOVE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE LEGAL AND ACCOUNTANCY PROFESSIONS.

MR POON SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT GOVERNMENT HAD RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO CONSTRUCTIVE AND HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS SUPPORTED BY FAIR AND REASONED ARGUMENTS.

+THE AMENDMENT BILL BEFORE US IS A DEMONSTRATION OF ITS AVOWED INTENTION TO KEEP OUR TAX LEGISLATION AS SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE,+ HE ADDED.

SHARING THE SAME VIEW, MRS FAN SAID THE ACTION MIGHT REMOVE UNCERTAINTY AND SUSPICION IN THE MINDS OF MANY BUSINESSMEN WHO WERE NOW MORE CONFIDENT AND REASSURED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ALWAYS ABIDE BY THE TERRITORIAL CONCEPT BOTH IN LETTER AND IN SPIRIT.

+ IT ALSO SHOWS THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE INTENTION TO KEEP THE TAX LEGISLATION SIMPLE AND CLEAR.

+ SUCH EVIDENCE WILL ENHANCE HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE, WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE MORE BENEFICIAL IN THE LONGER TERM TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND POSSIBLY THE REVENUE,* SHE SAID.

BOTH MEMBERS CONCEDED THAT IT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE WHY THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE TAX ON INTEREST EARNED OVERSEAS IN 1984 BUT NOTED IT HAD CREATED SERIOUS CONCERN THAT HONG KONG’S +TERRITORIAL SOURCE* TAX CONCEPT WAS BEING BREACHED.

MEANWHILE, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENTAL INTERPRETATION AND PRACTICE NOTE NO. 13 ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER 1984 HAD IN FACT FURTHER INCREASED SUCH CONCERN, ESPECIALLY BY ITS REFERENCE TO THE +MIND AND MANAGEMENT* CONCEPT WHICH WAS MORE RELEVANT TO THE +RESIDENCE+ BASIS OF TAXATION THAN TO OUR +TERRITORIAL SOURCE* BASIS OP TAXATION, MR POON SAID.

/IT WAS .......

WEDNESDAY, aPRIL JO, 19E6

IT WAS WITH HESE CONCERNS IN MIND, HE ADDED, THAT THE UMELCO AD HOC INLAND REVENUE REVIEW PANEL WAS FORMED IN JULY 1985 TO STUDY THE RECENT TAX LAW CHANGES.

HAVING CRITICALLY EXAMINED THE NUMEROUS REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES AND HAVING CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE EFFECTS THE 1984 AMENDMENT- ORDINANCE MIGHT HAVE ON THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE PANEL RECOMMENDED THE REPEAL OF THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO TAX ON +OFFSHORE+ INTEREST AND THIS WAS NOW ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

MR POON SAID HE HOPED THAT THE AMENDED VERSION OF PRACTICE NOTE NO. 13 CLARIFYING AND REFLECTING THE PRACTICE OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ISSUED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

4

AS FOR THE LOSS IN REVENUE, MR POON SAID THE COST OF REPEALING THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION MIGHT NOT BE AS GREAT AS ESTIMATED.

+IN FACT, IF SUCH PROVISIONS REMAIN IN FORCE, MOST BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THEM WILL DEFINITELY CONSIDER SHIFTING THEIR FUNDS TO AVOID THE TAX ON +OFFSHORE INTEREST* AND NEW COMPANIES WHICH MAY BE UNWITTINGLY CAUGHT BY SUCH LEGISLATION WILL BE INCLINED TO AVOID HONG KONG AS ITS BASE,* HE SAID.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, THEN THANKED MRS FAN AND MR POON FOR THEIR COMMENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE REVIEW PANEL FOR THE CONSTRUCTIVE REPORT WHICH THEY PRODUCED LAST YEAR.

HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH HE PERSONALLY DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE MEASURES ON OFFSHORE INTEREST IN THE 1984 AMENDMENT ORDINANCE BREACHED HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL CONCEPT, BUT THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT DRAFTING DIFFICULTIES DID CREATE MISUNDERSTANDING AND UNCERTAINTY.

+HAPPILY OUR IMPROVED BUDGETARY SITUATION HAS ENABLED REPEAL TO TAKE PLACE AT LEAST A YEAR EARLIER THAN I HAD ANTICIPATED,* HE SAID.

SIR JOHN SAID HE HOPED THAT MEMBERS WERE CORRECT IN THEIR BELIEF THAT THE REPEAL WOULD SERVE TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE.

-------o -

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1^86

CLEARER BASIS FOR MARINE FEEb, CHARGES SOUGHT ******

BILL SEEKING TO CLARIFY THE LEGAL BASIS FOR THE SETTING - -EES, CHARGES AND PORT DUES UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE WAS TRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ■EES) BILL 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID CERTAIN FEES SET UNDER THE TWO ORDINANCES, NAMELY THOSE FOR THE KEEPING OF PRIVATE MOORINGS AND FOR PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCES, WERE TOGETHER USED TO RECOVER THE COST TO THE GOVERNMENT OF PROVIDING SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO THE PLEASURE BOATING COMMUNITY.

HE NOTED THAT THE LEVEL OF THOSE FEES AND THE MEANS BY .sHlCH THEY HAD BEEN SET HAD BEEN CHALLENGED LARGELY ON GROUNDS THAT FEES SHOULD RELATE QUITE SPECIFICALLY TC THT PARTICULAR SERVICE OR FACILITY PROVIDED RATHER THAN THE GENERALITY OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF THAT SERVICE FACILITY.

SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE BILL wAS INTENDED TO CLARIFY THE -JSITION AND MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT ANY PORT DUE, FEE OR CHARGE PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL

_ I NANCE MIGHT BE SET WITH REGARD TO THE GENERALITY OF COSTS.

IT ALSO SET OUT CRITERIA WHICH MIGHT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT :i DETERMINING MOORING FEES.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED SIMILARLY IN RESPECT OF FEES SET NDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE, SIR JOHN SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS UNDER THIS ORDINANCE THAT PLEASURE VESSEL LICENCE FEES WERE PRESCRIBED.

THE VALIDITY OF ALL OTHER EXISTING FEES SET UNDER THE TwO ORDINANCES WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY A CLAUSE OF THE BILL, HE SAID.

SIR JOHN STRESSED THAT NOTHING IN THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO RECOVER THE COST lF OPERATING THE PORT AND HONG KONG’S SHIPPING SERVICES.

♦ IT WILL, HOWEVER, ENABLE US TO CHARGE ALL THOSE WHO USE PORT AND ITS SERVICES THEIR SHARE OF THE COSTS OF OPERATING THE PORT RATHER THAN THE MORE MODEST CONTRIBUTIONS SOME HAVE ENJOYED IN THE PAST,+ HE SAID.

/SIR JOHN ......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

6

SIR JOHN SAID CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT FULL RECOVERY COULD IMPOSE A HEAVY BURDEN ON SOME USERS OF THE PORT, SUCH AS THE SCOUTS OR OUTWARD BOUND, WHO OPERATE VESSELS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR COMMUNITY PROJECTS.

♦ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS ALREADY EXIST FOR FEES TO BE REBATED (OR SUBVENTIONS INCREASED) TO ENSURE THAT ANY GENUINE ADVERSE EFFECTS MAY BE AMELIORATED. THESE ORGANISATIONS NEED HAVE NO WORRY ON ACCOUNT OF THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* HE NOTED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.


CONTROL ON ’MINERAL WATER’ PROPOSED ******

A BILL SEEKING TO IMPOSE CONTROL ON THE MANUFACTURE AND QUALITY OF BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS *MINERAL WATER* WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THE DEFINITIONS OF +FOOD+ AND +DRINK+ IN THE EXISTING ORDINANCE DID NOT INCLUDE BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS +MI NERAL WATER* OTHER THAN NATURAL SPRING WATER.

+CONSEQUENTLY, SUCH BOTTLED WATER IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE QUALITY OF IMPORTED AND LOCALLY PRODUCED +MINERAL WATER* ON SALE IN HONG KONG HAD NOT BEEN FOUND TO BE UNSAFE OR UNHYGIENIC, THERE WERE AT PRESENT 14 BRANDS OF +MINERAL WATER* PRODUCED LOCALLY AND 26 BRANDS IMPORTED FOR SALE.

+IT IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED NECESSARY ON PUBLIC HEALTH GROUNDS TO PROVIDE FOR CONTROL OF THE MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF SUCH PRODUCTS,* HE SAID.

THE BILL THEREFORE AMENDED THE DEFINITIONS OF +FOOD* AND +DRINK+ TO BRING WITHIN THE AMBIT Of THE ORDINANCE BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS +M|NERAL WATER* FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

/MH CHAMBERS........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

MR CHAMBERS SAID ALL LOCAL PRODUCERS OF +MINERAL WATER+ HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROPOSAL AND THEY HAD NOT RAISED ANY OBJECTIONS. THE MAJOR TRADE ORGANISATIONS HAD ALSO INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.

HE ADDED THAT BOTH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE THEN PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND HAD ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL.

♦ AS THE PROPOSED CONTROLS WILL APPLY TO IMPORTED BOTTLED WATER, OTHER PARTIES TO THE GATT HAD ALSO BEEN NOTIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH HONG KONG’S OBLIGATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT ON TECHNICAL BARRIERS TO TRADE,+ HE SAID.

IN ORDER TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE TRADE TO COMPLY WITH THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS IN RESPECT OF MINERAL WATER, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE BILL SHOULD NOT COME INTO OPERATION UNTIL JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

-----0-----

LOAN TERMS SAME FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF 26 BLOCKS * * * * *

THE TERMS OF THE GOVERNMENT LOAN OF $800 MILLION FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE 26 SUB-STANDARD BLOCKS ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LOANS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON JOHN TODD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON RICHARD LAI ON THE $800 MILLION LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, MR TODD SAID THE TERMS WERE THE SAME BECAUSE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE 26 BLOCKS HAD BEEN REGARDED AS AN EXTENSION OF THE AUTHORITY’S ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO REDEVELOP ITS MARK I AND II ESTATES.

♦INTEREST OF FIVE PER CENT IS CHARGED ON THESE LOANS BUT IT IS ONLY A NOTIONAL CHARGE. THAT IS TO SAY THE CHARGE IS INCLUDED IN THE AUTHORITY’S ACCOUNTS TO PORTRAY CLEARLY THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION, IN ADDITION TO FREE LAND, TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF HOUSING, BUT NO CASH PAYMENT IS MADE IN RESPECT OF THE INTEREST.*

MR TODD ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WOULD NOT AFFECT RENT LEVELS.

♦THEY ARE NOT RELATED TO THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION, BUT ARE ESSENTIALLY DETERMINED BY THE LOCATION AND AMENITIES OF THE ESTATE, AS COMPARED WITH EXISTING COMPARABLE ESTATES AND ABOVE ALL, THE TENANTS’ ABILITY TO PAY,+ HE ADDED.

- 0

/8

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

& -

FURTHER MEASURES ON SYNTHETIC HORMONES * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING FURTHER MEASURES TO PREVENT T--Z USE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES IN LOCALLY BRED POULTRY AND TO -CHIblT THE SALE OF MEAT CONTAINING HORMONE RESIDUES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS HOPED AMENDMENTS TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE USE AND POSSESSION OF UNREGISTERED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS, INCLUDING PROSCRIBED SYNTHETIC HORMONES, IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE CURRENT YEAR.

HE ADDED THAT CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO AMENDING THE HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN FOOD REGULATIONS, MADE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE, TO PROHIBIT THE IMPORTATION, DELIVERY OR SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OF FISH, MEAT, POULTRY (INCLUDING FROZEN CHICKEN), AND THE RETAIL SALE OF LIVE POULTRY WHICH CONTAINED CERTAIN HARMFUL SYNTHETIC HORMONES.

MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 19, 1983, SYNTHETIC HORMONES, OR STILBENE DERIVATIVES, WHICH WERE USED AS GROWTH STIMULANTS IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY, WERE DEREGISTERED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS.

AS A RESULT, THE IMPORTATION, SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF THESE HORMONES ARE NOW PROHIBITED,+ HE SAID.

-----o------

FEW CASES DISMISSED THROUGH POLICE ABSENCE

*****

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TOOK A VERY SERIOUS VIEW OF A POL I Ct OFFICER FAILING TO ATTEND THE COURT WHEN REQUIRED TO DO SO, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, DISCIPLINARY ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN WHEN APPROPRIATE. Th£ INCIDENCE OF CRIMINAL COURT CASES BEING DISMISSED OFFICERS’ FAILURE TO ATTEND COURT WAS LOW.

MR THOMAS SAID AS A RESULT, DUE TO POLICE

/+THE GOVERNMENT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE ANY ADDITIONAL MEASURES AT THIS TIME,+ HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, OVER 875 OOO CASES EXCLUDING FIXED PENALTY TICKET CASES, HAD BEEN INITIATED BY POLICE IN MAGISTRATES’ COURTS.

IN NEARLY ALL OF THEM, POLICE OFFICERS WERE REQUESTED TO ATTEND AS PROSECUTION WITNESSES,+ HE SAID.

OF THESE CASES, 28 WERE DISMISSED BECAUSE POLICE OFFICERS WERE NOT PRESENT IN COURT WHEN THEY WERE CALLED TO GIVE EVIDENCE.+

MR THOMAS SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY CASES DISMISSED IN THE HIGHER COURTS FOR THIS REASON DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS.

-----0-----

'MUCH CHEAPER’ TO IMPROVE EXISTING ROADS ******

THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT AND IMPROVEMENTS TO POK FU LAM ROAD WILL EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION BETWEEN WESTERN AND CENTRAL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR MACPHERSON SAID IT WOULD BE +VERY MUCH CHEAPER* TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM THAN TO BUILD A MAJOR NEW TRUNK ROAD SUCH AS THE PROPOSED ROUTE 7 RUNNING ALONG THE COAST FROM WESTERN TO ABERDEEN, AND COSTING ABOUT $1 000 MILLION.

ONLY WHEN ADDITIONAL CAPACITY CANNOT BE SQUEEZED OUT OF THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM CAN SUCH A LARGE INVESTMENT BE JUSTIFIED,+ HE SAID.

PRESENT PLANNING DID NOT ENVISAGE BUILDING OF ROUTE 7 BEING UNDERTAKEN UNTIL SOME TIME AFTER COMPLETION OF THE CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT AND THE POK FU LAM ROAD IMPROVEMENTS.

HOWEVER, IT IS RECOGNISED THAT BY THE EARLY 1990’S THIS MAY EE THE ONLY FEASIBLE WAY OF INCREASING ROAD CAPACITY IN THIS CORRIDOR,* HE ADDED.

MEANWHILE, HE SAID, TENDERS FOR THE CONNAUGHT ROAD PROJECT WOULD BE INVITED SHORTLY. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS AND WORK TO DIVERT UTILITIES HAD ALREADY BEGUN IN ADVANCE OF THE MAIN CONTRACTS.

/+THI£ PROJECT .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

- 10 -

♦THIS PROJECT AND THE WIDENING OF THE FINAL SECTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS AT THE POKFIELD ROAD JUNCTION ARE ALL DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1989,+ HE SAID.

+FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING PLANNED TO THE MOST IMPORTANT JUNCTIONS IN POK FU LAM CORRIDOR SUCH AS THOSE AT WESTERN STREET, POKFIELD ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, SASSOON ROAD AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD.+

IT WAS HOPED THESE IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN STAGES BETWEEN NOW AND THE EARLY 1990’S.

-----o------

HEAVY PRESSURE ON WATER SUPPLIES ENQUIRY SERVICE X * * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE k OVERLOADED, AND A PROPOSAL TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION HAS BEEN PUT 1. THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR CHAN SAID THE NINE LINES OF THE ENQUIRY SERVICE HANDLED 10 000 CALLS A MONTH. THE TELEPHONE COMPANY HAD BEEN ASKED TO ESTABLISH A SEPARATE SYSTEM FOR THE NINE LINES AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF LINES.

+T0 COMPLEMENT THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY SERVICE, ENQUIRY CENTRES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED. SIX CENTRES EXIST AND THEIR SUCCESS CAN BE JUDGED BY THE FACT THAT THEY HANDLED 22 000 ENQUIRIES A MONTH,+ HE SAID.

+TWO ADDITIONAL CENTRES ARE PLANNED FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR AND A FURTHER SIX IN COMING YEARS.+

MR CHAN SAID THE EXPANSION OF THE CENTRES, TOGETHER WITH THE IMPROVEMENT IN DISTRIBUTION AND CONTENT OF EXPLANATORY PAMPHLETS ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, SHOULD HELP OFFSET THE INCREASING LOAD Or THE TELEPHONE SERVICE.

-------o -

WEDNESDAY, APRK ?0, 1986

11

RIGHT APPROACH TAKEN IN PRIVATISATION

*****

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES THAT CAN ARGUABLY BE DONE BETTER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, SIR JOHN SAID EXAMPLES OF THIS APPROACH COULD BE SEEN IN THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM, THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY AND EXISTING SERVICES SUCH AS CARPARKS.

NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID, THE PERCEIVED ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATISATION HAD TO BE BALANCED AGAINST THE MORALE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE CONSIDERABLE COSTS OF DISESTABLISHMENT.

IN THIS CONTEXT, SIR JOHN SAID A PRAGMATIC RATHER THAN A THEORETICAL JUDGEMENT WAS ESSENTIAL AND THAT WAS ALWAYS GIVEN BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

+GIVEN OUR VERY SUCCESSFUL VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES PLUS THE NEED TO CONSTRAIN THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, ONE FRUITFUL AVENUE WILL BE THE CONTRACTING OUT OF SERVICES,+ HE SAID.

SIR JOHN STRESSED THAT THERE COULD HOWEVER BE NO PRIVATISATION WITHOUT PROSPECT OF PROFIT ON CHARGES THAT WERE REASONABLE.

+THUS THE NEW JUNK BAY ROAD TUNNEL MUST BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ONLY THE MANAGEMENT MIGHT LATER BE TURNED OVER TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE CONVERSION OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY INTO A STATUTORY CORPORATION, HE SAID IT HAD BEEN AN UNDOUBTED SUCCESS.

SIR JOHN NOTED THAT THE OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND INTEREST CHARGES HAD INCREASED 11.2 TIMES FROM $21 MILLION IN 1983 TO $237 MILLION IN 1985, AND THE CORPORATION HAD REPAID THE $1 BILLION GOVERNMENT LOAN.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE VERY LARGE INVESTMENT MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE RAILWAY WAS CLEARLY A MAJOR FACTOR IN ITS SUCCESS.

IN ADDITION, SIR JOHN SAID THE RAILWAY MUST BE RUN IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES WHILE OPERATING IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.

+AS A STATUTORY CORPORATION, THE KCRC HAD BEEN ABLE TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO MARKET CONDITIONS AND ENJOYS FAR GREATER FLEXIBILITY THAN ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT IN MAKING COMMERCIAL DECISION, IN MARKETING ITS SERVICES AND IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING 'TS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT,* HE ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

ADOLESCENTS ADMITTED TO PAEDIATRIC WARDS

*****

I

ADOLESCENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 15 ARE BEING ADMITTED INTO PAEDIATRIC WARDS AT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN VIEW OF THE RELATIVE OVER-UTILISATION OF ADULT MEDICAL WARDS COMPARED WITH CHILDREN'S WARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAMBERS SAID CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO EXTENDING THE SAME ARRANGEMENT TO OTHER PUBLIC HOSPITALS, SUBJECT TO CONSULTATION WITH THE PHYSICIANS AND PAEDIATRICIANS CONCERNED.

-------0----------

EXPLANATION GIVEN FOR EXAM TAPE MIX-UP

******

THE REASON FOR INVALIDATING THE USE OF ENGLISH LISTENING TEST FOR THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION ON APRIL 12 WAS THAT THE TEST TAPES WERE NOT COPIED FROM THE EDITED MASTER TAPE, BUT FROM AN UNEDITED WORKING TAPE WHICH HAD BEEN INADEQUATELY LABELLED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR HENDERSON SAID NORMALLY A STUDENT TAKING THE TEST WOULD HEAR A SET OF OPENING INSTRUCTIONS, FOLLOWED BY TWO READINGS OF THE SET PASSAGE AND THEN A FURTHER INSTRUCTION TO OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE QUESTION AND ANSWER BOOK AND TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

♦ON THIS OCCASION. BOTH SETS OF INSTRUCTIONS PRECEDED ONE READING OF THE SET PASSAGE,+ HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON SAID INVIGILATORS AT SOME OF THE 90 T3’5 CENTRES STOPPED THE TEST IMMEDIATELY WHILE OTHERS ALLOWED IT TO CONTINUE.

♦IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY CONCLUDED THAT THE ONLY FAIR AND SATISFACTORY COURSE WAS TO RESET THE TEST. THIS HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2,+ HE SAID.

MR HENDERSON NOTED THAT THE AUTHORITY WAS AN INDEPENDENT BODY ESTABLISHED BY ORDINANCE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS IN HONG KONG AND WAS WHOLLY FINANCED FROM FEES CHARGED TO EXAMINATION CANDIDATES.

/+THERE i»IU........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

I +THERE ILL THEREFORE BE NO COST TO GOVERNMENT FUNDS AS SUCH.+ ' SA ID.

+THE INCIDENT IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE AUTHORITY AND IT WILL BE FOR THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE IN DUE COURSE, IN THE LIGHT CF THAT INVESTIGATION, WHAT ADDITIONAL MEASURES MAY BE REQUIRED TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE,+ HE ADDED.

--------0 ---------

NO PLANS TO REGULATE PROMOTION MATERIALS *****

GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO REGULATE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS USED BY PROPERTY DEVELOPERS BUT IS CONCERNED THAT PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF UNITS IN UNCOMPLETED BUILDINGS SHOULD BE GIVEN CORRECT AND SUFFICIENT INFORMATION REGARDING THE SIZE OF UNITS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW, MR HO SAID RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN A STUDY INITIATED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO DEFINE +SALEABLE AREA+ OF UNITS AND PROMOTE ITS USE AS THE STANDARD METHOD OF MEASURING THE FLOOR AREA OF UNITS IN UNCOMPLETED BUILDINGS OFFERED FOR SALE.

AS A RESULT, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAS NOW ADOPTED A STANDARDISED DEFINITION OF +SALEABLE AREA+,+ HE SAID.

THIS DEFINITION WILL IN FUTURE BE INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD FORM OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT WHICH DEVELOPERS ARE REQUIRED TO USE AS ONE OF THE CONDITIONS ON WHICH THE REGISTRAR GENERAL WOULD GIVE HIS CONSENT FOR PERMISSION TO DEAL BEFORE THE ISSUE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.+

ASKED WHETHER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ALL STRUCTURAL PARTITIONS WERE FIT FOR THEIR CLAIMED PURPOSES, MR HO SAID BEFORE APPROVING PLANS SUBMITTED FOR NEW BUILDINGS, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ENSURED THAT MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS WERE MET, WALLS STRUCTURALLY SOUND AND ROOMS HAD ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND VENTILATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS.

THESE REGULATIONS DO NOT HOWEVER SPECIFY MINIMUM FLOOR AREAS FOR ROOMS,+ MR HO ADDED.

------0-------

/14........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 33, 1986

1<*

NO SPECIAL HOLIDAY FOR LABOUR DAY

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO INTRODUCE AN ADDITIONAL STATUTORY HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY BUT, WITH THE CONSENT OF THEIR EMPLOYER, EMPLOYEES MAY TAKE A 'FLOATING HOLIDAY’ ON MAY 1 UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR HENDERSON EXPLAINED THAT THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE REQUIRED EMPLOYERS TO GRANT 11 PAID STATUTORY HOLIDAYS A YEAR, TWO OF WHICH COULD BE TAKEN ON ANY DAY, INCLUDING MAY 1.

HE ALSO SAID THAT WHILE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY WAS CELEBRATED BY A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES, + IT IS BY NO MEANS A UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED HOLIDAY*.

+HONG KONG ALREADY HAS MORE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS THAN MOST OF ITS ASIAN NEIGHBOURS,* HE ADDED.

------o-------

MARKET PLANNING STANDARDS FOR REVIEW

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO REVIEW ITS MARKET PLANNING STANDARDS TO ENSURE THAT THEY MEET CURRENT REQUIREMENTS AND TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGING SHOPPING PATTERNS.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM.

MR CHAN SAID PRESENT STANDARDS ALLOWED FOR 140 MARKET STALLS PER 10 000 PEOPLE IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND ONE STALL FOR 60 TO 90 HOUSEHOLDS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

HE SAID HE AGREED WITH MR CHUNG THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR A MARKET IN THE LAI WAN AREA, BASED ON PRESENT STANDARDS AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT EXISTING FACILITIES IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.

+A NUMBER OF SITES HAS IN THE PAST BEEN CONSIDERED, BUT FOR VARIOUS REASONS, INCLUDING ACCESSIBILITY TO THE CATCHMENT POPULATION, NONE HAS SO FAR BEEN AGREED,* HE SAID.

HE WAS CONFIDENT, HOWEVER, THAT A SITE COULD BE AGREED UPON AS SOON AS THE URBAN COUNCIL DECIDED TO BUILD A MARKET.

0

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

15

SIX BILLS PASSED

*****

SIX BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). THEY ARE THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE ESTATE DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1986, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.

BILL BILL

TWO OTHER BILLS - THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (FEES) 1986 AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) 1986 - WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS

ADJOURNED.

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 7.

-----o------

/16........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

- U

BACKGROUND RADIATION MONITORING PROGRAMME BEING DEVELOPED * * * *

COMMENTING ON THE CONCERN VOICED, FOLLOWING THE CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR INCIDENT, ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ON HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR RADIATION LEVELS AND TO TAKE EFFECTIVE ACTION IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ANY ACCIDENT ACTUALLY OCCURRING.

TOWARDS THIS END, GOVERNMENT HAD COMMISSIONED THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY AT HARWELL IN NOVEMBER 1985 TO PROVIDE IT WITH INDEPENDENT AND EXPERT ADVICE ON THREE IMPORTANT AREAS:

THESE ARE:

* THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BACKGROUND RADIATION MONITORING PROGRAMME TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MONITORING THE RADIATION LEVEL IN HONG KONG’S ATMOSPHERE;

M AN ASSESSMENT STUDY OF THE PROBABILITIES OF DIFFERENT INCIDENTS OR ACCIDENTS AT THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES FOR HONG KONG; AND

* GUIDANCE ON THE DESIGN OF AN OUTLINE CONTINGENCY PLAN.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONSULTANCY IS

WELL UNDER WAY, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY 1987. UP TO THE PRESENT, THE CONSULTANTS HAVE ALREADY PROVIDED RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE RADIATION MONITORING PROGRAMME BASED ON WHICH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS REVISING THE PROGRAMME FOR IMPLEMENTATION AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

IN THE LIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT AT CHERNOBYL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ♦GOVERNMENT WILL REQUEST HARWELL TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNT FROM THAT ACCIDENT AND TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ACCORD INGLY.+

-------o---------

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

17

DRIVE TO MEET DEMAND FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS EMBARKING ON MAJOR RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED WORKLOAD OF DOCUMENTS NEEDING TRANSLATION.

THIS WAS REVEALED AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR 42 CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WHO COMPLETED THEIR BASIC TRAINING COURSES.

DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR ADOLF HSU, TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THE STANDARD OF CHINESE EXPECTED OF CLO’S WILL BE MUCH HIGHER AS THE LANGUAGE BECOMES MORE WIDELY USED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHEN HONG KONG IS ENTERING A NEW ERA.

+YOUR WORK WILL GROW IN IMPORTANCE AND SO WILL YOUR STATUS. I HOPE YOU WILL STAND FIRM AND ACCEPT THE NEW CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME,+ HE SAID.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE, MR FRED TING, SAID THAT AS DOCUMENTS NEEDING TRANSLATION WERE INCREASING, THERE WAS A CORRESPONDING GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF CLO’S.

SOME 50 NEW RECRUITS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION FROM NEXT MONTH WHILE ANOTHER RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IS UNDERWAY TO FILL ANOTHER 50 VACANCIES.

+IF ALL GOES WELL, THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION WILL SEE ANOTHER BATCH OF NEW OFFICERS MARCHING IN TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. THIS IS HEARTENING NEWS, BECAUSE WITH MORE RECRUITS, IT WILL ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE OF WORK YOU ARE FACING,+ MR TING SAID.

+0N THE OTHER HAND, THE CONTINUOUS AND STEADY RISE IN THE NUMBER OF CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS CAN REFLECT THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS GRADE,+ HE ADDED.

SINCE 1981, THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION HAS ORGANISED FIVE BASIC TRAINING COURSES FOR MORE THAN 130 OFFICERS AND THREE TRAINING COURSES NOW UNDERWAY ARE ATTENDED BY SOME 60 CLO’S.

BESIDES RUNNING BASIS TRAINING COURSES FOR NEW RECRUITS, REFRESHER AND INTENSIVE COURSES ARE ALSO ORGANISED REGULARLY TO UPGRADE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF THE CLO’S.

/18........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

18

BETTER SUPPORT NEEDED IN CLEANING HONG KONG

*****

AN URBAN COUNCILLOR TODAY (WEDNESDAY) CALLED FOR A NEW TERRITORY-WIDE, GOVERNMENT SPONSORED CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN.

AT A MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, THE CHAIRMAN, MR WALTER SULKE, SAID THAT A NEW DRIVE WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE +THE EDGE HAS GONE OFF OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THE CITY CLEAN*.

♦IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE, ESPECIALLY AFTER WEEKENDS, IN AREAS WHERE MANY PEOPLE CONGREGATE,+ HE POINTED OUT.

MR SULKE STRESSED THAT FUTURE CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE PRIMARILY AIMED AT YOUTH BECAUSE HONG KONG WILL NOT BE CLEAN +UNTIL THE CHILDREN, THE TEENAGERS, THE YOUNGER GENERATION, GET THE MESSAGE THAT KEEPING IT CLEAN IS A SOCIAL RESPONSI Bl LITY+.

HE ADDED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE BY THEIR GOOD EXAMPLE COULD EVEN HELP THE ORDER GENERATION CHANGE THEIR BAD HABITS.

AS AGREED BY COMMITTEE. THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL, IN FACT, BE JOINTLY CONDUCTING A KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND AMONG COMPONENTS OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WILL BE A CLEAN SCHOOLS COMPETITION.

AMONG OTHER INITIATIVES, THE COMMITTEE AGREED TO ALLOW THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO ACT AS AGENTS FOR THE UC’S SPONSORED LITTERBIN SCHEME AT THE MTR’S KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT IN QUARRY BAY.

THEY ALSO RESOLVED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE SEVENTH AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME AS PART OF A SUMMER ’CLEAN BEACH’ CAMPAIGN.

-----c-----

NOMINATIONS FOR BY-ELECTIONS CLOSE FRIDAY *****

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR BY-ELECTIONS OF TWO DISTRICT BOARDS ARE BEING URGED TO COME FORWARD EARLY AS THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY (MAY 2).

TWO SEATS - ONE IN THE CHUNG WAN CONSTITUENCY OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT, AND THE OTHER IN THE TAI KOK TSUI CONSTITUENCY OF MONG KOK DISTRICT - WERE VACATED FOLLOWING THE ELECTION OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN MARCH.

/ANY RSGISTEBED .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

- 19 -

ANY REGISTERED VOTER WHO HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS, IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE NOMINATION DATE, IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED.

THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE NOMINATED BY TEN ELECTORS, INCLUDING ONE PROPOSER AND ONE SECONDER, OF THE CONSTITUENCY.

CANDIDATES NEED NOT LIVE IN THE CONSTITUENCY OR DISTRICT WHERE HE OR SHE SEEKS ELECTION.

NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

NOMINATIONS MAY BE MADE DURING OFFICE HOURS TO THE RESPECTIVE RETURNING OFFICERS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN, AND MONG KOK DISTRICT WHO ARE THE DISTRICT OFFICERS.

NEW FEED FORMULA BOOSTS COCKEREL GROWTH * * * * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS DEVISED A HIGH DENSITY DIET WHICH HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE ABLE TO ENHANCE THE GROWTH RATE IN COCKERELS, THUS REPLACING THE USE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES WHICH IS BEING DISCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

RICH IN PROTEIN AND ENERGY CONTENTS, THE NEW DIET IS COMPOSED ESSENTIALLY OF A MIXTURE OF MAIZE AND SOYABEAN MEAL, ADDED WITH FAT, MEAT AND BONE MEAL, FISH MEAL, POULTRY MINERAL AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS.

IT ENABLES COCKERELS TO REACH MARKET WEIGHT AROUND 80 DAYS OF AGE WHEN THE SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIRDS ARE STILL UNDEVELOPED, AND TO ACQUIRE IMPROVED CARCASS QUALITY, MEAT TEXTURE AND FAT DEPOSITION.

THE NEW FORMULA WAS INTRODUCED TO CHICKEN BREEDERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY THE DEPARTMENT’S POULTRY HUSBANDRY OFFICER, MISS MABLE LAM, AT A SEMINAR HELD AT A YUEN LONG RESTAURANT THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

MISS LAM SAID THAT THE DIET WAS THE RESULT OF TWO AND HALF YEARS’ COMPREHENSIVE EXPERIMENTAL WORK CARRIED OUT AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CASTLE PEAK POULTRY BREEDING CENTRE TO GET AROUND THE USE OF HORMONE IMPLANTS IN THE BROILER INDUSTRY.

/SHE SAID .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

2C

SHE SAID THE LOCAL SHEK KI COCKERELS ONLY REACH MARKETABLE SIZE AT ABOUT 16 WEEKS OF AGE. BUT BY THEN THEIR SEXUAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE VERY PROMINENT WITH LARGE, RED COMBS AND ANGULAR BODY CONFORMATION WITH LITTLE FAT DEPOSITION. THEIR MUSCLES ARE TOUGH, DARK IN COLOUR AND MAY HAVE A FISHY TASTE.

+ALL THESE RENDER THE CARCASS LESS FAVOURABLE TO LOCAL CONSUMERS,+ SHE SAID.

+TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM,+ MISS LAM SAID, +MUCH WORK HAS BEEN DONE BY THE DEPARTMENT TO INITIATE CROSS-BREEDING PROGRAMMES TO ACHIEVE GENETIC IMPROVEMENTS OF THE BIRDS IN TERM OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND TO DEVISE A SUITABLE RATION FOR BOOSTING THE GROWTH OF THE IMPROVED BREEDS SO AS TO ACQUIRE THE DESIRED CARCASS QUALITY WITH SUBCUTANEOUS FAT DEPOSITION.+

SHE SAID THAT OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, SIX EXPERIMENTS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT TO STUDY THE GROWTH PERFORMANCES OF 4 500 BIRDS OF THE SHEK KI BREED AND ITS CROSSES WITH EXOTIC VARIETIES, USING RATIONS OF DIFFERENT DENSITIES.

THE FINDINGS SHOWED COCKERELS DERIVED FROM SHEK KI-SHAVER OFFSPRING BACKCROSSED WITH SHEK KI, FED WITH THE HIGH DENSITY DIET, REACHED 1.96 KG IN ONLY 78 DAYS. THIS COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THE MALE SHEK KI BIRDS FED WITH ORDINARY RATIONS, WHICH TOOK 112 DAYS TO REACH 1.87 KG UNDER NORMAL ClRCUMSTANCES.

+COMPARED WITH THE LOCAL SHEK KI MALES, THE CROSS FED WITH THE NEW DIET IS MORE SUITABLE FOR USE AS BROILER CHICKEN AS THEY HAVE SMALLER COMBS, ROUNDER BODY CONFORMATION, SOFTER MEAT TEXTURE, LIGHTER FLESH COLOUR AND A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF SUBCUTANEOUS FAT DEPOSITION, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, ARE WITHOUT THE FISHY TASTE,+ MISS LAM SAID.

SHE ADDED THAT THE RESULTS HAD BEEN OBTAINED UNDER MODERATE WEATHER CONDITIONS WITH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 11 DEGREES CELSIUS TO 27 DEGREES CELSIUS AND WITH AVERAGE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 70 PER CENT.

+AS HOT AND HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS IN SUMMER MONTHS AFFECT THE GROWTH PERFORMANCES OF CHICKEN GENERALLY, COCKERELS OF THE SPECIAL CROSS ARE NO EXCEPTION.

+FURTHER EXPERIMENTS WILL BE CONDUCTED TO STUDY POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF THESE BIRDS UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS,* MISS LAM SAID.

-----o------

/21 .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

21

KOWLOON CITY BECOMES A BETTER PLACE

*****

KOWLOON CITY HAS BECOME A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SAYS THE OUT-GOING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES.

SPEAKING AT A FAREWELL DINNER PARTY LAST (TUESDAY) NIGHT, MR JONES SAID THE DEDICATION OF DISTRICT COMMUNITY LEADERS DURING HIS TWO AND A HALF YEARS AS DISTRICT OFFICER PROVIDED HIM WITH A SATISFYING MEMORY.

+AT PRESENT, PARTS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARE UNDERGOING MAJOR CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH PROVIDE A CHALLENGE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,* HE TOLD THE GATHERING.

■►HOWEVER, I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE KOWLOON CITY SPIRIT WILL NOT CHANGE AND ALL OF YOU WILL FACE THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE AND FAITH.+

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, PAID TRIBUTE TO MR JONES FOR HIS WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND IN PROMOTING BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT.

ABOUT 200 PEOPLE, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, ATTENDED THE FUNCTION.

THEY ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME MR ALEX FONG, WHO WILL TAKE OVER FROM MR JONES NEXT MONDAY (MAY 5).

-------0 -

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT STUDIES CENTRE

*****

EDUCATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED STUDIES CENTRE AT TUI MIN HOI IN SAI MRS PEGGY LAM, THE REV JOSEPH G.

FOUR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIELD KUNG. THE FOUR WERE MRS RITA FAN FOLEY AND MR DAVID CHEUNG.

OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR (BIOLOGY), MISS ROSE LAU.

THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT DIRECTOR INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SOFAI-CHO,=RINCIPAL 14? Y. W, LIU, AND BOARD OF EDUCATION SECRETARY,

/THE VISITORS........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

22

THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED ON THE ROLE OF THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN PROMOTING BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG SENIOR FORM STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THROUGH EDUCATION AND INFORMATIVE SERVICE. IT IS DESIGNED AND EQUIPPED FOR FIELD WORK FOR STUDENTS TAKING COURSES ON ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY.

THE CENTRE RUNS 16 ECOLOGY AND 16 GEOGRAPHY COURSES EACH ACADEMIC YEAR. ORIENTATION AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ARE ALSO ORGANISED FOR BIOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS.

MORE THAN 2 600 STUDENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS FIELD STUDY COURSES SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1979.

POLICE SUBMISSIONS ON COMMERCIAL CRIME *****

THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME, CHAIRED By W PETER C. WONG, WILL MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IN A PUBLIC SESSION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 PM.

CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU, NR M. G. FARNHAM, WILL PRESENT TWO WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS, ONE CONCERNING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FRAUD TRIALS (ROSKILL) REPORT AS IT AFFECTS THE POLICE FORCE AND THE SECOND SUGGESTING IMPROVEMENTS TO SIMPLIFY POLICE INVESTIGATIONS OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL

FRAUDS.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBSERVE PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PUBLIC GALLERY.

-----o------

36 PRESENTED EXAM CERTIFICATES *****

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 36 YOUNG MEN WHO PASSED VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS AT A CEREMONY HELD AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TODAY

(WEDNESDAY).

A TOTAL OF 59 CERTIFICATES FROM CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE, LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND PITMAN EXAMINATIONS INSTITUTE WERE AWARDED.

/THE RECIPIENTS, .......

wZJNESDAY, APRIL >0, 1986

THE RECIPIENTS, AGED 19 TO 24, SAT FOR THE EXAMINATIONS LAST YEAR WHILE SERVING AT THE PIK 'JK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. FIVE OF THEM HAD SINCE BEEN DISCHARGED.

BETWEEN THEM, THEY EARNED 29 DISTINCTIONS, FIVE CREDITS AND 34 PASSES IN MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL SCIENCE, BOOK-KEEPING, ENGLISH FOR COMMERCE AND ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE.

MR LEUNG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING INMATES WITH COURSES THAT LED TO VARIOUS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.

+SUCH POSITIVE EFFORTS TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIALS OF INMATES AND PREPARE THEM FOR BETTER SOCIAL INTEGRATION LATER IN LIFE ARE WORTHY OF ADMIRATION,+ HE REMARKED.

THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SENIOR OFFICERS AND MASTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AS WELL AS FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OF THE RECIPIENTS ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.

-----0 --------

CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT

*****

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE MAIN WAH STREET, TSUEN WAN, SO THAT

SEEKING CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ROOF OF BUILDINGS AT 14-20, TAK DEMOLITION CAN BEGIN.

THE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN FEBRUARY 1985 REQUIRING DEMOLITION

THE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN

OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.

A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MAY 28 WAS THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ORDER FROM POSTED ON

DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE IS OBTAINED.

CLOSURE ORDER

WEDNESDAY, APRIL JO, 1986

- 24 -

ANOTHER FOOTBRIDGE PLANNED FOR FANLING ******

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A 39-METRE-LONG PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS FANLING BY-PASS TO LINK A PLANNED HOUSING ESTATE IN FANLING AREA 28B TO CHOI YUEN ESTATE.

THE FOOTBRIDGE, 300 METRES TO THE EAST OF THE FAN KAM ROAD JUNCTION, WILL HAVE A CLEARANCE OF 5.4 METRES AND BE CONNECTED TO BUILDINGS AT EITHER END AT PODIUM LEVEL.

PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG I THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, AND AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING.

OBJECTORS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MURRAY BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY JUNE 24.

--------c ----------

KOWLOON CITY CAR PARKING SITE AVAILABLE

*****

A 2 350-SQUARE-METRE CAR PARKING SITE AT TUNG LEI ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, IS TO BE LET BY SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE FEE PAYING CAR PARK IS FOR USE BY MOTOR VEHICLES, BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS AND/OR CHASSIS.

THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON MAY 16.

-------G ---------

GOVERNOR TO SEE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS

*****

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, * ILL VISIT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON FRIDAY (MAY 2) TO SEE THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

SIR EDWARD WILL TOUR VARIOUS REGIONAL OFFICES AND THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.

/r.£ >ILL .......

WSMiESDAY, APRIL !>0, 1986

25

HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED THROUGHOUT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. MR PETER LEEDS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRESS FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, CHEUNG YIP STREET. TRANSPORT TO THE CENTRE WILL BE PROVIDED AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, NOT LATER THAN 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

-------0 ---------

CONTRACT FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY

*****

ON TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL, AT LION ROCK TUNNEL, IS PM.

A CONTRACT FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY wHICH wOULD HELP EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30

it u'lll RF SIGNED BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, « HARjLS'LBeA?ON!'mDABJEJS!sENTAT,V?: FROM THE CONSULTANT ENGINEERS MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON HONG KONG LIMITcD, MR J.M. WHITEFIElJ.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARF INVITED TO ATTEND THE SIGNING CEREMONY IN THE ENGINEER I ^DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF EMPIRE CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

/ " .......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1936

26

EASTERN DB TO DISCUSS HOSPITAL NAME * * * * K

EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE NAMING OF THE NEW HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT IN EASTERN DISTRICT AT THEIR MEETING TOMORRO*. (THURSDAY).

SITE FORMATION WORK FOR THE HOSPITAL PROJECT IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE, AND THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR PILING WORK FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

DURING THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN DETAILS ABOUT THE SHAU KEI WAN EAST SQUATTER CLEARANCE OPERATION WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN DECEMBER.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE CONTROL OF PUBLIC BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS, THE DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD. _ _

- - - - 0 ----------

MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS TRIAD REPORT * * * * *

Mnwr kok DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUS THE^OCUNeXt OH THE tXiW PROBLEM recently laid before THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

mcmrcos will CONSIDER THE OPTIONS PUT FORWARD FOR CHANGES IN THE LW lX THEC?mIn"™™n 0° THE LAW TO COUNTER THE PROBLEM.

THE BOARD WILL ALSO REVIEW PROGRESS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE ORDER SCHEME SUGGESTED ^YCTHEFIGHTCRIMECOMMITTEE| WORKING GROUP ON VICE ASSOC ATtD ESTABLISHMENTS AND ENVIRONMEN al Usance? THIS FOLLOWED A BOARD SURVEY OF VICE ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT.

/A -IVS-TEAH........

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 50, 1986

27

A FIVE-YEAR URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKING PROGRAMME WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING TO SEEK MEMBERS' VIEWS ON THE PRIORITY RATINGS ACCORDED TO VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FINAL REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT (PILOT SCHEME) WORKING GROUP FOLLOWING A CASE STUDY OF A MANSION IN TAI KOK TSUI. THE GROUP WAS SET UP BY THE BOARD TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND THE SECURITY OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS I AN EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF SEX EDUCATION, GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT; A BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT AT TIT SHU STREET SITTING-OUT AREA; AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON TAI KOK TSUI TEMPORARY MARKET.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

0 -------

GUEST OF HONOUR AT FESTIVAL X * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL BE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE YUEN LONG TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

MORE THAN 2 000 PEOPLE FROM 16 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE GRAND PROCESSION WHICH WILL INCLUDE LION AND DRAGON DANCES, FLOATS, AND CHIU CHAU GONGS AND DRUMS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT ID AM. THREE GOVERNMENT VEHICLES WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER BY 3.3D AM FOR YUEN LONG.

------C-------

/28......

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

28

PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED FOR FESTIVAL ******

A NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES IN SA I KUNG TOWN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 2) TO 9 PM ON JUNE 1 TO ENABLE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL TO BE HELD.

THESE PARKING SPACES ARE IN MAN NIN STREET, Yl CHUN STREET AND THE TIN HAU TEMPLE CAR PARK.

- 0 -

WONG CHUK HANG PLB RESTRICTIONS *****

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 3), THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG CHUK HANG:

* PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD LINKING HEUNG YIP ROAD AND WONG CHUK HANG TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA 24 HOURS DAILY.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTION ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ON THE SECTION OF HEUNG YIP ROAD WEST OF NAM LONG SHAN ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.

* THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CUT SHORT TO OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.

* THE SECTION OF HEUNG YIP ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WONG CHUK HANG ROAD EXCLUDING THE SCHEDULED SERVICE STAND WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTION ON HEUNG YIP ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1986

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CENTRAL, NORTH POINT TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * * *

THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 3):

* EDINBURGH PLACE FROM ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY, FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

* NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE LAYBY ADJACENT TO EXCHANGE SQUARE IN HARBOUR VIEW STREET 24 HOURS DAILY.

* THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SECTION OF CHEUNG HONG STREET. NORTH POINT, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH FORT STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE LIFTED.

-----o------

TUEN MUN WATER CUT * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 3) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM PRIME VIEW GARDEN TO CHI LOK FA YUEN, INCLUDING PRIME VIEW GARDEN, YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC, TUEN MUN CLINIC, WALDORF GARDEN, CHI LOK FA YUEN, ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATES.

SIU ON COURT, AREAS 4C, 4B, 26, 36, 37A, 37B, 10, 11, 16 AND 34 WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

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